Apostle of the Goddess of War

Chapter 54

Ch.54 Apostle of the Goddess of War

“What? You’re saying I shouldn’t take command, but just follow along?”  

Sion questioned Gustein’s words. The elderly bishop answered while yawning.  

“Yes. If you step forward and take over, things might go smoothly. But will that truly help strengthen the Order of the War Knight? No, it won’t.”  

“…That’s true.”  

Sion deeply agreed with the bishop’s argument.  

Elim could not rely forever on Sion and Garfenn.  

To face the threat that would inevitably come—or rather, that had already arrived—it wasn’t just the apostles who were needed, but the Order of the War Knight itself urgently required reinforcement.  

The military force of the Goddess of War. To protect Elim and safeguard its people, greater strength was necessary.  

Undeniably, at this moment, what Elim needed most was the restoration and normalization of the Order of the War Knight.  

Knowing this, Gustein had taken the trouble to personally guide them despite his inconvenience.  

Yet even that had clear limits. Only if an excellent instructor trained and educated them daily and closely could efficiency improve and growth accelerate.  

Even Sion and Garfenn, constantly traveling outside, found this difficult to resolve.  

“We’re continuously searching for capable training instructors. We have candidates, but none satisfy me. It would be better to receive divine guidance from the Goddess. Until then, I want you to keep an eye on things.”  

“…Yes, I will.”  

Sion scratched his cheek. His temporary duty was simply to ‘observe’ the Order of the War Knight.  

“We’ve received reports that a horde of goblins has appeared in the southern swamp of Elim. I see this as a perfect opportunity for real combat training. I intend to send the Order of the War Knight.”  

“…Are they ready for this?”  

Over the past few days, Sion had observed the Order of the War Knight’s skill level, which was utterly disorganized. It was embarrassing even to call them a ‘knight order.’

Wandering mercenaries were far stronger than these people.  

“They’re War Disciples. They must learn through actual combat. Only step in if things become truly dangerous.”  

“I understand.”  

Gustein gestured for Sion to leave.  

“Select the members yourself and take them. You can take up to ten armed personnel. I’ve already informed Tier, so talk to him for details.”  

“Tier?”  

“He’s the only—truly the only—usable talent we have. For now, he’ll be the acting Commander of the Order of the War Knight.”  

“I see.”  

Sion reluctantly nodded. Even Tier, by Sion’s standards, was no different from an ordinary civilian.  

The only difference was that Tier had accumulated some real combat experience.  

Sion recalled his last mission. He had endured hardships and adversities that ordinary people couldn’t withstand. Tier had been with him. That was certainly not something to be ignored.  

“Ah, that actually counts for quite a lot.”  

They had fought and returned alive from the Blood Cultist’s hideout. Tier must have gained significant personal insight from that experience.  

***  

Sion went straight to the training ground.  

“Damn it, left! Block your left!”  

“Set! Behind you!”  

He saw the trainees divided into squads, engaging in close-combat drills. They were sweating harder than expected, fighting fiercely.  

“Hm…”  

Sion leaned against a post at the training ground and carefully observed the trainees’ movements.  

Since they were going to fight monsters, he had to select only those truly capable of combat.  

These people were meant to become the fighting force of the War Cult. Their first impression had to be strong, and their mission performance flawless.  

Even Set, his younger brother, would be judged strictly and without sentiment.  

‘The selection must be fair.’  

Sion meticulously examined the trainees’ movements.  

The volunteers who had joined the War Knights were technically unskilled, but they tried hard to compensate with their strong devotion to the Goddess.  

“Damn it, behind! He’s attacking from behind. Block!”  

“Alt! What are you doing!”  

“You’re open! Fall back!”  

Wooden swords clattered clumsily. Rough breathing and urgent voices scanning the battlefield filled the training ground.  

Some lost their balance and fell, while others, drenched in sweat, gritted their teeth and rose again.  

Their movements fell far short of Sion’s standards, but their spirit and determination were worthy of high praise.  

Sion crossed his arms and nodded.  

‘As expected.’  

Tier stood out, as anticipated. Compared to other trainees, his movements were clearly faster, and his situational awareness sharper.  

His leadership, encouraging other trainees, also made a strong impression.  

‘Set’s not bad either. As expected, the little brat’s tough.’  

Though still young, Set didn’t dodge as Sion had taught. Instead, holding his shield, he charged into his opponent’s space.  

Even if not perfect, his effort to protect his teammates at critical moments was clearly noticeable.  

Sion’s gaze didn’t linger only on the few who stood out.  

‘That person’s movements may be clumsy, but he’s very helpful in establishing formation. His ability to read the flow of battle is excellent.’  

He tried hard to spot potential even in those who were lacking. Trainees who, with just a bit more refinement or experience, could greatly improve were visible to Sion’s eyes.  

Only someone skilled could distinguish the gems from the stones.  

After watching for a while, Sion called out.  

“Alright, that’s enough! Stop there!”  

The trainees finally halted, panting heavily. Sion carefully looked over each one, deep in thought.  

‘Strength isn’t just about swinging a sword well.’  

The Order of the War Knight was a military unit. It wasn’t enough to just be individually skilled. Cooperation, consideration, and the resolve to sacrifice for comrades were more important.  

“Yes!”  

The trainees lined up before Sion.  

They still breathed heavily and hadn’t wiped the sweat from their faces. Yet in terms of mental strength and discipline, they could rival any knight order.  

Sion scanned them once and then raised his voice.  

“A horde of monsters has appeared in the south! I’ll be selecting an elite force to eliminate these creatures threatening Elim’s peace and security.”  

“…!”  

The trainees stirred. Expectation and fear coexisted.  

Real combat, real combat!  

Someone wanted to shout it out loud.  

The thought of genuinely fighting monsters for their lives made them want to flee. Yet no one turned their thoughts into action.  

Having become War Disciples, they had already made their resolve. There was no greater honor than dying on the battlefield. They had brainwashed themselves with this idea and prayed daily at the church.  

No fool here would betray their efforts and promises after coming this far.  

“First, Tier! Tier will be the Commander of this extermination squad.”  

“Yes! Thank you!”  

Tier stepped forward. His eyes sparkled as if overflowing with emotion.  

He seemed to believe he had earned Sion’s recognition.  

“Next, Alt!”  

“Eh, me? Yes?”  

“Alt, you’re selected.”  

“…Ah, yes!”  

Sion continued calling names. He called nine. Out of thirty trainees, twenty-one were selected, leaving one spot remaining.  

‘The last spot should go to Set. But…’  

Was it truly right to send his younger brother to fight monsters? Sion hesitated, torn between his roles as an older brother and a family member.  

‘I mustn’t let emotions interfere.’  

Sion vividly remembered the purpose of this selection.  

This was a grand plan for Elim, and beyond that, for the Goddess of War. In such a noble endeavor, personal judgment must not intrude.  

“Last, Set.”  

“…Huh?”  

“Set. You heard me?”  

The trainees burst into applause without exception. They congratulated each other, offering mutual encouragement.  

“That’s it. I believe these ten selected can be deployed into real combat. I chose those who I think can fulfill their role in this mission.”  

Sion continued.  

“Does anyone have any complaints?”  

“…”  

“No, sir!”  

Everyone remained silent. While it wasn’t that Sion’s presence didn’t create pressure, no one believed his judgment was wrong.  

Even if he had chosen his brother, it would have been the same. No one questioned Sion’s decision. Among themselves, Set was also well-regarded.  

Sion nodded.  

The discipline and atmosphere of the Order of the War Knight seemed well-established. He hoped that meritocracy would take root as a tradition, just like this.  

‘Goddess, please watch over them. These are the people who will become your army. Aren’t they turning out quite well?’  

Sion prayed. The Goddess was observing everything from beside him.  

[Of course. My child. The thought that my army is finally stretching its limbs again brings tears to my eyes. Ah…]  

Achille hurriedly left her place again.  

Watching Elim develop day by day, Achille’s tears never seemed to dry. She wandered around Elim, tenderly touching and observing her followers.  

She desperately wished to appoint Kaili as Priestess soon and deliver oracles to make her voice heard.  

Sion spoke.  

“Selected personnel, prepare your weapons immediately. You’ll be camping for at least three days. Bring supplies for a week. We’ll depart as soon as you’re ready.”  

“Yes, understood!”  

“Tier. I’m counting on you. We’ll leave at sunset. Meet at the south gate.”  

“Yes, yes! I’ll prepare thoroughly!”  

Sion gently patted Tier on the shoulder.  

After the selected trainees left, Sion comforted the remaining ones, instilling in them belief and hope that they might be deployed in real combat next time.  

***  

The selected members gathered at the south gate, fully armed.  

It was a late evening cloaked in twilight. Elim lay in quiet stillness.  

The atmosphere was solemn.  

Since the reconstruction began, this was Elim’s first official event. Everyone prayed for success.  

Sion knelt before Gustein. The other War Knight members did the same.  

They were about to receive a blessing prayer before departure.  

Gustein prayed with solemn devotion.  

“Goddess of War, today your new warriors take their first step. They are lacking and fragile, yet their hearts hold faith in you.  

Please grant them the courage to cut down the enemy, guide them to grow stronger through trials, and above all, ensure these soldiers return safely. May the Goddess of War be with them.”  

“May the Goddess of War be with them.”  

“May the Goddess of War be with them.”  

Nearly a hundred followers spoke in unison. May the Goddess of War be with them.  

Having heard the prayer, the corners of Goddess Achille’s lips curved into a gentle smile.  

[The prayer has been received well. Kind Gustein. I am always watching.]  

Achille gestured.  

Then, a faint shower of starlight cascaded over the heads of the knight order.  

“What is that?”  

“It’s so pretty.”  

This was clear evidence that Goddess Achille had heard their prayer, a holy sign proving she remained beside her followers.  

Someone who recognized this cried out. The followers’ excited reactions quickly grew like wildfire.  

“T-The Goddess has blessed us!”  

“She’s been watching us!”  

“Achille, oh my god.”  

“Oh, my Goddess!”  

“This can’t be real! It’s impossible!”  

As the number of followers grew and Elim flourished, Achille’s power naturally expanded.  

[This is nothing much. It’s not even a challenge anymore!]  

Achille enjoyed the praise and adoration. She was even in the mood to dance.  

“My followers! Call out my name more! Yes, yes!”  

The knight order, blessed by the Goddess of War, felt a change. Their bodies, weary from training, grew light, and their minds cleared.  

Courage welled up inside them, making them feel capable of defeating any monster.  

“Now, it’s time to depart.”  

Gustein spoke in a low voice. The knight order turned their gaze to Sion.  

“We’ll be back.”  

Sion turned, his cloak fluttering.  

On the city walls, Garfenn waved a bottle in greeting. Beside him were Ruina, Kaili, and Tier’s younger sister.  

Sion smiled back at them and then walked toward the gate.  

Creeeeak.  

The gate slowly opened like a whale’s mouth. Darkness lay beyond.  

Unknown and fear enveloped the knight order. Yet at this moment, they did not yield to fear.  

Many were cheering for them. They couldn’t possibly turn back, carrying the hopes of everyone.  

Tier held his head high. The other knights did the same. They marched forward proudly.  

The Order of the War Knight followed behind the candidate Apostle of War.  

“Come back safely!”  

“Go, Order of the War Knight!”  

“Don’t get hurt, you hear?”  

“Hey! Isn’t your shoulder too tense?”  

Gradually, the knight order’s figures were swallowed by the darkness.  

The first expedition of the revived Order of the War Knight began, blessed by divine favor.

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