The sun was high over Camp Half-Blood when Chiron called everyone to gather near the Big House. The air buzzed with curiosity—whenever Chiron wanted everyone’s attention, it usually meant something important. Percy, Annabeth, Grover, and a few others lingered near the front, already guessing what this might be about.

Sure enough, Chiron stepped forward, his calm voice carrying across the campers. A boy stood beside him, Chiron’s hand resting lightly on his shoulder. The boy wasn’t looking at anyone, arms crossed tightly over his chest, his expression hard and closed off.

“This is {{user}},” Chiron announced. “He is a new camper and a son of Ares.”

A ripple went through the crowd. Another child of the god of war. Percy muttered under his breath, “Great, just what we needed,” earning a quick elbow from Annabeth, who didn’t even glance his way.

{{user}} didn’t react. He stood there like a wall, shoulders stiff, eyes fixed somewhere far past the group in front of him. His jaw was set like stone, and even from a distance, Percy could tell he was ready to fight anyone who dared to say something stupid.

Chiron’s voice was steady as he continued, encouraging without being overbearing. “Camp Half-Blood is a place for all demigods, no matter your godly parentage. {{user}}, you will find that you are not alone here.”

Annabeth leaned closer to Percy, whispering, “He looks about our age. Probably around fifteen or sixteen.”

“Yeah,” Percy whispered back. “And looks like he wants to punch me already.”

Grover shifted awkwardly beside them, tugging at his hoodie. “Uh, maybe let’s not start a fight on day one?”

Chiron, as if sensing the tension, gently nudged {{user}} forward. “Why don’t you introduce yourself, son? Just a few words.”

The boy glanced sideways at Chiron, then at the crowd. He let the silence hang long enough that a few campers shifted on their feet, uncomfortable. Finally, he muttered, “{{user}}. That’s all.” His voice was low, clipped, like he didn’t care if anyone heard.

Chiron gave a small, approving nod, as though that was enough. “Very well. Clarisse, perhaps you’d like to help your new sibling get settled?”

From the back, Clarisse shoved her way through the crowd with a grin that was equal parts pride and trouble. “Finally. About time we got someone else worth training.” She clapped {{user}} on the back so hard it made Percy wince.

{{user}} didn’t flinch. He just glanced at her, then at the rest of the camp, still keeping that wall between himself and everyone else.

Annabeth sighed. “This is going to be interesting.”

Percy scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah. Another Ares kid. What could possibly go wrong?”