A black-and-white pairing of chocolate and cream.
It was, without a doubt, the most perfect combination for a pastry.
At least, that is what Riku thought after tasting it. In his opinion, it was the absolute peak of flavor.
It demanded to be eaten slowly.
It was a pity, though. A pastry like this really should be paired with black tea. Unfortunately, he had not found the right match yet.
Regarding this, Rika Minami had patted her chest and promised to handle it personally.
She was not joking. As a pastry chef, how could she allow such a mistake?
As for Shizuka Marikawa, the other pastry chef?
Er...
Let's just leave her to her "Makabaka" babbling. She was beyond help.
Pastries. Black tea.
Rika was confident she would eventually find the perfect pairing. As for how long it would take? That was hard to say. It would have to be a slow process.
Regardless, until then, Rika was determined to bake these black-and-white pastries to perfection.
"The taste is truly excellent."
Riku enjoyed the perfectly baked chocolate and cream pastry. He expressed his admiration for Rika's skill.
He never would have expected that Rika—who acted with such bold, heroic energy and did not seem like the type to spend time in the kitchen—would be so talented.
"A girl living on her own has to know how to take care of herself. You can't exactly count on Shizuka, can you?" Rika said with a laugh, one hand on her hip.
Riku had to agree. That natural airhead Shizuka Marikawa, who spent her days muttering "Makabaka," was truly impossible to rely on.
The delicious pastry and a cup of black tea made for a perfect afternoon.
"Mr. Riku!"
Just then, the voice of Saeko Busujima echoed in Riku's ear.
Riku tapped the side of his head. A multifunctional earpiece—which Alice had named the 'Huangyu Machine,' functioning much like an 'Akasha Terminal'—appeared.
For now, it only allowed for communication across universes. Riku had not had the time to add more functions, but it was enough for now.
"Saeko, what is it?" Riku asked.
"Mr. Riku. I am here in the Sanctuary. Saga wants me to retrieve the Triangulum Silver Cloth and become the Triangulum Silver Saint. Should I accept?"
Saeko continued her report.
Saeko had been sent by Riku to the [Saint Seiya] Universe.
The plan was simple. After Riku set up her identity, Saeko showed amazing talent. The Sanctuary noticed her. In just about a year, she had reached the level required to become a Silver Saint.
As for the Cloths? In reality, aside from the Gold Cloths, the various Silver and Bronze Cloths were scattered across the Earth.
The Earth! In the [Saint Seiya] world, that planet was not just any 'Earth.' It was the land left behind from the Age of Myth. This was why Gold Saints could treat planets like glass marbles in space, yet their power was much weaker when fighting on the surface of the Earth.
Most of the Cloths were scattered across the land, being powered by the planet's natural energy.
"You may," Riku thought for a moment before nodding. "Go ahead and retrieve the Triangulum Silver Cloth."
"Understood!"
Saeko disconnected the link. She knew exactly what to do next.
Rika, hand on her hip, said thoughtfully, "Mr. Riku, wouldn't it have been better to arrange for Saeko to take the Capricorn Cloth?"
"That is true."
"However."
"There is no rush."
Riku did not hide his intentions, though he did not explain further. It was not necessary. He did not just want the 88 Cloths—those were just the physical forms of the 88 constellations. What he truly wanted were the constellations themselves.
Perhaps even...
One could only say, let's take it one step at a time.
"Rika, go and call Rei back."
"I will take this chance to bring you both to the [Saint Seiya] Universe."
Riku had suddenly thought of something.
Rika was surprised. As she turned to leave, she asked, "Mr. Riku, isn't this a bit too soon?"
"Take this chance to have Saeko bring you into the Sanctuary. I will have your identities prepared," Riku explained.
Rika understood immediately. Since Saeko was already qualified to be a Silver Saint, it made sense to bring two other talented people into the Sanctuary under the cover of this mission to retrieve the Triangulum Cloth.
Soon, Rika returned with Rei Miyamoto. Rei's eyes were full of focus. Clearly, she knew everything.
Riku did not waste words. He stood up, brought the two women with him, and stepped through the 'Portal.' They arrived once again in the [Saint Seiya] Universe.
Upon their arrival, streaks of deep blue light flickered in Riku's eyes. He quickly rewrote the identities of Rika and Rei.
If he were dealing with a more powerful person, Riku would not have been able to change their status so easily. But for these two, it was no problem at all. They were not very powerful, and these small changes would not cause any ripples in the [Saint Seiya] Universe.
Also, the [Saint Seiya] Universe was not just a single universe; it was a true multiverse that could travel through space and time. A change this small was not worth mentioning.
***
On the surface of the Earth!
Saeko brought her right hand down in a sharp, blade-like motion. The barrier before her was cut in an instant.
The barrier had three parts, all connected. If the three points were not destroyed at the same time, the barrier would stay up.
Yet, with a single strike, Saeko had cut all three.
The barrier disappeared, showing an ancient altar. Resting upon it was the Triangulum Silver Cloth.
Saeko walked toward the Cloth step by step.
The moment her palm touched it, a bright silver-white light exploded. The Triangulum Silver Cloth split apart and attached itself to Saeko's body.
"So this is the power granted by a Cloth..."
Saeko closed her eyes, quietly feeling the boost to her own Cosmo and the distinct, heavy feeling of the armor. She whispered to herself.
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