Notice: I'll be using a mix of animations by Mircsy and WolfyTheWitch. By the way, isn't it amazing how incredible the animators of Épic are? I haven't seen a single bad animation from this musical yet.

Another thing: from now on, the chapters will probably take a bit longer to come out. I'm in the final moments of my college degree and about to graduate, plus the end of the year is a nightmare at my job, so the next chapters might take a few days.

The atmosphere was lively since the last song. Polites, Eurylochus, and Telemachus were engaged in a conversation about strategies and childhood adventure stories. Odysseus, Penelope, and Ctimene were discussing how Ithaca was managing without its ruler, with Odysseus casting not-so-subtle glances at Athena, who returned them in kind. Both had the same thoughts in mind—the events to follow.

Circe examined Calypso carefully; she felt she should know something about the strange woman. She had a bad feeling and intended to keep an eye on her.

The aforementioned woman was analyzing the room, her words for Odysseus already planned. At the moment, she was just looking around. The place was interesting to her, unlike anything she had ever seen before, even during her freedom in the age of the Titans under her great-uncle's reign.

Other conversations could be heard, some about their families, others about what awaited them in the future, and still others about different topics.

And Hermes, well, Hermes is Hermes—it's hard to define what goes on in that god's head.

After some time, the conversations began to fade as the words "Warrior of the Mind" appeared.

Have you forgotten the lessons I taught you?
Athena!

Odysseus looked around, while Polites stared at him, confused.

Eurylochus turned to Odysseus. "I thought it would take longer for Lady Athena to contact you. I expected it to be in a more dangerous situation or something like that."

Odysseus shook his head. "The reason should reveal itself in a few seconds."

Have you forgotten to turn off your heart? This is not you.

Odysseus ran through the forest in search of his mentor.

Penelope frowned. "I see, so that's why." She remembered meeting Athena so few times that they could be counted on the fingers of one hand. Each time, she recalled the goddess showing very little emotion. The greatest emotion she had ever seen from the goddess of wisdom was in this room, which she still found strange, and when Odysseus had asked her to hold Telemachus shortly after his birth. On both occasions, the emotions in Athena's eyes seemed odd, as if she wasn't used to expressing them.

According to her husband's stories, she probably wasn't.

Polites didn't like what his best friend's patron was insinuating. He knew how little emotions mattered in war. He understood how showing weakness could cost lives—his own or his companions'. He had been on the front lines and inside the horse. But they weren't at war now. If Odysseus waited any longer, he might break down.

He had already lost friends made during the war to the pressure and guilt they endured. He wouldn't accept losing Odysseus too.

I see you changing from how I've designed you.

Odysseus walked through the forest until he knelt near a lake beside him, seemingly searching for something.

Athena shivered. She now realized how flawed her methods might have been. Watching her student in the state he had been in until the second song, and his breakdown at the end, had opened her eyes to how entirely shutting off one's heart could harm humans.

At that moment, she was still upset with her student and the Greeks for their actions during the Trojan War—especially the heinous acts that Ajax the Lesser had committed in her temple with the priestess of Apollo, the daughter of King Priam. Her brother might have cursed the girl, but she was just a young maiden seeking refuge in Athena's temple, and the visions of the Greek general's actions had enraged her infinitely.

His refusal to apologize was the last straw.

She remembered swallowing her pride and asking for help from her hated uncle. She couldn't bring herself to admit to her student and his family that her request to Poseidon had made his return home so difficult. She remembered asking her uncle to ease her student's punishment, but evidently, the sea god, who was already upset with the situation of the horse and the lack of offerings from the people of Ithaca, had sought to enact justice for his anger. He seized the excuse that it was Athena herself who had asked for his intervention, sending 600 men to an island they would never leave.

Still, she probably hadn't counted on how much of the world Athena had taught her student, or where it would take him.

Nonetheless, it didn't change the fact that her enraged request had given Poseidon the opportunity to unleash his own wrath. She prided herself on always being in control of her emotions, but look where her lack of control had led the one she appreciated the most.

The guilt consumed her.

Have you forgotten your purpose? Let me remind you.

Suddenly, his reflection moved and pulled him into the lake.

Odysseus remembered the feeling that phrase conveyed. Athena had always been harsh with him, but after the war, she had become even harsher. In their three conversations after the war, Athena had been colder and more distant with him than in years under her tutelage. He couldn't remember doing anything that might have upset her that much. Or maybe she was troubled by his friend's way of thinking—after all, Polites' philosophy went against her teachings.

Goddess of wisdom, master of war
My life has one mission, create the greatest warrior.

Athena was looking at and running her hand over a panel with Greek-style paintings as Odysseus observed her.

Odysseus wondered if he had ever come close to being her greatest warrior.

Athena thought about how Odysseus had once been her greatest warrior.

I had a challenge, a test of skill
A magic boar only the best could kill.

Athena's hand passed over paintings showing the image of a boar. The screen then shifted to a forest, where the same boar from the paintings appeared walking.

Circe watched, a bit confused. She thought boar-related challenges were more Artemis' style, given what she'd heard about the Calydonian Boar and its famed huntress, Atalanta. But it seemed Athena also used such animals.

Hermes remembered that day. Athena had used a boar as a sort of provocation toward Ares, since it was his sacred animal. She would never admit this to anyone who asked her, but if they asked Hermes, he would gladly share his sister's mischief.

One day a boy came for the thrill
A boy whose mind rivalled the boar's own will.

The screen showed young Odysseus, Polites, and Eurylochus devising a plan to kill the boar.

Penelope and Ctimene cooed at their respective husbands as children, who blushed with embarrassment, to the amusement of those around them.

Telemachus looked at the image of his father with a big smile. He was just like him.

Let's go!
Maybe one day he'll follow me
And we'll make a greater tomorrow, then they'll see

The three manage to tie the boar with a rope while Athena watches with a smile. Athena and Odysseus observe the scene nostalgically, missing those simpler times. Telemachus watches anxiously to see how the situation will unfold.

I know he'll change the world 'cause he is a warrior of the mind

The rope holding the boar snaps, and it charges toward little Polites, who is frozen in fear. Little Odysseus jumps in front with his spear pointed at the boar, which appears dead moments later as all three cheer.

When the boar initially charged at little Polites, some people held their breaths. Telemachus even tried to hide his eyes with his hands but ended up peeking through his fingers. After the boar's death, lively conversations could be heard. Their captain was so young but had already passed a goddess's test—Athena's, no less.

The aforementioned goddess, though still burdened with guilt, managed to smile at her prized student, who was receiving compliments from his son with a chest full of pride while Penelope watched with amusement.

Polites and Eurylochus were reminiscing about that day with some crewmates and Ctimene.

Maybe one day I'll reach him
And we can build his skills as I teach him
If there's a problem, he'll have the answer
He is a warrior of the mind

Little Odysseus, Polites, and Eurylochus were playing together while Athena observed them in her owl form. The future king of Ithaca could be seen suspiciously looking around as if searching for something.

Odysseus remembered this moment. He knew the boar could have been a test from some god or goddess, but he didn't know which. However, when he saw the owl, he was certain.

Show yourself
I know you're watching me, show yourself
I can see you

Little Odysseus looks around the clearing he entered.
"How can you see her?" Telemachus asked, equally impressed and curious.

Circe didn't say it out loud, but she was asking herself the same question, far more curious than impressed, of course.

Calypso, on the other hand, was the opposite. She was more impressed than curious—could mortals gain the ability to see through the power of the gods?

Penelope knew he couldn't. The younger version of her husband wore the same smile as his adult self, the one he used when he was about to trick someone.

How can you see through my spell?
Haha! I was lying and you fell for my bluff
Haha, haha

Athena appears before Odysseus.

Penelope pulls Odysseus by the ear. "You lied to a goddess?" she said with authority and desperation while her husband whined in pain. "What would you have done if it hadn't been Lady Athena?"
"Ouch, ouch! I had everything under control. I saw the signs," Odysseus said quickly, trying to placate his wife.

While the argument continued, Telemachus had to bite his tongue to avoid saying how cool his father was. He didn't want to face his mother's wrath.

The aforementioned woman looked directly at her son, who paled. "And don't even think about doing the same. If I find out you've done anything remotely similar to your father," she sharpened her gaze, "you already know the consequences, right?"

Telemachus nodded so fast that those around him thought his neck might break.

Meanwhile, words couldn't describe the size of Hermes' grin as he watched Athena trying her best to ignore him.

Well done, enlighten me, what's your name?

Athena towers over little Odysseus as she asks.

Hermes, still grinning, turns to Athena. "Did you say you lied to me?" He bursts into laughter. "I never thought I'd see the day you'd congratulate a liar."

Athena's eyebrow twitches in irritation. "I said enlighten me."
"Sure, sure, that's what you said," Hermes says slowly, munching more popcorn.

Circe gives Athena a sympathetic look as she fumes.

You first, and maybe I'll do the same

At this point, Odysseus feels like his ear might fall off. Penelope has no sympathy for her husband.

Telemachus prays to the gods he knows for his father. Athena and Hermes strategically decide not to answer those prayers.

Nice try, but two can play this game
Nah, don't be modest
I know you're a goddess
So let's be honest
You are Athena (Athena)

Odysseus exclaims as he points to Athena, who removes her helmet and smiles at the boy.

"How did you know it was Lady Athena, Dad?" Telemachus asked, confused.

"Owls aren't common in Ithaca, especially during the day," Odysseus, holding his sore ear, smiled at his son while subtly sending a teasing look toward his mentor.

Athena knew it wasn't the best disguise, but it was something she had planned so Odysseus could deduce her identity without her fully revealing herself. Nevertheless, she was embarrassed—not because of Odysseus' explanation but because, during their mentor-student days, many castle servants used to call her "the prince/king's strange owl."

Odysseus had always tried to get an external reaction from her by teasing her about it, but he had never succeeded. Until now.

Odysseus smiled as he saw his mentor look away for a moment. He had finally done it!

Badass in the arena
Unmatched, witty, and queen of the best strategies we've seen

Hermes smiled at the two. "Look at that, little Odysseus isn't above flattering his favorite goddess," he laughed at the embarrassed faces of both the student and teacher.

If you're looking for a mentor, I'll make sure your time's well spent
Sounds like a plan
Goddess and man
Bestest of friends
We'll see where it ends

Little Odysseus extends his hand to Athena for a high five, but she walks past him.
Hermes laughs even harder. "Go on, greet your fan, Thena." Both of them turn redder as some people smile at the instant bond the two seemed to have formed.

Okay
Maybe one day they'll follow me and we'll
Make a greater tomorrow, then they'll see
I know we'll change the world 'cause we are the warriors of the mind

A montage of Odysseus' training with Athena appears.

Polites and Eurylochus watch with interest; their friend had never spoken much about the training he received from the goddess of wisdom.

Telemachus watches with equal interest—perhaps even more than his uncles. He wonders if he could receive the same training and have Athena as his mentor for as long as his father had. Wait a moment.

"Dad?" After catching Odysseus' attention, he continues, "At what age did Lady Athena start teaching you?"

Taken aback by his son's sudden question, Odysseus responds, "Well, it was some time ago, but as far as I remember, it was when I was 7 or 8 years old." He looks toward the goddess in question for confirmation. She nods, confirming the age.

"And how old were you when you started your journey home?" Telemachus seemed focused, but no one could decipher what was going through his mind.

"Well, I'd say 35, I think. The years got a bit muddled since the beginning of my journey," Odysseus said, and, like everyone else in the room, was curious about what the boy was thinking.

Hermes, sensing that something very amusing was about to happen, began eating more popcorn from his endless bag with anticipation.

"Wow, that's…" Telemachus seemed focused, raising and lowering his fingers as he did the math. "Thirty years together?"

"Twenty-eight, little wolf," Athena corrected. "But what's your point?" She sensed the boy wanted to say something more.

"Well, she practically raised you then." Upon seeing hesitant nods from both of them, his smile widened as much as his small, childlike cheeks allowed. "So, she's like your mom. That's amazing, Grandma Athena."

There was silence for approximately two minutes. The only sound was Hermes munching on his popcorn. If you looked closely, you'd see he was practically on autopilot while his mind processed what his great-great-grandson had just said.

Telemachus observed everyone around him being completely silent. He didn't understand what he had said wrong.

After a few more seconds, chaos erupted in the room.

Athena and Odysseus immediately began speaking almost in sync, asking where he got that idea, what made him think that, and other similar questions. Penelope appeared thoughtful, as if something she had never considered was now being reevaluated. Eurylochus and Polites glanced between Odysseus, Athena, and Telemachus, as if deciding something. Exchanging looks, they decided to laugh at their friend, against their better judgment, since this also meant laughing at a goddess. Ctimene had an amused smile on her lips as she shook her head affectionately at her nephew's ideas.

The crew was completely divided—some wondering what was happening, others freaking out over the new developments, and a few quietly joking like Polites and Eurylochus. Of course, those joking did so very quietly; they didn't want to attract Athena's or Odysseus' wrath.

Circe seemed lost and amused. At the beginning of this musical, she had been confused about Odysseus and Athena's relationship. This song had opened her eyes a little. Maybe that's why Hermes liked Odysseus enough to gift him some Moly. But now, Circe was officially lost—and amused.

No one could tell what was going through Calypso's mind.

And Hermes laughed so hard he fell to the ground, spilling his bag of popcorn and starting to fill the room with the endless snack.

After another minute or two of chaos and a rising level of popcorn on the floor, a voice was heard: "Okay, okay, you've panicked enough for now." The popcorn that was beginning to cover the floor suddenly disappeared, and everyone felt a wave of calm wash over them. "I didn't want to interfere too much, but you all need to relax a bit."

With everyone much quieter, Penelope turned to her son, who had a shy expression on his face, and asked, "Telemachus, dear, what reasoning led you to this conclusion?" She didn't deny that it made sense; her husband sometimes spoke of his goddess as a child speaks of their mother.

"Well," he began, shifting nervously in his seat, "you told me that sometimes when someone loses one or both parents, someone else can take on that role. And since…" He paused mid-sentence, glancing nervously at his father and aunt. His head hung low, and he seemed sad and lost in memories.

Odysseus understood what his son meant. The loss of his own mother weighed on him to this day.

Athena seemed unsettled—for the first time in her immortal life, she didn't know what to do.

Telemachus looked nervously at his father and Athena. "Sorry if I upset you, Dad, Grandma," he lowered his head, and all of Odysseus' and Athena's thoughts vanished as they rushed to comfort the little boy.

The rest of the room still didn't quite know how to react.

Except Hermes—we all already know how Hermes was reacting.

Maybe one day we'll reach them
And we can build their skills as we teach them
If there's a problem, we'll have the answer
We are the warriors of the mind

A final scene of an adult Odysseus on his throne appears. Athena, in her owl form, perches on a corner of the throne.

The two smile as they recall the moment. Athena had been proud of her student when he took the throne.

Polites and Eurylochus glance at each other and, with the recent developments, whisper, "Mama Owl," and chuckle quietly to themselves.

I still intend to make sure you don't fall behind
Don't forget that you're a warrior of a very special kind
You are a warrior of the mind
Don't disappoint me

The final phrase brought a sudden weight to the room, and the screen began to fade.

"All right, everyone, this concludes the first saga. I hope you enjoyed it. I'll open the room, and you'll find bedrooms with bathrooms, a kitchen, a spacious living room, and a library," the voice said to them. "See you tomorrow," was the last thing they heard as doors appeared in the corner of the room.

Some timeline context:

Odysseus is from the end of Charybdis.

Calypso is from the beginning of Love in Paradise.

Athena, Hermes, Circe, Penelope, Telemachus, and Ctimene are from the end of Thunder Bringer.

The rest are from the beginning of Full Speed Ahead.