Run Graphql queries from headless backend app

Hi, I am creating a backend-only application that runs graphql queries on a shopify store. I am confused by all of the options for authorization and application creation. What is the best way to accomplish the following:

  1. Run a backend-only app, using NodeJS

  2. Have the app run a graphql query on a shopify store: e.g. test.shopify.com

  3. Process the graphql results into another database

I would like to do the minimal amount of work with shopify apps. If it is not necessary to create a shopify app, then I would like to avoid it. If I need an app to get authorization for certain actions, then I would like the app to basically only provide those authorizations and then relay the queried information to my backend app