Ryu had the power to conquer.
But he chose to stay hidden.
Because power shown too early invites fear.
And fear brings chaos.
He didn't want a war.
He wanted control.
True control is quiet.
It moves in silence.
It waits.
And when the world falls apart, Ryu will already be standing on top—without lifting a sword.
The day began with a hunt.
The king rode out drunk.
He returned dying.
---
Ryu stood on the balcony of a high tower, his eyes cold and unreadable.
Robert Baratheon's wounds were mortal. A wild boar had gored him, they said.
But Ryu already knew.
One of his shadows had been watching the wineskin—switched by Lancel Lannister, whispered to by Cersei.
The king never had a chance.
Ryu didn't stop it.
Why would he?
---
As Robert's breath faded, the realm held its.
Ryu stood still, letting the chaos bloom.
---
Ned Stark tried to follow honor.
He tried to place Stannis as heir.
He was betrayed.
Littlefinger smiled.
Joffrey was crowned.
---
The streets filled with gold cloaks.
Ned Stark was seized.
Sansa begged.
Arya vanished.
---
And through it all, Ryu stayed hidden.
His shadows moved faster now, replacing more guards. Watching the council. Tracking Varys. Studying Cersei.
---
[New Objective: Study Joffrey's behavior and influence the court]
[Control Points Secured: 81%]
---
Ryu didn't feel pity for Ned.
He wasn't here to save men like him.
But he did respect him—for choosing death over bending the knee.
Most men would break.
Ned didn't.
---
Ryu turned to his growing shadow army.
More and more wore the faces of real guards, scribes, and even a few lower lords' servants.
Soon, no one in the Red Keep would know who was real.
---
Joffrey ruled from the Iron Throne now.
But he was no king.
He was a flame.
And Ryu?
Ryu was the wind, waiting to choose when and how to snuff it out.