After several days of training, Maierin's Cosmos had returned to the Seventh Sense at its peak. The rapid recovery was mainly because his Cosmos had only been slightly fractured rather than completely lost, aning it only needed gradual repair.
Initially, Maierin had planned to restore himself to the Eighth Sense imdiately. However, the gap between the Seventh and Eighth Senses was not the sa as between the Sixth and Seventh—it was a fundantal difference. The transition marked the evolution from human to deity, a step toward a higher form of existence.
Although Maierin had undergone this evolution once before, he was different from innate gods, who were born with a Cosmos surpassing the Eighth Sense and possessing divine souls. Unlike them, Maierin had cultivated his strength step by step, tempering and refining his human soul until it reached a level of immortality comparable to that of the gods. However, in essence, his soul remained that of a human.
Only he and Athena knew this secret.
If other gods were to find out, they would stop at nothing to eliminate Maierin.
The re fact that he, a mortal, had attained divinity and could potentially lead other mortals to the divine realm was already enough to incite the gods' jealousy. However, if he remained human yet stood as their equal, it would be the greatest insult to them.
"My lord."
Shion, having been summoned by Maierin, entered the temple alone.
"Has the Ancient One left?"
"Yes."
"How did the discussion go?"
"We have finalized the talks. The Ancient One has provided us with many suggestions. After consulting with Alex, we found them feasible. Here is the revised agreent and plan for your review."
Maierin took the docunts from Shion, examined them carefully, and nodded in satisfaction.
"Very well, proceed according to these plans."
"As you command."
"Tomorrow, I will leave the Sanctuary to recover the sealed artifacts scattered across the world. Kanon will accompany as my escort."
"Yes, my lord. I will ensure the Sanctuary remains secure in your absence."
"Good."
"But, my lord…"
"Is there sothing else?" Maierin asked, noticing Shion's hesitation.
"The local officials have long maintained contact with the Sanctuary. They wish to request an audience…"
Shion was sowhat apprehensive. A few days ago, when Kaecilius had intruded into the temple, Maierin's unleashed Cosmos had been cold and terrifying, leaving a lasting impression.
Although Maierin was generally kind and patient with his followers, guiding them in their training without harsh punishnt for their mistakes, he was still a god. As a human, Shion could never truly grasp a god's thoughts—who knew if Maierin might change his deanor in the next mont?
"Arrange for them to et tomorrow before my departure," Maierin agreed.
Securing the support of the local governnt was part of his plan. Learning that they had long considered themselves subordinates of the Sanctuary pleased him.
"As you command."
"Oh, and subtly remind them to prepare so gifts."
"…Understood."
Shion wiped the sweat from his brow, adding another note to his ntal assessnt of Maierin.
The Next Day – At the Sanctuary's Gate
Saga was giving Kanon yet another round of instructions.
"Kanon, you must protect Lord Maierin at all costs, even if it ans sacrificing your life."
"Relax, brother, how many tis have you repeated this? My ears are getting calluses!" Kanon waved impatiently.
This was his first mission outside the Sanctuary, and even more so as Maierin's personal guard. Excitent had kept him awake all night.
He knew that, in terms of strength, Saga and Aiolos were superior to him. In terms of knowledge of the outside world, Shion and Alex surpassed him. His personality was also too unruly compared to the steadier Aiolos and Saga. By all logic, this mission shouldn't have been assigned to him.
But Maierin had chosen him nonetheless. Kanon was deeply moved, feeling the weight of this trust. He swore that no matter what dangers they encountered, he would never allow harm to co to Maierin.
Initially, he had answered Saga's warnings seriously. But…
Since morning, Saga had been repeating the sa thing every few minutes. Was he serious? This was worse than a nagging mother!
"Aiolos, tell him to stop. He's more anxious than I am," Kanon muttered.
"Ahem… Saga, you need to calm down. Kanon will carry out his duty perfectly," Aiolos reassured him.
"…Fine, I understand." Saga sighed, though his gaze at Kanon remained full of strict expectations.
A golden light shimred as Maierin approached with Shion and Alex. The four n imdiately knelt in greeting.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes, my lord. I am prepared."
"Then let's go."
Earlier that day, Maierin had t with officials from the Greek governnt. They were descendants of an ancient lineage that had supported the Sanctuary for generations. As a token of goodwill, Maierin had granted each of them a Blessing of the Earth, completing his final task before departure.
"Shion, the Sanctuary is in your hands."
"Please rest assured, my lord."
As Maierin and Kanon departed, Shion and the others watched them go with burning determination. Though Maierin had only recently awakened, his presence had already reignited their spirits. They knew that when he returned, the Sanctuary's strength would reach new heights. To live up to his trust, they too needed to push themselves harder.
"Aiolos, Saga, Aiolia."
"Your Holiness."
"In two days, an instructor from Kamar-Taj will arrive at the Sanctuary. Saga, you will oversee the welco. Aiolos, train the candidates and identify potential new Saints. Aiolia, accompany Alex across the ocean to Arica."
"As you command."
Among them, Aiolia was the most excited. Young and eager, he longed to see the world beyond the Sanctuary. Aiolos and Saga, on the other hand, exchanged glances of slight envy.
"Heh… No need to be jealous," Shion chuckled. "Right now, the Sanctuary has only three Saints. We need you here. Once more Saints return, and our forces strengthen, you'll have your chance to go out on missions too."
"Yes, Your Holiness."
Exploring the Outside World
anwhile, Maierin had not used teleportation or super-speed flight to reach his destination. Instead, he and Kanon were traveling on foot.
For Kanon, this was his first experience in the outside world, and he couldn't stop marveling at everything he saw.
"My lord! That iron box is moving by itself!"
"My lord! There are people inside the iron box!"
"My lord! What is that giant tal bird?!"
"My lord, why is everyone staring at us?"
…
Maierin sighed inwardly. Of course, they're looking at you. You've been overreacting to everything since we left!
Besides…
He glanced down at their attire, then at Kanon's massive black case. No wonder people are staring.
Yet, seeing the modern world filled him with nostalgia.
Back in the mythological era, there were no televisions, no smartphones, no internet—just endless training and… making babies. No wonder ancient people went to bed so early. Because there was nothing to do!
But first, they needed to change clothes. Otherwise, people might think they were mountain hermits—though technically, they were.
"Welco to… uh…" The store owner hesitated mid-greeting upon seeing their outfits.
Maierin coughed awkwardly. "We need so new clothes—two casual sets and two formal suits."
"Of course, please follow ."
Before long, Maierin and Kanon erged, transford.
Maierin now wore a wine-red suit, his polished shoes gleaming. His slightly unkempt black hair gave him a carefree yet refined look.
Kanon sported a dark green trench coat, his muscular fra stretching the fitted shirt beneath. His tied-back blue hair and cold expression made him an instant head-turner—won of all ages were openly staring.
"My lord… I feel like we're attracting even more attention," Kanon whispered.
"Get used to it, Kanon." Maierin patted his shoulder.
"…Yes, my lord."
Feeling the burning gazes around him, Kanon tried to maintain his serious expression but couldn't help feeling uneasy.
"Alright, let's go—toward a brand-new world."
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