[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy":3,"chapter-the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-524":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Strongest Student of the Weakest Academy",{"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},1027580,1339,"Chapter 524 524: Where It All Began (II)","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-524",524,"\u003Cp>After that, we went to a cafe and continued asking around, and surprisingly, everyone repeated the same story, expressing the same devotion towards her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was crazy...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It almost felt like a damn cult or something, considering their loyalty towards her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing our drinks, I stood up and nodded toward the massive temple complex in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's take a closer look,\" I said quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to see what this 'Goddess Horae' is really about.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphiel rose immediately, falling into step beside me without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We left the café and continued deeper into the city, the golden sand giving way to polished marble pathways that led toward the central temple district.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The closer we got, the more imposing the main temple became.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its golden spires towered over everything, but we didn't head straight for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, I chose one of the smaller but still grand temples along the way, a beautiful structure with high columns and an open entrance flanked by glowing runes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The interior was breathtaking in its own way. Soft, golden light filtered down from crystal skylights high above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air was cool and carried a faint, sweet fragrance. And everywhere we looked…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Statues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of them. Maybe hundreds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them depicted the same woman... Goddess Horae.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some statues showed her standing tall and regal, arms outstretched as if blessing the land. Others portrayed her seated on a throne, serene and powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few captured her in moments of battle, wielding what looked like a staff of pure light. Every statue was exquisitely carved, the details so lifelike that the stone almost seemed to breathe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face was beautiful with elegant features, long hair, and an expression of calm, absolute authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphiel's eyes swept across the statues, her expression unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're all her,\" she murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Every single one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I walked slowly down the central aisle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The walls were covered in intricate carvings showing Horae's rise. scenes of her defeating armies, bringing water to the desert, and uniting the people under her banner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stopped in front of the largest statue in the center of the temple. It depicted Horae with her arms open wide, a gentle smile on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the base of the statue was a simple inscription carved in glowing runes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Horae, Bringer of Prosperity. She who ended the war and gave us peace. All who serve her shall never want.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at the statue for a long moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphiel came to stand beside me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Lord… this level of devotion is unnatural. Even for a goddess. The people outside weren't just loyal. They were reverent... almost fanatical.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded slowly, still studying the statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly. A goddess who appears out of nowhere, conquers an entire region, and then wins the absolute love of everyone by giving them 'benefits'… It's too clean... and perfect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I reached out and placed my hand on the base of the statue, feeling the faint pulse of divine energy within the stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy flowed into my palm like warm sunlight, feeling remarkably clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no trace of corruption, no hidden rot, no subtle taint of Outer God influence or forbidden power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was simply… divine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the energy wash over my senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing strange or suspicious about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just an extremely pure energy, the kind that only a truly dominant god could produce when they fully invested themselves in their territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pulled my hand back and opened my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Strange,\" I muttered under my breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's too clean. Almost suspiciously so… but there's nothing wrong with it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Should we press further, my Lord? The main temple is still ahead. If the three targets are here, that's where the strongest concentration of this energy will be.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded once, glancing around the temple again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The statues of Horae stared back at me with serene, benevolent expressions, their carved eyes seeming to follow us as we moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. Let's keep going. But stay alert. Even if the energy itself is clean, that doesn't mean the situation is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We left the smaller temple and continued along the wide marble path that led toward the colossal central structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The desert wind brushed past us, carrying faint traces of that same pure divine energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The closer we got to the main temple, the stronger it became, like walking toward the heart of the sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To me, it still felt a little strange...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all... There were actually mortals in here!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the divine realm; just the divine energy alone could suffocate them to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unless...\" I mumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was one possibility on my mind, but I still needed to confirm it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We reached the grand staircase leading up to the main temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The structure was even more imposing up close, with giant columns of white and gold marble, intricate carvings depicting Horae's conquest and blessings, and a massive set of golden doors that stood slightly ajar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two guards in elegant white-and-gold armor stood at the entrance, but they simply bowed their heads respectfully as we approached, making no move to stop us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Welcome, travelers,\" one of them said politely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Goddess's temple is open to all who seek her light.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave a small nod and walked past them, Seraphiel right behind me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The interior of the main temple was vast and breathtaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>High ceilings disappeared into soft golden light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Massive statues of Horae lined the walls, each one more detailed than the last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the far end, an enormous altar glowed with the same pure divine energy I had felt earlier... still overwhelmingly clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stopped in the center of the hall, slowly turning in a circle as I took everything in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still nothing strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just… purity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphiel stopped beside me before muttering:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Lord… I can sense the same energy you felt in the smaller temple, only much stronger here. It's centered on that altar. But I still cannot detect any trace of Luna, Elleonora, or Chronos. It's as if their presence is being… hidden. Or perhaps contained.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at the glowing altar for a long moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or perhaps they're deeper inside,\" I said quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This place feels like it has hidden layers... maybe a special place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a few steps closer to the altar, extending my senses once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy responded immediately, feeling quite warm and welcoming, almost inviting. It brushed against my body like a gentle hand, offering peace and prosperity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it revealed nothing else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do we do now, my Lord?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at the glowing altar for a few seconds longer before turning away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...We need to gather more information about this Horae. I feel like knowing more about her will help us find Luna and the others.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy responded immediately, feeling quite warm and welcoming, almost inviting. It brushed against my body like a gentle hand, offering peace and prosperity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it revealed nothing else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No hidden corruption. No subtle hooks. No trace of Luna, Elleonora, or Chronos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just pure, flawless divine power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do we do now, my Lord?\" Seraphiel asked quietly, her voice echoing softly in the vast chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at the glowing altar for a few seconds longer before turning away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…We need to gather more information about this Horae. I feel like knowing more about her will help us find Luna and the others.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood. I can begin infiltrating their information networks immediately. But if you want faster results…\" Seraphiel nodded once, her mismatched eyes looking quite thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She left the suggestion hanging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I considered it for a moment, then spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Try to arrange an audience with her. See if she'll meet with us directly. If she refuses or if you can't get close enough…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My eyes narrowed coldly, the red slits glowing with a dangerous light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The northern part of the Divine Realm can disappear from the map.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words left my mouth without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphiel's eyes brightened instantly with complete devotion and admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her posture straightened, wings trembling slightly with barely contained reverence. A faint, almost fanatical smile touched her lips as she bowed her head deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you wish, my Lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no doubt in her voice, only a pure loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave a small nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let's move.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We turned away from the altar and walked out of the temple together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment we stepped outside, I snapped my fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Space folded around us, and we vanished from the temple steps in a flicker of black energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We reappeared in a quiet alley between two giant obelisks, far enough from the main temple district that we wouldn't draw immediate attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The desert wind brushed past us, carrying fine golden sand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seraphiel didn't waste a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She closed her eyes briefly, her six wings glowing faintly as she extended her senses across the city, gathering information through her hybrid authority of light and darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll start with the inner circle,\" she mumbled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are several high-ranking priests who serve directly under Horae. If anyone knows how to arrange an audience, it's them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I leaned against the cool marble wall, crossing my arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do what you need to do. I don't care how. Just get us in front of her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1548,"2026-06-03T09:18:36.454Z","2026-06-03T09:18:45.247Z",1,"novelbin.me","d3d2a9b42255723b0f739a7581ee9e32ee61ff7a3f89d7ee9f0e0c2f8ef3f9f0","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-525","the-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-chapter-523",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-strongest-student-of-the-weakest-academy-cover.jpg"]