Chapter 32: Chapter 32
I'm uncertain why I believed this was the end for the demon, perhaps intuition or something else. But I wanted to believe it was the end for Ceius.
Meanwhile, the knife I had thrown hit its mark, and Ceius, overwhelmed by my unexpected gift, fell to his knees.
Feeling only despair from him instead of the usual rage and hatred towards all living things, I boldly approached him. Nearby, I could sense his powers waning, absorbed into the walls of this labyrinth.
"Sun shataz barz... Dab bum zash nar barz! Ajog dhuz ashum!" Ceius spoke in his demonic tongue with the last of his strength, and after finishing this monologue, he collapsed, lifeless.
"I didn't understand a word..." I concluded, then heard the following:
Ping
Task from Arfen completed
Kill Ceius 1/1
Reward: Arfen's Magical Knowledge
Demons of Hell slain: 1/27
Secret Reward: Ceius's Dark Cloak
At that moment, a black mass burst from Ceius's motionless body and surged into me. Instantly, knowledge of how to use this new skill formed in my mind.
Dark Cloak – a skill or gift from Ceius that allowed him to create a cage of darkness, its power dependent on the magic of the wielder. The potential power of this skill was terrifying, and had it not been for Avdeus's aid and Ceius's centuries of depletion, we would have perished instead of the demon.
"Daeron, are you alright?" my companions suddenly asked.
Turning to them, I replied, "Yes, I'm fine. Shall we go to Avdeus?"
No Arfenyan objected, and soon, I and a trio of quite joyful tall beings headed towards Avdeus's location. On the way, I decided to check my status.
--Status--
Name: Daeron Targaryen
Level: 5
Strength: 50
Agility: 65
Endurance: 43
Magic: 155
HP: 20
Skills: Arsenal, Blood of the Winter Kings, Blood of Dragon Lords, Blessing of War, Icy Mind, Greenseer, Empathy, Doppelganger, Dark Cloak
Missions: 2
"Hmm... My magic has seriously leveled up since my last check. It seems each encounter with the paranormal part of our world enhances my magic," I thought to myself.
Under a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, we reached Avdeus's location. There, the nearly dissipated force of Avdeus awaited us, the spirit emitting a sense of relaxation as if he had finally found peace. Seeing us, he said, "Congratulations, and thank you all. I'm sure everyone who fought Ceius has found peace." He then turned to me and said, "Daeron, could you come here?"
Silently, I approached him, knowing he was about to impart magical knowledge to me.
"This is my gratitude for your help," he said, and I felt a substantial influx of data about magic.
"Thank you," I sincerely replied, appreciating the knowledge that would be quite useful.
"It is I who should thank you," the old man smiled back. "Can the rest of the Arfenyans come to me?"
The remaining Arfenyans nodded and approached, while I, sensing this was a rather personal conversation, stepped aside.
"Looks like they're coming with us?" Tun asked me.
"Most likely, though they might choose to stay here."
"Hmm..."
Meanwhile, in Braavos
From the perspective of the Sea Lord
Today started and continued like every day before, filled with pain and suffering...
"Am I destined to perish here?" I thought repeatedly, and just as many times, I wished to end this torment—but could never bring myself to do so.
I would have continued to wallow in despair if not for the following event. The mark left by that monster on me vanished... Initially, I thought I was hallucinating or had lost my mind. But after confirming with a priestess, I knew the mark was truly gone.
"So he did manage to accomplish what he said..." I mused, standing to prepare for my part of the agreement.
Sitting in my office, signing the documents for the transfer of the fleet, the thought of breaking the contract never crossed my mind, feeling that if I did, unpleasant consequences would follow.
"These ties will aid me and my house in the future..." I thought, recognizing that such people could change the course of history.
From the perspective of Daeron
A week after finishing all remaining tasks in Lorath, I and my three new companions left this beautiful and interesting city.
"Daeron, what is Braavos like?" Diya asked me.
The Arfenyans had decided to come with me, arguing it would be better if they could see the world. With me, it would be easier. There was nothing to cover, and frankly, their assistance was no burden to me.
"It has its beauty, but also its ugliness... But I can assure you, this city leaves no one indifferent."
"Hmm..." Diya murmured, her finger on her lips, looking slightly disappointed. "I'd like to hear more interesting information..."
"Well then, listen..." I began, telling her about the Titan, the Iron Bank, and the House of Black and White. My stories definitely piqued her interest.
"I can't wait to see this city!" she exclaimed emotionally at the end of my tale.
"Hah, not long now."
Three weeks later
After three weeks, we reached Braavos, the city of mountains of money, water, and assassins. The Arfenyans were not indifferent to what they saw, and even I was surprised the first time I visited this city.
"So, what do you think?"
"Interesting!" Diya exclaimed emotionally. "Will you show us everything here?"
"Yes, of course."
So passed a week, I showed the Arfenyans how things work here. Not only were the Arfenyans amazed, but also the locals and tourists, as such tall people are not often seen.
A week later, I finally found the time to meet with the Sea Lord to finalize the contract.
Now, I stood in the office of the Sea Lord, who looked much better than when I last saw him.
"Hello, Mr. Red," one of the main people in Braavos greeted me warmly.
"Good afternoon."
"I presume you're here to confirm the completion of the contract?"
I simply nodded, pulling out a bag with Ceius's head, but the Sea Lord stopped me, saying:
"I already knew you fulfilled your part of the deal."
Apparently, something connected him to Ceius's life, but I just smiled and said:
"Understood, but I'm not sure what to do with his head now."
"Heh... Well, in that case, leave it here, and I'll see what can be done with it." He then began pulling out documents and said, "Here's the document giving you authority over the fleet, and you can arrange a meeting with the captains at any time."
Upon receiving the document, I quickly arranged a meeting with the fleet captains, understanding that swiftly resolving this matter could significantly alleviate some of my problems. Soon, I stood with the Sea Lord before a diverse group of people of varying ages.
"This gentleman is the new owner of the fleet. You are to follow his orders as if they were my own," declared the Sea Lord loudly.
Many captains were opposed to this decision, yet none voiced their objections openly. I knew acquiring the fleet would be troublesome, but despite this realization, I needed to have it. Therefore, I would soon need to earn the respect and trust of these men, a process that would undoubtedly be quite challenging.
"You don't need to know my name... But know this, if you follow me, you will gain glory and wealth. Otherwise, you are free to leave..." I asserted, using my Empathy skill on everyone, and towards the end, I subtly invoked the Dark Cloak, standing before people who now, at the very least, feared me. While not an ideal situation, it was necessary to attempt establishing a more normal relationship moving forward.
"Ah, problems upon problems..." I mused.
Meanwhile, in Westeros
At Casterly Rock
Casterly Rock—the ancestral stronghold of the Lannisters, the principal castle of the Westerlands. Built on a massive seaside cliff, it is located northwest of King's Landing, southwest of Harrenhal, south of Pyke, and by the Sunset Sea. Slightly south of the castle is Lannisport, the largest city in the Westerlands. The region is renowned for its mines, particularly rich in gold. Thanks to the mining of this precious metal and skilled financial management, the Lannisters have amassed fabulous wealth, and the phrase "gold from Casterly Rock" has become a common saying. The castle is well-fortified; storming it is a challenge without siege engines, and controlling Casterly Rock allows one to hold Lannisport and all the Westerlands.
Currently, Tywin Lannister resided here with his family. Lord Tywin Lannister—head of House Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport, and Warden of the West—is one of the most powerful lords in the Seven Kingdoms and, undoubtedly, the wealthiest.
Tywin served for many years as the Hand of King Aerys II Targaryen but later fell out with him and even fought against him in Robert's Rebellion, joining the rebels in the conflict's final stages. King Robert Baratheon is married to his daughter, Cersei Lannister. The eldest son of the previous Lord of Casterly Rock, Titus Lannister, and his wife, Joanna Marbrand, Tywin's family included five children: himself, his brothers Kevan, Tygett, and Gerion, and sister Jenna. Tywin was married to his cousin Joanna Lannister, with whom he fathered twins Cersei and Jaime, and a dwarf, Tyrion.
Almost sixty years old, Tywin is one of the most powerful and charismatic leaders in the Seven Kingdoms, adept at subjugating people and devising far-reaching strategic plans. Rising to lead House Lannister in his youth, he single-handedly restored the high status and prosperity of his house, which had suffered during his father Lord Titus's reign. Since then, the head of the house has dedicated all efforts to maintaining authority and strengthening his family's power. Tywin is respected more than loved in the Westerlands, and his sack of King's Landing in 283 AC has not been forgotten in the capital.
An experienced commander, he prefers to direct battles from the rear, not the fray. His usual stern appearance makes everyone uneasy under his gaze, which "pierces the soul, seeing all your weakness, worthlessness, and ugliness." He is harsh with traitors.
Tywin is intelligent, calculating, politically astute, extremely arrogant, very greedy, cold-blooded, cruel, merciless, and cynical, never forgetting a slight and blind to anything not meeting his ideals. However, he is indiscriminate in his means to achieve his goals, often overlooking the consequences of his actions. His pride, which over the years turned into arrogance, has become the subject of jokes behind his back. His primary dream is to elevate his house—Lannisters should become a dynasty that will rule steadfastly for thousands of years. Tywin's character is selfish, bordering on narcissism, yet balanced with a certain degree of pragmatism and sound logic. Additionally, Tywin Lannister's ominous reputation often allows for impunity among some members of his house. Moreover, the Great Lion's infamy affects his entire house and is known across the Narrow Sea, where the Lannister name has become synonymous with villainy.
And this very man was currently reading reports from his spies in Essos, and upon finishing another report, he remarked:
"Red... Hmm, we should keep an eye on this man."
In Highgarden
Highgarden—the ancestral castle of House Tyrell. One of the most beautiful castles in the Seven Kingdoms.
Located on a hill in the southwestern part of the Reach, by the river Mander, at the crossroads of the Ocean Road and the Rose Road, Highgarden is southeast of Lannisport and southwest of King's Landing, northeast of Oldtown.
Here resided another individual who could rival Tywin Lannister in influence, the Queen of Thorns, Olenna Tyrell.
Lady Olenna Tyrell, née Redwyne, also known as the Queen of Thorns, is the widow of Lord Luthor Tyrell, mother of Lord Mace Tyrell and his sisters, grandmother to Willas, Garlan, Loras, and Margaery, and aunt to Paxter Redwyne, Lord of the Arbor.
Lady Olenna is a petite, shriveled, doll-like old woman with white hair and soft, brown-spotted hands with long, thin fingers. She has the sour breath of an old woman and not a single tooth in her mouth. Although she walks with a cane and claims to be nearly deaf, this is likely an act to appear more fragile than she is.
And this formidable figure, sitting in a garden, commented:
"What intriguing events are unfolding in Braavos... Red, is it?"
In the Water Gardens
In another part of Westeros, but in its arid region, lies the country residence of the Martell family.
The Water Gardens—a country palace built by Prince Maron Martell for his bride Daenerys, commemorating the alliance between the Martells and the Targaryens.
Here, the lords of Dorne relax, their underage children and bastards live, along with the children of prominent lords and wealthy merchants. The youngest are no older than five, the eldest around nine or ten, with an even mix of boys and girls.
The palace, made of pale pink marble, stands by the sea, leading to a sandy beach. It features many ponds and fountains where children frolic, and in the tiled courtyards, music plays, scented with lemons and blood oranges. Doran Martell lived here for some time to conceal his illness from courtiers.
Prince Doran Nymeros Martell—the Prince of Dorne, Lord of Sunspear, High Lord, and ruler of Dorne. The elder brother of Oberyn Martell and Elia Martell, Doran and his wife Mellario of Norvos have two sons, Quentyn and Trystane, and a daughter, Arianne.
And this shrewd and composed man, reading the same reports as other lords:
"Could this Red become a problem for our plans, or might he be the strongest ally our house could acquire?" he mused in solitude.
In King's Landing
The Small Council
"Varys, are there any news about the Targaryens from Essos?" asked the aging Hand of the King, Lord Jon Arryn.
"No, my lord. However, my little birds have sung a different tune... It seems a certain Red has acquired a fleet from the Sea Lord himself," reported Varys, the Master of Whisperers.
"Who is he?" asked the Master of Ships and the king's brother, Stannis Baratheon.
"They say he is a bravo who has climbed to power on his own merits."
"Hmm... Just a common sellsword who has managed to grasp power," commented another brother of the king, Renly Baratheon, who also served as the Master of Laws.
"Varys, find out more about this Red," instructed Jon Arryn, before moving on to other topics.
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