The Greece Antagonist

— For example, ensuring that everyone is aware of Zeus's existence, but no one worships Zeus exclusively?

— If I remember correctly, in later generations, in the land of Greece, temples and city-states dedicated specifically to the King of Olympus are not numerous...

After muttering sinisterly, Luo En continued to patch up his proposal.

"In addition to that, I think there are two more things that could be done simultaneously."

"Spit it out!" Athena asked urgently, eager to hear more.

Luo En smiled slightly and responded unhurriedly.

"Firstly, after the Academy of Athens is well-established, it should enroll students from all Greek city-states, offering princes and princesses a chance to learn humbly.

Secondly, for those who achieve outstanding results and pass the evaluation, you can personally award them Sacred Robes, encouraging these promising youths to fight for justice in the world!"

Hearing those lofty words, the Goddess of Wisdom across from him immediately understood.

"You mean, use the platform of the Academy of Athens to first draw the bloodlines of the city-builders from various city-states, nurture them into confidants, and then use their influence and power within their nations—or wait until they ascend to power—to promote reforms and culture modeled after Athens. Over several generations, slowly accomplish the assimilation of all Greek city-states by Athens?"

"These accomplished princes and princesses are seeds sown among the upper echelons, meant to dismantle the stubborn divine-blooded nobility within each city-state; while our entertainment and food will bring joy and delight to the common people, which is enough to turn [them] into [us]."

As the man in front of her revealed his intricate plans with a smile, Athena looked at him with a hint of terror in her eyes.

This man's cunning is a little frightening...

— But I like it!

Suddenly realizing that she was the greatest beneficiary in the entire scheme, the Goddess of Wisdom pleasant curved her lips into a smile, her purple eyes staring intensely at the man who had masterfully crafted her a grand plan, her gaze filled with an unconcealed ardent fervor.

Luo En felt unnerved under her intense stare and cleared his throat awkwardly, breaking the awkward silence.

"Regarding their arrangements, these are the ideas I've had so far, do you have anything to add?"

Is that all?

Athena was briefly startled, then quickly came to her senses.

No, wait!

Is that what I was supposed to ask about?

Soon enough, the clear-minded Goddess of Wisdom, eyeing the man who had toiled over the planning for Athens, silently ground her silver teeth.

This kid is incredibly slick!

Immediately, a touch of irritation crossed Athena's face, and she chided him discontentedly.

"They have been in Athens for so long, shouldn't you be concerned about them first when you return?"

"They have hands and feet, can eat and drink, and are staying in such a comfortable place as War God Mountain, so why would they need my extra concern."

Luo En smiled, waved his hand dismissively, and did not take the bait, deftly kicking this contentious issue back to her.

"Moreover, given your ability to discern talent and Hestia's warm hospitality, isn't it unlikely that they've been neglected?"

"They all came to Athens because of you; it's not good to be too indifferent..."

"During my absence, haven't they also had a fulfilling time? I'm merely a guide; retaining them and letting them shine in Athens's development are thanks to your and Hestia's efforts."

"..."

In the exchange of verbal parries, Athena found this Teflon man infuriatingly hard to pin down, yet she couldn't manage to deliver a biting comeback.

Seeing that the Goddess of Wisdom across wanted to burst in anger, looking as if she was ready to pounce and bite him, Luo En swiftly became serious and tossed out a pre-selected topic.

"I've heard that the king of Corinth was caught again recently?"

"Are you talking about Sisyphus?"

Athena reacted with a frown and a light snort.

"It's all because that boy is too unruly. Having only just escaped from the Netherworld, he should have kept a low profile, but instead he keeps holding lavish feasts in the palace, boasting about his grand achievements in outsmarting deities. And with the God of Death still in his grab, it's no surprise the Netherworld took action against him."

Upon hearing Athena's disgruntled response, a smirk crossed Luo En's eyes.

This was the most admirable quality of Athena: always putting aside distractions and adopting a serious attitude when it comes to important matters.

Moreover, with the grand blueprint he had laid out, those goddesses who were given clear roles were sure to be treated well by Athena, the host, removing any need for his intervention.

After all, the Goddess of Wisdom always prioritizes her endeavors, making the most of others' abilities and patiently dealing with pressing matters first, even if she is inwardly displeased.

Just like now.

Luo En raised his hand to stroke his chin, speaking up with a follow-up question.

"Was it Hecate who took action?"

"Yes, she not only threw Sisyphus back into the Netherworld, but she also extracted Thanatos's whereabouts from his mouth, and sent that God of Death back to his original post."

"It seems I will have to make another trip to the Netherworld soon."

"Are you afraid he will implicate you?"

"Not just that, the secrets of the Netherworld seem a bit numerous..."

Luo En pondered for a moment, selectively informing Athena of the mysteries concerning the Elysian Fields, the revival of Typhon, the discord between the Queen of the Underworld and Hecate.

As he spoke, he slightly lifted his garments, pulsed his divine power, revealing the black ring-shaped mark on his chest, resembling a labyrinth.

Seeing this, Athena's expression changed slightly.
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"The Wheel of Hecate?! You've been marked by her!"

"She once guided me on a 'path,' this is the price..."

Luo En thought deeply for a moment, then let his clothes fall back into place, looking solemnly toward Athena standing before him.

"That's why I must make a trip to the Netherworld, to find a way to resolve the hidden dangers I carry."

"Understood..."

Athena nodded, her expression turning more grave.

"Is there anything I could do for you?"

"If possible, grant me authority over the dark pieces in the Netherworld."

"King Minos and his lot?"

"Yes, going to the Netherworld this time is likely to cause quite a stir; I reckon the only ones I can trust are them."

"Very well, they will heed your commands!"

Seeing Athena readily agree without hesitation, warmth spread through Luo En's heart.

And as he caught a glimpse of a sparrow on the treetop grooming its feathers out of the corner of his eye, he turned his gaze, clearing his throat slightly.

"Given the importance of the matter and the absence of tangible proof, may I take something from you as evidence to facilitate the movement of forces previously laid out in the Netherworld by Crete Island?"

"Given your relationship, King Minos shouldn't make things difficult for you, right?"

"One thing at a time. He's a monarch, I'm a scribe. Minor issues are no concern, but for significant troubles, we need to involve him and it requires an explanation. Besides, unless absolutely necessary, we don't need to have King Minos himself intervene; with your token, just by slightly adjusting a few pieces, we might accomplish our goal."

After hearing his confident explanation, Athena finally nodded in agreement.

"Alright, what kind of proof do you want?"

Luo En pondered seriously, then gave a profound response.

"The owl of wisdom only spreads its wings at twilight. May your traces allow me to see the 'path' through the 'night' and successfully lead me 'home.'"

As a goddess endowed with divine authority of the arts, Athena understood immediately, lifting a strand of her silver hair.

With a sensation of being pulled and a slight stinging from her scalp, Athena pursed her lips, opening her palm where the hair transformed into a white owl feather and extended it toward Luo En.

It bore her unique scent and divinity, impossible to forge; it would command the obedience of both King Minos and the soldiers of Crete Island upon sight.

Seeing this, Luo En treasured it as if it were invaluable, holding the white owl feather in his hand and heaving a sigh of relief.

"If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave for now."

"Do not venture into the Netherworld until you are fully prepared."

"Yes, you can rest assured!"

Reassured by Athena's concern, Luo En nodded earnestly and then carefully backed out of the room under the gaze of the Goddess of Wisdom.

With the issues on War God Mountain not yet resolved, and now drawing the attention of Hecate, he really knew how to get into trouble.

Watching the figure gradually move away and disappear into the thick night, Athena, with mixed emotions, raised her hand to her forehead, her fingertips unintentionally touching a spot on her scalp, causing her body to flinch slightly.

Wait, trouble?

Moments later, her fair arm lowered, and her deep purple eyes shimmered mysteriously in the darkness.