I put Cabin 5 in order
ENJOY!
THE GAME OF DIVINITY
CHAPTER 18: Camp Half-Blood
After the day of celebration of the victory over Surtr, I spent the remaining 1 year and 6 months of my 5 year agreement training with the Valkyries in relative peace. I say relative because Freyja and Elaine had to stop me from committing suicide via snakefaced bastard after my impromptu and very unwilling hair color change. The dummies in the training courtyard kept meeting a terrible fate until I calmed down though.
Aside from the "incident" and a few routine hunting expeditions nothing exciting occurred. I spent my free time training and hanging out with Freyja when she could visit and Elaine and my fellow Valkyries. I can freely admit that after 2 and a half years of constant warfare I just couldn't bring myself to train as much as I could and just tried to relax and mostly focus on more esoteric branches of magic and copied many other spells and rituals in order to learn in the future. After all how many chances will I get to use a library with such rare tomes on magic. Call it a hunch but I don't think Zeus has allowed much in terms of knowledge aside from stories of the glories of the Gods(read propaganda) to be available to anyone not immortal.
Sub-Skill: Mind Palace(Lv5): A rare form of mind magic capable of granting the user increased control over their mind and their memories. It grants the user defense against all mind manipulation. Though superior practitioners of the art would still be able to used mind magic against even if reduced in potency and effect. (Gamer's Mind prevents such beings from succeeding).
Rune Magic (Nordic):
Bounded Fields (Lv6): The ability to use fields of magic around a static area giving the various effects for and against anyone inside the warded area or trying to get in.
Repertoire of Wards: Barrier, Anti-Scrying, Anti-Necromantic, Acid Blood, Restricted Accessibility, Anti-Monster.
Greater Pyromancy(Lv3): Your ability to raise and control fire (-33MP to all fire spells- Doesn't affect FOW). Cost: 10 MP/sec
Great Flame Wave(Lv1): Unleash a wave of flames incinerating all in their way. The most skilled the user is with this spell, the greater the size of the wave. 1200 DMG, Cost: 1500(1467) MP
The Mind Palace was one of the most difficult skills I had to learn out of all the Mist manipulation skills I currently possess. Aside from giving me greater memorization skills it also protects my mind from manipulation which while useless to me considering my gamer's mind, it will provide a good excuse for any curious God that tries and fails to influence my mind. Also the most important part of this skill is that it is a necessary precursor of many other sub skills that I have read about but I haven't been able to learn yet.
Rune magic was a skill that I just couldn't not learn. I had all the theoretical knowledge smashed into my head through Odin's Blessing and it would be a true waste if I hadn't cultivated this particular skill and I haven't regretted a single moment of it. Runes are practically the code language of creation.
As long as you are creative enough and with the right catalyst and enough power, there is practically nothing that couldn't be done with them. Currently I focused exclusively in bounded fields. They are a branch of Rune magic that is interconnected with rituals, something that I have been trained by Freyja and the ability to create safe areas for me and my allies to build safe houses or to protect us in quests was just too tempting not to learn.
Lastly I learned the Fire Wave spell that I upgraded to Great Flame Wave and I know it is not exactly an esoteric spell but when I accidentally found it in the library I had to learn it. I dream for the day that I will max it and be able to go all Gokka Mekkyaku on any stupid army of assholes that think they can stand against me. My cackles of my future glorious pyro -devastation when I first used the spell had the rest of the Valkyries look at me in no small amount of horror but I couldn't understand why. Fire is so pretty after all.
So here I am now, once more in Heimdallr's Observatory at the end of my 5 years time on Asgard ready to once more head to Midgard. Ready to send me off were Elaine my best friend and also Freyja who had become an older sister figure to me in all my time here and lastly Odin, my no longer patron.
After saying my goodbyes to my fellow females I stood before the All-Father of Asgard and bowed.
"It was an honor my Lord"
"It truly was an honor Alexandra Bellum. You have become an extinguished warrior in your time in Asgard and even if you have trained for a faction of the rest you have proved that you can call yourself a true Valkyrie" said Odin making me smile in pride and then continued
"As such it with great gladness that I bestow you today the mark of the Aesir. Granting you the ability of unrestricted passage to Asgard, Vanaheim and Hotel Valhalla in Boston."
The moment he said that the inside of my right forearm gained a tattoo. It was in the shape of crossed Norse single -bladed axes and there were two raven wings behind them.
PING*
You have gained a new Runic Seal.
Mark of the Aesir: The seal marks you as an ally of Asgard giving you the privilege of travelling to Asgard and Vanaheim as well as Hotel Valhalla. WARNING: All enemies of Asgard will immediately attack you if they gaze on that mark.
"I don't know what to say milord." I said humbled by such a gesture.
"Say nothing Alexandra. Your accomplishments in the battlefield and especially your mission had brought us the path to victory against Surtr. Hell, your very presence caused some higher power to make the Ragnarok prophecy that was haunting our whole pantheon for millennia obsolete. It was the least I could do for giving us such a gift."
"And talking of gifts. Here is the promised weapon commissioned by your father and blessed by me with some hidden gifts as well that I hope you will like when you can manage to unlock them." finished the wily God with a mischievous smirk and handed me a spear.
The moment it touched my hand I knew that this weapon was different and superior to anything I had held before in my life.
It was red as blood and was decorated with engravings of vines and Runes and its blade was different from the traditional spear that is only meant for stabbing. It was long enough to be capable of slicing as well. The power it held wasn't able to be contained completely and as a result I noticed a small crimson aura around the weapon radiating bloodlust. My, my what an eager partner have I gotten.
Fate's Lament
+2.000 Damage
+100% Damage to Monsters
+100% Damage to Divine
Special: 'To Me' (Lv1): This weapon has been enchanted with the same spell that was used on Mjolnir, Thor's ultimate weapon. If called by its rightful owner it always flies back to their hand (Alexandra Bellum).
Special: Spear Manipulation (Lv15): Through the blessing of Ares this spear can be wielded even through the thoughts of its wielder making them capable of telekinetically wielding it with absolute precision in a 2 meters radius around their body.
Special: Bane Of Netherkind (Lv25): This spear is capable of harming all beings of death and darkness.
Special: Locked (Lv?)
Special: Locked (Lv?)
Special: #%$& $%#
Info: This spear is a masterwork influenced by many Gods. Forged by a mix of Celestial Bronze and Uru Steel and through the blessings of Odin and Ares, the forging of Hephaestus as well as the pieces of Laevatein and other ingredients that had been used during its creation, it has become a weapon fit for a God instead of a mortal. Its full power though remains sealed until its rightful owner manages to reach the correct perquisites to unlock them. Once touched by its owner the spear is soulbound to them. As a result it will never stay far away from them.
Well, Spear manipulation is going to need some work in order to be battle ready but at least if I throw it I won't have to search for it. The third boon is going to be useful against whatever Hades may choose to throw at me if he is a sore loser and demons as well in future worlds. The hidden aspects are a bit of a bummer but I guess the only thing I have to do is level up.
Saying my goodbyes once more I step through the Bifrost.
1 of November 2005 - 6: 00 AM.
I find myself in a mortal city in Midgard. I look behind me and I see that I am outside of the doors of Hotel Valhalla. It seems I am in Boston. I guess it's time to finally go to Camp. 'Heh, it only took me 14 years and some change technically speaking' I thought with a snort. 'This must be a record somewhere'.
I walk a bit further away from the Hotel and find myself in an empty parking lot. I use some of the Mist to make sure no mortals will see what I do and I summon Ruin for the first time since the War of Muspelheim.
Ruin
Race: Areistion Horse
Gender: Male
Level 25
HP: 58.200
MP: 46.850
STR: 500
DEX: 1500 (Base: 250 + 250 every 5 Levels)
INT: 25
WIS: 25
Info: A warhorse from Ares exclusive breed gifted to his daughter Alexandra Bellum. He is bound to his summoner for life and his lifespan is as long as hers. The stronger his rider becomes, the more abilities and power he awakens.
Steed Abilities
Familiar Bond (MAX): Through your bond with ruin you gain a mental connection that allows you to communicate through feelings and images. Also, your Strength and Vitality enhances him adding to his power ( Ruin HP= Alex*2, MP= Alex*2, STR= Alex*2)
Omni-Runner(MAX): Ruin has the ability to run through all domains of the planet. He can run on the sky and on top of the seas as easily as he can on solid ground. (Max speed = 675km/h)
Wind-Chaser (Lv10): Ruin through the use of his magic to increase his speed tremendously (Max speed= 2.000 km/h). Cost 50 Mp/min
Power Wave (Lv10): Ruin can, through the use of his magic and your flames to summon a circle of flames around him that can be sent like a wave at all direction, burning everything they touch. DMG= Flames Of War x5, Cost 400 MP
Portal Jumping (Lv7): Ruin is capable of traveling through space a limited amount of times per day (Current number: 4). Cost: 1400 MP for Ruin. WARNING: It is recommended to travel only to places that the rider has been through, random travels without clear target or unknown destinations can be disastrous (Tartarus, Niflheim etc.)
'My familiar has gotten quite the power boost since my fight with Hade's army' I thought as I jumped on his back.
Immediately I used the portal jumping skill and teleported outside of the wards of Camp. I used my magic sense to try to gain some information about the wards and what I saw disappointed me a bit.
They were strong enough to hold normal monster at bay. Truly powerful ones, and when I say truly powerful I don't mean the Chimera or the Minotaur but beasts like Scylla or Echidna can force their way through with some difficulty.
It is unbelievable sloppy and if I didn't have the maturity I have and the foreknowledge of my first life I would be murderous right now about the uncaring attitude the Gods have towards their mortal children. Seriously, can't they spare two minutes from their busy schedule to reinforce the wards some? Pathetic.
As I passed through the wards that surrounded the place I felt one additional aspect of the wards that was very expertly hidden in the scheme. It seems that it suppresses the libido of all demigods residing within the wards.
That one is quite understandable I guess. You can't have an army of teenagers and Greek demigods at that without taking some drastic measures to prevent them from breeding like rabbits. The apples don't fall far from the trees after all and considering all the adrenaline in their bodies after the everyday activities it is a foregone conclusion that without that particular ward in place chaos would have ensued. And a lot of babies. And when I say a lot I mean A LOT. The Greek Gods weren't considered the horndogs of the divine world just for shits and giggles.
As I galloped towards the big house I saw the few early risers amongst the demigods look at my familiar and armor, pale in fear and start running away in fear. They probably thought I was some type of Goddess and came to smite someone that annoyed me. Smirking evilly at a daughter of Demeter that was tending to some strawberries causing her to squeak and run for the hills I reached the Big House.
After I sent Ruin away I knocked at the door and waited.
When the door opened I was greeted by Chiron on his wheelchair. The moment he saw me he widened his eyes in surprise.
"Miss Bellum, I didn't expect to see you alive after all these years and quite changed as well."
"I guess father or any of the other Gods didn't inform you about my survival eh?"
"No they didn't but I shouldn't hold you at the door please come in."
As I stepped in I found myself in a big room with a ping pong table and twelve chairs. The walls were decorated with paintings depicting images from the Hellenic Era and there was a staircase that led to the upper floors. Lastly there were 2 other doors but I didn't know where they led.
As I sat on one of the chairs I readied myself for the interrogation that I was sure to come but we were interrupted by someone coming down the stairs.
"Chiron pinochle time. This is the day you will surely lose." said the descending individual.
"What are you waiting for lets go outsi-" he stopped the moment he saw and rolled his eyes contemptuously.
"Great another brat has come in the Camp. Just what I needed."
"Greetings sir, I am Alexandra Bellum." I said trying to pacify the irate man child and God of Wine.
Dionysus "Painfully Sober"
Race: God
Gender: Male
Affiliation: Olympus
Level: ?
Status: ?
Info: Dinoysus is the Olympian God of Wine, Madness, Theater, Ecstasy and Parties. You are not strong enough to know more.
"Not nice to meet you Acacia Belmont. Let's go outside Chiron, the day started bad as it is maybe some pinochle will fix it. You too girl, get on with it." said the bastard with an uncaring attitude as he walked out of the door.
Chiron sent an apologetic smile at me and told me to follow him outside.
As we sat around the table Chiron continued his discussion with me all the while entertaining the God of man-children on my left.
"So Alexandra, what happened to you after the, ah unfortunate incident outside of Camp 5 years ago?" prompted the centaur gently.
"Well after I slaughtered the Underworld Kings army." I started receiving rolled eyes from Dionysus and a sigh of exasperation from Chiron for my impertinent comment I begun to share my tale.
Throughout my story the Wine God couldn't stop commenting sarcastically about anything and everything I said. With every quip he said I became more and more angry until my patience came to an end. I didn't rage though. No, the Master Antagonizer™ always whispered in my ears the best ways to piss someone off so I did my best to deliver.
As I described the declaration of war against Muspelheim the fucker saw fit to interrupt me once more.
"And what a waste of time that was. Let them die on their own I said, those idiot Asgardians always bite more than they can chew, there is no reason to bother with them but Zeus saw fit to send help anyway. Bah what a waste of time." declaring the fight for the preservation of the cosmos as a waste of time and making my eyes flash red for a moment causing Chiron to look at me in trepidation. Probably his trouble radar, honed to perfection after centuries of dealing with cheeky demigods was tingling in alarm but I wasn't deterred.
I opened my Inventory and pulled out a big leather flask filled with mead from the goat Heidrun. For those that don't know, Heidrun is a goat residing in Valhalla that her teats spill never ending mead that was blessed by Odin, known for his love of alcohol and shared amongst all the warriors there every night keeping them strong and healthy in order to be ready to fight everyday as a form of training for Ragnarok. Obviously I couldn't not take some for myself so after buying a bigger on the inside flask from the market I filled it to the brim with the mead and brought it with me.
Flask of Divine Mead (100/100 Liters)
+50% HP Regeneration for the next 3 hours after consumption
+100% to stamina after a sip
Info: A flask filled with the mead produced by the goat Heidrun. It has many medical properties and those drunk on this particular brew will have no hangovers in the morning.
"Well Chiron all that story telling made my throat dry so I thought I should moisturize it a bit. Do you want some it is very invigorating. Mead from Heidrun herself, you will not find better anywhere in the Nine Worlds." I said with a shit eating grin on my face making the centaur look at me in dawning realization at what I was about to do and Dionysus to look at my flask with a longing that only someone walking the Sahara desert without water could ever produce.
"Ah Lord Dionysus would you like some as well? I assure you it is top notch." I said prompting him to accept with barely concealed glee at the chance to taste some of the goods, momentarily forgetting his restrictions and the fact that he called Zeus name not a minute before.
He quickly summoned three glasses and after I poured my mead into them we begun to move them to our lips for a first try. The moment that the glasses edge touched his lips a sudden wind passed around us and the wine in his glass was transmutated into diet coke.
You could practically see the moment the taste registered in his mind and the hope was snuffed from his face. The rumble of thunder in the distance also revealed the culprit for the liquid alteration.
The God of Wine mechanically put the glass on the table and stood up, all the while I was smiling a very innocent smile and on the inside I was cackling in vengeful satisfaction at the bastard. Alex 1 - Dionysus 0.
"I am feeling a little sleepy Chiron I think I am going to take a nap until launch, make sure none disturb me." said the crestfallen God ignoring me completely and going back to his bedroom probably to cry tears of agony, which just the thought of them brought a small warm feeling in my chest.
After the idiot went inside I turned towards Chiron and spoke.
"Now that the annoyance is finally gone. I think is time to continue my story yes?
Getting a nod from the trainer of Heroes I regaled him about the war until my arrival here.
"It seems you had kind the adventures child. But to experience true war so young is not something I would wish on anyone."
"Eh it is what it is Chiron there is no need to dwell on it anymore. It's better to look towards the future."
"Quite right you are child, quite right indeed. I think it is also time for a tour around camp and I believe you have been claimed as well? he asked me.
At my nod he told me that I could settle in Cabin 5 after my tour and he told me to follow him.
By the time the tour started it was already 7 so there were many more people walking around preparing for the day and I could feel their questioning looks at my attire. After all you don't see everyday someone walking around in Vanir leather armor. Not that they knew what it was but my style of armor was extremely different from what they were used to and as a result made them wonder.
After an hour walking around and familiarizing myself with the place (the shaking, lava spewing rock throwing climbing wall was so badass btw) a conch horn was sounded which according to Chiron was a signal for breakfast.
The dining pavilion was an open roofed area surrounded by Greek Ionian columns and filled with tables for the 12 cabins as well as the Big House occupants. By the time we reached there everyone was already assembled with Dionysus the only one absent.
The moment we stepped in all eyes were on me. I quickly spotted Thalia almost 16, sitting alone in the Zeus table, Luke at the head of Hermes table and not so little Annabeth at the Athena table together with her blonde and grey eyed siblings. None of them recognized me, but I didn't expect them too. Puberty and the CHA perk had changed me a lot compared to the flat chested 8 years old they knew and my hair didn't help matters either.
I was seated besides Chiron in the Head table and he hit the ground with his front hoof gaining the attention of everyone and putting a stop in the murmuring of the discussions going on throughout the pavilion.
"If I can have your attention please. Before we begin our breakfast I would like for everyone to welcome a new camper that joined us about 2 hours ago. Alexandra Bellum, Daughter of Ares." announced Chiron and causing a red boar and spear symbol to appear above my head. It seems father was watching over me.
Cabin 5 started cheering distastefully and with no discipline at all making me make a mental note to put them in proper order the first chance I get and the rest of the tables to clap politely.
The irregular reactions came from the members of my Dream Team.
"WHAT THE FUCK!" shouted Thalia, ever the blunt one.
Luke had snapped to his feet and was looking at me with his usual wimpy expression of wonder.
Annabeth on the other hand froze. She was looking at me like she had seen a ghost, like she couldn't believe that I was actually here and alive.
"Hey guys, long time no see!" I said waving to them a small smile to my face.
I expected many things.
Some raging sure.
Lots of crying definitely.
Spine crushing hugs most assuredly.
What I didn't expect was a freaking lightning bolt coming my way ready to incinerate me and only my reflexes honed in the field of war making me capable of dodging out of the way.
"What the fuck you bitch? Why did you chuck a fucking lightning bolt at me?" I shouted, now a little angry at the almost murder attempt.
"You ask why you brat? We have been mourning you for 5 fucking years thinking you were dead." shouted the daughter Zeus back beneath a pile of a bunch of unfortunate crispy demigods trying to restrain her.
*WHISTLEEEEEE*
A high pitched whistle put a stop to the drama. Annie was standing on her chair and was giving everyone the patented Athena Glare of Doom™.
"Alright people, we had enough fun for today. Thalia, Luke, Alex with me" said the blonde 5 foot nothing with a serious face prompting us to follow without question and the rest to move back to their seats silent as a grave.
'The dominatrix is strong in this one. Poor Percy, he is screwed' I thought with an amused grin as I was led inside the forest and from there to great pile of stones.
The moment we stopped, I tried to speak but I was interrupted by a flying grey eyed missile that tackled me to the ground and started staining my armor with snot and tears.
"Hey Annie-love, I am home." I said while patting her hair.
After that everyone calmed down, they started asking me questions about my whereabouts for all these years, making me for the second time in the same day to speak about my time in Asgard.
They were very surprised about the existence of other pantheons though I didn't understand why. What made the Olympians so special to be the only ones to exist? Absolutely nothing. The moment I finished my story once again I was prepared to answer a million questions from a curious daughter of Athena but it was Luke that spoke first.
"So, if we prey to Odin and then die in battle we get to go to an eternal afterlife party carried by blonde hot women in revealing armor? Because if it is, then I will have to reconsider my future divine sacrifices."
His question brought him two deadpanned looks from me and Annie and a dangerous look from the resident electrotherapist.
"Well, Thalia and Annie are definitely qualified but you my minion I am afraid are too wimpy for Valhalla. Maybe if I ask a favor from Freyja she can find you a place as a stable boy instead" I answered with a smirk.
"Oi" he shouted amusedly causing us to laugh at the ongoing joke. Everything was fine.
After spending some time catching up with my friends we had to split up because they had activities to go to.
I followed Annie to the Arena where my siblings were scheduled most of the time to train and after another hug she left for her tutoring sessions.
Once inside I saw a girl around 14 wielding a spear and fighting against 3 boys wielding swords while about two dozen other kids were cheering at the spectacle.
Clarisse La Rue "Head-Bitch"
Race: Demigoddess
Gender: Female
Level: 13
MP: 1.017
STR: 90
VIT: 40
DEX: 45
INT: 23
WIS: 15
LUC: 10
Info: Clarisse is a daughter of Ares, God of War and as the strongest of her siblings, she is designated as the head councilor of Cabin 6. She loves her brothers and sisters and hates wimpy people. She is pleased that another girl will join her cabin and hopes she is strong.
Seeing her stats I am admittedly a bit disappointed. I didn't expect any of the campers to be on my level, not really but I at least hoped that they would all have hit the 15 level mark. At least the more powerful ones. Considering Clarisse is the strongest Ares member until now and they are as a cabin the best fighters of camp some few exceptions excluded, then it no wonder so many of them die when they go to the mortal world. They are simply not trained good enough to survive there. Clearly Chiron doesn't train them as good as he should have and I could feel myself lose some respect for the Trainer of Heroes.
Inner thoughts pushed to the back of my mind I started approaching the fighting area. The moment I was spotted one of my fellow siblings shouted.
"The newbie is here" drawing the attention of everyone and stopping the sparring session cold.
Clarisse after stabbing her spear to the ground she turned towards me.
"So you are my newest sister heh. Good the whole cabin was becoming a sausage fest as it is. Its good to have some more girls." she said above the laughter of the rest at her sausage fest comment.
"Happy to be here I suppose." I replied causing her smirk to become wider.
"Well, that remains to be seen newbie. You see Ares cabin is not like the others. In order to become truly welcome you have to prove yourself.
"Oh, and how do I prove myself?" I asked with a raised eyebrow and inwardly was amused both at her cute attempt at intimidating me as well as the chance to put these guys to their place. Ares is the God of bloodlust but he also represents more than the cruel aspect of war. After all, all soldiers must be disciplined and organized. Something that my soon to be minions seem to lack, considering their thug like behavior.
"I am glad you asked. You see Ares only acknowledges only the best warriors and in order to prove yourself a capable one you must fight against 5 members of our cabin back to back. I don't expect you to win considering you just came here and lack the training but a certain amount of talent is expected. And they won't be holding back." replied my baby sister with a cute expression meant to make me scared but all it achieved was to make me want to coo at her. I have a fondness for baby animals sue me. Hibari-sama would be proud.
"How about something more fun?" I shot back with a shit eating grin causing her to raise an eyebrow in interest.
"I will fight all the Ares kids at the same time me versus all no holding back. If you manage to make me drop my weapon I will do all the chores for the next six months no questions asked. If you lose I will become leader of the cabin and you all have to follow my orders to perfection."
The laughter that followed would have annoyed me normally but they were going to get so thrashed promptly that my pity for the poor brats superseded every other feeling in me.
"Heh there is always one once in a while that is more cocky than usual but you took the cake brat. Okay you have a deal. After all who am I to decline the chance for no chores for 6 months."
It took them twenty minutes for everyone to get ready for my little initiation test. Apparently they wanted to beat the cockiness out of me thoroughly that's why they invited the whole camp in order to watch the spectacle for extra humiliation. Poor naïve fools.
I was standing on one side of the arena and on the opposite side was the whole Ares cabin weapons ready and faces eager. The seats on the amphitheater-like arena were full of people and I noticed Luke talking bets about the result of the fight. Bastard was probably going to make a killing.
The sound Chiron hitting his front foot on the ground silenced everyone.
"Heroes, this is an initiation test and I will act as an overseer and medic. Killing and maiming is forbidden and the stakes of the wager stated will be enforced by me so give it your best" said the centaur making the spectators cheer and my siblings to all grin in happiness. I just kept smiling serenely.
"BEGIN"
"Scatter" shouted Clarisse making her troops surround me and the only things I did was pull out a small butter knife I had accidentally put in my inventory in Asgard and forgot to return.
"Is that the best weapon you have brat? This will be a piece of cake." sneered the head councilor above the jeers of her troops and I couldn't help but reply.
"I wanted to take it easy on you little weaklings but unfortunately this is the smallest blade I have. Don't worry though, I will try not to humiliate you too much little sister."
The results were immediate. Clarisse and all the other went red in rage at my insults and became enraged, empowering me a bit.
Rage Booster +27 STR
"Cream the punk!" was the shout of my little sister and they all attacked me as one.
I jumped as high as I could and kicked the ground near the charging demigods with Concussive Force. The ground literally rippled and caused a cloud of sand to blind everyone.
When the dust had settled the spectators couldn't believe their eyes. All of Ares Cabin has fallen to the ground a groaning in pain. The exception were the members of the Dream Team that were wearing very happy smiles and if I am not imagining things Luke had big D letters replacing his eyes and I made a mental note to demand him a share of the profit.
Shakily my opposition started to stand up and pick up their weapons again though all the cockiness had left their face and only weariness remained.
"What happened brats. Didn't you say that you will beat me to the ground? Where is all the bravado now little brothers and sisters?"
"What nonsense are you spouting you little bitch? You don't look older than 13."
"The keyword here is look, little sister. I am technically 20 years old. I just spent too much time in divine realms and caused my bodies growth to be stunted for a while." I replied with a small smirk making everyone to look at me in fascination.
"I don't care how old you are you hag. I won't let your little trick stop me from kicking your ass." shouted Clarisse getting a loud consent from everyone and they charged once more but this time I wasn't feeling so merciful.
I showed them a level of power with my little kick that would have made anyone else step back and reconsider but these brats literally ignored all the warning signs and started charging like bandits against an extremely superior opponent. This sort of behavior and lack of strategy or instincts is unacceptable.
Yes they don't have a chance no matter what they do but they don't know that. I expected her to at least send a few of her soldiers to test the waters after my little introduction and gauge the level of my skill but they didn't even bother.
I immediately used normal fire imbuement on my butter knife and cut the first two attackers spears in half followed by twin punches at the side of their jaws rendering them unconscious.
Another two came from behind swords poised and ready to strike but they never got the chance. At this point my dexterity was at 195 with my items and the fastest amongst them was Clarisse at 45. My attack was a blur to them and my extremely superior strength send them flying taking another one with them and crashing them on top of a training dummy.
After that it became a blur. Everyone that got near me was instantly put down hard. There was no mercy or flowery moves to show off. In 5 minutes the only one conscious aside from me was La Rue in a defensive stance who looked kind of terrified now. She didn't expect such a turn of events.
I could see it on her face, she understood that she didn't have a chance to win and her hands that were holding her spear were white from the force she was putting. She didn't give up though so I could respect that.
"Well little sister. What do you think, did I prove myself now? Am I worthy?" I asked with a mocking grin.
"You are not a newbie demigod. None who just came from the streets possesses such power and skill. You have been trained." she said and I could practically feel her kicking herself for underestimating me so thoroughly.
Deciding to at least let her keep some of her dignity intact I stored my knife and pulled out my spear. It drew surprised gasps from everyone when they caught sight of it. It may not be particularly powerful in its sealed state but the energy it released was like a beacon and everyone here understood that it wasn't an ordinary weapon.
Getting into an expert stance I spoke again.
"Cmon Clarisse, show me your skill. As the second strongest you are going to be my lieutenant. I have to see what you are made of."
My declaration made her steel herself and immediately attacked. Her strikes were fast and precise and the power behind them wasn't inconsiderable but see was too static. She fought like a power fighter, unyielding and expecting to overpower her opponents. This style was good against fellow demigods but it wouldn't serve her well against real threats.
Monsters by nature were physically stronger than demigods bar vary few exceptions like Big Three demigods or me who have the gamer system and hence I am an anomaly. She needed to learn how to move continuously and enhance her speed in order to be able to end battles quickly and decisively because one hit was all it would take to kill her and this is something I want to prevent. Burying my family newly discovered or not is not something I was willing to accept.
I blocked and dodged again and again. I didn't let her touch me even for one second and I could see her getting tired quickly, her desperation to land a hit was making her sloppy and causing her to waste her stamina faster.
After 5 minutes I decided it was enough to get my point across and after redirecting one of her thrusts to the left I did a reverse rotation and took her legs for under her with the pole of my spear sending her to the ground and my spear point 1 inch from her neck.
"Yield" I said causing her to nod and after that I pulled away my spear and gave her my hand. She looked at it for a second and then took it. It seems there was no grudge to be had between sisters. Percy though I don't think is going to be so lucky. Poor bastard.
She tried to say something to me but it was derailed by the cheering from our audience making go red in the face in embarrassment from the backfiring of her idea.
Hopefully I was saved from a headache by Chiron who once more silenced everyone.
"The victor of this battle is Alexandra Bellum and as a result of her wager she is the new councilor of Cabin 5"
Once the announcement was made the cheering started again and Annabeth practically flew towards me to get me in a hug congratulating me and babbling nonstop about how cool I was, causing Clarisse to become a little red in the face in anger.
After that Chiron sent everyone to continue with their camp activities and I was left with my cabin in the arena. They were all nursing their bruises and were refusing to look at me in the eyes.
"Okay, enough with the sulking people there was no shame in your defeat."
"Bullshit there was no shame. You practically toyed with us. A small army of demigods and we couldn't even scratch one person." Shouted one of the boys getting nods from the others.
"And doesn't that say everything?" I replied making everyone look at me in question.
"I am not an ordinary demigod kids. I am both older and more experienced. You can't even use your magic yet. You have focused on honing only your weapons skill and even then there is so much someone can learn only by spars and training."
"We have killed monsters too you know. You are not the only one who had to find the camp on your own or had met difficulties." Replied back the same person and caused the rest to consent to that so I decided to make it clear to them.
"Kid, what's your name?"
"Brad Lixon"
"Brad let me ask you something. Have you heard from Thalia her story about how she got to camp? I asked making everyone look at me in confusion at such an irrelevant to the matter question.
"Answer me brat. There is a point to it."
"Well yes we have heard rumors you know. She came together with Castellan and Chase about 5 years ago chased by an army send from Hades but they managed to reach here because a demigod stayed behind to fight the army. Rumor said that all three Kindly Ones were there. None truly knows what happened to that demigod. They are probably dead though considering they had to fight the whole army" answered the boy with a shudder.
"That demigod was me." I answered and everyones eyes widened in surprise.
"Then how are you here? I mean how did you manage to escape?"
"I didn't escape. I slaughtered them all. All three Furies and about 10 thousand hellhounds and Cyclopes were burned alive by me. I put the fear of the God of War so thoroughly inside the Furies hearts that I doubt they will ever dare to come out of the Underworld anytime soon."
My words made every gap in me in wonder and a little fear.
"How is this possible? I mean demigods are stronger than humans yes but this extent of power is something only Gods can do. Are you secretly a Goddess or something?"
"Ha no I am not a Goddess and as for your first question the answer is my magic."
"Magic? Like the Mist tricks that the Hecate kids do?" asked Clarisse this time and seriously pissed me off.
"Every demigod is and must be capable of using their magic in order to reach their full potential. Even children of Ares that usually are better in the physical styles of combat must supplement our fighting style or else we stagnate and become limited."
"But if this is the case then why doesn't Chiron teaches us magic?"
"That I don't know but from now on you will have extra training with me both in magic and in weapon handling. Also you will all be comporting yourselves with military discipline both in and out of the training yard."
On my words some started to protest but I put a stop to that.
"We are children of war but that doesn't mean we have to act like thugs. Your unbecoming behavior ends right now gentlemen and ladies and whoever doesn't like he or she can come and fight me for a change in regime." I reinforced my words with a little bit of Aura Dominion causing my eyes to turn into red flames and a crimson aura to surround.
Everyone in the arena immediately turned white in fear and nodded in consent. They would not go against the monster in their midst.
And that's how it was done from that day on.
(Ares Daily Obnoxious, New and Improved Schedule - ADONIS)
I woke them up at five in the morning. No longer will they start their activities at 8 like a bunch of pansies. It is time to learn to enjoy some simple calisthenics early in the moring in order to oxygenize the brain and get their blood pumping.
*Crack*
"RUN YOU LITTLE SHITS RUN. MY GRANDMOTHER CAN MOVE FASTER THAN YOU, YOU LITTLE PISS OF SHIT."
"Crack*
"AND IF I SEE A SINGLE PERSON DROP THEIR ATONES I AM GOING TO MAKE EVERYONES LIFE HELL. I WILL NO LONGER GO EASY ON YOU"
*Crack*
Of course I had to motivate them a bit that's why I had them carry boulders while training and used a vine whip I made in order to give them some needed 'traction'. It wouldn't do to half-ass their running speed after all.
After the relaxing jogging in the woods we went for breakfast and it was finally time for weapon training.
I started by showing them forms and after I made them repeat them continuously a few hundred times I made them all spar with me like in the initiation test. Nothing gives you experience more than fighting a superior opponent and there was no better in camp than me currently.
Following the light sparring.
(FLASHBACK)
"Oh my god Brad flew ten meters from her hit." whimpered one poor sod trembling in fear.
"LESS TALKING MORE FIGHTING MONGRELS" shouted the 5 foot 3" monster as she rotated an unfortunate bastard by his ankle and frisbeed him on another two.
"MOMMY"
(END FLASHBACK)
We headed for launch and after we trained 2 more hours in physical conditioning I had them train into unlocking their mana. I didn't have time though to do it through meditation because it would take too much time so I used the other way to do it which was to use the mist on them until they unconsciously unlocked it.
(FLASHBACK)
"OH MY GOD IS THAT A GIANT CENTIPEDE"
"SPIDERS SO MANY SPIDERS"
"THE ZOMBIES ARE EVERYWHERE WE ARE DEAD. WE ARE DEAD"
"MOMMY"
(END FLASHBACK)
Our day ended at 7 o'clock when we all went happily (read: traumatized) back to our cabin for a shower and then to dinner.
More than a month we followed my new training schedule religiously with no complaints from anyone (Aura Dominion is a really motivating skill after all) and the results spoke for themselves.
The first few time Capture the Flag was very difficult for them. Their bodies too exhausted from the daily training to be able to give it their all, but after the third week of November things started to change. My little siblings started to flourish and expand their tactics broadening their strategies from just attack there, pummel everything continue plans they had before.
Also their superior conditioning and their more refined skills made quick work of even the most skilled combatants. It reached a point that even Thalia started to join our side from time to time because she couldn't stand losing all the time.
So here we are now 20 of December when Chiron made an announcement.
"Heroes, the Winter Solstice is near and like every year all full-time campers will be going on Olympus for the celebration. As a result on 25 of December there will be no Camp activities in order to prepare for our travel to the Empire State building at noon."
The cheering was deafening but I couldn't give it any mind because this was the start of the Lightning Thief. I knew that Luke wouldn't be doing any stealing this time and as a result I didn't know who his replacement was. But that wasn't the most serious matter. I didn't particularly care about the woes of Zeus or Hades and a little scare like that to their self assurance and ego builds character in my opinion.
No. The problem was that Thalia on 25 of December was turning 16. I only hoped that the Gods wouldn't do something stupid in their paranoia (read: Zeus).
~ChildeOfWar