*Chapter 16: The Trial Board*

The morning after the bonfire, a large wooden board appeared in the center of Camp Half-Blood's training fields.

Not nailed, not carried—it *manifested*, glowing faintly with divine magic.

Carved at the top in flowing Ancient Greek:

*"Olympus Week Trials – By Order of the Council."*

Chiron's voice rang out across camp.

"This year, the gods have issued a new trial—open only to claimed demigods with elemental affinities. All participants will be granted recognition, boons, and special permissions… should they survive."

Campers murmured nervously.

---

*System Update*

> *New Quest Added: Olympus Week Trials 

> Type: Competitive | Cooperative (Optional) 

> Objective: Complete at least 3 of 5 Trials 

> Bonus Objective: Rank in Top 3 

> Rewards: Godly Favor, Access to Intermediate Dungeons, Olympian Skill Token*

Kenji stepped closer. His name was already etched into the board:

*Kenji Boreas – Cryo/Aero*

Underneath, he saw:

*Percy Jackson – Hydrokinesis* 

*Clarisse La Rue – Electrokinesis (via Ares' blessing)* 

*Annabeth Chase – Tactical Exemption (Support Role)*

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*Later – The Training Circle*

Percy met Kenji at the sparring circle.

"You're really going to join this?"

Kenji adjusted his new Frostbite Edge. "You're not?"

"I mean, yeah—but these trials are brutal. Clarisse nearly broke someone's ribs last year during warmups."

Kenji smiled faintly. "Good. Let's get stronger."

Percy squinted. "Do you… enjoy the danger?"

"Only when I win."

> *Bond Deepened – Percy Jackson 

> Passive Perk Gained: Duo Synchronization (Water/Wind Combos Boosted by 15%)*

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*First Trial Preview – Announced by Chiron*

"The First Trial begins at dawn tomorrow: *Trial of Elements – Survival Maze.*"

"You'll be dropped into a shifting elemental maze that changes terrain—ice, fire, wind, sand, water. You must locate five emblems and exit within two hours."

> *Trial Requirements: Active Combat, Observation, Tactical Movement 

> Perk Recommended: Elemental Control, High Perception 

> Bonus: Kill Optional Monster (Reward: Rare Drop)*

Kenji's system pinged.

> *Dungeon Key Detected: Olympus Maze 

> Difficulty: Intermediate 

> Personal Score Tracking Enabled*

---

*Night Before the Trial*

Kenji sat in his cabin, wind curling around his fingers as he meditated.

He reviewed his stats.

- *Cryokinesis* – Lv. 2 

- *Aerokinesis* – Lv. 2 

- *Atomokinesis* – Lv. 1.5 

- *Swordsmanship* – Lv. 2 

- *Observe* – Lv. 1

- *Arctic Step* – Unlocked 

- *New Trait: Prodigy of the Winds (Passive XP Boost for Wind/Ice Skills)*

He opened his system store and bought:

> *Item Purchased: Vision Stone (+5 Perception Temporarily)* 

> *Balance: 120 Drachmas remaining*

As he closed his eyes, wind whispered one word to him.

*"Begin."*

---

*End of Chapter 16*