On a tree branch, Jon calmly gazed at the rabbit several meters ahead. His eyes were fixed on the target as he aimed his bow. The string tightened as Jon held his breath before releasing the arrow. Watching the arrow travel, Jon decided to jump off the branch when his target was hit in the head, causing the rabbit to fall to the side as blood gushed from it.
It had been over two months since he had received the group chat. In all this time, he had not only talked to his new friends, but also gotten to know them in person to a certain extent. He hadn't realized it, especially since it seems he didn't receive everything about the group. But Rias and Harry had told him that when he joined, the chat developed two functions: a profile for each member, detailing the worlds they lived in, and a so-called meeting. The latter option allowed a holographic screen to appear on the device and a conversation to be held using the microphone and camera. In this way, Jon was finally able to see Harry, Rias, and Naruto.
To say he was impressed was an understatement. Harry asked many questions about his world, but unfortunately, he couldn't answer everything, especially those related to magic. Rias was an incredibly beautiful woman, but Jon knew how intriguing she was just from her questions. She was a little scary, in his opinion. As for Naruto... well, he was very lively and friendly.
During this time, Jon was also able to complete his first mission. He finally discovered what parallel thinking was: the ability to think about two things in parallel without losing sight of one or the other. It was incredible, especially when he was studying.
The meetings with his father had been... a bit complex. He'd been teaching him things that lords should do, but he'd been really strict. These meetings lasted a maximum of two hours, and at a minimum, there had even been days where they only lasted half an hour. Jon didn't know exactly how he was doing it. His father hadn't said anything to him, but Rias said that, for his age, he was making great progress.
Jon thought at this moment that there was a small chance of obtaining a place in the New Gift, so he could guide and command her. If that happened, then it would be the first step toward him becoming much more independent and truly showing what he was capable of.
Taking the dead rabbit, Jon tied it up carefully before carrying it. It wasn't too far from Winterfell, so it wouldn't take long to return. And since it was very early in the morning, people hadn't had breakfast yet, or many hadn't even woken up yet. Walking slowly through the trees, Jon felt a slight chill of the morning as he looked up at the overcast sky. Even though years had passed, it hadn't yet entered the autumn season.
It was the longest summer since Aegon's Conquest, according to his father.
Ding~ Ding~
"Hmm?" Jon murmured and looked around; knowing what that sound was, he didn't want anyone around who might see it. When he didn't see anyone, he climbed a tree out of pure caution. Since he'd debated that group acceptance box months ago, he'd never tried to tell anyone about the group chat and the smartphone. He didn't know if he could tell anyone about them now, but he wouldn't. Jon was young, but not stupid. He understood the repercussions if someone found out. So he'd always been cautious.
[Quest: The Way of the Sword (1)]
[Description: If you want to be someone in the world, the sword can give you a safer path. You have to be consistent. You need to improve your swordsmanship and make it an extension of your body.
[Objective: Swing your sword 100 times per day (100 days)]
[Reward: Skill - Sword Trial]
"Oh... this mission will be a bit tough," Jon grimaced slightly. Swinging his sword 100 times was no small feat, especially since he would have to do it every day for 100 days in total. However, the number 1 in the mission's name seemed to indicate that it wouldn't be the only one of its kind.
"Well, I guess I'll have to persevere. But right now I need to get back," Jon jumped down from the tree before quickening his steps. He had already been out too long, and people might be wondering where he was. But as he walked and entered the gates of Winterfell, Jon thought about his training. During the times he had chatted with his new friends, Harry had taught him a thing or two about reflexes and perception. It was helpful advice, but he was thinking it would be a good idea to ask for that thing he'd offered him once before; he hadn't accepted it because he thought he wouldn't need it, but things were different now.
Now that he arrived at the kitchens and left the rabbit in the hands of the cooks, he left to break his fast. Entering where breakfast was usually eaten, Jon greeted his father and the rest of the family respectfully before heading to a corner table, where he began to eat slowly. He felt his father's gaze, but he didn't pay much attention; it always happened at this time of the morning. He smiled, listening to Arya's complaints about wanting to sit next to him, but being stopped by her mother. That little girl was too naughty, but perhaps that made her his favorite sister.
Jon preferred to sit in this spot, so as not to cause unnecessary problems. He had learned patience and perseverance from his father, especially given how strict he had been during these two months of teaching. One of the things he least wanted was to be responsible for the disputes between his brothers and their mother. Well, Arya had at least one argument a day. That little girl never enjoyed sewing or doing the "girly" things her mother instilled in her.
When he left after finishing eating, Robb immediately followed him with Theon.
"Jon!"
"Robb?"
"Let's go train. Bran will be joining too, though he seems interested in the bow for now," Robb smiled at Jon, who nodded immediately.
"Wait for our duel, Snow. I'll hit you where you don't expect it," Theon smiled confidently. Jon looked at him, a little puzzled; the young Greyjoy seemed friendlier than usual. He glanced at his brother, who scratched his cheek with a finger before shrugging and whispering near Jon's ear.
"Theon went to Winter Town yesterday. And well... he spent the night with a woman..."
Jon choked slightly before laughing softly.
"Could he do anything with... his little...?"
Robb made a strange sound with his nose, trying not to laugh as he watched Theon's back walk ahead of them. Both brothers knew they were still growing, and while Robb was more curious about women than Jon, he understood that at their age it might be too early for a truly enjoyable encounter.
"He's been bragging a lot, but it remains to be seen what's true and what's not," Robb smiled with a shrug.
"I suppose we'll have to find out if the Kraken's tiny tentacle could have done anything."
"Hahahaha!" Robb couldn't hold it back any longer and laughed out loud as he placed a hand on Jon's shoulder. Theon stopped and looked at them in confusion. That expression only made the two brothers laugh more.
As the two brothers laughed and Theon began to get annoyed, they eventually headed outside to where they would train. Bran had arrived late that day, causing Ser Rodrik to reprimand him. Bran was the youngest of the Stark brothers, but for that very reason, it was necessary to be firmer with him. Especially since he had started running around, ignoring the danger of his actions.
The training went quite well, especially since they were alone together, without Lord and Lady Stark watching that day. Jon was able to train without holding back. That same afternoon, Jon swung his sword a hundred times. In the end, he found that, although it was gratifying to complete such a training session, his arms and hips ached and burned more than usual.
When it came to the moment with his father, Jon still felt unsure. Oh, his father's extreme seriousness about teaching had passed, but Jon felt unsure about taking up the time Robb could be doing something similar with his father. At that point, Jon still felt a little inferior because of his bastard status.
"Jon... if you want a chance at leading a part of the new gift, you need to know how important rations are, especially in the winters. There are no crystal gardens, so the crops will be much harder to maintain. What do you think is the best course of action in this type of situation?"
Jon frowned slightly. He'd already read every book in the libraries, and some had information on this. Rias also offered him some ideas that, as far as he knew, hadn't been implemented in the north.
"Crop rotation is a good idea. The soil needs sufficient nutrients to ensure a good harvest. And while a two- or even three-field rotation is generally used, a four-field rotation might be a good option; wheat, turnips, barley, and clover would be smart choices."
Ned raised an eyebrow before leaning forward a little further, placing his elbows on the table in front of him. His eyes looked curious, but also proud. During his time teaching Jon, he discovered that his son was much smarter than he thought.
"Why clover? You should know that in many places, other crops are preferred over clover."
"That's because they're simply unaware of the benefits of growing clover, Father. Or perhaps they don't," Jon replied seriously and continued after a brief silence: "Clover can not only be eaten, the seeds can also be used to make bread. If that weren't enough, it also allows wildlife to feed. It will attract bees and provide good livestock. In the end, it will allow livestock to be raised year-round in good conditions."
"I don't think I need to say too much about the other three; two of them are grains, commonly grown throughout Westeros."
"Hmm. You have good ideas," Ned nodded, closing his eyes for a moment and breathing calmly. He was pleased with the progress Jon had made in such a short time. But he knew this wouldn't be enough. Jon would have to deal with people, some better than others. He would have to manage things really well.
Ned decided to ask about raids by wildlings or the people who live near or around New Gift.
"The people beyond the wall, in my opinion, are complicated. Their beliefs are somewhat similar to ours regarding gods, but beyond that, they have no real control over anything. In the end, there are only two solutions: face them in battle or force them to obey me. I honestly don't believe in the latter, especially since it would create enmity with the people already living on the ground. As for those same people with the new gift, I think it's a matter of disposition. While I am a bastard, I will still have more influence because I am Lord Stark's son, which will give me an advantage... so from that point on, I will have to earn the loyalty of all of them."
Ned nodded, satisfied that Jon didn't think he would have everyone's support just because he was his son, bastard or not. In fact, even some lords' sons wouldn't have the complete acceptance of the people they led.
"You may leave, Jon. You have good ideas," Jon just nodded. Ned stood in his lot for a few moments before setting off in the direction of the godswood. He wore a small frown as he walked. But as he entered the forest, his jaw tightened slightly. The closer he got to the weirwood with a face carved into it, he let out a breath.
For some time now, he'd had a bad feeling growing inside his heart. Every time he entered the godswood, he'd tense up as if sensing something around him. He hadn't said a word, just sat there while cleaning his sword. Although the Valyrian steel sword was clean, it helped him focus at times.
This bad feeling had surfaced when Jon began to show his potential.
"Jon... does this have something to do with Jon?" Ned muttered, stopping as he felt the wind rush through the godswood. The weirwood's leaves swayed violently while the creaking of the trees echoed through the place like thunder. The Lord of Winterfell felt his breath catch in his throat as everything around him went white for a moment. He was about to stand up, shout questions, and beg for answers to what was happening. Ned knew this was the work of the Old Gods. However, just at that moment, something appeared in front of him. It was as if a mist moved before revealing a figure that looked like a demon. White, almost gray skin, wrinkled in various places. Horns atop a hairless head, and eyes so cold and blue they could freeze a person's soul.
Ned immediately stepped back as he stared at the... being that had appeared in front of him. But once again, the mist moved to reveal another figure, just a few feet beside Ned. The Stark stared intently before swallowing hard, seeing that it was his son. Jon Snow stood there, much older than he was now, but certainly not that different. There were no wrinkles on his face, or any evidence of aging. His eyes glowed silver as he stood poised for battle, a sword held in his hands.
"Others..." a twisted voice suddenly appeared. With this voice, the white mist behind the creature twisted to reveal walking corpses, white walkers on bony horses, and enormous spiders.
"King... of the Night... Prince... Promised One..." this time there were several voices resembling creaking sounds. Ned could only stare and listen in shock.
"A Song of Ice and Fire!" the voices seemed to join together in a mighty bellow before Ned saw the godswood again. Sweat ran down his face as his eyes widened.
"Ned! Ned!" a voice brought him out of his state, and he looked up, seeing his wife crying and worried.
"Cat?"
"Oh, Ned... I don't know what happened to you!" Catelyn hugged Ned tightly.
"What do you mean, Cat? I..."
"Ned... your eyes were white," Catelyn said worriedly. "I came looking for you, but I found you with white eyes staring straight ahead while you trembled! I could only shake you; I didn't know what to do."
"The Old Gods," Ned said seriously, and a little fearfully.
"What? What do you mean by that?"
Ned stared at his wife for a few moments; what he had seen was too important to ignore. His bad feeling, Jon's potential, and other things that have been happening beyond the wall. Ned could only tremble for a few moments before sighing.
"I've... had a bad feeling, Cat. Ever since Jon began to show potential, a bad feeling has been plaguing my heart. But when I came to the godswood... they communicated with me, Cat."
"Jon?... Ned, he is..."
"Catelyn, he wouldn't do anything wrong. In fact, it's the opposite. I could see... the white walkers. It was like a vision. There was this... thing that wasn't human, it had eyes so cold they could freeze everything in its sight, horns on its head, and... Jon was there, standing in front of this thing, as if it were waiting for the battle to break out upon them all."
"White walkers..." Catelyn frowned, but seeing her husband's fearful expression wasn't normal. She also knew that Ned would never speak of things like this if he didn't completely trust what he'd seen.
"But Ned, those are..."
"Tales? Stories to scare children?" Ned laughed lightly, but there was no humor or amusement. "Yes, I know. But if I hadn't seen that... Catelyn, I've received reports from the Wall saying that the wildlings have tried to get through too many times. The incursions have happened too many times in such a short time. If... the White Walkers really are out there, then it would make more sense that they're escaping."
"And what do you plan to do, love?" Catelyn relaxed her body a little more as she looked at her husband.
"I'll send Jon to the New Gift. I've already been teaching him how to rule, and I had planned to wait another year or two for him to settle in the New Gift until Bran could go when he was older. But right now, I'll have to do this first. If Jon can make that place flourish and send any kind of aid to the Wall, it would be very helpful."
Catelyn frowned, clearly displeased by what she was hearing, but she didn't have much say in such matters. Her husband seemed determined, and she understood that he wouldn't change his mind. Finally, she sighed as she stood up from her kneeling position facing her husband.
"Catelyn..."
"Yes?"
"Jon is not my son..." Catelyn's eyes looked at her husband as her mind registered the words she had heard. A few seconds later, her eyes filled with shock, and she stood still, not knowing what to say or do.
"This was a secret I planned to take to my grave. Not because I didn't trust others, but because of the danger behind Jon's true birth. If others find out, not only will he be in danger, but all of us will be."
"Who... is he? Whose son is he?" Catelyn asked, a little fearfully.
"My sister Lyanna's and Rhaegar Targaryen's."
At that moment, only a gasp could be heard in the godswood.
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