*Camp Half-Blood – The Forest Edge*
Kenji crouched low, his system's *Observe* skill activated, scanning for any anomalies. Beside him, Percy gripped Riptide, already in sword form.
"You sure it's here?" Percy asked.
Kenji nodded. "System detected the fragment's presence somewhere within the forest. It's buried, hidden—probably magically shielded."
> *Active Quest: Hunt the Fragment – Solar Prison Key (1/7)*
> *Current Location Match: 73%*
> *Danger Rating: Moderate*
"Let's move," Kenji whispered.
They stepped into the dark forest. A sudden *howl* echoed through the trees.
---
*Deeper in the Woods*
"Is that… a *Nemean Warg*?" Percy asked.
A hulking beast stepped from the shadows, silver-eyed, its fur glinting like chainmail.
Kenji's system lit up.
> *Monster Detected: Nemean Warg (Level 18 – Elite Variant)*
> *Special: Physical Immunity (Basic), Weakness to High-Level Elemental Attacks*
Kenji muttered, "Why is everything elite now?"
He flicked his hand.
> *Skill Activated: Shard Storm (Cryo)*
> *Cooldown: 15s*
Crystalline ice erupted from his palm, slicing into the Warg's face. It roared and lunged.
"On your left!" Percy shouted.
Kenji ducked, rolled, and slashed with his *Celestial Bronze Sword*. The ice-enhanced blade scraped the Warg's hide—barely leaving a mark.
Percy leapt in, his strike glowing with Poseidon's divine spark.
> *Co-op Finisher Triggered: Dual Blow – +30% Damage Bonus*
With a howl, the Warg collapsed, turning to golden mist.
> *XP Gained: 250
> Loot Acquired:
> – Nemean Core (Rare)
> – Solar Shard Fragment (Bound)*
> *Fragment 1/7 Acquired*
> *Quest Progress Updated*
---
*Later – By the Campfire*
Kenji held the *Solar Shard Fragment* up to the light. It pulsed faintly—golden, warm.
Percy asked, "What exactly does it *do*?"
Kenji stared at it, system whispering hints in the corner of his vision.
"Together, the fragments unlock something ancient—maybe even pre-Olympian. The chained sun."
Annabeth approached, overhearing. "That's *Apollonic*. There are myths even the gods won't speak of. You're messing with deep prophecy now."
Kenji's voice was calm. "Then I guess I better get stronger before I find the next one."
---
*Scene Shift – Underworld*
Hades watched the soul stream churn.
"He's already claimed the first piece."
Beside him, a shadow stirred. Not a god. Something older.
A voice rasped: *"He walks toward the sealed light. If he opens the door… Olympus falls."*
---
*End of Chapter 21*