Is Leo Gold Saint Ilias the Strongest? Reputation vs. Reality

The Legend of Ilias: Leo’s Ultimate Warrior

In the expansive universe of The Lost Canvas—spanning the main series, side stories, and specials—dozens of Gold Saints have emerged, yet only a handful have ever been hailed as the strongest. Among these elite, one name stands out: Ilias of Leo. But was his title earned, or was it merely ceremonial praise?

The Title of “Strongest”

Across generations, Ilias was universally acknowledged as the pinnacle of power and virtue. Former Pope Sage lamented, “How ironic, Ilias—the strongest man—could not conquer illness, let alone return to the battlefield.” Scorpio Safir called him “the heroic strongest Leo,” while Sagittarius Sisyphus sought “the master of the golden lion, a warrior embodying benevolence, wisdom, and courage.” Even Taurus Aldebaran pleaded, “As the strongest Gold Saint, your strength is irreplaceable.” From veterans to newcomers like Unicorn Yato, all revered Ilias, and the narrative itself repeatedly confirmed his status.

Controversy and Sacrifice

Despite this acclaim, Ilias fell in battle against Wyvern Rhadamanthys, leading some to question his legitimacy. However, context is crucial: Ilias was terminally ill, his body ravaged by a divine poison wind from the god Kein. In his final moments, he chose not to strike Rhadamanthys but to extinguish a forest fire and save his son, Regulus—the future Leo Gold Saint. This selfless act, prioritizing hope over victory, underscored his wisdom. A direct attack might have ended Rhadamanthys temporarily, but without the Mu Continent beads (crafted later by Virgo Asmita), would simply revive. Ilias’s sacrifice ensured the continuity of Leo’s legacy.

Proof of Power: Beyond the Main Story

Supplementary materials showcase Ilias’s unparalleled might. In Sagittarius Side Story, even while ill, he effortlessly breached Sisyphus’s “Chiron Storm” and shattered the Sagittarius Cloth with “Lion’s Sickle”—the only instance of a Gold Cloth being rendered lifeless in LC. In the special Land of Wind, his spiritual form dispersed Asmita’s “Tenbu Horin” and overwhelmed both Sisyphus and Asmita with “Lightning Plasma.” He also mediated clashes between other Gold Saints, earning gratitude from veteran Aquarius Crest, who admitted, “If Poseidon awakened, even I and Pisces would be powerless.” Crest’s cosmos, once described as “covering the icy earth,” paled beside Ilias’s boundless, terrain-transcending energy.

The Depths of His Strength

What truly set Ilias apart was not just his physical prowess—exemplified by his unpredictable “Lightning Plasma”—but his spiritual mastery. He naturally operated at the Eighth Sense, perceiving and communicating with nature, wind, and the world itself. His mental powers allowed him to construct tangible realities through thought alone, inflicting real damage in virtual spaces. Death, for him, was merely a transition; his soul could manifest future technologies and guide others across time. This harmony with the cosmos made him a sage-warrior, transcending human limits.

Legacy and Influence

Ilias’s impact extended far beyond his lifetime. His son, Regulus, became the youngest Gold Saint, mastering techniques like “Solo Athena Exclamation” and “Zodiac Clamation” in pursuit of his father’s greatness. Sisyphus, once overshadowed, emerged as a leader after Ilias’s trials. Asmita, guided to the Eighth Sense, created the Mu beads crucial to defeating Hades’s army. Even prideful Gemini Aspros showed him unwavering respect. Ilias’s illness, caused by divine interference, was a testament to his near-godly power—a strength so immense it invited celestial retribution.

Verdict: Well-Deserved Greatness

Ilias’s title was not hyperbole but a reflection of his holistic excellence: combat skill, cosmic awareness, selflessness, and enduring influence. His choices in life and death fortified the Saints’ future, proving that true strength lies in wisdom and sacrifice. For Leo signs, he embodies their core traits—leadership, courage, and grandeur—elevated to mythical heights. In the constellation of Gold Saints, Ilias shines brightest, a hero whose legacy defines what it means to be the strongest.