1943, Athens, Greece.
A city of white, filled with romance and sanctity, a land of great talent and natural beauty, known as the "Cradle of Western Civilization" and the birthplace of European philosophy. It produced historical giants like Socrates and Plato, and is also hailed as the origin of democracy.
Mount Lycabettus, also known as the Holy Mountain, rises with white houses scattered at its base. A long marble staircase spirals upward, passing twelve grand white palaces, through the solemn Pope's Hall, and reaching the divine seat at the summit—the most sacred Athena Temple.
This is the Sanctuary, the supreme forbidden ground of Athens. Legend says this is the earthly dwelling of Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and War. The palaces and dwellings on the Holy Mountain are homes to the eighty-eight Saints who protect the goddess. Whenever Earth faces disaster, Athena leads her Saints to uphold love and justice in the world.
From ancient times until now, the legend lives on. Though most believe it's just a myth, countless adventurers and explorers still attempt to reach the summit, only to fail—repelled by an unseen force resisting any outsider's entry.
Still, human curiosity remains undeterred, and the Sanctuary of Athens has become a famed tourist attraction and enduring mystery.
What the world doesn't know is—the legend is more than just legend.
Sanctuary, Pope's Hall.
A man dressed in a white robe and wearing a golden helmet stood overlooking the entire Sanctuary. Beside him stood another elder, very similar in appearance—aged but upright, his broad shoulders hinting at past strength.
"Your Holiness, how do you think we should respond to this Holy War?"
"Alex, to be honest, I don't know. The last Holy War cost us dearly. We only managed to seal Hades and his 108 Specters with great sacrifice. The next war is fast approaching, and the Sanctuary now… sigh."
These two were the current Pope, Shion, and the Silver Saint of Altar constellation, Alex—brothers and closest comrades, survivors of the Holy War over two centuries ago.
Shion, formerly the Aries Gold Saint of the previous generation, was the only one with full marks in all five attributes—fist, kick, throw, heart, and tool. His skill as a Saint was called "flawless," having perfected every aspect of body, technique, and spirit, as well as benevolence, wisdom, and courage.
The last Holy War was devastating—only two of the mighty Gold Saints survived. One now guards the seal of the 108 Specters, while Shion succeeded the role of Pope.
Alex became the Silver Saint of Altar after the war, but his power rivals Shion's. Known for his noble character and wisdom, every Altar Saint also serves another role—that of the Pope's deputy, the acting leader of the Sanctuary should anything happen to the Pope.
The new Athena had yet to descend into the mortal world, and the two highest authorities in the Sanctuary could only sigh in despair.
The current state of the Sanctuary was dire. The previous generation of Saints had all perished in the last war, and the new generation was scarce. The times had changed—people no longer revered the gods, and few young men were willing to join the Sanctuary or become Saints. Shion and the others often had to descend from the mountain to find suitable candidates and bring them back for training.
Moreover, with the deaths of the previous Saints, their techniques had been lost in history.
Most importantly...
"We're old now, and the new generation hasn't yet grown. The Sanctuary is in ruins—how can we face Lady Athena?" Shion lamented.
"There is destiny in all things, Your Holiness. No matter the state of the Sanctuary, I believe Lady Athena will lead us to glory and victory again," Alex consoled him.
"I believe that too. But before Athena descends, we must leave behind a spark for the Sanctuary…" Shion said, seemingly having made a decision.
"Alex, what do you think of those two boys—Saga and Aiolos?"
"They are outstanding. Not yet twenty and already awakened the Seventh Sense. They've been acknowledged by the Gold Cloths and succeeded as the new Sagittarius and Gemini Gold Saints.
Saga is kind-hearted and a brilliant strategist. Aiolos is the perfect blend of benevolence, wisdom, and courage. Either could be the next Pope, with the other serving as support."
"But…"
Having spoken of their strengths, Alex naturally thought of their flaws—small though they seemed, they could bring ruin if left unchecked.
"Sigh, let's test them first. We don't have much time," Shion sighed. He was already over two hundred years old, as was Alex. They could feel their life force waning. They remained alive only through sheer willpower and the force of their Cosmos. They didn't know when their time would come—it could be years or just a moment away.
For the sake of the Sanctuary, and Athena, they had to choose a successor for the Pope and his deputy.
…
At the base of Mount Lycabettus, a vast square served as a training ground for Saint candidates. But now, instead of training, the boys were focused on two golden figures at the center.
Aiolos and Saga were sparring.
Their strengths were nearly equal. Normally, Gold Saints would not duel publicly, but with the Sanctuary in such a state, they needed to inspire the candidates by displaying the Saints' might.
To the spectators, it looked like golden flashes clashing again and again—but even so, their blood burned with excitement.
With these two, the Sanctuary remained strong! It was not in decline!
"Aiolia, tell me—who's stronger? Your brother or mine?" asked Saga's younger twin brother, Kanon.
"I don't know. I've never seen them go all out. But I believe my brother is stronger!" Aiolia replied confidently.
"No! It's my brother!" Kanon retorted, annoyed.
"My brother!"
"Mine!"
These two arguing were Aiolos's younger brother, Aiolia, and Saga's twin, Kanon. With both their elder brothers being powerful Gold Saints, a rivalry had naturally formed. Though Kanon was older, they were still competitive.
"Stop arguing! Look—they're about to use their ultimate techniques!" Aiolia suddenly shouted, nudging Kanon.
Kanon turned to look. They could both feel the rising Cosmos within Aiolos and Saga.
"Galaxian Explosion!"
"Atomic Thunder Light Speed Punch!"
Saga spread his arms, then swung them forward. A rift opened behind him, unleashing a wave of stars with destructive force. Aiolos launched a barrage of light-speed punches, weaving beams of light into a tight net that shattered every oncoming star into dust.
"Tch, I knew it…" Kanon clicked his tongue, and Aiolia also looked disappointed—they knew neither brother was using full power or even trying to win.
Despite the spectacle, they had perfect control—grand in scale, yet completely contained. They made sure not to harm the surroundings.
When the clash ended, both stood calmly at opposite ends of the arena, not a drop of sweat on them.
But the effect was just what they'd hoped for.
"Whoa~!"
"Lord Aiolos is amazing!"
"Lord Saga is so powerful!"
"Long live the Gold Saints! Long live Lady Athena!"
Thunderous cheers erupted from the candidate Saints.
The two at the center exchanged smiles and jumped down.
"Brother!" Naturally, Aiolia and Kanon rushed forward.
"Brother, why didn't you go all out? You could've beaten Aiolos!" Kanon grumbled.
"You're wrong—my brother is stronger!" Aiolia insisted.
"My brother!"
"Mine!"
Watching their younger brothers argue, Aiolos and Saga exchanged helpless looks.
"You're being rude, Kanon." Saga gently knocked his brother on the head.
"Aiolia, mind your manners," Aiolos said, flicking his brother's forehead.
"Hahaha, if they'd gone all out, the arena would need rebuilding!"
"Greetings, Your Holiness!"
"Greetings, Your Holiness!"
Hearing the aged, familiar voice, Aiolos and Saga immediately led the others in a bow.
"Rise. As you've seen—so long as we have Aiolos and Saga, and all of you—the Sanctuary will flourish! We shall restore our glory and greet Lady Athena's arrival in perfect form!" Shion proclaimed, rallying the crowd.
"Long live the Sanctuary! Long live Lady Athena!"
"To revive the Sanctuary, strict training is essential! Now—go train! I want to see every one of you become proud Saints!"
"Yes!"
The candidates dispersed and resumed training. Shion, however, kept Aiolos, Saga, Aiolia, and Kanon behind.
"Kanon."
"Uh…" Hearing his name, Kanon braced for trouble.
"You skipped training yesterday, didn't you?"
"Uh… Your Holiness, I…"
"Sigh, you're still troubled?" Shion asked, looking at Kanon with regret.
Kanon was no less talented than Saga—perhaps even more so. Though he often skipped training and liked pranks, his inner kindness and passion for training were second to none.
The reason: Kanon had not received a Gold Cloth of his own. His best friend and rival, Aiolia, had already been chosen by the Leo Gold Cloth. With enough training, he was sure to become the next Leo Gold Saint.
Gold Saints, unlike Silver or Bronze, are usually chosen by destiny. From the moment they're born, they are destined for their Cloth. Throughout history, only a few have risen from lower ranks to become Gold Saints.
Kanon had been chosen—by the Gemini Gold Cloth, the same as his brother Saga. So he could only be a candidate, not a full Gold Saint.
"Kanon…" Saga, as his brother, also felt deep regret. He had once thought of passing his Cloth to Kanon—but the Gold Cloth was not just power and glory. It came with responsibility, and he didn't want his brother to bear such a burden. This remained a knot in Saga's heart.
"Sigh, Kanon, you—"
Suddenly, a massive change occurred in the Sanctuary. Shion, Alex, Aiolos, and Saga instantly looked toward the mountain summit.
"This Cosmos… who is it?! Why does it feel so familiar?"
Boom—!
A golden pillar of light burst from the summit, piercing the sky.
"That's the direction of the Divine Seat!"
Without hesitation, Shion, Alex, Aiolos, and Saga turned into golden streaks and flew to the summit. Aiolia and Kanon followed on foot, disregarding their lack of permission to ascend.