'Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas' takes us back in time, 250 years before the events of the original 'Saint Seiya' series. The story unfolds in 18th-century Europe, a setting that blends historical aesthetics with the grand, mythological scope the franchise is known for. This isn't just a backdrop; it's a world on the brink of a divine war.

At the heart of the story are three young orphans whose lives are irrevocably intertwined. Their bond will be tested as ancient gods choose them to be their vessels on Earth, setting the stage for a conflict that threatens to consume the world.

The central conflict is a Holy War, a cyclical battle that has been waged between two powerful Olympian gods since the age of myth. On one side is Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, who reincarnates on Earth to protect humanity. On the other is her eternal rival, Hades, the god of the Underworld, who seeks to bring death to all living things and cover the world in darkness.

In this era, Hades has a particularly insidious plan. He intends to complete a massive painting in the sky called the 'Lost Canvas'. Once finished, this celestial artwork will extinguish all life on the planet, creating his ideal world of silent death. The war is a race against time to stop the painting's completion.

Both deities command powerful armies of mortal warriors who fight on their behalf.

Athena's Saints are warriors of hope who have trained their bodies and minds to unlock the power of the universe within them, known as 'Cosmo'. Each Saint is protected by a Cloth, a sacred suit of armor linked to one of the 88 constellations. They gather at the Sanctuary in Greece, a bastion dedicated to protecting Athena and the world.

Hades' Specters are the 108 warriors of the Underworld army. They are souls of the dead granted new life and incredible power by Hades. Their dark armor, called Surplices, are modeled after malevolent stars. They follow Hades without question, seeking to destroy the Saints and pave the way for their master's reign.

With the stage set and the armies gathered, the Holy War of the 18th century begins. It's a tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the human struggle against the overwhelming power of the gods.