𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐈𝐋¹ || 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐘 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐕

Percy's blade hit the base of Luke's and he twisted, putting his whole weight into a downward thrust.

Clang.

Luke's sword rattled against the stones. The tip of Percy's blade was a couple of centimeters from his undefended chest.

The other campers were silent.

Percy lowered his sword. "Um, sorry."

For a moment, Luke was too stunned to speak.

"Sorry?"

Luke's scarred face broke into a grin. "By the gods, Percy, why are you sorry? Show me that again!"

Percy didn't want to.

The short burst of manic energy had completely abandoned him. But Luke insisted. This time, there was no contest. The moment their swords connected, Luke hit Percy's hilt and sent his weapon skidding across the floor.

After a long pause, somebody in the audience said, "Beginner's luck?"

Luke wiped the sweat off his brow. He appraised Percy with an entirely new interest. "Maybe," he said. "But I wonder what Percy could do with a balanced sword...."

Unbeknownst to Percy, Aurora Deveroux observed the scene with intrigue from the crowd.

Aurora observed Percy's training with a keen interest, her amber eyes following each move. She couldn't help but notice the improvement in Percy's performance, especially after he doused himself with water.

The display of newfound strength and agility caught her attention, and her initial thoughts marveled at how Percy seemed to tap into hidden reserves of power.

As Percy faced off against Luke, the intensity of their sparring session seemed to bring out a different side of him. The way he countered Luke's attacks and executed his own moves hinted at a growing skill set.

Aurora couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue, wondering about the extent of Percy's abilities and how he had managed to become such a formidable opponent.

The moment Percy successfully executed a move against Luke, Aurora's thoughts crystallized in realization.

There was more to Percy Jackson than met the eye, and a spark of curiosity ignited within her.

She looked forward to the prospect of training alongside someone who could match and, perhaps, challenge her own skills.

Unable to resist the urge to join in, she made her way to the center where Percy and Luke were sparring.

With a mischievous grin, Aurora interrupted their session.

"I guess you found another person who can take you down," Aurora teased Luke, a glint of playful challenge in her eyes.

Her comment elicited cheers and howls from the campers, who were delighted to witness such banter.

"Not a good look on me, huh?" Luke responded, playing along with the teasing.

Aurora chuckled, her finger playing with her ring. "Not at all. It would look even more terrible for your reputation when I beat you just right after Percy just did."

The campers erupted in excitement, sensing an impromptu challenge between two formidable demigods.

Percy, caught in the middle of the banter, couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

He exchanged glances with Aurora, wondering what kind of training partner he had just encountered.

As Aurora confidently approached the center, nearing the two, Percy found himself still slightly mesmerized by her presence.