It was a youth enveloped in an azure wind; the great white wings turned into light feathers scattering across the hall. With his arrival, the great doors of the Pope's Palace slowly closed from the inside out, as four ancient heavy locks simultaneously engaged, completely sealing the building.
"Since everyone has arrived, I shall now declare the meeting officially open." Goddess Sasha sat upright on the throne, heavily striking the ground with her scepter.
The first thing to announce was the sacrifices and achievements of this period: the Silver Saints who sacrificed their lives when ordered to scout for Specters in Italy — the Silver Saints of Hell's Throne, Auriga, Sagitta, Canis Major, and Musca, who sacrificed their lives; the Hercules Saint, who was killed by Minos while obstructing Hades' Army's advance in foreign lands; and the Perseus Saint, and other Saints who sacrificed their lives during missions.
And among these fallen warriors even included Asmita of Virgo and Manigoldo of Cancer.
Following a moment of silent mourning by all, Goddess Sasha then announced to everyone that Pegasus, in the Underworld, had slain Thanatos, the God of Death.
Faced with this definitive declaration, the Saints fell silent for a moment.
This was an epoch-making event, a miracle that even if witnessed first-hand, would be hard to believe.
Although they had heard rumors about this matter, when the Goddess personally proclaimed, "Is this true? Is it death, and not merely a sealing?" Degel of Aquarius was the first to question.
It wasn't that he questioned the Goddess's authority, but such a thing had truly never happened. Thanatos, the God of Death, killed by a Saint — if it were true, its impact would not only be felt in this Holy War, but could even directly affect the Gods of Heaven.
"Indeed, this matter was witnessed personally by me and the deceased Manigoldo. At the very least, his soul body has been annihilated; even if a consciousness were to be born anew within that body hundreds of years later, it would not be the Thanatos we know."
"Nyx bears witness to the destiny of mortals, black destruction, and Thanatos of death… Their hearts are like iron, their chests hold pitiless bronze; once mortals fall into their hands, there is no return." Degel of Aquarius softly recited this passage from Hesiod's Theogony.
"But no one is eternally immortal." The Pope's voice was cold and stern. "Even a God who wields death will
Having the Pope's endorsement, the Saints finally accepted this fact internally.
After a long silence, Degel of Aquarius, who had just questioned, was the first to applaud, followed by all the Saints, who collectively applauded.
Their gazes converged on the Godslayer Pegasus before them.
Seiya openly accepted the honor before him, because at this moment, humility would be disrespectful to those Saints who had fallen at the hands of the Death God. A warrior capable of killing a God should receive a hero's welcome.
Goddess Sasha swayed her scepter, the crescent moon in its center clinking crisply.
Her voice was low: " This is an epoch-making breakthrough, but while we protect the Earth, millions of people, and brave Saints have already died on the path. And this suffering, it is time to bring it to an end."
The Saints all raised their heads; silence fell over the hall. All gazes converged on the Goddess holding the scepter.
"And I declare, it is time to end all of this! In the name of Athena, I shall launch an offensive against Hades' City, to"
With the fall of the Specters and the Death God, the scales of victory have now tipped towards Sanctuary. To this, whether Gold, Silver, or the fledgling Bronze Saints, no one raised any objection.
After the Goddess's declaration concluded, it was Pope Sage's task to direct the Saints' battle plan, to ensure complete victory in this Holy War.
Meanwhile, in Hades' City, dominated by darkness, Alone, seated on his throne, gazed westward,
"Do you hear it? The bells of Sanctuary are ringing."
The Seventy-Two Earth Stars, the Thirty-Six Heavenly Stars, and Pandora, standing behind Alone, all gazed upon the impending Lord of the Underworld who would rule the Earth.
"It seems my sister has made up her mind to come and fight me to the death." Alone thoughtfully raised his head. "And what are your choices?"
"Kill them! Those Saints who conspired to harm Lord Thanatos, and the Goddess they follow — kill every last one of them!"
Aiacos of the Sky Malevolent Star, one of the Three Judges of the Underworld, knelt on one knee. "Please allow me to proceed to Sanctuary!"
Another Judge, Radamanthys of Whirlwind, also asked for leave. "And that Pope who harmed Lord Thanatos, and Pegasus—I will cut off their heads and bring their souls to Avici Hell, where they will suffer eternal torment!"
Alone looked at the high-spirited Specters, and at the same time, at his 'Paradise Lost' painting, which was nearing completion. His gaze swept over the two Judges before him, as well as powerful Specters like Kagaho of the Heavenly Fierce Star and Yoma of Mephistopheles, then he smiled, gazing up at the sky.
"And you, Pegasus, did you hear what we said?"
Just as all the Specters collectively assumed a solemn, strange posture, a streak of azure wind appeared between Alone, the King of the Underworld, and the Specters.
The Specters stared incredulously at this figure. Pandora's expression tensed, while Yoma of Mephistopheles revealed a searching look.
Within the azure wind was Pegasus Seiya.
But just as before, Pegasus's gaze was solely fixed on his old friend before him.
He sidestepped the Greatest Caution unleashed by Radamanthys of Whirlwind from behind, kicked over the paint bucket filled with blood, then leaped with one foot towards Alone's canvas.
He could feel that the unfinished painting before him posed a fatal threat.
But clearly, Alone's protection over it was quite complete. A purple light barrier collided with the platinum light arc on his foot.
Alone and Pegasus exchanged gazes, but ultimately, under an attack from behind, Pegasus transformed into a swirl of azure wind and reappeared among the Specter crowd.
"Alone, Sasha asked me to say hello to you. She said she would personally end your life."
Alone watched as Seiya's five fingers on his right hand were stained with the red from his paint bucket. Seiya stroked his own chest and bowed, then smeared the blood-red from his fingertips onto Alone's face.
This provocation was an unacceptable insult to all Specters loyal to Hades.
"As for you, Specters, haven't you figured out the current situation yet? The offense and defense have now shifted!"
Seiya looked at the dark warriors surrounding him and flashed a smile brimming with malice.
"Perhaps Athena will tolerate your sins, but I choose not to forgive you!"
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