Chapter 137 - Immortal

The sun was already beginning to set on the horizon, painting the sky with orange and purple hues, while Chiron walked through Camp Half-Blood in his centaur form, his hooves sinking slightly into the ground as he observed the campers in the midst of training.

It was an almost unbelievable spectacle. Young demigods destroying car-sized boulders with punches, moving so fast their eyes could barely keep up, healing from deep cuts in a matter of minutes.

In just a single day, Ikki had done something that would take years—perhaps even centuries—to happen naturally. Camp Half-Blood had never been weak, but now… now it was something beyond what anyone could imagine.

What Ikki had done was something completely outside any knowledge he possessed about magic. And Chiron knew a lot about the subject.

Magic was an ancient and complex force, often associated with Hecate and her children, who manipulated the Mist to bend reality to their will. He had seen enchantments that altered the weather, created snow out of thin air, transformed people into animals. But this?

Enhancing demigods to such an absurd level, granting them unique abilities, and even strengthening their connection to their own divine powers?

This was something else.

If magic normally allowed manipulation of natural forces to create specific changes, Ikki's magic went beyond any concept ever seen. It wasn't just a temporary enchantment or blessing; he had literally granted a power of its own to others.

Chiron took a deep breath, watching a group of campers testing their new abilities.

He had lived a long time. Witnessed incredible heroes and battles that shaped eras. But this? This was something new.

Ikki was truly incredible.

He clearly remembered the day the boy arrived at Camp Half-Blood. A clever young demigod, with a sharp gaze and a posture that didn't match his age. Always a bit apart from the others, but never completely alone.

And now, two years later, Ikki had grown into something not even Chiron could have foreseen. He wasn't just a powerful warrior or a brilliant strategist—he was a phenomenon. A demigod who had surpassed all the limits imposed on his kind, who challenged the very concept of what it meant to be a demigod.

Not even the Gods were indifferent.

They offered him a gift few had received throughout history: immortality. A chance to become something more, to enter into myths and legends, to escape the cruel cycle of fate that all demigods shared.

And he refused.

The centaur let out a small smile as he remembered that.

He had trained many heroes over the centuries—Perseus, Hercules, Achilles, Jason, so many names that became legends. He taught them how to wield swords, how to think like warriors, how to defy their destinies. Some became kings, others died tragically, but all, in some way, carried a piece of his teaching.

But Ikki… Ikki was different.

The centaur knew that, compared to the others, he hadn't taught him much. The boy already arrived at camp with a look of someone who knew more than he showed, as if he were always one step ahead. He didn't need lessons on strategy or combat; his mind and body were already molded by something beyond what Chiron could teach.

Even so, Ikki was his proudest student.

Not for what he learned, but for what he chose to be.

He didn't let himself be bent by fate, the last prophecy was the one that went wrong the most, if it had been as prophesied, two people would die, but he changed that. He didn't yield to the temptations of immortality. He grew, evolved, and somehow redefined what it meant to be a demigod. He created his own path, not as a hero who would follow the will of the Gods, but as someone who would leave his own mark on the world.

Chiron sighed heavily as he looked at the orange late afternoon sky. He turned his gaze towards Thalia's pine tree, remembering the farewell he had earlier.

Ikki left in the morning to resolve personal matters, but promised he would return next summer or sooner if the camp needed him. He had apologized for not being able to train the campers further, but Chiron didn't mind so much; with the level of strength Ikki had granted them, the camp had never been so prepared for the war that would inevitably come.

Still, worry wasn't something that simply disappeared.

A shadow settled in his heart as he remembered Silena's gaze. Always one of the most lively and radiant among the campers, she seemed… broken. The deep dark circles under her eyes, the slumped shoulders, the way she tried to smile when saying goodbye to Ikki, but failed, and how he treated her more coldly. Something had happened between the two of them, something serious. And the centaur didn't like it one bit.

And then there was Percy. He said goodbye to Ikki, saying he would leave on Friday, before the weekend. They talked about meeting up soon, which, knowing those two, probably meant they would be in some kind of trouble sooner rather than later.

Annabeth, in turn, tried to maintain her composure, but her sadness was evident. She lectured him about keeping in touch with Iris messages and making sure he would be alright. In the end, she hugged him and kissed him on the cheek, a gesture that made Ikki look somewhat resigned. Ah, young love…

Katie almost did the same, but hesitated. Will joked about giving him a kiss too, but in the end, the two just fist-bumped, laughing.

The Stoll brothers, of course, couldn't let the farewell pass without some mischief. They handed Ikki a backpack with malicious grins, and Chiron wondered what the heck they had put in there.

Bianca gave him a tight hug, and Nico… well, Nico almost cried. The boy begged to go along, convinced that Ikki was embarking on an epic adventure and feeling left behind. Hero worship? Perhaps. But also something deeper, a fear of losing someone else.

Finally, the rest of the few campers who were at camp also said goodbye, excited and eager for the following summer, hoping for the promise of a future where they would see him again.

And it was in that moment, he remembered that it wasn't official. But to him, to the campers who witnessed everything Ikki had done, the leadership of Camp Half-Blood belonged to him.

Ikki was the leader of the demigods.

Not just because of his strength, but because of the way everyone looked at him, as if he were the rock they could lean on. They trusted him, not only to protect them, but to guide them. Chiron saw it in the demigods' smiles, the pride in the eyes of many of them, the way camp morale seemed stronger than ever since he returned.

He gave him this position officially during the farewell, knowing that Ikki hadn't asked for it. Maybe he didn't even want that burden. But the fact was that, even after leaving, his influence still remained. And, deep down, Chiron knew that when the time came, when war knocked on the door, Ikki would return.

Because that's what a leader did.

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A few hours earlier.

Manhattan, New York.

In a specific part of Manhattan, stood a building that stood out from the rest.

This was the [Elite Investment Center], located on the iconic West 57th Street. It was a spectacle of sophistication and modern style, a true gem in the heart of New York. With 75 floors of pure refinement, its glass structure reflected sunlight in an almost mesmerizing way, while its sleek lines cut through the sky as if defying the laws of gravity. The building's facade, composed of glass panels and polished steel, gave the impression that the building was made of crystal, allowing a clear view of the interior through the panoramic height windows.

Upon entering, the lobby was a perfect example of effortless luxury. Gleaming white marble floor, elegant columns, and refined contemporary designer furniture. The atmosphere was soft, quiet, and welcoming, yet exuded a certain air of exclusivity. Every detail, from the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling to the luxurious carpet covering the floor, seemed carefully chosen to convey status and prestige. The modern art on the walls was in perfect harmony with the neutral color palette that filled the space, creating a backdrop of unbeatable class.

The soft scent of polished wood and fresh flowers was unmistakable, and each of the impeccably uniformed staff members was attentive to every detail, ready to offer perfect service, as if their sole mission was to ensure that every visitor was treated like someone important.

On the top floor, inside the owner's office.

The space was vast, with large windows offering a breathtaking view of the city, as if the office were positioned on top of the world. The soft afternoon light illuminated the minimalist and carefully positioned furniture, designed to maximize the feeling of sophistication without becoming overly opulent.

The walls, in a deep shade of gray, were decorated with modern art—pieces that seemed simple at first glance, but carried a complexity that drew the eye and made one think. In the background, a glass and steel bookcase displayed rare books and valuable objects, each item seemingly chosen to reflect a story or a moment of his life. The dark wood floor contrasted with the metallic touches of the recessed ceiling lights, creating a play of shadows and light that intensified the feeling of exclusivity and elegance of the space.

Ikki, sitting cross-legged in a comfortable and discreet leather chair, observed the surroundings calmly, appreciating the harmony between modernity and sobriety that permeated the place. He held a teacup, his eyes fixed on the lines of the office, which seemed to trace a narrative of success and control. Every detail, from the layout of the room to the arrangement of the furniture, seemed designed to make an impression without being overly flashy.

It was then that the door opened with a slight creak, breaking the silence. The man entered with a presence that quickly filled the room. He apologized for the delay, his voice low and serene, but charged with an authority that couldn't be ignored. The man seemed, at first glance, the archetype of the successful executive, but there was something deeper in his posture, something that transcended the image of a simple businessman.

His dark, well-groomed, and slightly tied-back hair gave him a meticulously organized appearance, reflecting a mind that valued every detail. His face was marked by a serious expression, and his deep eyes seemed to carry the weight of experiences and thoughts that went beyond the surface. A look that suggested wisdom acquired over time, but also a melancholy that couldn't be ignored, as if he had seen more than he would have liked, or as if there were a part of his story that wasn't ready to be told yet.

The suit he wore was impeccable, a set of sober colors—black, gray, and silver—with subtle details that went unnoticed by those who weren't attentive. The tie, with an almost imperceptible pattern, and the short cape that added an unexpected touch, showed that he not only followed the rules of a rigorous business world but adapted them to reflect his own personality. His clothing conveyed a sense of dominance, but without ostentation. He didn't need to shout his status; he emanated it in a sophisticated and natural way.

He approached Ikki with a gentle smile, but with an aura of authority that was difficult to ignore. The tone of his voice was courteous, but charged with an implicit familiarity, as if he already knew enough about Ikki to not need unnecessary formalities.

"Ikki Phoenix…" He began, extending his hand to the young man: "I'm Medvih Scavell, a pleasure to finally meet you in person…"

His hand was firm as he shook Ikki's, the touch secure but not aggressive.

Ikki looked at the man in front of him. His eyes, which were previously calm, began to analyze Medvih's every move. Something in the man's posture, the way he conducted the conversation, aroused his curiosity.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Medvih." Ikki replied with his usual calmness, maintaining eye contact.

Medvih smiled slightly, releasing Ikki's hand and turning to walk back to sit behind the office desk.

"My assistant gave me the details… And the proposal you brought is quite interesting to me. Let's talk about it."

"Let's." Ikki nodded.

Medvih looked at Ikki, a courteous smile gracing his lips as he leaned back in the dark leather chair.

"So… tell me, Ikki. The reason for wanting to sell your mother's property? That was something she left to you, right?" Medvih asked, his voice soft, but the curiosity evident.

Ikki shrugged, his eyes fixed on the man in front of him. He didn't seem bothered, but there was an indifference in his gaze.

"No, that's not why." He replied calmly: "I… have bad memories of that place. It doesn't have much to do with inheritance or anything like that, it's just personal…"

Medvih observed Ikki for a moment, as if analyzing his reaction, and then leaned forward slightly. He opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out some photos, arranging them with a meticulous touch. His gaze slid over the images before settling back on the young man.

"I understand." Medvih murmured with a discreet smile: "Normally I don't handle this kind of business, but when one of my brokers passed on the information about your property… Instead of putting the property up for sale to the public, I could buy it for myself, if that's more convenient for you. A direct transaction, without the hassle of auction houses and negotiations…"

Ikki just looked at the photos in Medvih's hands for a moment, the expression on his face unchanged. Before coming to the real estate agency, he used magic to photograph the apartment and the building where his mother lived, altering the perception of the entire city so that everyone legally saw him as an eighteen-year-old boy whose mother left him the building as inheritance and went on a business trip for a while.

When he arrived here and waited at the reception, the man before his eyes passed by him, soon while talking to one of the brokers inside the office, he was called to meet him.

"I appreciate the offer, yes, it sounds good." He said, his voice calm and emotionless: "Let's do it…"

Medvih nodded with a satisfied smile, putting away the photos and leaning back in his chair again.

"Great. Let's take care of that then." He spoke, his voice still soft, but with a touch of certainty: "You won't regret this, Ikki. You can trust me."

After some time discussing the terms of the deal, Ikki had reached an agreement with Medvih. His mother's property would be exchanged for a luxurious apartment in downtown Manhattan, plus a good sum of money, which would be deposited into a bank account that Medvih had arranged for him. Everything was settled, but Ikki felt that something else was in the air, a tension that he couldn't quite identify yet, but that he knew would make sense soon.

When he stood up, ready to say goodbye and leave the room, Medvih's calm voice made him stop.

"Ikki, just one more thing." Medvih called out, his expression serene but with a touch of curiosity: "How is Camp Half-Blood?"

Ikki turned slowly, and Medvih's deep gaze met his. Ikki wasn't surprised.

In fact, he already knew what Medvih was, from the moment he laid eyes on him.

"It's fine…" Ikki replied, with a calmness that betrayed his lack of concern. He turned back towards the door, but Medvih didn't seem satisfied with the simple answer.

"Come, sit down." Medvih gestured to the chair in front of him: "I'd like to know more. It's not something you hear every day…"

Ikki sighed.

He walked back and sat down, crossing his legs with the ease of someone who was already used to unexpected conversations. He made a slight gesture with his hand, signaling that Medvih could continue.

"Well, if it's about Hecate's children, I can say they're fine." Ikki replied calmly.

Medvih raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised.

"How do you know that? How did you know I'm Hecate's son?" He asked, his voice laced with genuine curiosity.

"I knew from the moment I saw you." Ikki said, staring intently at Medvih, now without reservation: "You're an immortal. Hecate's son, aren't you?…"

Medvih leaned slightly forward, a calm smile dancing on his lips, as if he'd enjoyed the accuracy of Ikki's observation.

"Ah…" Medvih said, adjusting his posture in the chair: "Since you know, there's no need for us to pretend we're just discussing business. Yes, you're right. I am Hecate's son. And, as you've probably already realized, I'm also cursed with immortality."

Medvih's tone was calm, but something in his voice conveyed a slight touch of bitterness. He settled back in his chair, looking at Ikki, waiting for the young demigod to make further observations.

Ikki, in turn, remained silent for a moment.

The two conversed casually for a while, exchanging information in a balanced way. Medvih didn't seem to be in a hurry, and Ikki wasn't particularly rushed to leave either. The conversation unfolded naturally, with a tone of mutual curiosity, even though they were clearly studying each other.

Medvih revealed some information about himself, although without going into much detail. He told Ikki that he was a son of Hecate and that he had been alive since Ancient Greece, a survivor of the centuries. However, he didn't explain exactly the reason for his curse, only mentioning that he had been cursed with unwanted immortality. Ikki realized that this was a subject Medvih didn't intend to delve into, and so he didn't press.

Still, Medvih told him that, at some point in the past, he had taken a demigod to Camp Half-Blood. This event was what gave him knowledge about the modern existence of the refuge for the children of the gods, and since then, he had kept an eye open for what happened there. His relationship with the demigod world was closer than Ikki imagined.

When the conversation came to an end, Medvih gave him a calm look and said:

"If you ever need someone to talk to, you can look me up."

Ikki raised an eyebrow, noticing that Medvih had shown an unusual interest in him since the beginning of the conversation.

"You seem quite interested in me." Ikki commented bluntly.

Medvih smiled enigmatically and replied simply:

"It's fascinating to me, magical energy seems to surround you as if it originated from you. Something very similar to my mother, but on a different scale. I believe that maintaining close contact with you will be beneficial to me..."

Ikki just let out a light sigh, saying nothing. He wasn't surprised; after all, he had noticed this reaction before. Still, it was interesting to hear it from someone so experienced.

With a final handshake, he stood up and headed for the exit, leaving Medvih behind, watching him with an intrigued look.