Tritogenaia

From that day on, Salomon received the Sorcerer Supreme's personal instruction every day. The other mages of Kamar-Taj could also ask The Venerable One questions if they had any.

But everyone's understanding was different. The spells in the Book of Vishanti alone were enough to occupy them for a lifetime. Salomon, however, had to learn not only the magic within the Book of Vishanti, but also witness the truths of the Dark Dimension.

The Sorcerer Supreme, who knew full well how terrifying the Dark Dimension was, was extremely cautious when guiding Salomon. Whenever Salomon could no longer endure the whispers or was discovered by Dormammu, The Venerable One would promptly draw his Astral Body back.

As a result, Salomon only appeared pale on the outside. His body showed none of the flesh crystallization that occurred when one was tainted by the Dark Dimension.

Even so, these lessons greatly increased Salomon's burden. His lack of mental energy prevented him from casting more spells. There was only one being in the entire universe like Master Gu Yi, who could brazenly seize the Dark Dimension's magic by force. Salomon was still far too inexperienced.

Until one day, the Sorcerer Supreme suspended Salomon's lessons in exploring the Dark Dimension.

"You need to visit someone—or rather, a god." The Venerable One pointed at the plump snake on Salomon's desk. "She has already helped you. Now, you should go and hear what conditions she has."

Salomon looked troubled. In Greek mythology, Athena was not known for her good temper. Salomon clearly remembered the story of Alcmene being turned into a spider. None of the gods who governed law and order were easy to deal with.

Although Athena was not a true god like those on Toril who held divine portfolios, the fact that she possessed this divine name meant that she had such a personality.

Seeming to notice Salomon's concerns, The Venerable One softened her tone. "The reason I can tolerate Athena's return to Earth is precisely because she can abide by the order I established.

"I will never tolerate anyone trying to revive the Age of Gods on Earth. The same goes for Zeus. Go without worry. I think she must be asking something of you this time, so try to get as many benefits as you can."

"She needs something from me?" Salomon raised his head in surprise. He truly could not imagine a Greek god asking a mere mage for help.

But the Sorcerer Supreme did not see it that way. "Do not belittle yourself, Salomon. You are very special. She must have seen your talent at the British Museum, which is why she helped a mortal.

"Go. Do not waste time. Bring a gift. This snake will guide you."

According to the Sorcerer Supreme, Athena now went by her Roman name, "Minerva." She had even written a book called The Hero's Journey, detailing the various connections between reality and myth, though its sales had not been particularly ideal.

To find her, he would have to go to Mount Athena in New York, where she ran an orphanage.

The weight hanging over Salomon's heart finally lifted, because he remembered Master Gu Yi's reputation—one not bestowed upon her by the Vishanti, but forged by her own hands.

According to Master Gu Yi, the Greek Pantheon had once been one of the most troublesome pantheons on Earth. They were also connected to a race known as the Eternals, whom they had made into their representatives among the Greek gods on Earth.

Although Salomon did not know the exact details, he believed that since there were no longer any Eternals or other Greek gods on Earth, and considering the time of Master Gu Yi's rise, he could roughly guess what had happened.

Back when The Venerable One had first appeared, how many extraplanar creatures trying to enter Earth had she slaughtered with a single altered Raggadorr's Ring? Salomon believed that the so-called gods on Earth had been no exception.

Master Gu Yi was the strongest mage in the multiverse. Salomon was now full of confidence in his teacher.

After Salomon emerged from a secluded alley, he found himself on the streets of New York.

He tucked the plump little white snake into his sleeve. Although the cold sensation of its scales winding around his arm made him uncomfortable, he endured it, because The Venerable One had clearly instructed him that this pet would be the key to finding Athena.

He felt the plump little snake under his sleeve grow restless as well. It poked its head out here, flicked its tongue there, and finally determined the direction.

"Are you sure it's that way? Is the direction your head is facing the shortest route?" Salomon asked, looking into the little snake's round eyes. Then he saw contempt in a snake's eyes.

Salomon said helplessly, "Little one, I do not speak Parseltongue, and I am not a druid. I do not know those nature spells. I cannot understand a word you are saying. Nodding and shaking your head should be enough to solve this, right?"

Many people on the street were drawn to Salomon. This was entirely because he wore an exceptionally eye-catching red mage's robe. The silver clasps made it look quite expensive, drawing even more attention. What stood out most, however, was the snake tightly coiled around his arm, making passersby keep their distance.

But Salomon was completely unaware of it. All his attention was on the little snake. Like an arrow floating on a game screen, it guided Salomon toward his destination.

Salomon stood before the door of a white apartment and knocked lightly. The door opened.

A tall woman stood in the doorway. She wore a light white sleeveless nightgown, its edges embroidered with golden Greek key patterns. Her face was exquisitely beautiful, and she was much taller than twelve-year-old Salomon. Her long golden curls were thick, draping over her lovely, fair shoulders and collarbones like flowing water. Her arms were not as slender as those of an ordinary woman, but neither were they overly muscular. When she extended her hand, her beautifully defined muscles became apparent.

"Greetings, goddess of founding arts, Tritogenaia, maiden of Athens, Pallas. Salomon Damonet is at your service." When Athena took the little snake from Salomon's arm, he did not dare move at all. Instead, he greeted the goddess and held out a bottle of wine with both hands. "This is a gift for you."

"I know your name. Come in." Athena accepted the gift with a smile and stepped aside to let Salomon enter.

Perhaps because of her divine domain, Athena's apartment was filled with marble sculptures in the style of Ancient Greece, some of them gilded with gold. A huge white wool rug lay in the center of the living room, and even the sofa was white. Several apples for guests sat on the table, while a brown owl perched on the windowsill.

"Why are you so restrained?" After pouring him a glass of water, Athena saw Salomon sitting properly on the sofa and asked, "Do you really believe those stories from the myths?"

For a moment, Salomon did not know how to respond.

But Athena merely waved her hand. "I have already done my best to correct the errors in the myths, yet people actually regard it as nonsense! Those ignorant brats... Fine, back to the point. You are wondering why I assisted you at the British Museum, aren't you?"

"Yes, Potnia, goddess." Salomon replied. "I truly cannot see how I could be of any help to you."

"Did your teacher never tell you that you are far too modest?" Athena said with a smile. "You are someone who can receive the Sorcerer Supreme's true teachings! Naturally, I will ask you for help—but not now. In the future..."

Note 1: This title comes from hymns in mystery cults.

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Good morning.