# Chapter 10: The Best Demigod Percy opened his eyes as sunlight filtered through the cabin's windows, casting a warm glow across the wooden floor. He blinked several times, adjusting to the morning brightness. As awareness returned, he realized Nico was pressed against him, the smaller boy's arms wrapped tightly around his torso. He glanced down at Nico's sleeping form. The son of Hades looked peaceful, his usually guarded expression softened in sleep. Percy felt a mixture of pity and mild annoyance. While he understood Nico's need for companionship, having someone constantly attached to him was becoming awkward. Percy carefully extracted himself from Nico's embrace, trying not to wake him. His muscles protested the movement, still sore from yesterday's intense training. He sat on the edge of the bed, running his hands through his blond curls as he took stock of how his body felt. Something felt off. His chest felt tender, almost swollen, and there was a strange hollowness inside him that he couldn't quite place. Percy pressed his palms against his pectoral muscles, wincing slightly at their sensitivity. "Probably just overworked them," he muttered to himself, standing up with a groan. Nico stirred behind him. "Morning," he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. "Hey," Percy replied, stretching his arms above his head. His muscles flexed impressively despite the fatigue that seemed to have settled deep in his bones. "I feel like I got hit by a Cyclops." Nico sat up, rubbing his eyes. "You pushed yourself pretty hard yesterday." Percy nodded, walking to the bathroom. "Gonna shower. Feel disgusting." In the bathroom, Percy stripped off his t-shirt and examined himself in the mirror. His reflection showed the same muscular physique he was accustomed to—broad shoulders, defined pectorals, and a chiseled abdomen. Yet somehow, he felt more tired than he should. He stepped under the shower spray, letting the water rejuvenate him. As a son of Poseidon, water always energized him, washing away fatigue and healing minor injuries. This morning, though, the effect seemed diminished. The water helped, but not as much as it usually did. Percy dressed in fresh clothes and returned to the main cabin area, where Nico sat on his bunk, fully dressed and waiting. "I noticed you left that outfit I gave you on your nightstand," Nico said, gesturing to the blue training suit. Percy glanced at the folded fabric. "Oh, right. Thanks again for that." "Are you going to try it on?" Nico asked, trying to sound casual. Percy hesitated. The outfit seemed too revealing for his taste, but Nico had gone to the trouble of getting it for him. Maybe wearing it for one training session would make the younger demigod happy—and perhaps encourage him to return to his own cabin sooner. "Sure, I'll give it a shot today," Percy said, picking up the training suit. "It looks... professional." Nico smiled, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Great! It'll help with your training. The material is designed for maximum movement and breathability." Percy nodded and returned to the bathroom with the outfit. As he unfolded it, he realized just how form-fitting it truly was. The stretchy blue material seemed impossibly small. He struggled into the outfit, the fabric clinging to every contour of his body as he pulled it on. The suit covered him from neck to ankles, but the way it hugged his physique made him feel almost naked. Percy stepped in front of the mirror and immediately felt self-conscious. The suit showcased everything—the breadth of his shoulders, the definition of his chest, the curves of his biceps, even the muscular roundness of his backside. The fabric around his groin area left little to the imagination, clearly outlining his impressive manhood. "I look like I should be competing in the Olympics," Percy muttered, turning to view himself from different angles. Despite his embarrassment, he couldn't deny that his physique looked impressive in the outfit. Every muscle was highlighted, every powerful curve emphasized. He stepped out of the bathroom hesitantly. "I feel ridiculous," he admitted to Nico. Nico's eyes widened as he took in the sight of Percy in the form-fitting outfit. The blue fabric clung to every muscle, accentuating the hero's powerful physique. For a moment, Nico couldn't speak, transfixed by the vision before him. "You look... amazing," Nico finally managed, his voice slightly higher than usual. "Like a real superhero." Percy felt his face warm with embarrassment. "It's really tight." "That's the point," Nico said, regaining his composure. "It's supposed to showcase your strength. You're the most powerful demigod on Earth—you should look the part." Percy glanced down at himself again. The suit did make his muscles look more defined, almost heroic in proportion. Something about seeing himself this way triggered a strange sense of pride, a confidence he hadn't expected. "I guess I'll wear it for today's training," Percy decided, grabbing his sword Riptide from the nightstand. "Let's see if it helps with movement like you said." They headed out of the cabin toward the training arena. Percy felt uncomfortably exposed as they walked through camp, aware of the stares from other campers. Some looked impressed, others surprised, but nearly everyone noticed his new attire. "Looking good, Percy!" called an Aphrodite girl, giggling with her friends. Percy nodded awkwardly in acknowledgment, quickening his pace. Beside him, Nico seemed pleased by the attention Percy was receiving. When they reached the training arena, Percy immediately set to work, determined to focus on training rather than his self-consciousness about the outfit. To his surprise, the suit moved with him perfectly, stretching and flexing with each movement without restriction. He began with basic sword drills, Riptide cutting through the air with practiced precision. The blade felt balanced in his hand, an extension of his arm as he executed complex maneuvers. Despite his fatigue from the previous day, Percy moved with impressive skill and grace. As he trained, Percy found himself growing more comfortable in the form-fitting outfit. The way it hugged his muscles actually helped him visualize his movements better, making small adjustments to his form for maximum efficiency. Nico sat on a nearby bench, watching Percy train with undisguised admiration. The hero's movements were fluid and powerful, his muscles rippling beneath the tight blue fabric with each strike and parry. "Your form looks better than yesterday," Nico called out after Percy completed a particularly difficult sequence. Percy paused, breathing heavily. Sweat already dampened his forehead and chest, the moisture making the blue fabric cling even more tightly to his skin. "Thanks," Percy replied, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. "The outfit actually helps me feel where I'm tensing up." He moved to the weight training area next, loading a barbell with heavy plates. Taking a deep breath, Percy positioned himself under the bar and lifted, his muscles straining against the tight fabric as he pressed the weight upward. Normally, this weight would have been challenging for Percy. Percy gritted his teeth, determined not to show fatigue. He completed the set, then added more weight to the bar, pushing himself beyond what his body wanted to give. More campers had gathered to watch Percy train, impressed by both his dedication and his new appearance. The form-fitting outfit showcased his heroic physique in a way his usual orange camp t-shirt and shorts never could. "Man, I need to get one of those suits," Percy overheard one Ares camper say to another. "Look at how it shows off his muscles." Percy felt a surge of pride at the comment, flexing slightly as he moved to his next exercise. Despite the strange hollowness inside him, the visible admiration from his fellow campers fueled a newfound confidence. He attacked the training dummy with renewed vigor, Riptide slicing through the air with deadly precision. His movements were powerful and controlled, his muscles working in perfect harmony despite his growing fatigue. Annabeth approached the arena, stopping short when she saw Percy in his new training attire. Her eyes widened, taking in the sight of her friend's impressive physique showcased so prominently. "New look?" she asked, coming to stand beside Nico. "Gift from Nico," Percy explained between sword strikes, not slowing his routine. Annabeth raised an eyebrow at Nico, who merely shrugged, trying to appear casual. "It's a professional athletic suit," Nico explained. "Helps with training." Annabeth studied Percy's form critically. "You look tired, Seaweed Brain. Have you been sleeping okay?" Percy paused, lowering Riptide. Sweat dripped from his chin onto his chest, the blue fabric now dark with moisture around his neck and underarms. "I'm fine," he insisted, though his breathing was more labored than it should have been for the level of exertion. "Just pushing myself." "Well, you certainly look the part of the hero," Annabeth admitted, a slight smile on her lips. "Though I'm not sure about the skin-tight fashion statement." Percy grinned, some of his self-consciousness returning. "Yeah, well, it was a gift. Thought I'd try it out." He returned to his training, aware of both Annabeth and Nico watching him. The weight of their gazes spurred him to work harder, to prove he was the powerful demigod they expected him to be. As the morning progressed, Percy moved through an increasingly difficult series of exercises. He ran laps around the arena, climbed the rock wall with lava flowing down it, and sparred with automated training dummies. With each activity, he pushed himself harder, ignoring the growing fatigue in his muscles and the strange emptiness inside him. Sweat poured down his body, making the blue fabric of his training suit glisten in the sunlight. Despite his diminished godly power, Percy's skills remained impressive. Years of training guided him through complex combat maneuvers with practiced ease. By midday, Percy was drenched in sweat, his chest heaving with exertion. He leaned on his sword, trying not to show how exhausted he truly felt. He had pushed as hard as yesterday and he was as tired. "You should take a break," Nico suggested, approaching with a bottle of water. "You've been at it for hours." Percy accepted the water gratefully, drinking deeply. "I'm good," he insisted, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Just getting warmed up." Nico's eyes traveled over Percy's body, taking in the way the soaked fabric clung to every muscle. Despite the fatigue evident in Percy's face, his physical form remained magnificent—powerful shoulders, broad chest, and strong arms that looked like they could lift the sky. "Your muscles look even more defined in that outfit when you're all pumped up from training," Nico observed, his voice carefully neutral despite the admiration in his eyes. Percy glanced down at himself, noting how the tight fabric accentuated his physique. His chest and arms seemed to bulge against the material, the definition of his abdominal muscles clearly visible through the thin fabric. "I guess it does show off the results of all this training," Percy admitted, a hint of pride in his voice. He flexed his arm experimentally, watching the bicep swell impressively. Nico reached out hesitantly, then placed his hand on Percy's flexed arm. "Can I?" he asked, though his fingers were already tracing the curve of the muscle. Percy tensed slightly at the touch but didn't pull away. He was used to Nico's admiration, even if the physical contact was new. "Your biceps are amazing," Nico said, squeezing the muscle gently. "So hard and defined." He moved his hand to Percy's shoulder, feeling the rounded deltoid muscle. "And these—they're like boulders." Percy stood still, somewhere between uncomfortable and flattered as Nico's hands moved to his chest, pressing lightly against the firm pectoral muscles. A strange sensitivity made him wince slightly. "Careful," Percy said, stepping back slightly. "Chest is sore from all the push-ups." "Sorry," Nico apologized quickly, though his eyes remained fixed on Percy's impressive torso. "It's just... you have the perfect physique. Like a Greek statue come to life." Percy rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed by the praise but also oddly pleased. "Thanks, I guess. It's just from training all the time." "And being the son of Poseidon," Nico added. "Your godly heritage gives you natural strength and power." Percy nodded, focusing on the confidence the new outfit and Nico's admiration had given him. "I should get back to training," Percy said, capping his water bottle. "Want to spot me on the bench press?" They moved to the weight bench, where Percy loaded the bar with heavy plates. He lay back on the bench, positioning himself under the bar. Nico stood at the head of the bench, hands ready to assist if needed. Percy lifted the bar from its rack, his muscles straining against the tight fabric of his training suit. He lowered the weight to his chest, then pushed upward with a grunt of effort. "Perfect form," Nico commented, watching Percy's muscles work. "Your chest muscles are incredible." Percy completed several more repetitions. By the tenth rep, his arms were shaking noticeably, the enormous weight becoming almost unbearable. "One more," he gasped, determined to finish the set. With a final surge of effort, Percy pressed the bar upward, his face red with exertion. Nico helped guide the bar back to its rack as Percy lay on the bench, chest heaving. "You're pushing yourself too hard," Nico observed, though there was a hint of satisfaction in his voice. Percy sat up, wiping sweat from his face with a towel. "I need to get even stronger." he insisted. "Can't afford to get soft." "Soft is definitely not a word anyone would use to describe you," Nico said, gesturing to Percy's muscular form still impressively showcased by the tight training suit despite his fatigue. Percy stood from the bench, rolling his shoulders to loosen them. Despite his exhaustion, there was a new confidence in his posture, a pride in his physical prowess that the form-fitting outfit seemed to enhance. "I think I like this suit after all," Percy admitted, looking down at himself. "Makes me feel stronger somehow." Nico smiled, a gleam of triumph in his dark eyes. "I knew it would. You were born to look like a hero, Percy." The praise sent a warm feeling through Percy, countering the strange emptiness he'd been experiencing. He squared his shoulders, standing taller. "Let's move on to some agility drills," Percy suggested, already heading toward the obstacle course. Nico followed, his eyes never leaving Percy's powerful form as the hero jogged across the training arena. The blue fabric stretched and flexed with each movement, highlighting the perfect muscular symmetry of Percy's body. As Percy began navigating the obstacle course with impressive speed and grace, Nico watched from the sidelines, his admiration for the magnificent demigod growing with each display of heroic prowess. Tonight would be the final phase of his plan, but for now, he could simply enjoy the sight of Percy Jackson in all his glory, the ultimate hero, the man of his dreams. Percy completed the obstacle course with a final leap over a hurdle, landing with the grace of an Olympic athlete despite his fatigue. Sweat poured down his face and neck, soaking the blue training suit that clung to every contour of his muscular body. He straightened up, chest heaving as he caught his breath. "That was incredible," Nico said, approaching with another bottle of water. "You cleared that faster than anyone I've ever seen." Percy accepted the water, drinking deeply. The cool liquid soothed his parched throat, but didn't provide the usual rejuvenating effect his body craved. Still, he managed a confident smile. "Thanks. I feel good in this suit—better than I expected." He glanced down at himself, noting how the fabric hugged his muscles. "Should probably head to the next activity. What's on the schedule for this afternoon?" Nico checked the camp itinerary. "Archery, followed by sword training, then the climbing wall before dinner." Percy nodded, capping the water bottle. "Let's go then. Don't want to be late." As they walked toward the archery range, Percy noticed more campers than usual watching him. Some whispered to each other, others openly stared. He felt self-conscious about the tight blue fabric showcasing every muscle of his body, but also a strange pride at the attention. They arrived at the archery range where several Apollo campers were already practicing. As Percy and Nico approached, conversations halted mid-sentence. All eyes turned to Percy in his form-fitting blue training suit. "Whoa, Percy!" Will Solace called out, lowering his bow. "New look?" Percy rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, uh, Nico gave it to me. It's supposed to help with training." "It certainly shows off the results of your training," Will commented, his eyes traveling over Percy's impressive physique. An Aphrodite girl named Piper approached, her kaleidoscope eyes widening as she took in Percy's appearance. "That color suits you perfectly," she said. "It brings out your eyes." "And everything else," another Aphrodite camper added with a giggle. Percy felt his face warm with embarrassment, but he stood taller, shoulders back, chest out. The compliments boosted his confidence despite his initial discomfort. "Thanks," he said, moving to take his position at the archery line. Percy grabbed a bow and quiver of arrows. Archery had never been his strongest skill—as the son of Poseidon, his talents lay elsewhere. Still, he nocked an arrow and drew back the bowstring, his biceps bulging against the tight blue fabric. He released the arrow, which hit the outer ring of the target. Not his best shot, but not terrible either. Percy frowned, determined to do better. He nocked another arrow, focusing intently on the target. "Your form looks good," Nico commented, standing close behind him. "Your arms are perfect—so strong and steady." Percy tried to ignore the comment, but found himself adjusting his stance, flexing his muscles slightly more than necessary as he drew back the bowstring again. This time, the arrow struck closer to the center. "Much better!" Nico praised. Throughout the archery session, Percy noticed more campers gathering to watch. Even those who weren't scheduled for archery found reasons to pass by the range. The attention was distracting but also oddly motivating. Percy found himself standing taller, pulling the bowstring with more dramatic flair than necessary, showcasing the definition in his arms and back. By the end of the session, Percy had hit the bullseye twice—better than his usual performance. He set down the bow with a satisfied smile, wiping sweat from his brow. "You're improving," Will acknowledged. "Though I think everyone was more impressed with the gun show than the archery skills." He nodded toward Percy's arms. Percy laughed, flexing his bicep playfully. "Hey, I hit the target, didn't I?" As they headed to the sword-fighting arena, a group of Aphrodite girls fell into step beside them. "Percy, that outfit is absolutely divine on you," said Drew Tanaka, her eyes trailing over his body. "You should wear tight clothes more often. It's a crime to hide all... that." She gestured to his physique with an appreciative sweep of her hand. "Oh, um, thanks," Percy said, unsure how to respond to such direct flattery. "The blue really complements your eyes," another girl added. "And it makes your muscles look even bigger." Percy found himself smiling at the compliment. "It's just for training," he explained, though he stood straighter, shoulders back to display his broad chest. Nico watched the interaction with a satisfied expression. "I told him the same thing," he chimed in. "A hero like Percy should look the part." The girls nodded in agreement, continuing to shower Percy with compliments as they walked. By the time they reached the sword-fighting arena, Percy's initial embarrassment had transformed into a swaggering confidence. He entered the arena with his head held high, aware of the eyes following his every move. Clarisse from the Ares cabin was already there, practicing with a training dummy. She paused mid-swing as Percy entered, her eyes widening slightly before narrowing in assessment. "Well, well, Prissy's got a new outfit," she said, her tone mocking but her eyes betraying a hint of admiration. "Trying to distract opponents with your fashion sense now?" Percy unsheathed Riptide, the celestial bronze sword extending to its full length. "Let's find out if it works," he challenged with a grin. Clarisse smirked, raising her spear. "You're on, pretty boy." They squared off in the center of the arena, circling each other as a crowd gathered around them. Percy moved with fluid grace, the blue training suit stretching and flexing with each movement. He felt the eyes of the campers on him, drinking in the sight of his powerful form encased in the tight fabric. Clarisse struck first, jabbing her spear toward Percy's chest. He parried the blow with ease, stepping aside and countering with a swing of Riptide. The move showcased the impressive definition of his arm and shoulder muscles. "Looking good, Percy!" someone called from the crowd. Percy couldn't help but smile, throwing a little extra flair into his next series of attacks. He spun and slashed, each movement deliberate and showy, designed to highlight his physical prowess as much as to defeat his opponent. Clarisse grunted with effort as she blocked and countered, her experience making her a formidable opponent despite Percy's natural talent. The match continued, neither gaining a clear advantage. Percy felt sweat pouring down his back, the blue fabric of his training suit darkening with moisture. His chest heaved with exertion, his muscles burning more quickly than they should have. Still, he pressed on, determined to win—to prove he was the camp's greatest warrior. With a final burst of energy, Percy executed a complex disarming maneuver, twisting Clarisse's spear from her grip and sending it clattering to the ground. He pointed Riptide at her chest, breathing heavily. "Yield," he gasped. Clarisse glared but nodded. "Fine. You win this round, Jackson." The crowd erupted in cheers as Percy lowered his sword, his chest heaving with exertion. He felt lightheaded from the effort, but the admiration from his fellow campers fueled a surge of pride that overwhelmed his fatigue. "Anyone else want to challenge the camp's champion?" Nico called out, moving to stand beside Percy. Several campers stepped forward eagerly, and Percy found himself engaged in one sparring match after another. He defeated each opponent handily, though each victory got him more exhausted. By the fifth match, his arms trembled with fatigue, sweat pouring down his face. "Take a break, Percy," Annabeth suggested, appearing at the edge of the arena with a towel. "You're pushing yourself too hard." Percy wiped his face with the offered towel, aware of how the soaked training suit clung to every contour of his body. Despite his exhaustion, he stood tall, shoulders back, chest out—a posture designed to showcase his impressive physique. "I'm fine," he insisted, though his breathing was still labored. "Never felt better." Nico stepped closer, his eyes trailing over Percy's body with obvious admiration and using some of Percy's great-stolen godly energy to increase his hypnotic suggestions on the crowd. "Have you guys ever seen anyone with muscles like Percy's?" he asked loudly, addressing the gathered campers. There was a murmur of agreement from the crowd. Several campers shook their heads. "The son of Poseidon is definitely built like a god," someone called out, triggering a round of approving nods. Percy felt a flush of pleasure at the praise, flexing subtly as he drank from his water bottle. The strange hollow feeling inside him seemed less noticeable amidst the admiration of his peers. As they walked toward the climbing wall, Percy was aware of the whispers and stares that followed him. The tight blue training suit, now dark with sweat in places, continued to draw attention to his heroic physique. Despite his growing fatigue, he walked with his head high, shoulders back, showcasing his powerful form. The climbing wall at Camp Half-Blood was no ordinary challenge. Standing over fifty feet tall, it featured moving sections, falling boulders, and streams of actual lava to avoid. Most campers considered completing it once a significant achievement. Percy approached the wall with determined confidence, stretching his arms above his head in a way that showcased his impressive lats and shoulder muscles. The blue fabric strained against his movement, highlighting every curve and bulge of his godlike physique. "Watch this," he said to the gathered campers, flashing a cocky grin before leaping onto the first handhold. Percy ascended the wall with impressive speed and agility, his powerful muscles working in perfect harmony as he navigated the deadly obstacles. He dodged a falling boulder with a graceful twist of his body, the movement causing several female campers to gasp in appreciation. "Look at how he moves," Nico commented to no one in particular, though loud enough for nearby campers to hear. "It's like watching a Greek god in action." Percy climbed higher, aware of the eyes following his ascent. The knowledge spurred him to greater heights, pushing through the fatigue that threatened to slow him down. His muscular arms pulled him upward, his strong legs propelling him past dangerous sections with seemingly effortless grace. Nico positioned himself at an angle that gave him a perfect view of Percy's backside as he climbed. The tight blue fabric clung to the hero's firm, round glutes, accentuating their perfect shape with each movement. Farther down, the training suit outlined Percy's impressive endowment, leaving little to the imagination as he stretched and climbed. "He's not just strong," Nico murmured to a nearby Aphrodite camper, "he's perfectly proportioned in every way." The camper nodded in agreement, her eyes fixed on Percy's form as he neared the top of the wall. With a final burst of energy, Percy reached the summit, raising his arms in triumph. The crowd below cheered wildly, impressed by his record time despite the challenging conditions. Percy looked down at his admirers, a wide smile on his face despite his labored breathing. He descended quickly, dropping the last few feet to land in a heroic crouch that showcased his powerful thighs and calves against the stretchy blue fabric. As he straightened, he winced slightly at the strain in his muscles but covered it with a confident smile. "That might be a new record," Annabeth noted, checking her stopwatch with raised eyebrows. "Though you're sweating like you ran a marathon." Percy shrugged, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. "Just giving it my all." "Well, you've certainly impressed everyone," she said, gesturing to the crowd of admiring campers. The next activity was wrestling, which took place in a sandy arena near the lake. Percy stripped off his sweat-soaked shirt, revealing his perfectly sculpted upper body to the appreciative gasps of several campers. The lower half of his training suit remained on, clinging to his muscular legs and prominently outlining his impressive manhood. "Who's first?" Percy challenged, standing in the center of the wrestling circle with his hands on his hips, chest thrust forward in a display of confidence. A burly son of Ares stepped forward, cracking his knuckles with a grin. "Let's see what you've got, Jackson." They circled each other, looking for an opening. The Ares camper lunged first, attempting to grapple Percy around the waist. Percy sidestepped, using his opponent's momentum against him to flip him onto his back. The match continued with Percy showcasing his strength and agility. Despite his growing fatigue, he managed to pin his opponent after a brief struggle, his muscles bulging with the effort. As Percy held the Ares camper down, Nico openly admired how the tight blue fabric of his training pants stretched across his thighs and prominently displayed the outline of his impressive endowment. The position—Percy on top, muscles tensed with effort—left little to the imagination. "Ten seconds!" the referee called. "Match to Percy!" Percy released his opponent and stood, breathing heavily but smiling triumphantly. Sweat glistened on his bare chest and shoulders, highlighting the perfect definition of his muscles. More challengers came forward, each eager to test themselves against the camp's greatest hero. Percy defeated them all, though each victory required more effort than the last. By the fifth match, his movements were noticeably slower, his breathing more labored. "You should take a break," Annabeth suggested again, offering him water and a towel. Percy shook his head stubbornly. "Not until I've beaten everyone who wants to challenge me." He continued wrestling, winning match after match despite his diminishing stamina. The crowd's admiration seemed to fuel him, pushing him beyond his normal limits. When the final challenger had been defeated, Percy stood in the center of the arena, chest heaving, sweat pouring down his magnificent torso. The dinner horn sounded across the camp, signaling the end of the day's activities. Percy pulled his shirt back on, the wet fabric clinging to his muscular chest and shoulders as he made his way toward the dining pavilion. Nico walked beside him, guiding him subtly toward the center table where he would be most visible to the entire camp. "You were amazing today," Nico said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "No one could take their eyes off you." Percy nodded, too exhausted for false modesty. "Felt good," he admitted. "Being the strongest, I mean." "You are the strongest," Nico assured him. "The most powerful demigod in history." They reached the dining pavilion, where campers were already gathering for the evening meal. As Percy entered, conversations halted as all eyes turned to admire him in his sweat-dampened training suit. Percy took his seat at the center table, aware of the attention he commanded. Despite his exhaustion, he sat tall, shoulders back, showcasing his impressive physique. Campers from various cabins approached throughout the meal, offering congratulations on his performances or complimenting his new training attire. "The blue really brings out your eyes," an Aphrodite girl commented, batting her eyelashes. "Those arms should be illegal," added another, reaching out to squeeze his bicep appreciatively. Percy smiled at the attention, flexing subtly whenever someone commented on his muscles. The hollow feeling inside him seemed less important compared to the admiration he was receiving.