His focus shifts around in flashes, first to each person as they speak and then to the many spectres heading towards them. Jason nods at Annabeth’s instructions, then moves into a better position to guard Leo as he works. He’s still got his sword raised, and he nods to Vanessa as he takes point opposite her. From there it’s a brief and utterly calm moment as he summons the power of his birthright.

The lightning sparks, bright and blinding, and Jason channels it through his sword and towards the oncoming spectres. The energy crackles and the base of his skull buzzes, but it does what it needs to—as the lightning strikes each spectre, the strange spirits dissipate into the air. He takes out four, five, a half dozen, and then has to let the energy go to keep from straining himself.

“How’re we doing there, Leo?” he calls out, catching his breath. But it’s only a moment’s reprieve, because there are still hoards lumbering towards them. He sucks in his breath, raises the gladius again, and calls on another bolt of lightning. He hits three, this time, four. But it isn’t sustainable.