Preface

Although this is a fanfiction based on the Saint Seiya universe, the story itself may not revolve much around protecting Athena. The original author, Kurumada, has already captured the theme of "protecting Athena" masterfully, and I have no intention of reiterating it with my own words.

Instead, I wish to explore new territory.

Readers familiar with my previous work know my approach—I tend to radically reimagine the original story. By my own estimate, the degree of transformation in my last novel, "Veiled in Mist," was about thirty percent (regrettably, due to lack of experience, I wasn't entirely satisfied with how those changes turned out).

As for this new book, I anticipate a much higher degree of reinvention—over sixty percent—with a significant expansion in content.

In short, the scope of this novel will be far grander than my last. The hurried ending of "Veiled in Mist" was, in truth, a result of my limited vision for its world. Lacking experience, I hesitated to add too much for fear of losing control, and thus the framework remained small. This is why, after the "Akatsuki Suppression Battle" began, readers felt as though I had run out of material to write.

In reality, it wasn’t that I lacked material, but that I lacked a proper framework.

Performance was only one of several contributing factors—not the sole reason.

But enough digression—let’s talk about this new book.

Because its scope is broader, I have more to explore. For example, I’ve developed a more detailed hierarchy for the Saints than in the original, and I’ve adjusted each character’s fighting strength with greater nuance. I’ve also assigned distinct meanings to the Sixth Sense, Seventh Sense, Eighth Sense, and Ninth Sense.

Kurumada’s original framework was rather vague in these aspects—he borrowed the terms, but didn’t imbue them with specific significance. You may look forward to discovering what new concepts I have devised for them.

The first volume focuses primarily on the protagonist’s personal growth and training. It may be somewhat dry, lacking intense conflicts, but I’ll endeavor to keep it concise.

Don’t worry—this won’t drag on like the endless cultivation arc in my previous work.

Trust me, this time the storytelling will be much more streamlined.

Finally, I must admit that passionate themes of friendship and camaraderie are not my forte, nor is that the purpose of this novel. So, please don’t judge this work by the standards of the Saint Seiya original. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to enjoy.

If you find it to your liking, I hope you’ll support it—add it to your collection, vote, and subscribe!