Apostle of the Goddess of War

Chapter 168

Ch.168 Apostle of the Goddess of War

Night had already deepened. Outside the window, heavy fog settled, and the city lights twinkled like stars.

Ruina, the Bishop of the Foils branch of the Church of War and the negotiation manager for the Foils Merchant Guild, had not yet slept.

On her worktable, various approval documents and asset management papers were piled up messily and scattered. Her fingers were covered in ink, and her sunken eyes were full of fatigue.

Sweat beaded on her forehead, but her gaze did not blur in the slightest.

"Lady Ruina, you must rest now."

Set's low and firm voice came from the doorway. Clad in black armor, his figure felt like a solid fortress even in the darkness of midnight.

Set, who used to be an immature younger brother, had now grown and been promoted to Ruina's exclusive guard knight.

Instead of answering, Ruina did not stop her hands.

"This negotiation must be finalized this time. I also need to finish the city reconstruction plan for after the war."

"……"

Set looked at her for a moment, then quietly turned his gaze outside the window.

The city that entered his view had already grown too large. It was originally a large commercial city, but now it had become a massive golden city unseen anywhere else.

Outside, the port and market were full of vitality. One could feel with their skin that life was teeming everywhere.

Despite the chaotic political situation caused by war, Foils alone was peaceful and lively.

Ironically—as the war intensified, war materials from all over the world began to gather in Foils, making this place prosper.

Gold circulated and weapon merchants gathered only after blood was shed in war. Plundered treasures poured in, and new buildings rose atop collapsed walls.

True to a city that worships abundance, they only thought of making money in every situation and timing.

However, Set knew.

That abundance was never a blessing from god, but an ominous prosperity built on someone's blood.

'I wonder what my brother is doing these days….'

Set gazed out the window, lost in thought. He closed his mouth again so as not to disturb Ruina.

Knock, knock.

A sound of knocking on the door was heard. It was the person they had agreed to meet.

"It is late. Lady Ruina, working until this hour makes me admire your enthusiasm involuntarily. It is an attitude I should learn from."

As the door opened along with a soft and dignified voice, a man wearing a golden cloak entered.

His smile was eloquent, and around his neck hung a pendant engraved with the symbol of the Goddess of Abundance.

"Sir Roger."

Ruina stopped her work and stood up from her seat.

Foils, which cooperated closely with the Church of War, was the most prosperous among cities believing in the Goddess of Abundance, and Ruina, who played a central role there, had become such a magnate that an Apostle of Abundance visited her personally.

There were even people among the followers of Abundance who heard Ruina's name before Sion's.

War is fought by soldiers and generals, but more important than that is rear supply. Without supplies, war cannot even be conducted.

Therefore, the existence that securely protects and manages the main church is important.

Ruina, mentioned as a candidate for the next bishop along with the Priestess and Apostles of the Church of War, is also seeing her reputation rise continuously these days.

"I heard the news and came to visit. The Goddess of Abundance is also rejoicing. She says this is a city of true blessing, bringing abundance to people even amidst war."

He slowly looked around the worktable. Various ledgers and transaction details were visible. The arrival of the Church of War in Foils created a strange atmosphere.

Roger, the Apostle of Abundance, slowly opened his mouth.

"After war, abundance always comes. That is the law of nature. Now is when the value of gold is highest."

He stroked the gold ring on his finger.

"Lady Goldina wishes for you to definitely enter the ranks of the Church of War's forces."

"Hmm. Is that so?"

Ruina smiled thinly. It was a calculating smile.

Handling various big tasks and meeting great merchants and envoys from other cults, Ruina was no longer as innocent as before.

Her personality from her days as a noble lady was also starting to raise its head little by little.

'The timing is impeccable.'

She watched the tide of battle until the very end, and only after confirming recently that the Church of War's forces were solid did she choose her side.

Cunning and annoying.

However, due to the influence of the Abundance Cult, she could not refuse.

It was a survival skill that well demonstrated how the Abundance Cult and its Goddess grew their power and became strong.

"Alright. But since I weighed the situation that much, I have no choice but to lessen our conditions a bit."

"Hm?"

One of Roger's eyebrows went up.

It was rare to see a woman negotiating with him. Even renowned great merchants in the world did not trade with an apostle who communicated directly with the Goddess of Abundance.

They knew that the moment they offended the heart of the Goddess of Abundance, the luck of gold would disappear.

But Ruina had nothing to regret.

In her heart, it was not the Goddess of Abundance smiling, but the Goddess of War.

These days, even if the luck of gold leaves, other luck attaches itself automatically.

The person in a superior negotiating position was Ruina herself. She knew the weapons she possessed well and used them excellently as negotiation cards.

"Heh-heh."

Roger laughed, tearing his thick lips. He glared for a moment but quickly finished his calculations. Now was definitely the time to lower his stance.

'At least, if I were the real Apostle of Abundance.'

Shing!

A blade was drawn from Roger's waist. Instantly unsheathing, he tried to pierce Ruina's heart.

However, Set, who sensed the killing intent, reacted quickly and drew his sword to block the surprise attack.

Set opened his eyes wide and shouted.

"Guards—! It's an ambush! Protect the Bishop!"

"Set?"

Ruina's hands trembled. It was an assassination attempt she never expected. She wondered if the Apostle of Abundance had gone mad.

"Not bad. Have the War Knights improved their skills that much?"

"Sister! Don't move behind me!"

Set did not take his eyes off the Apostle of Abundance for an instant. Even blinking once was a luxury now.

'I will protect my sister no matter what.'

It was a promise with his brother Sion. When the eldest brother was absent, it was Set's duty to protect his older sister and younger sibling. Set felt the calluses on his sword hilt. Calluses he had ingrained for today.

"Who… are you?"

Set said.

The human pretending to be the Apostle of Abundance peeled off his facial skin. Flesh was torn off as is, and another face appeared.

The cloak he was wearing also slid down smoothly. Shoulder epaulets were revealed, and his identity could be confirmed.

"What on earth…."

Set muttered. He couldn't believe it even with his own eyes. Ruina, seeing the same thing, couldn't close her mouth either.

"The emblem of the Imperial Court."

Ruina spoke coldly. The mark of the Imperial Knights was on the shoulder epaulets.

"The Imperial Court of Lu, of the great lineage of Light, has ordered the annihilation of the Church of War."

"What?"

"Bullshit!"

"Accept the blade quietly, traitors."

Boom— Bang!

The assassin sent by the Imperial Court attacked Set. Simultaneously, a huge explosion occurred outside the window.

Bang, bang!

Pillars of fire shot up in various places throughout the city of Foils. A large-scale assault had been carried out.

"Sister! Get away quickly! Receive the escort of the guards and flee to Elim! Call for Brother Sion!"

"Set! And you!"

"I am a War Knight! I must stop this guy!"

Ruina bit her lip firmly. Staying here worrying about Set would rather be more of a hindrance. War had broken out. It was a declaration of war.

'If I stay, I'm just an obstacle.'

Ruina's role now was to escape safely and convey the news of the assault to Elim. That was the only way to help.

"Alright! Don't get hurt and take care of yourself!"

"Okay!"

Clang!

"Where do you think you're going!"

The assassin rushed at Ruina.

Whoosh!

However, a black sword energy passed the assassin's neck. The assassin quickly stepped back.

Set stepped forward with a sword wrapped in black sword energy and warned.

"On the name of a War Knight."

Click.

"You shall not pass here."

***

Loenhaugter's intelligence capabilities were beyond Sion's imagination.

Apart from being arranged by the Goddess of Light, the man's ability itself was outstanding. The intelligence network he spread across the world was denser than a spiderweb.

Thanks to the quality and quantity of information obtained every moment, grasping the war situation was incredibly easy.

"Front lines are forming. It seems they are surrounding Elim."

After Sion's return, a command post was set up in the Church of War.

It was a joint command post combining the War Knights, Scale Knights, Knights of Purity, Mage Soldier Corps of the Magic Guild Alliance, and Ash Knights.

Kegan was the commander, and the commanders or apostles of each knight order participated.

Most were those who surrendered to the Church of War by the logic of force.

However, after gathering in this place, they were of one mind and one heart.

Since they had surrendered anyway, they hoped the camp they surrendered to would win.

They pictured surviving until after the war and living again in a new world.

They must bet on the winning side well. Having directly felt and seen the power of the Goddess of War and her apostle, there was no hesitation in choosing a camp.

Apostles or knights of each army expressed their own opinions.

They revealed the zones they wanted to take charge of and their desire to be active. Since they were going to war anyway, they intended to make achievements and be recognized later.

Ravienne, the Apostle of Purity who had been sulking, also cautiously raised her hand.

"……W-we will just wait in the rear and provide support… no, I mean, I will stand at the vanguard and wipe out all coming enemies. Just send me."

Trying to reveal her true intentions but shrinking under Sion's glare, Ravienne finished her statement. After getting thoroughly beaten by Tartania, she was forcibly tied to Elim.

The situation of the Apostle of Purity and the Goddess of Purity was the same.

Lirienne was also caught by Achille, being scolded and bullied.

But she could not express dissatisfaction. Actually coming to Elim and feeling the difference in military strength was like heaven and earth.

She never imagined Achille would become this strong or commit the crazy act of making Evil God forces allies.

'She fits better as the Apostle of Innocence rather than Purity.'

Sion turned his gaze away from Ravienne, who was awkwardly twisting her head.

Just then.

"Th-there is news of a surprise attack!"

It was Arichi of the Winged Feet Clan, belonging to the Abundance Cult's postal guild.

He was currently temporarily enlisted in the Church of War. Proficient in handling information and news, he led the intelligence unit.

"What?"

Loenhaugter asked first.

Arichi delivered the note tied to the hawk's ankle to the upper echelons.

Sion, Kegan, and Loenhaugter received the news first.

"……"

Sion's face darkened rapidly.

Loenhaugter was also rarely flustered.

"To not even be caught in the news network. To begin with… you planted people in Foils. To think I missed this. I apologize, Apostle."

Loenhaugter blamed himself and apologized. Sion shook his head.

He was just surprised again by Serine's thoroughness.

'How far ahead did she plan?'

All of this was Serine's design. She knew well that attacking Foils and taking Ruina and Set hostage would be more effective than attacking Elim.

'Ruina, Set.'

Rustle, rustle.

Sion's hair stood on end, and the Divine Power flowing around him sparked like electricity.

Killing intent filled the command post. Sion took a rare deep breath.

"I will be back shortly."

Sion left the barracks. Kegan stopped him and asked.

"I will send the army immediately."

Sion said firmly.

"I will go alone."