Silence,
Utterly deathly silence.
Besides being famed for wisdom, Athena possessed another equally renowned Authority—
War!
And unlike Ares's Authority, Ares merely started the battle, merely initiated war. Athena represented the victorious side of war; if one wanted to win, one had to rely on her.
What did you think she relied on?
Her spear and shield!
Her authority and power!
Victory was fought for.
"Now that you know all this, you still dare aim an arrow at me? Tell me, human!" Athena was angrier than she had ever been.
Divine armor adorned the goddess's proud figure, Athena's Spear and Aegis held in her hands.
She flew into the air, looking down from above as she appeared in true Divine Form and demanded:
"Tell me! Human, do you still have the courage to fire that arrow now?!"
"Goddess of Wisdom, I told you long ago that one day, I would thoroughly humiliate wisdom. And a promise must be kept."
Thaumas nodded faintly, as though he were merely stating something ordinary.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
He was actually quite skilled at settling personal scores under the guise of public duty.
"How terrifying. He's a madman, isn't he, Stheno?"
"I don't know. Is this the farewell gift? To see something like this before dying... Euryale's life was worth it."
The two sisters hugged each other and whispered. They had never seen such a sight before. It was utterly terrifying. Without Medusa protecting them, they were truly terrified!
"So, human, are you challenging me? Are you challenging wisdom and victory?!" Athena's emotionless voice rang out.
"Honored Goddess Hephaestus, once again grant me flames that burn gods;
Noble Queen of Heaven Hera, lend your follower the power to shatter a divine shield;
Goddess Nyx, while the night has not yet ended, protect me;