Chapter 24: The Oracle's Revelation

Adan stood in the presence of the Oracle of Delphi, her emerald eyes opening as she spoke:

On an island in the Atlantic, Adan and his team reside,

The monster lurks, and they must abide.

But gods they encounter, from near and far,

In this wondrous journey, reaching for a star.

In the Sahara, hot and vast,

An unknown group, in solitude amassed.

Adan meets them, in the desert's sand,

A new chapter unfolds, in that foreign land.

His mouth agape, Adan struggled to find the right words. It seemed he was destined for yet another challenging quest. However, there was a rule - it was advised to embark on such missions in groups of three, for greater chances of success. Yet, Adan knew from past conversations with fellow demigods that one among them would often meet a grim fate. This was something he was not willing to accept.

"Why me?" echoed Adan's thoughts. As he scanned the faces in the dining hall, some cheered, some turned away, and others remained indifferent to the unfolding event. Many approached him, eager for a chance to partake in adventure, hoping to seize the opportunity presented by his selection.

However, Riley, emerging from the Hephaestus table, intervened, dispersing the crowd to allow Adan some time to process the news. "Take all the time you need," Riley assured him. "I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to." Grateful for his friend's support, Adan retreated into the woods, building a fire to contemplate his fate.

Engaging in what might have appeared as a solitary conversation to an outsider, Adan communed with his divine parent. "I didn't ask for this," he lamented. "Why have you chosen me for this mission?" Apollo's voice answered, reassuring yet firm: "Hello, Adan. It's been a while. While I would consider your wishes under normal circumstances, fate has other plans. Even I cannot defy destiny."

Resigned to his fate, Adan accepted Apollo's words, finding solace in the knowledge that his friends would accompany him, providing support in times of need. With a quiet "thank you," Adan prepared himself for the journey ahead.

The following day, Adan approached Chiron with newfound resolve, informing him of his decision to embark on the quest. However, he first needed to assemble a team. Chiron nodded in agreement, and Adan made his way to the Hephaestus cabin.

Arriving at the cabin, he reminisced about his first encounter with the cabin: The Hephaestus cabin resembled an oversized mobile home, with gleaming metal walls and blinds over the windows. The door, resembling that of a bank vault, opened with a series of rotating brass devices and hydraulic pistons emitting steam. Inside, tools and metal parts littered the space, with beds that could be mechanically unfolded via a digital control console.

Inside, Riley was busy at the forge. Adan wasted no time in asking him to join the mission. Riley's enthusiastic response was clear: "I thought you'd never ask."

With one companion secured, Adan pondered who else to invite to ensure a balanced group. Considering the need for interpersonal and diplomatic skills, he thought of Diana. Though they hadn't interacted much lately, they remained friends.

Heading towards Aphrodite's cabin, Adan observed its charming exterior: a painted roof, pillars, and a blue-and-white checkered porch adorned with gray walls. It resembled a pink Barbie house, complete with lace curtains and carnations at the windows.

Knocking on the door, Adan requested a private conversation with Diana. As they walked along the beach, Adan extended the invitation to join the quest. Diana, delighted by the offer, agreed eagerly. Her ability with Charmspeak would prove invaluable, and she was eager for an adventure beyond the confines of the camp.

With the trio assembled, Adan led the way to Chiron's location, ready to inform him of their decision. Meanwhile, Dionysus, the camp director, spent his days contemplating the wines he would taste upon his release from Zeus's restrictions, seemingly unaware of the events unfolding around him.

As they approached Chiron, Adan felt a sense of determination wash over him. With Riley and Diana by his side, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead on their journey.