The First Quest (1)

It had been two weeks since the monster invasion was counteracted. The camp had managed to recover from the physical destruction, but the emotional wounds were still raw. Grief and sorrow hung heavy in the air, casting a persistent gloom over the camp.

Since the betrayal, the discrimination I faced had intensified. Despite Chiron's and Adriel's words, many still viewed me with suspicion and hostility, convinced that I was one of the traitors. So, I was in the forest to train my abilities, away from the accusatory stares and aggressive behavior that plagued me at the training grounds, which made it impossible to concentrate.

The ground trembled subtly as I commanded a chunk of earth to rise. In response, a thick wall emerged, growing taller and sturdier with each passing moment. The effort drained a considerable amount of my divine energy, but seeing the wall stand firm was worth it.

For the past two weeks, I have been mastering my first ability, while also fortifying my body's physical prowess. My recent clash with the son of Ares reminded me how weak I was currently.

The overbearing pain of the wound across my right arm was still lingering in my mind. Although it had mostly healed, there was a long vertical scar, which was what was left of the wound. Although I was feeling alright, I knew I was still in the vague shock of that deadly fight. It was neither something I was used to nor something I could get used to easily after all. On the other hand, death wasn't something that far away from me either.

'I have no choice but to get stronger in this world.'

I coated my hand with divine energy, threads of black and red threads flickering around my fist in a faint, ethereal glow. With all my strength, I drove my punch into the freshly created wall. The impact resonated through the air, spiderweb-like cracks sprawling across the surface.

'The wall's durability is quite weak. But it will still prove very useful in a fight.'

Beyond crafting defensive barriers from the earth, my divine energy allowed me to manipulate, move, and reshape any type of earthly material. This power extended not only to soil and stone but also to various metals, giving me control over substances far more resilient.

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue across the sky, I realized it was time for dinner. I gathered my belongings, packed them neatly away, and then summoned my status window in my mind.

'Status Window'

---

Name: Blake Norman

Bloodline: Son of Hades

Strength: F

Agility: F+

Stamina: F

Intelligence: F

Divine Energy: F+

Charm: S

Daggermanship ==> F-

Ability ==>

Authority Over Earth (Bloodline Ability) --- The user possesses the authority over any type of earthly material. Correlated with the amount of divine energy supplied, the range and effect of the ability increase.

---

I had managed to elevate my agility to (F+) rank and the rest of my stats to (F) rank. Though still falling short compared to the main cast, I believed these improvements would suffice for surviving the next event.

While advancing through the ranks had been relatively swift and straightforward so far, I knew that as I progressed, each incremental improvement would become exponentially more challenging.

With these thoughts in mind, I made my way to the campfire where dinner awaited.

***

After dinner, I headed back to my cabin. In the distance, Hades' cabin came into view, and I noticed the main cast had gathered, chatting animatedly in front of Zeus' cabin.

Upon seeing me approach, Adriel turned and waved at me.

"Yo! Blake!"

Since his apology, it had become a regular occurrence for Adriel to greet me whenever he saw me. I guess he was feeling guilty and this was his way of making amends. Eleanor seemed more at ease around me as well, though Amelia remained as distant as ever.

I nodded at his greeting without saying anything.

"Chiron told me to inform you about our first quest since he wasn't able to find you in person. Tomorrow morning we are going to leave the camp and dispatch to New York City in search of a person assumed to be a newly awakened demigod."

"Is that so? Then I'll head to bed early... Goodnight."

"Uh.. Yeah. Goodnight."

Adriel rejoined the two girls, their conversation resuming as I headed indoors.

This quest was crucial, marking the second major event of the novel. Adriel's team had been tasked with recruiting a newly awakened demigod into the camp. Our mission was to safely escort her to Camp Twilight.

This demigod, the daughter of Artemis, would join the main cast after Adriel saved her from the monsters. She was destined to become a vital character that would support Adriel in the future.

'Tomorrow is going to be exhausting as hell. I hope I don't have to deal with any unexpected complications...'

***

"Where is Eleanor?"

Chiron asked, his stern expression making it clear he wasn't pleased. It was early in the morning, and we were waiting for Eleanor to join us before departing for New York City.

"I don't know either. Should I go check on her cabin in case she's still sleeping?"

Adriel suggested, trying to ease Chiron's anger, but it didn't help much. Fortunately, Eleanor soon appeared, running toward us. Seeing Chiron's frowning face, she couldn't help but flinch. Panting, she asked for forgiveness saying her alarm was broken and all those excuses. Eventually, she gave up and accepted the embarrassment of her mistake.

"Alright, whatever... We are still not late but we need to be quick with the details of the quest thanks to Eleanor. So listen closely..."

"Our scouting team has detected an unusual concentration of divine energy within a school. We believe this energy is being emanated by a newly awakened demigod who is a student there. Your task is to investigate the school, confirm the presence of this demigod, and if found, escort them safely back to our camp. You have my full authorization for this."

"The coordinates of the school have been sent to your phones. Double-check that you have all the necessary equipment and supplies. Once you're prepared, you will depart immediately. Any questions?"

"If we encounter monsters, should we eliminate them or escape?"

Adriel inquired.

"It depends on the circumstances. Your primary mission is to ensure the safe return of both the demigod and yourselves to the camp. Act accordingly to protect everyone. Anything else?"

"Good! I hope you all return without any issues. Good luck!"

As Chiron's figure receded into the distance, we each took a moment to double-check our gear. Satisfied that everything was in order, we started our trek towards the camp's entrance, where the shimmering barrier awaited us.

"Hu ... Alright! Beyond this barrier lies a dangerous world full of monsters."

Adriel pivoted to address us, a blend of concern and anticipation shimmering in his eyes. He seemed poised to deliver a generic hero speech.

"So I trust you all to watch each other's back when the time comes during our mission. We have to return to the camp all safe and sound!"

The girls nodded, their enthusiasm unable to match Adriel's energy. It struck me as ironic that Adriel was so excited, considering the impending life-or-death encounters awaiting us with the monsters on our quest.

'Well, I suppose this isn't too bad... It's been a while since I ventured beyond these camp walls.'

It was going to be my first time seeing New York City. Despite having spent my previous life in the United States, I had lived mostly in rural surroundings.

Trailing behind the primary group, I crossed the barrier, a curious tingling sensation enveloping my body. Emerging on the other side, I was met with an intimidating expanse of forest. Catching up to the main party, we commenced our walk through the woods in search of the highway. We were going to take a bus a bus that headed for New York City. Almost as if echoing my own sentiments, Eleanor lamented the forthcoming bus journey.

"I don't get it. Why do we have to take a bus? I mean, aren't we the children of Gods?"

"If you have a problem, why don't you find a better idea?"

"What do you mean, Amelia? Are you okay with taking a bus when we can get attacked by monsters anytime?!"

"We have no other choice anyway."

As I followed behind the group, I found myself lost in contemplation about a pivotal phenomenon essential for the functioning of this world. Without the presence of the force known as the 'Mist,' the developmental narrative of the novel's universe would possess a huge gap.

The school's location was nestled within the bustling metropolis of New York City, a hub where countless humans lived out their lives. Yet, this circumstance begged the question of how humans remained oblivious to the existence of supernatural entities and occurrences unfolding amidst the city's streets, or indeed, across the globe.

This unawareness was made possible by the veiling influence of the 'Mist,' a mystical shroud that hid the supernatural from mortal eyes. Controlled by Hecate, the goddess who governed the boundaries between the world of mortals and the supernatural world, the Mist served as a veil safeguarding the delicate balance between the two worlds.

Thus, even in the event of confronting and engaging in battle with monsters, the ordinary mortals in our vicinity would remain oblivious to the unfolding reality. Instead, their perceptions would likely be skewed, seeing mundane scenes such as a construction zone, leading them to instinctively steer clear of our path to avoid us.

For the vast majority of mortals, the revelation of the supernatural would drive them to madness, potentially unraveling their sanity and causing irreparable harm to their minds. In a way, the Mist served as a safeguard, shielding mortals from the unsettling truths lurking beyond their perception.

However, there existed individuals among the mortals who possessed the extraordinary ability to perceive the supernatural reality through the Mist without drawbacks. Though it was very rare.

The rumble of the bus jolted me from my thoughts as Adriel called me out.

"Blake! Come on, hop on the bus!"

"Right..."

I boarded the bus, and it roared to life, embarking on its journey along the coastal route. The sun, still ascending above the horizon, cast its golden rays across the surface of the sea, creating a dazzling spectacle. Gripped by the glinting waves, I found myself retracing the plotline of the novel, mentally preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.