Chapter 158 - 79: Aiolos’s Last Words, Athena Returns! (Part 2)

Chapter 158: Chapter 79: Aiolos’s Last Words, Athena Returns! (Part 2)

Alex gave a cold snort, his figure gradually retreating into the shadows of the Aquarius Temple. This was precisely the reason he was unwilling to become the Pope.

Once Saori Kido reclaimed her rightful place, the Pope would have to act like a mere servant or butler, waiting on the Goddess hand and foot every single day. This was something Alex absolutely could not accept.

He still had to conquer countless worlds within the Reincarnation Space and spread his own legendary name. He had no time to waste on a woman—not even a Goddess.

As she passed through each temple, the residing Gold Saint would drop to one knee to welcome her arrival. The warm Cosmo radiating from Saori Kido made every Gold Saint clearly realize that she was, without a doubt, the true reincarnation of Goddess Athena.

Saori Kido nodded slightly in acknowledgment but remained silent. As she quietly passed through the Twelve Temples, the Gold Saints silently fell into step behind her.

Upon arriving at the Sagittarius Temple, the golden arrow that had originally fallen at the foot of the sacred mountain suddenly shot out from nowhere, embedding itself deeply into the temple wall.

The stone relief on the wall crumbled away, revealing a line of golden text that glowed brightly in the darkness.

"To the youths who have arrived here, I entrust the Goddess to you!!"

This line of text was brilliantly bright. In the pitch-black, silent Sagittarius Temple, it radiated a gentle light that carried the aura of Aiolos’s Cosmo—an aura brimming with justice and unwavering resolve.

This was...! Were these the final words left behind by Aiolos all those years ago?

Everyone, including Saori Kido, fell into a profound silence...

Aiolia clenched his jaw and gripped his fists tightly, his eyes instantly turning red.

Saori Kido suddenly quickened her pace and walked out of the Sagittarius Temple. The moment she stepped outside, she stopped. Without turning her head, she spoke in a clear, cool voice.

"Return to the temples you guard. Having the Pope alone to accompany me is enough!"

"Yes, Goddess!"

The many Gold Saints did not continue to follow her. They silently returned to the temples they guarded, their gazes heavy with thought.

Passing through the Capricorn Temple, Saori’s Cosmo instantly healed the heavily injured Shiryu and Shura.

Finally arriving at the Aquarius Temple, Saori Kido paused slightly before the temple gates and said to Saga.

"I will go in alone. Wait for me here."

"Yes, Goddess!"

Saga released her hand and quietly stepped back, leaving Saori and Alex space to meet privately.

Saori Kido took a deep breath and stepped into the Aquarius Temple.

Inside, Alex stood tall in the center of the hall, clad in his Gold Cloth with a white cape draped over his shoulders.

He did not drop to one knee like the other Saints; instead, he merely gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

"Athena."

Saori Kido gazed deeply into Alex’s pitch-black eyes. After a moment, she suddenly broke into a bright smile. The smile carried the lively spirit of a young girl, completely shedding her previous solemnity.

"I have you to thank for being able to step into the Sanctuary alive this time, Alex."

Alex lowered his head slightly, his tone humble.

"I wouldn’t claim credit for that. I merely did what was within my duty."

"There is no need to be modest. Your strength and contributions are obvious to everyone."

Saori Kido nodded slightly, gracefully shifting the topic.

"Speaking of which, this is actually our first time meeting face-to-face, isn’t it?"

The corners of Alex’s mouth curled up slightly, carrying a hint of playful teasing.

"Back in the Pope’s Chamber, the Goddess did speak with me. Could it be you’ve forgotten?"

Saori Kido let out a soft laugh.

"I am not the Goddess Athena—or rather, not entirely. The Goddess’s memories and power are far too vast; my current body simply cannot endure them all at once. Therefore, you can just view me as Saori Kido."

Alex understood her meaning perfectly. Saori was subtly hinting that the previous unpleasantness between him and Athena was to be wiped from the slate entirely. This was also the exact agreement they had reached before the five Bronze Saints began their charge through the temples.

He didn’t deny it, simply saying lightly:

"Naturally. It will certainly take some time for the Goddess to fully reclaim her divine power."

"That is for the best."

Saori Kido smiled brightly. Without lingering any further, she stepped past him and headed toward the summit of the sacred mountain.

Saga followed closely behind her. As he walked past Alex, his eyes were filled with profound emotion. To speak to the Goddess’s reincarnation in such a casual manner... throughout the entire Sanctuary, Alex was likely the only one.

As Athena stepped into the Divine Temple, a massive pillar of golden light shot straight into the sky!

This was her declaration to the entire world, and even to the gods themselves: I, Athena, have returned!

_____

T/N:

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