They arrived at the underground space. It was simple—some of the walls were still made of packed earth—but it was vast, with many small tunnels branching off, clearly the result of long-term planning.
"Steve."
"Sir."
"It's useful and all, but the Saint Seiya's techniques aren't supposed to be like a digging machine, you know? Using them this way kinda makes us look bad," Maelin teased.
The tunnel walls were smooth and perfectly round—obviously not dug by hand—and still had traces of Steve's Cosmos. Maelin immediately figured out what had happened.
"Uhh… well…" Steve scratched his face awkwardly, shooting a sharp glare at Howard. It had been Howard's idea to use Saint techniques to dig the tunnels. Steve had initially refused—it was far too embarrassing. But Howard had kept coaxing him, promising all sorts of benefits, and eventually, thinking no one would find out, Steve reluctantly gave in.
And yet… Maelin caught it the moment he arrived. Steve felt like he'd lost face completely.
Knowing he was at fault, Howard quickly lowered his head, muttering under his breath, "You can't see me… you can't see me…"
But Maelin was only teasing them—he wasn't actually angry. Sure, Saint techniques were meant for defeating enemies, but as the saying goes, "Everything comes from life." Using them to help with life wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
In the empty underground space, someone had been waiting for them—a middle-aged man, not quite old but not young either.
"Mr. Maelin?"
"Nice to meet you, Colonel Phillips. I've heard a lot about you."
"I'm honored that someone like you would even know my name."
"You're hardly a nobody anymore. Steve wouldn't be where he is today without your help."
A bit of the usual polite flattery. Realistically, Maelin didn't need to flatter Colonel Phillips—he didn't even bother being this polite with the Ancient One when she visited Kamar-Taj.
But Phillips was a potential ally. And he'd always supported Steve. Steve was no longer just a superhero—he was a Saint. Maelin figured it was best to show some goodwill, for Steve's sake if nothing else.
Also, Maelin was being cautious. He remembered from his past life just how manipulative the Ancient One could be—she'd even manipulate herself to achieve her goals. Even if her motives were to protect the Earth, Maelin didn't trust her. He didn't want to get played by her.
"Well then, Mr. Maelin, shall we get to the point? Neither of us has time to waste, right?"
"Of course, Colonel. Ask whatever you like."
"I had questions before—but not anymore. You see, I'm a soldier. My priority is always national security. So when Steve and the others came back, I didn't trust you. But now that we've met, my concerns are gone."
"So confident?" Maelin smirked.
"Yes. I may not have many other talents, but I know how to fight and I know how to read people."
"Haha, kiddo—mentioning age in front of me? Not a good idea." Maelin joked.
"Er… sorry. You look so young, it's hard to match your appearance with your real age." Colonel Phillips looked a bit awkward. He'd genuinely forgotten.
Maelin looked barely thirty. Even the man standing behind him—Shion—looked older.
"Well, what can I do? My wife is Athena, after all. She never ages. If I don't stay strong and youthful, how could I take care of her?" Maelin said.
"You're not joking? The goddess Athena is your wife?" Phillips asked, face twitching with disbelief.
"Of course. Sanctuary was built by Athena and me, together." Maelin nodded, his face filled with nostalgia as if reliving the glory days.
"If anyone ever tells me Athena is a virgin goddess again, I swear I'll punch them." Phillips muttered under his breath.
"Haha, can't blame them. After I was sealed away, the remaining gods feared me so much they tried to erase all traces of me. Stories changed over time, and eventually, my girl ended up with the 'virgin' label." Maelin laughed.
"I'm curious—just how intense were the battles back then?" Phillips asked.
"Well, Colonel, that's something you'll just have to keep wondering about. The past should stay in the past. What we need to do is protect our future."
"You're right. So, can you tell me the plan for Sanctuary moving forward?" Phillips asked, palms open in a questioning gesture.
"We're focusing on recovery and reform. The new generation of Saints still needs time to grow. Unless it's something critical, we won't interfere in the mortal world's conflicts. You have your own systems—I trust you to handle them." Maelin replied.
"That's a relief to hear." Phillips smiled. Deep down, he was glad. The last thing he wanted was for Sanctuary to interfere—an ally with too much power was just as dangerous.
"But we won't stay hidden in Sanctuary forever. The kids are still young—schooling can be done here—but as they grow, they'll need to experience the outside world. They're young. They deserve to live their own lives." Maelin continued.
"I understand. About the Saints venturing out—if possible, please inform us in advance. We can prepare accordingly. After all, we're talking about young people who could level a city if they lost control. One slip-up could be a disaster for both sides."
"No problem. As long as things don't go too far, I believe in my kids. They'll know where to draw the line."
"Thank you. Now let's head back up—damn, it's damp down here. Stark, didn't you set up a welcome party? I plan to enjoy it." Phillips said, loosening up.
"Absolutely! I even invited some Hollywood stars. You'll love it. And kids—don't waste this opportunity," Howard teased.
"Howard! That's inappropriate! They're still children!" Steve scolded.
"C'mon, when I was their age—"
"That's why you turned out the way you did! Don't go corrupting my students!" Peggy snapped.
Aioria, Orpheus, Rubioni, and Aldebaran all blushed, eyes glued to the floor, counting imaginary ants. They were still kids—never mind talking to women, just a few teasing words had them turning red.
The calmest one was Shaka, Buddha reborn. As a monk who had already transcended worldly attachments, his expression hardly changed.
Of course, the happiest one was Asura.
"Hehehe, I like this kid. I'm not holding back tonight. I love celebrities. You brats can go play elsewhere—this is the grown-ups' playground." Asura laughed.
"Haha! A kindred spirit! What about you, old man? You've been single for ages—ever think about finding someone?" Howard teased.
"My life belongs to Lord Maelin and Lady Athena. As long as I remain Pope, I won't consider personal matters," Shion replied solemnly.
"Aw, don't be like that, old man! Overworking's bad for your health. Loosen up a little, come on…"
Joking and bantering, the group returned to the surface, where Howard began organizing the party.
Shion had originally planned to take the younger Saints away—this kind of party wasn't suitable for them—but Maelin told them to stay.
He agreed with Howard: Shion had worked hard for many years and needed to relax. Even at over 200 years old, Shion still looked like a handsome young man with striking silver hair—still quite the heartthrob.
As for the younger Saints, they had to stay too. Howard's party wouldn't just be about flirting—it would have food, games, and entertainment. They'd eventually be living in the human world; this was good experience.
Maelin also told them this party was a test. If they blushed from a mere tease, how would they handle real women? That kind of shyness could become a weakness. They needed to learn how to stay calm around attractive people—able to chat freely, but not get seduced. That was his "mission" for them.
Of course, he also just wanted to have a bit of fun teasing them.
They were still kids, after all—the oldest, Rubioni, was only 15, and the youngest, Aioria, just 10. But with training, they already looked mature and resolute. Orpheus's long blue hair and Shaka's golden locks made them strikingly handsome—sure to become the center of attention.
Maelin was looking forward to seeing the little guys flustered and surrounded by beauties. If only digital cameras and DV recorders existed already! He would've captured it all to amuse Athena when she reincarnated.
As for Maelin himself? He was no stranger to these parties. In his past life, he'd been a corporate executive who often traveled overseas—these events were nothing new.
But he had no intention of doing anything. His heart belonged to one girl only. No one could ever replace her. Not even for one night.