Chapter 62: Arrival
Braavos, if one were to watch it from above, revealed a cityscape intricately woven across numerous islands connected by stone bridges and canals. The amalgamation of architectural styles, influenced by the Valyrian aesthetic, reflected a balance between opulence and restraint.
At the heart of the city stood the Sealord's Palace, a formidable structure symbolizing political authority in the northeastern district. Adjacent to it, the Iron Bank of Braavos, a colossal testament to financial might, commanded attention with its Valyrian-inspired grandeur, its spires reaching towards the heavens, and its walls echoing the tales of vast wealth within.
Extending along the Long Canal was the central harbor, encircled by majestic temples on smaller islands, including the House of Black and White. Guarding the harbor entrance was the Titan of Braavos, an immense statue serving as both a landmark and a defensive bastion, but even the Titan bowed in acknowledgment to the financial colossus that was the Iron Bank.
To the west, Ragman's Harbor pulsed with life, featuring structures tailored to foreign sailors and traders. This area exuded a working-class aesthetic, distinct from the more affluent northeast.
In the southwestern sector, though less prominent, interconnected islets formed a mosaic of structures with varying significance. The Sweetwater River aqueduct, meandering through the city, contributed both functionality and beauty.
Braavos unfolded as a canvas of diverse structures, each contributing to the city's distinctive synthesis of prosperity, authority, and the awe-inspiring legacy of the Iron Bank.
And in the lively harbor of this bustling city, a simple merchant ship glided through the waters, its weary hull telling tales of distant shores.
It docked at Ragman's Harbor, the sailors working swiftly, yet the onlookers paid it little mind.
Amidst the vibrant chaos of the port, this unremarkable arrival slipped into the background, a brief note in the bustling symphony of trade that echoed through the city...
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Negary Pov :
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Standing on the deck, I felt the sea breeze gently tousling my hair, carrying with it the invigorating scent of the ocean. I watched as the ship navigated its way into the bustling port and listened the rhythmic hum of the vessel, a backdrop to the lively scene unfolding around us.
''It's already been a month, huh?" I muttered under my breath as I cast a glance towards the two old men which stood besides me.
Barristan looked the same as ever, as if the long voyage didn't affect him in the slightest. His armor, adorned with the dust of travel, was concealed beneath a thin cloak. Seen on a bustling street, he could be easily mistaken for a humble elderly man, the weight of his past glories hidden beneath the guise of simplicity.
Magister Illyrio, on the other hand, donned in clothes that once radiated opulence, now bore the burden of dark circles under his eyes, evidence of restless nights. His fake smile lacked the warmth that usually reached his eyes, and the once-tailored golden attire seemed to drape more loosely, highlighting a discernible weight loss. An occasional, subdued effort to stifle a cough subtly underscored a vulnerability that mingled with the fading grandeur...and yet he forced himself to speak.
"Esteemed guests, I sincerely hope the journey was satisfactory. *cough* Welcome to Braavos, a city known for its unique blend of cultures and flourishing trade. *cough* May your time here be pleasant, and your endeavors find success amidst our city's bustling commerce. *cough* Feel free to explore and partake in the opportunities that Braavos extends to its visitors. We are honored *Cough Cough Cough*" The magister failed to finish his speech due to a sudden coughing fit.
'The funny thing is, I didn't even do anything to him' I thought with a small smirk. Perhaps the sole fact that he was trapped in the vicinity of someone who could kill him on a whim raised his cortisol levels so much it affected his immune response and made him catch a cold...not that it was particularly important.
"Your courtesy is duly noted, Magister. Let us hope the city's hospitality matches its reputation" I nodded as I walked closer to the edge of the ship.
"Barristan, your mission aligns with mine, each serving a purpose. With fortune on our side, we may meet again in a few months. If fate takes an unexpected turn, I trust you to guide the Targaryen girl toward reason." I declared as I stepped on the ship's bulwark. I didn't wait for an answer as I jumped off the ship, feeling the cool breeze against my face. Effortlessly, I descended a few meters, breaking the fall with practiced grace.
Braavos awaited, and I moved forward, purpose in each step.
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Illyrio Mopatis pov :
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I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief as I watched that monster jump off the ship. Finally, after all this time, I wouldn't feel like a single misplaced word would bring about my doom. Every day spent in the vicinity of that monster felt like a blade pressing against my neck.
What started as an attempt to sway a swordsman to the servitude of Daenerys turned into one of the worst decisions of my entire life...The monster didn't even listen to me when I proposed going to Pentos instead of Braavos, and now I would need to waste another two weeks to get back to my safe haven...but all's well when it ends well, no?
Now that he was gone, there would be no need to continue acting as a servant, trampling my own pride for the assurance of self-preservation. I felt my back becoming straighter and my smile turning more vibrant.
'Yes... I am Illyrio Mopatis, the shadow ruler of Pentos... and that man would rue the day he decided to mess with me. When I find out more about him and his abilities. Only a fool would attack an enemy before understanding his capabilities, after all.'
Alas , I was broken out of my musings by another coughing fit.
'Ugh, this blasted cold, making me sound like a wheezing goat instead of the majestic figure I am. Coughs, sneezes, and all this nonsense are destroying my eloquence...'
Every cough felt like a punch to the gut, a reminder that even the mighty Illyrio Mopatis wasn't immune to the mundane struggles of mortals...
"Magister Illyrio, are you all right?" I heard the knight besides me ask, most likely because of his adherence to strict moral rules instead of any sympathy for me. He was quite aggravated because of how I pretended to be a mere merchant.
'But who cares about him anymore? This encounter opened my eyes...not a sword, but magic can make one stand above the rest...'
"Barristan, my friend, I appreciate your concern, but I assure you, it's just a minor inconvenience. A mere scratch on the surface of my indomitable spirit." I said, forcing out every drop of vigour I possessed. While he was no monster, the man was quite perceptive as well.
At my response, Barristan nodded curtly "Take care, Magister. May your 'minor inconvenience' soon pass." And then, he started walking towards the edge of the ship as well.
'Ah, so he is already set on leaving. Well, it's his own choice, but there's still time for one more question'
I took a deep breath and inquired, "Ser Barristan, if I may be so bold, I've pondered throughout our journey about the esteemed gentleman accompanying us. Negary is a name unfamiliar to my ears. Chosen by the Blessed King, as you told me before, but could you enlighten me a bit more about this mysterious figure?"
At this Barristan stopped his stride, and turned his scrutinizing gaze towards me. I did my best to convey both friendliness and weakness from my posture, but the nature of my question made it hard to believe after all.
"I don't know much..." The old knight began, his eyes seemingly wanting to pierce my very soul.
"But if my memory serves me right...I think he was a homeless man, living off breadcrumbs near the Red Keep..." He continued, and I felt my smile crumbling as I understood the implications of what was said. "All the more reason to remain loyal, no?" The old man finished speaking, his face a mask of indifference as he jumped over the ship's rail, leaving me alone with my tumultuous thoughts.
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(1 hour later)
My thoughts were still in chaos, a bewildering dance of confusion. I shifted my gaze skyward, fixating on the crimson star, its glow mocking the tumult within.
I shook my head vigorously, a physical attempt to dispel the distracting thoughts clouding my mind. Redirecting my focus, I fixated on the pressing task at hand: reaching Pentos swiftly.
My gaze swept over the seamen assembled before me, an unspoken command lingering in the air. They were more than mere sailors; they were my slaves, entrusted with the ship's maintenance.
I commended the them for their impeccable discretion, acknowledging their silent efficiency. "Your efforts have not gone unnoticed," I remarked, "my esteemed guests likely never felt your presence throughout this month, and I certainly did not."
As I looked at the diminishing figure of Braavos in the distance, I continued addressing the slaves.
"Our destination is Pentos, and speed is of the essence. If you can navigate us there within the next ten days, rest assured there will be rewards awaiting each and every one of *Gurk*."
My momentum halted abruptly, a symphony of disbelief playing within my senses as I gazed into the vacant eyes of the nearest slave. Tracing the trajectory of his outstretched arm, my gaze met the stark reality of a dagger embedded in my chest, its cruel blade piercing through to my heart—a betrayal executed with chilling precision...
...Comprehension eluded me like a fleeting shadow. The dagger's chilling presence in my chest defied reason, leaving me suspended in an abyss of bewilderment, unable to fathom the treachery unfolding before my eyes.
As my strength waned, my legs betrayed me, succumbing to an unyielding weakness. The wooden deck welcomed my descent, the impact resonating with the stark reality of of my situation. Through faltering vision, I witnessed the traitorous slave, clutching my precious rings, leap defiantly over the ship's rail, plunging into the waters below. Around me, the other slaves stood frozen, witnesses to an image that defied belief.
And as the last vestiges of my consciousness slipped away, giving way to the unforgiving darkness, the only thought in my mind was...
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'Why?'
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And then...the 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 started...
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In the heart of Braavos, a shadow-laden street unraveled—a clandestine realm steeped in enigma. Decrepit structures leaned in close, their shadows waltzing in the muted radiance of sputtering lanterns. Cobblestones, aged and polished, murmured tales of concealed whispers exchanged through ages. This covert street, wrapped in secrecy, called out to those seeking sanctuary from the relentless gaze of the world.
In the obsidian depths of this clandestine place, a malevolent entity donned the guise of a man, callously rending the very soul from an ill-fated victim. With eyes ablaze in mischief, the demon pivoted its attention toward the next phase of its sinister design, indifferent to the betrayed Magister or the lifeless husk of a slave sinking into the sea.
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After all...he had some Nobodies to visit...
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A.N :
"The feeling of being just a puppet moved by strings that he couldn't break enveloped him, Noah felt powerless, it was as if something stronger than him affected his fate.
Yet, a bright fire burned inside him which allowed him to endure all those hardships.
That fire represented his endless ambition which fueled many other emotions that ultimately made Noah's personality.
One of those emotions was his hatred.
Noah's hatred was a dark fire ready to burn everything that it touched, it was the sum of the emotions that he felt toward anyone that tried to control or manipulate him.
Inside his mental sphere, a figure rose from the sea.
The figure had Noah's aspect but it was black and its surface undulated as if it was made of fiery flames."
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𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘁:
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Negary:
Attributeless Demon soul
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Traits:
Provides a boost in soul manipulation.
Provides the ,,Contract Forging,, ability
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Split souls - 1 (horcrux)
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Spirit base soul 1 - 350 man soul
Spirit base soul 2 - 350 man soul
Spirit refinement - 350 (max each)
(Limit reached)
Mana generation : 1.4 MS / 5 days
(80%used to mentain the bond between the split souls)
Efficiency: 3% max efficiency
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Soul abilities:
Soul manipulation - expert
Soul sense - adept+
Soul drain - adept+
Reverse soul drain - adelp(-)
Soul Crush (refinement technique) - novice(+)
Soul Split - ?
Soul Camouflage - adept
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Magic :
*1 extra focus available due to "split soul"*
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1-Novice(+) reality manipulation , proportional with intensity of desire (1-100%) and amount of soul energy spent.
When desire reaches 100 percent , it provides a 10x boost in effectiveness.
-2 similar desires can be maintained at the same time (by each focus)
(Example of 100% desire :
Adam fighting Zeus in Record of Ragnarok
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2-Take over magic : novice(+)
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3-Corpse control : novice(+)
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4-Greensight : novice(+)
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5-Warging : novice
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6- Soul cut *New* - novice(-)
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-Processing speed - 70X a normal human (total- varies with amount of soul energy currently possessed)
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Body 1- Joffrey
Undead human body
Does not require sustenance of any kind when mana is suplied.
Unlimited stamina as long as mana is supplied
Can keep moving and performing at 100% with fatal wounds that don't affect movement.
(Ex - Cut off limbs)
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Body abilities :
-up to X700 regeneration factor (when using mana)- proportional with soul base (broken bones heal in hours , scratches in seconds)
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-Strength - 130kg bench press (up to 800kg with 100% hysterical strength )
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-Speed - 10 seconds/100 meters (down to 5 seconds with 100% hysterical strength)
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-Resilience - 3x higher durability than a normal human body.
(all parameters can be improved momentarily by using mana)
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Body 2- Random man
Undead human body §
-normal human parameters that can be increased temporarily by using mana
Regeneration - same
Strength - 80 Kg bench (max 500 kg with HS)
Speed - 12 s/100m (8 s with HS)
Resilience- 2X(due to prolonged mana infusion)
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Skills :
Weapons- master(-)
Unarmed fighting - expert
Stealth - expert(-)
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Knowledge -
Anatomy
Rituals of the Children of the Forest
Many different languages
Essos upper echelon Knowledge- *New*
(Only the most relevant)
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Soul-Bound subordinates:
-Leaf (Child of the Forest)
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Warged companions:
-Ser Joy the Dog Knight (Best Doggo)
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone