Chapter 20: The Final Stretch

As Adan arrived at his station, he cautiously stepped off the train, his heart pounding with both excitement and apprehension. A small leap of joy escaped him as he realized he was only about 15 minutes away from reaching Camp Half-Blood. Pulling out his phone, he checked Google Maps to confirm his route. Uncertain of the exact path, he knew he would have to rely on his own instincts and navigate through the forest.

Following the trail along the woodland road, Adan pressed forward until it eventually faded into a muddy path deeper into the forest's depths. It was there, amidst the rustling leaves and the distant hooting of owls, that he encountered a group of four monsters.

As the creatures caught sight and scent of him, they recognized him as a demigod and charged forward with increasing speed. Adan, his bow at the ready, stood his ground and took aim at two monsters barreling toward him in succession. The first fell swiftly to his arrow, striking it squarely in the head, while the second narrowly evaded the shot.

Without hesitation, Adan swiftly fired a second arrow just 1.5 seconds later, striking both monsters in the leg this time. As another monster closed in, Adan realized he had no time to loose another arrow. Instead, he channeled solar energy into his hand and feet, delivering a powerful blow to the creature's face before spinning 360 degrees and delivering a forceful kick to its body, sending it sprawling backward.

Amidst the chaos, one of the injured monsters cried out for reinforcements. Anger surged within Adan as he swiftly drew another arrow and aimed for the creature's red reptilian eyes. With a precise shot, he silenced the beast before swiftly continuing his escape, knowing that lingering would only invite further danger.

Indeed, he soon heard the thundering footsteps of more monsters closing in behind him. Cursing under his breath, Adan pushed himself to run faster than he ever thought possible, fueled by adrenaline and determination. Suddenly, a giant emerged from behind a tree, swinging a wooden weapon in his direction.

With his heightened senses, Adan anticipated the giant's attack and dodged just in time, darting between the giant's legs and delivering a swift kick to his left foot. The giant staggered, then toppled over, letting out a pained cry. But Adan had no time to spare, with the horde of monsters still hot on his heels.

Pressing on, Adan caught sight of a suspicious wooden gate about 500 meters (1640 feet) ahead. Despite the absence of any visible signs of habitation, he was certain it must be the entrance to Camp Half-Blood. Summoning the last reserves of his strength, he sprinted towards it, his legs burning with fatigue.

Just as he approached, four metal bulls charged at him from the side. In a split-second decision, Adan gathered solar energy in his legs and feet, propelling himself upward with all his might. The bulls collided with each other as Adan soared through the wooden gate, passing through some kind of protective barrier and landing roughly on the grassy ground beyond.

As he lay there, his body aching from the impact, Adan could hear the murmurs of curious onlookers and the sight of several wooden cabins in the distance. Wincing in pain, he muttered to himself, "Ouch," before finally allowing himself to succumb to exhaustion.