The final week at Yancy began like any other… but ended like no week ever had before.
Kenji could feel it—static in the air, tension in the halls, like the world was holding its breath. His system had been eerily quiet for two days.
Until now.
> *Mission Triggered: Trial by Storm*
> Survive the sudden anomaly at Yancy Academy.
> Time Limit: 1 hour
> Reward: +1 Skill Token, +400 XP, Unique Item (Randomized)
---
*Yancy Academy – Gymnasium*
It happened during gym class. The lights flickered. A boom like thunder rolled through the ground. Students panicked. The ceiling cracked—and through the tear descended a shadow made of wind and howling screams.
> *Boss Detected: Lesser Wind Wraith
> Level: 10
> Weakness: Cryo, Divine Aura
> Danger: Moderate*
"Kenji!" Percy yelled, clutching the pen that transformed into Riptide. "That thing—!"
"On it!"
Kenji drew his blade. Around them, students scattered, but the Wraith ignored them—its eyes locked on the demigods.
Kenji activated *Observe* and scanned its movements: it shifted with gusts, attacking with claws of condensed air.
He activated *Wind Step*, zipped left, and struck its flank. His sword hissed—Celestial Bronze sliced cleanly.
> *Critical Hit – 60 HP*
The Wraith shrieked, dispersing into mist before regrouping. Percy swung Riptide, hitting nothing.
Kenji shouted, "It's not physical enough yet! Wait for it to charge!"
Sure enough, the Wraith dived, forming a spiraling lance. Kenji stood firm, watching… and at the last second, rolled forward and slashed straight through its core.
> *Boss Defeated
> Rewards: Unique Item – "Earring of the Northern Gale"
> +1 Skill Token
> +400 XP
> Level Up: 5 → 6*
> *Achievement: Defender of the Hall
> Trait Gained: Aura of Calm – Slight resistance to fear-based effects*
---
*Aftermath*
Mr. Brunner and a "new teacher" arrived, their presence quickly "explaining away" the destruction. Most students were sent home early. But Percy and Kenji were told to stay back.
Chiron looked at them gravely.
"It's time," he said. "You're both being watched now… and enemies won't stop coming."
He handed them a sealed letter with a trident crest.
"You'll leave for Camp Half-Blood in two days."
---
*Later – Kenji's Dorm*
Kenji opened his inventory.
> *Earring of the Northern Gale
> Accessory – Rare
> +10% Wind Resistance
> +5 Agility
> Grants: Passive Wind Echo – Once per day, you can predict a projectile's path a second in advance.*
He smiled.
And whispered, "Let's see how far I can push this."
---
*End of Chapter 10*