Chapter 38: Defteros Appears!

Within the Sanctuary, Pope Sage publicly commended Sagittarius Sisyphus, along with Tonghu, Regulus, and Alex. Here, Alex also met the other Gold Saints: Gemini Aspros, Taurus Hasgard, Capricorn Elcid, Cancer Manigoldo, Pisces Albafica, Virgo Asmita, Scorpio Cardia, and Aquarius Degel. Except for Shion, who was away, all twelve Gold Saints stood before Alex, an unexpected sight.

For Alex, who hailed from a later era, it felt much like meeting celebrities, especially since the cosmos of these Saints was generally at a level above the Seventh Sense, far superior to the era of Seiya. It was hard to imagine, with such strength in the Sanctuary, what devastating battle could have caused all these warriors to perish.

Alex received special praise from Pope Sage—a medal of honor pinned upon him, filling him with an unparalleled sense of glory. His status as the Altar Saint was also recognized by the others, who now regarded him with friendly eyes, as though he were a well-liked junior among them.

At that moment, Pope Sage looked at Tonghu and Alex before him, his heart stirring, and he rose to speak. “The day of the Holy War draws ever closer, and among the twelve Gold Cloths, one remains without a bearer.”

In the Sanctuary, aside from the Aries Gold Cloth, sealed in Mu’s continent and awaiting Shion’s release, only the Libra Gold Cloth remained unclaimed. The Gold Saints exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what the Pope intended.

“This Cloth is somewhat special,” Sage explained. “Since the previous Libra Gold Saint, it has remained damaged, and even I cannot awaken its core.”

Sage, along with Elder Baili, also held the position of Clan Chief of the Jamir, and in their era, a number of top alchemists existed. Yet even with their skills, they could not repair the Libra Cloth’s core.

Sage felt helpless as Pope, but if he did not bestow the Cloth soon, the Sanctuary could lack a vital link in the coming Holy War. “Therefore, I intend to restart the selection for the Libra Gold Saint…”

As Sage finished, the Gold Saints whispered amongst themselves until Elder Baili called for silence, restoring order.

“As for the candidates, I have decided that Tonghu and Alex will compete fairly.”

With this, the once quiet hall erupted into noise again. All eyes turned to Alex, leaving him momentarily at a loss.

He hurriedly spoke, “Your Holiness, I am content as the Altar Saint. I willingly withdraw from this selection.”

Alex had always felt like a bystander in this era, believing he could eventually return to his own timeline.

Yet Sage declared, “My decision is made. In three days, you two will duel publicly, and all Saints of the Sanctuary will attend.”

Sage’s intent was clear—there was no room for objection. Unlike Alex’s reserve, Tonghu was passionate about battle.

“As a true man, show your courage and fight bravely. Only then will you honor the Pope’s trust,” Tonghu urged. “Don’t let hesitation make others doubt you—go for it!”

Tonghu’s earnest eyes, though somewhat naive, and the encouragement from the other Gold Saints stirred Alex, who nodded in agreement.

…

After leaving the Pope’s palace, Alex did not return to rest but strolled through the Sanctuary of this era. No matter how long he gazed, he found its beauty unique. Even the flowers blooming in the corners were enchanting, as if the place had a magical filter.

Yet every beautiful scene has its sickeningly dark side, especially in this medieval-like Sanctuary, where the lowest depths were often wretched.

“Beat this cursed star to death!”

A group of soldiers were attacking a fellow in their uniform, who lay on the ground. His knee-length blue hair and dark skin were bruised all over, yet he showed no sign of pleading.

“Stop!” Alex’s shout made them halt immediately. Seeing his silver Cloth, the leader knelt at once.

“Why are you beating him?” Alex looked at the battered soldier, whose wounds suggested he suffered such abuse often.

The aura of authority made the soldiers tremble. The leader, mustering courage, replied, “Sir, he is a cursed star—not only a twin, but look at his appearance, he’s like a demon!”

“A twin?”

In the medieval era, it was believed that when a mother bore twins, one was a cursed star, and one child would be killed immediately, leaving only the other. Those who survived were shunned, pelted with stones, and cursed.

As a modern man, Alex found such customs incomprehensible, but this was grim reality. Before him lay such a cursed star, whose fierce appearance, even now, revealed a vampiric fang as he gritted his teeth, making him repulsive to others.

Yet Alex showed no disgust; instead, he helped the soldier up.

He addressed the others, “I am Alex of the Altar Cloth. The tale of twins is pure nonsense. If I see you bullying him again, you’d better hope your bodies are sturdy enough!”

Hearing he was the Altar Saint, the soldiers panicked and fled.

“Are you alright?” Alex helped him up, his hand radiating a unique cosmos that quickly healed the soldier’s wounds. This was Alex’s alternative use of the sacred flame—when fused in his palm, it possessed healing power.

“I… I’m fine!” The soldier opened his eyes, revealing clear blue irises, bright as glass marbles from later times.

In no time, his wounds were healed. He stood, earnestly saying, “Thank you, Lord Alex.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Such injustice is common in the Sanctuary. If you wish to leave, I could help you return home.”

Alex suddenly remembered his own desire to escape the Sanctuary once, and his sympathy overflowed.

“No! I won’t leave. My brother is here.”

Alex laughed—so his brother was also training in the Sanctuary.

“Who is your brother? Where is he now?” Alex asked.

“My brother is in the Gemini Temple. His name is Aspros!”

Hearing the name, Alex stared in astonishment. “What is your name?”

“I am Defteros!”

I—

The alternate Gold Saint of Gemini!

For reasons unknown, Alex’s thoughts returned to the Gemini curse, still very much alive in this era…