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 supreme status of the gods' temple.
"Greetings, Ancient One. I am Saga, the Gemini Gold Saint."
"I am Kanon, the Dark Constellation Silver Saint. Welcome 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 means 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 come 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 moment Kanon introduced himself, the young black man behind the Ancient One took an aggressive stance.
"Dark power!"
Mordo attacked immediately, 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 something 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 memory, 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 time," Kanon scoffed, lowering his fist.
"Ancient One, His Holiness awaits you. Please follow me 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 time."
"Indeed, Your Holiness. Our last meeting was after the previous Holy War, at your coronation." The Ancient One bowed slightly.
"Let us not waste time. Come with me to meet 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 moment, 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 affirmed 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.
"Welcome, 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 times clear, at times blurred, sometimes appearing as a single person, sometimes as many. To some, he seemed 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 came to pay my respects. My poor guidance led to some 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 times was bound to have unknown trump cards. Moreover, Saints like Shion, Aiakos, Saga, and Kanon exuded immense 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 mentor's duty to forgive a child's mistakes—but also to guide them. A misunderstanding left unaddressed can fester into obsession and resentment."
"Your wisdom humbles me," the Ancient One responded with a lowered head.
Mairin then turned to Mordo.
"Child."
"G-Grand Excellency…" Mordo stammered, 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 punishment, fear still gripped him.
"Haha, do I appear that terrifying?" Mairin chuckled warmly.
His gentle demeanor and grandfatherly tone seemed 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 something crucial—the world had changed, but Mairin had just awakened.
"Fetch the most detailed map you can find."
"Right away!"
A moment later, Aiakos returned with a large parchment 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 moments 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—something essential in the outside world.
Mairin sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Shion, meet me at once. The Sanctuary must adapt to this changing world…"