Chapter 5
In a hospital room in New York, the constant sound of monitors filled the air, almost like a heartbeat in rhythm with a life fighting to recover. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, creating dancing patterns on the floor. Within that space, a scene of love and fragility unfolded.
Inside that room, a family of mother and son slept in a deep slumber. The way Sally Jackson held her son revealed a protective instinct, as if she were willing to give her own life for him.
Percy's eyelids began to tremble, as if fighting against a heavy sleep. He jolted upright, desperation tinging his voice. "T-that wasn't a dream, was it?"
But soon, a wave of calm enveloped him, as if a warm blanket were covering his insecurities. "Player's mind… so it really wasn't a dream." Reality felt tangible, but strange.
He turned slowly, only to be met by a heartbreaking sight. Beside him, the woman who gave him life, Sally, looked like a fragile flower bud on a battlefield. Her face, though young and radiant, showed the marks of dried tears and the restlessness of days without sleep.
"M-mom?" The word came out of his mouth, laden with genuine desperation.
Sally, as if called out of a trance, slowly opened her eyes. In a sudden movement, she threw herself over him, wrapping him in a warm, protective embrace. "I was so worried!" she exclaimed, her words spilling out in a whirlwind of emotion. "You don't know how much I searched for you!"
"Calm down, Mom. I'm here, it's okay. You don't need to worry," Percy replied, his voice, though trembling, reflected a calmness not typical for a five-year-old child. Internally, he thought: What's happening to me? How can I feel so serene at this moment?
After a few moments of conversation between them, where Sally expressed her relief and concern, the doctor entered the room, assuring that Percy was fine. The tension in Sally's heart began to dissipate slowly as she realized she had gone two entire days without eating anything, except for a grape juice she had earlier.
She looked at Percy, a guilty expression crossing her face. "I need to get something to eat," she said, standing up quickly. "Stay here. I'll ask the nurse to take care of you."
Percy watched his mother run to the hospital cafeteria as if her life depended on it. He couldn't help but let a sad smile cross his face. "Mom…" The word itself felt strange in his mouth. He remembered her, Sally Jackson, his mother. But the newly acquired memories spoke of a boy who grew up without parents, without support, and without anything to call his own.
As familiar as the concept of "mother" is to me, it still feels strange at the same time. However, even with all these thoughts swirling in his mind, he still knew that, for all that was sacred, if anyone dared to touch that woman… well, hell would rain down on that person. "Or would it be Hades here?"
As soon as he thought about it, he remembered his stepfather. Not his current one, since he didn't have any yet, but the one from the "books" in his memory. What was his name again? Eddy… Smelly Eddy… yes, that's it.
"Well, looks like someone has to die," he muttered, a bitter smile forming on his lips.
Soon, without realizing it, he spent a few minutes thinking about that before being pulled back to reality by a small icon blinking in the corner of his vision. He didn't need to be a genius to know what it really was. After a few moments of reflection, he spoke in a resolute and firm voice.
"System!"
A small translucent screen appeared in front of him, revealing a new reality.
System:
• Name: Percy Jackson
• Age: 5 years
• Race: Demigod
• Powers:
• Perfect Regeneration
• Water Control (Medium)
• Player's Mind
• Player's Body
• Perfect Adaptation
Stats:
• Points: 0
• Experience: 0
Percy looked in awe at the screen, each word seemed to vibrate with power and potential. A wave of euphoria surged through his body as he saw his abilities materialize before him. With this, I can do more than just survive… I can fight!
While absorbing the information, the nurse entered the room, interrupting his thoughts. "Are you alright, little one? Your mom is just making sure you're okay before she eats."
"Yes, I'm fine," Percy responded, his mind still focused on what he had learned.
Soon after, Sally returned, her expression relieved to see him awake and alert. The doctor approached and exchanged a few words with her in private, and soon Sally turned to Percy.
"You're free to go home, sweetheart," she said, her radiant smile almost making Percy forget the weight he carried on his shoulders.
"Whew! I can't wait to get out of this place," Percy said, trying to mimic the enthusiasm he felt, but struggling against the avalanche of emotions that still haunted him.
As they left the hospital, Percy walked beside Sally, each step making him feel a mix of relief and anxiety. As they talked, he tried to recall moments when she had supported him, moments that now seemed more significant than ever.
"Mom," he began, his voice soft, "thank you for being here. I… I don't want to be without you."
She stopped and looked into his eyes, the seriousness of her expression reflecting unconditional love. "You'll never be without me, Percy. I'll always be by your side, no matter what happens."
And as they left the hospital, Percy couldn't help but feel that, regardless of his new reality, that bond was stronger than any power he could acquire. He had a mother, and that, somehow, made everything more bearable.
System:
• Name: Percy Jackson
• Age: 5 years
• Race: Demigod
• Powers:
1. Perfect Regeneration:
Your body can regenerate from any injury at incredible speed. Minor wounds heal in seconds, while more serious injuries, like broken bones, take only minutes.
2. Water Manipulation (Medium):
You can control water in a moderate way. You are capable of summoning and directing water currents, increasing its volume, and even breathing underwater. Your strength and agility significantly increase when in contact with water.
3. Player's Mind:
This ability suppresses unwanted emotions, allowing the player to think clearly even in situations of extreme stress. It helps process information calmly and efficiently, aiding decision-making in critical moments.
4. Player's Body:
The player's body works like that of a character in a game. Injuries that would normally incapacitate a person are treated as damage to health points (HP), allowing the player to continue fighting without excessive pain until their HP is too low. HP can be recovered by resting or using healing items.
5. Perfect Adaptation:
Your body can adapt to any environment or situation over time. Be it extreme heat, intense cold, or even underwater pressure, your body adjusts to survive and eventually thrive. If exposed to toxic or dangerous environments, your cells gradually develop resistance or immunity, as long as you survive long enough.
(I used the last wish with perfect adaptation, meaning he can literally survive anything with regeneration. If we add adaptation to the equation…)
Stats:
• Points: 0
• Experience: 0
End of Chapter