[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war":3,"chapter-apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-9":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Apostle of the Goddess of War",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},394467,657,"Chapter 9","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-9",9,"\u003Cp>Ch.9 Apostle of the Goddess of War\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion had now become skilled at handling horses. Garfenn trusted Sion enough to let go of the reins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Versatility is a good thing.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion was quick to learn anything. Garfenn still couldn’t understand where such a boy had come from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master. Is that the village up ahead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they passed over a hill, Sion pointed somewhere in the distance with his outstretched finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, a small village was nestled along a river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was modest in size, and the sparsely built structures were so dilapidated that they could hardly be called houses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only relatively intact building was a church perched on the village hillside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. That’s Elim, our destination. That decent-looking building is our main church.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once a city that worshipped the Goddess of War, it now resembled more of a shantytown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though far from the grandeur expected of a holy site for the Goddess of War, Sion’s heart pounded with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he worked hard, perhaps that place could regain its former glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Few people lived in the village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who remained were either sick or visibly disabled in some way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are all these people like this?” Sion asked as he guided the horse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re victims of war.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Victims?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Some hate the Goddess. Others came here seeking compensation. They’re all different. But they all receive the church’s care equally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion looked at them with a complicated gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Blaming the Goddess for all their war-inflicted disabilities. How convenient. I suppose that’s human nature.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, in a way, Sion understood their feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once, he too had resented the world with similar thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carriage passed by beggars and headed toward the shabby church.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had finally reached the end of their journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish, swish—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man sweeping the courtyard noticed the carriage, stopped his work, and approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my. Garfenn? You’re not dead yet and back again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you been well, Bishop?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As you can see, not particularly. But more importantly, this is unusual, Garfenn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn stepped down from the carriage and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the matter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time, instead of grim news, I’ve heard something good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean the Estert territory?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed. In all my years, I never thought I’d hear praises for the Goddess of War from the place you went.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn chuckled and pretended to be offended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would people mistake me for a villain if they heard that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you? Just look at your face—it screams villain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, you’re not wrong. The rumors are thanks to this child.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bishop’s gaze shifted to Sion and the shy children standing behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are these kids?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My successor and some helping hands for the church.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Successor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bishop twisted his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your jokes are as tasteless as ever, Garfenn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time, I’m serious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Swear on the Goddess?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On my honor as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bishop, gaunt with strikingly large eyes, asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it true? Has the Goddess finally found an heir to the Apostle?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bishop approached Sion, examining his face with rough hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Health seems fine. Physique… well, Garfenn’s built like a bear, but this one’s decent. Still young enough to grow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can hear you, Bishop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, kid. Can you use a sword?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion politely shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no butcher like him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Garfenn’s remark, the man made the sign of the cross in the air and muttered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, Goddess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn formally introduced the bishop to Sion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greet him, Sion. This is the Empire’s only bishop and priest of the War Church… Bishop Gustein.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello. I’m Sion. These are my siblings—Ruina, Set, and Kaili. Please take care of us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The children bowed in turn. Gustein stared at them blankly before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You won’t run away this time, will you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn clutched his forehead in exasperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that something a bishop should say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion looked at Garfenn for an explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master? Is this man a slave trader?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha. He’s twisted, but probably not a bad person. Maybe?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein awkwardly shut his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come inside. Have you eaten?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time since losing their home and being shackled, Sion and his siblings slept deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the church symbolized war, the Goddess’ embrace was warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was ironic—children who had lost everything to war found stability in the Goddess of War’s church.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re fast asleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They must be exhausted. It was a tough fight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn looked at the closed door of Sion’s room with pity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein poured wine into a glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Should a bishop be drinking so freely?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no doctrine against it. It’s my choice, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn smirked and clinked his glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wine from the chipped glass tasted unusually sweet today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Garfenn and Gustein were in high spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good news has been rare over the past few decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They drank several glasses in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having served an unpopular goddess for decades, they understood each other without words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An heir at last. It’s surreal. Finally, change is coming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein was the first to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wrinkles were as deep as Garfenn’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’ve waited so long for this moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein spoke slowly, his eyes glistening with tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been too long. Too long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The appearance of an heir to the War Apostle meant many things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant they could finally lay down their burdens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That their efforts had helped the Goddess regain some strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like building a mountain grain by grain, even a small mound was significant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new era for the War Church, led by new winds and new people, was about to begin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither doubted that Sion and his siblings would fulfill that role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It reminds me of that child from before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Arwen? That child… wasn’t meant to be. We took her by force, trained her by force. Her leaving was entirely her own will. A fate we couldn’t stop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn smiled bitterly, swirling his glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time, it’s certain, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein’s voice was laced with concern, but Garfenn reassured him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time, the Goddess herself saw the light.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s a relief. Divine power truly is returning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Truly a relief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At last, the curse will lift, and people’s misunderstandings will fade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein spoke as if comforting Garfenn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, you can finally rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch. Not yet, not yet. Do you think I’m some old man? Retirement is a century away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What more can you do with that broken body?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein clicked his tongue, but the reply was so typical of Garfenn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I need to travel and find a pretty, kind wife. Spend my later years with a rabbit-like kid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With that face?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you cursing me to remain a widower like you, Bishop? How cruel. Is that any way for a priest to act?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein swallowed a curse and shook his head. Then his eyes turned serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Will you chase after that bastard?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s obsession. It’d be wiser to leave it to the heir. I fear vengeance will blind you and ruin things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll handle it my way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein looked at Garfenn with pity before changing the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their greatest concern now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, what’s the heir like?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Sion, that boy, is a monster.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A monster? Coming from you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If only that were all. The Goddess herself called him a prodigy worthy of her envy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein paused with his glass at his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Goddess… said that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn nodded with difficulty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the Goddess of War to envy a mortal’s talent was still an abstract concept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It felt like the Goddess of War had descended in human form.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein hiccuped mid-sip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would you believe he killed eight bandits and looted their bodies without ever being taught?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Never taught, yet he did that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Calmly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein set down his glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shock was greater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the Goddess of War.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t hide his astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That boy’s moral compass is completely twisted!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. A ruthless one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unbelievable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein refilled Garfenn’s glass. Both wore wry smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All we have to do is witness the birth of a hero and bless him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh, exactly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just endure a little longer, Garfenn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now I’ll have to play nursemaid too. Unlike you, Bishop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bishop clutched his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d have to care for three growing children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it! I’d forgotten. Ugh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein downed his wine in one go, refilled it, and drank again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn laughed heartily at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two men’s night deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unlike before, it wasn’t gloomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a night brimming with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After arriving in Elim, Sion felt a peace he hadn’t known in ages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He woke at dawn, rubbing sleepy eyes to pray, then repeated a routine of cleaning the church or moving heavy objects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally, troublemakers would demand the church revive family members lost in war, and chasing them away fell to Sion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In spare moments, Garfenn sparred with him, or he studied letters with his siblings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruina, the second oldest, came from a fallen noble family and could read and write.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone learned from her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Sion. Can you read this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Do you like me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph! Of course, Brother Sion picks things up fast. You’re so smart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruina was as enthusiastic as if teaching her future husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she had ulterior motives, no one pointed them out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion didn’t mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only wanted to grow stronger and smarter to serve the Goddess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruina, being literate, began assisting with church duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The church effectively functioned as the village’s ruling authority, managing residents, security, and supplies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruina was quick-witted and good with numbers, earning Gustein’s favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy below her, Set, followed Sion, learning the sword and helping with chores.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn actually spent more time training Set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not as talented as Sion, Set had ample potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother. Garfenn said I could be the town guard captain. What’s that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Sounds like protecting the town?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! I want that!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I can leave Ruina and Kaili to you and wander freely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Trust me, Brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion ruffled Set’s hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, sure. Get strong for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion smiled, then looked at the youngest, Kaili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kaili. What do you want to do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… dunno yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s fine. You’re still young. Just eat and sleep well for now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion patted Kaili’s head, smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaili grinned back, sticking out her tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without words, without eye contact, they knew this moment was peaceful and happy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment they wanted to remember forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schedule: Every mon, wed, fri and sun\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Review at\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>NovelUpdate\u003C\u002Fp>",1733,"2026-05-30T06:48:22.039Z","2026-06-01T04:30:34.110Z",1,"novelbin.me","f42ded94f62d776cbd0bf524c76f9318104eaa3fa71ae7c4b9cd00a97d98b980","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-10","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-8",174,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fapostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-cover.jpg"]