Chapter 57: The Shadows Rise and the Blade of the First Knight
The last echoes of the conquest faded, replaced by the grim order Maegor imposed upon Noronos City. From his new seat, the fortified castle of Mogho, he watched as his forces secured the city and established their presence. He felt the immense power of his domain, the entirety of the Duchy of Qehes now under his thumb. The System's triumphant chime resonated in his mind, confirming the monumental achievement.
[ Mission Complete: Annex the Duchy of Qehes ]
Objectives Fulfilled:
Conquer the County of Drasaho, bringing Magister Andrio Vallel's territory under Targaryen control. (✓)Conquer Mogho County, including Noronos City (Magister Erando Drahar's seat) and its surrounding baronies. (✓)Integrate all remaining territories and populations of the Duchy of Qehes into your burgeoning kingdom. (✓)
Reward Granted:
Ability Upgrade: Conquest Aura (Epic) - Vastly increased morale and discipline of all units in battle; causes significant morale drain in enemy forces.System Rank: Duke2 Epic Game of Chance Cards1 Divine Game of Chance Card!Reputation Gain: +1000 (The Dragon Duke) - Total Reputation: 2600
Maegor felt an exhilarating surge of power. His Conquest Aura (Epic) now flowed through him, an almost palpable force. He could feel its presence, a subtle emanation that would inspire fanatical loyalty in his troops and instill profound dread in his enemies. He was no longer just a Count; he was a Duke, the undeniable ruler of a vast swathe of Essos. The title "The Dragon Duke" resonated with his very soul.
He leaned back on the Magister's throne, now his, and immediately turned his attention to the new Game of Chance cards. Two Epic, one Divine. The potential was immense.
He touched the first Epic card.
[ Game of Chance Result: Rare Unit Acquired! ]
Reward: Assassins (Summoned) - Rare
Unit Type: 10 Shadow AssassinsSkill Level: Expert Equipment: Discreet, black-bladed daggers (poison-coated), silenced crossbows, grappling hooks. Special Trait:Invisibility (Minor): Proficient in stealth, capable of moving undetected in shadows and distracting environments. Special Trait:Poison Mastery: Expertise in applying and identifying various poisons. Loyalty: Oathbound to Host, personally dedicated.
At that very moment, a shiver ran through the air in the throne room. From the deep shadows cast by the high windows, ten figures coalesced. They were clad in dark, form-fitting garments, their faces obscured by deep hoods. They moved with an unnerving silence, like whispers made flesh. In less than a breath, they had surrounded Maegor's throne, their postures protective, their presence unseen by any but him. They were the Shadow Assassins, silent, lethal, and utterly loyal.
Maegor felt a thrill. Ten expert assassins, with skills of invisibility and poison. This was a force for whispers in the dark, for removing obstacles without a trace, for striking terror where armies could not reach. A perfect complement to his overt military might.
He tapped the second Epic card.
[ Game of Chance Result: Uncommon Item Acquired! ]
Reward: Ship (Uncommon)
Description: A sleek, fast galley from the ports of Lys. Built for speed and maneuverability, capable of light combat or swift transport.
Another ship. Maegor smiled. He would ensure Captain Jorah received it, bolstering his burgeoning fleet in Myr. The System would undoubtedly handle the plausible transfer, as it had before.
Finally, the Divine Card. Maegor's finger hesitated, a rare moment of deliberation. This was a legendary item.
[ Game of Chance Result: Legendary Item Acquired! ]
Reward: Longsword - Legendary
Name:Dark SisterDescription: The legendary Valyrian steel longsword, thinner and lighter than most, forged for a woman, but wielded by many famed Targaryen princes and knights, including Visenya Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen. Its blade hums with a fierce, agile energy, granting the wielder unparalleled agility, lightning-fast strikes, and a subtle disorienting effect on foes. Its true potential is unlocked by a Targaryen or Valyrian wielder.
Maegor stared at the description. Dark Sister. The very sword of Visenya Targaryen, the Conqueror's sister! A legendary blade, known for its speed and agility, the counterpoint to Blackfyre's raw power. It was the perfect sword. And he knew exactly who would wield it.
He would give this legendary sword to Ser Kaeto Targaryen, his First Knight of the Dragon. Kaeto was the grandson of Prince Duncan the Small, a direct descendant of the Targaryen bloodline, and already Maegor's Lord-Captain and Gryphon Knight. Blackfyre was the symbol of Maegor's kingship and conquest. Dark Sister would be the symbol of his First Knight, his closest blood-kin commander, a legendary blade to fight alongside his own.
The System then chimed again, presenting the next grand objective for his Duchy.
[ New Quest: ]
Objective: Establish Duchy Governance
Formalize administration across the entire Duchy of Qehes, appointing permanent governors for Mogho and Drasaho Counties, and their respective baronies.Integrate Noronos City and its industries into your central administration, leveraging its strategic importance and resources.Consolidate and expand recruitment of local forces (Myrish Spearmen, Myrosh Light Cavalry/Infantry/Archers) from all new territories, swelling your standing armies.
Reward:
Special Unit Access: Qehesese Heavy Infantry (Major Unit - Requires Recruitment)Reputation Gain: +1500 (The Dukedom Builder) - Total Reputation: 41003 Epic Game of Chance Cards! (plus 6% chance to get non-common items)
Maegor's gaze was hard, decisive. Qehesese Heavy Infantry. A major unit. More Epic cards. And the title of "The Dukedom Builder." The path was clear. He had conquered the Duchy. Now, he would rule it with an iron fist, integrating its disparate elements into a singular, formidable entity.
He rose from the throne, his eyes scanning the shadows where his new Assassins waited. This was a day of monumental gains. He would begin by formalizing his Duchy, establishing its governors, and integrating its formidable resources. And he would ensure that Dark Sister was swiftly placed in the hand of its new, worthy wielder. The game was escalating, and Maegor was ready for every challenge