Chapter 2: Rescued Dragon Queen
Chapter 2:
Viserys's eyes narrowed, his pale face twisting with rage. "Who are you to command me? Do you know who I am? I am the blood of the dragon!"
Alex didn't flinch. The rifle in his hands hummed faintly, its sleek, futuristic design stilling the murmurs of the gathered crowd.
"I don't care if you're the king of the world," Alex said evenly. "You'll back away from her now, or I'll show you just how little your bloodline matters to me."
Illyrio Mopatis, standing a few steps away, raised a hand in a placating gesture. "Now, now," the magister said, his voice oily and calm. "Let's not do anything rash. Perhaps we can talk—"
One of Illyrio's guards, a hulking brute with a curved blade at his side, stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of his weapon.
"Master Illyrio," the soldier growled, "say the word, and I'll gut this fool."
Alex shifted his aim in an instant, his finger brushing the rifle's trigger. The weapon let out a sharp, mechanical whine, and a bolt of blue energy struck the ground at the soldier's feet. The cobblestones exploded in a spray of dust and debris, sending the guard stumbling back with a yelp.
The crowd gasped, several people backing away.
"The next shot won't miss," Alex warned, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. He turned his gaze to Illyrio and Viserys, both of whom had gone pale. "You think I'm bluffing? Test me again, and I'll make an example out of him."
Viserys opened his mouth to retort, but the look in Alex's eyes silenced him. He stepped back, his hands trembling.
"This... this isn't over," Viserys hissed, though his voice was shaky.
"It is for now," Alex said. He shifted his gaze to Daenerys, who was standing frozen, her wide violet eyes fixed on him. "You're coming with me."
"No," Daenerys whispered, shaking her head. "I can't. My brother—"
"Your brother doesn't care about you," Alex interrupted, his tone softening slightly. "You're just a tool to him, a pawn. Trust me, you're safer with me."
Daenerys hesitated, her gaze darting to Viserys, who looked like he was ready to explode with rage. When she didn't move, Alex stepped forward and gently but firmly took her arm.
"Let go of me!" she cried, struggling against his grip, but her slight frame was no match for him.
"Calm down," Alex said, his voice firm. "I'm trying to help you."
He turned and began walking, keeping the rifle raised in his free hand. The crowd parted before him, no one daring to stop him. Viserys shouted curses after him, but Alex ignored him, his focus on getting Daenerys to safety.
The System guided Alex through the winding streets of Braavos, a glowing map in his vision leading him to a dilapidated house near the edge of the city. The building was dark and silent, its windows boarded up.
Safehouse identified. Enter and secure the premises.
Alex pushed open the creaking door, pulling Daenerys inside with him. She stumbled, glaring at him as she rubbed her arm.
"You can't just take me like this!" she said, her voice trembling with anger and fear. "Who are you? What do you want from me?"
Alex sighed, setting the rifle down and raising his hands in a calming gesture. "I don't want anything from you. I just couldn't let them sell you like... like cattle."
Daenerys crossed her arms, still glaring at him. "I don't need your help."
"Yes, you do," Alex said bluntly. "You may not realize it now, but your brother would've handed you over to a man who'd treat you like property. Is that what you want?"
Daenerys didn't answer, her eyes lowering to the ground.
"Look," Alex continued, softening his tone, "I know you don't trust me. You don't have any reason to. But I promise, I'm on your side."
She didn't respond, but she didn't argue either.
Mission complete. Objective secured.
Reward: A 9mm Pistol with 15 rounds (For your personal use) and 500 system credits.
The voice in Alex's head startled him, and he rubbed his temples as the translucent interface reappeared in his vision.
"Great," he muttered. "Guess I'm stuck with this thing."
"What are you talking about?" Daenerys asked, eyeing him suspiciously.
Alex shook his head. "Nothing you need to worry about."
He moved to secure the door, then glanced back at Daenerys, who was sitting on the floor, hugging her knees.
"Get some rest," Alex said. "We'll figure out what to do next in the morning."
Daenerys didn't reply, but the tension in her shoulders seemed to ease slightly. Alex settled against the wall, his rifle within arm's reach.
As he closed his eyes, the System chimed again.
Next mission available. Prepare for further directives.
Alex sighed. "What have I gotten myself into?" he muttered.