From that day on, Salomon received daily instruction from the Sorcerer Supreme. While other mages on Kamar-Taj could consult the Sorcerer Supreme with questions, each possessed a different understanding. The spells contained in the Book of Vishanti alone were enough for a lifetime of practice. Salomon, however, was required not only to learn the magic within the Book of Vishanti but also to witness the truths of the Dark Dimension.
Knowing the horrors of the Dark Dimension, the Sorcerer Supreme was extremely cautious in guiding Salomon. Whenever Salomon could no longer endure the whispers or was discovered by Dormammu, the Sorcerer Supreme would promptly pull Salomon's astral body back.
Consequently, Salomon's outward appearance was merely pale, and his body showed no signs of the crystallization of flesh and blood that had characterized his infiltration by the Dark Dimension.
However, even these lessons greatly burdened Salomon, his mental fatigue preventing him from casting more magic. The Ancient One was the only one in the universe who could so brazenly plunder the magic of the Dark Dimension. Salomon was still far too immature.
One day, the Sorcerer Supreme suspended Salomon's exploration of the Dark Realm.
"You need to visit a person, or rather, a god," the Sorcerer Supreme pointed to the plump snake on Salomon's desk. "She has offered you help. Now, you should hear her terms."
A scowl crossed Salomon's face. In Greek mythology, the goddess Athena was not known for her good temper. Salomon remembered the story of Alcmene's transformation into a spider. No deity of law and order was easy to talk to.
While Athena wasn't a true deity like those in the Toril universe, her status as a pantheon suggested she possessed this personality.
As if sensing Salomon's concern, the Sorcerer Supreme spoke in a gentle voice, "I tolerated Athena's return to Earth precisely because she abided by the order I established. I will absolutely not tolerate anyone who revives the Age of Gods on Earth, not even Zeus. Go with confidence. I believe she must have a favor to ask of you this time. Try to bring back some benefits."
"A favor?" Salomon looked up in surprise. He couldn't imagine a Greek god asking a mere wizard for help.
But the Sorcerer Supreme disagreed. "Don't underestimate yourself, Salomon. You are special. She must have seen your talent in the British Museum and is helping a mere mortal. Go now, don't waste time, bring your gift, and this snake will guide you."
According to the Sorcerer Supreme, Athena now uses the alias "Minerva," her Roman name. She also wrote a book called The Hero's Journey, detailing the connections between fact and myth, though sales have been disappointing.
To find her, they must travel to Mount Athena in New York, where she runs an orphanage.
Salomon's heart finally settled as he recalled the Ancient One's reputation—a reputation not fostered by Vishanti but forged by the Ancient One himself.
According to the Ancient One, the Greek pantheon was one of the most restive on Earth at the time, entwined with a race called the Eternals, who were intended to represent the Greek gods on Earth.
While Salomon didn't know the specifics, he assumed that the Eternals and the rest of the Greek gods were no longer on Earth. By calculating the time of the Ancient One's rise, he could roughly guess the situation.
Recalling the Supreme's sudden emergence and the mutated Ring of Raggador that had slain countless extradimensional beings attempting to enter Earth, Salomon assumed that Earth's so-called gods were no exception.
The Ancient One was the most powerful sorcerer in the multiverse, and he had complete faith in his teacher.
Salomon emerged from a secluded alleyway and found himself on the streets of New York. He placed the plump little white snake into his sleeve. Although the feeling of its cold scales wrapped around his arm was somewhat uncomfortable, he endured it, for the Supreme had clearly stated that this pet would be the key to his quest for Athena.
He could sense the chubby little snake growing restless beneath his sleeve, moving its head here and there, sticking out its tongue, finally determining its direction.
"Are you sure that's the right direction? Is the direction you're heading in a straight line?" Salomon asked, gazing into the snake's round eyes. Then, Salomon saw a look of disdain in the snake's eyes.
Resignedly, Salomon said, "Little fellow, I don't speak Parseltongue, nor am I a druid, nor do I know any natural magic. I don't understand a word you're saying. I think a nod or a shake of the head will solve the problem, right?"
Many people on the street were drawn to Salomon, drawn to his dazzling red robes, their silver clasps making them look expensive. Even more striking was the snake tightly wrapped around his arm, drawing passersby away.
But Salomon was completely oblivious. His attention was completely focused on the little snake, which, like the arrow floating on the screen in a game, guided him to his destination.
Salomon stood at the door of a white apartment building. He knocked gently, and the door opened.
A tall woman stood in the doorway, wearing a thin, white, homely camisole with Greek keys embroidered in gold thread along the hem. She was strikingly beautiful, much taller than the twelve-year-old Salomon. Her long, wavy blond hair was thick, flowing like water over her fair shoulders and collarbone. Her arms were not as slender as those of an average woman, but neither were they overly strong. When she extended her hand, her beautiful muscles were highlighted.
"Greetings, goddess of the arts, Tritogloia, Pallas of Athens. Salomon Damonette is at your service." When Athena took the snake from Salomon's arms, he didn't dare move, but greeted the goddess. He held up a bottle of wine in both hands. "This is a gift for you."
"I know your name. Come in." Athena smiled and accepted the gift, then opened the door for Salomon to enter.
Perhaps because of her divine position, Athena's apartment was filled with marble sculptures in the style of ancient Greece, some of which were even gilded. In the center of the living room lay a large white wool carpet, and even the sofa was white. On the table stood several apples for guests, and on the windowsill stood a brown owl.
"Why are you so reserved?" Athena poured him a glass of water, and seeing Salomon sitting quietly on the sofa, she asked, "Do you really believe in those myths?"
This left Salomon at a loss for words.
But Athena just waved her hand. She said, "I have tried my best to correct the errors in the myth, but it is regarded as nonsense by people who know nothing… Well, let's get back to the topic. Are you wondering why I am helping you in the British Museum?"
"Yes, πτνια (goddess, specifically Athena), I don't see how I can help you at all," Salomon replied.
"Didn't your teacher tell you that you are really too modest?" Athena said with a smile. "You are the one who can receive the true teachings of the Sorcerer Supreme! Naturally, I will ask for your help, but not now, but in the future…"
-End Chapter-
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