~ Support & Read 11 Advanced Chapters on my Patreon
<><><><>
"I'm back."
Mika's voice echoed through the Pope's chambers as he materialized—his earlier weariness gone, replaced by a quiet confidence.
"Mika! Yahweh! You've returned!" Athena, who had been anxiously awaiting their arrival, rushed forward, her voice filled with relief.
"Your senses are as sharp as ever, Athena," Mika chuckled, turning to greet her.
"My power has been steadily returning. I can sense everything within these walls. Two powerful auras appearing in Pope's chambers—I would have to be a fool not to notice,"
Athena smiled, then her gaze shifted to Yahweh, her expression turning serious.
"I sensed a change in you earlier. I thought it was my imagination, but now, seeing you in person...it's true. Your power has grown so much in such a short time. One might think you've spent millennia in another world. Did you have a fortuitous encounter"
Athena—the Goddess of Wisdom, her insight unparalleled, had noticed the subtle shift in Yahweh's aura, a transformation that spoke volumes about her recent experiences.
She almost suspected Mika had deliberately kept her from joining them, hoping to monopolize some unforeseen boon.
But she quickly dismissed the thought. She trusted Mika. He wouldn't do such a thing—
—Besides, she had her own sources of information.
Before Mika's ascension to Godhood, she could easily perceive his true age, a detail he had always kept hidden, even from her—and by comparing his current age to his age before his departure, she had deduced the true length of his journey.
Therefore, Yahweh's rapid growth could only be attributed to some fortuitous encounter.
Mika and Yahweh, seeing her curious gaze, exchanged knowing smiles and recounted their adventures.
———
"So, that's what happened..." Athena murmured, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and envy.
A world where another, stronger version of herself had once existed, leaving behind a legacy of immense power...it was a dream she hadn't dared to imagine.
Even for a Goddess, This is opportunity was unprecedented.
"Why couldn't I have encountered such a world?" Athena sighed, her earlier composure faltering.
Yahweh's good fortune had clearly struck a nerve. Athena herself had spent millennia striving to reach Yahweh's current level of power.
"Don't despair. As long as our journey continues, we'll all continue to grow stronger. For beings like us, with our immortal lifespans, a single lifetime's worth of progress is insignificant in the grand scheme of things," Mika reassured her.
"Insignificant? This harvest is beyond comprehension..." Athena muttered, though she understood his meaning.
Athena quickly regained her composure—
"Don't worry, Mika. I'm fine. It was just a momentary lapse. As the Goddess of Wisdom, I won't allow my emotions to cloud my judgment." She exchanged a nod with Yahweh, their earlier rivalry forgotten.
"Excellent." Mika smiled, relieved. He didn't want Athena to feel slighted.
However, he couldn't deny that her earlier display of jealousy had been amusing. For beings who had lived for eons, who had mastered the art of emotional control, such genuine, unfiltered reactions were rare. He rather enjoyed it.
Having resolved any potential misunderstandings, Mika shared his plan with Athena.
———
"You're going to attack them... directly?" Athena, after listening to his explanation, his renewed determination, nodded thoughtfully. As the Goddess of Wisdom, she understood his motivations, his desire for action. And she approved.
"I understand. Then let us proceed."
"I'll inform the Gold Saints," Mika replied.
He had no doubt Athena would support his plan.
While he was Pope, and she the Goddess, their relationship was one of mutual respect and trust. He wasn't seeking her permission, but her blessing.
His decision to confront Poseidon was final. He would not be swayed.
With their agreement established, they summoned the Gold Saints. Ten warriors, their Cosmos burning brightly, appeared in the Pope's chambers, awaiting Mika's command.
He looked at them, a sense of pride filling his heart.
Athena's twelve Gold Saints were finally assembled.
"We will attack Poseidon," Mika declared, his voice echoing through the chamber.
<><><><>
His words hung in the air, a stunned silence filling the room. Then, a chorus of voices erupted, their agreement unanimous.
No Gold Saint would refuse such a challenge.
Mika smiled, satisfied. He had anticipated this outcome.
The Holy War against Hades loomed large in their minds. And this battle against Poseidon—it was a chance to test their strength, to prepare for the greater conflict to come.
Poseidon, though a powerful God, was currently weakened, his power not yet fully restored after his recent escape from Athena's seal.
And his Marinas, while formidable, were no match for Hades's Specters.
This was the perfect opportunity.
Blades in hand, their fighting spirit ignited, the Gold Saints were eager for battle. Under Mika's training, their power had grown immensely.
They were the strongest generation in Sanctuary's history.
And now, it was time to unleash that power.
While they sparred constantly, their progress was difficult to gauge. Their enemies were their comrades, their strength growing alongside their own.
But... this was different.
A battle against another God, another Pantheon—it was a true test of their abilities.
They were exhilarated.
Sanctuary was thriving, its warriors eager for battle.
———
"I see we're all in agreement," Mika said, his smile widening.
"However, we can't all participate. Sanctuary needs defenders. Therefore, I will choose five of you to accompany me. The remaining five will guard the Twelve Temples."
"I know you all desire to fight. But this is a necessary precaution. I trust you'll understand." Mika looked at them, his gaze firm.
While his authority as Pope was absolute, he wouldn't rule through fear. He valued their loyalty, their trust. He would lead them, not command them.
He had learned, through his travels, that true leadership was about inspiring others, not coercing them. And these Gold Saints, the most powerful warriors in their world, deserved respect.
"Mu, Shaka, Aiolia, Airmid, and Mellie—you'll be coming with me. The rest of you will remain here and protect Sanctuary."
He turned to Milo. "During our absence, you will be in command. Can you handle this responsibility, Milo?"
"Leave it to me, Your Holiness! I will defend Sanctuary with my life!" Milo knelt, his voice filled with a fierce determination.
"Excellent. Then I'll leave it to you." Mika nodded, pleased.
Mika smiled, pleased. He had been planning this for quite some time, ever since his return from the High School DxD world.
He had carefully chosen the members of his expeditionary force.
This battle against Poseidon was, in a sense, a training exercise, a way to prepare for their true enemy, Hades.
Victory was assured!
Poseidon's current vessel was weak, his power limited. And his Marinas were inexperienced, their true potential yet to be unlocked—
—Compared to Sanctuary's current strength, they were insignificant.
And with Athena herself joining the fray, her power no longer restrained, Poseidon didn't stand a chance.
Mika's earlier pronouncements of danger had been a little exaggeration, a way to motivate his troops.
Having assessed the enemy's weakness, Mika had finalized his objectives: For himself, to achieve a Great Feat. And for Sanctuary, to train its warriors.
Achieving the Eighth Sense was very difficult. Even with Yahweh's guidance, it wasn't a feat easily accomplished.
Therefore, he had chosen those with the greatest potential, those who would benefit most from this experience.
They were the most talented Gold Saints of this generation, their potential was limitless. This battle against Poseidon would be invaluable for their growth.
As for Airmid and Mellie, they were his companions; he wouldn't leave them behind.
Of course, these were just the Gold Saints. He hadn't forgotten about the five main Bronze Saints, the true protagonists of this world.
They were the future of Sanctuary.
<><><><>
~ 11 Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon
https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)