Percy Jackson: As a Gamer In This Dark World

This wasn't like the divine abilities of demigods I'd encountered in my previous life.

These weren't individuals with celestial bloodlines or gifts from the gods. No, these were ordinary people who could train themselves to harness mana and cast spells with enough discipline and practice.

Fireballs, ice spikes, and even complex enchantments were all within their grasp.

There were also those who tamed and trained dragons, turning them into formidable mounts that could dominate the skies in battle. It was like stepping into a world pulled straight from a fantasy game. And yet, it reminded me far too much of my old life.

Great, I thought bitterly. I can't catch a break, can I?

Things took an unexpected turn on my fourth birthday.

Our mercenary group had just concluded a successful raid alongside other hired companies and soldiers from the kingdom that employed us.

The objective was a castle, and by the end of the day, it had fallen under the banner of our benefactor.

While the warriors celebrated their victory, I busied myself with helping where I could—running rations and water to the members of our group.

Everyone greeted me with good-natured nicknames: "boy," "kid," "little dude." I didn't mind. I'd learned something peculiar about this world: most commoners didn't receive proper names until they reached the age of ten.

This tradition stemmed from a grim reality. Many children didn't survive their early years, whether from disease, injury, or attacks by the monsters that lurked in the forests.

Medicine in this world was rudimentary—limited to simple herbal remedies and bandages.

Those who could afford it might hire a wizard or a witch to perform healing magic, but such services were prohibitively expensive. For most, a sick or injured child was simply a tragedy waiting to happen.

Because of this high mortality rate, names were seen as a privilege earned only after a child reached an age where their survival seemed more certain.

That night, as the camp settled down and the celebrations gave way to quiet, I curled up beside Trista in our tent.

She was my protector, my caretaker, and, as much as I hated to admit it at first, my mother in this life. Over time, I'd come to love her as deeply as I had loved Sally in my previous one.

She worked tirelessly to support both of us, and while her affection was subtle, it was genuine. In turn, I trusted her completely.

As I drifted off to sleep, my dreams carried me back to memories of my old life—of my friends, family, and even the occasional silly event, like a pancake-eating contest. I laughed at the absurdity of it, content to lose myself in the warmth of nostalgia.

Then, without warning, the dream froze.

Right in the middle of the contest, everything came to a halt, and irritation prickled at the edges of my consciousness.

"Age reached. Activation of [Adventurer Card V2] achieved," a stoic, feminine voice announced, echoing in my head.

The dream dissolved in front of me, glitching and distorting like an old television losing reception. Panic surged within me as I tried to pull away, to wake myself up, but no amount of effort worked.

I was plunged into darkness—a vast, empty void that stretched endlessly in all directions.

"Loading… [Adventurer Card V2] loaded," the voice declared again.

Before I could process what was happening, a massive glowing screen materialized before me, cutting through the void. The sudden brightness startled me, and I stumbled back, heart pounding.

"What the hell?" I muttered, my voice trembling as I stared at the impossible sight before me.

As I tried to step back, my attention was drawn to the hologram floating in front of me. At first, I stared at it in confusion.

On the right side of the glowing display, there was a small figure—an animated version of myself. On the left, columns of numbers and text. Then it hit me.

"Holy crap, it's like a video game!" I muttered, my voice echoing in the void.

"Correction: [Adventurer Card V2] is a stat board that allows individuals to view their skills and abilities at will. Would you like to take the tutorial?"

The same calm, stoic voice echoed around me. I instinctively looked around for its source but found nothing.

"Who's there?" I demanded.

"I am an artificial intelligence created from the will of this world and its magic. You may call me the [Gaia System], or simply [Gaia]."

The explanation left me more than a little stunned. Magic, while amazing, was not something anyone had mentioned working like this.

"Why am I hearing you now and not before?" I asked warily.

"Due to the unique characteristics of your soul and the circumstances of your birth, you were granted early access to me. However, the system remained locked until you reached the age of four. Would you like to take the tutorial?"

I exhaled slowly. Of course, it was structured like a video game.

"What's this [Adventurer Card] thing you keep talking about?"

"The [Adventurer Card] is a feature of the [Gaia System] that tracks an individual's numerical stats, abilities, and skills. Typically, individuals receive their card on their 10th birthday. Guilds and organizations use the information on these cards to assign appropriate tasks based on a person's capabilities."

"Wait, what's with the 'V2' on mine?"

"The 'V2' designation is a result of your unique circumstances—your soul's special characteristics and your current racial birthright. Standard [Adventurer Cards] are version 'V1.' With version 'V2,' you gain additional benefits, including five skill points per level that you can allocate to enhance your natural abilities and skills."

My excitement bubbled over as the implications sank in. Customizable stats? Who wouldn't want that? My gaze snapped back to the floating display as I began to read it more carefully.

Name: Perseus Jackson

Age: 4

Title: Trista's Boy

Race: ???

Jobs: (3/3)

• Mercenary, Lv-1 (56%)

• Delivery Boy, Lv-3 (10%)

• Mommy's Boy, Lv-MAX

Level: 1

XP: 15/100

Health: 200/200

Mana: 50/50

Stats:

• STR: 1

• END: 2

• DEX: 1

• VIT: 1

• INT: 20

• WIS: 17

• FAI: 3

• LUC: 9

Points: 0

Money: 0G (you're broke as hell)

Personal Info:

Perseus Jackson, formerly the son of Sally Jackson and Poseidon, is now the son of ??? and ???. His adoptive mother, Trista Knightdale, considers him her own. Due to his rebirth, he no longer possesses Poseidon's powers and is now as close to human as he has ever been.

Notes:

Due to his birth, #$$%1^^W%7%78#%72286# $%+\5 $%# $%

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Should I write 'AI' voice in bold or just simple? (Of course in simple I will make it so that you can identify that it is an ai…)