" The Council agrees," Zeus said. " Percy Jackson, you will have one gift from the gods." I hesitated. " Any gift?" Zeus nodded grimly. " I know what you will ask. The greatest gift of all. Yes, if you want it, it shall be yours. The gods have not bestowed this gift on a mortal hero in many centuries, but, Perseus Jackson-if you wish it-you shall be made a god. Immortal. Undying. You shall serve as your father's lieutenant for all time." I stared at him, stunned. " Um...a god?" Zeus rolled his eyes. " A dimwitted god, apparently. But yes. With the consensus of the entire Council, I can make you immortal. Then I will have to put up with you forever." " Hmm," Ares mused. " That means I can smash him to a pulp as often as I want, and he'll just keep coming back for more. I like this idea. "