The sun rose slowly over Winterfell, pale and cold.
Jon Snow stood in the training yard, breath steady, shoulders aching in a way that felt almost satisfying. His muscles still trembled from the system's silent surge—Level 2 settling into his bones like a promise.
He didn't celebrate.
He simply picked up the wooden sword again.
One more.
The thought was interrupted by footsteps crunching through the snow.
"Training already?"
Robb Stark approached, red-faced from the cold, a grin tugging at his lips. He carried a wooden blade of his own, heavier and well-worn.
Jon straightened instinctively. "Couldn't sleep."
Robb studied him for a moment. "You're hurt. You should rest."
Jon shook his head. "I'm fine."
That earned him a laugh. "You always say that."
They moved to opposite sides of the yard.
No announcement. No crowd.
Just two boys with blades in their hands and too much to prove.
Sparring
Wood met wood with a dull crack.
Robb was stronger. Older. More confident.
Jon was faster.
Not by much—but enough.
Each clash sent vibrations through Jon's arms, the impact jarring but manageable. He didn't rush. He didn't snarl or shout.
He observed.
Robb favored his right side.
Overextended when excited.
Predictable.
Jon slipped inside a swing, tapped Robb's shoulder, then retreated instantly.
Robb blinked. "Hey—"
They went again.
This time, Robb pushed harder.
Jon felt irritation rise—not at Robb, but at himself.
Don't react.
That was when the system spoke.
[DING!]
[Unique Conditional Quest Triggered]
Quest: Don't Lose Your HeadDescription:Anger clouds judgment.Calm sharpens steel.
Objective:
Spar for 10 minutes without emotional fluctuation
No reckless attacks
No verbal outbursts
Reward:
Skill: Calm Mind (Passive)
Failure:
Temporary Agitation Debuff
Jon's lips twitched.
A system telling me to stay calm…
Almost insulting.
Almost funny.
He adjusted his grip and exhaled slowly.
The world narrowed.
Not in the way of rage—but focus.
Wood struck wood.
Again.
And again.
Jon didn't try to win.
He tried to endure.
Robb grew frustrated. His swings grew heavier, wider.
Jon stepped back. Sidestepped. Redirected.
Ten minutes passed like drifting snow.
Finally—
Robb stumbled.
Jon tapped his chest lightly with the wooden blade.
Silence.
Robb stared at him, then burst out laughing. "You're getting better."
Jon lowered his sword. "You're holding back."
Robb scoffed. "No, I'm not."
But his grin said otherwise.
[Quest Completed][Skill Acquired: Calm Mind]
A faint sensation spread through Jon's head—cool, weightless.
Skill: Calm Mind (Passive)
Reduces emotional interference
Improves focus under stress
Minor resistance to fear and rage
Jon blinked once.
This… is dangerous.
Not flashy.
Not powerful.
But priceless.
Breakfast Without a Seat
Later that morning, Jon entered the hall.
The table was already half-full.
Robb waved him over—but stopped when he saw where Jon was headed.
The lower benches.
Again.
Catelyn Stark sat stiffly at the high table. Her eyes flicked toward Jon—then away.
Jon felt the familiar sting.
But this time—
It slid off him like water.
[Calm Mind Active]
He sat.
He ate.
He listened.
Sansa spoke excitedly of songs.
Bran asked endless questions.
Arya kicked Jon's leg under the table, smirking.
Jon met her eyes and smirked back.
I belong here.
Even if they pretend I don't.
The System Gets… Creative
That afternoon, as Jon cleaned the training blades, the blue interface popped up again.
[Silly Daily Quest Generated]
Quest: The Bastard's Chores
Clean 10 practice swords
Ignore 3 passive-aggressive comments
Do not roll your eyes
Reward:
+1 Dexterity
+5 System EXP
Jon froze.
"…Do not roll my eyes?"
He glanced around.
A stablehand muttered, "Castle-born bastard thinks he's a knight now."
Jon didn't react.
Didn't blink.
Didn't roll his eyes.
[Quest Completed]
A soft warmth spread through his fingers.
Jon flexed his hand.
Even this counts.
That evening, he stood by the battlements, looking out over Winterfell as snow fell endlessly beyond the walls.
He was still a bastard.
Still below the table.
Still unwanted by some.
But now—
He had a quiet mind.
And time.
[Age Progression Note]Jon Snow: 10 years → Ongoing Growth
Jon rested his hands on the cold stone.
Let them underestimate me.
I'll grow in the silence