After the Olympian brunch, Percy receives an official “demi bag” of leftovers from Naomi and heads back across the bridge from Olympus. The adrenaline from sneaking into Zeus’s event drains away, and Percy is still shaken by Athena’s intimidating scrutiny, but removing Annabeth’s invisibility cap helps Percy calm down.

Outside on Fifth Avenue, Percy reunites with Grover, who has been released by lobby security with only a warning. Grover happily eats the pastries while Percy explains the brunch, the hidden chalice handoff, and the risks involved. Percy resolves not to tell anyone at camp about sneaking into Zeus’s brunch, since Athena or Zeus could still cause trouble if the incident spreads.

Grover becomes emotional and admits that watching Percy wrestle Geras was one of the scariest moments of Grover’s life because Grover could not help. Percy reassures Grover by explaining that the thought of a peaceful future with Annabeth and Grover helped Percy endure the match. The two friends hug, and Grover takes Annabeth’s cap back to her so Percy can get to school.

Percy rides the subway to Queens and arrives late at Alternative High, expecting to invent an excuse. Instead, the school secretary, Margaret, says Percy’s father has already called and explained everything. Percy takes the phone and realizes Poseidon is on the line, congratulating Percy for recovering the chalice and honoring Percy’s promise to Ganymede.

Poseidon explains that Percy’s heroism was not just in surviving grand battles but in making a “small wave”: risking himself for someone he barely knew when the fate of the world was not at stake. Percy is moved by the praise, thanks Poseidon, and even recommends Elisson’s yoga class for Poseidon’s palace before returning to school with a hall pass and a new understanding of his father’s quiet attention.