Chapter 10 – The Rogue Prince's Lessons
Morning came harshly on Dragonstone.
Not with calm sunlight…
But with steel.
Aeryn barely had time to step into the training yard before a wooden sword came flying toward his head.
He reacted instantly.
Step.
Turn.
Catch.
The blade stopped inches from his face.
He exhaled slowly.
"…subtle."
Standing across from him with a satisfied smirk was
Daemon Targaryen.
"Too slow," Daemon said.
Aeryn raised an eyebrow.
"I caught it."
"You almost didn't."
Daemon drew his own blade.
"Again."
Training Without Mercy
This time there was no warning.
Daemon attacked immediately.
Fast.
Precise.
Brutal.
Aeryn barely managed to block the first strike.
The force alone pushed him back.
Stronger than before.
Daemon wasn't holding back anymore.
Every strike came with intent.
Not to kill…
But to overwhelm.
Aeryn moved quickly.
Dodging.
Redirecting.
Using his size to his advantage.
Edward Kenway's instincts guided him—
But Daemon was different.
He didn't fight like the knights.
He fought like a predator.
Unpredictable.
Aggressive.
Relentless.
"Stop thinking!" Daemon snapped.
Aeryn ducked under a strike.
"I'm not—"
"You are!"
Another strike.
Faster.
"You analyze too much!"
Aeryn stepped back just in time.
"And you rely too much on instinct!"
Their blades clashed.
Wood cracked against wood.
For a moment, they locked.
Then Daemon pushed forward, forcing Aeryn back.
"Instinct keeps you alive," Daemon said.
"Planning wins wars."
Aeryn twisted away, breaking the clash.
"Then I'll use both."
Daemon smiled.
"Good answer."
Breaking Limits
The fight continued.
Faster.
Harder.
Aeryn's arms burned.
His legs strained.
His breathing grew heavy.
But he didn't stop.
The system flickered faintly.
[COMBAT STRESS DETECTED]
Adaptation Rate: Increased
Daemon attacked again.
Aeryn moved earlier this time.
Better timing.
Cleaner movement.
He slipped past Daemon's guard—
And struck.
A clean hit.
Daemon stopped.
Silence fell across the yard.
Then—
He laughed.
"Again."
A Different Kind of Warrior
Hours later, Aeryn collapsed onto the ground.
Sweating.
Exhausted.
Bruised.
Daemon stood over him.
Unbothered.
"Better."
Aeryn groaned.
"That's your idea of better?"
"Yes."
Daemon crossed his arms.
"You're not a knight."
"I noticed."
"You're not a soldier either."
Aeryn sat up slowly.
"Then what am I?"
Daemon looked toward the castle towers.
Then toward the distant Dragonmont.
Then back at Aeryn.
"You're something new."
A pause.
"A weapon this world hasn't seen before."
The Sky Beckons
Later that day, Aeryn stood beside Nyxarion.
The dragon lifted its massive head as he approached.
Golden eyes locked onto him.
The bond was stronger now.
Clearer.
He could feel it.
Like a connection beneath the surface of his thoughts.
The system activated again.
[DRAGON LINK – ACTIVE]
Bond Level: 95% → 97%
Control: Developing → Stable
Aeryn placed a hand against Nyxarion's scales.
"Ready?"
The dragon rumbled.
That was answer enough.
Moments later—
They were airborne again.
Assassin of the Skies
This time the flight was different.
Controlled.
Intentional.
Aeryn leaned with the dragon's movement.
Guided it.
Adjusted.
They soared across the skies of Dragonstone with precision.
Below them, the island stretched in dark volcanic ridges.
The sea crashed endlessly against the cliffs.
"Alright…" Aeryn muttered.
"Let's try something new."
He guided Nyxarion lower.
Closer to the cliffs.
Faster.
Then—
He stood.
Balanced on the dragon's back.
Wind tore at his clothes.
Any mistake would mean death.
But he remained steady.
Focused.
Then—
He jumped.
For a brief moment—
He fell.
Freefall.
Wind rushing past him.
Then—
Nyxarion moved.
Perfect timing.
Aeryn landed back onto the dragon's back smoothly.
The system pulsed.
[NEW SKILL UNLOCKED]
Aerial Agility Lv.1
Aeryn grinned.
"Now that…"
"…is useful."
Watching Eyes
Back on Dragonstone, things were changing.
Fast.
Word of Aeryn and his dragon had spread beyond the island.
Messengers had already been sent.
Nobles whispered.
Lords took interest.
And somewhere far from Dragonstone…
New enemies began to take notice.
Within the castle, Rhaenyra watched Aeryn from a distance.
Her expression was thoughtful.
"He's changing," she murmured.
Behind her, Daemon leaned against a pillar.
"He was always different."
"He's becoming dangerous."
Daemon smirked.
"He already is."
The Beginning of Power
That night, Aeryn stood alone again.
But this time, he wasn't watching the shadows.
He was watching the future.
The system flickered once more.
[NEW OBJECTIVE]
Strengthen Dragon Bond to 100%
Reward:
Unlock: Dragon Command
+200 XP
Aeryn smiled slightly.
"100%, huh…"
Far below, Nyxarion shifted in its sleep.
A living force of destruction.
A weapon.
A partner.
Aeryn looked toward the horizon.
War was coming.
He could feel it.
But this time…
The outcome would be different.
Because now—
There was a new player in the game.
A dragon rider with the mind of an assassin.
And he was only getting stronger.