In the Knights' quarters, Maya was in the cafeteria keeping company and serving as a guardian to the new allies, Akumi and Quilla, who were beside her. The urn of her Andromeda Armor rested on the bench next to her. In front of her, Léo was savoring a piece of bread with pumpkin jam.
"Explain better how you ended up in Machu Picchu and Kyoto," Léo began, trying to gather information that could be useful.
"All those who, in some way, are doing things like we used to come from the same place: the Light of the Arms. This cult aims to make people see the world without weapons, seeking peace through faith and harmony, or at least that's what we thought," Akumi started, with a melancholic tone.
"After some time in the cult's temple, people were awakened to a foundation of spiritual energy that could grant superhuman abilities and enable them to illuminate paths through this energy with their hands. Something like that," Quilla continued, crossing her arms thoughtfully.
"Interesting! It seems these people had inner cosmo, which is always present in our deepest core. This explains why you, even though you are ordinary people, possessed cosmo and confronted us," Maya commented, taking a spoonful of soup.
"Still, according to the analyzed data, these individuals can be very dangerous," Léo observed while examining information on his computer. "I found it impressive the difficulty they caused being just normal people."
"All these abilities were awakened, enhanced, and maintained by the amulets. We went through an initiation process with meditation and physical exercises to withstand what the amulet did. Most of the members have already undergone this ritual, called purification, but what no one knew was that, upon putting on the amulet, besides awakening the abilities, it controlled the mind," Quilla explained, with a serious look.
"Yes. When we put on the amulets, we lost consciousness and only awakened when you managed to break them. And each person has a different amulet, which can be in various parts of the body," Akumi added, showing concern.
"When we return to Kyoto and Machu Picchu, we will have to be careful because, from what I've seen in the information provided by other Knights, the energy manifestations are increasing," Léo said, analyzing graphs on maps of different regions of the world on his computer.
"So it means the situation out there is getting worse, huh?" asked a young man who approached the group, seeming curious about the conversation.
"Ah! Hi, Julian! What a miracle you left the Unicorn Armor in your urn," Léo said, diverting his attention from the computer to the young man who had just arrived and sat down beside him.
"What's up, Léo? At mealtime, I'd rather have just my belly as an extra pillow," Julian joked, laughing casually. "So? It looks like things are getting ugly. For newcomers to already be on such complex missions... We, who have been Knights for longer, have never seen such mobilization. Even Master Rainer is taking more care of the Sagittarius House and going out once in a while. The atmosphere seems tense."
"Wait a minute! You're Master Rainer's disciple? One of the five strongest Gold Knights? So jealous," Maya exclaimed, surprised.
"Surely having Salazar of Pisces as a master isn't something to be envious of either, Maya," Fernando interjected, joining the conversation with a smile. "We all have absolutely powerful masters. And mine is no different. Isn't that right, Lord Azura?" he said, looking to the side, although there was apparently no one there.
"I see you're improving after receiving the Fox Armor, Fernando," a serene voice pronounced, materializing shortly after. As Azura of Virgo appeared in the middle of the cafeteria, her resplendent golden Armor caused a commotion; many spat out what they were eating, choked, or almost drowned with water, juices, nectars, and then stood up, paying their respects. Her cosmo was gentle but powerful, flooding the environment with a welcoming presence.
"You don't need to do that. You can sit down and continue with your meals," Azura said, demonstrating kindness and humility. "We need you to accompany me," she spoke to everyone who was seated. "Including you, Julian!"
"Right!" Julian responded, standing up along with the others and following the Knight of Virgo.
Upon arriving at Athena's temple, they found Aisha waiting, accompanied by Joshua of Chameleon, the Grand Master, and the goddess Athena herself. The environment was solemn, illuminated by torches casting dancing shadows on walls adorned with ancient symbols.
"Welcome, brave Knights!" greeted the Grand Master, receiving the reverence of everyone in the hall. His voice was firm but laden with concern. "We know that sometimes you need rest, and Knights, like any human being, are no different. However, the situation has become complicated and very difficult, requiring immediate action. Maya, Aisha, and Joshua, we need you to accompany Akumi to Kyoto, as the energies there have reappeared with greater intensity. You must discover the epicenter of this energy and stop whatever is happening. You must depart immediately."
"Yes, sir!" they responded in unison, determination in their eyes.
"Let's go, Akumi!" Aisha said, receiving a firm nod from the former specter. Together, they left the Sanctuary, aware of the importance of their mission.
"The rest of the Bronze Knights should accompany Quilla to Machu Picchu, as the situation there is the same and seems to be getting out of control. There are three more places in the world where groups of three Knights have been sent for investigation. The Gold Knights are on standby and ready for any emergency at the Sanctuary. Stay alert and return safely, as the situation there seems much more critical," the Grand Master continued, gravely.
"Perfect, Grand Master! We will carry out the orders immediately," affirmed Julian, adjusting the urn of his Armor on his back and awaiting his companions.
"Let's go, Quilla! Your help will be extremely important," Fernando said, fastening the strap of his Fox Armor urn and signaling to Quilla, who nodded and followed him without hesitation.
With the missions assigned, the Bronze Knights set off on their journeys to face the new threats. The wind blew intensely, as if whispering warnings about what was to come. They didn't know exactly what they would find, but the feeling that something big was approaching was undeniable. Darkness was growing, and an evil much greater than what they had already faced seemed to be emerging. And from the shadows, without anyone noticing, someone continued to watch the Sanctuary and their movements with extreme caution and attention, waiting for the right moment to act.