'Now you decide to do this?' Percy grumbled internally as he slammed 'YES' and sprinted to the bathroom. He took the fastest shower of his life, threw on his Yancy Academy uniform, and rushed out of his dorm.
'Wait, my books!' he cried out, doubling back to grab his bag before bolting down the hall, making it to his classroom just as the final bell rang.
"Safe!" Percy gasped, leaning against the doorframe. He looked up to see his classmates staring at him oddly. He stared back, not because he felt awkward, but because every single one of them now had a name, title, and level floating above their head.
He blinked once, then twice, before quickly finding his seat and sitting down, observing them from the corner of his eye. This was just too weird. His ability didn't just affect him; it affected how he saw the entire world.
He looked over at Nancy Bobofit, a red-haired girl with a spray of orange freckles and a perpetually nasty attitude. The girl was bad news—always throwing food at Grover, teasing Percy, and trying to steal anything that wasn't nailed down.
And what was her level?
[Nancy Bobofit - Thief in the Making]
[LVL 4]
I guess it does take some skill to be that good at stealing lunch money, Percy thought wryly. Just then, a blue box popped into view.
[Quest Completed!]
[You're Late, Jackass!: Get to class on time!]
[Reward:]
[+20 EXP]
Percy waved the box away and pulled up his status bar.
[EXP: 50/400]
So quests worked, and the rewards were real. Which meant the failures must'Now you decide to do this?' Percy grumbled internally as he slammed 'YES' and sprinted to the bathroom. He took the fastest shower of his life, threw on his Yancy Academy uniform, and rushed out of his dorm.
'Wait, my books!' he cried out, doubling back to grab his bag before bolting down the hall, making it to his classroom just as the final bell rang.
"Safe!" Percy gasped, leaning against the doorframe. He looked up to see his classmates staring at him oddly. He stared back, not because he felt awkward, but because every single one of them now had a name, title, and level floating above their head.
He blinked once, then twice, before quickly finding his seat and sitting down, observing them from the corner of his eye. This was just too weird. His ability didn't just affect him; it affected how he saw the entire world.
He looked over at Nancy Bobofit, a red-haired girl with a spray of orange freckles and a perpetually nasty attitude. The girl was bad news—always throwing food at Grover, teasing Percy, and trying to steal anything that wasn't nailed down.
And what was her level?
[Nancy Bobofit - Thief in the Making]
[LVL 4]
I guess it does take some skill to be that good at stealing lunch money, Percy thought wryly. Just then, a blue box popped into view.
[Quest Completed!]
[You're Late, Jackass!: Get to class on time!]
[Reward:]
[+20 EXP]
Percy waved the box away and pulled up his status bar.
[EXP: 50/400]
So quests worked, and the rewards were real. Which meant the failures must be, too. This power could make bad things happen to him if he wasn't careful. It was a double-edged sword; it could help him, or it could get him killed.
Just then, Mr. Brunner rolled into the classroom. "Alright, settle down, everyone!"
As the class quieted, Percy glanced at Grover. Above his best friend's head was a name, title, and level, just like everyone else. Except this one was… different.
[Grover Underwood - Satyr Protector]
[LVL 20]
What the actual— Percy read and re-read it. Level 20? The guy was stronger than everyone in this room combined! Did this mean he was some kind of… Greek goat-man? Wait. A Satyr is a half-man, half-goat. Percy's eyes darted down to Grover's legs, always hidden by his baggy pants and supported by crutches. That's why he uses them! He doesn't want anyone to see his legs!
So my best friend is a goat. What's next? Percy mused, inspecting Grover more closely. Now that he thought about it, the guy did look a little old to be in middle school, and what was with that wispy goatee?
Grover must have felt his stare, because he looked over and whispered, "Percy? You okay?"
Percy snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded. "Yeah, man. I'm good." He turned his attention to the front of the class, only to receive an even bigger shock. Hovering over Mr. Brunner's head was a title that made his blood run cold.
[Chiron - Trainer of Heroes]
[LVL ?]
Okay, I've finally gone mad. Everyone around me is a Greek myth. Percy knew the name Chiron, and the title 'Trainer of Heroes' kind of gave it away. He needed to think, to focus. Maybe the lesson would be a good distraction.
After taking attendance, Mr. Brunner—Chiron—began a new topic that Percy found utterly hilarious. He started teaching them about Satyrs. A wicked grin spread across Percy's face. This was the perfect opportunity.
'Ding!'
[Quest Alert!]
[Poke the Centaur: Prank Grover and Chiron by making fun of Satyrs and, well, Chiron.]
[Rewards:]
[+100 EXP]
[Reputation increase with Hermes?]
[Failure:]
[Reputation loss with Chiron and Grover.]
[They will learn you know their secret and will 'take care of it.']
[Accept?]
[YES / NO]
Percy read that last part again. "Take care of it" sounded dangerously ominous. But 100 EXP was a huge reward, too much to pass up.
He pressed 'YES' and waited for the perfect moment. Just as Mr. Brunner was explaining how Satyrs were deeply connected to nature, Percy shot his hand into the air.
"Yes… Mr. Jackson?" Mr. Brunner said, turning his wheelchair toward him.
"I was just wondering, sir," Percy began, his voice laced with false innocence. "Is Chiron a Satyr?"
Mr. Brunner's expression froze. He looked genuinely shocked. "What? No! Why would you even ask that?"
"Well, it's just that I thought he was, sir," Percy continued, warming up. "You see, there's this Disney movie, Hercules, and it shows Chiron, the trainer of heroes, as a Satyr who loves to drink until he's red in the face, party until Hercules stops him, and is generally kind of a laid-back dude."
Mr. Brunner looked completely taken aback, shaking his head vehemently. "No, no, no. I don't know where you heard that, Percy, but it's not true. Chiron is a centaur—half-man, half-horse. And while I'm sure he could be, as you put it, a 'laid-back dude,' I highly doubt he spent his time drinking and partying."
Grover, looking mortified, mumbled from his seat, "Yeah, Chiron was known for being very uptight."
Percy's grin widened as he turned to his friend. "What do you mean, Grover? Do you know Chiron or something?"
Nancy Bobofit let out a derisive laugh. "Yeah, Goat Boy, you know any famous Greek horses?"
Percy spun around, his expression turning angry for a moment before an internal smile took over. "A centaur is half-man and half-horse, Nancy, not just a horse. And Grover is not a goat. He isn't some… some…" Percy turned back to his teacher. "What was that word again, sir? A Stir?"
"A Satyr, Mr. Jackson."
"Right," Percy said, turning back to Nancy with mock indignation. "Grover isn't a Satyr! Tell her, Grover," he urged, looking at his friend. "Tell her you're not a Satyr."
Grover slowly sank into his seat, his face blushing a deep crimson. "I'm… not a Satyr."
Percy grinned triumphantly. "See, Nancy? Grover isn't a Satyr. Heck, he's as much of a Satyr as Mr. Brunner is Chiron!"
The poor girl was left blinking in confusion, but the effect on the other two was obvious. Percy saw Grover's blush deepen while Mr. Brunner quickly rolled his 'Now you decide to do this?' Percy grumbled internally as he slammed 'YES' and sprinted to the bathroom. He took the fastest shower of his life, threw on his Yancy Academy uniform, and rushed out of his dorm.
'Wait, my books!' he cried out, doubling back to grab his bag before bolting down the hall, making it to his classroom just as the final bell rang.
"Safe!" Percy gasped, leaning against the doorframe. He looked up to see his classmates staring at him oddly. He stared back, not because he felt awkward, but because every single one of them now had a name, title, and level floating above their head.
He blinked once, then twice, before quickly finding his seat and sitting down, observing them from the corner of his eye. This was just too weird. His ability didn't just affect him; it affected how he saw the entire world.
He looked over at Nancy Bobofit, a red-haired girl with a spray of orange freckles and a perpetually nasty attitude. The girl was bad news—always throwing food at Grover, teasing Percy, and trying to steal anything that wasn't nailed down.
And what was her level?
[Nancy Bobofit - Thief in the Making]
[LVL 4]
I guess it does take some skill to be that good at stealing lunch money, Percy thought wryly. Just then, a blue box popped into view.
[Quest Completed!]
[You're Late, Jackass!: Get to class on time!]
[Reward:]
[+20 EXP]
Percy waved the box away and pulled up his status bar.
[EXP: 50/400]
So quests worked, and the rewards were real. Which meant the failures must be, too. This power could make bad things happen to him if he wasn't careful. It was a double-edged sword; it could help him, or it could get him killed.
Just then, Mr. Brunner rolled into the classroom. "Alright, settle down, everyone!"
As the class quieted, Percy glanced at Grover. Above his best friend's head was a name, title, and level, just like everyone else. Except this one was… different.
[Grover Underwood - Satyr Protector]
[LVL 20]
What the actual— Percy read and re-read it. Level 20? The guy was stronger than everyone in this room combined! Did this mean he was some kind of… Greek goat-man? Wait. A Satyr is a half-man, half-goat. Percy's eyes darted down to Grover's legs, always hidden by his baggy pants and supported by crutches. That's why he uses them! He doesn't want anyone to see his legs!
So my best friend is a goat. What's next? Percy mused, inspecting Grover more closely. Now that he thought about it, the guy did look a little old to be in middle school, and what was with that wispy goatee?
Grover must have felt his stare, because he looked over and whispered, "Percy? You okay?"
Percy snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded. "Yeah, man. I'm good." He turned his attention to the front of the class, only to receive an even bigger shock. Hovering over Mr. Brunner's head was a title that made his blood run cold.
[Chiron - Trainer of Heroes]
[LVL ?]
Okay, I've finally gone mad. Everyone around me is a Greek myth. Percy knew the name Chiron, and the title 'Trainer of Heroes' kind of gave it away. He needed to think, to focus. Maybe the lesson would be a good distraction.
After taking attendance, Mr. Brunner—Chiron—began a new topic that Percy found utterly hilarious. He started teaching them about Satyrs. A wicked grin spread across Percy's face. This was the perfect opportunity.
'Ding!'
[Quest Alert!]
[Poke the Centaur: Prank Grover and Chiron by making fun of Satyrs and, well, Chiron.]
[Rewards:]
[+100 EXP]
[Reputation increase with Hermes?]
[Failure:]
[Reputation loss with Chiron and Grover.]
[They will learn you know their secret and will 'take care of it.']
[Accept?]
[YES / NO]
Percy read that last part again. "Take care of it" sounded dangerously ominous. But 100 EXP was a huge reward, too much to pass up.
He pressed 'YES' and waited for the perfect moment. Just as Mr. Brunner was explaining how Satyrs were deeply connected to nature, Percy shot his hand into the air.
"Yes… Mr. Jackson?" Mr. Brunner said, turning his wheelchair toward him.
"I was just wondering, sir," Percy began, his voice laced with false innocence. "Is Chiron a Satyr?"
Mr. Brunner's expression froze. He looked genuinely shocked. "What? No! Why would you even ask that?"
"Well, it's just that I thought he was, sir," Percy continued, warming up. "You see, there's this Disney movie, Hercules, and it shows Chiron, the trainer of heroes, as a Satyr who loves to drink until he's red in the face, party until Hercules stops him, and is generally kind of a laid-back dude."
Mr. Brunner looked completely taken aback, shaking his head vehemently. "No, no, no. I don't know where you heard that, Percy, but it's not true. Chiron is a centaur—half-man, half-horse. And while I'm sure he could be, as you put it, a 'laid-back dude,' I highly doubt he spent his time drinking and partying."
Grover, looking mortified, mumbled from his seat, "Yeah, Chiron was known for being very uptight."
Percy's grin widened as he turned to his friend. "What do you mean, Grover? Do you know Chiron or something?"
Nancy Bobofit let out a derisive laugh. "Yeah, Goat Boy, you know any famous Greek horses?"
Percy spun around, his expression turning angry for a moment before an internal smile took over. "A centaur is half-man and half-horse, Nancy, not just a horse. And Grover is not a goat. He isn't some… some…" Percy turned back to his teacher. "What was that word again, sir? A Stir?"
"A Satyr, Mr. Jackson."
"Right," Percy said, turning back to Nancy with mock indignation. "Grover isn't a Satyr! Tell her, Grover," he urged, looking at his friend. "Tell her you're not a Satyr."
Grover slowly sank into his seat, his face blushing a deep crimson. "I'm… not a Satyr."
Percy grinned triumphantly. "See, Nancy? Grover isn't a Satyr. Heck, he's as much of a Satyr as Mr. Brunner is Chiron!"
The poor girl was left blinking in confusion, but the effect on the other two was obvious. Percy saw Grover's blush deepen while Mr. Brunner quickly rolled his 'Now you decide to do this?' Percy grumbled internally as he slammed 'YES' and sprinted to the bathroom. He took the fastest shower of his life, threw on his Yancy Academy uniform, and rushed out of his dorm.
'Wait, my books!' he cried out, doubling back to grab his bag before bolting down the hall, making it to his classroom just as the final bell rang.
"Safe!" Percy gasped, leaning against the doorframe. He looked up to see his classmates staring at him oddly. He stared back, not because he felt awkward, but because every single one of them now had a name, title, and level floating above their head.
He blinked once, then twice, before quickly finding his seat and sitting down, observing them from the corner of his eye. This was just too weird. His ability didn't just affect him; it affected how he saw the entire world.
He looked over at Nancy Bobofit, a red-haired girl with a spray of orange freckles and a perpetually nasty attitude. The girl was bad news—always throwing food at Grover, teasing Percy, and trying to steal anything that wasn't nailed down.
And what was her level?
[Nancy Bobofit - Thief in the Making]
[LVL 4]
I guess it does take some skill to be that good at stealing lunch money, Percy thought wryly. Just then, a blue box popped into view.
[Quest Completed!]
[You're Late, Jackass!: Get to class on time!]
[Reward:]
[+20 EXP]
Percy waved the box away and pulled up his status bar.
[EXP: 50/400]
So quests worked, and the rewards were real. Which meant the failures must be, too. This power could make bad things happen to him if he wasn't careful. It was a double-edged sword; it could help him, or it could get him killed.
Just then, Mr. Brunner rolled into the classroom. "Alright, settle down, everyone!"
As the class quieted, Percy glanced at Grover. Above his best friend's head was a name, title, and level, just like everyone else. Except this one was… different.
[Grover Underwood - Satyr Protector]
[LVL 20]
What the actual— Percy read and re-read it. Level 20? The guy was stronger than everyone in this room combined! Did this mean he was some kind of… Greek goat-man? Wait. A Satyr is a half-man, half-goat. Percy's eyes darted down to Grover's legs, always hidden by his baggy pants and supported by crutches. That's why he uses them! He doesn't want anyone to see his legs!
So my best friend is a goat. What's next? Percy mused, inspecting Grover more closely. Now that he thought about it, the guy did look a little old to be in middle school, and what was with that wispy goatee?
Grover must have felt his stare, because he looked over and whispered, "Percy? You okay?"
Percy snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded. "Yeah, man. I'm good." He turned his attention to the front of the class, only to receive an even bigger shock. Hovering over Mr. Brunner's head was a title that made his blood run cold.
[Chiron - Trainer of Heroes]
[LVL ?]
Okay, I've finally gone mad. Everyone around me is a Greek myth. Percy knew the name Chiron, and the title 'Trainer of Heroes' kind of gave it away. He needed to think, to focus. Maybe the lesson would be a good distraction.
After taking attendance, Mr. Brunner—Chiron—began a new topic that Percy found utterly hilarious. He started teaching them about Satyrs. A wicked grin spread across Percy's face. This was the perfect opportunity.
'Ding!'
[Quest Alert!]
[Poke the Centaur: Prank Grover and Chiron by making fun of Satyrs and, well, Chiron.]
[Rewards:]
[+100 EXP]
[Reputation increase with Hermes?]
[Failure:]
[Reputation loss with Chiron and Grover.]
[They will learn you know their secret and will 'take care of it.']
[Accept?]
[YES / NO]
Percy read that last part again. "Take care of it" sounded dangerously ominous. But 100 EXP was a huge reward, too much to pass up.
He pressed 'YES' and waited for the perfect moment. Just as Mr. Brunner was explaining how Satyrs were deeply connected to nature, Percy shot his hand into the air.
"Yes… Mr. Jackson?" Mr. Brunner said, turning his wheelchair toward him.
"I was just wondering, sir," Percy began, his voice laced with false innocence. "Is Chiron a Satyr?"
Mr. Brunner's expression froze. He looked genuinely shocked. "What? No! Why would you even ask that?"
"Well, it's just that I thought he was, sir," Percy continued, warming up. "You see, there's this Disney movie, Hercules, and it shows Chiron, the trainer of heroes, as a Satyr who loves to drink until he's red in the face, party until Hercules stops him, and is generally kind of a laid-back dude."
Mr. Brunner looked completely taken aback, shaking his head vehemently. "No, no, no. I don't know where you heard that, Percy, but it's not true. Chiron is a centaur—half-man, half-horse. And while I'm sure he could be, as you put it, a 'laid-back dude,' I highly doubt he spent his time drinking and partying."
Grover, looking mortified, mumbled from his seat, "Yeah, Chiron was known for being very uptight."
Percy's grin widened as he turned to his friend. "What do you mean, Grover? Do you know Chiron or something?"
Nancy Bobofit let out a derisive laugh. "Yeah, Goat Boy, you know any famous Greek horses?"
Percy spun around, his expression turning angry for a moment before an internal smile took over. "A centaur is half-man and half-horse, Nancy, not just a horse. And Grover is not a goat. He isn't some… some…" Percy turned back to his teacher. "What was that word again, sir? A Stir?"
"A Satyr, Mr. Jackson."
"Right," Percy said, turning back to Nancy with mock indignation. "Grover isn't a Satyr! Tell her, Grover," he urged, looking at his friend. "Tell her you're not a Satyr."
Grover slowly sank into his seat, his face blushing a deep crimson. "I'm… not a Satyr."
Percy grinned triumphantly. "See, Nancy? Grover isn't a Satyr. Heck, he's as much of a Satyr as Mr. Brunner is Chiron!"
The poor girl was left blinking in confusion, but the effect on the other two was obvious. Percy saw Grover's blush 'Now you decide to do this?' Percy grumbled internally as he slammed 'YES' and sprinted to the bathroom. He took the fastest shower of his life, threw on his Yancy Academy uniform, and rushed out of his dorm.
'Wait, my books!' he cried out, doubling back to grab his bag before bolting down the hall, making it to his classroom just as the final bell rang.
"Safe!" Percy gasped, leaning against the doorframe. He looked up to see his classmates staring at him oddly. He stared back, not because he felt awkward, but because every single one of them now had a name, title, and level floating above their head.
He blinked once, then twice, before quickly finding his seat and sitting down, observing them from the corner of his eye. This was just too weird. His ability didn't just affect him; it affected how he saw the entire world.
He looked over at Nancy Bobofit, a red-haired girl with a spray of orange freckles and a perpetually nasty attitude. The girl was bad news—always throwing food at Grover, teasing Percy, and trying to steal anything that wasn't nailed down.
And what was her level?
[Nancy Bobofit - Thief in the Making]
[LVL 4]
I guess it does take some skill to be that good at stealing lunch money, Percy thought wryly. Just then, a blue box popped into view.
[Quest Completed!]
[You're Late, Jackass!: Get to class on time!]
[Reward:]
[+20 EXP]
Percy waved the box away and pulled up his status bar.
[EXP: 50/400]
So quests worked, and the rewards were real. Which meant the failures must be, too. This power could make bad things happen to him if he wasn't careful. It was a double-edged sword; it could help him, or it could get him killed.
Just then, Mr. Brunner rolled into the classroom. "Alright, settle down, everyone!"
As the class quieted, Percy glanced at Grover. Above his best friend's head was a name, title, and level, just like everyone else. Except this one was… different.
[Grover Underwood - Satyr Protector]
[LVL 20]
What the actual— Percy read and re-read it. Level 20? The guy was stronger than everyone in this room combined! Did this mean he was some kind of… Greek goat-man? Wait. A Satyr is a half-man, half-goat. Percy's eyes darted down to Grover's legs, always hidden by his baggy pants and supported by crutches. That's why he uses them! He doesn't want anyone to see his legs!
So my best friend is a goat. What's next? Percy mused, inspecting Grover more closely. Now that he thought about it, the guy did look a little old to be in middle school, and what was with that wispy goatee?
Grover must have felt his stare, because he looked over and whispered, "Percy? You okay?"
Percy snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded. "Yeah, man. I'm good." He turned his attention to the front of the class, only to receive an even bigger shock. Hovering over Mr. Brunner's head was a title that made his blood run cold.
[Chiron - Trainer of Heroes]
[LVL ?]
Okay, I've finally gone mad. Everyone around me is a Greek myth. Percy knew the name Chiron, and the title 'Trainer of Heroes' kind of gave it away. He needed to think, to focus. Maybe the lesson would be a good distraction.
After taking attendance, Mr. Brunner—Chiron—began a new topic that Percy found utterly hilarious. He started teaching them about Satyrs. A wicked grin spread across Percy's face. This was the perfect opportunity.
'Ding!'
[Quest Alert!]
[Poke the Centaur: Prank Grover and Chiron by making fun of Satyrs and, well, Chiron.]
[Rewards:]
[+100 EXP]
[Reputation increase with Hermes?]
[Failure:]
[Reputation loss with Chiron and Grover.]
[They will learn you know their secret and will 'take care of it.']
[Accept?]
[YES / NO]
Percy read that last part again. "Take care of it" sounded dangerously ominous. But 100 EXP was a huge reward, too much to pass up.
He pressed 'YES' and waited for the perfect moment. Just as Mr. Brunner was explaining how Satyrs were deeply connected to nature, Percy shot his hand into the air.
"Yes… Mr. Jackson?" Mr. Brunner said, turning his wheelchair toward him.
"I was just wondering, sir," Percy began, his voice laced with false innocence. "Is Chiron a Satyr?"
Mr. Brunner's expression froze. He looked genuinely shocked. "What? No! Why would you even ask that?"
"Well, it's just that I thought he was, sir," Percy continued, warming up. "You see, there's this Disney movie, Hercules, and it shows Chiron, the trainer of heroes, as a Satyr who loves to drink until he's red in the face, party until Hercules stops him, and is generally kind of a laid-back dude."
Mr. Brunner looked completely taken aback, shaking his head vehemently. "No, no, no. I don't know where you heard that, Percy, but it's not true. Chiron is a centaur—half-man, half-horse. And while I'm sure he could be, as you put it, a 'laid-back dude,' I highly doubt he spent his time drinking and partying."
Grover, looking mortified, mumbled from his seat, "Yeah, Chiron was known for being very uptight."
Percy's grin widened as he turned to his friend. "What do you mean, Grover? Do you know Chiron or something?"
Nancy Bobofit let out a derisive laugh. "Yeah, Goat Boy, you know any famous Greek horses?"
Percy spun around, his expression turning angry for a moment before an internal smile took over. "A centaur is half-man and half-horse, Nancy, not just a horse. And Grover is not a goat. He isn't some… some…" Percy turned back to his teacher. "What was that word again, sir? A Stir?"
"A Satyr, Mr. Jackson."
"Right," Percy said, turning back to Nancy with mock indignation. "Grover isn't a Satyr! Tell her, Grover," he urged, looking at his friend. "Tell her you're not a Satyr."
Grover slowly sank into his seat, his face blushing a deep crimson. "I'm… not a Satyr."
Percy grinned triumphantly. "See, Nancy? Grover isn't a Satyr. Heck, he's as much of a Satyr as Mr. Brunner is Chiron!"
The poor girl was left blinking in confusion, but the effect on the other two was obvious. Percy saw Grover's blush deepen while Mr. Brunner quickly rolled his 'Now you decide to do this?' Percy grumbled internally as he slammed 'YES' and sprinted to the bathroom. He took the fastest shower of his life, threw on his Yancy Academy uniform, and rushed out of his dorm.
'Wait, my books!' he cried out, doubling back to grab his bag before bolting down the hall, making it to his classroom just as the final bell rang.
"Safe!" Percy gasped, leaning against the doorframe. He looked up to see his classmates staring at him oddly. He stared back, not because he felt awkward, but because every single one of them now had a name, title, and level floating above their head.
He blinked once, then twice, before quickly finding his seat and sitting down, observing them from the corner of his eye. This was just too weird. His ability didn't just affect him; it affected how he saw the entire world.
He looked over at Nancy Bobofit, a red-haired girl with a spray of orange freckles and a perpetually nasty attitude. The girl was bad news—always throwing food at Grover, teasing Percy, and trying to steal anything that wasn't nailed down.
And what was her level?
[Nancy Bobofit - Thief in the Making]
[LVL 4]
I guess it does take some skill to be that good at stealing lunch money, Percy thought wryly. Just then, a blue box popped into view.
[Quest Completed!]
[You're Late, Jackass!: Get to class on time!]
[Reward:]
[+20 EXP]
Percy waved the box away and pulled up his status bar.
[EXP: 50/400]
So quests worked, and the rewards were real. Which meant the failures must be, too. This power could make bad things happen to him if he wasn't careful. It was a double-edged sword; it could help him, or it could get him killed.
Just then, Mr. Brunner rolled into the classroom. "Alright, settle down, everyone!"
As the class quieted, Percy glanced at Grover. Above his best friend's head was a name, title, and level, just like everyone else. Except this one was… different.
[Grover Underwood - Satyr Protector]
[LVL 20]
What the actual— Percy read and re-read it. Level 20? The guy was stronger than everyone in this room combined! Did this mean he was some kind of… Greek goat-man? Wait. A Satyr is a half-man, half-goat. Percy's eyes darted down to Grover's legs, always hidden by his baggy pants and supported by crutches. That's why he uses them! He doesn't want anyone to see his legs!
So my best friend is a goat. What's next? Percy mused, inspecting Grover more closely. Now that he thought about it, the guy did look a little old to be in middle school, and what was with that wispy goatee?
Grover must have felt his stare, because he looked over and whispered, "Percy? You okay?"
Percy snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded. "Yeah, man. I'm good." He turned his attention to the front of the class, only to receive an even bigger shock. Hovering over Mr. Brunner's head was a title that made his blood run cold.
[Chiron - Trainer of Heroes]
[LVL ?]
Okay, I've finally gone mad. Everyone around me is a Greek myth. Percy knew the name Chiron, and the title 'Trainer of Heroes' kind of gave it away. He needed to think, to focus. Maybe the lesson would be a good distraction.
After taking attendance, Mr. Brunner—Chiron—began a new topic that Percy found utterly hilarious. He started teaching them about Satyrs. A wicked grin spread across Percy's face. This was the perfect opportunity.
'Ding!'
[Quest Alert!]
[Poke the Centaur: Prank Grover and Chiron by making fun of Satyrs and, well, Chiron.]
[Rewards:]
[+100 EXP]
[Reputation increase with Hermes?]
[Failure:]
[Reputation loss with Chiron and Grover.]
[They will learn you know their secret and will 'take care of it.']
[Accept?]
[YES / NO]
Percy read that last part again. "Take care of it" sounded dangerously ominous. But 100 EXP was a huge reward, too much to pass up.
He pressed 'YES' and waited for the perfect moment. Just as Mr. Brunner was explaining how Satyrs were deeply connected to nature, Percy shot his hand into the air.
"Yes… Mr. Jackson?" Mr. Brunner said, turning his wheelchair toward him.
"I was just wondering, sir," Percy began, his voice laced with false innocence. "Is Chiron a Satyr?"
Mr. Brunner's expression froze. He looked genuinely shocked. "What? No! Why would you even ask that?"
"Well, it's just that I thought he was, sir," Percy continued, warming up. "You see, there's this Disney movie, Hercules, and it shows Chiron, the trainer of heroes, as a Satyr who loves to drink until he's red in the face, party until Hercules stops him, and is generally kind of a laid-back dude."
Mr. Brunner looked completely taken aback, shaking his head vehemently. "No, no, no. I don't know where you heard that, Percy, but it's not true. Chiron is a centaur—half-man, half-horse. And while I'm sure he could be, as you put it, a 'laid-back dude,' I highly doubt he spent his time drinking and partying."
Grover, looking mortified, mumbled from his seat, "Yeah, Chiron was known for being very uptight."
Percy's grin widened as he turned to his friend. "What do you mean, Grover? Do you know Chiron or something?"
Nancy Bobofit let out a derisive laugh. "Yeah, Goat Boy, you know any famous Greek horses?"
Percy spun around, his expression turning angry for a moment before an internal smile took over. "A centaur is half-man and half-horse, Nancy, not just a horse. And Grover is not a goat. He isn't some… some…" Percy turned back to his teacher. "What was that word again, sir? A Stir?"
"A Satyr, Mr. Jackson."
"Right," Percy said, turning back to Nancy with mock indignation. "Grover isn't a Satyr! Tell her, Grover," he urged, looking at his friend. "Tell her you're not a Satyr."
Grover slowly sank into his seat, his face blushing a deep crimson. "I'm… not a Satyr."
Percy grinned triumphantly. "See, Nancy? Grover isn't a Satyr. Heck, he's as much of a Satyr as Mr. Brunner is Chiron!"
The poor girl was left blinking in confusion, but the effect on the other two was obvious. Percy saw Grover's blush deepen while Mr. Brunner quickly rolled his 'Now you decide to do this?' Percy grumbled internally as he slammed 'YES' and sprinted to the bathroom. He took the fastest shower of his life, threw on his Yancy Academy uniform, and rushed out of his dorm.
'Wait, my books!' he cried out, doubling back to grab his bag before bolting down the hall, making it to his classroom just as the final bell rang.
"Safe!" Percy gasped, leaning against the doorframe. He looked up to see his classmates staring at him oddly. He stared back, not because he felt awkward, but because every single one of them now had a name, title, and level floating above their head.
He blinked once, then twice, before quickly finding his seat and sitting down, observing them from the corner of his eye. This was just too weird. His ability didn't just affect him; it affected how he saw the entire world.
He looked over at Nancy Bobofit, a red-haired girl with a spray of orange freckles and a perpetually nasty attitude. The girl was bad news—always throwing food at Grover, teasing Percy, and trying to steal anything that wasn't nailed down.
And what was her level?
[Nancy Bobofit - Thief in the Making]
[LVL 4]
I guess it does take some skill to be that good at stealing lunch money, Percy thought wryly. Just then, a blue box popped into view.
[Quest Completed!]
[You're Late, Jackass!: Get to class on time!]
[Reward:]
[+20 EXP]
Percy waved the box away and pulled up his status bar.
[EXP: 50/400]
So quests worked, and the rewards were real. Which meant the failures must be, too. This power could make bad things happen to him if he wasn't careful. It was a double-edged sword; it could help him, or it could get him killed.
Just then, Mr. Brunner rolled into the classroom. "Alright, settle down, everyone!"
As the class quieted, Percy glanced at Grover. Above his best friend's head was a name, title, and level, just like everyone else. Except this one was… different.
[Grover Underwood - Satyr Protector]
[LVL 20]
What the actual— Percy read and re-read it. Level 20? The guy was stronger than everyone in this room combined! Did this mean he was some kind of… Greek goat-man? Wait. A Satyr is a half-man, half-goat. Percy's eyes darted down to Grover's legs, always hidden by his baggy pants and supported by crutches. That's why he uses them! He doesn't want anyone to see his legs!
So my best friend is a goat. What's next? Percy mused, inspecting Grover more closely. Now that he thought about it, the guy did look a little old to be in middle school, and what was with that wispy goatee?
Grover must have felt his stare, because he looked over and whispered, "Percy? You okay?"
Percy snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded. "Yeah, man. I'm good." He turned his attention to the front of the class, only to receive an even bigger shock. Hovering over Mr. Brunner's head was a title that made his blood run cold.
[Chiron - Trainer of Heroes]
[LVL ?]
Okay, I've finally gone mad. Everyone around me is a Greek myth. Percy knew the name Chiron, and the title 'Trainer of Heroes' kind of gave it away. He needed to think, to focus. Maybe the lesson would be a good distraction.
After taking attendance, Mr. Brunner—Chiron—began a new topic that Percy found utterly hilarious. He started teaching them about Satyrs. A wicked grin spread across Percy's face. This was the perfect opportunity.
'Ding!'
[Quest Alert!]
[Poke the Centaur: Prank Grover and Chiron by making fun of Satyrs and, well, Chiron.]
[Rewards:]
[+100 EXP]
[Reputation increase with Hermes?]
[Failure:]
[Reputation loss with Chiron and Grover.]
[They will learn you know their secret and will 'take care of it.']
[Accept?]
[YES / NO]
Percy read that last part again. "Take care of it" sounded dangerously ominous. But 100 EXP was a huge reward, too much to pass up.
He pressed 'YES' and waited for the perfect moment. Just as Mr. Brunner was explaining how Satyrs were deeply connected to nature, Percy shot his hand into the air.
"Yes… Mr. Jackson?" Mr. Brunner said, turning his wheelchair toward him.
"I was just wondering, sir," Percy began, his voice laced with false innocence. "Is Chiron a Satyr?"
Mr. Brunner's expression froze. He looked genuinely shocked. "What? No! Why would you even ask that?"
"Well, it's just that I thought he was, sir," Percy continued, warming up. "You see, there's this Disney movie, Hercules, and it shows Chiron, the trainer of heroes, as a Satyr who loves to drink until he's red in the face, party until Hercules stops him, and is generally kind of a laid-back dude."
Mr. Brunner looked completely taken aback, shaking his head vehemently. "No, no, no. I don't know where you heard that, Percy, but it's not true. Chiron is a centaur—half-man, half-horse. And while I'm sure he could be, as you put it, a 'laid-back dude,' I highly doubt he spent his time drinking and partying."
Grover, looking mortified, mumbled from his seat, "Yeah, Chiron was known for being very uptight."
Percy's grin widened as he turned to his friend. "What do you mean, Grover? Do you know Chiron or something?"
Nancy Bobofit let out a derisive laugh. "Yeah, Goat Boy, you know any famous Greek horses?"
Percy spun around, his expression turning angry for a moment before an internal smile took over. "A centaur is half-man and half-horse, Nancy, not just a horse. And Grover is not a goat. He isn't some… some…" Percy turned back to his teacher. "What was that word again, sir? A Stir?"
"A Satyr, Mr. Jackson."
"Right," Percy said, turning back to Nancy with mock indignation. "Grover isn't a Satyr! Tell her, Grover," he urged, looking at his friend. "Tell her you're not a Satyr."
Grover slowly sank into his seat, his face blushing a deep crimson. "I'm… not a Satyr."
Percy grinned triumphantly. "See, Nancy? Grover isn't a Satyr. Heck, he's as much of a Satyr as Mr. Brunner is Chiron!"
The poor girl was left blinking in confusion, but the effect on the other two was obvious. Percy saw Grover's blush 'Now you decide to do this?' Percy grumbled internally as he slammed 'YES' and sprinted to the bathroom. He took the fastest shower of his life, threw on his Yancy Academy uniform, and rushed out of his dorm.
'Wait, my books!' he cried out, doubling back to grab his bag before bolting down the hall, making it to his classroom just as the final bell rang.
"Safe!" Percy gasped, leaning against the doorframe. He looked up to see his classmates staring at him oddly. He stared back, not because he felt awkward, but because every single one of them now had a name, title, and level floating above their head.
He blinked once, then twice, before quickly finding his seat and sitting down, observing them from the corner of his eye. This was just too weird. His ability didn't just affect him; it affected how he saw the entire world.
He looked over at Nancy Bobofit, a red-haired girl with a spray of orange freckles and a perpetually nasty attitude. The girl was bad news—always throwing food at Grover, teasing Percy, and trying to steal anything that wasn't nailed down.
And what was her level?
[Nancy Bobofit - Thief in the Making]
[LVL 4]
I guess it does take some skill to be that good at stealing lunch money, Percy thought wryly. Just then, a blue box popped into view.
[Quest Completed!]
[You're Late, Jackass!: Get to class on time!]
[Reward:]
[+20 EXP]
Percy waved the box away and pulled up his status bar.
[EXP: 50/400]
So quests worked, and the rewards were real. Which meant the failures must be, too. This power could make bad things happen to him if he wasn't careful. It was a double-edged sword; it could help him, or it could get him killed.
Just then, Mr. Brunner rolled into the classroom. "Alright, settle down, everyone!"
As the class quieted, Percy glanced at Grover. Above his best friend's head was a name, title, and level, just like everyone else. Except this one was… different.
[Grover Underwood - Satyr Protector]
[LVL 20]
What the actual— Percy read and re-read it. Level 20? The guy was stronger than everyone in this room combined! Did this mean he was some kind of… Greek goat-man? Wait. A Satyr is a half-man, half-goat. Percy's eyes darted down to Grover's legs, always hidden by his baggy pants and supported by crutches. That's why he uses them! He doesn't want anyone to see his legs!
So my best friend is a goat. What's next? Percy mused, inspecting Grover more closely. Now that he thought about it, the guy did look a little old to be in middle school, and what was with that wispy goatee?
Grover must have felt his stare, because he looked over and whispered, "Percy? You okay?"
Percy snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded. "Yeah, man. I'm good." He turned his attention to the front of the class, only to receive an even bigger shock. Hovering over Mr. Brunner's head was a title that made his blood run cold.
[Chiron - Trainer of Heroes]
[LVL ?]
Okay, I've finally gone mad. Everyone around me is a Greek myth. Percy knew the name Chiron, and the title 'Trainer of Heroes' kind of gave it away. He needed to think, to focus. Maybe the lesson would be a good distraction.
After taking attendance, Mr. Brunner—Chiron—began a new topic that Percy found utterly hilarious. He started teaching them about Satyrs. A wicked grin spread across Percy's face. This was the perfect opportunity.
'Ding!'
[Quest Alert!]
[Poke the Centaur: Prank Grover and Chiron by making fun of Satyrs and, well, Chiron.]
[Rewards:]
[+100 EXP]
[Reputation increase with Hermes?]
[Failure:]
[Reputation loss with Chiron and Grover.]
[They will learn you know their secret and will 'take care of it.']
[Accept?]
[YES / NO]
Percy read that last part again. "Take care of it" sounded dangerously ominous. But 100 EXP was a huge reward, too much to pass up.
He pressed 'YES' and waited for the perfect moment. Just as Mr. Brunner was explaining how Satyrs were deeply connected to nature, Percy shot his hand into the air.
"Yes… Mr. Jackson?" Mr. Brunner said, turning his wheelchair toward him.
"I was just wondering, sir," Percy began, his voice laced with false innocence. "Is Chiron a Satyr?"
Mr. Brunner's expression froze. He looked genuinely shocked. "What? No! Why would you even ask that?"
"Well, it's just that I thought he was, sir," Percy continued, warming up. "You see, there's this Disney movie, Hercules, and it shows Chiron, the trainer of heroes, as a Satyr who loves to drink until he's red in the face, party until Hercules stops him, and is generally kind of a laid-back dude."
Mr. Brunner looked completely taken aback, shaking his head vehemently. "No, no, no. I don't know where you heard that, Percy, but it's not true. Chiron is a centaur—half-man, half-horse. And while I'm sure he could be, as you put it, a 'laid-back dude,' I highly doubt he spent his time drinking and partying."
Grover, looking mortified, mumbled from his seat, "Yeah, Chiron was known for being very uptight."
Percy's grin widened as he turned to his friend. "What do you mean, Grover? Do you know Chiron or something?"
Nancy Bobofit let out a derisive laugh. "Yeah, Goat Boy, you know any famous Greek horses?"
Percy spun around, his expression turning angry for a moment before an internal smile took over. "A centaur is half-man and half-horse, Nancy, not just a horse. And Grover is not a goat. He isn't some… some…" Percy turned back to his teacher. "What was that word again, sir? A Stir?"
"A Satyr, Mr. Jackson."
"Right," Percy said, turning back to Nancy with mock indignation. "Grover isn't a Satyr! Tell her, Grover," he urged, looking at his friend. "Tell her you're not a Satyr."
Grover slowly sank into his seat, his face blushing a deep crimson. "I'm… not a Satyr."
Percy grinned triumphantly. "See, Nancy? Grover isn't a Satyr. Heck, he's as much of a Satyr as Mr. Brunner is Chiron!"
The poor girl was left blinking in confusion, but the effect on the other two was obvious. Percy saw Grover's blush deepen while Mr. Brunner quickly rolled his 'Now you decide to do this?' Percy grumbled internally as he slammed 'YES' and sprinted to the bathroom. He took the fastest shower of his life, threw on his Yancy Academy uniform, and rushed out of his dorm.
'Wait, my books!' he cried out, doubling back to grab his bag before bolting down the hall, making it to his classroom just as the final bell rang.
"Safe!" Percy gasped, leaning against the doorframe. He looked up to see his classmates staring at him oddly. He stared back, not because he felt awkward, but because every single one of them now had a name, title, and level floating above their head.
He blinked once, then twice, before quickly finding his seat and sitting down, observing them from the corner of his eye. This was just too weird. His ability didn't just affect him; it affected how he saw the entire world.
He looked over at Nancy Bobofit, a red-haired girl with a spray of orange freckles and a perpetually nasty attitude. The girl was bad news—always throwing food at Grover, teasing Percy, and trying to steal anything that wasn't nailed down.
And what was her level?
[Nancy Bobofit - Thief in the Making]
[LVL 4]
I guess it does take some skill to be that good at stealing lunch money, Percy thought wryly. Just then, a blue box popped into view.
[Quest Completed!]
[You're Late, Jackass!: Get to class on time!]
[Reward:]
[+20 EXP]
Percy waved the box away and pulled up his status bar.
[EXP: 50/400]
So quests worked, and the rewards were real. Which meant the failures must be, too. This power could make bad things happen to him if he wasn't careful. It was a double-edged sword; it could help him, or it could get him killed.
Just then, Mr. Brunner rolled into the classroom. "Alright, settle down, everyone!"
As the class quieted, Percy glanced at Grover. Above his best friend's head was a name, title, and level, just like everyone else. Except this one was… different.
[Grover Underwood - Satyr Protector]
[LVL 20]
What the actual— Percy read and re-read it. Level 20? The guy was stronger than everyone in this room combined! Did this mean he was some kind of… Greek goat-man? Wait. A Satyr is a half-man, half-goat. Percy's eyes darted down to Grover's legs, always hidden by his baggy pants and supported by crutches. That's why he uses them! He doesn't want anyone to see his legs!
So my best friend is a goat. What's next? Percy mused, inspecting Grover more closely. Now that he thought about it, the guy did look a little old to be in middle school, and what was with that wispy goatee?
Grover must have felt his stare, because he looked over and whispered, "Percy? You okay?"
Percy snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded. "Yeah, man. I'm good." He turned his attention to the front of the class, only to receive an even bigger shock. Hovering over Mr. Brunner's head was a title that made his blood run cold.
[Chiron - Trainer of Heroes]
[LVL ?]
Okay, I've finally gone mad. Everyone around me is a Greek myth. Percy knew the name Chiron, and the title 'Trainer of Heroes' kind of gave it away. He needed to think, to focus. Maybe the lesson would be a good distraction.
After taking attendance, Mr. Brunner—Chiron—began a new topic that Percy found utterly hilarious. He started teaching them about Satyrs. A wicked grin spread across Percy's face. This was the perfect opportunity.
'Ding!'
[Quest Alert!]
[Poke the Centaur: Prank Grover and Chiron by making fun of Satyrs and, well, Chiron.]
[Rewards:]
[+100 EXP]
[Reputation increase with Hermes?]
[Failure:]
[Reputation loss with Chiron and Grover.]
[They will learn you know their secret and will 'take care of it.']
[Accept?]
[YES / NO]
Percy read that last part again. "Take care of it" sounded dangerously ominous. But 100 EXP was a huge reward, too much to pass up.
He pressed 'YES' and waited for the perfect moment. Just as Mr. Brunner was explaining how Satyrs were deeply connected to nature, Percy shot his hand into the air.
"Yes… Mr. Jackson?" Mr. Brunner said, turning his wheelchair toward him.
"I was just wondering, sir," Percy began, his voice laced with false innocence. "Is Chiron a Satyr?"
Mr. Brunner's expression froze. He looked genuinely shocked. "What? No! Why would you even ask that?"
"Well, it's just that I thought he was, sir," Percy continued, warming up. "You see, there's this Disney movie, Hercules, and it shows Chiron, the trainer of heroes, as a Satyr who loves to drink until he's red in the face, party until Hercules stops him, and is generally kind of a laid-back dude."
Mr. Brunner looked completely taken aback, shaking his head vehemently. "No, no, no. I don't know where you heard that, Percy, but it's not true. Chiron is a centaur—half-man, half-horse. And while I'm sure he could be, as you put it, a 'laid-back dude,' I highly doubt he spent his time drinking and partying."
Grover, looking mortified, mumbled from his seat, "Yeah, Chiron was known for being very uptight."
Percy's grin widened as he turned to his friend. "What do you mean, Grover? Do you know Chiron or something?"
Nancy Bobofit let out a derisive laugh. "Yeah, Goat Boy, you know any famous Greek horses?"
Percy spun around, his expression turning angry for a moment before an internal smile took over. "A centaur is half-man and half-horse, Nancy, not just a horse. And Grover is not a goat. He isn't some… some…" Percy turned back to his teacher. "What was that word again, sir? A Stir?"
"A Satyr, Mr. Jackson."
"Right," Percy said, turning back to Nancy with mock indignation. "Grover isn't a Satyr! Tell her, Grover," he urged, looking at his friend. "Tell her you're not a Satyr."
Grover slowly sank into his seat, his face blushing a deep crimson. "I'm… not a Satyr."
Percy grinned triumphantly. "See, Nancy? Grover isn't a Satyr. Heck, he's as much of a Satyr as Mr. Brunner is Chiron!"
The poor girl was left blinking in confusion, but the effect on the other two was obvious. Percy saw Grover's blush deepen while Mr. Brunner quickly rolled his wheelchair to the side, trying to hide his flustered expression.
to the side, trying to hide his flustered expression.
while Mr. Brunner quickly rolled his wheelchair to the side, trying to hide his flustered expression.
to the side, trying to hide his flustered expression.
to the side, trying to hide his flustered expression.
while Mr. Brunner quickly rolled his wheelchair to the side, trying to hide his flustered expression.
to the side, trying to hide his flustered expression.
to the side, trying to hide his flustered expression.
be, too. This power could make bad things happen to him if he wasn't careful. It was a double-edged sword; it could help him, or it could get him killed.
Just then, Mr. Brunner rolled into the classroom. "Alright, settle down, everyone!"
As the class quieted, Percy glanced at Grover. Above his best friend's head was a name, title, and level, just like everyone else. Except this one was… different.
[Grover Underwood - Satyr Protector]
[LVL 20]
What the actual— Percy read and re-read it. Level 20? The guy was stronger than everyone in this room combined! Did this mean he was some kind of… Greek goat-man? Wait. A Satyr is a half-man, half-goat. Percy's eyes darted down to Grover's legs, always hidden by his baggy pants and supported by crutches. That's why he uses them! He doesn't want anyone to see his legs!
So my best friend is a goat. What's next? Percy mused, inspecting Grover more closely. Now that he thought about it, the guy did look a little old to be in middle school, and what was with that wispy goatee?
Grover must have felt his stare, because he looked over and whispered, "Percy? You okay?"
Percy snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded. "Yeah, man. I'm good." He turned his attention to the front of the class, only to receive an even bigger shock. Hovering over Mr. Brunner's head was a title that made his blood run cold.
[Chiron - Trainer of Heroes]
[LVL ?]
Okay, I've finally gone mad. Everyone around me is a Greek myth. Percy knew the name Chiron, and the title 'Trainer of Heroes' kind of gave it away. He needed to think, to focus. Maybe the lesson would be a good distraction.
After taking attendance, Mr. Brunner—Chiron—began a new topic that Percy found utterly hilarious. He started teaching them about Satyrs. A wicked grin spread across Percy's face. This was the perfect opportunity.
'Ding!'
[Quest Alert!]
[Poke the Centaur: Prank Grover and Chiron by making fun of Satyrs and, well, Chiron.]
[Rewards:]
[+100 EXP]
[Reputation increase with Hermes?]
[Failure:]
[Reputation loss with Chiron and Grover.]
[They will learn you know their secret and will 'take care of it.']
[Accept?]
[YES / NO]
Percy read that last part again. "Take care of it" sounded dangerously ominous. But 100 EXP was a huge reward, too much to pass up.
He pressed 'YES' and waited for the perfect moment. Just as Mr. Brunner was explaining how Satyrs were deeply connected to nature, Percy shot his hand into the air.
"Yes… Mr. Jackson?" Mr. Brunner said, turning his wheelchair toward him.
"I was just wondering, sir," Percy began, his voice laced with false innocence. "Is Chiron a Satyr?"
Mr. Brunner's expression froze. He looked genuinely shocked. "What? No! Why would you even ask that?"
"Well, it's just that I thought he was, sir," Percy continued, warming up. "You see, there's this Disney movie, Hercules, and it shows Chiron, the trainer of heroes, as a Satyr who loves to drink until he's red in the face, party until Hercules stops him, and is generally kind of a laid-back dude."
Mr. Brunner looked completely taken aback, shaking his head vehemently. "No, no, no. I don't know where you heard that, Percy, but it's not true. Chiron is a centaur—half-man, half-horse. And while I'm sure he could be, as you put it, a 'laid-back dude,' I highly doubt he spent his time drinking and partying."
Grover, looking mortified, mumbled from his seat, "Yeah, Chiron was known for being very uptight."
Percy's grin widened as he turned to his friend. "What do you mean, Grover? Do you know Chiron or something?"
Nancy Bobofit let out a derisive laugh. "Yeah, Goat Boy, you know any famous Greek horses?"
Percy spun around, his expression turning angry for a moment before an internal smile took over. "A centaur is half-man and half-horse, Nancy, not just a horse. And Grover is not a goat. He isn't some… some…" Percy turned back to his teacher. "What was that word again, sir? A Stir?"
"A Satyr, Mr. Jackson."
"Right," Percy said, turning back to Nancy with mock indignation. "Grover isn't a Satyr! Tell her, Grover," he urged, looking at his friend. "Tell her you're not a Satyr."
Grover slowly sank into his seat, his face blushing a deep crimson. "I'm… not a Satyr."
Percy grinned triumphantly. "See, Nancy? Grover isn't a Satyr. Heck, he's as much of a Satyr as Mr. Brunner is Chiron!"
The poor girl was left blinking in confusion, but the effect on the other two was obvious. Percy saw Grover's blush deepen while Mr. Brunner quickly rolled his wheelchair to the side, trying to hide his flustered expression.