Chapter 308: The Titan Goddess of Magic

Athena's suggestion, while absurd, was undeniably practical. However, Solomon firmly rejected the idea, deeming it entirely inappropriate. After repeated persuasion, Athena finally conceded to trust in Solomon's self-control.

Yet, Solomon realized there was an opportunity before him. He had never visited Hecate, the ancient Titan goddess of magic. The period leading up to his journey to Asgard seemed like the perfect chance to seek her guidance. As a figure from the old Titan age, Hecate likely had interactions with the Vanir gods, and Solomon hoped to gain insight into their enigmatic magical practices, potentially aiding him in understanding the challenges ahead.

Hecate's name appeared frequently in ancient spells and rituals. For example, the spell "Hecate's Veil of Shadows" was similar to the second-level "Darkness" spell, but more versatile in its application. It could be used to obscure objects or people in darkness, making them nearly invisible at night.

Another example was the invocation of her name during the "Safe Delivery of Newborns" spell. Greek women in labor often screamed Hecate's name during childbirth, particularly while cursing the men responsible for their pregnancies and vowing never to have children again. Ironically, invoking Hecate often helped them stay conscious, expand the birth canal, and conserve enough energy to hurl a water pitcher at the father waiting outside.

Hecate was a goddess with numerous domains. Whether in the Titan age or the Olympian era, she remained an essential and influential immortal. She was the guardian of homes, the protector of witches, and the deity worshipped by shepherds alongside Hermes. In Eleusis, during the Haloea festival, she was a central figure, and priestesses would secretly whisper sacred symbols to the gathered women. The women, in turn, would sometimes exchange risqué jokes, much to the dismay of the men.

However, the time for this visit was not now. Like Athena, Hecate abided by the Supreme Sorcerer's laws, living peacefully on Earth. Without the Ancient One's permission, visiting her, even with Athena's knowledge, would be considered disrespectful. Unless, of course, Athena personally accompanied Solomon to meet her.

Athena seemed more than willing to take Solomon to meet Hecate, who currently resided on the island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea. She led a secluded life there, rarely even casting spells. Before their visit, Athena decided to send Hecate a text message to ensure they wouldn't catch the goddess in an unseemly state—such as intoxicated from one of her frequent wine binges.

Athena also requested that Hecate prepare a roast lamb, Greek fish roe, and some chilled retsina wine. This resin-infused wine, which had been popular for over 2,000 years, was an acquired taste for most, but Athena insisted that Solomon try it. Paired with semi-dried octopus tentacles, it was said to elevate the wine's flavor.

"If you're ready, we can leave now," Athena said, looking up from her phone. "If we delay, Hecate might start pouring wine into her coffee."

Hecate, with a white headscarf wrapped around her head, looked no different from an ordinary middle-aged woman. Her short black hair was a bit disheveled, giving her a casual appearance. However, through certain magical senses, one could see her true essence: a being with ever-shifting faces and an aura of ancient, boundless power.

"Ah, the usual topic," Hecate quipped, setting down her coffee cup. The aroma of roasting lamb wafted from the oven, mingled with the sizzling of garlic and onions in bubbling lamb fat. Olive oil and black pepper had seeped into every strand of the tender meat.

This dish, a traditional specialty of Santorini, was often paired with pita bread. The bread, soaked in the meat juices, was the perfect accompaniment to the lamb. However, the meal wasn't ready yet, so the guests contented themselves with nibbling on appetizers.

Solomon, following Athena's suggestion, sampled the dried octopus tentacles paired with the retsina wine. The unique combination pleasantly surprised him.

"You want to know the cost of Vanir magic, am I right?" Hecate asked, her gaze alternating between Solomon and Athena. Compared to the slightly reserved mystic, Athena exuded a relaxed confidence. She sat casually in her chair, one leg elegantly crossed over the other. Her golden sandals, fastened with delicate silk cords, shimmered in the sunlight streaming through the windows. Her long, golden hair cascaded down her shoulders, glowing in the bright Aegean sunlight.

"Why so confrontational, Hecate?" Athena asked, her tone calm but firm. "He merely seeks your wisdom. The current Sorcerer Supreme is not Agamotto, and even the Ancient One cannot answer every question. I believe you are the one who holds the knowledge he seeks. That's why I brought him here."

"I suspected you'd get involved, Athena," Hecate replied with a wry smile. "Like a child collecting teddy bears, you've never been able to resist acquiring interesting toys. But fine, I'm not here to argue. I'll answer your questions."

Turning to Solomon, Hecate continued, "Listen carefully, Saint. If you wish to delve into the magic of the Vanir gods, you must first understand the power of faith. This is the foundation of all deities—it is something you cannot learn at Kamar-Taj. Faith is an immensely powerful force and the basis of divinity itself.

"For the Vanir gods, faith is the price they pay for magic. The Aesir and Vanir gods have established their realms, and all the mortals of the Nine Realms are their faithful. Their souls cast immense projections in the Astral Plane, with countless streams of faith surrounding their essences. As long as their followers believe, their power is inexhaustible."

"That's not the answer I was seeking, Hecate," Athena interjected sharply, her gaze cutting through the air like a blade. "I want him to understand the form of Vanir magic, not a theological lecture."

"What does it matter? He'll encounter it sooner or later." Hecate shrugged dismissively. "He's the Saint, after all. Even without realizing it, he's already accepted vast amounts of faith. Just look at the number of Christians on this Earth—they are his believers. I saw it the moment I laid eyes on him. Even if he doesn't acknowledge it, his essence is unmistakable. The Star of Bethlehem has already proclaimed his arrival."

"Have you ever considered the cost of using your stigmata, Solomon?" Hecate's question caught the mystic off guard. Ignoring Athena's increasingly dark expression, Hecate pressed on, "Everything has a price. And for you, the cost is faith.

"When you activate all your stigmata, you'll see your true essence—a soul that shines blindingly bright, drifting across the Astral Plane. Every demon in the Lower Planes covets your soul, as its power could sustain a Seventh Throne. Every celestial being desires your faith, as it would glorify their divine masters. As long as you exist, Zeus will fear you, Hera will bless you, and Aphrodite will stop at nothing to seduce you. But alas, Athena got to you first."

"He is my child, Hecate," Athena declared, wrapping her arm protectively around Solomon's shoulder before planting a kiss on his cheek. The gesture left Solomon visibly flustered as he squirmed uncomfortably, unable to escape Athena's firm grip.

"Has no one ever told you how coarse you are?" Hecate laughed, her voice ringing like a bell. "You lack even a shred of femininity!"

"I am not Aphrodite, that fool who loses all composure at the sight of a man," Athena retorted, her tone sharp. "If she dares come near Solomon, I'll make sure he thoroughly understands the depths of her idiocy. I trust my child won't be swayed by mere beauty."

"Oh, we'll see about that," Hecate replied, chuckling.

At that moment, the oven dinged, signaling that the lamb was ready. The warm, savory aroma of garlic, onion, and lamb fat filled the room, momentarily dispelling the tension.

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