The morning air was humid. Kenji adjusted his hoodie as he stood by the curb outside Yancy. Percy paced nervously, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder. Grover, revealed now as their satyr protector, waited nearby, hooves tapping the ground.
Chiron had made it clear—this wasn't just a road trip. It was a test. Monsters would smell them the moment they left school grounds.
> *Quest Initiated: Journey to Camp
> Objective: Reach Camp Half-Blood safely
> Sub-objective: Protect Percy and Grover
> Bonus: Unlock Camp Access Point | Reward: Camp Token + Random Weapon Chest*
---
*Somewhere in Upstate New York – Greyhound Bus*
The trip started quietly. Grover tried to explain the basics—Greek gods, demigods, monsters. Percy struggled with it all.
Kenji, however, was focused.
> *Observe Activated*
> Grover Underwood – Satyr
> Loyalty: High
> Strength: D
> Magic Affinity: Nature – Moderate
> Passive Trait: Empathic Scent Tracking*
Kenji mentally added that to his notes. Useful.
As the bus neared a forested stretch of highway, the system chimed.
> *Dungeon Surge Detected: Beast's Ambush
> Dungeon Type: Field – Mid Difficulty
> Enemy Count: 3
> Lead Monster: Nemean Cub – Lv. 9
> Special Drop Chance: Nemean Fur Fragment*
"We're about to be attacked," Kenji said calmly.
"What?!" Percy asked, already standing.
The bus screeched—something hit it hard.
Three lion-like creatures with glowing gold eyes and near-metallic fur leapt onto the road.
---
*Dungeon Battle: Initiated*
> *Enemy: Nemean Cub
> HP: 200
> Trait: Invulnerable Hide (Reduced by Celestial Bronze)*
Kenji jumped from the bus. "Percy! Aim for the eyes or inside the mouth!"
He activated *Wind Step*, appearing behind one cub and thrusting his sword deep into its throat.
> *Weak Point Hit – 130 DMG*
It collapsed, twitching.
Percy barely dodged one charging at him. Grover swung his reed pipes and sent vines wrapping around the last cub.
Kenji dashed in and finished the second with a clean slash across the mouth.
The third broke free—but Percy stabbed straight up as it leapt at him. Riptide flashed, and the beast turned to golden dust mid-air.
---
*Victory*
> *Dungeon Cleared: Beast's Ambush
> +600 XP
> Drops: Nemean Fur Fragment (x2), Drachma (x12), Low-Grade Stamina Potion
> Kenji Level Up: 6 → 7
> New Passive Unlocked: Monster Instinct – +5% reaction speed when outnumbered*
---
*That Night – Camp's Outer Border*
Grover guided them down a wooded path. In the distance, lights glowed warmly behind a pine tree. Kenji's system chimed once more.
> *Mission Complete: Journey to Camp
> Reward Claimed: Random Weapon Chest – "Bronze-Tipped Wind Dagger"
> Camp Access Granted
> New Questline Available: Trials of the North Wind*
As they crossed the boundary, Percy's eyes widened.
"Whoa… is this real?"
Kenji looked over the fields of Camp Half-Blood.
"It's about to get realer."
---
*End of Chapter 11*