This is a Percy Jackson and Hercules Crossover Fanfiction Only.

AN: this story is inspired by Gamer of Olympus by AeroJester203.

While I sat there, I happened to glance over toward the commons area. There, I see Hestia who had been tending the fire. No one else seemed to be paying her any attention, which struck me as odd. I couldn't help but wonder, 'Can nobody else see her? Is it because of Gamer's Mind that I can?'

With my curiosity piqued, I decided to investigate further, especially since I still had time on my hands; after all, sprint exercises don't last very long. I walked over to the fire and took a seat at a respectful distance from her. Even though it was a hot summer day, the fire appeared inviting and surprisingly didn't make the area uncomfortably hot. What really caught my eye was the level label floating above her head, or rather, the complete lack of one.

Hestia

[Lv. ?]

Now that I thought about it, I remembered that even though I knew who Mr. D was, his label had remained unchanged from the alias he used. This made me realize that the gods seemed to exist above the Game's interface. It occurred to me that their levels might be so high compared to mine that the Mist obscured their names. Perhaps they had the option to reveal their true identities, causing the label to shift based on that revelation.

Leaving now felt out of the question; it would be much ruder to simply walk away after having noticed her. Sitting down without saying a word didn't seem right either, so I decided to at least make an effort to speak to her.

I wanted to ease into a conversation without drawing too much attention to myself or seeming odd to the other campers around us. Keeping my face pointed forward, I directed my gaze toward her and softly said, "Excuse me, Auntie Hestia?"

At the sound of my voice, she paused in her gentle tending of the fire. She turned to me, surprise flickering across her face. Her warm brown eyes blinked as she registered my presence. For a brief moment, she didn't speak, so I pressed on, "I'm not sure I've seen you around during the sing-alongs or at the dining pavilion. Are you okay?"

Regaining her composure, she let out a light laugh that seemed to dance in the air, "Somebody has to tend the hearth, a job not often noticed. You're the first one to see me in quite a while. That is not my husband Hiro or his friend Hector."

Curiosity nudged me to ask, "See… as in, visit?" My voice was cautious as I gazed around and noticed that no one else seemed to be paying attention to our conversation.

She shook her head gently as I looked back at her, "Most people are very wrapped up in their own lives. As I said, the hearth is a duty often overlooked."

"Your straightforwardness is appreciated, Percy," she replied with a soft and welcoming tone. "What made you come to me?"

In that instant, I shrugged my shoulders, struggling to find the right words to express my thoughts. "Well, part of it was just trying to fill the time since my morning lesson was canceled. But mostly, I was genuinely curious. I saw you on my very first day at Camp Half-Blood."

Hestia listened carefully, nodding as she absorbed my words, and then she returned her attention to tending the flames in the hearth, making sure they danced and flickered just right. "And what is it that you truly seek, Percy?"

"Right now?" I asked, almost to myself in reflection, before continuing to clarify my thoughts. "To be honest, what I want most is to have my mom back. I lost her during my journey here, and Chiron has been cautious not to confirm whether she's truly gone for good. He seems to have an idea that something might be wrong, but he probably doesn't want to give me false hope only to have it shattered."

"Chiron has lived a long life and witnessed many trials," the goddess explained gently. "He has lost numerous students over the years, which has shaped his perspective. He genuinely cares about your well-being. He likely wishes to shield you from the heartache of losing someone else due to hasty decisions." She paused, gazing at me thoughtfully before asking, "What would you be willing to do to bring your mother back?"

Her question resonated within me, striking a deep chord, and for a brief moment, my heart seemed to skip a beat. I opened my mouth to respond but hesitated, weighing my answer carefully. "I want to say I'd do anything, but… there's this lingering worry that the price might be too steep. It could burden my conscience, or worse, it might be something my mom wouldn't agree with. Honestly, all I wish is that I had been strong enough to protect her so she wouldn't have gotten hurt in the first place."

"Family is indeed something very precious," Hestia said, her voice wrapped in warmth and understanding. "You possess a kind heart, Percy. I sincerely wish you all the best in your quest to be reunited with your mother."

I looked at her, deliberating whether my next question was too bold, but remembering her earlier mention of how others often get tied up in their own affairs, I decided to take a chance and inquire.

"Auntie Hestia, if it's alright with you, could I ask… Are you okay?"

She paused her work, taking a moment to reflect before replying, although her gaze remained focused elsewhere, seemingly lost in thought.

I let out a deep sigh, sensing the weight of the moment envelop us. "I truly apologize if this feels too personal, and please don't feel like you need to answer if you don't want to. But I can't help but wonder, why are you here instead of up on Olympus? I know you can keep the hearth burning strong from anywhere, even here. But it feels a bit strange not to see you in your usual place."

Before I could elaborate further, Hestia interrupted me with a calm voice, "Percy, you can stop; I'm not upset."

Hearing her words, I quickly closed my mouth, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. She shifted slightly, resting the stick she had been using to stir the flames over her knee, while her other arm relaxed across her other leg.

After taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she sighed softly, her voice rich with genuine emotion. "Family holds a tremendous importance to me. I mean that sincerely. But witnessing the reality of their situation can be very painful. Besides the hearth on Olympus, this place has always held a special meaning for me. It has become my home away from home."

I remained silent, fully aware that I didn't have the same experience of being part of a large family. I struggled to find words that wouldn't come off as empty or meaningless.

Hestia continued speaking, and the weight of her thoughts was clear in her voice. "Tensions are growing every day, and it's hard not to feel the pressure. But honestly, right now, there's not much I can do to change it. I can only hope that a solution will find us before it's too late."

As she completed her thoughts, a moment of silence fell between us. I sensed my opportunity to open up about my own emotions, so I turned my gaze toward the crackling flames of the fire. The warm glow enveloped me, providing a sense of comfort amidst the tension of our conversation. With a steady voice, I leaned in a little closer and said, "Hestia, what is happening in Olympus that is causing you such worry? Please, share what is going on. Sometimes, talking about something with someone else can help you find a way to solve the problem or at least make you feel a little better about it."

Hestia bit her lip, clearly contemplating how much to reveal. The flickering light danced across her features, and I could see the shadows of concern etched on her face. Finally, she admitted in a hushed tone, "It's my brothers. They have been arguing. One of them believes the other has taken something precious." Her voice trembled slightly, revealing the weight of the situation. "If this keeps going, it could lead to a massive fight in our family."

I leaned back, contemplating her words. The thought of divine brothers quarreling was unsettling, but I couldn't help but wonder if this conflict was somehow linked to my own troubles. I carefully posed my next question, "Does this have anything to do with the fact that both the King and one of his brothers seem to be after me?" There was a brief pause before I continued, "One of them sent a Fury after me. She was demanding something back, but I honestly have no idea what she wanted from me. And then, to make matters worse, a Minotaur was unleashed, taking my mom away. It's like my life has turned into some chaotic mess. The King of the Gods even hurled a lightning bolt at the car we were riding in to get here."

As I spoke, I could feel the tension in the air, heavy with my fears and Hestia's concerns. The fire crackled louder, as if mirroring my intense emotions. Hestia's eyes widened at my recounting of events, the worry in her expression deepening. She seemed torn between concern for her family and empathy for my plight.

"I wish I could do something to help you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But sometimes, the ties of family are stronger than we realize. I don't want you to get caught in the middle of all this."

I nodded, knowing that the storms in Olympus were fierce, but I refused to let them sweep me away. Together, we shared a moment of understanding, our fears intertwining in the warm glow of the fire.

At that moment, I felt a light hand on my shoulder, pulling me back to reality. It was a gentle reminder that the goddess sitting next to me appeared in the form of a child. In the seriousness of our conversation, it was easy to overlook that fact.

Hestia turned to me, her gaze soft and warm, a gentle light reflecting in her eyes that made me feel at ease. "Fate has a strange way of unfolding, Percy," she said, her voice calm but heavy with unspoken thoughts. As she slowly withdrew her hand from my shoulder, I noticed the tension in her shoulders seemed to fade. She let out a long, deep breath, almost like a sigh of relief, as if she had been carrying a great burden on her back and was finally able to let it go.

"Thank you for listening to me," she continued, her voice trembling slightly. "I've been holding in so much worry. It feels like I've been trapped inside my own mind, with no one nearby who could truly understand what I was feeling." She paused for a moment, and I could see the emotions swirling in her eyes. They were filled with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. "The only ones who really get it are my husband and his best friend. But even then, sometimes it's hard to share everything."

As she spoke, I could almost feel the weight of her worries filling the space between us. The area once bright and cheerful, suddenly felt heavy with her burden. I wanted to reach out and comfort her, to let her know she wasn't alone. "You can always share with me, Auntie Hestia," I said softly, hoping to ease her mind just a little more.

She smiled faintly, a small spark of hope flickering in her eyes. "That means a lot to me," she replied, her voice steadying. "Sometimes, just having someone willing to listen can make all the difference."

"Happy to help," I replied, wanting her to know she wasn't alone. "Hopefully, the next time we see each other it will be under better circumstances."

She smiled gently and nodded, then returned to stirring the glowing coals of the fire, lost in her thoughts.

After standing up to leave, I noticed a window materializing in front of me. I made sure I wasn't in anyone's way as I stepped closer to one of the benches to read it carefully.

The little girl who caught your attention on your very first day at camp turned out to be much more than she seemed; she was actually a goddess in disguise. While she had every right to feel overlooked or ignored, she didn't hold any grudges against others since you did recognizing her true nature. By engaging with her, you helped lift some of the emotional weight she had been carrying.

The objective of your secret quest was simple but meaningful: to speak with Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, and truly listen to her concerns. Having completed this task, I felt a sense of accomplishment. However, there was also a bonus objective tied to your conversation that you did successfully complete. This bonus was to uncover the troubles on Mt. Olympus, and it appeared that you did meet that challenge. The quest had a second objective is to have Hestia become my patron.

It seemed that the quest was designed to reflect your true feelings and interactions during your conversation with Hestia. The Game, as it is known, could not provide you with advance notice about the test without potentially altering your natural responses. You accepted the outcome and focused on the reward you did receive.

The special status called "Hearth's Blessing" was bestowed upon you by Hestia herself. This gift was not just a nice gesture; it provided you with practical advantages. It promised to keep you warm when it was cold and comfortable when it was hot, helping to shield you from illnesses that could threaten your well-being.

With "Hearth's Blessing," you gained the ability to negate certain negative conditions. For instance, you would no longer have to worry about overheating, getting burned, or freezing. Additionally, you would experience a reduction in poison damage of thirty percent. It seemed likely that when Hestia placed her hand on your shoulder, she transferred this blessing to you. While it was not a combat-focused advantage, I anticipated that it would be useful in various situations.

Suddenly, you heard Luke's voice calling from across the commons, indicating that it was time for your first activity of the day. You quickly closed the quest window in your mind, eager to join your cabin mates. As you walked away, I took one last glance at the hearth where Hestia still lingered.

Inwardly, you hoped that she would be able to return soon, even as you turned your attention back to the day ahead. The first activity was arts and crafts, which was more varied than you initially expected. Instead of just painting and sculpting, the focus today was on different trades, including metalwork and weaving. Specifically, Cabin Eleven was concentrating on weapon and armor maintenance. The bright glow of the forge nearby reminded you of how grateful you were for Hestia's gift, keeping you comfortable despite the heat radiating from the workspace.

"Just because Celestial Bronze is near-indestructible doesn't mean that a warrior shouldn't know how to keep their own tools in top shape," Luke lectured. "And when you have to scavenge off the battlefield, being able to make a dented blade into a passable weapon could end up saving your life. Cabin Nine can't be everywhere."

Luke's words hung in the air as if they were a clear warning to us all. Despite the strength and durability of Celestial Bronze, the material that many of our weapons were made from, he emphasized the importance of maintenance. A weapon could only perform as well as its owner cared for it. Knowing how to repair a damaged sword isn't just a skill; it's a survival necessity. After all, battles often left warriors in situations where their only option was to salvage what they could. Being able to turn a bent blade into something usable could easily mean the difference between life and death. With this, he reminded us that while we had support from the Hephaestus campers, who were skilled in weapon crafting and repair, they couldn't always be there to assist us in the heat of battle.

Once Luke finished his lecture, the talented campers from Cabin Nine took over the session. They began teaching us younger campers, including me, about the proper safety procedures and the importance of using protective gear when working with weapons. I noticed that Luke had slipped away, perhaps to focus on his own projects, something counselors were often allowed to do. I felt a slight disappointment sweep over me; I had missed a chance to earn some valuable stat points by working in the forge. An afternoon spent hammering metal could have given me a boost in my Strength attribute.

After lunch, during which I sent an offering up for my unknown father, Hestia and all the other 25 Olympian Gods we were directed by Luke to the arena. This time, it was just our cabin, as Luke was specifically in charge of our swordsmanship training. It made me feel a bit anxious, knowing that all eyes were on us as we prepared for the next lesson.

We received practice swords and shields, but something felt off. While I was able to handle the weight of the weapons thanks to the upgrades I had in Strength and Dexterity, the balance of the practice swords wasn't quite right. They felt unwieldy and awkward. As we lined up in front of a row of cloth dummies stuffed with straw, Luke began demonstrating basic stabbing and slashing motions. His guidance was sharp and clear, providing us with the foundations we would need.

Midway through the session, I suddenly received a notification that I had learned a new skill through my repeated practice. Excitement bubbled up inside me as I read the message. I had just achieved a milestone in my training.

[You've learned a new skill through repeated practice.]

[Modern Greek Sword Form – Basic (Lv. 1)—Weapon Style (Sword)]

[Revolving around agility, parrying, and a light shield optional, the Greek way of the sword has endured to the present day while picking up traces of other styles to keep evolving.]

With this new skill came additional options for how I could wield a sword: using one sword with a shield, a one-handed sword, a two-handed sword, or even dual-wielding swords. The news also included a boost to my Dexterity while sword-fighting, which made me feel more capable and confident. Every bit of knowledge and every skill earned was a step toward becoming the warrior I aspired to be, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

The training session had its merits; however, I felt a twinge of discomfort seeing the dummies designed to resemble human figures. It was particularly unsettling considering that most of our sword practice focused on delivering strikes to the gut area. Shouldn't we be preparing ourselves to face monsters instead? The mismatch between training tools and the reality of combat sparked a thought in me, revealing a gap in our preparation strategies.

I decided I would mention this observation to Chiron later, hoping for some clarity. In the meantime, I noticed that Luke was rallying everyone for sparring matches and, to my surprise, he chose me as his partner. Being the newcomer, I was likely the easiest target for his mock battles.

As I readied myself, one of the other campers made a sarcastic remark about luck, claiming Luke was the best swordsman in the last three centuries. In that moment, it hit me that this might be part of an initiation process. It was quite fitting that the son of a clever and mischievous god would not be satisfied with just a single prank to welcome me.

I steeled myself, bringing up my guard and preparing for what was about to unfold.

The sparring match initiated, and I knew I was about to learn valuable lessons despite the impending challenges. Luke began by demonstrating what not to do. With the flat of his practice sword, he skillfully tapped at my vulnerable spots, showing me the errors in my technique.

"Percy, you're putting too much force into your thrusts! If you miss, you'll end up off-balance and in trouble!" he called out, his voice a mix of instruction and challenge.

"Nice try with the shield, but the goal is to deflect strikes to create openings for your own counterattacks, not just absorb the blows!" he added, pushing me to rethink my strategy.

"Remember, if you signal your intentions too clearly, it's an easy way to get hurt!" Luke warned as I made another attempt, showing me that I needed to be less predictable.

When a break was finally announced, my body felt like it had been through a wringer, every muscle aching from the rigorous session. Thankfully, my health points were still above half and gradually recovering. While the other campers rushed to grab water bottles, I took a moment to check any messages that had accumulated during the sparring.

I noticed that my training had paid off in some small way. My skill in Modern Greek Sword Form had advanced to a higher level, and I had even received a note acknowledging my efforts despite being outmatched.

Taking my bruises and lessons in stride, I prepared mentally for the next round of challenges.

Swinging around a sword and shield is a lot more complex than just going through basic exercise drills!

After a tough training session, I felt a noticeable boost in my strength, gaining a 1 to my STR score. My skills in the Modern Greek Sword Form had shown improvement too, with my basic technique now upgraded to level 3.

Once I got a bottle of water for myself, I noticed Luke chug half of it down before pouring the rest over his head. Given how sweaty I was feeling, I thought that looked like a smart idea. So, I decided to do the same. The moment the cool water hit me, I felt a rush of energy as my Health bar surged upward, and the restoration per second increased dramatically. It didn't take long for me to feel completely revitalized, and the sword that had felt so unwieldy just moments ago now seemed much more manageable. This change probably meant something; I had never experienced such a huge drop in health while simply washing up at a sink or showering before.

But before I could spend more time enjoying my refreshed state, Luke called everyone to gather around us. As the rest of the group formed a circle and we took off our shields, our counselor stepped forward to explain, "Percy and I are going to show you a disarming technique. The goal is to use the flat of your sword to twist your opponent's weapon's hilt until they are forced to let go. Trust me, I've been on the receiving end of this technique before, so no laughing at Percy—this is something that usually takes years to master."

Despite his serious warning, many of the others couldn't help but stifle their smiles. I could tell they had likely been in a similar position at some point in their training. It's always entertaining watching someone else go through something challenging, isn't it?

Luke took the lead and slowly demonstrated the technique first. As he showed me how it was done, my weapon slipped from my grip just as he intended. After I picked it back up, he nodded and said, "Now let's try it for real. We'll keep sparring until one of us can successfully pull it off."

I noticed that the effects of that refreshing water were still in play; I could see his strikes coming at me more clearly and was able to keep him from getting a hold of my sword's hilt. We engaged in combat for a little while, and during a moment of quick thinking, I sidestepped one of his swipes completely and thrust my sword toward his. He managed to deflect my attack, but I could see a change in his expression. He realized he needed to take me more seriously now.

I wasn't fooling myself; Luke was clearly in a different league when it came to our skills. His level, stats, and likely even his experience with sword fighting were way ahead of mine. It was apparent that he was playing at a level closer to my own but gradually ramping up the pressure to challenge me. Yet, deep down, I understood that this advantage wouldn't last forever; the sword began to feel increasingly off-balance in my hands, a clear sign that Luke would soon gain the upper hand.

As our swords clashed once more, I made a quick move, sliding my blade down against his and twisting it with both hands to try to disarm him. In a single fluid motion, I pointed my sword at his chest but then, in a moment of humility, lowered it. Around us, the other campers stood silent, their eyes wide, the only sound being the echo of Luke's sword as it clattered to the ground.

Feeling a bit sheepish, I nodded and explained, "I think I acted on instinct…"

Luke echoed my words, intrigued. "Instinct? Percy, that was amazing! Even I had to practice longer to pull off that move! Do it again!"

Although I realized that I might have lost my secret advantage, I steeled myself for another attempt as Luke picked his sword back up. I gave it everything I had, but after a few exchanges, he managed to slip past my defenses and disarm me.

After a brief pause, one of the other campers chimed in, "Beginner's luck? Or maybe it really is instinct; he did better than most of the new guys do."

"Maybe…" Luke acknowledged, wiping sweat from his forehead. He seemed genuinely curious about my abilities as he remarked, "But I wonder what Percy could do with a properly balanced sword."

When I was finally alone, I took a moment to check the notification box in the Focus Interface. I noticed several backed-up messages. Clearly, that second sparring match had triggered them, as it felt much more like a real challenge than Luke's earlier attempts to poke at my weaknesses.

[Modern Greek Sword Form – Basic increased to Lv. 4]

[You've reached a new level of dexterity with a blade!]

You gained 1 to DEX

[You've created a new skill through a special action.]

[Disarm (Lv. 1)—Instantaneous]

[MP cost: 0; SP cost: 20]

[A special sword technique that uses leverage to twist a weapon out of the opponent's hand.]

DEX STR of user vs. STR of the opponent

If I was counting correctly, it seemed I had completed my quest. I could look into that later.

You faced significant challenges while mastering the various forms, but despite the intense training and occasional setbacks, you held your ground remarkably well. In fact, you demonstrated your skills impressively by surprising an expert swordsman, managing to disarm him even though he was intentionally holding back his full strength. This unexpected achievement not only highlighted your growth in combat but also showcased your potential as a warrior in training.

As a result of this accomplishment, you were rewarded with 250 experience points (XP), which acknowledged your progress and hard work. Additionally, your reputation within the Camp Half-Blood community increased by 30 points, signaling that others were beginning to recognize your efforts and abilities.

With this boost, you leveled up to Level 9, allowing you to enhance your skills further. You received five unsorted stat points to distribute as you see fit, providing an opportunity to strengthen your character.

Moreover, this joyous occasion marked the successful completion of the side quest titled "For the Glory!" You embraced the difficult tasks and challenges presented to you, earning not only respect from your peers but also a substantial amount of experience points for the future. The reward for your efforts included an additional 500 XP and the same five unsorted stat points from the quest.

You also gained special status as a "Trainee," which came with additional benefits. Your reputation with Clarisse LaRue increased by 50 points, while your reputation with Camp Half-Blood rose by 25 points, further solidifying your standing among fellow campers.

Feeling a sense of accomplishment, you smiled at the notification window and closed it. You then accessed your Status page to check your current XP level. Being at Level 9 with 597 out of 750 XP meant that you were just a short distance away from your next milestone. Although you were unsure if Level 10 would hold significant importance, you understood that becoming stronger was essential in this environment. Reviewing the details of your Trainee special status brought even more good news, indicating that your hard work was truly paying off.

Trainee

As someone who is eager to learn and new to this journey, you are poised for rapid growth as you begin to gather valuable experience! This is especially true when considering the advantages you have right now.

You receive a remarkable 50% increase in experience points (XP) gained while your level remains below 15. This opportunity acts as a booster, though it's clear that it has a time limit. Still, it proves to be quite beneficial, especially since it follows what appeared to be just the beginning of a tutorial quest.

Having completed that task, my mind began to wander, reflecting on what the enhancement I received from that water could signify. It made sense that the boost was connected to my divine side, given that ordinary humans wouldn't experience any added strength or abilities just from drinking regular water. I recalled the many beings in Greek mythology—or perhaps more accurately, in Greek culture—that held connections to water.

"Think, Percy," I urged myself. "Have there been any other occasions that could relate to this?"

Suddenly, my train of thought came to a halt. I remembered that night when I faced the Minotaur; it had been raining heavily. And earlier, what felt like ages ago, I recalled becoming infuriated with Nancy Bobofit and, without any physical action on my part, she ended up in the water fountain. It was possible that the Mist had concealed the truth of what had happened, but could it be that there was more to the situation?

Without fully realizing it, my feet began to move, leading me toward the canoeing lake. I found myself squatting down at the edge, where I gently dipped my hand into the water. As I stirred my fingers through the surface, the water remained still except for where my hand disrupted it.

Peering deeper, I caught a glimpse of teenage girls at the bottom of the lake. One of them noticed me and quickly called her friends over. The trio smiled and waved at me, as if I were an old friend. This only added more evidence to my thoughts, but it was still not enough to reach any definite conclusions. Not wanting to seem impolite, I returned their wave with a light gesture.

"What are you doing?"

I was startled by the sudden voice and turned to see Annabeth standing beside me. After she had called off our session earlier, I hadn't expected to run into her today. Regardless, I focused back on the water and replied, "It's everyone's lake, isn't it?"

Annabeth joined me at the bank, glancing into the water at the girls, who had now returned to their own activities. With a scoff, she remarked, "You shouldn't encourage the Naiads. They're all terrible flirts."

In response, I answered wryly, "So am I, in case you haven't noticed."

"About that, I wanted to talk to you about—" she started, her voice firm but suddenly interrupted as she tapped my shoe lightly with her foot. "Look at me when I'm talking to you."

I let out a sigh, realizing she wasn't going to let this go. I paused my little experiment, where I had been trying to balance on my heels while squatting, and turned to face Annabeth while still in that awkward position.

She had a moment where her thoughts seemed to clash with each other, and then she decided to sit down next to me. After taking a deep breath as if gathering her thoughts, she said, "I'm going to come out and say it; I heard that you went looking for Clarisse last evening. What for?"

With an easy tone, I replied, "An extra wrestling match. Clarisse is the instructor, so if anyone can help me train in that skill, she can."

Annabeth's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "And she didn't ask anything about my cabin? Our plans for Capture the Flag?"

I rolled my eyes at her. "Even if she did, you haven't kept me in the loop about anything, so I wouldn't have any information to share with her. Just so you know, I didn't even find out that my cabin was allied with yours until she mentioned it. Apparently, news has already spread about who's working with whom for tomorrow."

Annabeth looked skeptical and pressed further, "Then why would she help you?"

Her question hung in the air, suggesting that she was trying to piece together what was really happening and why Clarisse would lend her support to me. It was clear that there was more at play here than just a practice match.

"Clarisse is a person too, Annabeth," I said with a flat tone, directing an unimpressed gaze her way in response to her question. "I'm not sure if there's some kind of rivalry between your divine parents, which wouldn't be surprising given that one is the God of War and the other is the Goddess of Wisdom and Strategy. However, just because Clarisse is a daughter of Ares doesn't make her any less human than either you or me. I think you're really overthinking this whole Capture the Flag thing."

"If you can't treat this seriously, how do you expect to make it through a real crisis?" she shot back, urgency creeping into her voice.

I stood up, my brow furrowing deeper with frustration. "I've faced life-or-death situations before. I made it out alive, but not everyone I cared about was so lucky. Capture the Flag is just a game, nothing more."

"…That's not how I meant it, Percy," Annabeth said, her voice softening as she stood up, her fingers playing nervously with a ring on her necklace that seemed to clash with the clay beads that adorned it. "You have to understand that demigods often lead dangerous lives. Capture the Flag isn't just a simple game; it's a war game. It serves as both training and a chance for glory. I know you've been working hard on your physical training, but you also need to keep your mind sharp and focused."

I turned my gaze away from her and looked out at the lake, my thoughts swirling. "Well, if we're handing out advice here, let me offer you some: maybe you should work on your Charisma skills because your leadership isn't exactly inspiring me right now, coach. And besides, I tried to sharpen my strategy with you earlier, but you walked off in a huff even after you won."

"…Your so-called 'strategy' completely missed the point of chess," she replied, her voice rising in defense.

I shrugged, indifferent to her critique. "But it didn't break any rules, did it? You need to be more open-minded and think outside the box a little, Annabeth. I hadn't shared any information with Clarisse that I couldn't have figured out myself. And I will fight during Capture the Flag; I refuse to just stand around and let myself get beaten. Is there anything else you want to say?"

She frowned slightly, letting out a small sigh, but ultimately shook her head. "No. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

With Annabeth absent, I felt a wave of tension wash over me. I instinctively pinched the bridge of my nose, hoping to clear my thoughts. While Gamer's Mind was effective during battles, keeping my reactions in check, it didn't erase my feelings completely. Frustration simmered beneath the surface, and I needed to find a way to regain my focus.

I took a deep breath and redirected my mind to the task at hand. The memory of that day was hazy, especially since I couldn't remember if I had physically interacted with the water when Nancy Bobofit was unexpectedly pushed in. In light of that uncertainty, I decided to try a different approach and extended my hands outward as if I were attempting to part the waters of the lake.

At first, nothing happened. I felt a twinge of disappointment, but I knew that I had to concentrate harder on the feelings I experienced that day. The details were cloudy, likely due to the anger I had felt when I witnessed Nancy bully Grover repeatedly. It was difficult to sift through those emotions, as the memory was clouded in a red haze of rage.

With a scowl, I raised my hands again and centered my thoughts on the water's essence. Suddenly, an idea sparked in my mind. Instead of trying to lift the water, maybe I needed to stir it—create waves and build up momentum. I envisioned the water moving around me as I focused on my intent.

As I continued this train of thought, I noticed a subtle movement on the surface of the lake. A ripple began to form in response to my concentration. I pushed myself further, reaching deeper into the water's energy, trying to summon a current that would surge toward the surface. Moments later, a small splash erupted, sending water a foot high, though it was only as wide as a manhole cover. Regardless of the size, a smile spread across my face. I had just discovered one of my abilities.

A pair of notifications appeared, confirming my success. The first one announced that I had determined a facet of my true nature through my past experiences and experimentation, rewarding me with an increase in my intelligence and wisdom. The second message revealed that I had unlocked a new skill.

Water Control, now registered at level 20, was a significant breakthrough. It came with the ability to manipulate currents, create waves, form small geysers, and even generate air bubbles beneath the surface. This skill was versatile, offering potential for both protection and offense, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had taken a step toward understanding my powers.

It wouldn't reveal the identity of my father, but it also didn't try to stop me from using the skills it had kept hidden away. Knowing that it was a god or some other being tied to water significantly reduced the possibilities. This detail also provided clarity about the Naiads I had encountered moments earlier.

As I recalled their enchanting presence, I thought about their unique ability to breathe underwater. The image of the shimmering lake surface drew my attention. A curious thought crossed my mind—what if I could simply submerge my nose and try to breathe through my mouth?

Despite my disbelief at the prospect of even attempting this, an overwhelming sense of curiosity pushed me forward. I stepped into the cool water, feeling it envelop my legs as I waded in. My Health and Mana bars remained unchanged, indicating that I was at my peak, yet I felt invigorated by the water's touch, even as it reached up to my shins. As I continued to submerge, halting at my neck, an urge to take a deep breath surged within me. I leaned forward slightly, dipping my lips below the water's surface and cautiously opened my mouth.

To my astonishment, it didn't feel like water was rushing in. I quickly verified that my jaw was submerged and cautiously took a shallow breath. Nothing happened. I didn't drown, nor did I cough; I remained perfectly fine. With newfound confidence, I submerged fully, and to my delight, I was able to see clearly underwater despite the setting sun filtering through the surface.

The Naiads from earlier appeared, their expressions bright and friendly. They swam closer, gracefully treading water to meet me at my level near the shore. The center Naiad had flowing brown hair that moved fluidly in the water, while the one on the left had blonde hair that was tied back with a strand of seaweed. The Naiad on the right displayed a short, chic black hairstyle that framed her face. They introduced themselves as Mona, Kelly, and Cori, each at Level 9.

"Good to see a water-aligned demigod," Kelly remarked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "There hasn't been one in a long time."

I nodded in acknowledgment and tentatively opened my mouth, realizing that the same ability they had to communicate might apply to me as well.

"I'm still figuring this out," I admitted, feeling a mix of hope and frustration. "You could sense that I was…?"

"Most creatures of the sea can sense that," the black-haired Naiad explained. "It's in your blood."

Mona added, "However, we can't tell you who your father is, even if we knew for certain."

I sighed, disappointment washing over me. "Should've guessed."

"It's not personal," the center Naiad chimed in, her tone sincere. "The gods have their own ways of doing things and don't like anyone meddling. If our suspicion was accurate, we could face punishment for revealing it. And if we were wrong, either god could take offense and punish us anyway."

"It's completely fine, really," I said, waving my hand dismissively to reassure them. "I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt over something that might only be a guess." My words were meant to ease any tension, showing that I cared more about their safety than the outcome of a hasty decision.

As a result of my response, I suddenly noticed a pop-up message indicating that I had gained 50 reputation points with the Naiads. The surprise hit me hard; that kind of reputation boost was usually reserved for completing a quest or accomplishing something significant. All I did was show basic decency, yet it seemed to have made an impact.

Mona, always the playful one, swam closer to my side, her smooth swimming style impressive as she glided through the water. She flashed a bright smile at me and remarked, "So, has anyone told you that you're pretty cute?" Her words were lighthearted and teasing.

Cori, clearly caught off guard by Mona's flattery, protested, "Mona!" The hint of embarrassment in Cori's voice was unmistakable.

Mona, undeterred, responded with a coy look, "What? It's true!" Her confidence was infectious, and while I felt a twinge of fluster, I couldn't help but smile as I replied, "No, not really. But I've heard that Naiads are shameless flirts—looks like we have something in common."

Both Mona and Kelly erupted into giggles at this exchange, while Cori facepalmed in both exasperation and amusement. Nudging her friend playfully, Kelly added, "Come on, you like the attention too, Cori."

"It's all just in good fun," Mona chimed in, trying to lighten the mood further.

As much as I enjoyed their banter, I felt the need to steer the conversation back to my own priorities. "I really should be going, though," I interjected, glancing up toward the surface. Then I remembered that I hadn't learned everyone's name yet, so I continued, "But first, I didn't catch your name, miss."

With a playful giggle, the brunette introduced herself, "You can call me Kelly."

I nodded, appreciating the warm atmosphere. "It was nice to meet you all. I hope we can chat again sometime."

The trio waved goodbye as I began to swim back toward the surface. To my surprise, my strokes propelled me through the water much faster than I had expected, as if I were gliding effortlessly.

Suddenly, a notification flashed before me, stating that I had unlocked a new skill through my special action.

[Swimming (Lv. MAX)—Active]

[MP cost: 0; SP cost: 0]

[The ability to float, dive, and otherwise move through water. At the maximum level, you can survive any water pressure and breathe within any non-cursed water.]

I was amazed at what I read. I couldn't recall ever undergoing extensive training to reach such a high level in Swimming. It seemed likely that my skill had already been maxed out before I even started playing. The description also hinted that the maximum level was something unattainable for normal humans, given that the ability to breathe underwater would surely attract media attention.

Just then, the unique sound of a conch horn echoed through the water, signaling that dinner was about to be served. I may not have known much about my father or my past, but I had begun to unlock some of my powers. Organizing my new stat points would have to wait until later; dinner was calling, and so was the intrigue of this underwater world.