The morning light spilled over the horizon, illuminating the towering spires and sprawling palaces of Valyria's capital. The city, with its shimmering obsidian towers and serpentine streets, was alive with the bustle of nobles, merchants, and soldiers. But beneath its glittering facade, shadows moved — conspiracies whispered behind velvet curtains, alliances forged in secret chambers.
Kaelarys moved through the city like a shadow, his presence known yet elusive. The system at his command hummed quietly, displaying his current objectives:
Quest: Infiltrate the House of Dravarys — 10%Quest: Steal a Valyrian steel egg from House Dravarys — NewQuest: Gather intelligence on rival dragonlord families — Ongoing
He adjusted the ring on his finger, the magic space within it holding countless tools, weapons, and secrets. Today's mission was perilous: to slip into the heavily guarded estate of House Dravarys and claim a dragon egg—the first step in building his own fleet of dragons.
At the dimly lit tavern where whispers were currency, Kaelarys met with his trusted informant, Selene. Her eyes flickered with cunning as she slid a parchment across the table.
"The guards shift schedules change at midnight," she whispered. "The eastern wing is weakest then."
Kaelarys smiled faintly. "Good. That will be enough."
Night fell like a curtain as Kaelarys cloaked himself in shadow, activating the Shadow Step skill to move silently across rooftops and alleys. His senses sharpened by the system's enhancements, he approached the sprawling estate, heart pounding with calculated calm.
Inside, the halls were lined with tapestries depicting dragons in flight, their embroidered eyes seeming to watch his every move. Kaelarys melted through shadows, avoiding patrols with a predator's grace.
Suddenly, a guard's voice echoed through the corridor. Kaelarys pressed against the cold stone wall, breath steady. The footsteps passed, but he felt the weight of every second.
At last, he reached the chamber where the Valyrian steel dragon egg rested on a pedestal, bathed in a soft blue glow. His fingers closed around the egg, feeling a pulse of raw energy.
Suddenly, a voice whispered behind him. "Impressive... but not enough."
Kaelarys spun, facing Dalen Dravarys—a young, fierce dragonlord heir, sword drawn.
The duel was swift and brutal, steel clashing with enchanted blade, sparks flying in the dim light. Kaelarys's system urged him forward, unlocking a new skill mid-battle: Viper's Strike — a lightning-fast series of attacks.
With a final, precise blow, Kaelarys disarmed Dalen, the young lord's eyes wide with shock and respect.
"Tell no one of this night," Kaelarys said quietly, slipping away into the darkness.
Back at his estate, the stolen egg safely hidden within his magic ring, Kaelarys's mind raced.
This was only the beginning. Rival families would not yield their treasures willingly. Every step forward demanded cunning, strength, and unyielding resolve.
End of Chapter 43