Maierin and his two companions left the Eastern Continent, setting off across the sea. Meanwhile, in the Sanctuary, Steve, Peggy, and Howard had also reached their scheduled time of departure.
"Steve, I'll come to visit you when I get the chance," Garon said, patting Steve's shoulder.
"No problem, I'll make sure to host you properly," Steve replied with a smile.
"I just hope that by the time we visit you, you and Ms. Peggy will already be married," Milo teased.
Peggy had been serving as a teacher in the Sanctuary and had earned the high respect of all the students. Even Garon, who initially disliked her for offending Maierin, was won over by her.
As for Steve, he was the only adult Saint, and his relentless training, fearless spirit, and willingness to help others had transformed his reputation from being a public enemy of the Sanctuary to a beloved big brother figure.
"This…," Steve turned away, blushing.
"This what?! Let me tell you, Steve! If I ever hear that you've mistreated Ms. Peggy, I'll be the first to come after you!"
"I hope you can endure Absolute Zero."
"Holy Sword… Blade Draw…"
Steve was startled—Dis, Milo, Shura, Camus, and Aphrodite might not have fully earned the recognition of their Cloths yet, but they had already been selected as the next Gold Saints. Being surrounded by an entire group of future Gold Saints as a mere Bronze Saint—was this really necessary?
"Haha, don't worry, kids, I'll keep an eye on Steve. I'll start preparing the ring for him as soon as we get back," Howard joked.
"You? Howard, how's your kidney holding up?" Aiolia asked with a smirk.
"My… You… My kidney is just fine! None of your business!" Howard nearly choked on his words.
"Oh really? I was on night patrol yesterday. Didn't you sneak down the mountain again?" Aiolia asked.
"Pfft—can we not talk about this? We're still friends!" Howard's face turned red.
At first, Howard had been fascinated by the Cosmos, the Cloths, the sacred relics, and the ancient texts preserved in the Sanctuary. This new world had been irresistible to him. However, no matter how enthralled he was, he was still the same playboy. So, after about two weeks, he couldn't resist sneaking down the mountain again—and quite frequently, at that. Sometimes, he even returned with shaky legs and dark circles under his eyes.
Although Aiolia and some of the others were still young, Dis and the others were well aware of what Howard was up to. As a result, Howard often became the target of their jokes.
"You're hopeless."
"You should just settle down already."
"Wait, isn't Howard a man? Shouldn't he be the one getting married?"
"Heh, with how he is, he's definitely the one being managed."
"Oh~ so that's how it is."
…
"I'll remember this! Just wait until you come to my turf—I'll deal with you then!" Howard fumed, pointing at the mischievous Saints before storming off.
Steve and Peggy exchanged wry smiles, feeling sorry for Howard. Of all the people in the Sanctuary, he just had to mess with the most mischievous bunch—he really brought this upon himself.
"Steve, Miss Carter, are you leaving?"
"Your Holiness!"
Shion had arrived, surprising everyone. Garon and the others quickly knelt in greeting, while even Steve and Peggy hadn't expected the Pope himself to see them off.
"Yes, Your Holiness. Thank you for hosting us. This past month has been an invaluable experience," Steve said.
"Think nothing of it. It was your destiny to be here. Just remember, the Sanctuary will always welcome you back," Shion replied.
"In that case, we bid you farewell."
"Farewell, Your Holiness."
"Safe travels."
After seeing Steve and Peggy off, Shion did not immediately return to the Pope's chambers. Instead, he remained in place, as if waiting for someone.
"Your Holiness, are you expecting someone?" Aiolos asked.
"Yes. Lord Maierin has sent word—those who were once part of the Sanctuary but had been scattered to the outside world, my people, are about to return," Shion replied.
"Your people? The Jamir Clan!" Aiolos and Saga immediately realized what he meant—after all, the Jamir Clan was legendary.
"Brother, who are the Jamir Clan?" the younger Saints asked in confusion.
"The Saint Cloth Repairers—His Holiness himself hails from the Jamir Clan."
"What!?" Everyone was stunned. But in the next moment, a massive surge of Cosmos energy descended upon the Sanctuary. As a radiant light shone down, thousands of people suddenly appeared in the grand plaza.
"Greetings, Grand Elder!" Shion stepped forward with great excitement to welcome the elder leading the group.
"It has been a long time, Shion. You are the Pope now—you don't need to bow to me," the elder, Molkaba, said as he helped Shion up.
"You more than deserve my respect, Grand Elder. Without your teachings, I wouldn't be where I am today."
"Haha, enough of that. Come, let's get the people settled."
"Yes, Grand Elder."
"By the way, Shion, this is Mu—a very talented child. Lord Maierin has ordered you to take him as your disciple," Molkaba said, introducing a young boy.
"Oh? If it is Lord Maierin's will, then I shall gladly comply. Mu, from now on, you are my student," Shion declared, thoroughly satisfied with Mu's demeanor.
"Teacher." Mu stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Good child. I will teach you well. The Aries Gold Cloth will one day be yours."
"I will do my best."
Shion was pleased with Mu's humility—many other candidates would have jumped for joy at hearing such a promise.
"Grand Elder, please follow me. Aiolos and Saga will see to the others," Shion said.
"A new generation of Gold Saints, huh? They are quite promising," Molkaba observed, his gaze sweeping over them with approval—except when he looked at Saga. He frowned.
"Child," he said.
"Sir," Saga responded respectfully.
"There is still a shadow within your heart."
Saga's expression changed dramatically. With just one glance, Molkaba had pinpointed his greatest weakness—his greatest hidden danger.
"You… Who are you really?"
"Me? I am Molkaba, the third-generation Aries Gold Saint. My grandfather was the first Aries Saint. Though I am not a Gemini Saint, your problem is plain as day to me."
"What!? A third-generation Gold Saint!"
"Someone from the Age of Myth!"
"Wouldn't that make him hundreds of thousands of years old?! Can someone really live that long?"
…
The revelation sent a wave of shock through the crowd.
"Silence!" Shion's command restored order.
"Grand Elder, this is not the place to discuss such matters. Please, follow me."
"Very well. But this child will stay with me for now. I cannot erase his darkness, but I can suppress it until Lord Maierin returns," Molkaba said, pointing at Saga.
"Thank you, sir!" Saga knelt with gratitude.
"With that settled, Garon, Aiolos, see to the settlement of the Jamir people. The rest of you—resume training! Your daily drills are not yet complete!"
Seeing Shion's stern expression, the Saints and candidates quickly dispersed.
"Grand Elder, please."
"Hmm."
…
Meanwhile, Steve, Peggy, and Howard had returned across the ocean, heading straight to the Strategic Science Reserve to meet Colonel Phillips.
Looking at their refreshed appearances, Phillips joked, "Looks like the Sanctuary really is a paradise—you're all looking healthier than ever."
"The Sanctuary truly is a wonderful place," Peggy admitted without hesitation.
"Alright, tell me what you've gained. Steve, that box you're carrying—that must be the so-called Saint Cloth, right?"
"Indeed, sir. Our trip was incredibly fruitful…"