Chapter 113

Ch.113 Apostle of the Goddess of War

Sion calculated the situation as quickly as possible.

He synthesized the Apostle of Light’s circumstances, the unfolding world situation, and his accumulated experiences to deduce the optimal choice available to him.

‘War is escalating, and eventually, the Apostle will have no choice but to act.’

Moreover.

‘It’s still speculation, but it seems the Goddess of Light is losing her strength.’

With these conditions laid out, the resulting conclusion was unexpectedly favorable to Sion.

It meant the War Cult now held a bargaining chip to gain an advantage in its rivalry with the Holy Kingdom.

Enough to substitute for the Apostle of Light.

No, he didn’t even dare hope for that much.

At least to become as strong as the Commander.

If he could grow strong enough for the Apostle of Light to trust and entrust him with responsibilities…

‘The War Cult’s status can be restored.’

He recalled Elim, the War Cult’s primary objective.

Goddess Achille wished, above all, for their return to the Round Table.

Whether that place was good or not, Sion himself didn’t know. Setting aside personal preference, as the next Apostle, he would fulfill whatever Goddess Achille desired.

That was why he fought, why he ran, and why he had finally reached the day he could raise his voice again in the Holy Kingdom.

The War Cult, which previously couldn’t even obtain the right to negotiate due to the restrictions of light, was now a thing of the past.

Their status had been formally restored to the point of officially gaining the authority to appoint a Priestess.

Only formal examinations and interrogations remained.

To reach this point…

Sion’s contributions were not insignificant.

But the War Cult’s next Apostle had no intention of settling for mediocrity here.

He was greedy.

He harbored ambition.

He was extraordinary.

Inside the Apostle of Light’s greenhouse, he had finished contemplating standing atop her head.

Thus, he directly proposed to the Apostle of Light.

“I will grow stronger and fulfill the roles you cannot perform.”

Therefore.

“Could you please lift the restrictions suppressing the War Cult?”

To this audacious demand, the Apostle of Light silently smiled brightly.

It was difficult to discern what thoughts lay behind that fluffy, gentle smile. Even now, she was likely conversing with Erin.

Sion’s heart didn’t tremble despite uttering words that should have terrified him.

Surprisingly, he felt calm.

He had expected to tremble before such an overwhelming presence, but he didn’t.

Instead, courage surged precisely when needed. His demand was confident, and Sion did not yield or bow.

After a moment, Erin spoke.

“The Apostle asks—what is the role of the Apostle of Light?”

A test?

Or perhaps merely a question.

Whatever it was, it would be good to give an answer pleasing to Naru. Still, Sion had no intention of blindly conforming.

After all, he was not a disciple of light, but a disciple of war.

As Apostle of Achille.

As a disciple of War.

He would simply state his thoughts, ideals, and perspectives.

Even if the other party belonged to a cult of overwhelming power, he must speak his mind.

To die standing rather than kneeling—that was the way of the War disciple.

“She is the light that exterminates Evil Gods. In principle, that is.”

“Could you elaborate?”

Erin politely requested, while Naru poured more tea and listened attentively to Sion’s words.

Far from showing displeasure, she added a kind smile that might embarrass others.

“Since one possesses great power, one must use it rightly—precisely because Evil Gods blatantly exist.”

“…Words fitting for a knight serving the Goddess of War.”

Erin relayed the message without mixing in any personal emotion or opinion.

“Then, is it wrong?”

“I didn’t ask whether it was right or wrong, Sion. I merely—”

Erin and Naru simultaneously fixed their gaze on Sion. It felt as though his spirit was being sucked in.

[We simply wished to confirm your thoughts.]

“…!”

Sion flinched. A mental shock, as though his brain was being stirred, struck him. Having experienced it once before, the symptoms were milder this time.

At this sight, Naru smiled faintly.

“As expected. It’s Sion. Adapting so quickly.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing.”

Thud.

As she spoke, Erin approached Sion.

“You may return now.”

“…Is that all?”

“Yes. Staying longer would strain your body.”

“Understood.”

She was a transcendent being.

She would have understood Sion’s meaning without needing every word explained.

The question was whether she responded favorably or unfavorably to his words…

“The Apostle conveyed this: while staying here, keep your body and mind constantly honed and prepared for combat.”

“Combat… readiness…?”

Naru waved her long, slender fingers in farewell—a gesture meaning ‘go well’. Her half-closed eyes were incomparably gentle.

‘That such a person reigns as a terrifying presence among Evil God forces…’

Sion added no further words.

He assumed there must be deeper meaning.

He rose and bowed respectfully, then naturally took his leave.

All the way back to the door, warm and mysterious divine power accompanied his steps.

…In many ways, she was a rather shy Apostle.

* * *

“Ho? This is quite impressive.”

The moment Sion stepped out, he was greeted by Commander Lagan.

Leaning against the pillar by the door, Lagan yawned widely, then immediately commented, “Quite impressive.”

“What is?”

Sion tilted his head, puzzled.

“You’re fine? Usually, people pass out and get dragged out.”

“Ah, I suppose so.”

Having just met the Apostle of Light, Sion instantly understood Lagan’s meaning.

Ordinary people would find it difficult to remain composed after facing the Apostle of Light. Sion’s case was extremely rare.

“So? How was it?”

Lagan asked.

His question, asked with interest, carried an indescribable sense of expectation.

“I truly felt how vast the world is.”

Sion honestly and plainly shared his impression.

The world was vast, and diverse people existed.

It was truly astonishing to learn that even a transcendent being like the Apostle of Light had various troubles.

“She’s an interesting person, isn’t she?”

“That’s also true.”

The person offering tea and smiling brightly was the same being feared by Evil God apostles. Even having seen it firsthand, it was hard to believe.

In fact, even as he spoke now, he still felt dazed.

Thud.

Lagan placed a hand on Sion’s shoulder.

“Then see you next time.”

After giving Sion a dry farewell, Lagan entered the room Sion had just exited.

As Sion stood there dazed, the protocol officer he had first met came to fetch him.

“I’ll guide you.”

Dressed in white ceremonial robes, the man slightly bowed his waist and, without further explanation, began walking somewhere.

‘Do all people here speak so sparingly?’

The lack of noise was a part he quite appreciated. It brought peace of mind and was perfect for mental cultivation.

Still, he wished they could be a little more friendly.

The place he arrived at, following the protocol officer, was the underground of the Grand Cathedral—specifically, the prison.

Not long after, Sion sensed a familiar, long-missed presence.

“Master?”

The protocol officer turned around before the iron door and sternly cautioned Sion.

“The Apostle has permitted this, but please do not cause trouble. You are not officially released yet.”

“Then when will I be released?”

“Tomorrow. You’ll be freed once you pass the examination.”

Sion reluctantly agreed.

It was merely a formality.

Since both the Apostle of Light and the Commander intended to support Sion, there would be no problem.

Creeeak.

Clang!

“Please conclude your visit within one hour.”

The protocol officer closed the iron door and left, and Sion finally confirmed the long-missed sight of his master.

“Master!”

“…Sion.”

Garfenn spoke in a hoarse voice.

Slowly opening his eyes, he looked utterly drained—not as though he had endured torture or mental abuse…

“When did you arrive?”

“Were you sleeping?”

“Yes. Fell asleep without realizing.”

Sion felt relieved.

He had worried what he would do if his master wasn’t fine.

He couldn’t possibly cause a commotion either.

However much he disliked the Light Cult, they apparently hadn’t gone that far.

‘Then again, Master isn’t the type to just take it lying down.’

Garfenn rotated his stiff neck and gestured for Sion to sit.

There was no other seat.

Sion simply plopped down on the floor beside Garfenn.

Right at that moment.

Whhrr!

His scalp hairs stood on end as if charged with static electricity.

A lightning-like sensation pierced through the gap.

The following feeling evoked the warmth and coziness of a fireplace.

The Apostle of Light’s divine power had been warm, but the sensation he felt now was of a different nature.

If there were truly a feeling like a mother’s gentle caress, this would be it.

‘Could it be?’

[My Sion! My child! Waaah!]

Sion fully savored the intense sensation he felt at the crown of his head.

He didn’t need anyone to explain—he knew exactly what this feeling was.

[I’m sorry! This Goddess is a failure! I left you, I let you alone face that danger! Waaah!]

Due to her pact with the Goddess of Wisdom, she had no choice but to leave Sion behind.

Truly, each day felt as though a hole had been torn in her chest.

After rescuing Sion from the Apostle of Decay, she had to entrust everything to him.

Without understanding why, Sion had to confront the Wisdom Cult in Elim.

It was a difficult task even for Garfenn, yet Sion, not even an official Apostle yet, had done it.

Moreover, he endured and prevailed.

He even achieved astonishing results.

The emotions Goddess Achille felt were of a kind Sion could never possibly fathom.

[How lonely you must have been! How afraid! How difficult it must have been! It’s my fault! My mistake!]

Garfenn twitched the corners of his mouth and spoke.

“The Goddess is embracing you and weeping bitterly.”

“As expected, right?”

“Yes. I’ve never seen the Goddess weep so sorrowfully. She remains unmoved even when an Apostle is injured to the brink of death.”

Screech!

Achille shouted.

[Garfenn! Don’t say such hurtful things! I feel as though my heart is being torn out whenever you or my children are hurt! I merely pretend not to care! A Goddess of War must never show weakness!]

‘Of course. I know, Mother of War.’

[Sniffle Besides, Sion is still young. For such a child to endure such great trials… how wounded his heart must be.]

Garfenn agreed with that sentiment.

He had roughly grasped Sion’s situation.

It had been a very long time since he last saw Sion.

The last time was when he went to fetch the training instructor—surely many stories had piled up since then.

“The Goddess suffered anxiety symptoms the entire time she was separated from you. It’s tragic, Sion—our delicate Goddess is currently skin and bones.”

Garfenn pretended to wipe away tears, scrunching his nose bridge. Sion’s heart ached.

Whether true or not, it was certain the Goddess had worried about him.

“I also… truly missed you. I longed for you. Of course, you too, Master.”

“Really?”

Garfenn asked, voice thick with emotion.

The reunion of master and Goddess, disciple and next Apostle, was profoundly moving.

Though their cult was rough, fierce, and headstrong, they were more emotionally sensitive than anyone else.

…They were merely sparing with expression.

Sion felt his chest itch and spoke. He thought this was family, friendship, camaraderie.

No—it was an emotion even higher than that.

“I truly have so much to tell you.”

“That’s the same for me. The Goddess also has many things she wishes to say to you.”

Garfenn and Sion smiled at each other.

Surely, one hour of visitation would be woefully insufficient.

After a brief silence, both spoke almost simultaneously.

“I’ve finally found the one to take revenge on.”

“Anna is pregnant.”

Schedule: Every mon, wed, fri and sun

Review at

NovelUpdate