4: Chapter 2: Make Me the Pope?
So He Knew Everything!
(Part 2) 4: Chapter 2: Make Me the Pope?
So He Knew Everything!
(Part 2) Alex paused his steps, a faint smile playing on his lips.
“Heh, when has that man ever been normal?
Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.” Arriving before the grand doors of the Pope’s chambers, Alex announced himself.
“Your Holiness, Alex of Aquarius requests an audience.” “Enter,” a mild voice echoed from within.
The two Silver Saints guarding the entrance stepped aside.
Alex walked into the cavernous hall, the flickering torchlight casting long, dancing shadows of the man seated upon the throne.
“You’re here.” Wearing his golden helm and flowing white vestments, Shion slowly stood.
He approached Alex and removed his mask, revealing a pair of deep, violet-red eyes.
More than two centuries had passed since the last Holy War; Shion, once renowned as the most beautiful of Popes, was now incredibly ancient, his striking face lined with deep wrinkles.
His eyebrows were distinctive—two ink-like dots.
It was the hallmark of the Jamirian race!
The Jamirians were a powerful lineage within the Sanctuary, blessed with long lifespans and the unique art of Cloth restoration.
Both Mu and Shion hailed from this enigmatic clan.
“Come with me.
It is time I shared a few things with you.” Moving with a slow, measured gait, Shion led Alex up to Star Hill, the secluded observatory perched above the Pope’s chambers.
This was where the Pope read the constellations and communed with the divine.
Before Athena’s reincarnation matured enough to wield her full divine power, the Pope received the will of the gods here.
Looking down at the brightly lit Sanctuary from the summit of Star Hill, Shion let out a long, heavy sigh.
“Alex, I am old.
I do not expect to survive this coming Holy War.
When the time comes, I want to leave the Sanctuary in your hands…” Alex hastily declined.
Was he joking?
He was desperately trying to put distance between himself and Athena, and Shion wanted to make him the man closest to the Goddess?
“Your Holiness, I lack the temperament and wisdom.
I truly don’t believe I’m suited to be the next Pope.
In my opinion, Mu would be an excellent choice,” Alex offered smoothly.
“Mu and I are close.
You have my word that I will assist him in managing the Sanctuary.” Shion turned back, his violet eyes gleaming like stars.
“Mu possesses formidable strength, but his heart is too soft.
He cannot rule the Sanctuary.” “Saori Kido has turned fourteen.
The Holy War is upon us once again, and I no longer have the luxury of waiting for Mu to harden his heart.
I have watched you all these years.
You are the only one capable of taking up the mantle of Pope.” Alex’s heart skipped a beat.
‘So, Shion knew everything all along.
That meant over a decade ago, when Aiolos fled the Sanctuary with the infant Athena…’ As if reading his mind, Shion gave a solemn nod.
“Yes.
Aiolos taking Athena away from the Sanctuary was by my design…
or rather, it was the will of Athena herself.” “However, Aiolos’s death was never my intention…” ‘If it wasn’t your intention,’ Alex thought grimly, ‘then it was Athena’s.
Aiolos had to die just so the Sagittarius Gold Cloth would be left vacant as a backup for the Pegasus Saint.’ Alex scoffed internally.
‘Oh, Athena.
You really only care about your precious five Bronze Saints, don’t you?
Are we Gold Saints just fated to be cannon fodder?’ In that moment, Alex’s resolve crystallized.
He would enter the Reincarnation Space to forge his own path.
Despite his repeated refusals, Shion remained adamant, forcing Alex to finally say he would “think it over” just to excuse himself.
He hurried back to his Aquarius Temple and immediately erected a defensive domain, sealing the space around him.
Following his conversation with Shion, any lingering hesitation had vanished.
He refused to burn his life away for a so-called god.
There was only one path left.
Alex locked his gaze onto the golden prompt still hovering in his vision and spoke in his mind.
[YES!] In the very next second, the world dissolved into a swirling vortex of blinding light…