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Kallias woke up with a gasp, his body aching and cold. He groaned as the dull throb in his side reminded him of the events from yesterday. A familiar voice echoed in his mind the moment his eyes fluttered open.

[System: Good morning, Kallias. System online. Your acclimation phase continues.]

Sitting up slowly, he rubbed his temples. "Alright, System. Let's go over this again. What exactly can you do?"

[System: I am your guide, assigned to assist you in this new life. My functions include monitoring your stats, providing essential information, answering most questions, and assigning missions to aid your progression.]

"Most questions?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "What can't you answer?"

[System: Certain topics are restricted or beyond my scope, as determined by the higher power that created me.]

"Of course," Kallias muttered, standing up gingerly. He glanced at the shimmering river nearby, its calm surface reflecting the faint morning light. His body ached, but the water's allure was undeniable.

Slowly, he stepped into the river, feeling the cool embrace of the water. As he sank deeper, a strange sensation took hold—he didn't need to hold his breath. Water filled his lungs, yet it felt as natural as breathing air. A smile tugged at his lips.

"This... this is incredible," he whispered, his voice muffled beneath the surface.

As he swam deeper, he noticed tiny fish darting around him. At first, they kept their distance, but as Kallias moved, they began to approach. A small, silver fish nudged his hand.

He chuckled softly, reaching out to pet its smooth scales. "Hey there, little guy."

Then, a timid voice echoed in his mind.

[??? Hello...]

Kallias froze, his eyes widening. He turned sharply, scanning his surroundings. "What was that? Who's there?"

The voice came again, soft but clearer this time.

[??? It's me... down here.]

He looked down at the small fish hovering in front of him. His jaw dropped. "Wait... was that you?"

The fish wiggled slightly, as if nodding.

[??? Yes. You can hear me?]

"I can... talk to fish?" Kallias blinked in disbelief, then laughed nervously. "This just keeps getting weirder."

The fish's tone turned reverent.

[??? You're not just anyone. You feel... powerful. Divine. Like a king of the waters.]

"King?" Kallias frowned. "No, I'm just... me. I'm not a king."

[??? But you are. You belong here. The waters recognize you. We recognize you.]

More fish gathered around him, their tiny voices whispering in awe. Kallias raised a hand, trying to calm them down. "Alright, alright. Relax, all of you. Let's just... hang out, okay?"

The fish seemed to settle, swimming playfully around him. For a while, Kallias allowed himself to enjoy the moment, the soothing embrace of the water and the strange camaraderie of his new companions.

When he finally emerged, the aches in his body were gone, replaced by a sense of calm and renewal. Water dripped from his soaked clothes as he approached the pile of hellhound bodies nearby. He eyed them thoughtfully.

"System," he said, his voice steady, "what's my next mission?"

[System: Mission assigned—find a safe space to serve as your base of operations.]

"And the reward?"

[System: Reward—special item of interest. You will know it when you see it.]

His curiosity was piqued, but he focused on the task at hand. Following the riverbank, he soon discovered a cave hidden behind thick vines and undergrowth. Pushing past the foliage, he stepped inside and took a cautious look around.

The space was wide and dark, with faint light filtering through cracks in the rock. The air was cool and damp, and the distant sound of dripping water echoed within.

"This will do," Kallias murmured with a small smile.

Returning to the riverbank, he used his water manipulation to lift the hellhound bodies. The water obeyed his will, forming tendrils that gently cradled the carcasses. With a flick of his hand, he guided them into the cave, sparing himself the effort of carrying them.

Once inside, Kallias decided to make himself comfortable. His clothes were still damp, so he stripped off his shirt and pants, leaving himself in just his underwear. He draped the wet clothing over a jagged rock to dry.

Turning back to the hellhound corpses, an idea struck him. These creatures were feared by many monsters. Their blood carried an unmistakable scent of danger.

Grabbing a sharp rock, he cut into one of the bodies and sprayed its blood near the cave's entrance and further inside. "This should keep any unwelcome guests away," he muttered as he worked. He even smeared some of the blood on himself, knowing it would help mask his scent.

When he finished, Kallias retreated deeper into the cave and sat cross-legged on the cool stone floor. "System, I've completed the mission. What's my reward?"

[System: Mission complete. Reward unlocked—Serpent Egg.]

A faint glow appeared in front of him as an object materialized out of thin air. It was a smooth, obsidian-colored egg etched with glowing runes. Kallias reached out and cradled it carefully.

"This... is my reward?"

[System: Correct. The Serpent Egg contains a rare creature bound to you. Protect it, and it will grow into a powerful ally.]

Running his fingers over the glowing runes, Kallias felt a sense of awe and responsibility. "Looks like I'm a parent now," he muttered with a chuckle.

Leaning back against the cave wall, he held the egg close. The day had been long and strange, but for the first time, Kallias felt like he was beginning to carve out a place for himself in this new world. 

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Kallias stared at the egg in his hands, marveling at its strange beauty. It was black and glossy, with veins of gold running across its surface like tiny rivers of molten light. The texture was unlike anything he'd felt before—smooth yet scaly, as if it were alive. It was warm to the touch, but he could feel it cooling slightly in the damp air of the cave.

He pressed the egg closer to his chest, wrapping his arms around it protectively. He knew reptiles, especially snakes, needed warmth to thrive. The cave was humid, but the chill of the stone floor made it clear it wasn't warm enough. Kallias leaned against the wall, using his own body heat to keep the egg comfortable.

As he held it, a faint shudder ran through the shell, and he felt something stir inside. His breath caught. "You're alive in there," he whispered, smiling softly. "I'll take care of you, little one."

A soothing tune came to his mind, something from a distant memory. He began to hum it softly, the melody echoing faintly in the cave. The egg vibrated slightly in response, as though the creature inside could hear him.

Breaking the silence, Kallias spoke. "System," he said, his voice low but steady, "what am I supposed to do now? I've found a base, but what's next?"

[System: Your task is to survive for as long as you can. The longer you endure, the more you will grow. Survival is your priority, Kallias.]

"Survive, huh?" He glanced around the cave, noting the shadows that stretched along the walls. The faint dripping of water in the distance was his only company. "Seems simple enough, I guess. But what about my mana? When I used my water abilities earlier, it drained me. I could feel another kind of energy there, but I don't know what it is."

[System: Mana is the source of your magical power. It allows you to manipulate the Mist, a supernatural force controlled by the goddess Hecate. The Mist twists mortal perception, hiding monsters, gods, and other supernatural phenomena by replacing them with things the mortal mind can understand.]

"The Mist..." Kallias repeated, furrowing his brow. "So, it's like a veil that keeps mortals from seeing the truth? And I can manipulate it?"

[System: Not yet. You are too young and inexperienced to control the Mist. For now, your mana is limited to sustaining your current abilities. However, there is one thing you can do with it.]

"What's that?" he asked, tilting his head.

[System: You can feed your mana to the serpent inside the egg. Doing so will ensure its safety and help it mature faster. The serpent will have many uses once it hatches, and as it grows, it will become a powerful ally.]

Kallias looked down at the egg in his arms, his fingers tracing the golden veins. "Feed it my mana?" he murmured. "Alright... how do I do that?"

[System: Focus on the egg and direct your mana toward it. Visualize the energy flowing from you into the creature within. The serpent will respond if it accepts the offering.]

Taking a deep breath, Kallias closed his eyes and focused. He imagined the energy within him—a reservoir of power sitting just beneath the surface. He pictured it as a shimmering blue light, radiating warmth. Slowly, he directed the light toward the egg, imagining it seeping through the shell and into the creature inside.

A sudden warmth spread through his hands, and the egg shuddered again, more firmly this time. He opened his eyes to see the golden veins glowing faintly, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat.

"Did it work?" he asked softly.

[System: Yes. The serpent has accepted your mana. It will grow stronger and healthier as you continue to feed it. This process also strengthens your bond with it.]

Kallias smiled, a sense of pride blooming in his chest. "Good. I'll make sure you're safe," he murmured to the egg.

After a moment, another thought struck him. "System, how do I get stronger? I can't just sit in this cave forever."

[System: To grow stronger, you must practice your skills, hunt down monsters, and learn to manipulate the Mist. Each of these actions will enhance your abilities and expand your potential.]

"Hunt monsters?" Kallias asked, raising an eyebrow. "That sounds... dangerous."

[System: Danger is part of survival. The greater the risk, the greater the reward.]

He leaned back against the wall, still holding the egg close. The glow from its veins had faded, but it felt warmer now, as though the creature inside was more alive than before. "Alright," he said quietly. "I'll do whatever it takes to survive. For myself... and for you."

The sound of dripping water filled the silence as Kallias rested against the cave wall, his mind racing with plans for the days ahead.

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Weeks passed as Kallias settled into a routine. Each day began and ended the same: practice, feed the serpent egg his mana, and beg the system for food.

At first, water manipulation was exhausting. His control was weak, and the movements felt unnatural, but with time, he improved. The small ripples he created turned into flowing streams. He learned to shape the water into tendrils, orbs, and even small shields. Practice made him faster, stronger, and more precise.

The egg remained his constant companion. It stayed warm by the fire he painstakingly learned to create. Using his mana, he focused on sparking the dry wood he'd gathered. The first few tries were frustrating; nothing happened but a faint sizzle. However, after hours of concentration, a spark ignited. The flames roared to life, and the warmth that filled the cave felt like a victory.

He placed the egg close enough to feel the fire's heat but far enough away to keep it safe. Every so often, he pressed his mana into the egg, feeling the serpent stir inside. "You're getting stronger, little one," he would whisper, a sense of pride swelling in his chest.

Food, on the other hand, was a different challenge. He couldn't bring himself to hunt the fish that swam near him, especially after his connection to them strengthened. When his stomach growled one day, he grumbled near the riverbank, "If only I had something to eat..."

To his shock, a bundle of rations appeared nearby. He stared at the food, stunned, before cautiously picking it up. "System?" he asked, his voice a mix of awe and confusion.

[System: Food has been provided in response to your request. You prayed, and someone answered.]

The realization hit him. Someone had heard his prayer. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he closed his eyes for a moment in silent gratitude. He knew the customs of his kind—demigods often gave a portion of their food to their divine parents in thanks for their blessings.

Without hesitation, he tore off a small piece from the bundle and held it up to the air. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice carrying the sincerity of his words. "Whoever you are, this is for you." With that, he sent the offering toward the heavens, a silent prayer of appreciation sent to whoever had answered his call. 

After that, whenever hunger gnawed at him, he focused hard, practically begging for sustenance. The food always came, though he wondered how long such a luxury would last.

This cycle continued—training, survival, and nurturing the serpent—until one fateful night.

The system's alert startled Kallias awake, his body tensing as his eyes snapped open.

[System: Warning. Hostile creature detected nearby.]

His heart hammered in his chest as adrenaline surged through him. "What kind of creature?" he whispered urgently, scrambling to his feet.

[System: Cyclops. Level 50. Approaching rapidly.]

Panic flickered in his mind, but the system's next message brought a strange sense of clarity.

[System: Mission: Defeat the Cyclops and survive. Gift ensured.]

Kallias exhaled sharply, steeling himself for the fight ahead. The words "gift ensured" lingered in his mind, a vague but comforting promise of something to help him. But for now, survival was the priority. He quickly scanned his surroundings, preparing for the impending battle.

Fear gripped him as he scrambled to his feet. He grabbed the serpent egg, hesitating for a moment. "I need to hide you," he muttered, looking around the cave. He found a small crevice in the wall, just big enough for the egg. Gently, he rolled it into the space, whispering, "Stay safe. I'll come back for you."

The ground trembled as heavy footsteps grew louder. The stench hit him first—a rancid, overpowering odor of decay and rot. Then, a massive shadow filled the cave entrance.

The cyclops ducked to enter, its single glowing eye scanning the darkness. "There you are, little halfling," it rumbled, its voice deep and rough, almost amused.

The cyclops sniffed the air, its grotesque lips curling into a grin. "Smells like power... smells like prey."

Kallias clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay calm. His eyes darted to the cave's exit. If he could draw it outside, he'd have the water as an advantage.

"Come and get me, then!" he yelled, bolting toward the entrance.

The cyclops roared, lunging after him. Its massive hand swiped at Kallias, narrowly missing as he darted out of the cave and toward the riverbank.

"Faster, faster," Kallias urged himself, his legs burning as he ran. He could feel the ground shake with every step the cyclops took, the creature's guttural growls filling the air.

When he reached the river's edge, he turned to face the beast. The cyclops loomed over him, its eye gleaming with malice.

"You can't run anymore, little one," it sneered, raising a massive club.

Kallias stepped back into the water, feeling its cool embrace against his skin. "I'm not running," he said, raising his hands.

The cyclops laughed, a deep, guttural sound. "What can you do, halfling? Splash me?"

Kallias smirked. "Something like that."

He focused, drawing the river's water upward. It responded to his call, forming a massive bubble that hovered above the cyclops's head. The creature paused, confused, before Kallias brought the bubble crashing down.

The water engulfed the cyclops's head, cutting off its growl mid-sentence. The beast thrashed, clawing at the water as it tried to breathe.

Kallias gritted his teeth, sweat dripping down his brow as he strained to maintain the spell. His arms shook from the effort, his mana draining rapidly. The cyclops stumbled toward him, swinging its club wildly, but its movements grew weaker with each passing second.

"Just... a little longer," Kallias muttered, his muscles burning.

The cyclops dropped to its knees, its massive hands pawing uselessly at the water. Its growls turned to gurgles, then silence. Finally, the creature slumped forward, its body crashing into the ground with a thunderous thud.

Kallias collapsed into the water, gasping for breath. He sank beneath the surface, hiding in the murky depths until he was sure the cyclops was dead. From below, he could see the monster's lifeless body sprawled on the shore.

[System: Level 50 Cyclops defeated. Experience gained: 3000. Level up: Level 8 achieved.]

Kallias surfaced, coughing and wiping his face, a mix of disbelief and triumph in his eyes. "I actually did it," he muttered, still processing the fact that he'd taken down the formidable cyclops. His legs were shaky from exhaustion, but he pushed himself forward, wading toward the massive body of the beast.

"Let's see what you've got," he muttered under his breath, kneeling beside the fallen creature. He began to methodically raid the cyclops's body, his hands still trembling from the adrenaline. First, his fingers brushed against something heavy. Reaching inside a pouch, he pulled out a handful of golden drachmas, their bright gleam contrasting with the dirt and blood around him.

[System: Golden drachmas are a form of currency used by the gods, often given to demigods for their services or in exchange for favors. These may prove useful in your journey.]

Kallias nodded, turning the small golden coins over in his hand. The pouch smelled strange, a mix of old leather and salt, but he knew better than to dismiss it. They would be useful—he'd seen them before in tales of demigod adventures.

He tucked the drachmas into a secure pocket, then returned to his search, pushing aside broken armor and remnants of the cyclops's past victims. His hand brushed against something harder—cold, metallic. Pulling it free from the beast's grasp, he found a short sword, its blade forged from celestial bronze.

[System: Celestial Bronze is a rare metal forged by the gods. It is especially effective against monsters and immortals. Be cautious—this weapon may be valuable.]

Kallias ran his thumb along the blade, feeling the weight of it in his hand. The weapon felt balanced, but it was clear it had been well-used. The system's explanation resonated in his mind, but what caught his attention was the faint engravings on the hilt. Symbols that seemed strangely familiar, yet not quite right.

As he continued to raid the body, he found more items—broken pieces of armor, a few enchanted trinkets, and a small leather pouch filled with strange powders and herbs. The more he dug, the more he realized: the cyclops hadn't just been a brute. This monster had a disturbing habit of collecting trophies from the demigods it had killed.

Kallias froze for a moment, piecing it together. The sword, the trinkets, the pouch—all of it likely belonged to a demigod the cyclops had slain. His gut twisted at the thought, but he quickly shoved it aside. The items were valuable, and he needed every advantage he could get.

Just then, the system chimed in again.

[System: A special item has been granted. You have received a Bound Satchel. This bag is infinite in size and will hold anything you place inside. It is uniquely tied to you—anyone who attempts to take it will find it returning to you instantly.]

Kallias felt a warm pulse around his waist as the satchel appeared. He looked down in awe at the small, unassuming bag, which seemed ordinary at first glance. Yet, he could feel its power—something was different about it. He hesitated for only a moment before slipping the items he'd found into it.

The drachmas, the sword, the trinkets, and the herbs all vanished into the satchel with ease, as though the bag had always been meant to hold them. He couldn't help but smile, the promise of an endless storage space already feeling like a weight lifted from his shoulders.

Turning his focus to the cyclops's massive form, Kallias considered his options. It would only be a matter of time before others like it arrived, drawn by the scent of death. Using his water manipulation abilities, he summoned a current to drag the cyclops's body to the murky depths of the river, ensuring it would sink out of sight.

Once it was hidden, Kallias took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. The bag of items he had gathered from the beast would be useful, but he needed to focus. 

Once the cyclops's body was safely hidden, Kallias took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of thoughts racing through his mind. The items he'd gathered from the beast would prove invaluable, but he needed to focus. Dangers still lurked, and he had to stay vigilant. His eyes scanned the darkening horizon before he turned and made his way into the cave.

The cool, damp air of the cave was a welcome relief from the scorching heat of the day. As he entered, he felt the weight of the battle lift from his shoulders, though the tension in his muscles remained. The cave was dark and quiet, offering a sense of solace that he hadn't felt in a while.

His first instinct was to check on the serpent egg he had found earlier. He moved toward the small crevice in the cave wall and gently pulled the egg from its resting place. It was warm to the touch, still pulsing faintly with energy. Without hesitation, Kallias focused and fed the egg a steady stream of mana. He felt the creature inside stirring, its movements subtle but noticeable.

The egg shifted slightly, the creature inside seemingly more active, as if it were aware of the power he was providing. Kallias couldn't help but feel a strange connection to it. Whatever this creature was, it seemed to recognize him.

As the cave darkened further with the setting sun, Kallias moved the egg closer to him, tucking it gently against his chest. He knew he needed rest—he was exhausted from the fight, and his body ached—but the thought of sleeping while such a powerful creature hatched so close to him made him hesitant.

But he knew he couldn't stay awake forever. If the Cyclops had picked up his scent, others would be coming. He would need to move tomorrow, no matter what. Tonight, however, he decided he would sleep. He would rest, gather his strength, and then leave when the first light of dawn broke.

He settled back, holding the egg close, and tried to relax. The faint crackling of the egg against his chest was soothing in its way, and before long, his eyes drifted closed.

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The night passed in a restless haze, Kallias's body tired but unwilling to fully relax. He held the egg close, its warmth grounding him. Despite his exhaustion, sleep came in fits and starts, the crackling sounds of the egg's shifting form slipping in and out of his dreams.

Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed through the quiet cave. Kallias's heart skipped a beat as his eyes snapped open. The egg, once solid and unmoving, was now fracturing. Small jagged pieces of shell fell away as something stirred inside. Kallias held his breath, his pulse quickening in anticipation.

He moved quickly, sitting upright and leaning over the egg. His hand hovered just above it, feeling the energy radiating from the shell. The air felt charged, thick with magic. Then, with a sudden crack, the final piece of the shell broke away, and the creature inside emerged.

What greeted him was a stunning sight— a serpent, its scales glistening with hues of green and blue, its body long and sinuous like a flowing river. The serpent hissed softly, its tongue flickering as it slithered out onto his chest. Kallias froze, mesmerized by its beauty. But before he could fully comprehend the moment, the creature's fangs shot out, biting him sharply on his arm. The pain was sudden and intense, causing him to jolt backward, but the pain quickly faded as the venom began to take effect. He felt a strange, pulsing energy surge through him, more like a shock than poison.

Before he could speak, a symbol, glowing with an ethereal blue light, etched itself into his skin near the bite. Kallias grimaced, instinctively raising his hand to touch the symbol. It hummed with power, and he felt a faint connection to the serpent in his chest, as if the mark was some sort of bond between them.

"What are you?" he muttered under his breath, feeling both awe and confusion settle over him.

The system answered, its voice calm and matter-of-fact:

[System: You have bonded with an Ophidraken, an ancient water serpent. This serpent is a being of great power, hailing from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a protector of the tides and storms, able to control the waters and communicate with the ocean itself. Its venomous bite paralyzes victims temporarily, and its song lures sailors into the depths of the sea.]

Kallias stared at the small serpent now curling around his arm, its glowing eyes looking up at him with what almost seemed like recognition. The creature's scales shimmered in the dim light of the cave, changing colors with the faintest shift of the surrounding air. It was still small, though, much smaller than the legends had described. He could feel the weight of the creature's potential, but it was still young—perhaps too young to harness its full abilities just yet.

The system continued, explaining its nature:

[System: This Ophidraken has been altered by your mana, changing its form to better align with your essence. The serpent is now bound to you, but as it is young, only a few of its abilities are currently accessible. The venomous bite and Serpent's Song are among the active abilities.]

Kallias nodded slowly, processing the information. He gazed down at the baby serpent in his hands, feeling a deep sense of responsibility for this creature. It was weak for now, but it was undoubtedly strong with potential. He gently scratched its head, and the serpent coiled tighter around his arm, seemingly content.

"What should I call you?" Kallias murmured, as if speaking to the creature would make the connection more real. He thought for a moment before a name came to him. "Aquaeris," he said, his voice soft. "You're my Aquaeris."

The serpent, still small and delicate, seemed to respond to the name, its tail flicking once as though acknowledging it. Kallias chuckled, patting it gently. "That's good. We'll see what you can do together."

Curious about the serpent's abilities, Kallias accessed the system again.

[System: Aquaeris, Ophidraken (Level 1)]

Tidal Command: Inactive (due to age and lack of power). 

Serpent's Song: Active (though limited to its ability to induce drowsiness and disorientation in those nearby). 

Transformation: Inactive (due to age; the serpent is too young to shift between water and mist). 

Venomous Bite: Active (temporarily paralyzes the target).

"Impressive," Kallias muttered, his eyes scanning the abilities. The Ophidraken's full potential had yet to be realized, but even now, its venomous bite and the song it could sing were powerful tools. He could only imagine how much stronger it would grow with time.

The soft morning light filtered into the cave, signaling the dawn. Kallias stretched and stood, carefully placing Aquaeris on the ground. He began to gather his belongings—his clothes, his satchel, and the fire that had kept him warm through the night. He doused the flame and packed his rations, securing everything inside his bag.

Before leaving the cave, Kallias had one more thing to do. He knelt at the entrance, pressing his palms to the ground. He called upon the water within him, using his abilities to flood the cave, washing away any traces of his presence. The water surged in, filling the cave and carrying with it any evidence of his stay. The rush of water echoed through the cavern, and Kallias stood back, watching the cave disappear beneath the waves, leaving no trace behind.

"Let's go, Aquaeris," Kallias said softly, glancing down at the small serpent. The Ophidraken was still curled in his arms, its small body warm against him. With that, he stepped out of the cave and into the light of day, ready for the journey ahead.

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Poseidon stood at the edge of his domain, gazing out at the endless expanse of the sea. The waves lapped against the shore, the tides moving in their eternal dance. Yet today, something unusual stirred beneath the surface, a subtle disturbance in the currents that immediately caught his attention. There was a faint connection, something that felt both strange and... familiar.

He narrowed his eyes, tapping into his divine senses. His bond with the sea was unmatched, and he reached out with focused intent, activating his godly scrying ability. The waters shimmered, the surface rippling, and an image began to take shape before him.

At first, the vision was blurred, indistinct—but slowly, it sharpened, and Poseidon's heart skipped a beat. A young boy appeared in the vision, his golden hair like the sun's reflection on the waves. His eyes... those eyes were an exact match to Poseidon's own—sea-green, gleaming with the same depth and intensity as the ocean itself.

A shiver ran through the god as he took in the sight. This child... he felt as though a piece of himself had been shaped into mortal form. Something within Poseidon stirred—a recognition so profound that it made his breath catch in his chest. Who is this child?

He searched his memory but came up empty. He had no recollection of siring a son besides Percy, and this boy seemed older than Percy by a few years. The child's presence resonated with him, yet Poseidon was sure he had never known of him.

Before he could delve deeper, the vision of the boy shifted unnaturally. The water rippled again, and Poseidon felt something shift—a force, something blocking his view. The child's image flickered, distorting and wavering in and out of focus. No matter how hard he tried, the vision became increasingly obscured, as if an invisible wall had been placed between them.

Frustration twisted in Poseidon's gut. The connection to the boy was undeniable, and yet the waters themselves seemed to shield him, keeping the god's sight at bay. What is this? Poseion's thoughts surged. Who is blocking me from seeing my own son?

His brow furrowed in confusion and curiosity. Something, or someone, was keeping him from glimpsing the boy clearly, and Poseidon had no idea why. The child, with the same energy and appearance as him, was wrapped in an enigma, and the sea itself seemed to guard him—shielding him from Poseidon's divine gaze.

Poseidon stood at the edge of the ocean, the endless expanse before him still and quiet. Despite the uncertainty, the faint connection to the boy persisted in the back of his mind. He had to know more, to find this child, but the answers remained just out of reach.

A deep sigh escaped him as the vision of the boy flickered and finally vanished, leaving only Poseidon alone with the vast sea and the growing storm within his chest.

He frowned a sudden realization dawning on him. I already broke our treaty... he thought bitterly. The Big Three had sworn to limit their siring of demigod children—one per god, to prevent the Great Prophecy from coming to pass. Poseidon had already broken that oath once, when he'd sired Percy. And now, it seemed, he had done it again.

A second child, this one unknown to him, was now a reality. This is more trouble than it's worth, Poseidon muttered under his breath, frustration clouding his thoughts. His oath had already been broken once, but to do so a second time... the consequences were too great to ignore.

He glanced out across the sea once more, his mind conflicted. This child—whoever they were—could pose an even greater threat than Percy had. And if there was one thing Poseidon feared, it was that the Great Prophecy would soon find its way to him once again. 

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5000+ Words, LMK, what do you think so far?