After the fight, I carefully made my way to Long Island,trying to avoid any monsters on the way because, frankly, I'm mentally exhausted from that last fight. Slowing down, I stop to find myself in Montauk, "Okay we're extremely close to where we need to be Ddraig. If I remember correctly the address for Camp Half-Blood is 3.141 Farm Road, Montauk."
{I'm already sensing a dense amount of magic around this forest area so I suggest you head north. Once we reach there, look around and find the entrance to the underground prison and try not to draw attention to yourself… as hard as that may be if I consider who I'm talking to}
" Have faith, Ddraig, I can handle myself. I have done pretty well so far, haven't I?"
{If you count nearly getting yourself killed and nearly destroying your arm as doing well, then good for you partner. You've been doing a swell job.}
"Overgrown lizard," I mutter, heading north. As I look around,I can't help but admire the beauty of nature from the dense trees and the birds singing the smell of dew in the air. I'm starting to understand why Artemis loves the forest so much.
30 minutes later:
Ok, the novelty wore off quickly and the trek became really tedious after looking at nothing but more forest. After some time I asked 'Lizard, how much longer?' I massage my forehead to try and soothe the irritation I'm starting to build up in my mind.
{Hope you brought your walking shoes partner. It'll be a while}
'That answer was not what I was looking for?'
"I should have brought snacks.'' I mutter to myself. This was going to be long.
2 hours later, we finally arrived.
"Alright, Ddraig we are here." As I stand by the entrance of Camp Half-Blood, I close my eyes, spreading my senses out and taking in the surrounding area. Hopefully I will be able to find a clue we need for the prison.
{Partner, you are standing right by the entrance.}
I open my eyes and deadpan "Nooooooo. Really Ddraig? I didn't know." I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes. "The entrance to the camp is right here."
{No, you buffoon. The entrance to the prison is right next to you. Look to your left.}
I look in the direction I'm pointed to… only to see a tunnel leading down underground. I widened my eyes in shock. "How the hell have they not noticed this?!" I furiously start scratching my hair with both hands over this ridiculousness, "There is a big ass underground tunnel right next to their camp and not a single damn person here even thought about checking it out!" I scream out to the heavens. I hope you can hear me gods, because this is bond villain stupidity on the hero's side.
{Hey partner, you might have found people you can relate to and they are all borderline oblivious, just like you. Maybe you're not alone after all.}
"Quiet lizard. Not now."
{Just stating the obvious partner} A tick on my head forms but what can I do? Punch a dragon spirit that is bonded to me. I do the only thing I can in this situation. Be petty.
"Whatever," I said before slowly making my way down the stairs to the entrance. Opening the door, I barely have time to process a shadow coming towards me. I duck on instinct, avoiding what I now see to be a cyclops holding a greatsword trying to take my head in a stance, I come face to face with a cyclops using (Observe). I sigh in relief after learning that he is drastically weaker than Otis.
"Hey, that wasn't nice." I can't help but crack a smile at him, "Seriously, going for a cheap shot?" I shake my head. "For shame, man. For shame."
The cyclops looked at me with a confused expression, but before he could utter a word; I dashed towards him, calling on my full speed. He winds up another swing for me. In that split second, I slide underneath him as the sword flies over me. As I flipped over, I could see he overshot it, leaving his back exposed. Summoning a condensed ball of mana, I level a shot before firing straight into his back. It makes a decent sized hole but all I managed to do seems to piss it off. I get back up and get ready for the next swing. First one caught me by surprise but now that I can see him. He's not worth shit.
"What's wrong, can't catch a wittle hwuman?" I taunt him. I clap my hands at him "Here's a good boy. Come on boy. You can do it. You can do it."
That seemed to work as rage worked in his eye. He let out a roar against me as he went for an overhead chop. All I do is sidestep out the way.
"Oof, too slow. What's wrong? Too many calories in your diet? You gotta watch the weight man. I saw that swing coming from a mile away."
"RAAAAAAAAAA" another roar was his response.
He continues to try and hack away at me. This guy is so much more pathetic than Otis, all muscle, no brain. No wonder why he was relegated to being a guard dog. To extra taunt him, I narrowly dodge his strikes to let him think that he can hit me.
What he doesn't realize is that he's becoming more exhausted from the swings he's been aiming at me. The wound on his back wasn't small, so blood keeps pouring down . Another strike hit the ceiling and let some rubble fall. I can't resist.
I cock back my leg. "In the money." I cry out as I punt the stone that fell. It breaks against the cyclops' face and he drops his weapon to grab hold of his face. Looks like fun time is over. Well time to get this over with. Another ball of mana manifests in my hands as I aim for the body. I learned my lesson from last time. I pour more mana into this shot and fly as it strikes him. Before it was a baseball sized hole in him. Now this one was the size of a bowling bowl…and I can see through him. Welp, I'm gonna need some brain bleach for that image outta my head. The cyclops freezes in place as his arms slack towards the ground. Then gravity finally sets in as he falls face first to the ground. A ding gives me the final confirmation that I need to know he's dead.
Cyclops defeated
Rewards: 1 Gacha token, 400XP
I quickly wave the text away as I travel further down, this time keeping an ear out. But instead of footsteps or anything I need to be afraid of, I hear weeping. I pick up the pace, yet quietly move towards that sound as I come up to the cell. There they were. The missing girls that I was charged with locating. As I approached the bars, one of them finally noticed my presence. Since I'm not the one eyed freakazoid from before, no offense to you Tyson, they gave me a shot for a question.
"Are y-you here to rescue us?" one asked with a hopeful tone.
I turned to look at her with a gentle smile appearing on my face. "Hehe, don't worry. Today, your knight in shining armor has come to your rescue." It served to lighten the mood in this place, but it seems that earned the ire of one of the girls. Must be Artemis' hunter. Yeesh, I can already tell she would be quite the bear in the sack. Oh wait, hunter of Artemis, she can't get laid even if she wanted to. Damn, might've helped take the rod rammed up her ass with that stiff look she's giving me. Walking up to the doorway, I let my strength do the work and rip the door off the hinges. After that I take the time to rip off the chains they were bound in. The four girls each enveloped me in a hug. One of them even gave me a kiss. Oh, even if this was for my life, it doesn't mean I can't enjoy myself a bit. When reaching for the last girl…Oh I'm not gonna lie, she was being a total bitch right now. The moment I go to rip off the chains, she tries to bite my fingers off.
"You know, that's a funny way of trying to thank the guy who just saved your ass." I cross my arms as I keep my distance between her teeth and any part of my body that I wanna keep. Her choice was to show those pearly whites at me with a growl.
"So what. Even if you are the one who aided us, you will not lay a finger on me, boy." she ground out that last word. Damn, just because I was born with a Y chromosome and a little brother down below, she refuses my help…well not my problem.
"Okay then, you can wait here. I'll go…somewhere not near you." I turned to the other girls "Would the rest of you be okay waiting here for a second?" They nodded while I could feel the gaze behind me and another growl. I exit the cell and a little out of sight from that hunter and begin to finish my end of the deal.
'Lady Artemis,' I prayed 'I found your hunter and the girls. Can you please come to this location?'
'Where are you boy?'
'Go to the camp…and make a left. It will be hard to miss, trust me on that.'
'Do you wish for me to skip to the end and smite you, fool?'
'I seriously wish I was joking about this, the girls I found in the tunnel are right next to the entrance of camp half blood. It's not hidden and it's not hard to find.'
Silence ensued as I gave it a few more moments.
"Guess she hung up."
{you've got guts partner. Talking to a god so casually}
'Ddraig, I have had 2 near dear experiences in the past 2 days. I'm at the point where I just want this to be over.' My eye twitches as I recall them. Man, cyclopes' are no joke.
Footsteps could be heard behind me. As I turn around, I can see Artemis walking towards me with a pensive expression. Well considering that turning their head 90 degrees was the solution to the problem, I can't say I blame her. She doesn't even acknowledge my presence before she strives past me and into the cell. My fist balls a bit from the lack of respect I was getting.
'Let it go. It's not worth it yet.' I repeat like a mantra in my head.
After she checks up on the girls, and frees the final one herself due to me not wanting to lose my fingers, she gives me a look of surprise "Consider me impressed, boy. That cyclops was strong. I honestly expected you to die," Artemis said.
I bowed low and admitted to my brush with death "And no one would fault you for that logic, Lady Artemis. I barely survived that fight and the only reason I didn't was because of the Welsh Dragon."
Artemis nodded. "That power of his is impressive. The ability to double your power like that could very well rival the gods given enough time." she narrowed her eyes at me after that. "Best be careful mortal. I may not take exception to this but others will, should they learn of it." the hairs in the back of my head stand up. Great. Boosted Gear appeared on my left hand to save the day.
{I suppose now that my partner has completed your quest, may you spare him?}
Artemis turned and looked at the gauntlet holding one of the heavenly dragons with a calm expression, "Very well. The agreement is completed and as a reward for completing my quest I will spare the boy. He is … semi-competent for a male. Perhaps he could prove useful in the future." I try to open my mouth to let out an insult back, but Ddraig, sensing trouble, spoke for me.
{Thank you, your ladyship. My host and I appreciate the boon you have granted us. You have an ally in us.}
Mentally he spoke to me.
{Partner, as much as I would love to fight a God, you are too weak for even a look in your direction.}
I bit my tongue in order to stifle the spew of curses I have for that but, life before pride.
Artemis nodded before turning to the girls. Her eyes softened. "Phoebe, are you alright? " she asked with concern. Phoebe sneered, looking at me with a hateful expression. "Lady Artemis, me and the girls are fine, all things considered, besides being saved by this boy!"
I can't insult Artemis, but 'Phoebe' is fair game. "Well then, how about next time you don't get captured so this boy won't have to save you again." I snarked back at her. Bitch. That riled her up as she looked like she was about to charge me, only for Artemis to level a glare at her. It cowed her, but then she turned that glare towards me.
"Phoebe may not have the greatest manners towards men, but she is my follower. I will only let this incident slide because you saved her, but don't think you may do so again. Remember your place.
I raise my hands as I backspace a few paces. But honestly right now, "May I leave now?" This day has become a lot more troublesome than it's worth. Artemis waved me away dismissively. I bowed before walking away. Before I finish, a small thought in my head pops up. I turn my head to say something, but they were already gone. "What a bitch. Don't even get a thank you for helping them out."
{Partner, be grateful she didn't decide to smite you on the spot}
Now that she isn't here, "No shit. Dammit Ddraig, The reason why I wanted power was to never be in this position again." I kicked up some dust. "I refuse to take this lying down. Once I get strong enough, she'll be the one bowing at my feet." I snarl, promising myself. Just you wait, when I'm done, the Gods of Olympus will fear something more than Kratos.
{He's fiction partner.}
"So were you. In a titty anime with breast power literally becoming a thing for how you win half your damn fights."
{ugh don't remind me.} I could feel the embarrassment and annoyance in waves before he decided to bring the subject back to reality {Patience partner, your time will come. We just have to work with them until we're strong enough to where it doesn't matter what they want. Then we do things our way.}
"Damn straight Ddraig. Damn straight."
A notification pops up before me.
Quest completed: Defeat Otis and secure the girls
Rewards: Skillbooks: Offensive Shaorii and Defensive Shaorii, 10,000 XP
You have leveled up thrice
Name: Matt
Title: Gamer
Level: 28 0/4000
Race: Dragon/Human- Hybrid
Alignment - Neutral Evil
HP - 6K Regens 1 Per Minute
MP - 5k Regens 5 Per Second
SP - 6K Regens 10 Per Minute
STR: 50 (x 2) = 100
END: 52 (x 3) = 156
DEX: 60 (x 2) = 120
INT: 112
WIS: 112
CHA: 50
LCK: 10
Points - 30
Money - $6000
Looking over my stats, I dump all 30 into END, wanting to handle more boosts. I check my new stats
Name: Matt
Title: Gamer
Level: 25
Race: Dragon/Human- Hybrid
Alignment - Neutral Evil
HP - 7K Regens 1 Per Minute
MP - 5k Regens 5 Per Second
SP - 7K Regens 10 Per Minute
STR: 50 (x 2) = 100
END: 52 (x 3) = 186
DEX: 60 (x 2) = 120
INT: 112
WIS: 112
CHA: 50
LCK: 10
Points - 0
Money - $6000
I hummed in approval before opening my inventory and pulling out the two skill books
Do you wish to learn Offensive Shaorii? Y/N
Pressing yes, I'm suddenly flooded with knowledge.
Martial Art learned: Offensive Shaorii
A relaxation technique that allows the user to put great power behind their attacks
When active you do 50% more melee damage
"Sweet. Baki fighting styles are always cool. It is not Total Fighting, but it's still great." Okay, time to learn Defensive Shaorii
Would you like to learn Defensive Shaorii?
Pressing yes, I get another rush of knowledge, then I look at the skill in the text that pops up.
Martial Art learned: Defensive Sharoii
A relaxation technique that allows the user to absorb powerful attacks
When active user takes 50% less melee damage
I widen my eyes. "That's a 50% melee damage reduction that's overpowered as fuck"
{Partner, now that you have completed her quest, what do you plan on doing now?}
I smile before saying, "That's simple, Ddraig. We're going to pay dear Percy Jackson a visit!"
This is kinda exciting now. If I play my cards right, I can make sure that things go off without a hitch, gain an ally of Percy and go on an adventure with him for a ton of experience. At least until they run out of usefulness and I become strong enough to no longer need them.
{Partner, who is Percy Jackson, an enemy, perhaps an ally?}
"Percy Jackson is soon to be a hero of Olympus," I said, rolling my eyes. "Honestly, I don't really have much of a problem with him except for him refusing godhood twice, which was really stupid." All that power he could've gained and he wastes it away by refusing it. Who needs something like hard work. "But right now, I guess I can lend him a hand recovering Zeus' toy."
A snort erupts from the gauntlet {Only you would refer to the most powerful weapon in Greek mythology as a toy}
"Hey, it is what it is." I shrug. "Anyway, I should probably make an entrance."
Quest Received
Objective: Help Percy Jackson retrieve the master bolt
Time limit: Ten days
Rewards: 100KXP, 3 Gacha tokens, ?
Consequences: If failed: World War 3, Percy Jackson's death, ?
Do you accept Y/N?
I pondered for a moment honestly war between the gods wouldn't really affect me I could just hide in my ID until the aftermath and come out strong as fuck but I don't want to deal with the consequences of Percy's death after all he's the main character so without him, my knowledge of canon is fucked unless….. "System when can I go to the next world?"
The next jump will be unlocked once certain requirements are met
Can I ask what those requirements are?
No
I frowned alright. I guess I'm accepting the quest, pressing yes. Testing the barrier, I find it doesn't affect me as I make my way to it. I grin. 'Good to know.' I thought. As I walk into camp, I am immediately met with vines surrounding me. I flex my muscles, trying to break free, but it's futile. "Don't bother." a pudgy man in a leopard spotted Hawaiian shirt, blue sweats and purple running shoes. I use observe on who this fat fuck could be.
Name: Dionysus
Title: Wine Dude
Level: 1000
Race: Olympian God
HP: 10M
MP: 10M
SP: 10M
Primary Stat- INT
Well, scratch fat fuck and insert asset to our team Ddraig. My stunning silence slowly transforms into a big shit-eating grin as he approaches me.
He raises a brow despite my predicament. "Something catch your fancy?"
"Yeah" I gave him a nod of agreement, "Can I interest you in some wine?"
Author's Note: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I really took my time with this, so hopefully you see some improvements in grammar and punctuation. Please leave a review of what you think and any ideas you have. It really makes my day. Love you guys! Also thank you Demonoid for betaing this chapter!