My days in the Underworld had flown by.
After my initial meeting with Persephone, we'd settled into a rhythm. We'd start off the mornings talking about my feelings and stuff (ew), followed by an afternoon session of me getting some training in while Persephone would compile the notes from the morning session and tell me about some things I may not have noticed about myself.
It was just the right blend of therapy and practice. If I didn't like anything she was saying, I could just skewer some targets in the distance. A win-win.
My fatal flaw was far and away the biggest topic of discussion, but there were still some other things in there, too. Things you might find boring, but things that were important to me, nonetheless.
I wasn't too good at using those fancy words. Not like Persephone, anyway, so I had her write them down for me. That way, in the future, if I was ever feeling low or confused about something, I could open up my trusty guide to my feelings!
Like, for example, how the duality of being a demigod and a human makes me feel a bit lost sometimes:
The psychological state of a demigod, with their divine lineage intertwined with human existence, is a fascinating blend of ethereal potential and mortal struggles. Their divine nature may impart them with tremendous powers and abilities, yet it also presents unique psychological complexities.
Demigods often face the existential challenge of reconciling their divine heritage with their human limitations. The constant tug-of-war between their mortal emotions, vulnerabilities, and desires and the grandeur of their godly essence can generate inner conflicts that demand introspection and self-discovery.
The phenomenon of 'heroic burden' frequently afflicts demigods, stemming from the weight of expectations placed upon them. Their heroic lineage and extraordinary abilities may give rise to external pressures to fulfill legendary destinies. Navigating these expectations while striving for personal growth and forging their own identity is a profound psychological journey.
Demigods may also grapple with the 'Chiron's paradox,' a struggle to find belonging and acceptance amidst a world that perceives them as different or otherworldly. The duality of their existence often leads to feelings of isolation, as they yearn for authentic connections that understand their unique experiences.
The concept of 'hubris and nemesis' also manifests within the psyche of demigods. Their godly heritage can inadvertently foster arrogance and overconfidence, creating blind spots to their own vulnerabilities. It is crucial for demigods to cultivate self-awareness and humility to prevent their hubris from inviting disastrous consequences.
Psychologically, embracing their mortal side, finding solace in their human connections, and engaging in self-reflection are pivotal steps for demigods on their path to self-actualization. Integrating their divine gifts with their mortal experiences can unlock the full potential of their mythic lineage and facilitate a harmonious existence.
Yeah, like I said; there's no way I'd be able to recite all of that from memory.
Afterward, though, we'd just hang out. I know it sounds super general, but that's really all we did. I had discovered pretty early on that I didn't like talking about my feelings for hours on end, so Persephone had decided we'd strike a balance.
Plus, it was good for her, too. Persephone tended not to leave her side of the palace very often, so she'd stockpiled a bunch of board games and movies for fun. Unfortunately, she never got around to playing any of them.
According to her, there were two main reasons why.
One, there was always a backlog of souls that needed help, so she rarely ever had the time, and, two, she just never had anyone to play with it. Cerberus doesn't have opposable thumbs, and the spirits that haunt the palace would just let her win since she's the queen.
Helping me out took care of those two reasons, so, that's what we did. It felt kind of nice to relax without training, meetings, and everything else in the world that bugs me back home.
She'd send some skeletons for takeout, and we'd play everything from Catan to Monopoly, albeit the Greek mythology version. She destroyed me in most games, but for some odd reason, I always pulled out a victory in Candy Land.
They didn't get any internet down in the Underworld. All of her movies were on VHS on a tiny screen, and her board games all had a thick layer of dust on them.
After dinner and some games, she'd get us some hot cocoa and snacks, and we'd end the night watching a movie or two, which I let her pick.
Disturbingly, she only ever chose horror movies and chick flicks.
The chick flicks part, meh. I could get that, and I wasn't above watching a few of those myself. Now since Persephone wanted to watch them, I had an excuse.
There was kind of a weird moment after watching Mean Girls where she charmed everything (including my clothes, hair, and nails) pink, but I talked her out of it. I couldn't get her to drop her ballroom gown phase after Crazy Rich Asians, sadly, and she'd threatened to kill me if I ever told anyone how hard she cried at The Notebook, so please don't tell anyone if you care about what happens to me.
The horror movies part of it wasn't as fun and harmless. Maybe she just liked seeing me jump. Maybe it was revenge for every time I commented on how irrational the leads in horror movies were. Whatever the reason was, it didn't help that she could control the scary things in the palace to come out at the same time as the scary stuff on the screen came out.
It's like two jump scares. Except, well, the second one grabs and screams in your ear, smelling like rotting flesh and bone.
I shuddered at the thought as I gripped the bow in my left hand, the smooth metal feeling sturdy and reliable in my grasp. With my right hand, I pulled back the bowstring, feeling the bumpy texture against my fingertips as I drew it taut.
The bowstring was heavy. Peeking at its stats had shown a draw weight of seventy pounds.
By all accounts, it should have been tugging against the muscles in my arm, yet I hardly felt the strain. At this stage in my physical conditioning, it felt like the same amount of strain as closing my fist. It was practically nonexistent.
Not to mention, my Archery skill hadn't stagnated from the summer I'd trained, too. It had never been too high in the first place, but it was nice to not have to start from the ground up.
[ACTIVE][DEX/STR]-[ARCHERY]-[LV: 33]-[PROG: 42%]
|| [Archery] is a ranged combat skill that allows the player to attack enemies from a distance using a bow. The higher the player's [Archery] skill, the more accurate and deadly their shots become. In order to use [Archery] effectively, the player must have a bow equipped and enough arrows in their inventory.
[Calculations:]
The player's [Archery] skill is determined by their Dexterity [DEX] attribute, with each point of [DEX] contributing a certain amount of skill points to the damage, regardless of the ammunition being used.
In addition, the player's Strength [STR] attribute also plays a role in Archery. A higher [STR] attribute allows the player to draw the bowstring back further, increasing the power and range of their shots.
The calculation for the damage dealt by an Archery attack considering your full stats is as follows:
[Base Damage]: (DEX * 2) + (STR * 2)
The [Base Damage] of an [Archery] attack is determined by the type of arrow used, with more powerful arrows dealing more damage. The player's [Archery] skill also affects the accuracy of their shots, with higher skill levels resulting in fewer missed shots and more critical hits.
The [Base Damage] drops off by a factor of 10% for every [(1/2)(STR) – 100)] yards. ||
So, even if I was just shooting a rock at somebody, given my stats, I would deal somewhere in the ballpark of 908 damage. Not a crazy amount by any means, but as you'd expect, it could add up pretty quickly.
That's without factoring Medusa's eye, or the Game's ability to show me weak spots on my enemies. I'm as close as you can get to a fair shot already, and with the addition of these special, carbon fiber arrows, I'm cranking thousands of damage effortlessly.
"I can feel you standing there, Sephy," I called out, bringing the bowstring closer to my cheek. I could feel its roughness against my skin, weighing against my face. "I thought you were going to feed Cerberus."
"He doesn't take long to feed," Persephone called, walking closer. I caught the now-familiar scent of sandalwood as she stepped next to me. I couldn't prove it, but I just knew she was smiling for some reason. "Besides, he wanted to come himself."
I lowered my bow. "Oh, no. You didn't."
Persephone smirked, before wiping her expression clean and giving me a questioning look. I had to admit, she was rather adept at that. I knew she was feeling playful, though, since her next words came out in a horrible British accent. "Did what? I just got here."
"Where is he coming out of?" I asked, mainly to myself. I knew she wouldn't answer. The bow disappeared, transforming into a sleek Rolex on my left wrist. Say what you will about Apollo, but the man knows his style. "Come on, you have to give me a hint."
"I don't have to do anything," Persephone reminded me, fighting a smile. She gave me an innocent look and pouted. "You were the one who wanted to come out and train. Dangerous things happen out here, Percy. You're in the Underworld. This isn't like Atlantis, mind you. There are all kinds of things out here—"
WOOF!
There was a bark so loud it shook the ground at my feet. I slipped into my [Mana Detection] mode and started craning my head around, swiveling on the spot, searching through the grayscale of the word for any sign of intrusion.
Then, about fifty feet in front of us, green mist shimmered. A shadow formed. The empty soup cans I'd meticulously gathered from the kitchen went flying in every direction as the bench underneath them snapped in half like a toothpick.
Standing just where the bench had just exploded—I was really miffed about that, by the way—was an enormous, shadowy monster. He was half transparent until he moved, and he blended with whatever was behind him.
I wasn't fooled.
By this point, I knew that Cerberus could appear wherever he wanted to almost instantly, so, when he showed up in his ghostly form, it was a sign that he was practically teasing.
And, in the last few days I've been down here, Zeus knows he's been teasing me a lot.
I think it all started a few days ago. After my very first talk with Persephone, we'd reconvened after lunch for an evening session, when halfway through, she told me she had to go feed Cerberus.
Now, I don't know about you, but I've always been curious about him. See, I've killed a ton of hellhounds in my day, so I'd originally been trying to get a gauge on how he compared. Not that I wanted to kill him.
I was just curious!
I'd always imagined Cerberus as a big black mastiff. But he was obviously a purebred Rottweiler, except of course that he was twice the size of a woolly mammoth, mostly invisible, and had three heads.
And, worst of all, he liked to chase things around. 6'3 demigods, especially.
"Not working today, boy," I called out to the shadowy construct. It rippled. "I know that isn't you!"
[Death's Leap] ignited underneath my feet. The skill was nearing evolution again, and I'd begun to get so used to it, I didn't even feel as much dizziness as I used to.
The world spun around me, colors and shapes blurring together in a vortex. The air hummed with energy, crackling and pulsing like a living thing. My stomach lurched as the ground disappeared beneath me, replaced by a black void that seemed to stretch on forever.
And then, I was soaring above the monster, my hands burning with fire. A column of flame shot out of my fingertips, dispelling the shadows. My world suddenly shifted as if it was on an axis, and I was on my back, Cerberus on top of me.
"Your breath stinks," I complained as his middle head bent down and started licking my face—I could smell the raw meat he'd just had for lunch. His tongue was so big that it covered the entirety of my face and then some, and his mouth was generating so much saliva; it was like I'd just taken a shower. "Heel boy, heel!"
"He doesn't listen to you," Persephone giggled as she walked up behind Cerberus and started scratching the leftmost head. "He doesn't listen to a lot of people, actually. He's funny like that."
"Hopefully, he listens to me," A smooth voice said from where we'd originally been standing.
It was like a switch had been flipped. Persephone suddenly stiffened, and the teasing expression that had been on her face died. Her eyes hardened.
Cerberus got off me instantly and started whimpering. When I tentatively got to my feet, he shuffled behind me, the impact of each of his paws shaking the ground underneath me.
"Uncle!" The news I'd learned about Hades wasn't enough to overwhelm my opinion of him. Even if it had, it wouldn't have made a difference in how I interacted with him. One of the things I'd learned from Delta had been to never reveal your hand, and I wasn't about to let Hades know I was mad at him when I was still in his domain.
Besides, we had company.
Standing next to him, just as bright as I remembered, was Apollo. He was wearing jeans and a light bomber jacket. His slicked-back blonde hair glowed like gold in the dim light of the underworld.
It was kind of funny. He looked uncomfortable being down here. Or, maybe, he was uncomfortable standing next to Hades. Either way, the normally confident smile on his face was nowhere to be seen.
"Perce!" Hades' serious expression melted into a smile. He snapped his fingers, and I appeared in front of him, only to be engulfed in a crushing hug. I pushed down some of the annoyance I felt. "Damn, it's good to see you, kid. You had me worried sick."
"I'm good, uncle, I'm good. Lady Persephone has been a huge help in that regard," I said with a forced smile and a nod. I turned my attention to Apollo, who dapped me up. He clapped my shoulder after for good measure. "Lord Apollo."
"I told you, cous, it's just Apollo," Apollo grinned, though it was oddly subdued. He shoved his pockets in his jacket. "You mind if we take a walk? I wanted to talk to you about that thing I mentioned earlier."
I raised an eyebrow. "So, it's still on?"
"Unfortunately," Apollo bit his bottom lip. He looked at Hades, who gave a slow nod as if giving permission. Apollo looked relieved and gave me a small smile. "Let's hit it."
I held out an arm, gesturing for him to walk first. "After you."
"Thanks."
"You ever been back here?" Apollo asked as we walked. Unlike the other gods I'd been around, Apollo seemed the most down-to-earth by far. I felt like I was walking alongside an older cousin, not an immortal being. "Gives me the creeps."
"Nah," I said as I continued following him through one of the pathways. I privately agreed with his assessment of the place. Persephone's real-life jump scares will do that to you. "I haven't really left the palace, ever. Have you?"
"Not in a long time," Apollo chuckled, and I shook my head good-naturedly. A part of me wondered when he'd been here last. "I'm pretty sure I remember where some stuff is…"
"Great. So, you're lost."
"This is why I mess with you, cous. Too many demigods and even minor gods are missing that sharp tongue. Makes conversations a little tedious," Apollo let out a laugh. "And, I might be lost, but what I do know, though, is that wherever we're going has a lot of plants. I can feel it."
"I'll take your word for it," I kicked a rock on the pathway. It skidded off my shoe and went rocketing into the distance. "So, what's up? You sounded urgent in that letter. Well, until the end. Your haiku was off, by the way."
"Meh. I wrote it when I was at the bottom of a bottle of Hennessy," Apollo joked, but unlike all those times he'd joked around before, there was an edge to his voice. A nervousness. "To keep it simple, people and magical creatures have been mysteriously vanishing from various locations across the country."
"People…and magical creatures?" I repeated. Dozens of questions ran through my mind, twirling like a pinwheel. "What, like monsters?"
"No. Not monsters," Apollo sighed and ran a hand through his hair. When he pulled his hand away, his hair immediately reverted to the state it was before—perfect and glossy. "One of the first things Arty and I did when we got to this country was set up wildlife preservations, just not for, you know, regular animals. Mythical animals."
"That isn't a bad idea at all," I complimented. "Seems kind of in tune with what you guys do. Uh, historically speaking, that is."
"Thanks, kid," Apollo grinned. Ah, there's that sunny smile. "It isn't entirely altruistic, though. Well, for me it is. I do it more 'cause I'm awesome and I want to help my little sis, but for her, it's a bit different."
"She's the goddess of the wilderness, and wild animals, and stuff, right?" I wondered aloud. "Having that stuff around and protected must help her."
"Yep. I'll try to explain. There are three, really four facets that go into this for her. One, Symbolic Power. Take a hippogriff, for example. Hippogriffs are formidable creatures. They can represent courage, nobility, and freedom. With her powers, Artemis can tap into the inherent magic and energy that they possess. So, the more of them that are around, the better for her," Apollo explained patiently. "It feeds into the second thing, too, which is her divine connection to animals. It's a two-way street. Every animal she's connected to embodies the essence of the natural world that Artemis holds dominion over. So, the more there are, the better her connection is."
"Kind of like cell phone towers," I offered. "The more there are, the better the connection."
"Sure." Apollo grinned. "The animals' spiritual energy also contains traces of its essence and magical properties, so the more there are, the stronger she is. And the last thing, these preservations are often tended to by her followers, so that devotion also helps her out. So, as you can tell, these are really important to her."
He stopped talking for a bit as we reached our destination.
Wherever we were, it looked like the Underworld's best attempt at making a garden.
The air was heavy with the scent of decay, a mixture of damp earth and ancient secrets. Soft whispers seemed to emanate from the shadows, carried on the faint breeze that rustled through the skeletal trees. Pale, phosphorescent plants illuminated the darkness, casting an ethereal glow upon the landscape.
Luminous flowers bloomed with otherworldly radiance, their petals shimmering like stars in the night sky. Each petal seemed to pulse with a gentle light. The colors shifted and changed, from haunting blues to vibrant purples, as if the plants themselves were alive with magic.
Skeletal animals moved with otherworldly grace, their bony forms blending seamlessly with the garden's macabre aesthetic. Ghostly birds perched on skeletal branches, their feathers translucent and wispy, as if made of mist. I could hear the faint fluttering of their wings, like the delicate whisper of forgotten memories.
"The animals and the devotees have gone missing?" I asked after a few moments of contemplation. "Are the devotees stealing the animals and high-tailing it out of there?"
"No. That isn't possible. They're bound to Artemis, so she'd know," Apollo shook his head. "The scary thing is, based on what I've seen so far, there hasn't been any sign of a struggle, either. It's like they're just vanishing on the spot. I'd check it out myself, but Artemis would take my interference as an insult."
I mulled over the case Apollo had presented to me. "Do you have any leads?"
"A few," Apollo replied, extending his hand. A skeletal butterfly delicately perched on his outstretched fingertips. As Apollo's touch made contact, ligament and muscle emerged from the butterfly's bones, entwining around its delicate frame, and gradually filling its ethereal form with a newfound muscular structure. "None that matter right now, though. The truth is, well, until you get your feet on the ground, all I'll do is sway you one way or another. I don't want that. I need you to be at your best and most objective."
"That was my second question," I said. "What exactly is it that you want me to do? Tail your sister?"
"Tail her? Zeus, no. Like I said, she'll take any help as an insult. She's prideful like that. She'd kill you, then kill me, then resurrect us both from the dead just to kill us again," Apollo chuckled. "Arty's a big girl. I know she can handle herself. In fact, I don't want you to interact with her at all, if you can help it. I want you to do this separately from her. This is for my curiosity. You're kind of like my eyes and ears out there."
"Separately?" I repeated, picking at some dirt in my nails. "Do you think I'll be able to evade her like that? And, no offense, do you think I'll be able to find something she won't?"
"Do you believe in ghosts, Percy?" Apollo fixed me with a weird look.
"Like, what, Casper and friends?" I replied with a raised eyebrow. I gestured to some of the ghostly creatures flying around us right now. "Or the whole undead-sprits-that-never-passed-on thing?"
"Either work in this case," Apollo commented. "When I was younger, growing up with my mother and sister, I was a staunch believer that ghosts were real. Arty wasn't.
"A god believing in ghosts?" I said incredulously. "Oh, I think I've seen it all, now."
"Please, if you'd heard those noises, you'd believe, too," Apollo snarked back, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That isn't the point, though. What I'm trying to get at, Percy, is that our differing perspectives on ghosts were like two paths diverging in the woods. While I walked the winding trail of belief, captivated by the mysterious and supernatural, Arty chose the path of skepticism and let her logical mind guide her steps."
He paused, his gaze drifting to a distant memory. "Every creak of the floorboards, every gust of wind rattling the windows would feed my belief in the supernatural. But for Artemis, those same occurrences were merely the natural ebb and flow of the house settling, the wind whispering secrets through the cracks." Apollo's voice grew softer, almost melancholic. "She sought to unravel the mysteries with reason, while I reveled in the enchantment of the unknown. And yet, despite our differences, there was a certain beauty in the way our perspectives intertwined."
I was gobsmacked at his change in attitude. "I did not know you could get this profound."
"I wouldn't be a god if I couldn't," He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming. "Just as the moon's glow and the sun's warmth coexist in harmony, our contrasting perspectives shed light on the vast possibilities of truth. The ghostly tales that thrilled me brought forth her analytical mind, provoking thought and igniting curiosity. And in turn, her skepticism challenged me to seek evidence and explore alternative explanations."
The butterfly from before was back again, only this time, it landed on my hand. It immediately reverted to a skeleton when it touched my skin and flew off. I frowned.
"Perspectives are like two sides of a coin. They offer different lenses through which we perceive the world. While one person may find solace in the supernatural, someone else might seek solace in rationality. And yet, it's the interplay between these contrasting perspectives that reminds us that truth can be a kaleidoscope of perceptions." He chuckled. "That's why I want you to do this. You've got a unique way of looking at things. If there's anyone I know who's up to this, it's you."
"Well, with a compliment like that, how could I say no?" I grinned. "Well, that, and the fact that I owe you, but let's not worry about that. When do you need me to move out?"
"Preferably soon," Apollo answered after a few moments of contemplation. He tapped his chin. "Artemis is going to begin her hunt tonight. You should be out there before her."
He waved his hand, and a box appeared in my hands. "That's a care package from me. Listen, I really mean it when I say that I didn't want to use that IOU. Not for this. So, if I can make your life easier, I will. In there, you'll find a map with all her sanctuaries, my personal list of places to check out, and some more stuff. Your codename for this assignment will be Orion."
"Codename? Right, you want me to go incognito," I remembered. "How is that an advantage?"
"The less information people have about this, the better. And you, my friend, have eyes on you wherever you go. Can't have that," Apollo grinned. "Besides, a son of Poseidon getting involved with us? My pops would get a bit suspicious."
"I look pretty…distinctive, Apollo," I pointed out. "How do you propose we deal with that?"
"Like this," Apollo snapped his fingers, and I felt my stomach flip a few times as I spun in place. He summoned a mirror in front of me. "Perfect! Now you could pass off as one of mine."
My white hair, which I'd grown so fond of, was long and slicked back, much like his own, and a blinding shade of blonde. Both of my eyes were now gray, and the scar on my face from Medusa was nowhere to be seen.
My teeth were straighter, my skin was tanner, and I even had a dimple on my left cheek that definitely wasn't there before.
My silk clothes—the ones I'd been getting rather fond of—were replaced by a black suit of armor.
In all honesty, I looked like a secret agent from some futuristic spy novel. The ensemble, an intricate fusion of form and function, hugged my body.
The fabric looked like it was some advanced blend of lightweight polymers and nanofibers. My fingers traced the sleek lines of the material, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship that had gone into its creation.
My gaze shifted to the multitude of pockets and pouches that adorned the garb, each holding a mysterious purpose. My fingers instinctively found their way to a small panel on my arm, which, to my astonishment, glowed to life upon my touch. A holographic display sprang into existence, casting a soft blue light on my surroundings. Icons and symbols danced across the screen, and when I hit one of them, a visor dropped over my eyes.
"Okay, that's futuristic," I said slowly, and I even noticed that my voice was lighter. More cultured. Smoother. "So, I should refrain from using any of my water powers?"
"If you can help it," Apollo admitted. "Fire powers are still on the table, though, 'cause some of my kids get those. You'll figure it out."
He began walking away, "Oh, and Percy? Thanks. Really."
"No problem," I replied, peering into the box. I saw a glowing orb in there, which, when I picked it up, caused the world around me to slow. Something told me Apollo wasn't the one to put it there.
"What the…"
Hello, Pupil.
You have met the necessary requirement to unlock the archetype system. You didn't think Apollo gave you that orb, now, did you?
[Archetypes] in the context of this interface you've been given, refer to predefined collections or categories of perks that you can choose from. Each archetype represents a specific playstyle, character role, or thematic focus, offering a selection of related perks that synergize well together.
By selecting an archetype, you gain access to a discounted rate of perk points when acquiring perks within that particular archetype. Rather than paying for each individual perk, you pay for a subsidized sum for all of them. Archetypes are basically a way for you to get a bunch of perks at once, all of which revolve around a specific theme.
This should hopefully encourage you to specialize and enhance your skills in specific areas, fostering unique gameplay styles and strategic approaches. Furthermore, this should aid you in advancing the rest of your skills faster, as well.
[Archetypes] serve as a framework for character development, allowing you to tailor your abilities and create power dynamics that align with their preferred playstyles and preferences.
Be well, and as always, use everything you can to your advantage,
- Heket
I looked back at the orb.
[Archetype][Series 15]
"The Detective"
Venture into an extraordinary realm where the paths of archetypes converge, offering an unprecedented opportunity to shape your destiny with unfathomable efficiency and strategic prowess. Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of the Detective Archetype, a realm that beckons those who possess an insatiable hunger for the truth, enriched by recent psychologically revealing conversations that have deepened your understanding of the intricate workings of the human psyche.
Prepare to unleash your inner hero, armed with newfound wisdom derived from these enlightening exchanges, as you delve into the mysterious depths of the Detective Archetype.
With a profound understanding of how people work, you are poised to unlock a plethora of specialized perks and abilities designed to enhance your investigative acumen. Step into the shoes of a modern-day sleuth, guided by the spirit of Sherlock Holmes, armed with astute observation skills and a keen eye for deciphering the complex tapestry of human behavior.
Navigate through a world rife with enigmatic puzzles, where each clue serves as a window into the labyrinthine depths of the human soul. Harness the power of these newfound insights to unlock a cascade of detective-focused perks, granting you unprecedented advantages in your quest for truth.
Sharpen your senses to unearth hidden details that evade the common eye, peering into the heart of darkness to unravel the most perplexing enigmas. Equip yourself with state-of-the-art analysis tools, capable of transforming even the faintest traces into a wealth of revelation.
Your recent conversations, laced with psychological revelations, have honed your interrogation techniques to a masterful level. Employ your heightened understanding of the human mind to extract secrets from the most reticent of individuals, peeling away layers of deception until the truth emerges in all its splendor.
The Detective Archetype rewards your growth with discounted perk points, allowing you to swiftly unlock a vast array of detective-specific abilities. As your understanding of human nature expands, so too does your potential to confront high-profile murders, expose intricate conspiracies, and infiltrate clandestine organizations.
Armed with recent psychological revelations, you possess the tools to navigate treacherous paths, discerning truth from deception and light from the darkness. Embrace the mantle of the Detective Archetype, unravel the deepest mysteries, and become the beacon of justice that the world desperately needs. The power to illuminate the darkest corners of the human soul lies in your hands.
Would you like to see your [PERKS]?
[YES/NO]
I clicked yes, and the button hopped in place for a moment, before erupting into a list.
[Heightened Senses]
|| Develop an extraordinary sensory acuity, allowing you to perceive minute details that often go unnoticed by others. Enhance your sight, hearing, and sense of smell to uncover hidden clues and unravel the most perplexing mysteries.
- [+] 40 DEX
- [+] 40 WIS
[Analytical Mind:]
|| Unlock the power of advanced analysis, enabling you to dissect complex information swiftly and make connections others might overlook. Piece together fragmented evidence, organize data with precision, and construct insightful deductions to bring clarity to the murkiest of cases.
- [+] 30 INT
- [+] [Pattern Recognition]
- [+] [Clue Recognition]
[Master Interrogator:]
|| Cultivate the art of interrogation, delving into the depths of human psychology to extract information and uncover hidden truths. Employ a range of techniques, from persuasive dialogue to empathetic listening, to navigate through layers of deception and obtain crucial insights.
- [+] 40 CHA
- [+] [Emotional Sensitivity]
- [+] [Advanced Empathy]
- [+][Persuasive Speech]
[Memory Palace:]
|| Develop an extraordinary memory capacity, allowing you to retain vast amounts of information with remarkable clarity. Construct a mental repository where every detail, clue, and encounter is meticulously stored, ensuring nothing escapes your recollection.
- [+][Eidetic Memory]
I was impressed. The orb sunk into my skin, and the Game pinged a few times.
"What did he have to say?" I was shaken out of my thoughts as Hades walked back into the garden. Leave it to Hades to question me about something that literally just happened. "Apollo, I mean. The kid had the nerve to IM me, claiming he needed to talk to you. I wouldn't have even let him in if he didn't mention you owed him, or something."
"He needs me to head out tonight for a quest," I replied. I gestured to my face and frowned, "It's some real undercover stuff, uncle."
"You're telling me," Hades scoffed. His skull chain rattled as he sidestepped a skeletal rat running through the garden. "You look like a ponce."
"That's good because I feel like a ponce," I retorted, and Hades laughed. I smiled, and I felt the dimple in my cheek make itself known. "Do you think I'm good to go?"
"Yeah, for sure," Hades replied carefully. He clucked his tongue and walked around the garden. The plants and animals seemed to take exception to him, shirking away from his presence as he walked closer to me. He eventually got close enough to place a hand on my shoulder. "You seem like you're in good enough of a mental condition for me. Besides, if Apollo got over his fear of me enough to come down here, it must be pretty damn important."
I laughed, remembering the uneasy look Apollo had originally had on his face when I saw him. It was kind of sweet, in a way, that his love for Artemis was enough to trump his fear of Hades. Maybe that whole spiel he'd given me about the moon and the sun had some merit to it. "He did say he believed in ghosts. The creepy kind."
"Gotta torment princess' kids somehow," Hades gave me a mischievous grin. He wiggled his fingers, and the shadows around us grew larger and began groaning and wailing. "Well, I won't press you on it too much. You tell me, though. Do you think you're good enough to go out there?"
It was a fair question.
When I'd first gotten here, even if [Gamer's Mind] kept me from completely losing it, I'd been reeling from the deaths of all of my friends.
Now, though, I felt like I'd found my footing. I wasn't over their deaths, and I didn't think it was fair, but a part of me knew I'd never be fully over their deaths.
They just died too suddenly. And, knowing it was directly my fault left an emptiness in my heart, a void that could probably never be filled.
Everyone in that room had been so young, with so much left to do. They'd accepted me and made me feel normal. They'd given me friends, and a community that would rally behind me.
And, in return, their souls had been ripped away.
But amidst the grief and the pain, I had found a new sense of purpose. Their deaths had awakened something within me, a determination to make their sacrifice mean something.
The blood of the divine coursed through my veins, and with it came a responsibility to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. It was a burden I willingly shouldered, for their sake and for mine.
I couldn't allow the weight of grief to consume me entirely. Not now, not ever. I knew I had to channel that anger, that grief, into strength. I had to burn those feelings I felt and use them to fuel me. Every step forward was a defiance against the cruel hand fate had dealt them.
I can't bring them back… nor can I change the past, but I can shape the future. I can make sure that their deaths weren't in vain, and that the rest of the world would be better off for it.
I guess what I'm trying to say is…they're not fully dead. They're still with me, and as long as I don't forget about them, they won't be truly gone. That's the best I can give them.
That, and finding whoever ordered the hit and killing them as painfully as possible.
"I think so," I nodded. And, the truth was, I meant it. I'd been skeptical about the whole Persephone thing at the start, but talking about a lot of the stuff I'd been through with an objective, the non-judgmental party felt…liberating, almost. Persephone was good at validating a lot of my feelings. "I've had some pretty revealing talks with Persephone. I think I understand myself a whole lot better, now."
"Good," Hades said, clapping both of my shoulders. He kept a comforting grip on me as he continued, "She's good at what she does. Speaking of which, since you've been talking to her for a few days…uh, do you think she'd be okay with Nico and Bianca coming down here? I know you haven't spent much time with her, but if you have any insight…"
"Oh, I don't want to speak for her," I said, but Hades gave me an expectant look. I waved it off. "I just don't want to get involved with your guys' uh, situation."
"Come on, kid," Hades pleaded. A spark of anger flashed through my head. Why couldn't he just be this forward with her? Why was I being dragged into this? "She's been giving me the cold shoulder ever since I brought it up. I'm not telling you to give me an analysis on her innermost thoughts, but, like, if you had to guess."
"Well…I don't think so," I bit my lip. I wasn't sure how heavy-handed I wanted to be, here, but I saw this as a good opportunity for everyone involved. Maybe I could get Hades to let Persephone go out more, and secure a better situation for Nico and Bianca at the same time. "If I had to guess, that is."
"Why not?" Hades' angry, yet clipped response made it past his clenched teeth. His grip on my shoulders was starting to get tighter like he was trying to squeeze the truth out of me.
"Do you know why my dad and Amphitrite are married?" I asked, changing gears. I didn't want to put too much pressure on Hades. If I made him feel like the bad guy, I'd be playing into what everyone else did, and we'd get nowhere. "Like, has he ever told you the full story?"
Hades relaxed a bit. "Barnacle Beard? It was a marriage contract. Some sort of mana condition, too."
"Right," I agreed. "They had to be married to eventually defeat Oceanus. Neither of them really wanted it. They just shared a common goal and were willing to do anything to achieve it."
Hades gave me an odd look. "What does that have to do with this?"
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Uncle…you brought her down here to be your queen, right? Stole her from Olympus, gave her some spiel about power and love?"
Hades nodded, "Yeah."
"That's where the difference is. Amphitrite didn't care about me, and she doesn't care about any of the kids my dad has, because she never expected their relationship to be anything other than what it is now," I said, biting the inside of my cheek. I tried not to shudder at the thought of Amphririte trying to seduce me. Nope, she definitely was under no illusions about their relationship. "Persephone thought differently. She was under the impression you guys were in love."
"We are," Hades defended. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as he added, "In love."
"Then you wouldn't even have Nico and Bianca, much less ask for them to be here," I said. I raised my hands when Hades went to talk, "Just my two cents, uncle. You did ask for it. Let me give it."
"I understand what you're saying, Percy," Hades said, his voice filled with an odd mix of frustration, resignation, and anger. "But you have to understand, I never intended for things to turn out this way. I...I care about her deeply. We have a connection that I can't quite explain."
"It doesn't make much sense to me," I admitted. "But you did bring her down here, promised to love her, and then turned around and cheated on her multiple times. I'm not saying she's a saint either, because she definitely isn't, but you once told me you intended to bring Maria here. I don't think Persephone, or anyone, for that matter, could forget that. And no matter how nice she is, Nico and Bianca are going to be able to pick up on that tension. Even if it isn't right away."
"Then what do you suggest I do?"
"You say you care about them," I pointed out, staring right at Hades. "How do you feel right now, knowing they're just out of your reach? That you can't get to them?"
"I—"
"That's how Demeter feels," I snapped, raising my voice for the first time in the conversation. Some of the frustration I felt toward Hades slipped out, and I took a moment to wrestle it back under my control before speaking again. "Uncle, I don't think you're a bad person. You've done nothing but help me at every turn, and I'm incredibly appreciative of that. But, if you were to bring Nico and Bianca here and force Persephone to accept that, well, you certainly wouldn't be the best person in my book."
"So, what's the solution then, Percy?" Hades asked, his voice taking on a softer tone. At first, I thought he was going to be mad, but now, he just looked tired. Like a balloon that was out of air. His hands slipped back to his side. "How do I make both sides happy?"
"You can't, uncle," I said quietly. "Not unless you work out a deal with her. I don't know, maybe let her leave the Underworld for the duration –"
Hades' voice took a dangerous edge, "What?"
"You asked me for my opinion, uncle. I'm giving you it. If you aren't willing to consider it for her, think about it from Nico and Bianca's point of view," I stressed. "Do you know how it felt for me growing up? Looking at my mom working a job that cut her to the bone, all while coming home and dealing with my abusive shit-stain of a stepfather? All while hearing about my actual father, who was somewhere out there? Goddamn it, uncle, I wanted to fix it, to be the bridge that spanned the gap between my mom and dad. But I was just a child, powerless and voiceless in a world of grown-ups. All I could do was hope things would work out somehow."
Hades stared at me, an unreadable expression forming on his face.
"Nico and Bianca haven't had it easy, not by a long shot," I continued, trying to push as much empathy in my voice as I could. I had a feeling I'd found his weak spot. "They've faced their own share of hardships, losses, and uncertainties. But you have a chance to change that. You can show them a home filled with love and care, a place where they can find solace and healing. And yet, in this crucial moment, you're considering your own desires over their well-being. Is that fair? Is that what family is supposed to be about? And listen—I get it. I do. What Zeus did to you wasn't right. So, in turn, what you did to Persephone wasn't right. Right now, though, at this moment, you have the power to break the cycle. To be the difference. But it requires selflessness, sacrifice, and a willingness to put their needs above your own. Trust me when I say just seeing that from your dad means the world, even when they haven't been there."
Hades was quiet for a good, solid minute. He paced around in the same spot for a minute, before quietly asking, "How long did it take you to forgive him?"
"Not as long as I thought," I offered with a smile. "It's going to sound stupid, but the moment I knew I forgave him was when I went to Atlantis for the first time. There was this dolphin plushie on my pillow."
"A stuffed animal?" Hades scoffed, looking at me like I'd grown a second head. "You're telling me a stuffed animal made up for a decade of not being there?"
"It wasn't the stuffed animal itself, but rather, what it represented," I defended, inhaling slightly. I didn't really think he was in any position to judge my relationship with Poseidon. "It represented the fact that he was willing to go the extra mile. Offering to train me personally was step one. Buying my mom a house was step two. The plushie, and by extension, my entire room was what made me realize he'd been paying attention to me, even when I thought he wasn't. That he wasn't there before because he couldn't be, not because he didn't want to be. I don't know Bianca or Nico personally, but you're already on the right track. You saved them, kept them away from Uncle Z, and know you're going out of your way to give them a home. You just need to make sure that home is a place they can be themselves and get the love I'm sure you have for them."
"And you really don't think Persephone would be okay with—"
"How would you feel if Persephone had two kids with some other dude and asked to raise them here?" I interrupted him and pointed at him when his face transformed into a scowl. "There's your answer. Just think it through. I'll do my best to get her to hear you out."
"Thanks, kid," Hades sighed, glancing up at the dark sky. "When did you become so wise, by the way? I seem to remember you having a thick head back in that diner."
"Ha, ha. See if I help you with your whole 'Daddy Daycare' situation next time."
"Tonight?" Persephone asked softly, her brow creasing. There was a slight tremble in her voice as she continued, "That seems rather…sudden, does it not? You've hardly been here for a week."
"I know," I agreed with her, pushing a thick strand of hair out of my face. I'd just gotten used to having short hair after months of having long hair, and now, I was back to square one. "That's how these things go, though. The timing isn't always great, but uncle thinks I'm good enough to head out."
Her face flashed with emotion for a moment, and I asked, "Do you not agree?"
"It's not that I don't agree," Persephone pursed her lips. "I just don't…this isn't good long term. You've just been through an emotional upheaval, and now, what, they want to send you back out there?"
"That's the life of a demigod," I joked. "Besides, I've got a solid three or so years left, so I get why they're working me hard before I end up in Elysium. I'm earning my keep!"
"That's not funny!" Persephone snapped, and a wave of confusion washed over me. She took a shuddering breath before adding, "By all accounts, you should be a shell of yourself! Look at what happened to Orpheus when Eurydice died, or Achilles when Patroclus was killed! Instead, you somehow miraculously survive the whole ordeal, and they want to send you back into the field right away?"
"Where is this coming from?" I didn't take the bait and raise my voice to match hers. She wasn't like Hades. He thrived off anger and yelling. If I raised my voice at her, it would completely dismantle the conversation. Funnily enough, I had a feeling that's what she wanted, for some reason. "You and I both know why I do this. And, you and I both know I can handle it. You, more than anyone, actually, know that. So, I'll ask again, where is this coming from?"
"No, I know why you do it, but so soon?" Persephone's expression twisted. She was expecting me to take the bait. "Even you have to admit, this is sudden."
"Well, yeah, but—" Realization bloomed in my chest, and I gave Persephone a reassuring smile. She wanted me to yell at her so she had an excuse to keep me here longer. "You don't want me to go."
"I don't," Persephone agreed, a sad smile forming on her face. "It's been so…refreshing to have someone to talk to. Especially someone like you, Percy, and I feel like we've just barely gotten to know each other. This isn't…fair."
"I know. I'm sorry," I returned her smile. "But…this isn't the end or something. It's like meeting someone for the first time and hitting it off. You know you'll see them again."
Persephone scoffed. She swallowed thickly and wiped her eyes. "As if. You're telling me you'd come down here just to see me?"
"I would," I promised. "That might not even be necessary. I was talking to uncle, and just hear me out on this, the next time he comes to talk to you, you should let him say his piece."
"You want me to listen to him?"
"I do," I nodded. "I don't want to promise you what he might say or do, but just let him say what he needs to."
"Fine," Persephone said after a few moments. "I'll let him say whatever he's going to say."
"Good," A wide smile formed on my face. "Do you remember what you told me when I asked you if you thought Jason and Piper would ever get over what I did?"
"When friendships are real, they are not glass threads or frost work, but the solidest things we can know," Persephone recited, smiling softly, and running a hand along the edge of her desk. "Ralph Waldo Emerson said that."
"I need you to put that same trust in me," I said seriously, leaning closer to the desk. "I don't know when this quest will be over, but I'll still come to see you. Even if you're here, or somewhere else. I swear on the River Styx."
Persephone's face pinched, and her voice got a bit high. I could tell she was going to cry. "Thank you."
"Of course," I said, standing up. I couldn't stand to see her cry, even if I knew it wasn't entirely my fault. "Now, excuse me, but I need to get a move on. I'll see you soon."
[MAIN][STORY] Quest Complete!
{The Citadel of Strength}
|| You've suffered a traumatic loss, and taken a trip in and out of Elysium, where the wards are intentionally meant to trip you up and rewire both your mental and physical states. Hades is worried you may not be the same and has enlisted Persephone's help to ensure that you're okay. Prove to both of them that you're not going to let this crush you. Additionally, allow Persephone to show you parts of your psyche that you haven't considered, and allow yourself to be reborn through this tragedy. ||
{Duration:}
- [~] 10 days!
{Rewards:}
- [+] 15,000 REP with [Persephone]!
- [+] 4,000 REP with [Hades]!
- [+] 150,000 EXP!*
- [+][10] perk points!
- [+] [Gamer's Mind MK2]*
- [+][The Kaleidoscope Wheel]***
*Note that the [EXP] provided for this quest will be doubled upon completion, as per your title of the [Divine Consultant].
** [Gamer's Mind MK2] is an evolved form of your current [Gamer's Mind] perk. While the base version provides certain levels of peace, the [MK2] grants the user the ability to nullify all emotional states, providing complete emotional detachment from any situation. With this perk, the user can remain focused and level-headed even in the most emotionally charged scenarios. With practice, you can learn to nullify certain emotions.
Additionally, due to some of your other perks like [Serenity Inducement] and [Heavenly Trigger], the [MK2] allows you to project your emotional nullification onto others.
Furthermore, unlike the base version of the perk, [MK2] is capable of being leveled up. As you level up this perk, the range of the perk also increases, allowing you to project your emotional nullification onto larger groups of people. At the higher levels, you will gain the ability to can project your emotional nullification, and even false emotions, onto entire battlefields.
*** You've completed the [Hidden Quest]—ensuring Persephone's eventual, if conditional, freedom. As such, Medusa's Eye has evolved into [The Kaleidoscope Wheel].
The prompt in front of me shifted like a scroll being unfurled.
Your [Eye of Power] has evolved into [The Kaleidoscope Wheel].
[The Kaleidoscope Wheel] is distinguished from a normal [Eye of Power] by its appearance and power. While the exact design differs for each user, they all resemble pinwheels. It is initially awakened by the trauma suffered from witnessing the loss of someone dear, usually their death.
Aside from enhancing all the old functions of your eye by a factor of 10, the new version of the Eye will have 3 tiers.
To unlock each tier of [The Kaleidoscope Wheel], the user must accomplish specific tasks that test their abilities and resolve. Here are the tasks associated with each tier:
[Tier 1]
[Task of Embrace:] The user must confront and overcome their fear of death by facing a powerful opponent who embodies the concept of mortality. This opponent could be a legendary creature or a manifestation of death itself. The user must emerge victorious.
[Task of Inferno:] The user must seek out and obtain a rare artifact or knowledge related to the darkest and most destructive flames. This could involve a perilous journey to a forbidden realm or confronting a fire deity to gain their favor and unlock the secrets of the black flames.
[Tier 2]
[COMPLETED][Task of Reflection:] The user must delve into their own deepest fears and confront their personal demons. This task requires self-reflection and understanding of one's own vulnerabilities. By overcoming these internal struggles, the user gains the power to manipulate perception and trap enemies in their illusions.
[Task of Compassion:] The user must demonstrate empathy and compassion towards others, especially those who have suffered greatly. This task involves helping individuals who are trapped in their own personal realms of misery. By easing their pain and granting them solace, the user gains a deeper understanding of the power to alter perception and manipulate time.
[Tier 3]
[COMPLETED][Task of Balance:] The user must achieve harmony within themselves and with the world around them. This task involves mastering their emotions and desires, finding inner peace, and aligning their intentions with the greater good. Only by achieving this balance can they harness the full potential of space and time manipulation.
[Task of the Multiverse:] The user must navigate through different dimensions and face challenges posed by entities that dwell within them. This could include solving complex puzzles, outsmarting ancient guardians, or making difficult choices that affect the fabric of reality. By demonstrating mastery over the multiverse, the user gains the ability to transfer objects to and from other dimensions.
Each task represents a significant trial that tests the user's character, resilience, and moral compass. As they overcome these challenges, they unlock the respective tiers of [The Kaleidoscope Wheel], unleashing their newfound powers and evolving their abilities to new heights.
[Tier 1][Black Flames of Death]
This tier allows the User to produce black flames at the focal point of their vision. Said to be "the fires from hell" and to burn as hot as the sun itself, these flames will burn any material — other flames included — until nothing but ash remains.
[Tier 2][The Realm of Misery]
This tier allows you to transport and trap enemies in an illusion of your own design. You may use this power to alter targets' perception of time. Using this tier will subject victims to days' worth of torture in a matter of seconds; examples include continual stabbing or reliving traumatic events over and over. One second of time outside of this illusion is equivalent to three days' seconds inside.
[Tier 3][Space and Time Mastery]
This tier allows the User to transfer objects to and from another dimension. These transfers are often characterized by a spiraling void that targets swirl into or out of, distorting their form as they move between dimensions. Targets that enter this dimension are completely untraceable.
I stared at the quests. Some of them seemed relatively straightforward, while others seemed a bit more generic.
I filed it away for later. When I needed to, I'd allocate all the perk points and skill points, too, but for now, I felt like I was in a pretty good place. Especially given the [Archetype] I'd been given.
I looked back in the box and pulled out Apollo's map. At first, it just looked like a worn map of America, but as I looked closer, I saw red circles.
Each circled spot beckoned for attention. These marks, like whispers in the wind, held the weight of stories untold. Their inked boundaries seemed to breathe with vibrant energy as if the very essence of America danced within their confines.
The most intricately encircled spot, by far, seemed like a little quarry nestled within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Probably where Apollo wanted me to go first.
"First stop, then," I nodded. "Let's get started."
AN: This is mostly a prep chapter so not much to say. Thanks as always to Etko, and to those of you who liked Sephy, don't worry, she's going to be back real soon. I'm really excited for everyone to meet Artemis next chapter, and if you weren't sure, yes, this quest is my way of putting Percy into the events of TC.
Some reviews:
Immaterium: When you first messaged me, I felt so bad knowing you had yet to reach this scene. Aphrodite is and will always be an important character in this story…just not as Percy's girlfriend. All I'll say about Calypso…don't forget about Chekhov's gun.
Seremus: Thanks for your kind words. By my estimate, we still have a lot to go, and my estimates are usually underestimating how much I write. This was supposed to be 8K, but is clocking in at over 10K. No comment on Thalia.
Tyufvfv: Good to see you! Peter Parker is not dead!
Zarathos 11: People also always forget Percy has that Flirt perk churning, deities are drawn to him even if they can't help it. After consulting Etko and Prop, I'm 100% it has never been seen. Also, you'll see what I mean when it comes to Percy being a killer. Artemis is not like that, but you'll see…
Noctis Lucius Caelum: Percy would agree…*winks*
Meryfcuckery: She won't be like that! I think I have a unique take on her, but man-hater Artemis will be nowhere in sight. She and Percy are going to have quite the dynamic. I've had a lot of time to think of her character, and I'm really happy with her. Plus, she's hot. And! Chekhov. Don't forget!