"I'm back," Erik said warmly, stepping forward to hug the three of them. "Are you three on patrol today?"
"Yes, me, Calvin, and Armando," replied the mutant with steel wings. His name was Warren Kenneth, codenamed Angel. He was around the same age as Erik. He had once been captured by an underground organization and forced into illegal fighting. When he got the chance, he escaped and happened to run into Orpheus during a mission. Orpheus easily took care of the pursuers and brought him back to the Sanctuary, where he now lived.
The second person also had wings, though his were made of flesh. He had notably larger feet than average. His name was Calvin Montgomery Rankin, nicknamed Mimic. His ability allowed him to copy the knowledge, physical traits, skills, and powers of one or more people—human or mutant—though he was limited by what his body could endure.
The last person looked like an ordinary man—a young Black man named Armando Muñoz, codenamed Darwin. His power allowed his body to adapt automatically to external environments. Both he and Calvin had come here on their own. Tired of hiding their identities and being hunted, they followed rumors about a paradise-like city atop a holy mountain in Athens, Greece, which accepted anyone with a kind heart—including mutants. After facing the trials, they finally arrived and settled here.
"So, you're back for revenge already?" Calvin teased.
"Sorry to disappoint you, not yet. But I did meet some new friends who also want to take down Sebastian Shaw. We're forming a team, so…" Erik shrugged. The meaning was clear.
The three looked over at Charles and his companions with serious expressions. "Erik, you know the rules."
Indeed, outsiders could be accepted here, but entering required passing a test—the outer barrier. Those with ill intent couldn't pass through it. Even good people had to go through some struggle. There were only two exceptions: being led in by someone who already lived in the Sanctuary or being recognized and marked by Meiln.
Clearly, Charles, Raven, and Hank met neither condition.
"…Of course, I know the rules. Don't worry—the initial test has already been passed. The rest will be up to Uncle Meiln," Erik said.
"Wait, test? What test?" Charles frowned at Erik.
"This is the outer city of the Sanctuary. That barrier we passed was a kind of test. The Sanctuary does welcome outsiders, but only those with good intentions. I've been observing you since we met—only when I was sure of your character did I bring you here," Erik explained.
"Oh, should I be thanking you then?" Raven said sarcastically.
"It's the rules here. I have to follow them. Besides, wasn't Charles trying to enter my mind the moment we met?" Erik countered.
"You…"
"Let it go, Raven. Erik's caution is understandable—this place clearly has big secrets," Charles said, trying to mediate.
"Hmph."
"Since they're friends of Erik, come with us," Warren said.
"Thanks," Charles replied, and the group began walking into the city.
On the way, Erik explained, "Charles, you can't wander freely here yet, according to the rules. We'll take you to a temporary residence. Please stay there while I find Uncle Meiln to meet you."
"Is this… imprisonment?" Raven asked irritably.
"Of course not. If it doesn't work out, I'll take you back down. I promise you won't be harmed. But Charles—don't use your powers to enter anyone's mind here. I can't guarantee your safety if you do."
While it would be manageable with ordinary people, if Charles recklessly entered the minds of the Saints, it could spark a conflict. Erik wasn't sure he could protect him.
"Is this place really that dangerous? Doesn't seem like it," Charles joked, sensing the tension between Erik and Raven.
"Don't mess around. This is the safest place in the world—or the most dangerous, depending on your actions."
"Alright, I promise," Charles said, noting Erik's serious tone.
Just then, a commotion broke out ahead.
"Look! It's Lord Milo and Lord Aphrodite!"
"Where? Where?"
"Ah~! It's Lord Aphrodite!"
"He's more beautiful than a woman!"
"Lord Milo is so handsome!"
…
"I told you this would happen. You insisted on coming down—and you dragged me along!" Milo scratched his head, blushing slightly at the crowd's attention.
"The garden in front of the Pope's Hall needs new flowers. I wanted your opinion, but everyone else was busy. Mu was summoned by Elder Molcaba, Aldebaran and Saga are training the trainees, Deathmask went down the mountain with Erik, Aiolia and Shura are sparring with Lord Meiln, and if someone doesn't want to be found, even Ashura might not find Shaka. Aiolos took people to Mudithel, and Camus is in Siberia. That only left you," Aphrodite replied with a smile, waving at the crowd.
"What about Kanon?"
"You know how he is."
At Aphrodite's shrug, Milo immediately thought of the disheveled guy holed up with his papers.
"Sigh… If I'd known, I'd have gone to get beaten up instead."
"Haha, don't you want to help choose flowers personally for Lord Meiln?"
"Well… I do. But do you think he'll like them?"
"Trust me. He will."
"Fine, you've convinced me. Let's—huh? Isn't that Erik? He's back?"
"Not just Erik. He brought others too—probably new friends," Aphrodite said.
"Oh? Interesting. Shall we delay the flower trip?"
"Sure."
…
Although Erik couldn't see them, he recognized the voices. Aphrodite said Deathmask had been following him? He looked around but saw no sign of him.
"Oh my God, who is that? He's so beautiful!" Raven exclaimed, stunned by Aphrodite's appearance as he and Milo emerged. Charles and Hank were also frozen in awe.
"Erik, you're back?"
"That was fast. Already calling for backup?" Milo teased.
"Sort of," Erik smiled wryly. He did leave all dramatic, only to return soon needing reinforcements. But then he remembered what Aphrodite said earlier. "Wait, Aphrodite—did you say Deathmask has been following me? I had no idea!"
"He was hiding between the realm of the dead and the world of the living. No way you'd find him," Aphrodite said, glancing upward.
"Damn it! Aphrodite, why'd you blow my cover!?" yelled Deathmask, leaping from a rift in the sky wearing his Cancer Gold Cloth. "The boss told me to follow him secretly, and now you've outed me! How am I supposed to keep doing my job?"
Hearing that, Erik was stunned, then deeply moved. "So Uncle Meiln was worried about me…"
"Sorry to interrupt," Charles said, "but your outfits—do they represent some kind of rank or status?"
He'd heard the crowd's cheers and noticed the golden armor. Clearly, these two held significant status. And Deathmask had gone unnoticed. If his guess was right, building a relationship with them would be crucial for his future plans.
"You could say that," Aphrodite nodded. The Gold Cloths were indeed symbols of status. Gold Saints ranked only below the Pope and his representative. But in their hearts, status didn't matter. They were simply warriors of Meiln and Athena.
"Hello, I'm Charles Xavier. Pleased to meet you." Charles extended his hand, but Aphrodite didn't take it, making Charles pause awkwardly.
"Sorry, I don't easily touch others," Aphrodite explained.
"Ah—sorry," Charles apologized.
"No harm done. You're Erik's friends, but even so, the Sanctuary's rules must be followed," Aphrodite said.
"Understood. We're ready."
"Are you sure?" Aphrodite gave a mysterious smile, and even Deathmask and Milo nearly lost it. This guy really didn't take them seriously.
"Alright, don't you two have other things to do? I'll take them to see the boss," Deathmask said with a grin—he'd heard the entire conversation.
"Then we leave them to you."
"You should check in with the boss too. He was wondering if you were slacking off yesterday," Milo joked.
"Wh-what? Of course not!"
"You better not be."
With that, Milo and Aphrodite left, and Deathmask took over leading Erik and the others.
"Alright folks, let's head up the mountain." With a flourish of his cape, Deathmask walked ahead in style.
"Seriously, Deathmask, you followed me and didn't even tell me!" Erik complained.
"Orders from the boss! Besides, you're the one who's got nerve. You refused our help, but the moment you met this guy, you teamed up with him! How could you do that to us?"
"Uh… well… if you guys had stepped in, what else could I do?" Erik fumbled for an excuse.
"Pfft. Fine, I'll let that slide. But…" Deathmask looked back at Charles and the others, his face turning serious. "When you meet the boss—don't be disrespectful. He's kind, but not to be trifled with."
"We understand. We'll show proper respect," Charles promised.
"Good. Otherwise, you may not leave this Sanctuary."