The Legendary Demigod

Percy Jackson adjusted his tactical headset as he watched the city lights through his night vision goggles. He and his team stood atop an abandoned building, tracking targets on a busy street in Baghdad. Time had changed Percy. His years in Black Squadron had shaped not only his body, now muscular and tanned from long days in the sun, but his mind as well.

He stood six feet four inches tall, with a full beard and green eyes that held an unwavering intensity. The impulsive boy who had led demigods into chaotic battles was now a calculating and methodical man, an officer in DEVGRU and the respected leader of one of the most feared and efficient units in the world.

"Team, stand by. Target should be out in less than five minutes," Percy said over the radio, his voice steady.

Beside him, Carter, now his second-in-command, nodded as he checked the magazine on his weapon.

— I always thought leadership suited you, Jackson. Ever since Green Team, you've always been the one to keep everyone together.

Percy smirked.

"That's a leader's job, Carter. One man doesn't win battles, but a well-trained team does."

Carter chuckled softly.

"Military philosophy? That doesn't fit with the guy who once argued with an instructor during Hell Week."

Percy shrugged, never losing focus.

"People change. Or at least they learn to control their instincts."

The other members of the team, three elite operators, stood ready, awaiting Percy's orders. They trusted him. Percy was not only skilled in combat, but also in strategy. He was known for quickly analyzing complex situations and finding solutions, even under extreme pressure.

The mission was clean. The target, a financier for a terrorist organization, was captured without fanfare. While the team extracted information from the man in a secure base, Percy watched from afar.

"Doesn't it sound more like a spy's job than a soldier's?" Carter asked, stepping closer.

Percy gave a short laugh, something rare for him.

"Maybe. But espionage is also war, just with fewer explosions."

Carter studied him for a moment, noticing something deeper in Percy's eyes.

"You've changed, you know? When I first met you, you always seemed burdened with something you couldn't explain. Now you seem more… focused."

Percy looked away from the papers on the table, analyzing the mission data.

"Maybe because I found what I was looking for."

Carter knew it wasn't worth insisting. Percy was reserved about his past, but everyone respected that. He was the kind of leader who inspired by example, not by empty speeches.

That night, Percy was alone in his quarters. He took off his shirt, revealing a body covered in scars each one with a story. In the mirror, he barely recognized himself. His reflection showed the figure of a hardened warrior, but deep inside, he knew that some things still connected him to the boy he had once been.

On the table next to his bed, an old camp bead necklace was kept in a small box. He rarely opened it, but tonight he felt the need to remember.

Picking up the necklace, he ran his fingers over the beads, each representing a year of fighting and learning among the demigods. The last one, a black bead with the symbol of Hades, weighed heavily on his heart. It was the year of Annabeth's betrayal, the final break with the world he had left behind.

"You can't live in the past, Jackson," he thought, putting the necklace back in the box.

Days later, Percy received orders to lead a mission to Homs, Syria. His team was to infiltrate enemy territory to extract a critical informant who had information on arms trafficking networks.

Before leaving, Percy gathered his team in the operations room.

— Okay, listen up. The target is holed up in an abandoned factory. We'll have to get in and out quickly. No civilian casualties, no alerts.

"What if something goes wrong?" asked one of the operators, Wilson.

Percy looked at him, his voice calm but authoritative.

"It won't go wrong. We have the training, we have the tools. And most of all, we have each other."

Carter smiled.

"There goes our philosopher officer's pep talk."

The team laughed, but the tension still hung in the air. Everyone knew that any mistake could cost lives.

The infiltration was nearly flawless. Percy led the way, his heightened senses detecting even the slightest signs of danger. When they reached the factory, they found their informant, a thin, nervous man named Rashid.

"You guys took your time," Rashid said, looking around as if expecting something to jump out of the shadows.

"We're here now. Let's get him out of here," Percy replied.

As they left, the sound of gunfire echoed through the factory. An ambush.

"Cover!" Percy shouted, pulling Rashid behind a wall.

Carter and the others returned fire, while Percy quickly assessed the situation.

"Wilson, flank on the right. Carter, keep them busy. I'll take care of Rashid."

The plan worked. The operators eliminated the enemy, and Percy was able to evacuate Rashid safely.

Back at base, Percy gathered the team for a brief debriefing.

"Good work today. You guys showed why you're the best."

"We were just following orders, boss," Carter said, patting Percy on the shoulder.

Later, Percy stepped out into the courtyard, where he could see the stars. He took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air.

Carter appeared at his side, two cans of soda in his hand.

"I thought you needed a break."

Percy took one of the cans, nodding in thanks.

"Sometimes I wonder how long I can keep doing this." Carter looked at him, surprised.

"Are you thinking about quitting?"

Percy shrugged.

"Not exactly. I just wonder where this will take me."

Carter laughed.

"You know, Jackson, you may have changed physically and mentally, but deep down, you're still the same guy who cares more about others than himself."

Percy smiled.

"Maybe that's what keeps me here."

They sat in silence for a moment, staring up at the stars. Percy knew that no matter where the future took him, he was exactly where he needed to be. He was a leader, a soldier, but most of all, a man who had found purpose in the midst of chaos.

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