"Huh? Kanon? Why are you back again?" In just one day, Aiolia saw Kanon return once more, his expression filled with surprise. Had Kanon found the outside world too noisy and was now making excuses to return to the Sanctuary?
"Don't overthink it! This is an order from the master!" Having grown up together, Kanon knew exactly what Aiolia was thinking.
"An order from the master?" Aiolia's expression grew serious.
"Yes, the master ordered me to bring these children to the Sanctuary. They…"
After listening to Kanon's explanation, Aiolia's gaze softened as he looked at the children. It seemed he had unconsciously placed himself in the role of an older brother—completely forgetting that he himself was only seven years old.
"I'll report to His Holiness the Pope right away. Wait here for a moment."
A golden light flashed through the Twelve Temples, and soon Aiolia returned.
"What did His Holiness say?" Kanon asked.
"His Holiness has summoned Lady Matilda. He likely intends to entrust the children to her care. You can head back now—I'll take them to see Lady Matilda."
"I trust you to handle it well, hehe." Kanon chuckled.
"I just hope the next time I see you, it won't be tomorrow." Aiolia teased.
"Of course not!" Kanon retorted, slightly embarrassed.
"Kanon? You're back. Did the master have more instructions?"
"Brother!"
The newcomer was none other than Saga, dressed in a long, well-fitted suit that stretched over his muscular frame, with the Gemini Gold Cloth's case strapped to his back.
"Saga, did you complete your mission?" Aiolia asked.
"Yes, I've had initial discussions with the officials in Athens. Soon, they'll send people to repair and renovate the Sanctuary and the villages below." Saga replied.
"That's great! Otherwise, I was worried these little ones wouldn't be able to handle the harsh life here in the Sanctuary." Aiolia said with relief.
"And these children are…?"
"The master ordered me to bring them back. They—" Kanon proceeded to explain everything to Saga.
"I see. I'll coordinate further with those officials. These children might not stay in the Sanctuary permanently, and their education is an important issue." Saga mused.
"Alright, brother, no more talking. I have to go back. The master is still waiting for me."
"Go quickly then. As the master's bodyguard, you're already neglecting your duties."
"I know, I know… You're so naggy…"
Before Saga could start lecturing him, Kanon turned and dashed off.
"That guy…"
"Saga, you should know Kanon's personality by now." Aiolia shrugged.
"Yes. I'll go report to His Holiness now. You carry on."
"Understood."
Back with Myrinn, Kanon didn't take long to return.
"Master, everything has been entrusted to Aiolia. Also, my brother has returned to the Sanctuary and finalized the repair and reconstruction plans with the Athenian officials."
"Good. You've worked hard. Let's move on."
"Yes, master."
With matters in France temporarily settled, Myrinn continued his journey. The next destination—Spain, in the southwest. Many sacred artifacts were sealed there, including the Gemini and Dark Gemini masks, the Scarlet Needle of Scorpio, the Freezing Water of Aquarius, and several relics belonging to Silver Saints.
During their travels, Myrinn tested whether Erik had the potential to become a Saint. Unfortunately, fate had both blessed and denied him.
Mutants were indeed extraordinary. Their X-gene was essentially another form of the Sixth Sense, granting them unique abilities from birth. In a way, they started at heights most people could never reach.
But this advantage came with limitations. First, their abilities were singular—unlike normal warriors who could develop multiple supernatural skills through training, mutants were often restricted to one power. Those with multiple abilities were incredibly rare. Second, their power was uncontrollable at birth. Some, like Erik, possessed immense potential, while others had abilities so insignificant or uncontrollable that they became burdens instead of gifts.
Equivalent exchange. Every investment carries risk—two eternal truths that contradict yet coexist.
But it didn't matter whether Erik became a Saint or not. If he could develop his ability to its full potential, Saint techniques and Cloths would merely be an enhancement.
"Erik."
"Uncle."
"From now on, your training plan will change. You can stop meditating and learning Saint techniques. Use that time to read and refine your ability."
Erik remained silent for a long time before finally raising his head.
"Uncle, I still want to train with Kanon and Deathmask."
"Erik, everyone's path is different. Even Kanon and Deathmask train differently—Deathmask focuses on controlling souls and communicating with the Underworld, while Kanon strengthens his command over other dimensions. You, Erik, need to enhance your mastery of magnetism."
Neither Erik nor Sebastian Shaw realized that Erik's power wasn't merely metal manipulation—it was something far greater.
Magnetism.
If he fully developed his abilities, he could manipulate and alter magnetic fields at will. Magnetism was one of the four fundamental forces of the universe. If Erik reached the pinnacle of his power, he could wipe out the Earth, even the solar system, with just a flick of his finger.
"I don't want to use my power. Because of it, my mother died."
Myrinn had no words. He simply patted Erik's head in comfort.
A gift from the heavens could just as easily be a curse.
Like Erik and the other children, who had lost everything and become prey to persecution and experimentation.
"Erik, the past is behind you. Your power is part of you—it cannot be erased. You must learn to face it. I believe your mother wouldn't want you to live in hatred."
"Uncle, you never even met my mother! How could you know what she would want?"
"Sigh… Deathmask, I'll leave this to you." Myrinn sighed.
"No problem." Deathmask smirked.
"Uncle? Deathmask? What are you talking about?"
"Come, I'll take you to see your mother. Let's just hope she hasn't reincarnated yet." Deathmask placed a hand on Erik's shoulder.
"Really?! Can I see my mother again?!" Erik's voice trembled with excitement.
"If she hasn't reincarnated, then yes." Deathmask nodded.
The dead did not always pass on immediately. Many souls lingered in the mortal world, unwilling to leave their loved ones.
Now, they would see if Erik's mother was still waiting.
"Sekishiki Meikai Ha!"
A passage to the Underworld opened.
For Erik, it would be a journey unlike any other.
Erik saw his mother again.
Though her soul was weak and fading, she spoke her last words:
"Erik… my son… live well… live happily…"
Tears streamed down Erik's face.
"I will, Mom! I promise! I'll live happily!"
With that, her soul finally passed into the afterlife.
Myrinn smiled gently.
"That's a promise, Erik."