Chapter 16: Time Skip 3weeks
Alex stood in the vast, dusty warehouse that had once belonged to Jorlan. The large space, once used for illegal dealings and storing slaves, was now repurposed for something far more significant training his growing army. After Jorlan's death, Alex had seized the property, knowing it would serve as an ideal base for his operations. It was discreet, spacious, and, most importantly, it sent a message to anyone watching: Alex was claiming territory.
The twenty freed slaves stood in formation, their faces showing determination despite their inexperience. Among them were six women, whom Alex had assigned to stay with Daenerys. He believed their presence would provide her with support and companionship, something she desperately needed in these uncertain times.
Daenerys, however, had other
Plans.
"I need to train," she said firmly, standing in front of Alex. Her violet eyes burned with a newfound resolve.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "You want to train with the others? Why? You'll be ruling them one day. You don't need to fight."
Daenerys shook her head. "If I'm going to take back the Iron Throne, I need to be strong, not just in spirit but in body. My enemies won't care for titles they'll strike when I'm weak. And I refuse to be weak."
Her words struck a chord with Alex. He nodded slowly, impressed by her determination. "Alright," he said. "But don't expect any special treatment. If you want to train, you'll train like the rest of them. Hard."
Daenerys smiled faintly. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
From that day forward, Daenerys joined the daily training sessions alongside the freed slaves. Though her initial attempts were clumsy and exhausting, she pushed herself tirelessly, learning the basics of combat and discipline. It was clear to everyone that she was growing not just as a fighter, but as a leader.
Three weeks passed in a blur of activity. The warehouse echoed with the sounds of drills, weapons clashing, and Alex's stern commands. The freed slaves were gradually transforming into a disciplined unit, far from perfect but ready to serve as the foundation of Alex's growing army.
Meanwhile, Alex himself was busy behind the scenes. Using the gold coins he had left, he bribed merchants and minor officials, building a network of informants and supporters. Among them was Manuul, the assistant to the puppet prince.
Manuul was a wiry man with shrewd eyes and a perpetual frown. He had long grown tired of serving the bloated, lazy prince who ruled Pentos in name only. When Alex approached him with an offer of over a hundred gold coins, Manuul didn't hesitate.
"This city is rotten," Manuul said one evening in Alex's quarters. "The magistrates pull the strings, and the prince is too blind to see it. If you can do what you say kill them l'll ensure the prince stays out of your way."
Alex smirked. "Good. Then let's make it happen." Alex had Manuul convinced that he has the power to do so, because he showed a few tricks using system and inventory to Manuul as a magician. Which made his image of a higher being compared to a mortal in Manuel's eyes.
Through Manuul, Alex finally met the puppet prince a corpulent man with oily hair and a face perpetually flushed from wine. The prince initially eyed Alex with suspicion, but when Alex subtly hinted at the magistrates' supposed plan to betray him, the prince's demeanor shifted to fear.
"They wouldn't dare!" the prince exclaimed, his voice shaking. "The magistrates need me!"
"They don't need you," Alex said coldly. "You're a liability. Khal Drogo is moving west, and when his horde comes, the magistrates will throw you to him as a bargaining chip. They'll install someone else someone who can control the city and appease Drogo. The Maiden of Sea ritualistic is all about the luck which will bring more commerce and prosperity for Pentos but you think Khal drogo coming here will be a sign of luck with his 10s of thousands of dothhrakhi horde".
The prince paled. "What... what can I do?" after coward prince realised the gravity of situation he panicked.
"Let me deal with the magistrates," Alex said, his tone firm. "I'll eliminate them, but you'll need to stay out of my way. When it's done, you'll rule Pentos alone free of their influence." Alex did the same thing as he did to Manuul. Showing tricks using system and proved himself as a magician in prince's eyes.
The prince's eyes gleamed with greed at the prospect of sole control over Pentos. His fear outweighed his common sense, and he quickly agreed to Alex's terms without questioning why someone capable of killing the magistrates would need his cooperation.
"Do it," the prince said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Get rid of them. I'll make sure the city guard turns a blind eye." Stupid prince had no idea why would a magician would help someone like him. He didn't ask for any treasures or women or power. All he could think now was ruling pentos under his rule with a magician by his side.
As Alex left the prince's chambers, Manuul caught up with him.
"The prince is a fool," Manuul said. "He thinks you're doing this for him."
"That's the idea," Alex replied, a smirk playing on his lips. "Let him think he's in control. By the time he realizes what's really happening, it'll be too late."
Manuul nodded. "Just don't forget your promise. I expect to have a place in this new order."
"You'll get what you deserve," Alex said cryptically, leaving Manuul to wonder whether that was a promise or a threat.
As Alex returned to the warehouse, he felt a sense of satisfaction. The pieces were falling into place. The magistrates would die, the prince would serve as a temporary figurehead, and Alex's army would grow stronger by the day.
In the corner of the warehouse, Daenerys was sparring with Raven, her movements sharper and more confident than before. She was no longer the timid girl Alex had rescued weeks ago. She was becoming a queen with taking one step at a time.
Alex sat in the dimly lit warehouse, a map of Pentos spread out on the table before him. He was marking locations of interest guard stations, magistrate estates, and routes he could use for the assault. His two knights, Leon and Raven, stood nearby, their armor polished and ready. The freed slaves, now better equipped and trained, were practicing drills outside. But Alex knew they weren't enough for what was to come. They were no more than Canon fodders at this stage and Alex was not planning on using them. Instead he wanted to show them what he can do, so they never dare go against someone like him.
The magistrates had more guards, better equipment, and the advantage of familiarity with the city. Alex needed more firepower if he wanted to succeed in one swift strike.
Opening the system, Alex scrolled to the Soldiers section and selected a Modern Armed Soldier. For 100 credits, he purchased a single soldier.
A moment later, a man materialized in the room. He was clad in full tactical gear, armed with an advanced assault rifle and a sidearm. The soldier snapped to attention, his movements precise and disciplined.
"Reporting for duty, sir," the soldier said, his voice calm and professional.
Alex nodded in approval. This soldier was leagues ahead of anything Pentos could muster. But as Alex prepared to purchase a second soldier, he noticed something alarming the price had doubled.
"What the hell?" Alex muttered. "System, why did the price jump to 200 credits?"
The system's voice echoed in his mind, as calm and measured as ever:
"Every unit purchased that does not originate from this world will have its price doubled after each purchase. This mechanism is in place to maintain the balance of the world. Introducing too many foreign entities could disrupt the natural order, attracting the attention of the world's origin forces. Such attention could jeopardize the system's existence and your mission."
Alex clenched his fists. "So, you're saying I can't build an army of modern soldiers without paying ridiculous prices?"
"Correct. Each subsequent purchase doubles the cost. This limitation ensures balance and minimizes the risk of exposure. However, items that require the input or command of a sentient being such as weapons, ammunition, or equipment will not incur a price increase. They rely on your skills and those of your recruits, keeping them within the natural bounds of this world."
Alex leaned back in his chair, frustrated but understanding the logic. He couldn't risk jeopardizing his position in this world by overrelying on modern assets. However, it meant he needed to be extremely strategic with his credits.
After some deliberation, he purchased one more armed soldier, depleting his credits to just over 200. When the second soldier appeared, Alex was both impressed and bitter. The next soldier would cost him 400 credits an amount he couldn't afford right now.
"These two will have to do," Alex muttered. "System, can these soldiers train others?"
"Yes. They can train individuals to a basic level of modern combat proficiency. With time and resources, they could help you create a force capable of using modern tactics and equipment effectively."
A plan began to form in Alex's mind. After the takeover of Pentos, he would use these soldiers to train more recruits preferably unsullied, who were already disciplined and skilled. By equipping them with modern weapons, he could create a formidable army without relying entirely on expensive system-purchased soldiers.
Because you have to understand a proper trained armed soldier now cost 400 credits, which has faced situations like being in a battle, or in a war. But To train someone like them Alex will need at least a few years. Anyone can pick up and shoot a firearm, but what's the point if you can't hit your target. So Alex plan for an armed firearm army might take some time.
The two armed soldiers whom Alex named Victor and Mark quickly integrated into his growing force. They began training sessions with the freed slaves, teaching them modern strategies and weapon handling. Though the freed slaves didn't have firearms, the drills improved their coordination and combat readiness.
Alex turned his attention back to the map. The system had provided him with detailed information about the magistrates' estates and routines. With the festival of the Maiden of the Sea approaching in just over a week, the magistrates would all gather in one place for the night's festivities. It was the perfect opportunity for a decisive strike.
Laying the Groundwork
Over the following days, Alex spent most of his remaining credits on ammunition, basic supplies, and equipment for his recruits. He made sure Daenerys was also involved, though her role was more symbolic than tactical. The six women under her care helped her refine her leadership skills, and Alex noticed her growing confidence.
One evening, as Alex reviewed his plans, Daenerys approached him. "Are we really ready for this?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt.
"We don't have a choice," Alex replied. "The magistrates control everything. If we let them stay in power, this city will never change. We're going to kill them, take their place, and make Pentos a city worth living in."
Daenerys nodded, though Alex could see the uncertainty in her eyes. "I trust you," she said quietly. "Just promise me... promise me we'll succeed."
Alex smiled faintly. "I don't make promises I can't keep."
As the night wore on, Alex finalized his plans. Victor and Mark were his aces, and he would use them sparingly to ensure their effectiveness. The freed slaves, though inexperienced, would serve as a distraction and support force. His knights, Leon and Raven, were his most reliable assets, and he would place them in key positions during the assault.
The festival was only a week away, and Alex knew it would be the turning point not just for him, but for everyone under his command. If they succeeded, they would control Pentos. Even if they failed, they can still run and strike in next 2 months.
But in Alex's mind failure wasn't an option.