Athena saw the travelers smile. She knew that her work here is done. She knew that the man would walk this new path, and she truly wished him the best. However, there was still the problem of the amulet. She still needed to find someone to help her, help the world with that. But she did realize that as of right now, the traveler could not. And unfortunately, she was unsure how much time the mortals have. Maybe years, maybe months.

'I'm glad I could be of assistance,' she said, breaking the silence. 'But I have to leave now. As you said, you already have your mentors, and I still have to find someone to take back the amulet. I'm still sad that it could not be you.' She started to walk away.

'I'm sorry,' agreed the traveler. 'But I have my own mission—technically two now—and I am not willing to abandon them just to chase that creep down. He already took so much from me already.' He thought for a moment and then continued. 'Although, I would not hurry to find a "hero" if I were you.'

The goddess stopped in her way and turned back to the man.

'Why?'

'Well, chances are that I am going to take the amulet back anyway,' he shrugged.

'You just said you will not go after him,' the deity said. 'Are you suggesting that your fates are intertwined?'

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

'I don't believe in fate,' he quickly replied. Then with a smug smile, he added. 'It is just logic.'

'Explain.'

'You said it yourself. I am the only one left who knows how to counter the amulet, and we fought at Paxfort. Given, I lost, but I still fought him. He felt what I am capable of. He knows that sooner or later I am going after him. When I am ready. He will not wait until then. He wants me gone, because he knows that should I be succesfull he will not be able to beat me. He even said so: "I could become troublesome later." So he will come after me eventually. So why bother going after him when he will come to me anyway?'

The goddess of wisdom was left speechless for a moment. The logic was sound. Surprisingly even.

'And what will you do when he does?' She asked. The warrior's face became serious for a moment.

'I will give him all I've got. I am going to make him pay for everything he has done. And next time, I am going to win.'

Athena smiled again.

'I have no doubt about that. I know you said you have guidance now, but I will drop by from time to time.'

With that, the Olympian glowed again. She disappeared, and an owl flew into the night.

'She never says a "hello,"' the wanderer said with a sigh. He looked after the bird for a while. His face is turning grimmer by the moment.

Rebuilding himself from the ground up. Not a small task. Nor an easy one. He knew he would not be alone in it, but still. It is a heavy burden. Even more so, before he could start creating, he needed to destroy. Where to start?

He stared at the Hollow, who listened to the whole conversation. Just standing there.

He now knew where to go next.

'Well,' he said to the creature. 'You heard her. I need to destroy myself. Better get to it.'

He stepped closer to the shadow-made person. The night was long.

And full of memories.