*Camp Jupiter – Eastern Wall*
Kenji stepped through the fortified gates flanked by Roman legionnaires. Their eyes scanned him with suspicion. Annabeth's message had granted him *temporary neutrality*, but trust? That would take more than a letter.
Percy, beside him, muttered, "I forgot how intense these guys are…"
A voice echoed from the balcony above the forum.
"I expected someone taller."
A boy, no older than Kenji, dropped down with graceful control. Blonde hair, bronze armor faintly glowing. Eyes like twin suns.
*Aurum.*
---
*System Alert*
> *Fragment Holder Identified*
> *Solar Fragment (3/7)*
> *Skill Profile: Locked
> Threat Level: Moderate-High*
> *Unique Trait: Solar Resonance – Amplifies Light-based Abilities 2x During Daylight*
---
Aurum studied Kenji. "You're the other one. The one with… the system."
Kenji didn't flinch. "That's a bold claim."
"You're not exactly subtle," Aurum said. "That shard in your pocket? It practically *screams* in my direction."
Percy crossed his arms. "We didn't come here to fight."
"No," Aurum said, smiling. "You came to negotiate. So let's."
---
*Senate Chamber – Later*
Inside a war room lit with celestial torches, Kenji sat across from Aurum and Reyna, praetor of Camp Jupiter.
Kenji explained the *Chained Sun*, the Solar Fragments, and the storm stirring behind the veil.
Aurum leaned forward. "You're trying to rebuild the Solar Lock. That's dangerous magic—even the gods don't speak its name."
Kenji replied, "Maybe that's the problem. They *forgot*, and now something is trying to *wake it back up*."
A pause.
Reyna broke it. "What are you proposing?"
Kenji looked Aurum in the eye. "Share intel. Keep the fragments apart for now. If things get worse—we combine forces."
Aurum smirked. "You don't trust me."
Kenji smirked back. "Neither do you."
---
*That Night – Outside the Temple of Bellona*
Aurum approached Kenji alone.
"I'll keep the fragment… for now," Aurum said. "But I'll let you scan it."
Kenji blinked. "You're serious?"
"Fair's fair," Aurum said. "But there's something you should know."
> *Solar Fragment (3/7): "The Daylight Core"*
> *Bonus Ability (Locked): Light Infusion*
> *Synergy Trait: ??? – Compatible with Kenji's Atomokinesis*
Kenji's system pinged wildly.
"You didn't get your fragment by accident," Aurum said. "Neither did I. We're connected. And someone—or something—is watching both of us."
Kenji asked, "Who?"
Aurum's expression darkened. "I don't know. But their power feels… *Primordial*."
---
*System Alert*
> *Quest Update: Allies & Adversaries – Aurum Added to Optional Party List*
> *Shared Communication Channel Unlocked*
> *Warning: Fourth Fragment Detected – Location Unknown*
---
*End of Chapter 24*