Chapter 458: Night of Catastrophe

Ever since the last "Bay War" ended,

The people of Braavos tasted victory after they defeated the proud fleets of the Pentoshi and Lyseni right at their doorsteps.

Since then, Braavos hadn't been embroiled in any significant wars, only minor skirmishes.

The Braavosi had seemingly never experienced the feeling of warfare on their own land, with their people wailing in the midst of roaring flames.

But tonight, they were tasting all of these sensations at once.

The moon hung high, with darkness blanketing everything below.

The shimmering sea reflected the dazzling lights of Braavos, a city of opulence and hedonism.

However, just then, a massive black dragon descended from the sky.

Its dragonfire melted stone, destroyed the unyielding Titan of Braavos, causing the Titan's head to plummet, creating waves upon crashing into the waters of the lagoon.

Immediately after, the dragon let out a deafening roar, its enormous figure casting shadows over the sea. Its wings flapped, creating gusts of wind as it skimmed the turbulent waters.

Suddenly, the monstrous head lifted, and before Braavos's invincible fleet could react, a torrent of dragonfire was unleashed.

BOOM—

The raging flames obliterated one of the fleet's two-masted warships, splintering wood flew everywhere, and the sturdy vessel was cleaved in two.

Braavosi soldiers, barely having emerged from their bunks, were engulfed in flames before understanding what was happening. Some were swallowed by the sea of fire, screaming horrifically, while others leapt into the lagoon, hoping the waters would quench the flames devouring them.

RUMBLE—

The dragonfire continued its path of destruction, shattering countless Braavosi warships in a straight line.

Due to it being late at night, except for the patrolling ships, the rest of the invincible fleet was docked at the armory.

This armory, located at the entrance of the lagoon right behind the Titan, was the primary defense of Braavos's main port. It was situated on a rock resembling a clenched fist.

The top of this rock was bristling with trebuchets, ballistae, and flame crossbows, serving as a maritime barrier for Braavos.

They had always believed that in times of war, the narrow passage beneath the Titan could be used to fend off invaders.

But the Braavosi never anticipated an attack from the sky. Perhaps they had, for since its inception, the city had prepared against dragon assaults.

These early slaves who fled from Valyria feared most that their former masters would come riding dragons.

Hence, the city of Braavos, built on numerous islands, was made entirely of stone with not a single tree, a strategy to prevent widespread destruction from dragonfire.

The armory was filled with countless giant crossbows aimed skyward, meant to counter dragons flying over from the sea.

Yet, the Braavosi had grown complacent. Their unbeatable fleet that ruled the Narrow Sea, the Shivering Sea, and even the Summer Sea had brought long-lasting peace. They had forgotten the threat of dragons.

"By the Gods!"

Viserys, astride the dragon, felt the scorching wind whistle by. His silver armor gleamed brilliantly against the backdrop of the burning sea.

He had long wanted to take action against Braavos, feeling the city repeatedly tested his patience.

From allying with Pentos and the Iron Throne to the assassination attempts by the Faceless Men and the Dothraki invasions, while Braavos had covered its tracks well, for some, no evidence was needed—just a gut feeling.

Had it not been for the early resurgence of the White Walkers disrupting Viserys's plans, he would have likely first conquered the Free Cities before turning his attention to the Iron Throne.

But Braavos's recent attack on the young dragons crossed a line for Viserys.

"Balerion!"

With a tug on the reins, the black dragon seemed to understand his master's intent.

The dragon soared high, its path marked by a fiery trail, heading straight for the heart of Braavos.

Within the city, the streets of Braavos bustled. Near the Moon Pool in the flooded town, countless 'Water Dancer' assassins were showcasing their skills.

But now, they all paused, looking skywards in disbelief.

In the city's canals, Braavos's famed courtesans, renowned throughout the world, were pale with fear. They hastily ordered their boats to dock.

At the Happy Harbor and the Cat's Den, courtesans paused their entertainments, draped only in blankets, their faces a mix of shock and awe.

"My gods... The heavens above..."

In this night, termed as the Catastrophe, every Braavosi would remember the sight. Their once-proud and unbeatable fleet, now as fragile as paper.

Only now did they understand the fear their ancestors held for dragons, and why they hid their identities for centuries.