*Chapter 20: Trials and Ties*

*Camp Half-Blood – Nightfall*

Kenji sat alone by the lake, fingers brushing the surface of the still water. Frost curled from his fingertips, freezing ripples in delicate spirals. He was thinking—not about the system or even the prophecy—but about how lonely it felt carrying something he couldn't share.

Behind him, the air shimmered.

A *golden scroll* materialized, sealed with *Poseidon's trident* emblem.

> *Divine Summons: Sea Lord's Audience* 

> *Location: Poseidon's Temple Ruins – East Beach 

> Time Limit: 1 Hour* 

> *Refusing the summon may incur divine disfavour.*

Kenji sighed. "Always dramatic."

---

*East Beach – Ruins of Poseidon's Temple*

The ocean parted in shimmering walls as Kenji approached, revealing a stone stairway leading down into a glowing sea-cavern. Coral shimmered around him; salt filled his lungs without drowning him.

At the center stood *Poseidon*—tall, bearded, radiating power, but… calm.

"You've caused quite a ripple," he said, arms crossed.

Kenji bowed slightly. "Didn't mean to disturb Olympus."

Poseidon studied him, eyes ocean-deep. "You've got wind in your veins, ice in your breath, and fate snapping at your heels. I don't trust it."

"Do you trust me?" Kenji asked, meeting his gaze.

Poseidon's smile was grim. "No. But I respect strength—and yours is growing fast. Too fast."

With a flick of his hand, a *trident-shaped crystal* floated toward Kenji.

> *System Item Acquired: Ocean's Mark – Proof of Poseidon's Temporary Patronage* 

> *+10% Water Affinity Boost, +Passive Healing in Aquatic Zones*

> *System Title Gained: Wave-Touched*

"Earn it," Poseidon said. "You may need me when the others turn."

---

*Back at Camp – Cabin 11*

Kenji returned just as Percy burst in. "Dude—*Hades* just tried to contact me."

Kenji blinked. "What?"

"Through a dream. He said, 'The frost prince awakens. Beware the chained sun.' Whatever that means."

Kenji's system pinged again.

> *New World Thread Detected: Solar Prison Key Fragment 1 – Hidden within Camp Half-Blood*

> *Optional Quest Unlocked: Hunt the Fragment* 

> *Reward: ???*

Kenji stood still. He could feel the layers building—systems, prophecy, divine politics—and he was in the eye of the storm.

"Let's start digging," he said.

---

*Olympus – Same Time*

Apollo scowled from the shadows.

"He's not supposed to *find* the key."

Zeus didn't respond. He already knew—

The game had changed.

---

*End of Chapter 20*