Chapter 259: [256] : Tell me About your Journeys—Becoming a Saint
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"Just traveling?" Saori asked, a hint of skepticism in her voice.
"That's right," Mika confirmed.
"Then tell me about your journeys."
Mika hesitated, seeing the smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
He suspected she had an ulterior motive.
"Very well." Since she hadn't mentioned any—consequences for his deception, he decided to play along.
He began recounting his adventures, starting with his origins in Orario, then his time in the Demon Slayer and Hunter x Hunter worlds.
——
"A world where humans and Gods coexist… I see. So that's where you came from. That explains…her unusual presence," Saori murmured—her interest piqued not by the Demon Slayer or Hunter x Hunter worlds—but by Orario.
Indeed, for Gods with their immense Power to willingly seal it away and live among humans was an extraordinary concept.
Any God—upon hearing of such a world, would be intrigued.
"Such are the differences between worlds," Mika replied calmly.
Their conversation hadn't been a monologue; Saori had been questioning him throughout. Therefore, although he had only briefly described three worlds, a considerable amount of time had passed.
As dusk began to settle, she finally stopped her inquiries and offered her assessment.
"So, upon arriving in a new world, you join a local organization and learn their unique abilities? That explains why you call yourself a traveler."
"So, you believe me?"
"Indeed, I do. While fabricating stories about other worlds is easy, the details—they're harder to fake. My questions were designed to confirm the existence of those worlds, and your answers…they were truthful."
Mika breathed a sigh of relief. He could tell from her words that she didn't intend to harm him.
"Don't worry, I have no intention of—detaining you," she said with a gentle smile, sensing his relief.
"While your circumstances are unusual, I have no interest in interfering in the affairs of other worlds, nor do I wish to make enemies of their Gods. Besides, from your stories, you don't seem to be the type who would cause wanton destruction. Therefore, there's no reason for me to…intervene."
Indeed, unlike the Gods of Orario, who, bored with their own world, sought amusement in the unknown, Athena in this world hadn't even fully consolidated her own Power.
She still had many enemies and objectives to fulfill before she could consider meddling in the affairs of other worlds.
Besides, just as she could easily sense his otherworldly nature, she suspected her own divine presence would be equally difficult to conceal in another world.
Therefore, it was best to maintain amicable relationships with otherworldly Gods.
She would adapt as needed.
As for whether she was missing out on the opportunity to travel to other worlds…she wasn't concerned.
After all, the one who could travel was right before her.
"You're currently a Saint-in-training, aren't you? Just as you said, you always integrate yourself into the local—system."
"That's right," Mika confirmed.
"I'm a Saint-in-training. I recently returned from Sanctuary with Seiya. However, I don't have a Cloth yet, so I'm not a true Saint." Seeing that she posed no threat, he decided to be truthful. This was his chance to join Athena's forces.
"The lack of a Cloth is inconsequential. You've already awakened your Cosmo; that's enough to qualify you as a Saint. Acquiring a Cloth is merely a matter of time."
While Cloths were important, the Saint themselves, empowered by their Cosmo, were what truly mattered. After all, rarely were all eighty-eight Saints present.
The ranks of the Bronze and Silver Saints often had vacancies. It was the twelve Gold Saints who were essential for every Holy War. They would always gather before a Holy War to prepare.
Therefore, having awakened his Cosmo, Mika was already considered a Saint. Acquiring a Cloth was just a formality.
"So…"
"So…?" Mika looked at her, puzzled.
"So... would you be willing to become my Saint, to continue your journey in this world as my warrior?"
Mika looked at her, surprised by her offer, seeing the expectation in her eyes, and the slight smile playing on her lips.
"I accept," he said, without hesitation.
"Then, until we return to Sanctuary, you will serve as my attendant," she declared.
——
Leaving her presence, Mika looked up at the stars, stunned. He hadn't expected their conversation to end like this.
He had joined Athena's forces without even trying.
"What a twist of fate—" He had been prepared to flee at a moment's notice. Now, he was a Saint, serving Athena.
"But—this is a good outcome." Mika smiled. He now had a Powerful patron in this world.
With Athena aware of his true identity, he could likely acquire a Gold Cloth and master their associated techniques upon returning to Sanctuary. And those would significantly enhance his Power.
——
After their conversation, Mika didn't return to his villa but stayed at the Graad Foundation's guest house. He doubted he would be returning to his previous residence.
As Athena's Saint, he now had responsibilities, namely, protecting her as her attendant. However, this aligned with his long-term goals.
He remembered that, before Saga, the false Pope, sent assassins after her, Saori's safety wasn't a concern.
Until then, he could focus on integrating his other Powers with his Cosmo, erasing his otherworldly traces.
This would allow him to interact with the other Gods in this world without raising suspicion. He knew that before the Holy War against Hades, the Saints would face other divine beings as well.
"There are many battles ahead…" he mused, sitting in the room Tokumaru had provided. However, instead of fear, he felt a surge of excitement. He was an adventurer from Orario; battle was in his blood.
He craved the thrill of combat, his excitement growing with the strength of his opponent.
This was the mindset he had developed in Orario. After all, for an adventurer, the path to strength was paved with battles, constantly challenging stronger opponents and surpassing one's limits.
"So, I'll finally be fighting Gods… I'm looking forward to it," he thought, a smile playing on his lips as he gazed at the stars outside his window.
——
The next day, he had intended to continue integrating his Powers with his Cosmo—but Tokumaru's summons interrupted his training.
"Miss Saori wishes for me to attend the Galaxian Wars?" he asked, following Tokumaru. His summons had pulled him from his meditation.
"Indeed. She's waiting for you."
"I see." Mika nodded, though he didn't understand her intentions. However, as her newly appointed Saint, he couldn't refuse her first request.
He was led to Saori's presence.
"Now that everyone's here, let's depart." Seeing him, she smiled and entered the waiting car, Mika joining her in the back seat at her request.
"Mika, have you seen the Galaxian Wars organized by the Graad Foundation?" she asked casually as they drove towards the arena.
"Not yet. I've been focused on my Cosmo training," he replied truthfully.
"Then you should enjoy the spectacle. After all, you won't have much free time soon." She knew that until he completed the integration of his Powers, he couldn't afford to be seen using his other abilities.
"I understand."
She nodded, just as they reached the arena, a magnificent structure visible even from a distance.
"Long ago, my grandfather—a fan of martial arts, learned about the Saints and dreamed of holding a tournament like this."
"Therefore, he adopted one hundred orphans from various orphanages and sent them to train all over the world."
"In the end, only ten of them became true Saints."
"Unfortunately, he didn't live to see it."
"So, to fulfill his wish, I organized the Galaxian Wars. And I intend to continue it."
Mika understood her reasoning. As the reincarnation of Athena, she should, by all rights, stop the Galaxian Wars.
After all, Saints were forbidden from using their Powers for personal gain, especially in such a public spectacle. However, as Saori Kido—she felt obligated to honor her grandfather's legacy.
Mitsumasa Kido hadn't trained the Saints solely for his own amusement. He had been entrusted with the care of the reincarnated Athena, knowing she had Powerful enemies in Sanctuary.
Therefore, he had trained the Saints to protect her, to ensure her safe return to Sanctuary. He had even left her his entire fortune. Saori, grateful for his sacrifice, couldn't refuse his final wish.
——
They arrived at the arena, and under the watchful eyes of the crowd, they entered, escorted by Tokumaru.
Saori had a private viewing box, the only one in the entire arena. Even the most important dignitaries had to sit with the general audience.
As they entered the box, Mika saw the Sagittarius Gold Cloth on display.
It was the prize for the tournament's victor.
If not for his unusual circumstances, he would have loved to participate.
After all, with his enhanced Cosmo—and his other abilities, he was confident he could defeat the five main Bronze Saints and claim the Cloth.
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