Athena's Crisis

Saori's death sentence by the fake Pope creates an existential crisis for the Saintia. Their role is to protect Athena — but how to protect someone that the institution they serve wants dead? Katya, the most experienced Saintia present, must navigate between obedience to the Sanctuary and loyalty to the goddess she swore to defend.

Shoko, still a novice, does not understand all the political ramifications but her position is clear: Saori is in danger, Kyoko is still possessed, and the two threats may be linked. Her protective instinct, more immediate than the strategic calculations of her elders, drives her toward decisions that complicate the situation as much as they help it.