Whether it's pain or joy, time will smooth everything out. Though remembered in the heart, one doesn't remain immersed in it forever.
Everything in the Sanctuary returned to its usual steady pace. The Saints trained diligently, striving to improve themselves. The candidates worked hard to become Saints, determined not to shame their seniors. The X-Men resumed their missions of rescuing mutants and capturing criminals.
As for Melin, he naturally brought Galan back to New York to ensure Athena's peaceful growth.
The troops led by Aphrodite returned to the Sanctuary. With the war over and Melin personally guarding Athena, there was no need for so many people to stay in New York. The Sanctuary still had a ton of matters that required attention.
Time passed swiftly—another few years went by. Athena had grown from a cute baby into an innocent and pure little girl, now old enough to attend elementary school.
According to Melin's arrangements, Mu took a position as the school director at Athena's elementary school. Lizard Cloth Medis became the art teacher. Sagitta Arrowcloth took on math. Crane Cloth Cletia, Hellhound Cloth Dadi, and Hercules Cloth Arougeti continued to serve as Athena's personal maids and bodyguards.
Melin also discovered something interesting—Athena's closest friends at school were anything but ordinary.
Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn, and Mary Jane—though all still just little kids—were destined to become famous in the future.
Peter Parker hardly needs an introduction. He's the future Spider-Man, the friendly neighborhood hero of New York City.
Gwen Stacy, in one parallel universe, is Peter Parker's girlfriend who tragically dies fighting Electro. In others, she becomes Spider-Woman herself.
…
…
Harry Osborn, the heir to Oscorp, son of the original Green Goblin, and future Green Goblin II.
Mary Jane may have always been an ordinary person, but in many alternate timelines, she becomes Peter Parker's girlfriend or wife. A strong and mature woman, she always encourages Peter when he's lost, guiding him to follow his heart. In those worlds, she's the guiding light in Spider-Man's life.
But all that's a story for the future. For now, Athena is right in the middle of these four. Who knows what the future holds?
After all, even as a child, Athena's beauty was already beginning to blossom—flowing violet hair that defied her age, a grace and elegance beyond her years.
Not long after enrolling, she had already amassed a crowd of fans and admirers, earning the nickname "The Elegant Princess."
Mu and the others were once concerned—Athena's divine soul hadn't awakened yet. What if—just what if—she fell in love with someone else?
But Melin didn't worry at all. Even without her memories, Athena was still Athena. The love between her and Melin was etched into their souls. Even if she hadn't remembered anything, her subconscious would still reject other men.
Take Peter Parker and Harry Osborn for instance. While they were good friends of hers, if they got too close, Athena would instinctively pull away.
Still, Melin could clearly see that these kids were at the age when feelings start to bloom. Gwen Stacy remained the cheerful, straightforward sunshine girl, seemingly treating Peter and Harry as just pals. But Melin's sharp eyes didn't miss the subtle fondness she held for Peter.
It was curious—why would a vibrant girl like Gwen be drawn to a shy, bookish guy like Peter? Was it fate? Or complementary personalities?
Mary Jane, mature beyond her years due to her family situation, looked at Harry Osborn like he was her future husband. She applauded everything he said. And honestly, Harry deserved his reputation—top of the class in academics and athletics, charming and graceful (at least in front of strangers), and loyal to his friends.
But Mary Jane might end up disappointed, because Harry's attention was mostly focused on Athena—beautiful, talented, and from a wealthy family. Truly a perfect match.
Peter, on the other hand, liked Gwen. Maybe because Athena's brilliance was too intimidating, and Gwen's outgoing nature drew him in more comfortably.
"This is really interesting. Is this what they mean by 'birds of a feather flock together'? Looks like Athena won't be bored before her divine soul awakens."
"Milord, are you really okay with this?" Galan asked from the side.
"It's fine. This was the life Athena and I dreamed of. Let her enjoy it early. We'll just keep protecting her," Melin replied.
Though sipping coffee and reading at home, Melin's Cosmo was constantly enveloping Athena, not leaving her side for even a second.
What? You think he's a creepy stalker?
Heh. Back in the mythological age, what could or couldn't be seen—well, nothing was off-limits. So this isn't voyeurism—it's protection!
"But Milord, those kids around Lady Athena… aside from that girl Mary Jane, the other three are definitely not ordinary."
"Oh? What did you notice?" Melin raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Just a feeling. A sense that they won't be ordinary."
"Oh? Looks like you've made great progress over the years," Melin praised.
"Hehe, it's all thanks to your guidance, Milord," Galan replied sheepishly, scratching his head.
After the battle in Atlantis, all the Saints who participated had made huge leaps forward. It's no joke—battle truly brings out hidden potential.
Take Aiolos, for instance. He'd been stuck at the peak of the Seventh Sense for a long time, just one step away from breaking into the Eighth. The fight against Sea Horse Balon, while not a great challenge, still left him seriously injured protecting the Bronze Saints. That pain jolted him past the final barrier, making him the third Saint to achieve godhood through mortal strength.
The first two were Saga and Shaka.
Shaka rarely left the Virgin Temple, always meditating in seclusion, but Saga and Aiolos were the earliest Saints of their generation in the Sanctuary. Most other Saints had trained under them at some point. Now that both had attained the Eighth Sense, they became the benchmarks for all others.
Galan too had reached the peak of the Seventh Sense, just one foot away from maintaining the Eighth as his new normal. That let him vaguely sense future events and unusual people.
He couldn't clearly foresee the future, but he could feel when someone was extraordinary.
Though… Galan wasn't telling the whole truth.
The real reason for his rapid improvement wasn't just Melin's teaching—it was…
"Dark."
As Melin softly called, the Mask of Darkness flew out of Galan's body and into his hand, buzzing like an eager child craving praise.
Seeing this, Galan's face fell. He glared at the mask with a look of pure resentment.
"Good, good. You've done well… Don't worry, Galan won't keep being useless forever… Hahaha, I'll leave him to you. Keep a good eye on him," Melin said.
As the mask and Melin had their chat, Galan's expression grew more and more miserable, like a child being ignored.
I'm still here, you know. Isn't it a bit much to talk about me like I'm not?
Yes, Galan's achievements were half thanks to Melin. The other half was due to the Mask of Darkness.
If the Mask of Light was like a calm, caring older brother, the Mask of Darkness was a lively, mischievous, and proud little brother, always chasing after its elder sibling.
As its host, if Galan ever did something embarrassing, the Mask of Darkness would punish him mercilessly with a "face clamp."
Back in Atlantis, he nearly lost his mind due to the Sea Dragon Scales. The Mask of Darkness nearly tore his entire face off.
Apparently done talking with Melin, the mask floated back toward Galan, but before retreating, it smacked him on the head.
Thump!
"Ow! You little—" Galan was ready to throw down, teach the mask who was boss, but it had already vanished back into his body.
Fuming, Galan stomped around, but there was nothing he could do. He couldn't exactly punch himself.
"Hahaha…" Melin laughed heartily. Then he asked, "By the way, Galan, how's your new job going?"
"Uh… new job… well…" Galan hesitated, edging toward the door.
"Fired again?"
"Ugh!" Galan froze as the truth was exposed.
"Sigh. You…"
"Milord, it's really not my fault! Those guys—the top squeezes the bottom, and the bottom is lazy. Completely unmanageable! I raised my voice just a little, and they fired me! They ignore sound advice and won't fix obvious issues. No wonder the place is going under…"
"Galan."
"Yes, Milord?"
"I'll contact Howard and arrange a position for you at Stark Industries. But if you get fired again…"
"If I get fired?"
"I'll send everything about you and Hope to Shion and have him post a full announcement on the Sanctuary's website."
"Milord! I swear I'll work hard this time!"
"Good. I believe you."
Just then, Hellhound Cloth Dadi appeared before the two.
"Lord Melin, Lord Galan, I have urgent news to report."