บท 17: Chapter 17

As we approached the castle, the number of people and their impact on nature increased. It was not as pronounced as in my world, but still noticeable.

"Heh..." I laughed at the thoughts that crossed my mind. "What?"

I asked Dacey, who was looking at me, puzzled.

"I was just thinking about how humans alter the nature around them..."

Dacey just shook her head, clearly thinking I was odd. Understandably, she hadn't seen how industrialization changes nature. Without such influence, the pristine beauty of nature is preserved much better. Some might argue that even in the modern world, there are places where nature remains untouched. But even in reserves or supposedly pristine areas, the indirect impact of industrialization is present.

With these thoughts, I tried to distract myself from the upcoming conversation, feeling that to maintain Dacey's trust, I would have to reveal some secrets.

"The main thing now is to decide exactly what and how much to reveal..." I thought again about this question.

"Sigh..." I exhaled as we entered the Mormont residence, the customary greetings already performed automatically.

Out of the corner of my ear, I also heard that Dacey's mother was expecting us and that we should go to her soon.

"Shall we go?" I said to Dacey with a smile, to which she just nodded.

Lady Maege Mormont's room was not luxurious, but it had a certain imposing feel. A sturdy wooden table and chairs of the same material, and numerous animal hides, most of which were predator skins, adorned the room. Lady Mormont sat at the table, and through empathy, I could feel that she was not angry but merely curious. Perhaps this was her way of distracting herself from current problems.

"Well, tell me, young ones..." Lady Mormont said with a smile.

I ended up deciding to mostly tell the truth about the events. I began by explaining how I had sensed something otherworldly on the island and had to check it out myself. I also explained my ability to inhabit animals and my capacity to interact with ghosts. I chose to lie about the touching part, as revealing my "Arsenal" ability seemed too much. When I mentioned the Ironborn ghost, she visibly tensed and radiated pure hatred, likely due to personal issues. I concluded by saying that I had managed to destroy this Ironborn.

Lady Mormont was silent for a long time as the information I shared was quite overwhelming.

"If you hadn't demonstrated your abilities, I would have found your story hard to believe," she said after a while. "But where did these powers come from?"

"I believe they come from the Old Gods, as I learned much by touching the weirwood... And what I heard might not please you."

Lady Mormont narrowed her eyes and said:

"It's better to know what to be prepared for, so go on."

"Sigh... The Long Night is coming, and my task is to help everyone survive."

She was even more shocked by this, and I could feel it clearly from her. Dacey, who had been quiet as a mouse, was also visibly stunned. Understandably, if in my past life someone who had demonstrated certain abilities declared an impending apocalypse, I would be astounded too.

Leaving the head of House Mormont to ponder my words, I went to my current quarters. There was much I could not say, as the eyes of the Rivers or the songs of birds might reach far. Healthy paranoia is much better than lacking it, and the alternative of getting a knife in the back is even more frightening.

For now, I need to reflect on what happened on the island. It leads me to believe that some gods have influence in specific places or during certain events. The influence of the god of the Ironborn makes me wary of what could happen in the future.

Moreover, I need to significantly enhance my knowledge of religion; there might be other answers or solutions to problems that may arise.

"Heh... So many tasks ahead."

Six months later

Our stay with the Mormonts, following the ghost incident, is coming to an end. Since then, nothing remarkable or supernatural has occurred. Not that I'm complaining, as this peace has allowed me to train my abilities without issue. My physical training has also shown results; according to the System, my Agility, Stamina, and Strength have noticeably increased. Although, based on my own feelings, it's Agility that has significantly improved. According to tests, my reaction, flexibility, and overall speed have greatly increased.

I've also not neglected the magical component of my training. The support from Animal Incorporated's videocameras has continued at a usual pace. Through it, I could observe how my two uncles spent their time; watching the queen and king's quarrel had become a routine spectacle. Varys plotting his schemes was also a regular sight, with the latest addition being watching the Ironborn, whose actions did nothing to enhance their reputation. I continued to watch the Northern houses, but nothing much was happening there either, except that Roose Bolton decided to bring his son and heir Domeric back home, presumably because Robb and I would be there next year. By that time, I had already devised a plan to overthrow House Bolton, and I could hardly think of a better moment for it. Initially, I had three plans, and only one somewhat satisfied my conscience.

"Heh, wouldn't it be easier without this conscience?" I mused for a moment.

Besides the Boltons, my thoughts were occupied with the people beyond the Wall and how to deal with them, a question that also needed resolving. After all, there's not much time left... To distract myself from such thoughts, I shifted my focus to my partner. Tuna had significantly increased in power recently, now able to use the Thunder Spear twice a day. This was a significant development in his abilities and currently one of the most powerful attacks in our arsenal. However, the preparation time still bothers me; in clear weather, it takes even longer, preventing immediate use. Another downside is that Tuna is quite vulnerable during preparation and cannot be interrupted by anything other than the spear. At these moments, his magical radiation peaks, making him a target for anyone who can sense magic. Therefore, this ability must be used carefully, with proper preparation. Another developed ability was electromagnetic radiation, through which he could create a more detailed picture within a 500-meter radius. In my opinion, this recognition ability through electromagnetic radiation is most useful, as with proper skill, Tuna could detect a variety of substances. A lot of time went into training this ability, as I helped Tuna remember Valyrian steel, gold, and other precious resources.

Speaking of Valyrian steel, if you analyze it through electromagnetic radiation alone, you won't feel anything special compared to other steels. But if you add magical radiation to the analysis, the difference becomes stark—ordinary steel does not emit as brightly as Valyrian. However, this research on Valyrian is not entirely accurate, as the steel was summoned from my Arsenal, and the summoning itself could have left some magic behind.

Besides such improvements, I also studied local mythology, and what I learned was both surprising and frightening. But I believe it's worth knowing all this; it's impossible to be prepared for everything, but you can make some moments easier.

I also spent time playing and studying with Dacey, Robb, and the other children at the estate. I was reminded once again that people living so far in the North have a more open nature than those from the South. While Northerners may seem unfriendly or tactless at first glance, their honesty is beyond doubt. In the North, flattery and other vices common in the capital are rare.

"Jon! Are you ready?!" Robb called to me from below, as I was in my favorite place among the tree branches. Although slightly chilly, the view was worth it.

"Can't wait to get back home, brother?" I called back, carefully descending.

Robb didn't respond to my question, only giving me an irritated look that clearly said, "Because of you, we might spend more time than planned." Not wanting to irritate him further, I remained silent for the rest of the journey.

We faced a journey nearly as long as the distance from Winterfell to the Wall. Robb's frustration was understandable since he was eager to get home.

Amid these thoughts, Robb and I soon reached our departure point where Lady Mormont and Dacey were waiting; they would accompany us to Winterfell, where a council of Northern nobles was soon to take place.

"Where have you been again, Jon?!" Dacey almost snarled.

"Heh, just admiring the nature," I said, scratching my head awkwardly.

Dacey's annoyance only intensified, and I soon had to start dodging her. Lady Mormont, however, just chuckled at the spectacle. Fortunately, she didn't hit me.

"Alright, Jon, check one more time that you haven't forgotten anything," Lady Mormont said and went to speak with the ship's captain.

Two hours later

We've been on the ship for about twenty minutes by my estimation, and during that time, I reflected on all I had experienced at House Mormont's home. I could say I enjoyed the experience, having gained great friends and memories that would support me in the future.

Lady Mormont had also supported me on mystical matters. Surprisingly, after I shared information about the impending end of the world, she didn't call me a madman. Instead, she began to quietly stock up on various items. Fortunately, the methods I shared about killing the undead were helpful to her. Even a not-so-wealthy house like Mormont could afford a certain amount of obsidian since the price for dragon glass wasn't very high.

I was pleased with the outcomes, as Lady Mormont's actions could significantly simplify my future life. And it was simply helpful to share these thoughts with someone. I couldn't yet share this knowledge with those closer to me, as they likely wouldn't allow me to act as I wished.

"Jon, let's try fishing!" Dacey suggested, and I could only agree.

In a more cheerful atmosphere, we made our way to Winterfell, hunting along the way when possible, which lightened the mood as we could hear many interesting stories around the campfire.

Unfortunately, the North doesn't have as many taverns as further south of the Neck, with the climate and sparse population taking their toll.

"Jon! Robb! How are you?" asked Lord Amber, always in his distinctive manner.

We had encountered the Amber family when we landed, and it so happened that we decided to continue our journey together. With the Ambers joining us, the group's cheer increased significantly.

And so, with this lively company, we arrived at Winterfell, feeling as though no time had passed. Good company makes time fly.

Once again, Robb and I were faced with the majestic place we call home—a place where every corner, every square has been explored thoroughly. The place where you always want to return, for you are always welcome here.

"We're home," Robb and I said simultaneously, then realizing this, we smiled at our own thoughts.

A week later

Over this week, Robb and I spent as much time as possible with the inhabitants of Winterfell, and we were now preparing to depart for the Dreadfort. We were to travel with Roose Bolton and his son Domeric, who had returned home before our arrival.

Domeric had changed quite a bit, adopting some of the manners of the knights from the ballads. He wasn't a fervent believer in the Seven, but he had picked up some of their traits.

Roose further confirmed my thoughts about him: utterly cold towards everyone, with darkness in his gaze. This coldness was felt not just by me but by Robb and Domeric too. The latter probably used to it.

"Jon, Robb, let's go," Domeric told us after an hour since Lord Bolton expressed his intention to gather everyone.

Two days ago, the council of lords had taken place where many interesting points were raised. Lady Mormont had insisted on providing more support to the Night's Watch, and although most agreed with her, the lords could not contribute significantly due to the sparse population. Even Lord Stark understood this and expressed the same thoughts I had while listening.

"Although I understand the dire situation at the Wall, we can't send more men than we currently are. If we start sending our own people, we might face even greater damage, from bandits to the Ironborn."

The lords and ladies had no choice but to nod and accept the situation. The subsequent conversations did not interest me, so I half-listened.

A month later

A month had passed since the council, and now Robb and I were at the Dreadfort.

The Dreadfort, the ancestral castle of the Boltons, is located on the banks of the Redstream to the east of Winterfell. After Winterfell, it is one of the strongest castles in the North: a stone fortress with thick walls and massive towers, well-prepared for winter. It is a place with a dark history, where that very darkness occurred. The room I found long ago, a place that makes my blood boil and fills me with a desire for vengeance. A place where brutal tortures and murders were carried out, and where the Boltons keep the flayed skins of their foes, including many Starks.

Describing the exterior of the castle, the walls of the Dreadfort feature high triangular merlons resembling fangs. The smoky and dim great hall of the Dreadfort is lit by torches held in bone hand fixtures. The hall has a vaulted ceiling and wooden beams blackened by smoke. From Domeric's words, I learned that there is a sort of crypt here, but it is located in the underground levels of the Dreadfort.

A couple of days after hearing this, I decided to use my magical senses to learn about the underground level of the castle. To my surprise, I felt a certain amount of magical energy, as if there were some intention or a concentration of intentions there. After checking, I discovered a massive amount of negative emotions, from fear and hatred to despair.

My first guess was that there were living people on the lower floors whose condition was close to death. Or worse, death would have been preferable in their case, but I was puzzled by the fact that I also detected magic. After all, magic is not something simple and mundane.

At night, when the castle fell quiet, I decided to descend to the underground level, knowing where to go and having checked the guard routes and Roose Bolton's movements for several days.

And there I was, in front of the secret passage to the underground level. Entering the correct combination of mechanisms, I began descending into a place radiating terrifying power. After a few more stairs and passages, I stood before the last door. Fortunately, after observing Roose's movements, I had managed to map the secret passages of this castle completely and had temporarily stolen a key to these passages, making duplicates. So, there were no problems with a peaceful passage.

Creak

Opening the door, a horrifying scene lay before me...