Chapter 307: Athena's Strategy

There are certain times of the year that truly test the mystics of Kamar-Taj. For example, during the four solstices, Earth's magical energy levels surge significantly. These natural magical tides have influenced calendars like the Druidic system, which bases its festivals on magical phenomena.

Take the Winter Solstice, for instance. It's the day when Earth's natural magical energy peaks, bringing the Material Plane closer to all other dimensions. Babies born on this day often possess exceptionally high magical talent.

Then there's Beltane, celebrated on the first Monday of May, where bonfires are lit to mark the end of the long winter and the arrival of summer. Traditionally, it's also a celebration of spring's fertility. In the past, countless young men and women would dance around the bonfires and later find their "special someone" in the grass, continuing the cycle of life.

Or consider Samhain, celebrated on October 31st, a festival that later evolved into the Christian All Hallows' Eve (November 1st). This day marks the new year and the time when the souls of the deceased return to their earthly homes. According to planar studies taught at Kamar-Taj, October 31st is when the Material Plane is closest to the Lower Planes. This phenomenon, called the "Feast of the Dead," often requires mystics to bolster Earth's planetary defenses to drive away spirits from Hell or the Abyss trying to infiltrate.

Yet, some challenges far outweigh even these events. And Solomon had already guessed the true purpose behind the Ancient One sending him to Asgard.

The Nine Realms' long-awaited cosmic alignment, the "Convergence," was imminent, occurring once every 5,000 years. During this event, Yggdrasil would unify all nine realms into one, presenting a monumental challenge to Earth's planetary defense system. This alignment would test Kamar-Taj like never before. Should the defense system falter, entities from other dimensions could freely enter Earth, nullifying the efforts of countless Supreme Sorcerers over the centuries.

This posed an existential threat, and Solomon realized that the Ancient One's stated reason—to study Rune Magic in Asgard—was merely a convenient excuse. The real motive was likely to ensure that Asgard and Earth remained in close alliance. Whether the Ancient One had foreseen more through the Eye of Agamotto, or struck some secret deal with Odin, the All-Father, was beyond Solomon's knowledge.

He didn't mind the arrangement. He even felt that Asgard's courtly education would likely focus on magic, free of the bureaucratic rituals of the mortal world. The Vanir gods, after all, possessed esoteric knowledge even Odin hadn't mastered. Loki's studies, for example, combined Rune Magic with Vanir Mysticism to create a unique magical system.

However, Solomon had one pressing question:

"Does Asgard's courtly education come with a diploma?"

If it didn't, Athena was going to lose her temper!

"I wouldn't throw a tantrum over something so trivial, Solomon," Athena replied, casually inspecting the pristine single-eyed skull in her hands. This was the purified remains of the demonic skull Solomon had cleansed. If it hadn't been used as a vessel for a demonic entity, Solomon would have been highly reluctant to destroy such valuable material. Now, the skull was utterly useless, not even suitable for creating undead minions. The purifying power of his Celestial Light spell had left it infused with faint positive energy, causing it to glow softly in the dark.

In short, it was now a decorative item, albeit a striking one.

Athena planned to carve the skull into beads, inscribe them with runes, and distribute them as protective talismans for the children at her orphanage. As far as amulets went, this was unparalleled in quality, which was why Solomon had given her the otherwise unusable remains.

"The Ancient One mentioned your study plan," Athena said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "I've dealt with Asgardians before, back during the gods' war against the Universal Deities. Their culture is insufferable—they have no respect for women. Some fool even tried to touch me and ended up impaled on my spear. If you see that idiot in Asgard, let me know if he's still alive. If he is, do me a favor and finish the job."

Seeing Solomon's shocked expression, Athena smirked. "Relax, child. That was a joke. He's long dead."

Athena tossed the single-eyed skull aside, and her owl immediately pounced on it, batting it across the floor like a toy.

"You'll undoubtedly face challenges in Asgard, Solomon," Athena said, her commanding presence filling the room. "I don't know if the Ancient One will allow you to bring Excalibur or Rhongomyniad, so let's assume you can't. That leaves you with only one weapon—your spear. Do you still remember how to wield it?"

"Mother, you trained me in javelin throwing from a young age…"

"I mean using a spear with a shield, you fool. Thor's hammer is not something you can counter without protection. I suggest you bring the shield I gave you. Wearing armor might be seen as distrustful by the Asgardians, but carrying a shield is a different story. It will also signal to the Aesir and Vanir gods exactly who backs you."

The radiant, regal goddess arched a brow. "But the other two challenges you'll face won't be as straightforward. First, drinking. Asgardians are notorious drunkards, and as Kamar-Taj's representative, you'll undoubtedly attend their feasts. You've brought back Asgardian mead before, so you're familiar with its strength. But their feasts don't end in one night. This means you must start training to consume large quantities of alcohol without alchemical aids. Begin practicing today.

"The second challenge is trickier. Odin, as the All-Father, is cunning and ruthless. While he'll honor his agreements with Kamar-Taj, that doesn't mean he won't manipulate the situation to Asgard's advantage. He'll likely try to bind you to Asgard in some way—perhaps even by having one of their goddesses seduce you.

"But I believe you won't fall for such schemes. I know your self-control well, given how often I've trained you to resist temptation. However, this is the kind of challenge where a single failure means permanent defeat. To ensure your success, I've arranged for Bayonetta to… help you."

"Huh?"

"Simply put, after your mortal education concludes, Bayonetta will spend a delightful evening with you," Athena declared with a dazzling smile, completely ignoring Solomon's flushed face and the potential existential crisis she might be causing him.

"I must admit, the witches possess unparalleled… skills in this area. Both Bayonetta and Jeanne are exceptionally adept. With them, you'll be immune to the charms of the Vanir and Aesir goddesses, or even Aphrodite herself. If that's not enough, I'll consult Hecate to craft a potion that temporarily suppresses your male instincts. It's reversible, of course—one antidote and you'll be back to normal."

The wise goddess spoke matter-of-factly, as her owl batted the skull across the room, oblivious to the storm brewing in Solomon's mind.

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