Disclaimer:
This is a work of fanfiction based on Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan and The Rising of the Shield Hero by Aneko Yusagi. I don't own any characters, settings, or ideas from the original series. All rights belong to their respective creators. Original characters and concepts introduced in this story — like Seren, Leora, Darin, Mira, Caius, and others — are my own creation. This project is something I've directed and written myself. I used AI tools (like ChatGPT) to help draft and organize some sections, but every creative decision — from the plot and pacing to the character arcs and emotional moments — was made by me. No profit is being made from this story. It's purely for entertainment and to share a new take on two worlds I love.

Percy's POV

If there's one thing they never tell you about getting pulled into another world, it's how much time you spend shopping.

"Hurry up, Sword Hero," Seren called, already halfway down the castle steps.

I tugged at the chainmail digging into my shoulders, gritting my teeth.

I'd always hated chest plates — heavy, awkward, made me feel like a turtle flipped on its back. Even when it probably would've saved my life once or twice... yeah, still hated them.

The armor felt wrong. Like a cage wrapped too tight around my ribs.

We crossed the castle gates and spilled into the city proper — stone streets, packed stalls, shouting merchants. Smelled like too many people and not enough air.

Seren took point immediately, barking orders like we were his personal army.
Leora stayed glued to his side, already ranting about how "maximizing profits" should be our first goal.

Darin disappeared into the crowd the second we hit the main market.
Mira trailed behind quietly, glancing at everything but saying nothing.
Caius kept tossing and catching a dagger like he wanted someone to give him an excuse to use it.

I kept my head on a swivel, the way Chiron taught us at Camp Half-Blood — battlefield awareness, always.

That's when I saw it.

A heavy canvas tent tucked against a crumbling wall. Guards lounged by the entrance, armor dusty, swords casual at their hips.

From inside the tent, I heard a sharp whimper — short, cut off fast.

"Slave auctions," Seren said over his shoulder, not even slowing down.

My hands clenched into fists at my sides.

Monsters weren't just born.
Sometimes, they wore crowns.

I forced myself to keep walking.

Seren was already dragging us toward an armorer's stall, arguing about who should get what upgrades first.

I fiddled with the strap on my chainmail absently, trying not to look back at the tent. Trying not to think about how many kids were probably locked behind that canvas wall.

Out of the corner of my eye, a different stall caught my attention.

Small. Cramped. Forgotten.

A crooked merchant sat behind a table piled with battered trinkets — cheap charms, cracked amulets, fake relics.

I drifted toward it without thinking, letting the others squabble.

A silver glint caught my eye.

Buried under a pile of junk was a thin bracelet — delicate, with a tiny owl charm dangling from the chain.
Right next to it, half-buried, a rough bronze trident hung from a leather cord.

I didn't hesitate.

Tossed a few coins onto the table. Snatched them both before anyone could notice.

"Waste of money," Seren said when he spotted me pocketing the charms.
"Looks like junk," Leora added with a sneer.

I didn't argue.

Some things were worth more than silver.

The trinkets disappeared into my armor, hidden but close.

A piece of home. A reminder of who I was. Of who I was fighting for.

Seren finally picked out a longsword and started harassing the merchant over the price.
Leora bickered about enchantments.
Darin reappeared, suspiciously light on his feet and suspiciously heavier in his coin purse.
Mira pretended not to notice.
Caius kept tossing that dagger.

I kept my mouth shut and my head down.

Friends don't come easy in this world.
Probably shouldn't expect loyalty either.

The inn smelled like old ale and damp wood, but it was better than the streets.

Seren and Leora immediately ordered drinks, boasting about how quickly we'd become "legends."

Mira sat in the corner, nursing a cup of water and looking like she regretted every life choice that brought her here.

Darin snuck out for "errands" the second nobody was looking.
Caius polished his bow like he was expecting an ambush at any second.

I sat back, tuning out their noise.

Across the room, I caught sight of Naofumi sitting stiffly at a small table — Myne chattering at him, laughing like they were old friends.

Naofumi smiled weakly.

I winced.

Poor guy was already letting his guard down.
Rookie mistake.
One I'd made myself more than once.

I fiddled with the bracelet hidden under my sleeve.

The tiny owl charm pressed cool against my skin.

Stay focused, Seaweed Brain.

Tomorrow, we'd finally head out for real.

At least — I hoped it would finally be real.

Couldn't get worse than today, right?

Tomorrow was worse.