Chapter 48 - 24: The Pantheon of Gods, Athena Descends (Part 2)

Chapter 48: Chapter 24: The Pantheon of Gods, Athena Descends (Part 2)

"Remember!"

Number 001’s voice suddenly turned sharp and stern. "My descent will be suppressed by the laws of the universe. Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not draw his attention!"

The phantoms all voiced their agreement and dissipated into wisps of green smoke. Left alone in the secret chamber, Number 001 repeatedly replayed the recording of Alex. A cold sneer curled beneath his hood.

"The third-generation Hunter... your honeymoon period with the Reincarnation Space won’t last long."

.....

The moment he returned to the Saint Seiya world, the phone in Alex’s pocket buzzed. It was a message from Shion.

"Alex, return to the Sanctuary. I have an important task to entrust to you..."

Alex sighed. As Shion’s life drew closer to its end, his reliance on Alex had grown increasingly heavy; it seemed he wanted Alex to handle every single matter. Shion even phrased it beautifully, claiming he was letting Alex familiarize himself with the Pope’s workflow ahead of time.

But Alex had zero interest in the position of Pope.

To use a somewhat imprecise analogy: originally, he was just a laborer for Athena—their relationship was like boss and subordinate. If things didn’t go well, he could quit or jump ship. But if he became the Pope, he would become Athena’s personal secretary, privy to her deepest secrets. At that point, breaking the bond would require a much higher price.

As he continued to enter the Reincarnation Space, his anomalies would eventually be discovered by Athena. Until he was completely free of her control, Alex wanted to stay as far away from the Goddess as possible.

However, now was not yet the time for a total showdown. Alex considered it for a moment; Shion summoning him at this specific time likely concerned that matter.

Alex transformed into a streak of light and headed straight for the Sanctuary.

At the foot of the sacred mountain, the Gold Saints currently in training suddenly stopped and looked toward the sky.

"This Cosmo... it’s Alex!" Milo frowned, the Scarlet Needle at his fingertip nearly spiraling out of control.

"He’s gotten stronger again?"

"Last time, after a night of seclusion in the Aquarius Temple, he improved significantly. This time, he’s only been gone for a week, and he’s even more powerful..." Aiolia clenched his fists, the muscles in his jaw bulging. "Is he really a mortal? Or is he the reincarnation of some god?"

Rumors had been circulating recently that Pope Shion was about to abdicate. If no surprises occurred, the next Pope would likely be Alex.

Amidst the hushed discussions, Alex landed outside the Pope’s Palace. The sacred flames along the steps flickered and died as he passed.

Stepping into the hall, a dense shadow washed over him. The interior was pitch black, yet Shion’s eyes had turned as blue as the clear sky. Clad in white robes and a golden crown, the Pope sat atop his throne. He did not descend the steps as usual. His voice was ethereal, sounding as if it came from the void itself.

"Aquarius Saint, Alex!"

Alex’s heart tightened. Shion’s Cosmo had changed. The once old and decaying energy was now as vast as an ancient behemoth, radiating an unfamiliar, divine majesty.

Having experienced the I Am Legend world, Alex now possessed a hint of divinity. He looked toward the source of the pressure and saw a massive silhouette faintly shimmering in the void behind Shion—holding a shield in the left hand, a scepter in the right, with hair falling like a waterfall...

This is... Athena has personally intervened?

Seeing that things had exceeded her expectations, had Athena finally lost her patience and decided to direct the board herself?

Shion’s voice grew even more ethereal, carrying an unyielding resolve. "The disappearance of the Sagittarius Cloth from the Galaxian Wars is of utmost importance! I order you to investigate and retrieve it within ten days. All Silver and Bronze Saints in the Sanctuary are at your disposal!"

_____

T/N:

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