Griffin Castle
Ever since guiding the Seven Old Gods to establish their Divine Kingdom, Mako had returned to Skagos Island. Though Melisandre's use of three blood leeches to curse three kings had seemed somewhat like an accident, for Mako, it was the perfect opportunity.
So, when he received word that Jon Snow had left the Northern Alliance, Mako immediately began preparations for an expedition. At this moment, Griffin Castle was a scene of blazing activity.
City: Griffin CastleEmblem: Holy SunMotto: Light and OrderLord: Mako BellerysHero Level: 14Hero Skills: Intermediate Offense, Advanced Leadership, Diplomacy, Retribution, Management... (omitted)Special Abilities: Kingly Presence, All-Knowing Insight.Buildings Owned: Parliament Hall, Militia Hut, Blacksmith, Main Camp, Tavern, Market, Crossbow Tower, Garrison, Griffin Fortress... (omitted)Building Level: 30Troops:
3,801 Thugs
530 Crossbowmen
35 Royal Griffins
500 Guardians
1 Holy Unicorn
1 Mummy
1 Grand Mage
plus various citizens... (omitted)Resources:Gold: 65,656Wood: 10Ore: 10Crystal: 19Mercury: 26Gem: 10Sulfur: 20
"Ding! Would you like to spend 65,000 gold to upgrade 500 Guardians?"
When Mako clicked "Yes" on the system panel, the 500 rock warriors before him were instantly engulfed in light. When the radiance faded, they had all been transformed into Tier-3 soldiers—Guardians.
These warriors wore horned helms, chainmail armor, and wielded twin-bladed swords. They would become the backbone of Mako's infantry—charging first, clearing paths for the army to advance.
Outside the keep, the main plaza was filled with soldiers—system-generated troops, rockfolk, wildlings, giants, and even some Children of the Forest—all standing in perfect formation, awaiting Mako's inspection.
Mako channeled a trace of mana into his voice, using a faint Battle Shout spell to project it across the square:
"My people! My warriors!The horn of war has sounded.This world has been silent for far too long—death and oppression have ruled too long!Chaos and disorder fill the lands, but only Light and Order can save it!My people—are you willing to follow your lord, and bring light and order back to this world?"
"We are willing!"
Thunderous roars erupted from every corner of the plaza. The unified cry shook the air, and even Mako felt his blood boil with passion.
When the speech was over, Mako handed the logistics over to Brynden Rivers, entrusting him to organize the troops into a mighty expeditionary army to conquer the North.
Whether in politics or military strategy, Brynden's ability ranked among the best in Westeros. Leaving things to him gave Mako great confidence.
Ding!New Mission: Conquer the North!Objective: Subjugate the northern territories of Westeros by any means necessary.Reward: 1 System Artifact, 100,000 Gold, 1 Lumber Mill (30 wood/month), 20 units of each resource (except gold).
Mako frowned slightly at the system prompt. "So stingy," he muttered. The cost of this campaign far outweighed the reward—but even crumbs of gold were still gold. He'd never complain about having too many resources.
Leaving the plaza, he walked toward the docks of Griffin Castle. Twenty warships and ten merchant ships were moored there, while workers busied themselves loading supplies—grain, cured meat, weapons, armor, cooking tools—everything meticulously prepared in advance.
From the day he subjugated the Skagos rockfolk, Mako had been preparing for this war.
"Lord Mako!"
The sound of waves crashing filled the air as a fiery red-haired figure suddenly leapt into his arms—Nymph, the little mermaid. She kissed him fiercely before letting go, cheeks flushed crimson.
Three minutes later, still clinging to his neck, she beamed proudly.
"Lord Mako! You have to reward me well this time!I found a few more spotted whales in the deep trench—they've agreed to help us!I already sent the 'Dreamers' (the wargs) to communicate with them.We now have twenty spotted whales! Am I amazing or what?"
Since returning from the Wall, little Nymph had been officially granted the right to share Mako's featherbed. His number of wives now totaled four.
Among the wildlings, many believed Mako to be a reincarnated god—like the kings of ancient legend. His wives being of different races only confirmed this belief.
It also shattered the ambitions of many who'd sought political marriage with him, elevating him in the eyes of the First Men's descendants as a divine being.
"Alright, alright—I know you're amazing. I'll make sure to reward you well tonight."
Mako pinched her soft cheek teasingly.
"Yay! Then tonight I want to be first—ah, no... no wait! Last time Dany bullied me when I went first... I'll let her go first this time!"
Nymph blurted it out without shame, completely ignoring the four female guards nearby, who all gave Mako slightly resentful looks. Mako pretended not to notice. The wildling girls' "freedom" was something he preferred not to challenge.
After a few more words, Mako asked her to summon the spotted whales. They were around five meters long, resembling killer whales but with brown patches on their backs that looked like illness marks.
Under the Three-Eyed Raven's training, Mako's Wolf Spirit Squad—a group of wargs—had grown stronger. Many could now bond with three animal partners, fully controlling smaller creatures and communicating with larger ones.
These whales were extremely fast. As scouts and shock troops at sea, they would outperform even the Ironborn's longships. Moreover, their fearsome appearance alone could send many fleeing.
After checking the fleet, Mako headed toward the Fairy Tree Grove. Nymph wanted to follow, but when she learned that Dany was already there, she squeaked, kissed Mako on the cheek, and dove back into the sea.
Escorted by four female guards, Mako reached the Spring of Vitality—surrounded by weirwoods that the Children of the Forest had nurtured.
To a Southerner, the sight of these "bleeding" heart trees might have been horrifying, but to Mako, it was all familiar. Along the way, he saw many wargs praying beneath the trees—some already in full "white-eye" trance.
Beyond the dense grove, the Spring shimmered ahead, releasing a faint aura of life that seeped into the surrounding weirwoods, making their trunks and leaves glow faintly with magic.
Nearby, the Three-Eyed Raven—his eyes now completely white—bowed respectfully to Mako. His once-dark hair had begun to turn pale from the roots.
"Lord Mako! I cannot thank you enough. The problem that plagued me for so many years has finally been resolved. I can now restore my strength peacefully."
His tone brimmed with joy and hope. Though much of his divine power had been lost, he now had a chance to recover—especially after being freed from the corruption of the Outer God.
"It's your own efforts that made it possible. I merely gave some advice," Mako replied with a wave of his hand.
He had suggested that the Three-Eyed Raven send his soul and consciousness into the Divine Realm for judgment by the Seven Old Gods. To everyone's surprise, it had actually worked.
The Outer God's power and will were dragged into the lower realm of the Divine Kingdom, while the Raven was reborn—no longer tormented by that alien corruption.
When Mako entered the Divine Realm again, he found two powers clashing violently—one light, one dark.
The Seven Rivers—the Seven Old Gods—were pouring their strength downward, attempting to erode the lower realm. Clearly, they'd run into new trouble. Above, the souls of men and wargs watched in terror.
From the depths of the lower realm, a pair of glowing blue eyes glared at Mako with murderous hatred—as if longing to tear him apart.
"Stop! What are you seven doing? Have you forgotten what I told you? The forces here are already balanced—this won't help at all."
He ignored the Outer God's gaze and addressed the Seven calmly.
"But—"
"Trust me."
At his words, the Seven ceased their assault and gathered near him.
"I'll kill you!"
The Outer God roared and hurled its might toward Mako, trying to devour his consciousness. Yet its power halted midair, unable to advance a single inch.
"You think you're strong? Before the one who made the rules, even gods cannot resist.This is my world, and my laws. What do you think you can do to me?"
Mako yawned lazily and flicked his finger. The Outer God's will was blasted back into the lower realm, writhing before it finally reformed.
"As I said," Mako told the astonished Old Gods, "just let that thing stay down there. Its corruption is the perfect punishment for wicked souls—and a convenient way to erase disobedient ones. You all still have much to learn."
Then he led the Seven and the Three-Eyed Raven toward the Hall of the Gods, a grand council chamber he himself had proposed.
Seated upon his throne, Mako listened to the Old Gods' reports. With divine aid, their strength had gradually recovered. Across the far North, divine signs had begun to appear, and many who once worshiped the Outer God were now returning to the faith of the Old Gods.
In the Frostfang Mountains, wildlings had even formed resistance forces. Were it not for the undead army blocking the Haunted Forest, they'd already have fled to Hardhome.
Next came the matter of the Spring of Vitality. Until now, only his people had consumed its waters. Mako now planned to test its effects on the wargs first.
Finally, came the issue of religious reform. Since the Old Gods now followed his guidance, Mako decided to restructure their faith to better support his rule.
The Old Gods' worship of peace and nature fit perfectly with his reign and wouldn't threaten royal authority. With the Children of the Forest now capable of using magic for preaching, Mako's decision was unanimously approved.
The Children had also mastered grain acceleration magic, making crops grow in days. Though the enchanted seeds couldn't be replanted, to starving peasants it was nothing short of a miracle.
Thus, Mako's reforms passed without opposition.
——————— The Empire's Declaration ———————
Red Keep, King's Landing
Today was a grand day for Tyrion Lannister and Sansa Stark—the union of two great houses through marriage.
As "His Majesty" Joffrey Baratheon prepared to humiliate his dwarf uncle once again, a sharp raven's cry suddenly cut through the hall.
All eyes turned toward the source—where a pure white raven had appeared out of nowhere. Those with keen sight noticed it bore a third eye on its forehead.
"Pycelle! Get your—"
Joffrey never finished. The raven suddenly burst into radiant purple and gold light, its glow expanding until it took the shape of a man.
When the light faded, Mako Bellerys, clad in full battle armor, stood before them—his silver hair and violet eyes unmistakable.
For a moment, the older courtiers froze. Many recognized that face, that bloodline.
"Kings and lords of Westeros, hear me.I am Mako Bellerys, descendant of Jaenara Bellerys, the Dragonrider!The future Emperor of the Valyrian Empire!The Restorer of Magic!The Conqueror of the World!
From this day forth, I declare you all rebels!This continent shall have only one Emperor—me!But you may still choose to kneel and become my subjects.
The Targaryens showed you the power of dragons...I shall show you the power of magic!
Perhaps you never knew—dragons are but one fragment of true magic.Tremble! Fear! For Light and Order have descended upon this world—and before them, you have only one choice: submission!"