Facing Manigoldo and Albafica's congratulations, Setsuna merely nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then immediately immersed himself in exploring the Phoenix Cloth.
As the first owner of this Cloth, he had no inherited experience or memories from predecessors. Yet the Cloth itself seemed to resonate with him as if possessing life.
He closed his eyes, carefully sensing the two powers flowing within the Cloth… fire and spirit.
The fire wasn't ordinary flames but two distinct yet complementary forces:
Klesha Fire, which is capable of scorching flesh, burning souls, incinerating spirits, and even damaging Cosmos.
Nirvana Fire, which is able to automatically restore a shattered Cloth, making it stronger after each rebirth, akin to the Saiyan bloodline, constantly breaking limits.
The spiritual abilities were equally formidable. It could forcibly evoke an enemy's deepest fears and memories, creating illusions. Setsuna simply named this ability after its original counterpart… [Phoenix Illusion Demon Fist].
Setsuna couldn't help but marvel. The Phoenix Cloth truly lived up to being the most unique among Bronze Cloths. Due to containing Hades's divine blood, it innately possessed the potential to evolve into a God Cloth.
Albafica gently adjusted his sleeve, saying calmly, "The mission is complete. I shall return to Sanctuary to report."
Manigoldo nodded. "Regarding Avido's death, I also must report to my martial uncle."
He paused, then added, "Also, to relay a message on my teacher's behalf."
Setsuna said, "I'll come too. I'd like to see the scenery of Jamir."
Manigoldo didn't refuse. "Alright, let's go together."
Albafica looked at Jack. "I'll take this child back. Whether he wishes to become a Saint or not, in Sanctuary, at least he won't be bullied."
The three thus parted ways. Albafica took Jack back to Sanctuary, while Setsuna and Manigoldo embarked on the journey to the Jamir Plateau.
...
The Jamir Plateau's average elevation exceeded 4,500 meters. Distant, towering peaks pierced the clouds, majestic enough to seemingly touch the heavens.
The frigid air was so thin in oxygen it could render ordinary people unable to move.
But for Saints, such harsh conditions were inconsequential.
The footsteps of Setsuna and Manigoldo were light, their breathing even, completely unaffected by the thin air.
"The scenery here is rather unique." Setsuna looked up at the sky, his eyes reflecting the snow's light.
Just as Manigoldo was about to reply, a figure approached through the fierce wind.
It was a youth around Dohko's age, with two circular marks on his forehead.
"Manigoldo-nii?" The youth asked, slightly surprised. "What brings you here?"
"Hey, little guy." Manigoldo grinned, patting the youth's shoulder. "I'm here to report something to Elder Hakurei."
He turned to introduce him to Setsuna. "This is Elder Hakurei's disciple, Shion. Don't let his age fool you. He's an expert at repairing Cloths. You might need his help to repair your Cloth someday."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Manigoldo suddenly slapped his forehead. "I almost forgot. Your Phoenix Cloth is said to be able to restore itself automatically. You probably won't need him after all."
Setsuna nodded, appraising this future Pope.
Although Shion would be assassinated by the Gemini Gold Saint Saga in the future, that didn't mean he was weak.
On the contrary, Shion's potential was immense.
After becoming Pope, Shion even severely wounded the reincarnation of the God of Time when he attacked.
While Setsuna observed him, Shion was also excitedly looking at Setsuna. "This Big Bro gained the Phoenix Cloth's acknowledgment? Amazing! That's the Cloth no one has inherited since the Age of Myths!"
Manigoldo said, "His name is Chiaki Setsuna. My junior brother. He just recently became a true Saint."
A flash of envy crossed Shion's eyes. "Sensei hasn't acknowledged me yet. He believes I'm not qualified to obtain a Cloth."
Manigoldo raised an eyebrow. "With your abilities, you're still not acknowledged? Your teacher is too strict, isn't he?"
Shion sighed and shook his head, but the determination in his eyes didn't diminish in the slightest.
Led by Shion, the three arrived before an ancient stone mansion.
Hakurei already stood quietly at the door, silver hair draped over his shoulders, his eyes deep as an abyss.
"Sensei." Shion bowed respectfully.
Hakurei nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Manigoldo. "I already know about the matter."
His voice was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.
"Avido's death was the path he chose himself. Others can't be blamed."
Manigoldo's expression turned serious. He said gravely, "Aside from Avedon's matter, the Pope also has an order. He hopes you will conduct the Aries Cloth trial for Shion."
Hakurei pondered. "The Aries Cloth trial?"
Manigoldo nodded. "As you know, the Aries Cloth was lost after the last Holy War. The Pope hopes to recover the Aries Cloth through this trial… With the Holy War approaching, the Gold Saints' power is indispensable."
Hakurei remained silent for a long while, finally shaking his head. "I refuse."
Manigoldo was surprised. "But this is the Pope's order!"
"Even so, I refuse." Hakurei shook his head.
Shion couldn't understand. "Sensei, why? Am I really that unworthy?"
Hakurei sighed. "Not unworthy. But your talent is too powerful. Merely touching a Cloth allows you to see the memories of its previous owners."
"This is originally an immensely powerful talent, allowing you to better repair Cloths. But you cannot control this ability yet. Whether you wish it or not, the memories carried by the Cloth will transfer to you, making you bear the previous owners' suffering as well."
Shion said loudly, "I know. But I am willing to bear that pain."
Hakurei's voice lowered. "Other Cloths are fine. But the Aries Cloth is different. You cannot bear what that man experienced."
Shion was taken aback. "That man? The previous Aries Saint?"
Hakurei nodded, then shook his head. "To be precise, the Aries Saint of our era was Gateguard. He died in battle very early. But after his death, another Aries Saint suddenly appeared… Avenir."
"Avenir endured too much suffering. The immense spiritual power contained within the Aries Cloth would shatter your will."
Shion looked up sharply. "Sensei, if my spirit is destroyed by the Cloth, it would merely prove I am a man of only that caliber. It would be better for Sanctuary to find a more suitable candidate sooner!"
"Nonsense!" Hakurei was furious. "The pressure of the Holy War is not for a child like you to bear!"
Shion raised his head stubbornly. "If the Holy War is lost, the Specters won't spare me just because I'm young. This is a war for all humanity. I also wish to join this immense tide!"
Hakurei's gaze was like lightning. "Are you certain?"
"I have long been prepared!" Shion did not yield.
Finally, Hakurei turned away. "Hmph. Talk after you first find the Aries Cloth. 250 years ago, we buried Avenir and his Cloth on the Mu Continent. But since then, that ruins site has suddenly vanished."