[ "I don't know whose shadow you see in the Underworld King, but... you're just throwing a tantrum because you can't find anything worth protecting."
"The Underworld Army isn't for you!"
As the first victim of Titan's Nova, Kagaho knew full well its destructive power. If Aldebaran hadn't held back, he would have died long ago.
"I've said it before—neither Saints nor Specters mean anything to me. Sooner or later, I'll kill you all!"
With that, Kagaho clenched his fists, turned away, and swiftly departed after leaving those harsh words. Aldebaran watched him go, but suddenly felt dizzy, collapsing to the ground from exhaustion. ]
[ .....]
〜Projection of All Worlds〜
"Who knew Old Ox would actually say it out loud? That's outright rebellion!"
"They say 'a fierce tiger still stops to smell the roses.' He looks like a brute, yet he sees right through a person's nature."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Not only did Taurus possess sharp insight, but his eloquence was also top-notch, instantly pinning Kagaho down.
.....
[ The scene shifted to night. After returning to Sanctuary to report, Aldebaran was speaking with Sisyphus.
Suddenly, a bolt of violet lightning struck, and an overwhelmingly dark Cosmos surged forth.
Under Sasha's stunned gaze, the barrier shattered violently as the black-robed Underworld King descended amidst the fragments!
Before Sasha could react, Hades reached out with his left hand and clenched the void, unleashing a torrent of violent Cosmos.
"BOOM—!"
The Twelve Temples were instantly obliterated, reducing Sanctuary to a sea of flames!
As the Gold Saints rushed forward, a purple gleam flickered in Hades' hand, sending an invisible shockwave toward them.
"My body... ugh!" Dohko and Shion felt an immense pressure pressing down, rendering them immobile.
Even Aldebaran and Sisyphus,who had just reached the tower's summit, were forced to the ground, teeth gritted as they struggled under the weight. ]
[ .....]
〜Projection of All Worlds〜
"Can't deny Hades picked the perfect moment. Athena had been maintaining Sanctuary's barrier day and night—her body and mind were already at their limit."
Even so, witnessing Hades' display made everyone realize the gap between gods and men. The mighty Gold Saints couldn't even stand in his presence.
"So this is a god. No matter how strong the Gold Saints are, they're still just humans."
That abyssal, overwhelming Cosmos sent chills down their spines. The sheer pressure made them question—
Could humans ever rival the gods?
〜Type-Moon World, ██████ Worldline, Chaldea〜
Fujimaru Ritsuku shared the same thought. Though they'd encountered divine-level Spirit Origins before—even witnessed Tiamat in the Seventh Singularity—
...The gods of that world were different, wielding something akin to Authorities.
Remembering how Hades could kill with just a painting still sent shivers down their spine.
Mashu whispered fearfully,
"How did Pegasus from the Age of Gods even manage to wound Hades?"
The gap felt insurmountable—like a dimensional chasm no amount of training could bridge.
.....
[ Under the crushing pressure that even Aldebaran couldn't withstand, Sisyphus of Sagittarius forced himself to rise, teeth clenched.
A golden bow materialized in his hand, an arrow nocked—though his movements were slow and unsteady.
Despite his trembling body, Sisyphus drew the bowstring and aimed at Hades.
"To dare point an arrow at a god. Foolish man." Hades glanced at Sisyphus coldly and raised his hand again.
"BANG—!"
The ground beneath Sisyphus caved in, bearing ten times the previous pressure.
"Ah—!" Sisyphus let out a scream, blood flowed from his forehead, but he still did not lower the bow and arrow in his hand.
Hades' gaze lingered—this was the man who had taken Athena away five years ago.
"Whoosh—"
The sharp arrow went straight for Hades, but the next second, the golden arrow directly penetrated the Underworld King's palm, and then shot out again with the speed of light!
It directly pierced Sisyphus's chest, and the power of the Underworld King made the latter instantly lose consciousness and fall to the ground. ]
[ .....]
〜Projection of All Worlds〜
"As expected, when it comes to willpower, every Saint is a force to be reckoned with. The courage to confront a god for Athena and still draw a bow and arrow is truly admirable."
"Even Aldebaran, renowned for his strength, couldn't budge—yet Sisyphus stood up!"
Surprisingly, he managed to launch an attack even under such circumstances. It's worth noting that Hades had just increased the pressure on Sisyphus moments before.
Still, it was unfortunate—a man so formidable fell victim to his own arrow.
〜Saint Seiya Shioriverse, The Lost Canvas timeline〜
"Invading Sanctuary so brazenly? Hades, you're underestimating us!"
Pope Sage frowned, realizing Sanctuary needed more defenses.
Meanwhile, Sisyphus gritted his teeth in frustration. Was this really how he exited the stage?
He was the one who took Lady Athena away from Tenma and Alone, and now not only could he not protect Lady Athena, he couldn't even help her…
El Cid glanced at Sisyphus silently, understanding his guilt.
.....
"LORD HADES IS PEERLESS! THE GOLD SAINTS ARE LIKE ANTS BEFORE HIM!"
The Specters cheered, swelling with pride as if they themselves had crushed the Saints.
.....
[ Seeing Sisyphus collapse, Sasha finally erupted in rare fury, her staff pointing at Hades.
"Ah~ Finally, you look a bit like the Goddess of War," Hades sneered and also took out his Underworld King's Sword. A great battle was about to break out.
Suddenly, a radiant blue light erupted between them—Tenma burst forth, prayer beads in hand, shielding Sasha.
The souls of fallen Specters within the barrier surged into the beads, staining them black, relieving Sasha of maintaining the barrier.
The trio reunited, childhood memories flashing by—yet everything had changed.
Fate had cruelly entwined them once more.
As Tenma pleaded, Alone remained unmoved. A mere flick of his wrist froze Tenma mid-air.
Hades' sword thrust mercilessly toward Tenma's heart.
In that instant, glowing runes lit up the ground, drastically weakening Hades' power.
"What?! My power is—" Hades landed, realizing the temple was covered in Athena's talismans.
"I won't let you ravage Sanctuary any longer, Hades... You've fallen into my trap!"
From the shadows, the veteran Pope emerged, talismans in hand.
"The Sacred Cage of Athena's Talismans—the Talisman Cage!" ]
[ .....]
〜Projection of All Worlds〜
"As expected, having an old person at home is like having a treasure… He's too reliable, the Pope didn't become Pope for nothing!"
"Hahaha, Hades can be said to have shot himself in the foot this time. Charging into the enemy's base camp so brazenly, maybe this is an opportunity to end the Holy War."
Old people are indeed old people. You never know what an old man who has lived a long time will pull out.
And when Alone was weakened, seeing his somewhat flustered appearance, it was hard to tell who the villain was for a moment!
"Uh… When Hades and Athena were confronting each other just now, was the Pope secretly sticking talismans there?"
Everyone imagined the Pope's stern face, yet stealthily sticking talismans with his butt sticking out… No, if they thought about it any further, the Pope's image would collapse.
〜Type-Moon World, Fifth Holy Grail War Worldline〜
"Indeed, having an old person at home is like having a treasure!"
Emiya Shirou couldn't help but express the same sentiment. Reliable, truly reliable!
But as soon as these words came out, everyone present fell silent.
As for why…
Just look—Shirou, Archer, Rin, Sakura, Illya, Medusa... Not a single set of living parents among them.
.....
〜Saint Seiya Shioriverse, The Lost Canvas timeline〜
"As expected of the Pope! Always prepared."
Manigoldo's eyes flashed with a hint of brilliance. After all, he was his master, so it was normal to have a bit of personal bias in his words.
If things went well, this could truly end the Holy War.
"Hades dug his own grave this time, daring to trespass into the Sanctuary. Next time, I'll be the one to hunt him!"
Kardia, the Gold Saint of Scorpio, showed a villainous grin, drawing a red streak in the air with his fingernails.
He'd been waiting for a battle worth burning his life for—and here was the perfect prey.
But the Pope felt no joy. The Twin Gods were still nowhere to be seen...
.....