The next day, Shion awaited the arrival of the Ancient One in the Pope's Hall, while Saga and Kanon, the newly recognized Saint of the Dark Constellation, went down the mountain to receive their guests.
Even though Kamar-Taj possessed the convenience of teleportation portals, in the Sanctuary, all visitors were required to ascend the mountain on foot to pay their respects. This was a rule, a demonstration of reverence for the Sanctuary, and a tribute to the supre status of the gods' temple.
"Greetings, Ancient One. I am Saga, the Gemini Gold Saint."
"I am Kanon, the Dark Constellation Silver Saint. Welco to the Sanctuary."
Originally, Kanon was reluctant to participate in this task, but Mairin had promised him an outside mission in return. Having lived in the Sanctuary for over a decade without ever stepping out, Kanon was thrilled at the prospect. Though he valued the Sanctuary, he longed to explore the vast world beyond.
Mairin's decision to have Saga and Kanon receive the Ancient One was deliberate. First, it served as a display of strength, signaling to the Ancient One that despite its current decline, the Sanctuary remained powerful. After all, partnerships required equality.
Second, it was a ans to test the Ancient One and her disciples. Mairin had a fair understanding of Kamar-Taj's principles, and he was certain that the Ancient One would not co alone for an official visit. If his guess was correct, Mordo—the rigid and uncompromising student—would be among them.
Kanon, who had received the Dark Constellation Cloth, constantly radiated an aura of darkness. Mairin predicted that Mordo would not be able to resist reacting to it, and he intended to observe the Ancient One's stance in such a scenario.
As expected, the mont Kanon introduced himself, the young black man behind the Ancient One took an aggressive stance.
"Dark power!"
Mordo attacked imdiately, and the other sorcerers instinctively brandished their weapons in response.
"Stand down!" the Ancient One swiftly commanded, turning to Saga and Kanon with an apologetic expression. "My sincerest apologies, noble Saints. My disciple was too impulsive."
"Master! The Sanctuary harbors dark forces! They have already fallen! Why—"
Before Mordo could finish, he fell silent. He had just witnessed sothing terrifying—his master's Shield of the Seraphim had shattered. Kanon stood before him, his fist raised and poised to strike.
"Mordo, apologize to them."
"But, Master—"
"Apologize!"
The sharpness in the Ancient One's voice stunned Mordo. In his mory, she had never been so angry before. Though he did not fully understand, he obeyed.
"I'm sorry, noble Saints."
"Hmph. There will be no next ti," Kanon scoffed, lowering his fist.
"Ancient One, His Holiness awaits you. Please follow up the mountain and control your students—they must not act recklessly again," Saga said firmly. Normally, he was not this harsh, but Mordo had insulted their faith. Even the most even-tempered would not tolerate such an affront.
"There will be no issue."
Saga and Kanon turned and led the Ancient One's group up the mountain. Throughout the journey, no words were exchanged. The Saints did not even concern themselves with whether their guests could keep pace.
Only upon reaching the Pope's Hall did they stop.
"Your Holiness, the guests have arrived," Saga announced.
"You've done well, Saga, Kanon." Shion gestured for them to rise before turning to the Ancient One. "Ancient One, it has been a long ti."
"Indeed, Your Holiness. Our last eting was after the previous Holy War, at your coronation." The Ancient One bowed slightly.
"Let us not waste ti. Co with to et His Excellency."
"Much appreciated."
Without further delay, Shion led the Ancient One and her entourage to the highest and most sacred temple.
At first glance, the Ancient One saw only the back of a figure—Mairin. Yet, in that mont, it felt as though she beheld mountains, oceans, and the vast cosmos itself. Though his power was not overwhelming, his presence alone was enough to make her heart race.
"Indeed! A true god!" the Ancient One affird in her mind.
"Greetings, Your Excellency!" Shion, along with Saga, Kanon, Aiakos, Aiolos, and Aiolia, knelt on one knee.
"Greetings, Your Excellency," the Ancient One and her sorcerers bowed respectfully.
"Welco, sorcerers of Kamar-Taj," Mairin said, turning to face them.
At last, the Ancient One and her disciples saw his face. Or did they?
His visage was ever-shifting—at tis clear, at tis blurred, sotis appearing as a single person, sotis as many. To so, he seed to embody the very concept of humanity itself.
"Thank you for granting us an audience, Father of the Earth. Upon sensing Your awakening from a long slumber, I ca to pay my respects. My poor guidance led to so misunderstandings earlier—I ask for Your forgiveness."
Though the Ancient One could tell Mairin was still weakened, she dared not show disrespect. A god who had survived since mythological tis was bound to have unknown trump cards. Moreover, Saints like Shion, Aiakos, Saga, and Kanon exuded imnse power.
While the Ancient One was confident that ordinary Gold Saints, who had only attained the Seventh Sense, were no match for her, Mairin's hidden strengths remained a mystery. Besides, a direct confrontation would harm both sides when they were supposed to be allies protecting Earth.
"It is of no concern. It is a ntor's duty to forgive a child's mistakes—but also to guide them. A misunderstanding left unaddressed can fester into obsession and resentnt."
"Your wisdom humbles ," the Ancient One responded with a lowered head.
Mairin then turned to Mordo.
"Child."
"G-Grand Excellency…" Mordo stamred, his legs trembling. From Kanon's earlier intimidation, to Saga's stern warning, and now standing before Mairin—Mordo finally realized how insignificant he was.
Though Mairin had assured him there was no punishnt, fear still gripped him.
"Haha, do I appear that terrifying?" Mairin chuckled warmly.
His gentle deanor and grandfatherly tone seed to carry an invisible force, instantly calming Mordo's fears.
"My deepest apologies, Excellency. I should not have—"
"I said it is of no concern. You are young and have the freedom to make mistakes. What matters is that you learn from them and avoid straying down the wrong path."
"Thank You for Your wisdom!"
Seeing that Mordo had genuinely taken his words to heart, Mairin nodded in approval.
"Shion, arrange accommodations for our guests. They will be staying in the Sanctuary for a few days."
"Understood. This way, honored guests."
"Thank you, Your Holiness."
Shion led the Ancient One's group away. The temple was not the place for discussions; it was the domain of Mairin and Athena—no mortal could enter without summons. Besides, any negotiations between the Sanctuary and the Ancient One would take place between equals—Shion, as Pope, was the appropriate counterpart.
"Kanon."
"My Lord, do I finally have a mission?" Kanon asked eagerly.
"Yes, I need you to go to—" Mairin paused, realizing he had no idea how ancient sealed sites corresponded to modern maps.
"Where am I going, my Lord?"
"Hold on. Aiakos, do we have an updated world map in the Sanctuary?"
"Uh… Yes, we do…" Aiakos hesitated, realizing he had overlooked sothing crucial—the world had changed, but Mairin had just awakened.
"Fetch the most detailed map you can find."
"Right away!"
A mont later, Aiakos returned with a large parchnt map. Mairin studied it, recalling the locations of his ancient seals.
"Here—southern Spain. If that forest still exists, search for it using your Cosmos. Several divine artifacts are sealed there—bring them back."
"Understood!" Kanon replied excitedly before dashing off—only to return monts later.
"What is it?" Mairin asked, puzzled.
"Well… My Lord… I've lived in the Sanctuary since I was three… I've never left before…"
"…"
The room fell into an awkward silence.
Not only had Kanon never left, but he also had no money—sothing essential in the outside world.
Mairin sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Shion, et at once. The Sanctuary must adapt to this changing world…"
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