The Prince of the Underworld

by kurenohikari

Being on the run from monsters was not something Nico had been expecting to do in his life. For all his love for Mythomagik, Nico had never believed the cards to be based on real life events. Who would ever expect myths to be real? It was madness! What made everything worse was the fact that Nico was following four ghosts. Nico was sure he was losing his mind.

57. ACT V – PART X

The collective silence in the grand hall of Olympus was deafening, stretching on so long that even the usual ambient hum of the gods' power seemed to have dimmed in shock. Every immortal eye was glued to the scrying pool at the center of the room, where, moments before, Percy Jackson and Jason Grace had kissed. Of all the countless strange, dangerous, or absurd things the Olympians had witnessed over the centuries—battles with titans, prophecy-induced drama, monster attacks—this was not something any of them had been prepared for.

Aphrodite was the first to recover. Her perfectly arched eyebrows shot up, a gleam of sheer delight overtaking her face. "Oh. My. Gods!" she squealed, clapping her hands together. The sound echoed off the vast marble walls, as if the very palace itself was joining her excitement. Her eyes were practically glowing with amusement and intrigue as she drank in the scene.

"Isn't this just delicious?" She almost skipped in place, the delight evident in every bounce of her curls. "I knew there was something between them. The tension was there! Oh, the drama!" She glanced around, reveling in the growing discomfort of the other gods.

Standing a few feet away, Hera was far less amused. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, eyes narrowing suspiciously at Aphrodite as if the Goddess of Love had orchestrated this whole thing like some cosmic soap opera. "This must be your doing," Hera snapped, pointing a finger that practically dripped with accusation.

Aphrodite didn't even flinch. She flipped her hair dramatically, the way only a goddess could, as if Hera's words were nothing more than an amusing breeze. "Oh, darling, don't look at me!" she protested, though the coy smile playing on her lips suggested she was thoroughly enjoying the chaos. "I did not plan this." She paused, raising an eyebrow suggestively. "But I can't say I'm against the result. It adds a bit of spice to things, don't you think?"

Hera's nostrils flared, her regal composure wavering just for a moment. She crossed her arms tightly across her chest, gaze flicking back to the pool as if hoping to regain control of the situation. Before she could respond with one of her infamous cutting remarks, all attention shifted to the other side of the room, where Hades had let out an impossibly long, drawn-out groan.

Every god turned toward the King of the Underworld, who looked like he was contemplating whether smiting someone would be overkill. Beside him, Persephone stood beaming in a way that was, frankly, disturbing. The other gods had seen her in her cheerful moods before, but this? This was different. She practically vibrated with excitement, her fingers twitching with the kind of giddiness that unsettled even the most powerful deities.

"This is fantastic!" Persephone practically shouted, clapping her hands in a rapid, excited burst. With a snap of her fingers, her regal, flowing gown vanished, replaced by a pair of ripped jeans and a t-shirt that glittered with the words I SHIP JERSICO in bold, bedazzled letters.

The room collectively recoiled, eyes widening at the sudden wardrobe change. Zeus himself shifted uncomfortably in his throne, clearing his throat loudly.

"Jersico?" Athena repeated, incredulous, her tone dripping with disbelief. "What in Tartarus is that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, come on," Persephone said, rolling her eyes like Athena was the slowest person in the room. "Jason, Percy, and Nico. It's obvious! They make the perfect triad! Percy's always had this unspoken connection with Nico—honestly, it's been right there in front of us for years! And Jason? Well, he's been catching up lately. The way they balance each other? It's practically poetic."

Hades, who had been staring at his wife in increasing horror, slowly dragged his hand over his face. "Persephone..." he groaned, his voice filled with the weariness of a thousand years of bad ideas.

She was completely unfazed. "Oh, don't be so glum, darling," she said, patting his arm absentmindedly while still gazing dreamily into the distance. "I've been rooting for Nico's happiness for ages. You know this." She turned her gaze back to the gods, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "This is exactly what he needs. Two strong, heroic demigods who'll love and protect him. It's the perfect balance of power and—" she paused, her lips curving into a wicked smile, "—passion."

The room was still, the gods not sure whether to intervene or simply watch this spectacle unfold. A few gods exchanged bewildered glances, clearly not accustomed to seeing Persephone so... animated. She usually ruled her part of the Underworld with grace and a subtle strength, but this? This was chaos wrapped in glitter and ripped denim.

Apollo, reclining lazily in his chair, was grinning from ear to ear, clearly enjoying the whole mess. "Gotta admit," he drawled, "I didn't see the Jason and Percy part coming. But hey, they've got chemistry." He waggled his eyebrows at Hades, clearly trying to poke the bear. "Your boy's got good taste."

Hades, eyes flashing dangerously, looked like he was two seconds away from smiting Apollo out of sheer frustration. "Pick them?" he growled, his voice a low, menacing rumble. "He doesn't need two demigods chasing after him like—like—"

"Lovesick puppies?" Hermes offered helpfully, though the grin on his face made it clear he knew exactly how much that would irritate Hades.

Hades clenched his fists, shadows curling around his feet, but before he could unleash any underworldly fury, a voice cut through the room, shockingly calm and authoritative.

"Hera?" Aphrodite's teasing tone was gone, replaced by genuine surprise as she turned toward the Queen of Olympus, who had, until now, been standing silently, her face a mask of contemplation.

Hera straightened, her eyes alight with something unexpected—a glint of approval. "Persephone is right," she declared, her voice firm, causing a ripple of gasps to sweep through the room. Hera never agreed with Aphrodite, much less Persephone, on matters of love. The fact that she was siding with them now was monumental.

"Their partnership could unite both camps—Greek and Roman—stronger than ever before," Hera continued, her gaze fixed thoughtfully on the scrying pool. "With Nico as a bridge between the Underworld and the mortal world, the balance of power would be unprecedented. Strategic." Her voice had taken on a weighty tone, like she was discussing the details of a new divine law rather than an unexpected romantic entanglement.

Aphrodite was practically vibrating with excitement now, her eyes wide and sparkling with the delight of a goddess who had just been proven right in the most spectacular fashion. Persephone's grin stretched impossibly wider, her aura radiating pure, unapologetic I-told-you-so energy.

Hades, looking utterly defeated, buried his face in his hands again. "This is madness," he muttered. "Absolute madness."

Persephone simply beamed, her voice dripping with glee. "Madness," she agreed, "but the fun kind."

Athena, who had been watching the entire chaotic exchange with a look of mounting horror, finally spoke up, her voice cutting through the rising noise. "Am I the only one here who finds this... chaotic? Dangerous, even? The emotional dynamics alone could lead to—"

"Chaos?" Artemis, standing silently beside her sister until now, raised a single eyebrow, finishing Athena's thought with her usual calm disinterest. "Yes. Which is exactly why I plan to have no part in this insanity." Her arms were crossed, bow slung over her shoulder, and she wore the expression of someone who had seen enough and couldn't be bothered with more.

Athena, glad for the backup, nodded. "Exactly. We're talking about demigods here. Their emotions are volatile enough without throwing complex relationships into the mix. The consequences could be catastrophic." Her voice was sharp, the calculation behind her words crystal clear, as if she were already predicting the multiple ways this could spiral into disaster.

But as Athena continued, it became painfully obvious that she was rapidly losing the room. Aphrodite, for one, had already checked out of the conversation entirely, her fingers tracing patterns in the air as she muttered to herself about custom-made "Jersico" merchandise. "Oh, maybe some matching hoodies... or hats! Definitely hats," she whispered excitedly, her sparkling eyes glazed over with a faraway look. She was clearly already dreaming up product lines, oblivious to the growing argument around her.

Persephone, ever the cheerleader for love and chaos, practically skipped over to the scrying pool, her face alight with excitement. She was unstoppable now. "You're all thinking too small," she declared, spinning dramatically on her heel to face the gathered Olympians. "This isn't just about romance. This is destiny. Don't you see?" She threw her arms wide, as if she were revealing some grand cosmic truth. "This triad could change everything. It could bring true peace between the Greek and Roman camps. Strengthen Nico's claim to both legacies. Unite demigods and mortals in ways we've never seen!"

Hades groaned loudly, the sound of a man who knew he was losing a battle he never signed up for. His shoulders slumped, and the shadows around him seemed to deepen, as if they were absorbing his irritation. "Persephone..." he began, but it was clear by the defeated tone in his voice that he knew there was no stopping her now. She was too invested, too... gleeful.

But it was Zeus who finally broke through the noise. "Enough of this!" His voice boomed through the hall, echoing off the marble walls with the force of a thunderclap. The very air seemed to tremble under the weight of his words. His brows were furrowed, lightning crackling faintly at his fingertips. "We are the Olympian Gods. Not some... some love-obsessed mortals!" His tone was thick with disdain, his posture rigid as if the very idea of this "Jersico" business offended his divine sensibilities.

Aphrodite turned toward him, utterly unfazed, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Zeus, darling," she began, her voice dripping with honeyed amusement. "I think you severely underestimate the power of love." Her words hung in the air, light but with a dangerous edge, and for a brief moment, it seemed like she might challenge him.

But the real shock came when Hera, of all people, nodded in agreement. Hera, Queen of the Gods and notoriously uptight about proper relationships and divine order, folded her arms across her chest and calmly said, "Persephone has a point." Her voice was firm, as if this was not up for debate. "They do balance each other. And besides, if this keeps those demigods focused on each other, then they're less likely to cause more trouble with us." The implication was clear: better to keep the troublemakers busy with love than with more deadly quests and rebellious plots.

Several gods audibly gasped. Hera siding with Persephone? With Aphrodite? On romance? The absurdity of it sent ripples through the room.

Apollo, lounging lazily on his throne, threw his head back in laughter. "I'm telling you," he said between chuckles, "this is gonna be fun." His grin was wide and almost wicked, as if he could already see the chaos ahead and was absolutely here for it. "Percy and Jason? The drama alone is worth the ticket price."

Meanwhile, Hestia—ever the quiet one, tending to her hearth as the Olympians bickered—sighed deeply. She rolled her eyes, barely sparing a glance at the growing absurdity around her. "Family drama," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head as she poked at the flames. "Always family drama." She'd seen it all before. Wars, love triangles, rebellions—it all came back to the same petty arguments and emotional entanglements. She had no interest in participating. Let the others fight it out.

Persephone, now fully invested in her role as the ultimate "Jersico" fangirl, was already plotting ways to make her vision a reality. In her mind, nothing could stop the inevitable triad now. She clasped her hands together, bouncing on her toes with barely contained excitement. "I'm telling you, this is the beginning of something big," she gushed, her voice practically dripping with enthusiasm. "We'll have peace, balance, power, and romance! It's everything I could've dreamed for my little Nico!"

Hades, however, looked like he was ready to sink into the floor. He pinched the bridge of his nose, rubbing it with a long, exasperated sigh. "This is madness," he muttered, though his voice lacked the conviction it once had. He knew better than anyone that once Persephone got an idea into her head, there was no stopping her. He cast a dark glare toward Apollo, who was still grinning ear to ear. "Why must my bambino be involved in every ridiculous scheme you gods dream up?"

"Because he's adorable," Persephone replied sweetly, as if that explained everything. Her eyes sparkled with that same manic energy, and it was clear she wasn't backing down.

The scene continued to unfold in front of the gods, growing more absurd by the second, until finally, the collective attention slowly drifted back to the pool. The image of Jason and Percy still hovered in the water, their kiss replaying like some divine romance drama on loop.

Zeus grumbled under his breath, casting a wary glance toward the pool. "We should be focusing on real threats, not... this." He gestured dismissively, though it was clear the other gods were no longer interested in anything he had to say about it.

"I think it's fantastic," Aphrodite cooed, leaning over the pool with a dreamy smile. "This is going to be the greatest love story Olympus has ever seen."

"Or the greatest disaster," Athena muttered, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She was clearly not convinced.

Apollo, leaning back with a smug grin, simply shrugged. "Whether it's the greatest love story or the greatest disaster, it's gonna be entertaining." His words trailed off as the scene in the pool began to shimmer, the focus blurring and then shifting, pulling the divine gaze away from Olympus and down into the mortal world.

The shadows swirled around them as Mrs. O'Leary, transported them through the void. When they finally landed at Elysium Prep, the darkness dissipated like smoke in the wind. The statue stood tall in the center of the courtyard, gleaming under the dusky light. The sheer size of it made it impossible to ignore, its presence commanding, almost godlike in its perfection. As it materialized fully, casting long, imposing shadows over the school grounds, a murmur spread through the crowd of demigods that had gathered.

Excitement rippled like electricity, charged with anticipation. Everyone—Greeks, Romans, Huntresses, and students from Elysium Prep—was watching, waiting. Percy, Jason, and Mrs. O'Leary stood beside the statue, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and triumph. Jason's eyes darted around the courtyard, searching for familiar faces. Percy, on the other hand, couldn't help but look for Nico. The crowd parted slightly, revealing Reyna, Hylla, Annabeth, and a few of the senior demigods. Their eyes were wide with awe, but more than that, with hope.

"Well," Percy said, panting slightly, his hands on his hips as he tried to catch his breath. "That wasn't the worst shadow travel we've ever had."

Jason chuckled, wiping some dust off his shirt. "Speak for yourself, Jackson. My stomach's still somewhere back in Rome."

As the murmurs of the gathered demigods turned into cheers, the energy shifted again. They weren't just relieved that the quest was over—they were celebrating. The statue had brought them something they hadn't had in a long time: a unified cause. Something greater than themselves.

Nico emerged from the crowd, his dark eyes scanning the scene, taking in the enormity of the Athena Parthenos standing tall in the middle of the courtyard. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but there was something in his gaze—pride, maybe? Or relief? Percy couldn't be sure, but it made something in his chest tighten all the same.

"Nice job, Percy, Jason," Nico said quietly when he finally reached him. His voice was soft, but it carried a weight that cut through the noise of the crowd. Jason, standing a few feet away, caught Nico's eye too, and there was a flicker of something unspoken between them.

"Thanks," Percy said, trying and failing to keep his tone casual. "Couldn't have done it without—" he shot a glance at Jason, who was now looking distinctly uncomfortable under Nico's gaze, "—teamwork."

"Yeah," Jason added, rubbing the back of his neck, as if he could feel the tension between them all. "We did it together."

Nico gave a small nod, his lips twitching like he might smile but didn't quite make it. "Glad you made it back in one piece." He paused, his gaze lingering on Percy just a second longer than was probably polite.

Before Percy could respond, the crowd surged forward. The cheers and laughter became louder, the energy of the moment sweeping over everyone like a wave. Reyna stepped up beside them, her eyes gleaming with something like approval as she looked at the towering statue. "This changes everything," she said quietly, almost to herself.

Hylla, beside her, nodded. "No more excuses. No more divisions."

But before the thought could fully form, the crowd broke into applause, and both demigods were swept into the chaos of celebration.

"Looks like you're the heroes of the hour," Nico said, his voice cutting through the din as he gave Percy and Jason an appraising look.

Just then, a voice rang out from the edge of the crowd, cutting through the jubilation. "Where's Octavian?" a girl shouted, her face pinched with worry. She pushed her way through the throng, followed by a handful of Octavian's followers. Their expressions mirrored her concern, brows furrowed and eyes darting around as if they expected to see him emerge from the shadows.

"Yeah! What happened to him?" another demanded, glancing at Percy and Jason. The mood shifted instantly, cheers fading to murmurs of confusion.

Percy and Jason exchanged a glance, understanding the gravity of what they needed to say. With a resigned sigh, Jason stepped forward, trying to project calm amid the rising tension. "Octavian… he tried to kill us," he announced, his voice steady yet laced with the weight of their shared history. "He was working for the Titans. He's a traitor."

Gasps echoed through the crowd, a wave of disbelief washing over the demigods as they processed the information.

"Octavian?" a daughter of Mercury whispered incredulously, her eyes wide. "But I thought he was all about the Roman cause."

A nearby son of Mars snarled, his fists clenching. "I knew that snake was hiding something. He always had that weaselly grin…"

The murmur of voices grew louder, the truth about Octavian's betrayal spreading like wildfire. The fact that a trusted Roman legacy had conspired against both camps sent ripples of anger, betrayal, and confusion through the ranks of demigods. It wasn't just about one boy's treachery; it was about the cracks it revealed in the trust between the two camps, cracks that Luke Castellan had deepened years before when he led the Titan army.

Percy stood off to the side, watching as the crowd reacted. He exchanged a glance with Jason, who was stone-faced, the muscle in his jaw twitching as he processed the betrayal of someone who had been his ally, however reluctantly. The usual cocky bravado was missing from Jason now, replaced by something sharper—disappointment mixed with a quiet fury.

"Well," Jason muttered, arms crossed, "that's one way to crash a party."

As the crowd began to fragment, heated discussions breaking out, Percy felt a surge of frustration bubble within him. "Great. Just when we thought we could celebrate, we're left with this mess."

Reyna stepped forward, her voice cutting through the noise. "We can't let this divide us. We need to stand together now more than ever."

"Easier said than done," Jason muttered, scanning the crowd as tensions flared. "Trust takes time, and right now, I don't know if we have any left."

The Romans, especially, were taking the news hard. Accusations that had been thrown at the Greeks were suddenly turned on their heads. Romans who had pointed fingers at Luke Castellan for his leadership of the Titan army now found themselves grappling with the fact that one of their own had been playing the same game.

"I guess we owe you guys an apology," a daughter of Ceress said, her eyes downcast as she approached Annabeth. "For all the times we... you know, blamed you for Luke."

Annabeth, ever the tactician, was diplomatic. "We all make mistakes," she said, though her eyes flickered with something cold. "What matters now is that we don't let this divide us any further."

Nearby, Nico stood quietly, watching the fallout with his usual detached calm. The swirl of emotions around him didn't seem to touch him, but Percy knew better. He knew Nico well enough to recognize the tension in his shoulders, the way his fingers played idly with the edge of his Stygian iron sword. He was weighing everything, calculating, preparing.

"Nico," Percy said softly, stepping closer to him, "you okay?"

Nico glanced up, dark eyes unreadable. "I'm fine. Just... thinking."

"About?"

Nico's lips twitched into a dry smile. "The usual. Betrayal, loyalty, the impending doom of the world. You know, the light stuff."

Percy huffed a laugh. "Well, if you ever need a break from the light stuff, I'm here."

"So, I am," Jason added, coming to stand beside Nico's other side.

Nico's smile faltered for just a second before he nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

As they spoke, Bianca stepped forward, her expression hard as steel but her eyes flickering with concern. She addressed the crowd, her voice ringing with authority. "Octavian's betrayal has shaken us all," she began, her words cutting through the murmurs. "But let me remind you: this is exactly what the Titans want. They want us divided, suspicious of each other. They want us to fail."

The students of Elysium Prep, the Huntresses, the Greeks, the Romans—everyone fell silent, listening.

"But we are better than this," Bianca continued, her gaze sweeping over the gathered demigods. "We have shown, time and time again, that we can stand together, that we are stronger united. Octavian was one person, one traitor. He does not define us. What defines us is what we do next."

A ripple of agreement spread through the crowd, the tension easing as Bianca's words sank in. Conversations began to shift—from suspicion to collaboration, from anger to understanding. Slowly, demigods who had once eyed each other warily now began discussing strategies, sharing stories, finding common ground.

Jason watched the transformation in the crowd, his expression thoughtful. "She's right," he murmured to Percy, though it almost sounded like he was speaking to himself. "It's all about what happens next."

Nico stepped forward then, standing beside his sister, raising his voice just enough to be heard. "Luke betrayed the Greeks. Octavian betrayed the Romans. But now... we've both been betrayed. It's not about pointing fingers anymore. We all have a common enemy. And if we don't work together, if we don't trust each other, we're going to lose everything."

Percy nodded, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the demigods before him. "We've got to let go of the past. Whatever we were before, it doesn't matter anymore. All that matters is what we do now. Together."

The atmosphere shifted again, this time with a sense of purpose. The betrayal, though painful, had forced them to confront the truth: they couldn't afford to be divided anymore. There was too much at stake.

As the final conversations died down, Percy and Jason stood side by side, watching the demigods shift from suspicion to collaboration. It was subtle, but it was there. A sense of hope that maybe—just maybe—they could make this work.

Then a group of Huntresses stepped forward, their leader stepping into the circle of demigods, her presence commanding attention. "If we're going to plan for the upcoming war, Elysium Prep should be leading the discussions. You've all proven yourselves by standing against betrayal. You have no traitors in your ranks."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. "They're right," another Huntress chimed in, her voice firm. "Elysium Prep has always been a safe haven for us. We need to unite under their guidance if we want to face the Titans head-on."

A son of Hephaestus added, "You guys have kept the peace. That's what we need right now. We need a solid strategy without any backstabbers messing things up."

The weight of their words sank in, and the demigods exchanged looks of newfound determination. The decision to place Elysium Prep at the forefront of the war against the Titans created a palpable shift in the air. Whispers of excitement and pride rippled through the school's halls. The students, who had once been content to simply be part of the bigger picture, now stood taller, their heads held higher as the weight of their new role settled in.

"No traitors," a daughter of Iris remarked with a smirk as she passed by Lou Ellen, and Damien in the courtyard. "We're the clean ones. Guess that makes us the real heroes."

Lou Ellen, always one for playful cynicism, arched an eyebrow. "Yeah, because nothing screams 'perfect' like being the kids who haven't gotten involved in a cosmic war yet." She rolled her eyes, but the corner of her mouth twitched in amusement.

As Nico made his way to his friends, he couldn't deny the pride swelling within him. Elysium Prep had become more than just a school—it was now the epicenter of the demigods' united efforts. Despite the heavy burden of leadership, Nico found himself oddly calm, steady. He had led before, and this time, he knew exactly what was at stake.

"I swear, if someone else starts another speech about unity, I might walk into Tartarus myself," Damien muttered, nudging Nico with his elbow, as the Italian boy came to stand beside him.

Nico let out a dry chuckle. "You're welcome to try. Tartarus is overrated, though. Just a heads up."

Damien smirked. "I'll take your word for it."

As the atmosphere at Elysium Prep began to settle, Athena teleported into the courtyard, taking center stage. Her presence commanded the attention of every demigod in the room. Her stormy gray eyes swept over the gathered crowd—both Greeks and Romans—and the air around her seemed to crackle with the weight of wisdom and centuries of battle experience. She didn't need to speak to assert her dominance; everyone knew that when Athena opened her mouth, it was wise to listen.

For a moment, Athena's gaze lingered on the towering statue of herself. Her eyes softened as she took in the intricate details, the craftsmanship that paid homage to her legacy. She tilted her head slightly, a flicker of wonder crossing her features. This statue was more than just stone; it embodied the strength and unity of the demigods who had fought to retrieve it.

"Impressive," she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible over the hum of excitement in the courtyard. Turning back to the crowd, Athena's demeanor shifted from awe to authority. "The Athena Parthenos must still be sent to Camp Half-Blood, where it will find a new home."

Her gaze then fell upon Jason and Percy, and though her expression remained composed, a glint of pride shone through her usually serious demeanor. "You both have done exceptionally well. The quest you completed was no small feat. Your bravery and teamwork are commendable, and for that, I congratulate you."

The weight of her praise hung in the air, bringing a sense of accomplishment to Jason and Percy, as the crowd erupted in applause. They all fell silent, when the Goddess turned her attention to the crowd of demigods and huntresses.

"Many of you have been wondering about the letters of recommendation," she began, her voice steady but laced with authority. "The Greeks have been collecting these letters from quests given by the Gods, but none of you truly understand their purpose."

Percy, standing among his fellow Greek demigods, felt the weight of her gaze land on him for a brief moment before it shifted to the others. He fidgeted slightly, his fingers brushing his Riptide pen.

"I will explain the reason today," Athena continued, "When a camper arrives at Camp Jupiter, they are required to present a letter of recommendation from a former member of the legion. This is not a mere formality. In fact, this letter can determine a Roman demigod's entire trajectory within the legion."

The Greeks murmured amongst themselves. For them, the idea of a letter having that much influence was foreign. At Camp Half-Blood, things were much simpler. Sure, you were sorted by your Godly parent, but everything else was largely based on merit and skill. Percy exchanged a glance with Jason, who seemed deep in thought.

"The Romans," Athena continued, "place a great deal of value on these letters. A good letter can secure you a place in the better cohorts—the First or Second—ensuring you are put on the path to leadership or given important roles such as messenger, builder, or centurion. A bad letter, or no letter at all, can relegate you to the lower cohorts, where your prospects are limited."

Jason nodded slightly, understanding from his years at Camp Jupiter how crucial that first impression was. "It's how they separate the natural leaders from the followers," he whispered to Percy. "The better the letter, the better your chances."

Athena's gaze sharpened, as if sensing the undercurrent of conversation. "These letters," she said, "do more than determine one's standing in the legion. They are also a key to something more important—New Rome University."

The Greeks' confusion deepened, luckily Athena didn't leave them in suspense for long.

"New Rome University is the only institution of higher learning designed specifically for demigods," Athena explained. "It is located in the heart of New Rome, a city built for demigods and their descendants, away from the mortal world. It offers training not just in battle, but in leadership, politics, architecture, and other skills crucial for surviving in both the mortal and immortal worlds."

Whispers broke out among the Greek campers. A university for demigods? That was something none of them had even considered. Sure, they had Elysium Prep, but that's middle school and high school. Not an institution that gives you legal degrees that you can use to get jobs at the mortal world.

"The letters of recommendation," Athena continued, "are not just a Roman tradition. They work as an instant acceptance into New Rome University for any demigod who wishes to attend. With enough letters from the Gods, you secure your place there."

"Mother..." Malcolm Pace's voice cut through the murmuring, his usual sharpness tinged with awe. "Why didn't we know about this before? Why keep the university a secret?"

Athena's expression softened slightly, but there was still a hard edge to her words. "Because until now, the Romans and Greeks have been divided. You could not know of New Rome University because you were not allowed to."

The Greeks looked around at each other, absorbing the gravity of her words.

"Letters of recommendation will continue to be given through quests," Athena continued, "and they will now be honored for both Greek and Roman demigods. It is time for all of you to see that we are stronger together than we ever were apart."

Athena nodded approvingly at the gathering before her. "Remember this, demigods. Your futures are not solely defined by your blood or your birthright. Your actions, your strength, your willingness to fight for each other—that is what will define you in the days to come."

"Taking that into account, I shall now award both Perseus Jackson and Jason Grace with their letters of recommendations for a job well done," Athena finished, waving her hand, making two owls appear.

Percy almost stepped back as one owl flew towards him. It took him a moment to realize that it had a letter in its talons. Carefully Percy took it, thanking the owl and the Goddess. The letter itself shimmered, and Percy swallowed hard as he opened it. The weight of the parchment felt heavier than it should have. The students and demigods surrounding them watched in awe, their whispers silenced by the sheer presence of the Goddess.

Percy blinked, stunned, as he read the contents of the letter.

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to offer my highest recommendation for Percy Jackson as a candidate for admission to New Rome University. I have had the privilege of observing Percy's journey as a demigod, and his recent achievements exemplify the qualities that make him an outstanding candidate for your esteemed institution.

Percy demonstrated remarkable courage and tenacity during the mission to retrieve the statue of Athena Parthenos, a task that many would have deemed impossible. His leadership not only ensured the successful recovery of this sacred artifact but also played a pivotal role in reuniting Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter. Percy's ability to foster cooperation and camaraderie between these two camps speaks volumes about his character and vision for the future. He understands the importance of unity and collaboration, qualities that are essential in today's interconnected world.

Beyond his heroic feats, Percy possesses a deep sense of loyalty and compassion. He leads by example, always prioritizing the well-being of his friends and allies. His wisdom and emotional intelligence allow him to navigate complex situations with grace, making him a natural leader and role model.

I am confident that Percy will bring the same determination, creativity, and passion to New Rome University that he has shown in his quests. He will not only excel academically but will also contribute to your campus community in meaningful ways.

Thank you for considering this exceptional candidate. I am certain that Percy Jackson will leave an indelible mark on your university, just as he has on the world of demigods.

Sincerely,
Athena, the Greek virgin goddess of wisdom, civilization, mathematics, strategy, defensive warfare, crafts, the arts, skills, intelligence and brilliance.

Then, to everyone's surprise, Athena turned her attention to Jason. The crowd hushed again, tension simmering in the air. Percy couldn't help but glance over, as the other owl made its way to the blond demigod. Jason accepted the letter with a look of quiet reverence. Percy read the letter over the younger demigod's shoulder.

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Jason Grace in support of his application to New Rome University. Having observed Jason's journey and growth as a demigod, I can attest to his extraordinary qualities that will undoubtedly enrich your academic community.

Jason played a crucial role in the successful retrieval of the statue of Athena Parthenos, demonstrating not only his bravery but also his exceptional leadership skills. His ability to rally and unite demigods from Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter during this monumental task exemplifies the collaborative spirit that is essential in today's world. Jason understands the power of teamwork and the importance of forging strong bonds, which is vital for any aspiring leader.

Moreover, Jason possesses a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to those he cares about. He navigates challenges with both intellect and empathy, always seeking to do what is right, even in the face of adversity. His dedication to the greater good and his ability to inspire those around him make him an exemplary candidate for your university.

I have no doubt that Jason will excel academically and contribute positively to the diverse community at New Rome University. His potential for growth and leadership is limitless, and I wholeheartedly endorse his application.

Thank you for considering this remarkable individual. Jason Grace will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on your university.

Sincerely,
Athena, the Greek virgin goddess of wisdom, civilization, mathematics, strategy, defensive warfare, crafts, the arts, skills, intelligence and brilliance.

"This is my second letter of recommendation, one more to go," Jason chuckled breathlessly.

Percy smirked cheekily, waving his own letter victoriously. "I am all set with this one!"

"Cheat!" Jason hissed, teasingly.

"No cheating! I worked hard for them! Retrieved your dad's bolt, got the golden fleece from the Sea of Monsters, and now the statue for Athena!" Percy pouted, making Jason's breath hitch, as his blue eyes lingered on the other's lips. "Hey, why do we even need three of them and everyone else needs only one?"

"Due to the fact that neither of us were meant to exist due to the Pact of the Big Three," Nico answered, as he came to join the other two. "As such we are inadmissible for New Rome University. However, Zeus agrees to let us in if we can get three letters of recommendation from three Gods for doing quests for them."

"So, we have to work harder because of our dads?" Percy groaned. "Typical! At least, I am done working!"

"Don't get carried away," Nico warned, eyes sparkling with mischief. "We still have a council of war to get through with today."

"Godsdammit!"