Chương 18: Chapter 18: Tritogeneia
Since that day, Solomon had been receiving daily lessons directly from the Sorcerer Supreme. While other sorcerers at Kamar-Taj could consult her with their questions, each person's learning journey was different. For most, mastering the spells in the Book of the Vishanti would be enough to occupy a lifetime. However, Solomon was not only studying the magic from the Vishanti's teachings, but he was also delving into the truths of the Dark Dimension.
Knowing how terrifying the Dark Dimension was, the Sorcerer Supreme was extremely cautious when guiding Solomon. Whenever he couldn't withstand the whispers or when Dormammu noticed him, she would swiftly pull Solomon's astral form back to safety.
As a result, Solomon's physical symptoms were limited to a pale complexion, avoiding the flesh-crystallizing effects typical of those contaminated by the Dark Dimension.
Even so, these lessons took a significant toll on Solomon. His constant mental exhaustion hindered his ability to cast more spells. Unlike the Sorcerer Supreme, who could draw power from the Dark Dimension with ease, Solomon was still far too inexperienced to wield such power without consequence.
One day, however, the Sorcerer Supreme halted Solomon's lessons on the Dark Dimension.
"You need to visit someone—or rather, a god," the Sorcerer Supreme said, pointing to the plump snake coiled on Solomon's desk. "She's already assisted you, and now it's time for you to hear her terms."
Solomon's face clouded with worry. In Greek mythology, the goddess Athena wasn't known for her gentleness. He vividly remembered the story of Arachne, who was turned into a spider. Gods who upheld law and order were rarely easy to negotiate with.
While Athena wasn't a god from the Toril universe with true divine authority, the fact that she held this title suggested she had a similar temperament.
Sensing Solomon's apprehension, the Sorcerer Supreme's tone softened. "The only reason I tolerate Athena's return to Earth is that she abides by the order I've established.
"No one attempting to resurrect the age of gods on Earth will be allowed. That includes Zeus. Rest assured, Solomon—Athena likely has something to ask of you. Use this opportunity to get something beneficial in return."
"Ask something of me?" Solomon looked up in surprise. He couldn't imagine a Greek goddess needing anything from a mere sorcerer.
The Sorcerer Supreme, however, saw it differently. "Don't underestimate yourself, Solomon. You're special. I suspect Athena saw your potential at the British Museum, which is why she decided to assist a mortal like you."
"Now go. Don't waste any time. Bring a gift with you. This snake will guide you to her."
According to the Sorcerer Supreme, Athena was now using her Roman name, Minerva, and had even written a book titled The Hero's Journey, which detailed the connections between myth and reality. Unfortunately, it hadn't been a commercial success.
To find her, Solomon had to travel to Athena Hill in New York, where she ran an orphanage.
Finally, Solomon felt a wave of relief. He remembered the reputation of the Sorcerer Supreme—one not built on the power of the Vishanti, but forged through her own actions.
According to her, the Greek pantheon had once been among the most troublesome deities on Earth, even tied to a race called the Eternals, who posed as the Greek gods' representatives on Earth.
Although Solomon didn't know the details, he figured that the absence of the Eternals and other Greek gods on Earth today had something to do with the rise of the Sorcerer Supreme.
Back in the day, when the Sorcerer Supreme emerged and wielded the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak, she had eradicated countless extradimensional threats that tried to invade Earth. Solomon assumed that Earth's so-called gods were no exception.
With this in mind, Solomon's faith in his teacher grew even stronger.
Emerging from a narrow alleyway, Solomon stepped onto the streets of New York.
He tucked the plump white snake into his sleeve. Although its cold, scaly body coiling around his arm made him uncomfortable, he endured it. The Sorcerer Supreme had made it clear that the snake was crucial to finding Athena.
Solomon felt the snake shift restlessly under his sleeve, occasionally bobbing its head or flicking its tongue to determine the direction.
"Are you sure it's this way? Do you mean a straight line?" Solomon asked, peering into the snake's round eyes. He could almost see an expression of disdain in them.
Solomon sighed. "Look, little guy, I don't speak Parseltongue, and I'm not a Druid. I don't understand natural magic. I think we'll need to stick to nodding or shaking your head, alright?"
His unusual behavior, especially the red sorcerer's robe adorned with silver clasps and the snake coiled around his arm, had drawn the attention of pedestrians. Some gave him a wide berth, not wanting to get too close.
But Solomon paid no mind to the onlookers. His full attention was on the snake, which acted like the floating arrows in video games, guiding him to his destination.
Eventually, Solomon arrived at the entrance of a white apartment building and knocked gently on the door. It swung open immediately.
A tall woman stood at the threshold. She wore a thin, white silk nightgown with golden Greek key embroidery along the edges. Her beauty was striking, with long, golden curls cascading over her bare shoulders and collarbone. Her height far surpassed Solomon's 12-year-old frame, and her arms, while not overly muscular, displayed the graceful strength of a warrior when she moved.
"Greetings, Goddess of Creative Arts, Tritogeneia, Maiden of Athens, Pallas Athena. Solomon Damonet is at your service," Solomon said, frozen in place as Athena took the snake from his arm. His hands trembled slightly as he presented a bottle of wine. "This is a gift for you."
"I know your name. Come in," Athena said with a smile, accepting the gift as she stepped aside to let Solomon enter.
The apartment was filled with classical Greek-style marble sculptures, some gilded. In the center of the living room lay a large, plush white woolen rug, and even the sofa was white. A few apples rested on the table, ready for guests, and a brown owl perched on the windowsill.
"Why are you so nervous?" Athena asked, noticing Solomon sitting rigidly on the sofa after she handed him a glass of water. "Do you really believe those myths?"
Solomon wasn't sure how to respond.
Athena waved dismissively. "I've tried my best to correct the errors in those myths, but people still treat my writings as nonsense! Those clueless youngsters… Anyway, back to the point. You're probably wondering why I helped you at the British Museum, aren't you?"
"Yes, πτνια (a Greek term for goddess, specifically used for Athena), I'm completely at a loss as to how I could be of help to you," Solomon replied.
"Hasn't your teacher ever told you that you're far too modest?" Athena said with a laugh. "You're one of the few capable of receiving the full teachings of the Sorcerer Supreme! Naturally, I have a favor to ask of you. But not today—this will be for the future…"
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[Note 1]: The title "Goddess of Creative Arts" comes from mystical hymns.
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