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In the underground fortress of Bloodstone, Jacaerys sat upon his throne, carefully reviewing the results of his hard-earned efforts over the past two weeks.
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[Companion Name: Vermax]
Owner: Jacaerys Velaryon
Length: 14.98 meters
Weight: 6,451.39 kilograms
Pet Trait Slots: 5/5
Trait Quality (Upgradeable):
Gluttonous (Blue): Increases food consumption by 50%, enhancing growth speed by 50%.
Agile (Blue): Boosts agility by 50%.
Dragonslayer (Blue): Inflicts 50% more damage on dragon-type creatures.
Hardened Skin (Blue): Improves defense by 50%.
Iron-Walled Strategist (Green): Grants the owner a 20% defense bonus.
Current Trait Points: 78
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The four agricultural towns, each with a population comparable to Oak Town, had collectively provided him with just over 15,300 trait points.
Adding the remaining 4,700 points from before, he now had just enough to upgrade two of his dragon's traits.
Looking at Vermax's current stats, Jacaerys was confident that his dragon could take on both Sunfyre and Dreamfyre at once.
Of course, there was still no chance against Vhagar, whose overwhelming size was an insurmountable advantage.
After upgrading most of Vermax's traits to blue-tier, the dragon had undergone noticeable changes. The first was its growth rate.
Previously, in the two months since arriving at the Stepstones, Vermax had grown by 0.4 meters, which Jacaerys had already considered impressive.
But now, after enhancing its "Gluttonous" trait to blue, the dragon had grown an astonishing 0.75 meters in just over a month.
Ordinary dragons typically experienced slower growth as they became larger, but Vermax was the complete opposite—it was only getting faster.
The "Agile" trait, now also blue-tier, had enhanced the skeletal structure of Vermax's wings, making them larger and broader.
The wing membranes had become tougher and more resilient. Jacaerys had personally tested its flight capabilities and found that its speed and maneuverability had significantly improved. While still slightly inferior to Daemon's Caraxes, the gap had noticeably narrowed.
The "Dragonslayer" trait did not manifest any outward changes, but "Hardened Skin" had once again strengthened Vermax's defenses.
Its scales had become denser, and the armor plating on its underbelly—previously damaged by Sunfyre's bite—had fully regrown.
The dragon's entire form now exuded a deep, lustrous green, its color more refined and elegant, resembling a masterpiece of living art.
Only a single trait remained at the green tier. Though Jacaerys was tempted to upgrade it immediately, he knew better than to act rashly.
The raids on the agricultural settlements had already reached the ears of Lys and Myr. If he pushed too aggressively, he would be walking straight into the trap set by the Kingdom of the Three Daughters.
Just then, a message arrived from Baelor—
The Triarchy's fleet had further tightened its defensive perimeter in the Summer Sea. No fewer than seven or eight large warships had vanished from known patrol routes.
Jacaerys didn't need to think long to realize their target was obvious—him.
So, he waited.
Two days later, an unexpected visitor arrived—
Pachek, the Archon of Tyrosh, had personally donned a disguise and sailed to Bloodstone in secret.
Looking at the short and rotund man, whose hair and beard had been dyed an unnatural shade of blue, Jacaerys couldn't help but recall the outrageous fashion trends of his past life.
The image of a flamboyant provincial rogue flashed through his mind, and he had to suppress the twitch of his lips to keep from laughing aloud.
Instead, he deliberately adopted an expression of fury and snapped, "Archon Pachek! You once sent assassins to take my life, and yet, you dare to set foot on my island in person? Do you not fear that I will have you fed to my dragon?"
As Jacaerys spoke, a massive, menacing dragon head emerged from the broken ceiling of the underground fortress. Vermax's cold, reptilian eyes locked onto the Tyroshi leader, its looming presence exuding a suffocating menace.
The hole in the ceiling had been left there on purpose—an easy access point for Vermax to appear when needed.
"Esteemed King," Pachek swallowed nervously, making a visible effort not to look at the monstrous head above him. "I was deceived before by Qoren Martell. I implore you to believe me and grant me your forgiveness!"
He motioned toward two massive chests being carried by his personal guards. "Previously, I sent an offering of atonement, though you may not have had the chance to accept it. This time, I have transformed it into something that may better suit your tastes—gold dragons, all yours."
CLACK!
The lids of the chests were flung open, revealing heaps upon heaps of gleaming golden coins, their golden radiance casting a warm glow across the dimly lit chamber.
The anger on Jacaerys's face vanished instantly. Instead, he smiled and said, "Of course, it must have all been a terrible misunderstanding. You were merely misled by the wrong people. There is no need for such excessive courtesy, my friend."
Then, narrowing his eyes slightly, he added, "Now, tell me—what brings you here this time?"
A glint of icy calculation flickered in his eyes.
Pachek, the Archon of Tyrosh, hesitated visibly. A shadow of hesitation flickered across his face before he set his jaw and spoke.
"Your Grace, I originally came here today to bring you information. There is an island under Myr's jurisdiction with vast grain reserves and little military defense—it would be an easy target for you to seize."
Jacaerys arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And?"
Pacheco let out a heavy sigh. "But… over the past month, you have neither blocked Tyrosh's trade routes nor attacked our settlements. Because of this, I feel I must tell you the truth. That grain-laden island is nothing more than a carefully laid trap by Myr and Lys. Their fleets lurk in ambush, poised to strike from both flanks the instant you make your move. Their aim? To annihilate your fleet in a single decisive strike."
Jacaerys' expression darkened, his brows furrowing as he exhaled sharply, feigning shock and outrage. "What?! Those treacherous curs! If not for your warning, I would have marched right into their trap!"
Watching his reaction closely, Pachek hesitated before asking, "And how will you respond, Your Majesty?"
A slow, cunning smile spread across Jacaerys' lips. "Now that I am forewarned, I will simply turn their own trap against them. My fleet will play the bait, luring them into action. Meanwhile, I will strike from above, riding my dragon to set their ships ablaze from behind. In naval warfare, they have nowhere to run."
He spoke with such confidence and clarity that there was not the slightest hesitation in his tone.
Pachek drew in a sharp breath, awed by the sheer swiftness of Jacaerys' strategic brilliance. "To devise such a counterattack in mere moments... Your Majesty, you truly are a military genius!"
Jacaerys let out a hearty laugh. "Once this battle is won, Myr and Lys will no longer pose a threat to me. And rest assured, my friend, I will not forget your assistance in this matter."
Pachek grinned, his earlier nervousness melting away. "Very well, I shall look forward to that day!"
After seeing the Tyroshi noble off, Jacaerys' smile vanished like a wisp of smoke. Without turning his head, he addressed a figure in the shadows.
"Stone, is it done?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," came the steady reply.
"Excellent. Tonight, let the men feast and drink their fill. At dawn, we set sail."
"Understood!"
The following morning, the fleet of Bloodstone took to the seas in full force. A total of twenty-four warships, large and small, surged forward like a pack of wolves scenting prey.
High above them, the dragon Vermax's circled, its emerald scales gleaming as it maintained an ever-watchful eye on the waters below, serving as a vigilant predator against any lurking threats.
One day's voyage from Bloodstone, on a remote, uninhabited isle, an opposing force lay in wait.
Four large warships and twelve medium-sized vessels, carrying a total of two thousand soldiers, remained anchored in eerie silence.
A scout hurried into the command tent, bowing before his superior. "Magister, the reconnaissance ship has returned. Reports confirm that the enemy fleet and its dragon departed half a day ago. Shall we strike Bloodstone at once?"
The Magister waved a hand dismissively. "Why the hurry? Let them sail farther away first. I have no desire to face that beast upon the open sea. Patience. We shall wait a little longer."
A sly grin spread across his face as he chuckled. "I can already imagine the look on that demon's face when he returns, only to find his island wiped from existence."
A subordinate next to him sneered. "If he even makes it back. After all, this trap was personally devised by Commander Sharako."
The Magister nodded in agreement, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "That's true. Though, I wonder... will the men waiting in ambush succeed in capturing the dragon alive? I'd very much like to lay eyes on one of those legendary creatures up close…"
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