Chapter 13

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across Oldtown. The Citadel stood proud and imposing, a testament to centuries of knowledge and learning. Unbeknownst to the inhabitants, a silent harbinger of doom approached.

Maximus entered the Transference Room and activated the somatic link, remote donning his Warframe. He felt the familiar surge of power as the suit enveloped him, summoning him to a remote corner of the Citadel. Activating Cloud Walker, he transformed into an ethereal form that glided through the air, invisible and silent. The citizens of Oldtown went about their business, oblivious to the cloud that passed overhead.

He moved swiftly, planting cold fusion bombs at strategic points throughout the Citadel. As he placed the final device, he paused, then used Cloud Walker to ascend high into the sky, looking out over the city. The people below were unaware of the cataclysm about to befall them, their lives intertwined with the fate of the great fall.

In the Hightower, Lord Leyton Hightower stood at the top, a goblet of wine in his hand, watching the sunset. Unease gnawed at him since the fall of House Mormont. The boy's body was never found, and tales of a demon ape rampaging through the ruins were unsettling. No technology was recovered from the ruins, not even a coin, and every lord who participated in the siege lost something, except for the Starks, who had taken over the Mormont ice business, using ice from White Knife.

As he took a sip of his wine, a sudden flash of light caught his eye. A tremendous explosion followed, shaking the ground beneath his feet. He turned back in horror to see the buildings of the Citadel collapsing, followed by a gust of freezing wind that nearly knocked him off the tower.

His knights quickly surrounded him, steadying him as he watched the vast structure crumble. Massive icicles formed rapidly, the orange glow of the setting sun casting an eerie, fiery light over them. The chill spread quickly, freezing everything in its path and filling the air with a sense of dread and awe.

Maximus watched from a distance as the city descended into chaos. He felt a pang of guilt, but he knew it was necessary. The Citadel had to fall for the new world to rise. He turned away, leaving Oldtown to its fate, and returned to his camp, where his people awaited his leadership.

The people of Oldtown were gripped by fear. Whispers of divine retribution spread like wildfire. They spoke of the wrath of the gods, of the Seven's punishment for their sins. Panic ensued as families fled their homes, desperate to escape the icy grip that claimed the Citadel.

The next day, Lord Leyton sat in his solar, his son Baelor bringing him grim news. "Father, no maester with more than three links survived. They all perished in the incident. We can't even pry the ice. The river has frozen, causing upstream flooding in parts of Oldtown. It's as if the gods themselves struck down upon us. Tens of thousands are dead, and the city is in chaos. People are fleeing, fearing the wrath of the Seven for their sins. Maintaining order is becoming impossible with half the city blocked by ice."

Lord Leyton sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the catastrophe. The Citadel, the heart of knowledge and wisdom, was no more. Oldtown, a city that had stood for centuries, was now a frozen wasteland, its people lost and fearful. He gazed out of his window, seeing the devastation, and wondered what would become of them all.

Maximus gathered his council in the meeting room, the gravity of their recent actions weighing heavily on him. Dacey, Ordis, and the leaders of the various teams stood around the holographic table, the plans for the Citadel still displayed.

"Ordis, report on the aftermath," Maximus ordered, his voice steady but tinged with regret.

"Operator, the Citadel has been effectively neutralized. The cold fusion bombs caused extensive structural damage, and the freezing temperatures have incapacitated any potential threats within. Casualties are high among the maesters and civilians. The river freezing caused flooding, and Oldtown is in a state of panic," Ordis reported in his usual precise manner.

Maximus nodded, absorbing the information. "We have achieved our objective, but at a great cost. The people of Oldtown are suffering. We must be prepared for any retaliation from the surviving factions and the people in the future."

Dacey stepped forward, her expression resolute. "We've done what we had to do, Maximus. The Citadel was a symbol of the old world, a barrier to progress. Now, we can move forward and build something better."

Xerna, Horst, and Ulfur stood by, their faces showing a mix of determination and uncertainty. "What do we do next, Maximus?" Xerna asked.

Maximus took a deep breath, his resolve strengthening. "We continue with our plans. We build the model city at a smaller scale as we've envisioned here, a place where all can thrive. We honor the oaths we've sworn and the sacrifices we've made. And we prepare for the challenges ahead."

Ulfur stepped forward, his eyes burning with fierce loyalty. "We'll follow you, Maximus. We'll build a new world together."

Maximus looked around at his council, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Then let's get to work. The future is ours to shape."

As the council dispersed, Maximus took a moment to reflect on the path they had chosen. The fall of the Citadel marked the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new one. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but with the strength and unity of his people, they would overcome them.

Maximus turned to Dacey, his closest ally, friend and family. "Thank you, Dacey. For everything."

Dacey smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. "We're in this together, Maximus. We'll make it through, no matter what."