As the evening began to fall over the Kunlun Mountains, the group set about preparing camp with an almost practiced efficiency, despite the cold that bit at their skin like an uninvited guest. They'd need to stay close to the ridge for the week to ensure they didn't miss the portal when it finally opened, so comfort was secondary to practicality.
Travis Stoll, ever the optimist (and self-proclaimed campfire enthusiast), immediately took charge of gathering firewood. "Don't worry, guys! I've got this," he called, darting between trees and rocks with a grin as wide as his face. If there was one thing Travis was good at, it was building a fire...or accidentally setting things on fire. Harry watched him warily as he heaped a pile of wood together, muttering, "I swear, if he turns this place into an inferno—"
"Not this time," Clarisse replied dryly, her spear planted in the ground as she surveyed the area. "I'll supervise. He'll burn the mountain down."
"I'm here for the drama," Luke added with an exaggerated sigh, crossing his arms. "Don't burn it too much, okay, Travis? We have a whole week to be miserable in the snow. We don't need to add 'fire disaster' to the list."
Meanwhile, Hermione and Annabeth set up a rough perimeter, marking out where they'd put their tents and organizing their supplies. Annabeth, as always, was the first to make sure their positioning was optimal. "We don't want to be caught off guard," she said, pulling out a compact map of the area. "We'll set up a few traps, just in case. Nothing fancy, but enough to keep any wildlife at bay."
"I thought wildlife was the least of our problems up here," Thalia muttered, her arms crossed as she stood next to Harry, eyeing the swirling clouds overhead. "I'm more concerned about... other things."
"Like what?" Luke raised an eyebrow, always up for a challenge.
"Like the cold," Thalia replied with a slight shiver, glancing over at the distant mountain peaks. "And the fact that we're on a mountain that's literally known for hiding portals to another realm. You know, just a little thing like that."
"Fair point," Harry agreed, a dry smile pulling at the corners of his lips as he pulled off his gloves and started setting up his own small shelter. "At least if we freeze to death, we'll be really good at surviving the apocalypse."
As they all worked together, Charles Beckendorf took charge of checking their gear. His strong, practical demeanor made him perfect for overseeing the technical side of things. "Everyone double-check your gear," he called, making sure each of them had enough supplies for the week. "We need to be prepared for anything, and I mean anything. From sudden weather changes to—"
"Cyttorak-sized surprises?" Harry finished for him, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, we're ready."
Beckendorf shot Harry a look, but the faintest of smiles tugged at the corners of his lips. "Exactly. Let's keep it together, guys. No crazy stunts or surprises. Just—"
"We'll just keep it smooth and boring, like the least dramatic camp trip ever," Annabeth said, clearly amused. She shot a knowing glance at Harry, who was, as usual, preparing for anything except a peaceful, drama-free week in the mountains.
Brunhilde, ever the vigilant protector, stood off to the side, her eyes scanning the horizon. "If you need anything real, let me know," she said to Harry, tossing her braided hair over her shoulder. "I'm not exactly keen on the idea of being ambushed by some rogue deity while trying to cook a meal, so I'll take first watch."
"Don't worry," Harry said, shaking his head as he straightened up. "We're all here for each other. Just keep the watch, and if something's coming, let us know." He turned to the rest of the group, giving them a quiet nod. "We've been through worse. We'll be fine."
The group settled into a rhythm, setting up campfire rings and laying out sleeping bags. Annabeth set up their little cooking station with Hermione's help, while Travis's fire-building skills eventually managed to produce a small, flickering flame, though Harry was sure it would probably turn into a massive bonfire by the end of the evening. Clarisse kept an eye on the surroundings, occasionally calling for updates on how things were going, her usual intensity sharpening the group's focus.
As night descended, the sky a blanket of dark blue above them, they gathered around the fire, their faces illuminated by its warm glow. The mountains around them seemed to hum with quiet energy, and Harry felt that strange buzz beneath his skin again—the feeling of waiting for something big to happen. His fingers tingled with it.
"Alright," Luke said, flopping down onto a patch of ground, his voice carrying that mix of dry humor and expectation. "Now we wait, right? For the portal thing to open. Real exciting."
"Don't act like you didn't ask to be here," Clarisse shot back, not missing a beat.
"Touché," Luke said, raising his hands in mock surrender. He leaned back, staring up at the stars, which were still bright despite the altitude. "Hey, do you guys ever get the feeling that we're on the verge of something crazy happening? Like we're about to step into one of those epic moments, you know?"
"Like when the Juggernaut tried to crush us?" Annabeth said, half-laughing, though Harry could see the underlying tension in her shoulders.
"Something like that," Luke replied. "But with, you know, less of a giant tank part."
Harry smirked. "Less is definitely more in that department. Let's just get through the portal, alright? I'm not ready to face something that insane again."
"Keep your eyes on the prize, man," Travis said, flicking a piece of wood into the fire. "Once we're in K'un-Lun, no more surprises, right? I mean, how bad can a training place be?"
"Famous last words," Hermione muttered under her breath, drawing a snort from Annabeth.
As the night stretched on, the group settled into their makeshift camp, the cold air biting at their exposed skin but their spirits high. Harry, for his part, found himself lost in thought, his mind racing with the impending journey, the training, and what it all meant. He glanced up at the darkening sky. The stars here were different—sharper, more distinct, as if K'un-Lun itself was watching them, waiting for the right moment.
It wouldn't be long now. The portal was coming.
—
Fury's gaze was sharp as he reviewed his notes, setting the stage for one of the strangest briefings he'd ever delivered. Peggy Carter, though in her 80s and well into retirement, sat across from him, her eyes just as intense as when she first fought alongside Steve Rogers. She'd been pulled back into the fold for this – an anomaly involving mutants, a mystery that SHIELD couldn't crack on its own.
"Alright, Peggy," Fury started, his voice a mix of frustration and intrigue. "Juggernaut attacked the Xavier Institute yesterday, but it wasn't your usual brawl. This time, he got his ass handed to him. By kids. A whole crew of 'em. And I don't mean the X-Men."
"Kids?" Peggy's voice was both skeptical and intrigued. "I can't imagine that went over well for Juggernaut. He's supposed to be unstoppable, isn't he?"
"Yeah, normally he's about as stoppable as a damn freight train," Fury replied, a slight smirk crossing his face. "But this time, ten kids took him down. Five boys, five girls, all armed with weapons. Cold steel – swords, spears, you name it. And get this, Peggy, one kid even had a bow. But not just any bow – we're talking trick arrows, like something out of an archers fan fiction. Whoever they are, they came ready."
"And these kids—what, they just happened to be there?" Peggy's eyes narrowed. "Or did they know Juggernaut would show up?"
Fury shrugged, a glint of frustration flashing in his eyes. "That's the thing. It's like they were there just for him. They fought like a damn unit, with training I'd bet my salary is better than any SHIELD agent's. One kid – probably a mutant – did the unthinkable. He went after Juggernaut's helmet, slipped past every punch, and ripped it apart. Left Juggernaut wide open for Xavier to do his mental magic. Kid was out cold afterward, though. If Chuck hadn't stepped in when he did, it might've been a bloodbath."
Peggy leaned forward, considering. "Ten kids armed to the teeth, with tactics and abilities we've never seen. And then what?"
Fury raised his eyebrow, his usual composed expression giving way to a little amusement. "After the fight, eight more adults showed up – three men, four women. Dressed like they walked out of some damn fairytale. We're talking armor, capes. One of 'em even looked like he'd been raiding a viking's closet. They took Juggernaut with them, using some kind of rainbow-colored beam. Hell, Peggy, I've seen portals, I've seen magic, but this? Our techs are scratching their heads, and I don't have time for fairytales."
Peggy's eyes sparkled with curiosity and an old, familiar thrill of mystery. "So, where did they take Juggernaut?"
"Good question," Fury replied, his voice sharp with annoyance. "Best guess? Not anywhere we can track. The rainbow beam vanished, and so did Juggernaut. But before they left, one woman stayed behind with the kids, right up until the kid who fainted woke up. Next day, they were gone. Used some kind of shadow teleportation. Just vanished."
Peggy took a long breath, as if weighing her words carefully. "And that new student you mentioned would arrive this week at the Institute in your last update. Jean Grey, wasn't it? Just a coincidence?"
"Maybe. Nine-year-old girl, incredibly gifted. A prodigy. And she enrolls right before this whole showdown goes down? It's too clean." Fury's jaw clenched. "Peggy, I've seen a lot of things in my day, but this? These kids are a whole different breed, and if they're taking on threats like Juggernaut, they've got some serious skill. But what's their agenda? Who are they working for?"
Peggy's gaze was distant, yet thoughtful, her mind already piecing together possibilities. "Monitor the Institute, Nick. We need to know what's going on there. And set up surveillance outside the grounds. If these kids reappear, we need eyes on them."
Fury nodded. "Already in place. They show their faces again, we'll be ready."
There was a pause as the two old warriors shared a mutual, unspoken understanding of the weight of the unknown forces moving around them. Finally, Peggy's expression softened into a determined, resolute smile.
"Let's just hope, Nick, that we learn who they are before the world needs them again."
Fury allowed himself a rare smile as he rose from his seat, casting one last look at Peggy. "Hell, maybe we'll even get lucky and meet these kids before they make a mess. Until then, we stay sharp."
—
As the night stretched on, the wind in the Kunlun Mountains began to stir. It wasn't the usual breeze that made the air feel crisp and fresh—no, this wind had purpose. Like it knew something was coming. Like it was holding its breath. And deep within the shadowy, looming peaks, something stirred, too.
Shou-Lao the Undying—ancient, giant, dragon-shaped pain in the neck—shifted in his lair. His golden eyes blinked open, like twin suns firing up in the dark. He inhaled, a deep breath that filled his massive lungs with the very essence of the mountains. And then, just like that, he felt it. The boy.
Not just any boy. No, no, this was the Godling. The one the Phoenix Force had noticed (and who'd clearly made an impression on Jean Grey too, but that's a different story for another time). Shou-Lao's ancient heart thrummed in recognition. The boy was close, but there was something strange about him now.
It wasn't exactly Cyttorak's presence he felt—thank the stars for that—but it was close. That wild, raw energy was there, all right, but it had shifted. The dark, destructive wrath of Cyttorak had been drained away, leaving only the power itself. And, apparently, this kid had soaked it all up like a sponge in a power outlet.
Interesting, Shou-Lao thought, narrowing his eyes. This was no longer the boy he'd first predicted would come to K'un Lun. This was someone different. Someone stronger. Someone... more unpredictable.
The dragon's massive tail flicked against the cavern floor, the sound booming like thunder. He rose, unfolding his giant wings with a crack that sounded like the mountains themselves were groaning under the weight of fate. This was it—the moment he'd been waiting for. This Godling had arrived, and the portal to K'un Lun would soon open. There were no more delays. The time for the trial had come.
"The Godling," Shou-Lao muttered, his voice low and rumbling like the earth itself. "Let the fun begin."
His wings cut through the air, the dragon soaring towards the ridge where Harry and his friends were camping, the wind howling around him. Every scale on his body practically buzzed with energy. This was it. He wasn't just going to observe anymore. No, no—this time, he was going to be part of the action. A challenge awaited him, and it was going to be good.
---
Back at the camp, Harry was in full "I'm-trying-not-to-panic" mode, stretching out in the dimming light. The mountains around him felt... off. Like they were watching. Or listening. Or maybe waiting to eat him for dinner. Something like that.
Thalia, who usually had her own brand of sixth sense (and no, it wasn't about the weather), narrowed her eyes at the dark peaks in the distance. "Something's out there," she muttered under her breath. "And it's not a bear, I'm pretty sure."
Harry tilted his head toward the mountains, his nerves jarring as he felt that unmistakable, prickling sensation on the back of his neck. "Yeah, I know," he replied, barely above a whisper. "Something's coming closer. And I don't think it's here to ask for directions."
Clarisse, who was having none of this "mystical danger" talk, rolled her eyes so hard it was like she was trying to launch them into orbit. "You guys are paranoid. It's probably just—"
"No," Harry cut her off, sounding more confident than he felt. He didn't know why he was so sure about it, but the uneasy feeling in his gut told him everything he needed to know. "Something's coming. We need to get ready."
Annabeth, who usually kept her cool in situations like this, shot him a glance. Her fingers were tracing patterns in the air like she was trying to work out an equation or perform some incantation. "Right. Whatever it is, we can handle it."
Harry could hear the unsaid part of that sentence: ...I hope. He couldn't blame her for the uncertainty. Whatever was about to happen felt big. And not the "Hey, let's have a casual stroll in the park" kind of big. It felt more like the "Let's punch a dragon in the face" kind of big.
As the night wore on, the stars above twinkled like they were watching a show unfold. The air around them felt charged, like the universe was holding its breath, waiting to see what would happen next.
But Harry knew. The portal would open soon. And whatever—or whoever—was waiting for them on the other side was just getting started.
The trial was about to begin.
And he didn't even have a proper game plan.
—
Lei Kung the Thunderer, head of the Order of the Crane Mother and a warrior monk of unmatched skill, stood silently in his private chamber, the flickering light of the torches casting long shadows on the stone walls. His mind, sharp as ever, was at peace—though he knew, deep down, that peace in K'un Lun was a fleeting illusion. He had long learned that a storm always loomed on the horizon, even if it was hidden beneath the veil of calm.
The sound of a soft knock on his door broke his concentration.
"Enter," Lei Kung's voice rumbled, commanding but calm.
The door creaked open, revealing Yu-Ti, the elder monk who had trained nearly every warrior in K'un Lun, a man who had seen centuries pass and yet appeared unchanged by time's toll. His face was as serene as always, but there was a flicker of unease in his ancient eyes.
"Master Lei Kung," Yu-Ti began, bowing slightly. "There is... a matter of great concern."
Lei Kung raised an eyebrow, turning his full attention to the elder monk. "Speak, Yu-Ti. What troubles you?"
Yu-Ti's gaze shifted downward, his hands clasped tightly behind his back, betraying his unease. "Shou-Lao... has awakened."
For a moment, Lei Kung was still. Then, his expression darkened with the weight of what Yu-Ti had just said. Shou-Lao the Undying—the great dragon who had slumbered in his mountain lair for centuries—had never left his domain, not once in all the years Lei Kung had spent in K'un Lun. The dragon's slumber had been a constant, a force of nature that had allowed the balance of the land to remain undisturbed.
"Shou-Lao has... awakened?" Lei Kung repeated, his voice steady but carrying the weight of a thousand questions. "And you are certain of this?"
Yu-Ti nodded. "Yes, Master. The tremors were felt across the entire range. His wings unfurled. He is now waiting by the gates of K'un Lun."
Lei Kung's mind raced. Why would Shou-Lao leave his lair now? The dragon had never shown interest in the comings and goings of the world beyond. His role had always been one of watchfulness, of guarding K'un Lun's sacred boundaries, never of interfering directly in the affairs of men. What could have drawn him out of his ancient home?
Yu-Ti's voice broke through Lei Kung's thoughts. "We do not know his purpose. But the gates of K'un Lun have never been so... alive with energy before."
Lei Kung's golden eyes narrowed. "The gates are alive, you say? How so?"
"Something... something is coming," Yu-Ti said, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "The aura surrounding the gates is unlike anything we have felt in centuries. The air is thick with power, but it does not feel like the presence of a simple traveler. It feels different. Unpredictable."
Lei Kung took a deep breath, grounding himself in the stillness of the moment. He was no stranger to the mysteries of K'un Lun, but this was something that even his wisdom could not yet decipher. His mind flashed briefly to the prophecy that had long been whispered amongst the monks—a prophecy that spoke of a chosen one, a Godling who would come to K'un Lun, not to conquer, but to learn, to grow, and to master powers beyond imagination.
Could this be the one? The Godling the prophecy had foretold?
The dragon's awakening, the energy at the gates—it was all too much to ignore.
"Prepare the Order," Lei Kung said suddenly, his voice decisive. "We cannot ignore this. If Shou-Lao has awakened and moved from his lair, something has changed. We must be ready for whatever this new development means. I will go to the gates myself."
Yu-Ti gave a solemn nod. "I will gather the monks. But... Master Lei Kung, do you truly think it is time?"
Lei Kung's gaze softened, but only for a moment. "The time for waiting is over. If this Godling is truly the one we've been waiting for, we must be there to guide him—before the forces that seek to control him do."
Yu-Ti bowed his head deeply. "As you wish."
Lei Kung turned and moved toward the door of his chamber, his robe flowing behind him like the edge of a storm cloud. His mind, though, was far from calm. Shou-Lao's movements were never arbitrary. If the great dragon had left his lair and was now waiting at the gates, it could only mean one thing: something was drawing near. Something that might very well change the fate of K'un Lun.
And whether this Godling would be a friend or foe was still to be seen.
With a final glance toward the horizon, where the distant glow of K'un Lun's gates shimmered faintly against the night sky, Lei Kung stepped forward. His heart was heavy with the weight of what was to come.
This was the beginning of a new trial. And he would face it, as he always had, with the strength of the Crane Mother and the thunderous force of his will.
—
As Lei Kung approached the gates of K'un Lun, the winds seemed to part in deference, as though even nature itself recognized the weight of the moment. The air was thick with an electric charge, a strange hum that vibrated through the ground beneath his feet. The great gates of K'un Lun loomed ahead, their ancient stones engraved with symbols older than time itself, standing as a boundary between the earthly realm and the mysterious dimension that lay beyond.
And there, waiting as though summoned by fate itself, was Shou-Lao the Undying—his massive form a silhouette against the moonlit sky. His eyes, twin orbs of molten gold, gleamed with a fire that could melt stone. His enormous wings, still unfurled, caused the very earth to tremble with each beat, and his body seemed to pulse with a power so ancient, so primal, that it could scarcely be understood.
Lei Kung stood at the base of the gates, his gaze unwavering. His mind was sharp, but even he felt a weight in the air—a tension that was too thick to be ignored.
The great dragon's voice, a deep rumble that echoed across the mountains, broke the silence. "Lei Kung," Shou-Lao growled, his tone reverberating like a thunderclap, "You seek answers. But I do not think you are ready to hear them."
Lei Kung's gaze never faltered as he met the dragon's gaze. His expression was calm, but beneath the surface, there was a hint of concern. "I have lived my life preparing for many things, Shou-Lao. I do not fear answers, no matter how difficult they may be."
Shou-Lao chuckled, the sound deep and rumbling, like an earthquake in the making. "You fear this, Lei Kung. You fear the change that is coming."
"Change is inevitable," Lei Kung replied, his voice steady but laced with the weight of experience. "But it is how we face that change that defines us."
The dragon's eyes narrowed, a flicker of amusement passing through them. "You are not wrong. But I did not awaken for mere change, Lei Kung. No... he is coming."
Lei Kung stiffened. "The Godling."
Shou-Lao's eyes flickered with something ancient, something knowing. "Yes. He comes not to conquer, but to learn. And to test us. I have waited for this moment for centuries, and now he is near."
"Then you know what is at stake," Lei Kung said, his voice hardening. "The power that he carries is vast—too vast for most mortals to wield. And yet, you stand here waiting for him. Why?"
Shou-Lao's massive head lowered slightly, his molten gaze focused on Lei Kung. "Because he is unlike any mortal I have ever known. He carries the power of Cyttorak—and the attention of the Phoenix Force." The dragon's voice deepened with a sense of reverence, as if speaking the name of these forces was almost a prayer. "He is a bridge between worlds. Between destruction and creation. And he will choose how to wield it."
Lei Kung's mind raced. The Phoenix Force—one of the most ancient and powerful entities in existence. Cyttorak, the god of strength and destruction. And now, this Godling, this boy, carried the power of one, and the attention of another. It was a burden, a gift, and a test all wrapped into one.
"Then why do you stand here, waiting for him?" Lei Kung asked again, his gaze narrowing. "What is it that you want from him, Shou-Lao?"
The dragon's eyes gleamed, a fire burning behind them. "I have no want, Lei Kung. I merely wait. For I know that only one who can truly understand the balance between such powers can wield them without falling prey to their dangers. And that one... will be tested here, in K'un Lun."
Lei Kung's face softened, though his eyes remained sharp. "You would have him tested? For what purpose?"
Shou-Lao's voice was quiet, almost contemplative. "For the future of K'un Lun. For the future of the worlds beyond. His heart will be the battleground, Lei Kung. The Phoenix... the power of Cyttorak... and his own will. The trial will be to see which force will prevail. Will it be the flame of creation, or the fury of destruction?"
Lei Kung's heart sank as he absorbed Shou-Lao's words. The trial that was coming would not just be one of physical prowess, but one of spirit. Of choice. And no matter how powerful the Godling was, the true test would be whether he could withstand the immense forces within him.
"We will guide him," Lei Kung said firmly, though doubt lingered in his voice. "But we must be cautious, Shou-Lao. The consequences of failure—"
Shou-Lao's laugh interrupted him, a deep and rolling sound that filled the air like the distant rumble of a storm. "Caution is a virtue, Lei Kung. But sometimes, you must embrace the storm if you wish to see the dawn."
The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, as Lei Kung stood before the mighty dragon. He knew the road ahead would not be easy. But it was a road that K'un Lun had been preparing for, for centuries. And now, that road was about to unfold, with the Godling at its heart.
Lei Kung stood tall, his resolve hardening. "Then let the trial begin."
—
The night was still, but the air around Harry and his friends was anything but. It was as if the world was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. Harry could feel the energy prickling at the back of his neck, a low hum vibrating through the earth beneath them. The familiar crackle of magic—raw, untamed, and powerful—had begun to build, thickening the air like the first signs of an incoming storm.
"Did anyone else feel that?" Thalia asked, her voice tight, eyes scanning the darkened horizon. Her hand instinctively went to the handle of her dagger, her instincts never lying to her.
Harry didn't even need to answer her. He felt it too—something ancient stirring, something big, and judging by the way the hairs on his neck stood up, something dangerous.
Annabeth was already on her feet, her ever-reliable brain working at full speed. "The portal's opening. Right now."
Clarisse, who had been snoozing (or, more accurately, pretending to), snapped awake, her battle instincts kicking in. "You don't need to tell me twice. Let's move."
They moved with practiced ease, though the urgency in their actions was unmistakable. There wasn't a single word exchanged as they tore through their camp, gathering supplies and preparing to leave. If the portal was really opening, they had no idea what would be waiting on the other side.
Thalia shoved her bow and quiver onto her back, looking at Harry, her brow furrowed. "We need to get to that portal, now."
Harry, already adjusting his armor, nodded grimly. "No arguments there." But something lingered in his chest—a strange, pulsing feeling that he couldn't quite shake. It was like the portal was calling to him, drawing him in. And yet... it felt like a test.
Annabeth was the last to finish packing up. She adjusted her glasses and looked at the others. "Are we ready for whatever comes through that portal?"
Harry glanced toward the mountains in the distance, feeling the tremors of something massive—something ancient—stirring deep within. "I don't think we have much of a choice."
Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled, and the air grew heavy, as if the entire world was about to break apart. A bright flash lit up the sky, and Harry's heart skipped a beat.
The portal—it had opened.
"Here we go," Clarisse muttered, clenching her fists, ready for a fight. Her tone was less concerned and more determined, like she was excited for the battle that was surely about to ensue.
As they set off toward the mountain range, the wind picking up and swirling around them, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that they weren't just about to step into K'un Lun—they were about to step into something far bigger. He was ready for a fight, sure. But what they were about to face was unlike anything they had encountered before.
And whatever it was, he had a feeling it would change everything.
—
As the air began to hum with a strange, electric pulse, Harry could feel it—his pulse quickening, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. The portal to K'un Lun was opening. He glanced around, meeting the eyes of his friends—each of them standing tall, ready for whatever was about to happen.
Thalia, who had been watching the mountains with narrowed eyes for what felt like hours, gave a small, barely perceptible nod. "Here it comes," she muttered, her usual cool demeanor slipping just slightly.
"Finally," Harry said, turning to the group as he grabbed his gear. "Let's make sure we're ready for anything." He paused. "No pressure, right?"
Hermione, ever the calm and collected one, was already organizing their things, her focus sharp despite the surrealness of the situation. "It's just a portal to another dimension. What could possibly go wrong?" she said, only half-joking.
"Classic Hermione," Annabeth added, smirking. "Always with the optimistic predictions."
"Somehow, I don't think 'fun dimension trip' is on the itinerary," Clarisse chimed in, adjusting the hilt of her sword, a determined look on her face. "But we've survived worse."
Travis and Connor, the twin troublemakers, were already bouncing on their heels, eager for the adventure ahead. "Gotta admit, though, this is the kind of crazy that gets our blood pumping," Travis grinned.
"Yeah," Connor agreed, "Not often you get to say you're going to meet gods and dragons."
Harry laughed, shaking his head. "Trust me, it gets old."
With their camp packed up and everything ready to go, they all turned toward the shimmering light of the opening portal. A deep, resonant growl rippled through the air as the massive gates of K'un Lun began to reveal themselves. The winds grew heavy with energy, the air charged with an undeniable force. As the last of the light settled, Harry's heart beat faster—he knew they were about to step into something ancient, something that would change everything.
He wasn't the only one who sensed it. The others all shared the same unease, the same anticipation.
Before they could even step forward, a voice echoed across the land, deep and rumbling, as if the mountain itself was speaking.
"You have arrived," said Lei Kung the Thunderer, his presence commanding. He stood at the entrance, his gaze as intense as the storm clouds gathering overhead. Beside him was Shou-Lao, his golden eyes glowing like the sun, his massive form casting a long shadow across the portal.
"Welcome to K'un Lun, Godling," Shou-Lao said, his voice deep, vibrating with centuries of power. He looked directly at Harry, a knowing glint in his eyes. "And to your companions. I have been waiting for you."
Harry raised an eyebrow, glancing at his friends. "I feel like that's something I should be concerned about," he muttered under his breath, but everyone heard him, and a few snickered.
"I think I've heard that before," Annabeth remarked dryly, adjusting the strap on her bag. "So what, are we supposed to just roll up and impress the big dragon?"
"That's Shou-Lao to you," Clarisse said, shaking her head, clearly impressed but also keeping her guard up.
Lei Kung stepped forward, his gaze piercing yet somehow welcoming. "We know what you've come for. But here in K'un Lun, it is not just power you will seek—it is mastery. And only through trial will you gain that which you seek."
Harry glanced back at the group. "I'm starting to get the impression this place is a little more intense than I expected."
"Well," Thalia smirked, "You are a godling now, Harry. Time to live up to that title, don't you think?"
Shou-Lao's eyes flashed with a glimmer of something like amusement—or perhaps approval—as he stepped forward, lowering his massive head to meet Harry's gaze. "The trial will begin soon, but do not think it will be easy. Power is nothing without control."
With a deep breath, Harry squared his shoulders and looked up at the towering dragon. "I'm ready. Let's see what this place can teach me."
And just like that, they stepped forward into K'un Lun, the portal sealing behind them, leaving only the sound of the wind and the faint whisper of something far older and far more powerful, calling them into the heart of the mountains.
The trial had begun.
---
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