[{"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-90":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},394448,657,"Chapter 90","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-90",90,"\u003Cp>Ch.90 Apostle of the Goddess of War\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Trying to cut off the financial lifeline first—how ruthless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are they planning to slowly strangle us to death?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion stood on a hill, scanning the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Apur left, the sun had already set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark storm clouds were gathering in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion rubbed his dry, tired eyelids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t easy constantly reassuring Apur either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone who only cared about money had to be guaranteed greater profit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And coincidentally, the Deogel territory also needed reconstruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a time when massive funds were required, so things had worked out reasonably well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One problem had been resolved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was beginning to vaguely understand the Wisdom Cult’s methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were far more cunning and sinister than he had imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather than direct conflict, their strategy seemed to be cutting off limbs and breaking the enemy’s will first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And then they’ll appear at the end.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When resistance is no longer possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To deliver the final, easy killing blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t let that happen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was another form of war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wisdom Cult had started the fight first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no intention of sitting still and taking it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the territory of the War Cult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they dared to intrude so brazenly, they’d better be prepared for the consequences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would make them remember clearly what kind of place Elim was, and whose sacred land it belonged to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come at me, then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ssssss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black divine power surrounding Sion writhed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It rose sharply from his entire body, standing up like spikes and taking on a deadly, thorn-like form—as if to declare that anyone who dared touch Elim would never leave unscathed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion visited Bishop Gustein in the middle of the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein was drinking alone, deeply focused on his work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, Sion. What brings you here at this late hour?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have a few questions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come, sit. Want a drink?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…No, thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion slumped onto the sofa. His body felt heavy, like a waterlogged sponge. He wanted nothing more than to surrender to gravity and collapse completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I need to identify Elim’s current weaknesses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know when or how the Wisdom Cult would attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Preemptive prevention was necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to establish a perfect defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then could he launch a counterattack with peace of mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Initiative was a good tactic, but timing and location mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You look exhausted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, I am.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s how you look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Garfenn always came to see me with that haggard face too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of worries did Master usually have?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He was often tormented by nightmares.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein continued, downing another shot of strong liquor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nightmares of losing his family—over and over, even in his dreams.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a psychological trauma that prayer alone can’t resolve.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn needed help every night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though now he has a lover to comfort him, back then, I was the only one he had.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s unfortunate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, it was.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did you help him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told him to just keep cutting. Exhaust his body so thoroughly that he wouldn’t have room for useless thoughts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Not exactly good advice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, I’m no expert.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was advice fitting for a bishop of the War Cult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Garfenn, following it, truly lived up to being a master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He became famous that way. Cut, and cut again. Get injured, grow tired, keep killing. The nightmares shaped Garfenn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion felt sorrow anew for his master’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when he had borrowed Garfenn’s inner world, he had sensed it—the path Garfenn walked was a thorny, solitary road paved only with wounds and loneliness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even that brief borrowing had left significant aftereffects. Even now, recalling Garfenn’s inner world made Sion’s chest ache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, I’m glad he’s found some peace now. I’d love to hear news of a pregnancy soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t you send a letter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anna wants to surprise him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, then of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein refilled his glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was high-quality liquor Apur had brought as a gift during his visit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, speak. Heir to the apostle. What burden weighs on you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Elim’s current vulnerabilities.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. A constructive and fresh question—unlike Garfenn’s.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein’s eyes, watching him, flickered in the candlelight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s because of the Wisdom Cult, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Their method of attack is unusual, so our response must be different too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, you’re truly a warrior of the War Cult. You’re approaching this as a war.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. This is a war.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein pressed his wrinkled forehead with his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kaili… I’ve grown quite fond of her. I’ve been troubled too. I’ve actually been reviewing that matter. We can’t let her go. Not to that snake-like Cult.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t alone in worrying and fighting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Gustein cared for Elim even more deeply than Sion did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had once been a War Knight himself. His mindset was different from the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are actually three aspects I’d consider Elim’s weaknesses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are they?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Funds, combat strength, and security.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein stood and looked out the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuk, tuduk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thick raindrops began striking the windowpane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dark clouds that had gathered since sunset were finally pouring down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Funds were resolved through cooperation with Foils. And today, I grilled Apur thoroughly, so that’s settled too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do you do it? I’d love to learn your secret.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s next?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You cheeky brat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein twisted his mouth into a wry smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took another drink and continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Combat strength has been somewhat alleviated by bringing in Kaikeon. It’ll gradually strengthen further. You can consider this solved as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then only security remains. But won’t that be solved once the knights grow stronger?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, it’s different.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein walked to his desk and threw a bundle of papers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pallak— Sion barely caught the documents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of pages, densely packed with text.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take a look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……It didn’t take long for him to understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why security was an issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein had pinpointed a remarkably sharp point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion nodded silently, without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are almost no people here with verified backgrounds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Most are good people—abandoned by the world, arriving here. But…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You couldn’t blindly trust everyone who drifted into Elim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This applied even if they weren’t worshippers of an Evil God.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could be spies from another Cult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or ordinary people pretending to be refugees with malicious intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know you’ve done amazing work. It’s a great achievement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even accounting for that, there are too many refugees. It’s not just a matter of capacity. There’s a risk that dangerous elements have slipped in. It’s too easy to manipulate—this is an extremely vulnerable point.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand. There might already be members of the Wisdom Cult among the refugees.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hope not, but we must be cautious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion swallowed hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Certainly, this was a part he hadn’t fully considered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had suspected potential risks, it hadn’t occurred to him clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein had pointed out a crucial flaw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But they’re the Round Table Cult—would they really do something strange? Infiltrate, cause chaos, then kidnap someone? That’d be too cowardly. It would tarnish their Cult’s reputation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha. You’re still so naive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein swirled his glass and smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For large Cults, their prestige is power. After extorting smaller Cults like us, how easy is it to make it all disappear as if it never happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I suppose so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s precedent. You know there was a successor before you arrived, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s heart pounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Arwen, was it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Do you think we willingly let her go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t she willingly go to the Wisdom Cult?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. But there’s no result without a cause.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Gustein’s eyes burned with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The candlelight reflected in his retina danced wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our Goddess was in a period of severe restrictions. Garfenn was still struggling at the time. She lacked the power to block other Goddesses’ influence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Can they do that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They can. The power and authority of the Round Table Goddesses are beyond fear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Night after night, the Goddess of Wisdom, Menesia, appeared in Arwen’s dreams and planted ideas. She perfectly portrayed the world she dreamed of.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s fists trembled. It was a disgusting story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So we lived unaware that our heir to the apostle was being slowly brainwashed. Then one day, she said she was leaving. By the time we realized, it was too late.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion pressed his temples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Goddess Menesia didn’t seem much different from an Evil God.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Goddess of wisdom doesn’t favor direct conflict. She takes what she wants through loopholes disguised as wisdom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So they’re using a similar method now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. There won’t be a head-on clash. Probably.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps the situation was even more dangerous than Sion had imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Goddess of wisdom’s methods and influence were terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, she might be appearing in Kaili’s dreams, doing who knows what…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Will Kaili be alright?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry about that. I’ve confirmed her safety multiple times. Our Goddess has guaranteed it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s a relief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After all, she’s a vessel for a priestess. As long as she’s within Elim, other Goddesses can’t easily approach her. That’s why they’ll resort to schemes to take her directly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s thoughts turned to the refugees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to investigate that direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, disguising themselves as refugees to kidnap Kaili would be the most Wisdom-Cult-like method.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you think like them, you’re getting close to the right answer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein tilted his glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Refugees who arrived in the past month are being managed in a separate, designated area.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s quite an intense reaction. I can guess what kind of look you’re giving me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gustein mocked everyone, friend or foe, without discrimination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion found this irritable bishop strangely endearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What look? I think you’re a wonderful leader guiding Elim!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Slather some honey on your words and lie all you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you. I’m grateful you’re preparing on my behalf.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t misunderstand, kid. I’m not doing this for you. It’s my duty. I love Elim more than you do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, that’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t the only one protecting Elim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he had nearly made a big mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tomorrow, take Kaili with you and go to the screening area.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can Kaili identify them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, she probably sees more than we do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I suppose so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t go. If Arwen is among them, she might sense me and flee.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A reasonable judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Sion’s responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a crisis, someone who could swiftly draw a blade and eliminate the spy was better suited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, Arwen is beautiful. Her silver hair, like molten platinum, was stunning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And she’s a crybaby. You’ll know as soon as you see her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…A beautiful crybaby. I’ll know at a glance. I’ll check carefully and report back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Now go, if you’re done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion opened the door. Then, turning back, he called out to Gustein.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bishop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Try drinking less.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t you leaving?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Madam Arwen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An-ta-ri-usssss! We agreed to drop the ‘Madam,’ didn’t weee…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, sorry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get a grip. We’re on a mission. We didn’t come here to play.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry. Selana…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the temporary tent in the screening area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three families resided there—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had infiltrated Elim with a critical mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they had succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elim accepted many refugees. No one had been scrutinized and turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The process had been so easy that Antarius, the Libra Knight, had let his guard down for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arwen, the Apostle of wisdom, glared at Antarius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With swollen eyes from crying and praying every night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Focus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“S-sorry… no, I’m sorry, daughter. Hrmph.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The husband should be the strong pillar at times like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In case anyone might overhear, the three continued acting as a family even at night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mom. The mirror isn’t broken, is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At her daughter Arwen’s question, Selana, playing the mother, took out a hand mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She checked her own face and answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was still someone else’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cognitive interference was working perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, it’s fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schedule: Every mon, wed, fri and sun\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Review at\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>NovelUpdate\u003C\u002Fp>",1997,"2026-05-30T06:48:22.319Z","2026-06-01T04:30:34.110Z",1,"novelbin.me","30ccfcbea142ee09a9142daf8626e30b152edd445091bf0b60640d3ba836676b","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-91","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-89",174,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fapostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-cover.jpg"]