A Dreamlike Praise
1943, Athens, Greece.
A city of white, exuding an aura of romance and divinity, renowned as the "Cradle of Western Civilization," the birthplace of European philosophy. It gave rise to great historical figures such as Socrates and Plato and is also considered the birthplace of democracy.
Mount Lycabettus, also known as the Holy Mountain, stands tall with houses scattered around its base. A long, white marble staircase winds upward, passing twelve grand white palaces, traversing the majestic Pope's Hall, and reaching the highest point—the most sacred Athena Temple, the Throne of the Gods.
This is Sanctuary, the supreme forbidden ground of Athens. Legend has it that this place is the earthly dwelling of Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and War. The palaces and houses on the Holy Mountain serve as the residences of the eighty-eight Saints who protect Athena. Whenever the world faces calamity, Athena leads her Saints in defending love and justice.
Passed down from ancient times, this legend remains a legend. Yet, countless adventurers and explorers still attempt to reach the summit, only to fail without exception, as if an invisible force repels all outsiders.
But human curiosity knows no bounds, and the Athens Sanctuary has become one of the most famous landmarks and unsolved mysteries of the region.
What the world does not know, however, is that the legend is more than just a story.
Sanctuary, Pope's Hall
An elderly man in a white robe and a golden helmet overlooked the Sanctuary. Beside him stood another elderly man, strikingly similar in appearance—both aged, yet standing tall with broad shoulders that hinted at their former strength.
"Your Holiness, how do you think we should face this upcoming Holy War?"
"Alex, to be honest, I don't know. The last Holy War cost us dearly. We only barely succeeded in sealing Hades and his 108 Specters. The war is about to return, yet Sanctuary is in shambles…"
These two men were Pope Shion and Altar Silver Saint Alex—brothers by blood and battle, survivors of the Holy War over two hundred years ago.
Shion was the former Aries Gold Saint, known as the only warrior with perfect mastery in all five aspects of Saint training: "Fist, Kick, Throw, Mind, and Tool." His skill was described as "flawless," excelling in heart, technique, and body, as well as in benevolence, wisdom, and courage.
The last Holy War was devastating. Only two of the so-called strongest warriors on Earth—the Gold Saints—survived. One was assigned to guard the seal of the 108 Specters, while Shion took on the role of Pope.
Alex succeeded as the Altar Silver Saint after the war. Though technically a Silver Saint, his strength rivaled Shion's. The Altar Saints traditionally served as the Pope's Deputy, taking command of Sanctuary should the Pope fall unexpectedly.
However, the new reincarnation of Athena had not yet descended. The two most powerful elders of Sanctuary could only sigh in despair.
The situation in Sanctuary was dire. The previous generation of Saints had perished in battle, leaving few successors. The times had changed; humanity no longer revered the gods as before. Few young men wished to join Sanctuary and become Saints, forcing Shion and Alex to venture out in search of suitable candidates to bring back and train.
Worse still, the arts of the Saints had been lost—many powerful techniques vanished into the river of history.
And most concerning of all…
"We have grown old, and the new generation has yet to mature. Sanctuary lies in ruins… How can we face Lady Athena?" Shion lamented.
"Fate has its own course, Your Holiness. No matter the state of Sanctuary, under Athena's guidance, we will once again shine with glory and claim victory," Alex reassured him.
"I believe so too… but before Athena descends, we must preserve Sanctuary's flame." A resolute expression crossed Shion's face.
"Alex, what do you think of Saga and Aiolos?"
"They are exceptional. Despite being only twenty years old, they have already awakened the Seventh Sense and earned the approval of their Gold Cloths, succeeding as the new Gold Saints of Gemini and Sagittarius."
"Saga is kind-hearted and possesses great strategic acumen. Aiolos embodies benevolence, wisdom, and courage. Both are prime candidates for the role of Pope, one to lead and the other to assist."
"However…"
As he praised their strengths, Alex couldn't ignore their flaws. Though minor, if left unchecked, they could lead to catastrophic consequences.
"Sigh… Let's test them first. We don't have much time left."
At over two hundred years old, both Shion and Alex could feel their lives nearing their end. They were only still alive thanks to their powerful Cosmos. How much longer they could hold on—be it years, months, or mere moments—was unknown.
For the sake of Sanctuary and Athena, they had to decide on a successor now.
The Foot of Mount Lycabettus – The Training Grounds
A vast plaza where Saint candidates trained. At its center, two golden figures were locked in combat—Aiolos and Saga sparring.
The two were evenly matched. Normally, Gold Saints wouldn't duel publicly, but given Sanctuary's dire state, they displayed their strength before the trainees to inspire morale.
Though to the spectators, it seemed like mere flashes of gold colliding at impossible speeds, the sheer intensity ignited their spirits.
With these two here, Sanctuary was still strong! Sanctuary was not in decline!
"Aiolia, tell me—who do you think is stronger? Your brother or mine?" Saga's younger twin, Kanon, asked.
"I don't know. I've never seen them go all out… but I believe my brother is stronger!" Aiolia replied confidently.
"No way! My brother is definitely stronger!" Kanon retorted.
"My brother!"
"No, mine!"
The two younger brothers—Aiolia, sibling of Aiolos, and Kanon, twin of Saga—often competed with one another, just as their elder brothers did.
"Stop arguing! Look! They're about to use their ultimate techniques!" Aiolia nudged Kanon excitedly.
Kanon turned his attention back just in time to feel the Cosmos of Aiolos and Saga surge dramatically.
"Galaxian Explosion!"
"Atomic Thunderbolt!"
Saga unleashed an attack that ripped open space itself, summoning planets that hurtled forward with devastating power. Aiolos countered with a blinding net of light-speed punches, shattering the incoming cosmic projectiles.
"Tch, I knew it…" Kanon scoffed, disappointed. Aiolia shared his sentiment.
They knew their brothers weren't using their full strength—they weren't even trying to win.
Despite the grand spectacle, the attacks were carefully controlled, ensuring no harm beyond the battle stage.
The battle concluded, both warriors stood unscathed, exchanging knowing smiles.
But their goal had been achieved.
"Wow!!"
"Aiolos is amazing!"
"Saga is incredible!"
"Long live the Gold Saints! Long live Athena!"
The candidates erupted in cheers.
Aiolos and Saga leaped down from the stage, greeted immediately by their younger siblings.
"Brother! Why didn't you use full power? You could've defeated Aiolos!" Kanon protested.
"Ridiculous! My brother would've won!" Aiolia shot back.
"Mine is stronger!"
"No, mine!"
Aiolos and Saga exchanged helpless looks.
"That's enough, Kanon," Saga scolded, tapping his brother's forehead.
"Aiolia, mind your manners," Aiolos gently corrected his own brother.
"Hahaha! If they had used full power, the training grounds would need rebuilding!"
"Salute His Holiness, the Pope!"
At the sound of an aged yet familiar voice, everyone turned and knelt in respect.
"Rise," Shion said. "With Aiolos and Saga here, with all of you here—Sanctuary thrives! We shall restore its former glory and welcome Lady Athena in perfection!"
"Long live Sanctuary! Long live Athena!"
Suddenly, an enormous golden beam of light shot skyward from the summit of Sanctuary.
Shion, Alex, Aiolos, and Saga instantly turned their gazes toward the source.
"This Cosmos… Who is it?! Why does it feel so familiar?!"
A divine power had awakened. The Holy Mountain trembled.
Without hesitation, the four Saints ascended in streaks of gold toward the summit.
Aiolia and Kanon, though unauthorized to approach, followed without hesitation.
A great change was upon Sanctuary.