The days after the museum incident passed in a blur.
Percy was different now—quieter, more serious. He kept fiddling with the pen Mr. Brunner gave him, the one that turned into a celestial bronze sword.
Kenji, meanwhile, was drowning in system notifications.
> *Observe – Combat Tier Unlocked*
> You can now identify enemy stats, abilities, and combat behavior in real time.
> Skill Level: 1/10
> *Dungeon Type: Mythological Echoes Unlocked*
> Special Condition: Events tied to Greek myth may now trigger spontaneous dungeons.
> First Opportunity: Soon…
---
*Yancy Academy Courtyard*
Mr. Brunner—now clearly no ordinary teacher—called Kenji and Percy after school.
"I suppose explanations are due," he began, standing under the tree with his cane in hand.
"You're not human," Percy said bluntly. "You fought like a knight."
"Not quite," Chiron smiled. "I'm a centaur. Trainer of heroes. And you two… are part of something greater than you know."
Kenji kept quiet. His system pinged.
> *Secret Revealed: Identity of Chiron
> Bonus XP +150
> New Side Quest: Hero's Training – Optional Daily Skill Gains*
"Why us?" Percy asked.
"Because your blood calls to the ancient world," Chiron replied. "And the monsters have started to notice."
He handed each of them a sealed envelope. "Camp Half-Blood is where you'll find your answers. But until then—train. You'll need to be ready."
---
*Later That Night – Kenji's Dorm*
> *New Mission: Hero's Discipline
> Objective: Train Swordsmanship, Dodge, and Observe
> Reward: +10 Stat Points, 500 XP, Equipment Voucher (Rare)*
Kenji grinned.
"Create Dungeon: Training Grounds – Tier One. Add Physical Focus."
The room dissolved. He stood in a marble arena surrounded by dummies, wooden automatons, and timed obstacle walls.
Time to push limits.
> *Swordsmanship Level: 2 → 3
> Dodge Level: 1 → 2
> Observe Level: 1 → 2
> Passive Trait Unlocked: "Combat Reflex" – Slightly increases reaction time in battle*
---
*Meanwhile – Percy's Dream*
Dark waves crashed under a full moon. A voice—ancient and sorrowful—spoke from the deep.
*"You are not alone, my son. But beware… the gods play games with mortal hearts."*
He awoke in a cold sweat.
Somewhere deep inside, he already knew the truth.
He was a demigod.
And war was coming.
---
*End of Chapter 9*