Chapter 11: Ways to Get Stronger (2)

Blood Demon. An individual of note from the past that conquered the Blood Demon Sect under one order. An individual that used to greatly influence Murim. A battle over control between him and Woo Ma-wang was inevitable, and at the end of the long battle, he had lost.

'But that kid back then, he decided to take shame upon his name in order to be taught. The ability to throw away one's pride in order to become stronger. This Devan kid… he's similar to the Blood Demon.'

"Interesting." Shireen's widely grinned at him, her eyes turned purple for a moment like one of those Valyrian's or the Targaryen's. "You're asking for a way to get stronger."

If Devan had practiced martial arts in the Murim way, then he would be by far one of the most gifted with such a good talent Ma-wang has ever known. However, they are simply not using their talents properly in a garbage-like method due to how rare the power of the sword aura is, especially if you're in a backwater region like Westeros.

Shireen, who looked carefully at Devan's figure, spit out a word with a smile on his face.

"I can't tell you something like that."

"Then, what do you want me to do, my lady?"

"I only told you not to deviously follow the methods you have been taught in your life. If I were to tell you an answer, how would that be any different from the life choices that you have made up until now?" Shireen paused as she eyed Devan who was listening attentively at her. "However, if you want to search for an answer with your own hands, follow me and learn what I do."

This caused Devan to raise his eyebrows following Shireen's remarks.

"Six months from now, there will be chaos that'll plunge the Seven Kingdoms into a war of succession. Observe how I get stronger as I deal with different foes, and take a closer look at the different ways I defeat my enemies. If you are still able to follow me after ten years have passed… I can say with much certainty that you will find that answer."

"My lady, with due respect, how are you so sure that there'll be chaos in Westeros like what you said earlier? You know what you said right now is treason." Devan's eyes flutter, still somewhat in awe after what Shireen had told him but a war six months from now is something he hasn't expected.

"The Lord of Light has given me such vision." Shireen lies as she points her head while she converses with Devan, "The Lord of Light doesn't lie, and the Lord of Light has ways, for the night is dark and full of terrors." Shireen smiled at him.

One time, Shireen heard what Stannis and the inner circle said about the truth of the royal children, that they weren't Robert's but the bastards of Cersei and Jaime Lannister. Only time will tell when her father makes his next move. Would he tell his brother Robert or will he rebel for war of succession? Though Stannis has yet to open up the deadly secret to her especially that she has proved herself as the heir of Dragonstone in that training ground. The reason why Shireen is making such religious bullshit is because half of Dragonstone has converted to the Lord of Light, and the conversion will increase further because of Melisandre. Another reason is because she sees Melisandre as a useful asset.

To convince a devout follower that you are a follower of this religion, the devout will have full trust in you. In addition, Shireen wants Melisandre to be one of her because she's a witch that uses magic.

Now that training is over, it was already nighttime.

Devan, who was left alone in his room, looked up at the blue sky and sighed deeply as he sat on his bed.

Devan got convinced on what Shireen said that there'll be war coming because she mentioned the Lord of Light. Now Devan knows why the weak cursed child suddenly became more powerful than him. It was because of R'hllor's blessing. And the reason why Devan is convinced that the blessings of R'hllor are real is because of Melisandre. Melisandre proved herself to the people of Dragonstone that she's one of them, by showing her powers to them. People in this world take any religious omen seriously regardless of what religion that is, and Devan is one of these people. He has yet to convert to the religion of the Lord of Light.

War. It's something people in the military have to experience someday. Devan is well aware that it is the fate of a knight especially that he's a knight trainee, but he never imagined that he would go to war with Lady Shireen. Following a woman to battle is unheard of in Westeros.

To him, who heard that he is a genius even if he learns to be passed down from generation to generation, Shireen's remarks caused a stir.

At first, Devan tried to ignore it. He felt that the years he had worked hard for were being denied, and he dismissed it as nonsense, but the more he listened to Shireen, the faster his heart raced. It's not wrong. Knowledge passed down from generation to generation eventually came from the same human being.

Being strong as a swordsman may not be one way, but why have Devan always tried to stick to their methods? Why didn't he question these methods just like what Shireen stated earlier? If he had thought a little and went through trial and error, there might have been a more suitable path for Devan.

The brain was intricately entangled. If only Shireen was a woman of words, Devan wouldn't have been in so much pain. However, Shireen , who had experienced it for a brief moment, was not the kind of person to be called a weak cursed child.

'Lady Shireen's talent was real. I don't know how she became so strong in such a short time, but the master who had less strength than the average person two years ago has completely changed. A strong swordsmanship and talent for releasing an aura which is so rare in Westeros. If it's not that she's been hiding her power all this time, she must have found her own way.'

It doesn't make sense. There is no reason to hide the power, and there is no reason to reveal it now. Shireen became strong in a short time. Seeing her speaking clearly while looking into her own eyes, Devan gained indescribable trust.

The sun came up again.

He had a haggard face because he didn't even eat, and he finally made a decision and went to Ser Axell's office.

"I want to be strong, like my father." These were Devan's life goals. His desire was helplessness. His desire to be strong is at an all time high.

"What…?" There was a pause when Ser Axell said this, "Devan, what did you say?"

"I will follow Lady Shireen to the battlefield."

"The battlefield?"

"Lady Shireen said something about a battlefield that'll be in six months' time. She said that it was the Lord of Light's blessing that made her know that Westeros will plunge into a war of succession soon."

'Will Lord Stannis' planned rebellion be the cause of a war of succession? Lady Shireen gaining the Lord of Light's blessing? How is this possible… I guess Melisandre's religion is not a laughing matter.'

"Ser Axell, are you okay?"

"I am just thinking about what Lady Shireen has said. I don't know if this is true." Ser Axell blinked, as he tapped the table with his right index finger several times.

"She said the Lord of Light doesn't lie and the Lord of Light has ways." Devan said firmly.

"Anyway," Ser Axell decided to brush it off, "It seems like something happened."

"Yes." Devan and Ser Axell stared at each other for a moment.

"Alright, I can already tell that you have a good enough reason that pushed you to make this decision." Ser Axell crossed his arms as he looked at Devan in the eye. "From now on, you're no longer part of the knights nor you're no longer a knight squire of mine. Whatever happens, I hope that you are able to protect the young master as you pursue your goal."

"Thank you, Ser Axell…"

"Thanks to you, I'm sure of one thing." Ser Axell stood up from his chair, "If even you are willing to follow her, that would mean that Lady Shireen isn't someone to be called a weak cursed child anymore, regardless of her greyscale."

"Follow me. You'll need to prepare yourself from now on." Ser Axell walked to his room.

"What?"

"If you want to survive on the battlefield, you'll need a secret weapon that you can call your own."

"Yes, Ser!" Devan smiled like a child that has gotten his favorite candy. Ser Axell was the teacher Devan followed by heart.

-

Rumors are faster than feet. The rumor that started with Pentos, spread completely to Dragonstone in just one day due to the close proximity between Dragonstone and Pentos by sea.

"Did you hear the rumors?"

"The rumor that Lady Shireen took care of the Pentos Coin organization? Do you even think that makes sense? She's a weak child that has greyscale."

'Even then, all of the information that I've listened to seems real. Come on, there's no way! The knights of Dragonstone must've planned it out or something.' Jeremy stopped. He doesn't know if Lady Shireen really did such a dangerous thing for him.

'Lady Shireen took care of the Pentos Coin! It was the lady that was able to take care of them with a single branch. She should be able to handle the Pentos Coin herself. Did she do all of this to keep his word?' Tears somewhat began to occur on Jeremy's left eye. The fact that she didn't forget his promise to himself, who was only a smallfolk, was moved.

He could never forget the day he met Shireen. The moment his life fell to seven hells as he was beaten by the Pentos Coin crew, Shireen appeared like an angel and sent judgment on the evil hordes. The screams of the Pentos Coin crew. The way he shoved a dagger into his mouth and cut off his tongue seemed just too cool for Kevin.

"Ah, no.. there's no way she'd do anything for someone like me." He'd quickly wipe off his tears. "But she really did take care of the issue!"

"Jeremy! What are you doing? You gotta finish cleaning up if you wanna go home!" said one of his employers.

"Oh, okay, sir!" Jeremy yelled back.

Jeremy was walking to his last destination to finish his job. He wanted to become a strong person like Lady Shireen. A strong person who can protect my people from any danger. In a barren world that no one can trust, that's the only way for his family to survive.

Most didn't believe it. Just as people don't trust the shepherd boy like Jeremy, Shireen's image in Dragonstone was far from trustworthy. Absurd rumors, people were so ostentatious. Even when the merchants who came from Pentos sputtered their words, their only reaction was ridicule. At that time, men were talking about rumors for a long time, but Jeremy was convinced that it was true, because he witnessed it.

He had to work, but he couldn't concentrate on the emotions that kept making me cry.

When will we be able to see Lady Shireen again? If that day ever came, Jeremy wanted to express his gratitude without forgetting his current feelings.

When Jeremy was about to finish his last job. A red-dressed girl was in front of him.

"M-my lady?!" Seeing Shireen Baratheon visit him, Jeremy unknowingly dropped his luggage on the ground. He lost his mind for a moment.

"It's been a while." Shireen said as she eyed him coldly. She didn't mind his frantic expresson.

"Wh-why are you here? No, before that!" Jeremy, doubting whether this was real, was startled and bowed.

"Thank you, my lady! It was thanks to you that my family was able to survive. Thank you so much!" Jeremy's face flushed red, and he uttered sincere words.

"Don't worry about that, Jeremy. How have you been?"

"Ah- I.." Jeremy was speechless. Shireen remembered his name. Others might think it's a minor thing, but Kevin couldn't take it as a minor thing. It was shocking.

"After the threat of the Coin of Pentos stopped, I was able to find a place to work thanks to Ser Davos. I don't know how I could ever express my gratitude to you!" Jeremy genuinely smiled at Shireen.

Shireen smiled back. "If you listen to my offer, maybe you'll get an idea on what to do."

"An... offer? What do you mean…my lady?" Jeremy looked up to her, and Shireen's expression turned serious.

"If you accept, you won't have to be worried about your family's financial issues. You'll be able to have a warm home and nice food, and even enjoy a lavish lifestyle during your free time, unlike the work you do currently. I'll make that happen-" Jeremy doesn't know what Lady Shireen was trying to say, but he instinctively knew he had an important opportunity.

"That's why, live for me. If you are able to pledge your loyalty to me, I'll provide you with a life that you won't regret." Shireen said coldly as she crossed her arms, looking at Jeremy.

Jeremy had never dreamed of being able to follow such a great figure as Lady Shireen. But Shireen suggested it first. He was stunned at the thought that it might not be real, but Jeremy knew he couldn't afford to miss Shireen's offer. It was instinct. Jeremy, lying on his stomach, slammed his forehead into the ground.

"I pledge my life to you, Lady Shireen. If you tell me to die, I'll die on your command, and if you tell me to kill, I will kill whoever it may be." Jeremy raised his head, drops of blood ran down his forehead. Drops of blood dripped down his eyes, but Jeremy looked up at Shireen without blinking an eye. "As long as you promise that you will protect my family, my life is in your hands."

'He shows his loyalty with his own blood. This kid reminds me of the Crazed Stallion.' Shireen thought as she eyed Jeremy. 'On a single command, he would even go against hundreds of enemies, and he would never back down until the job was done, what a crazy guy.' Even though his body was covered with wounds from the attacks from all directions, and the blood flowing from his body made a river, Crazed Stallion stopped the factions without groaning. When Ma-wang first collected the Crazed Stallion, he swore his allegiance by putting his head in the words of Ma-wang.

"My life is in your hands…" Jeremy's voice. It was more than a resemblance. Jeremy was more extreme than the madman.

Shireen laughed. A child with another charm. In a new life, Shireen is ready to accept a new hound.

"Alright, from this point onwards, you are mine."

-

Shireen brought Jeremy along to the heart of Dragonstone.

"Then Ser Davos, I'll be leaving Jeremy in your hands. Be sure to help him get used to life around here."

"Yes, my lady. I understand." Ser Davos bowed before her.

"Jeremy, I'll be sure to visit you later, so take care."

"Yes, my lady. Thank you for everything!" Jeremy said joyfully.

"I'll be in the library. If you need me, come find me there." Shireen left for the library.

At the library, Shireen was reading various books to get to know more about this world. One particular book that she's reading right now is regarding the aura knights of Essos. Sword users who can wield aura like Thoros of Myr or Beric Dondarrion.

'The flames that they can produce from their blades range over tens of meters, and their impact is otherworldly.' Then she went to read about witches, wizards, warlocks, magicians or magic users in general like Melisandre. 'They are beings considered as half-man half-god, walking disasters waiting to strike…like Melisandre. A single spell can level the earth and cloud the skies. Magic…these kinds of abilities don't exist in Murim. I have a pretty good idea on what to do now.'

Shireen closed the book she was reading. 'I may have interacted with Melisandre a few times though the fact that I can't predict what might happen is what makes Melisandre dangerous.' Shireen crossed her arms as she continued to contemplate, 'However, I was never meant to stay in one place like the others. I'll need to gain experience, and make sure that I can live a life that I can be satisfied with. This'll be exciting. Now then, why don't we start getting ready?'

By nighttime, there was a shabby workshop in the inner part of Dragonstone. It used to be a place that was used by the Targaryens though was no longer used when Stannis became the Lord of Dragonstone. Therefore, the entry of outsiders was strictly prohibited for unknown reasons, and the barrier to the outside space was clear, so it was suitable as some sort of a training place by the Targaryens of the past.

"This will be perfect for training. Ser Davos, I'll be spending a week in this workshop." Shireen placed her left hand on her left waist. "I won't be needing food or anything at all. However, do not let anyone come in. Be aware." Shireen tilts her head to Ser Davos, "Unless my people are under grave danger, do not allow anyone to approach me."

"Yes, my lady." Ser Davos answered.

And then Shireen went inside. In the workshop, there was nothing inside except for hay straw, spiders with cobwebs. Shireen looked down at the hay straw that was spread across the floor, apparently Ser Davos had prepared it beforehand.

It was a meticulous detail, but it was not necessary for Shireen today. Shireen set aside all the straws to one side, and turned on the cross-legged seat (like a meditation pose) so that he could fully receive the energy of the earth. She closed her eyes.

'Up until now, I've only built up a minimum amount of mana. In order to use the techniques of the Heavenly Demon Magician perfectly, I'll need to start at the first step.'

"Heavenly Demon Magician. First step." Shireen muttered. Shireen, who was immersed in her own world in an instant, slowly moved the mana accumulated in her body. The first stage of the Heavenly Demon Gods..or Goddesses.

Now. Shireen's body had not yet taken the steps of the Heavenly Demon Goddess. It was necessary to lay the foundation for a weak body, and in the meantime, in order to enter

the first stage of human, she was satisfied with only accumulating mana.

And now, Shireen has collected a minimum of mana. In order to fully use the martial arts that come from the Heavenly Demon Goddess, it was now necessary to enter the human phase.

'I need to remove all impurities within my body.'

Mana, which had been moving heavily through the blood vessels, was blocked by a huge wall not long after. Shireen has never lived a productive life due to her greyscale. Shireen was completely absorbed in the psychic. Her face was drenched with sweat, and the blood that had flowed out of her nose was now leaking through every pore. Slowly, step by step.

Blood came out from her eyes, her ears, her nose, and her mouth. It was really painful, removing all impurities within one's body is painful but she didn't lose her composure.

'I need to regain my original strength.'

It was an expected situation in the first place, so she made a plan to collect the minimum mana and enter the human phase.

'Since I've decided to live my life in this world, I'll need the power to be able to protect them. Entering the stage of human, was just the beginning.' Shireen calmly contemplated the interior.

It was a hopeful symptom. It wasn't like a coin fire, but as the impurities of the body were discharged, dark nosebleeds flowed down. Time has passed. One day. Two days. Three days.

Heavenly Demon Woo Ma-wang. As he had been hanging on to the martial arts all his life, the hay straw began to melt according to Shireen's strong will. The power of mana depends on the will. If people who do not understand mana can only use 10th power even with a potential of 100, Shireen was a person who exceeded the limit and exerted 150. Mana swung strongly according to Shireen's will, and nosebleeds began to flow from Shireen's face at the powerful impact.

It was a hopeful symptom. It wasn't like a coin fire, but as the impurities of the body were discharged, dark nosebleeds flowed down. Time has passed. One day. Two days. Three days.

Once again, in order to regain the power of the Heavenly Demon. The person must be in a state of meditation. In that way, Shireen spent his own time in a space cut off from the outside.

One week later

Ser Davos. He hurried to the workshop If it was as planned, he was going to meet her only in the evening, but the circumstances that befell him did not allow him to relax. The situation in mainland Westeros, especially in King's Landing has gotten more intense with bad news popping up via raven.

Many people are waiting for Shireen in the castle. But it was more important for Ser Davos to obey the orders of the heiress, Shireen. Shireen, who has changed recently, is not a person to speak empty words. Obviously there must be a clear reason not to call her, so he told people that he would call Shireen right away, and waited for Shireen to come out. How much time has passed. There were several people who came to find Hans. Hans, who had sent them all back, felt the warmth inside only as the sun was setting in the middle of the sky… until the red witch appeared.

"Melisandre?" Ser Davos said.

"Ser Davos." Melisandre slightly bowed before him.

"What brings you here?"

"I've heard that Lady Shireen is here… training, where is she?"

"In that workshop." Ser Davos answered.

"Then I shall see it for myself." Melisandre has been investigating Shireen for quite some time ever since her accomplishments at Pentos. She began to walk towards the workshop.

"Lady Melisandre. Lady Shireen said not to allow people to disturb her, and that includes you."

"Oh, and why is that, Ser Davos."

"Because she said so."

Melisandre chuckles. "Since when have you become Shireen's dog? When she destroyed the Pentos Coin organization? Aren't you more of a Stannis dog, Ser Davos?" she giggled. This made Davos gritted his teeth.

Then the door opened. And a familiar face coming out. Ser Davos and Melisandre, who was about to welcome Shireen with a bright face, was taken aback when he saw Shireen's appearance for a moment.

"L-lady Shireen?" Sharp purple eyes. Milky skin. Silver hair. Beauty like a Valyrian, literally. Model physique like a woman. She gained several inches in height (now at 5'8ft). A child that aged to late teens which is impossible.. and no greyscale. It seems that Shireen's body metamorphosis is complete. It was certain. Shireen's appearance is different, really…really different. She looks like a…Targaryen.

Meanwhile for Melisandre, she was shocked at the fact that there was a light red glowing in the entirety of Shireen's body (and also her appearance change) and it was only her who she could see this phenomenon. It felt like she just met the Azor Ahai reborn. Melisandre begins to cry as she kneels before Shireen.

"A-Azor A-ahai… reborn!" She said in Valyrian. "The Prince…no… the princess that was promised! I-..I greet before the holiness. T-the Chosen One!"

Shireen, who literally looks like she's in early twenties or late teens, and literally looks like a Valyrian woman of old (with no greyscale at all), was confused as to why a red witch bowed before her. She realized that Melisandre sees her as some sort of a religious omen due to her body metamorphosis. Shireen let out a low chuckle. She needs to take advantage of this religious bullshit to make Melisandre hers.

"Indeed, I am the Chosen One and sent as a personal messenger by R'hllor himself, the Lord of Light." Shireen replied in bastardized Valyrian, smiling. "I've known that you have been investigating this child for a while as to why she suddenly became powerful and here is your answer, Red Priestess."

And, Melisandre cried in tears of joy. Meanwhile, Ser Davos doesn't know what's going on. He felt nervous especially at Shireen's new appearance.

"You may arise, Red Priestess Melisandre. We have many things to do."

Melisandre stood up, wiping off her tears. "Yes, Chosen One."

Ser Davos looked at them blankly, and the new Shireen stared back. "You look like you have seen a ghost, Ser Davos."

"I-it's impossible, m-my lady… how? Your greyscale is gone, and you… you changed! It's like you aged for eighteen and ten name days!" Ser Davos couldn't believe what he's seeing right now.

"The Lord of Light has given me a blessing, Ser Davos." there she goes with the religious bullshit again. "The Lord of Light has cleaned my impurities during the past week. It is thanks to the Lord of Light that I am now better. Maybe it's time for you to convert to the Lord of Light as well, Ser Davos, maybe he'll give you a blessing." Shireen said firmly, and Melisandre is seen nodding genuinely.

Ser Davos was a bit suspicious by this though he felt that this was Shireen, it's just that she looks like she's in her late teens or early twenties version of herself, it was literally impossible. This'll literally shock the entire House Baratheon of Dragonstone.

"Now, what have I missed?" She asked the two of them.