Chapter: 18

Chapter: 18

As I lay back, lounging on one of Ghidorah's resting heads—specifically Ichi's—I gazed up at the sky, lost in thought. The courtyard was unusually quiet, with only the soft rustle of leaves and distant bird calls breaking the silence. I began to hum a soft tune, enjoying the peace, when I sensed two figures approaching. Ni's left eye cracked open, always alert, even while resting.

I sat up to see who was coming and recognized Shiraori walking towards us. Beside her was a young girl who looked around sixteen. She had striking, pale white shoulder-length hair that framed a soft, heart-shaped face with high cheekbones and vivid green eyes that sparkled with a fierce intelligence. Her features were sharp yet graceful, giving her an almost ethereal beauty. She wore a tight-fitting black and blue bodysuit that accentuated her slender but toned build, suggesting she was no stranger to physical training. A long sword was strapped across her back, the hilt well-worn, showing it was more than just for decoration.

"Who's the mortal?" Ni muttered, his curiosity piqued.

"Good question. Who is this, Shiro?" I asked, shifting my gaze to her.

Shiraori hesitated, then said, "This is Valyra Targaryen."

The girl inclined her head respectfully. "I am Master's student," she explained.

I let out a small sigh, already seeing where this was going. "So, you want to bring her along to gain some experience, right, Shiraori?"

Shiraori simply nodded, her expression serious.

I patted Ichi's head to rouse him. "Alright, Ichi, San, time to wake up. We're heading out now."

Both remaining heads stirred, stretching out before Ghidorah rose to his full height, his massive wings unfurling in a powerful, intimidating display.

"Alright, climb up here," I said, motioning to his back.

With smooth agility, Shiraori and Valyra leapt onto Ghidorah's wings and made their way up to settle behind me.

"Alright, let's go," I commanded.

With a massive flap of his wings, Ghidorah launched us into the air, a mini hurricane spiraling beneath him as he ascended. The wind howled around us as we cut through the clouds.

"If you don't mind me asking, my lord, where are we going?" Valyra asked after a moment.

I glanced at Shiraori. "Did Shiro not tell you?"

Valyra shook her head, looking slightly confused. "No, my lord."

"We're heading to the Free Cities, we are going to check on a buding ally, you could say." I explained.

"I see." She nodded, her gaze steady.

"Anyway, Shiro, how's the Academy going?" I asked, hoping for an update.

"...Fine," Shiraori replied, a little too curtly.

I turned to Valyra. "Alright, then. Valyra, how's the Academy doing from your perspective?"

She smiled politely. "Things are going well, my lord. The classes are progressing smoothly."

"That's good to hear. I'll check in on things personally when we return." I looked ahead, noticing the clouds starting to darken as a storm brewed around us. "So, Valyra, what are your strengths in combat?"

"Well, I specialize in ice, fire, and lightning magic, along with swordsmanship. Recently, I've been learning rot magic as well, under Master's guidance," she explained.

"Impressive," I remarked, genuinely surprised by her range.

"Thank you, my lord."

"Oh, and while we're on the topic, if you're riding with us, you can drop the 'my lord' bit. Just call me Victor. Understood?"

Valyra hesitated. "But… my lord…"

"Ah, ah, ah…"

She sighed in resignation. "Understood, Lord Victor."

"Better."

In under an hour, we arrived at the Free Cities and reached our destination in no time. Ghidorah's powerful wings brought us down in front of a gathering of tribespeople—the Dothraki, to be exact.

At the forefront of the group were three people. The first was Daenerys Targaryen, her face surprised and perhaps a little intimidated by Ghidorah's imposing presence. Beside her stood her brother, Viserys Targaryen, his expression shifting from shock to a smug grin, a hint of arrogance in his stance. The third was the Dothraki khal, Drogo, a man of towering height, dark, shoulder-length hair, and a stern expression. His beard was braided in the Dothraki custom, and his muscular build was evident even from a distance.

The reactions were instant and varied. Daenerys stared at Ghidorah in awe, taking in his massive golden form. Her brother, on the other hand, looked smug, likely assuming Ghidorah was under his family's control.

We dismounted, and I instructed Ghidorah in a low tone, "No killing, understand?"

I adjusted my suit as Viserys approached with a pompous swagger. "And who, exactly, are you?" he demanded, his tone bordering on insolent.

Valyra bristled beside me, her hand twitching toward her sword, but I held up a hand to calm her. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Victor. This is Shiraori, and this here is Shiraori's student, Valyra Targaryen."

The mention of Valyra being a Targaryen seemed to catch Viserys' attention. His eyes flicked to Ghidorah, and a scheming expression crossed his face.

"So, this dragon here… must be yours, then, Valyra?" he said smoothly, attempting to charm her. "Why not come join me, cousin? With a beast like that, you could make a real difference in our family's future. Just hand him over, and we'll work together."

At his words, I fought back a grin, thinking to myself,

This should be fun.

Chapter 18: End