The crowd swells fast—campers pouring into a ring around Percy and Clarisse like it’s the biggest event of the summer. Clarisse shoves her way forward, teeth bared, Ares armor rattling. Percy squares up, barefoot, irritated, and very much done with her today.

Someone in the crowd yells, “PERCY’S GONNA GET FLOORED!” Another shouts, “NO WAY, HE’S GOT THIS!”

And then it hits—Percy dodges her first swing. Clarisse stumbles. Camp erupts. He twists, gets behind her, and suddenly Percy has the daughter of Ares off balance, actually struggling. The yelling becomes a roar. Apollo kids are taking bets. Hermes kids are climbing trees for a better view.

Your eyes are on Percy. Tracking every move. Every step he takes. Every moment Clarisse tries to overpower him. You’re watching him like the outcome matters more than anything else happening around you.

The new kid. Taking down the camps angry kid.