In the overworld, Athena stood on a dusty road, wearing a simple brown cloak.
Her golden eyes were calm as she pulled her spear back, the monster at her feet dissolving into black mist.
The caravan behind her erupted into relieved cheers.
The leader hurried over, bowing his head repeatedly. "Thank you! Thank you, traveler! You saved us from certain death. Please, is there anything we can do for you? Food, gold—anything?"
Athena shook her head. "It's alright. Just go. You have a schedule to keep."
They insisted several more times, but her calm refusal never changed.
Eventually, the caravan leader gave her one last bow before signaling his people to move on. The wagons creaked as they disappeared into the distance.
Athena let out a quiet sigh once she was alone again.
She reached into her cloak and pulled out a worn map. Her finger traced a route until it stopped at a dot near the bottom corner.
"A small farming village… known for sweet grapes."
