Chapter 5

As night blanketed Winterfell, Jon sat alone in his room, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows on the walls. Ghost's soft breathing was the only other sound, and Jon's mind buzzed with excitement and nerves. Tonight was the night he'd test his warging ability, a curiosity that had evolved into a full-on mission.

"Alright, Ghost," Jon said, his voice steady despite the flutter of nerves. "Let's give this a shot."

He settled cross-legged on the floor, his eyes locked with Ghost's intense silver ones. Taking a deep breath, Jon closed his eyes and focused, reaching out mentally for that elusive connection with his direwolf. It felt like trying to grab hold of a distant, invisible thread.

With another deep breath, Jon dove in. It was like jumping into a freezing river—cold, exhilarating, and a bit overwhelming.

Slowly, Jon felt himself merging with Ghost's consciousness. He experienced the rush of wind through Ghost's fur, heard the distant howls of other wolves, and felt a wild, primal freedom that made his heart pound.

For a fleeting moment, Jon reveled in the sensation, a heady mix of liberation and thrill. But just as quickly, the feeling began to fade, leaving him back in his own body, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration washing over him.

He opened his eyes to find Ghost staring at him with a blend of concern and curiosity. "We did it, boy," Jon whispered, grinning from ear to ear.

He gave Ghost a grateful pat and moved to his bed, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. Tonight had marked his first real step into warging, and it was as thrilling as it was slightly nerve-wracking.

Just as he was about to drift off, a voice echoed in his mind—Hestia's voice, clear and soothing.

"Congratulations on unlocking your warging ability. You've earned 100 Gacha Points and a reward from the system."

Jon's heart raced. "100 Gacha Points and a reward?" he echoed, barely containing his excitement. "What's the reward?"

Hestia responded quickly, her tone both informative and a touch amused. "You've been granted the title of 'Beastmaster'. This title gives you special abilities. For each creature you bond with, the system will provide you with unique attributes linked to that beast. For example, with your bond to Ghost, you've gained Heightened Senses, Enhanced Agility, Stealth, Increased Resilience, Tracking Prowess, and Intimidating Presence."

Jon's eyes widened. The idea of gaining abilities tied to each creature he bonded with was better than he'd ever hoped.

Eagerly, Jon focused on his bond with Ghost, feeling a surge of energy as he tapped deeper into their connection. It was like feeling their bond physically, amplifying his awareness and senses.

Next, he checked his stats, eager to see how his new powers had changed his abilities. With a mental command, a holographic display appeared before him.

The display showed his new title, 'Beastmaster', and his 100 Gacha Points. A new section labeled 'Warg Bonds' now included Ghost's name. But the real highlight was the updated 'Powers' section, now featuring the attributes tied to his bond with Ghost.

As Jon took in the details, a wave of satisfaction and anticipation washed over him. The night was filled with a sense of adventure, and as he prepared to fall asleep, a smile spread across his face. The future was bursting with possibilities, and Jon was ready to face them all.

—

As Jon walked into Lord Stark's solar, he felt like he'd stepped onto the set of a high-stakes drama. There were two unfamiliar figures with his father, and Jon's curiosity spiked like a roller coaster at the peak of its climb.

"Father, who are these men?" Jon asked, his tone a mix of genuine curiosity and an inner voice that screamed, "Cue the dramatic music!"

Lord Stark, looking as solemn as a winter storm, gestured to the newcomers. "Jon, this is Lord Howland Reed from Greywater Watch," he said, pointing to the older man with a grizzled beard. "And next to him is Ser Arthur Dayne, a knight of the Kingsguard."

Jon's brain short-circuited for a moment. Ser Arthur Dayne? The legendary knight thought to be dead and gone, like a historical figure with more fan theories than actual facts. He couldn't help but feel like he'd just flipped open a fantasy novel and found a major plot twist. 

"Ser Arthur Dayne?" Jon echoed, his voice barely a whisper. "But… how is this even possible?"

Lord Stark and Ser Arthur exchanged a look that spoke volumes—like a silent conversation with more subtext than the entire season finale of a major TV series.

"It's a complicated story, Jon," Lord Stark said gravely. "One we need to discuss in private."

Jon, his mind buzzing like a popcorn machine, followed Lord Stark and the others to a more secluded spot in the solar. He plopped into a chair, ready for the next big reveal. It was like he was waiting for the next episode's cliffhanger.

Lord Howland Reed began, his tone as steady as a narrator's voice. "During the final days of Robert's Rebellion, after the fall of King's Landing, a group including Lord Stark and myself found ourselves at the Tower of Joy," Reed explained, meeting Jon's eyes with the kind of seriousness usually reserved for big plot reveals.

"We fought against three members of the Kingsguard, including Ser Arthur. Most people think Lord Stark killed Ser Arthur in that battle. But in truth, he spared him," Reed continued. "Ser Arthur was badly wounded but still alive."

Jon was mentally high-fiving himself. This was the kind of plot twist that makes fan theories explode. A knight thought dead was spared out of mercy? It was like finding out your favorite superhero was alive and living incognito in your neighborhood.

"We decided to keep his survival a secret," Reed added. "We feared what would happen if the truth came out."

Jon absorbed the news, feeling like he'd just discovered a hidden level in a video game. Ser Arthur Dayne's survival was a reminder of the complex layers of loyalty and secrecy that shaped the past.

"And so, after all these years, Ser Arthur has emerged from the shadows," Reed said, his tone almost as dramatic as a season finale. "He seeks redemption and, perhaps, a greater purpose."

Jon's eyes widened as he processed Reed's words. He turned to Ser Arthur Dayne, a mix of intrigue and skepticism in his gaze. "And what exactly is this greater purpose?"

Ser Arthur met Jon's gaze with a mix of resolve and regret. "I've spent years burdened by my past," he said, his voice carrying the weight of a dramatic redemption arc. "Now that I'm back, I intend to make amends for my past mistakes."

Jon leaned in, eager for the plot details. What grand objectives could this legendary knight be aiming for? What epic quests lay ahead?

"As a Kingsguard," Ser Arthur continued, "I swore an oath to protect the realm and its people. I may have faltered before, but now I'm dedicated to fulfilling that oath in every way."

Jon felt a shiver as Ser Arthur knelt before him, his words echoing with the gravity of an ancient vow. "My purpose now is to serve the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna."

The room fell into a dramatic silence. Jon's mind raced as he whispered, "To serve Rhaegar and Lyanna's son." The significance of this revelation was profound.

Ser Arthur's eyes were fierce with resolve. For Jon, this meant stepping into a legacy filled with responsibility and hope.

The revelation sent a shiver down Jon's spine. Ser Arthur's return would definitely shake up his already tangled plans. But it was also an opportunity.

With Ser Arthur Dayne around, Jon saw a chance to level up. The knight's legendary skills promised serious training sessions. Jon was ready to refine his combat skills, learn about leadership, and understand the chivalric code, all with a master swordsman as his guide.

Jon took a deep breath, mentally preparing for the challenges ahead. With Ser Arthur's guidance, he was ready to face whatever the future threw at him.

Jon stared out of the window of Lord Stark's solar, his resolve solidifying. The weight of his new reality was setting in.

Turning to Ser Arthur, Jon spoke with the gravity of someone who's just accepted a major plot twist. "I accept your pledge, Ser Arthur."

Ser Arthur's stern expression softened, and he stood with a respectful nod. "It will be an honor to serve you, my lord," he replied warmly.

Then Jon had a sudden epiphany. His uncle had planned for Ser Arthur to accompany him to Castle Black.

"Uncle, are you sure it's wise for Ser Arthur to come with me?" Jon asked, unease creeping into his voice. "The Night's Watch has its share of Targaryen loyalists. If they recognize Ser Arthur, we could be in serious trouble."

Ned Stark's face grew serious as he considered Jon's concerns. "You're right, Jon," he said thoughtfully. "Ser Arthur's skills and experience could be invaluable for this journey, though."

As Jon and Ned discussed the risks of bringing Ser Arthur to the Wall, the legendary knight remained contemplative. Finally, Ser Arthur spoke up, offering a solution.

"There might be a way around this," Ser Arthur suggested, his voice calm and decisive. "If my identity is too risky, I could alter my appearance for the journey."

Jon's eyes lit up with interest. "What do you have in mind?" he asked eagerly.

Ser Arthur met their gazes with a serious expression. "I have armor and a cloak that can conceal my identity. With a few adjustments, I could pass as an ordinary knight and blend in without drawing attention."

Jon's mind raced with possibilities. If Ser Arthur could effectively disguise himself, it might be the perfect solution to avoid unwanted attention on their trip to the Wall.

"It's risky, but it might be our best bet," Jon agreed, nodding. "If Ser Arthur can blend in without raising suspicion, it could keep us safe."

Ned gave Ser Arthur an approving nod. "If you believe this plan will minimize the risks, then we'll proceed with it. But we must be cautious—any mistake could jeopardize everything."

Ser Arthur bowed his head with resolve, determination in his eyes. "Understood, Lord Stark. I'll ensure our journey to the Wall remains as discreet as possible."

---

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