Meanwhile, Rodrigo and the others walked through the gardens of the Silver Palace, which were as green and fresh as ever.

  Menrva was seated on some stones placed by the shore of a small lake. Rodrigo, Ana, Tania, Epona, Anpiel, and Susanoo approached her while she studied a map that seemed to generate holograms.

  “And how are we getting to Asgard?” Epona asked curiously, watching Menrva examine the celestial map.

  “I’ve never been to those regions, but it seems that we’ll appear at this point when we leave Palas, and we’ll have to follow this route to reach Asgard,” Menrva replied, pointing to the path on the map.

  “It’s quite far, so we’ll probably have to travel for at least an hour,” she concluded.

  The celestial maps used by the gods were simple papyrus charts, but when touched by a god, a three-dimensional holographic image appeared above them. This made it much easier to determine routes and avoid getting lost.

  “Well, we’ve got a whole day to relax. What do you want to do first?” Ana asked cheerfully.

  “Eat!” Epona replied with a huge smile.

  “Hey, Epona, why don’t you join the grass feast those ponies over there are having?” Anpiel asked sarcastically, pointing at a group of horses grazing near the lake.

  “Anpiel, Anpiel, Anpiel… I still don’t understand why I went through so much trouble to rescue you,” Epona replied, covering her face with her hand.

  Everyone laughed. Rodrigo was surprised that, unlike other times, the equine goddess didn’t throw a tantrum over the joke.

  They ate in one of the dining areas within the palace gardens. Afterwards, they strolled around, chatting animatedly.

  Rodrigo was happy to see Tania so lively. Just ten days ago, she had been gloomy and melancholic. Now, things were different.

  Epona also stayed very close to Rodrigo, which still made him a bit nervous. He didn’t know whether what had happened in Ibiza had been just the result of alcohol, but neither he nor Epona had mentioned it. Perhaps the equine goddess was nervous as well.

  After sleeping, they all woke early and gathered once again before the main gate of the Silver Palace, their totemas equipped. Athena was already there, holding the Labrys.

  “All right, everyone. You know the drill. I’ll guide you out of the labyrinth. Come back safe and sound—this will be your most dangerous mission so far,” Athena said with a broad smile.

  “We’ll return safely,” Tania replied energetically.

  “I’m sure you will,” Athena answered, smiling.

  Suddenly, Menrva threw herself at the Greek goddess and hugged her.

  “It was only ten brief days, but they were the happiest of my existence, Master!” the Etruscan goddess said with tearful eyes, still hugging Athena. Athena looked a bit uncomfortable, but allowed it.

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  Menrva let go, and Athena responded by removing the Etruscan goddess’s helmet and gently stroking her hair. Menrva smiled joyfully.

  “I know you’ll do a great job as my substitute on this mission,” Athena said, and Menrva nodded.

  “That girl gives me secondhand embarrassment,” Epona thought, still internally rejecting Menrva’s role as leader.

  Menrva stepped back in front of her companions, and Athena continued.

  “When you’ve completed your objectives in Vinland, notify me with this,” Athena said, conjuring a communication sphere and handing it to Menrva.

  “Your Excellency Athena, I, Menrva, assure you that I will fully meet your expectations,” the Etruscan goddess replied, standing at attention and saluting with her hand to her forehead.

  “I know you will,” Athena replied.

  She looked at Rodrigo’s group and smiled.

  “Remember: trust one another, and don’t fall for your enemies’ temptations. The warriors of Mississippi and the Toltecs are not only exceptionally strong, but also highly skilled in magic. They may use the same tactics Lel used to divide you,” Athena warned.

  “I won’t fall for those tactics again. Never,” Tania said.

  She then grabbed Rodrigo and placed her hand on his shoulder.

  “I will defend my companions with my life.”

  Rodrigo felt relieved once more. Being accepted again by Tania as an equal meant a great deal to him.

  “And you, Robert,” Athena said, staring directly at Rodrigo.

  “Rodrigo!” the young tannin replied irritably.

  “That’s right—Roger!” Athena said.

  At that moment, Rodrigo removed Tania’s hand from his shoulder, stepped forward, and stared Athena straight in the eyes.

  “Is it taboo for you to say my name correctly? Can’t the goddess of wisdom pronounce a name properly right after hearing it? My name is Rodrigo. Not Roger, Robert, Rupert, or whatever else you feel like calling me. Rodrigo!” he said.

  Everyone around them was stunned. Rodrigo was usually shy and insecure, yet here he was, raising his voice at Athena for getting his name wrong.

  Epona began to laugh quietly, while Susanoo crossed his arms and smiled approvingly.

  “All right… Rodrigo. I’m glad to see you’re finally developing some backbone,” Athena said, surprised.

  At that moment, Epona stepped closer and took Rodrigo’s hand.

  “If you wanted to speak to me about my tannin powers, rest assured I’ve improved during these days in Palas,” Rodrigo added with a smile.

  Ana looked at Rodrigo and Epona holding hands and felt a twinge of jealousy, though she tried to hide it.

  “Ana, how did your training with Myrddin go? And your control over the sacred element?” Athena asked, noticing Ana’s distracted gaze.

  There was no response.

  “Ana?” Athena asked again.

  “Oh—yes, Master! Everything’s fine,” Ana replied, still a bit distracted.

  Athena immediately understood and shook her head slightly.

  “Listen. No matter what happens, don’t doubt your friends. Trust them completely. Do you understand?” Athena said.

  “Yes, Master!” Ana answered with almost military fervor.

  “And you two—the malak and the easterner—don’t let your guard down. Support your companions whenever they need it. Understood?” Athena said, turning to Anpiel and Susanoo.

  “Hai, Athena-sama,” Susanoo replied, bowing.

  “I won’t disappoint you this time,” Anpiel said, also bowing.

  “And remember—you are a malak. If you need help or support from Orniskem, don’t hesitate to report it,” Athena added, conjuring another communication sphere and handing it to the angel.

  Anpiel nodded.

  “Very well. Ana, Menrva, Tania, Epona, Rodrigo, Susanoo, and Anpiel—grow stronger. I assure you, darker and more difficult days are coming in our struggle against Lel,” Athena said, raising her open palm. The others returned the salute.

  She lifted the Labrys, which began to glow. Rodrigo and the others entered the labyrinth, leaving the Greek goddess behind.

  At that moment, Tania remembered the last time she had crossed the labyrinth—when her mission had been to assassinate Rodrigo. She felt relieved knowing those days were finally behind her. Now everyone trusted her, and she would not betray that trust.

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  The next part will be released tomorrow.