Chapter 95 - 48: Saga’s Ascension, Aiolia’s Fury! (Part 1)

Chapter 95: Chapter 48: Saga’s Ascension, Aiolia’s Fury! (Part 1)

Sensing the gazes of the crowd, Shaka shook his head, the tips of his golden hair fluttering in the wind.

"I have absolutely no interest in the position of Pope, nor will my power be wasted here... but if Saga is to serve as Pope, please forgive me, but I cannot accept it."

Alex understood what Shaka meant: if Saga took the position of Pope, Shaka would henceforth only guard his own Virgo Temple and would absolutely refuse to obey any of the Pope’s orders.

Alex didn’t dwell on the matter. Once the five unkillable Bronze Saints and the Specters came knocking at their doors, Shaka wouldn’t have the luxury of holding back anyway.

Suddenly shifting the topic, he announced loudly:

"Are you all aware? The five Bronze Saints from the Galaxian Wars have already killed the Silver Saints sent by the Sanctuary to investigate them."

The expressions of the Gold Saints collectively shifted. To be able to defeat Silver Saints, the strength of these Bronze Saints could certainly not be underestimated.

"More importantly!"

Alex raised his right hand, pointing toward the peak of the sacred mountain. The crowd followed his gaze, only to see the Statue of Athena radiating a dazzling golden light.

"Saori Kido has been shot in the heart by Sagitta Ptolemy and is on the verge of death. To save her, those five Bronze Saints are about to storm the Twelve Zodiac Temples to seize the Shield of Athena from the statue’s hand..."

The Shield of Athena? The pupils of the Gold Saints instantly contracted. According to legend, this statue was actually Athena’s God Cloth.

The Twelve Zodiac Temples were established here precisely to guard this God Cloth until Athena returned in person!

There were even legends stating that the Statue of Athena suppressed the Titan King Cronus. The matter was of utmost importance; the statue could not be casually touched by anyone other than the Goddess herself.

Just who exactly was Saori Kido to arrogantly attempt to seize the God Cloth?

This generation’s reincarnation of Athena had not yet revealed herself.

Amidst the sea of suspicious gazes, Alex’s eyes abruptly turned sharp, piercing toward everyone present like ice awls.

"Relaying the Goddess’s decree: Everyone, please exert your full strength to stop Seiya, Hyoga, Shiryu, Shun, and Ikki from reaching the peak of the sacred mountain!"

"Yes!"

Even though their hearts were brimming with doubts, the Gold Saints present all bowed their heads in acknowledgment!

As the crowd dispersed, Saga walked up to Alex’s side, a look of doubt in his eyes.

"Is it really okay to do this? After all, that person is Athena’s reincarnation!"

When Saga had infiltrated the Pope’s Palace years ago, he had seen the infant reincarnation of Athena. Saori Kido’s appearance and age matched perfectly. He knew full well in his heart that the current Saori Kido was likely the reincarnation of Goddess Athena!

Alex’s previous refusal to serve as Pope was preceded by the matter concerning Aiolos, so Athena couldn’t really say much to punish him. But with Saori Kido’s life hanging by a thread, Alex was still deliberately setting up obstacles. Was he truly not afraid that when Athena returned, she would kill him for his betrayal?

The corners of Alex’s mouth curled up slightly.

Under his orchestration, the Twelve Zodiac Temples arc was about to raise its curtains and stage a magnificent spectacle!

He naturally had absolute confidence in doing this. As long as his strength was sufficient and his general direction aligned with Athena’s, there was no danger of facing a reckoning before the end of the Holy War.

As for after the Holy War ended?

By then, his strength would have long surpassed the realm of what Athena could ever hope to control.

Alex raised an eyebrow.

"If my calculations are correct, these five Bronze Saints are the main force Athena has selected for this Holy War."

Hearing this news for the first time, Saga couldn’t help but chuckle.

"What is the Goddess thinking? Relying on five Bronze Saints to fight a Holy War? Then what is the use of Gold Saints?"

Seeing not a single trace of a smile on Alex’s face, Saga’s expression gradually turned grave.

If what Alex said was true, didn’t that mean all of them—the elite Gold Saints—had been practically abandoned?

Even Saga couldn’t help but feel somewhat frustrated at this moment. ’On what grounds? In what way are we Gold Saints inferior to these few Bronze Saints?’

Alex nodded slightly.

"So now you know why I want to set up layer upon layer of trials. If those five can’t even get past us, how can we expect them to defeat Hades and end a millennia-long Holy War?"

"If they can’t even storm through the Twelve Zodiac Temples, then Athena shouldn’t bother returning through reincarnation; it would only add to the mockery!"

A look of understanding dawned on Saga’s face. What Alex said made perfect sense.

_____

T/N:

For readers who would like early access, my Patreon is available for just $4 per month. You’ll unlock 70+ advance Chapters and help support ongoing works.

🔗 /user?u=79514336

You may also search Translator-Sama directly on Patreon.

Your support is sincerely appreciated