In the dungeons, Ned Stark refused to bend. Even when offered mercy, he chose pride.
Ryu didn't interfere.
He had already planted men among the executioners, the Gold Cloaks, and even the Sept's shadows.
He knew what was coming.
---
When Joffrey ordered Ned's execution, the court gasped.
Sansa screamed.
Cersei's eyes widened.
But it was too late.
The sword fell.
The war began.
---
Robb Stark raised his banners.
The Riverlands burned.
Renly Baratheon claimed a crown.
Stannis stirred at Dragonstone.
---
To most, Westeros was unraveling.
To Ryu, it was falling into place.
---
He sent shadows north to follow Robb Stark's march.
He embedded a servant-shadow in Stannis' camp—disguised as a mute cook.
He whispered news across the seas, where whispers might reach Daenerys.
He didn't choose sides.
He simply made sure they all moved.
---
At night, Ryu stood before his shadow army beneath King's Landing.
A map glowed before him—enchanted to show key figures across the realm, flickering like candle flames.
The flames were many.
Soon, fewer would remain.
---
[Infiltration Level: 92%]
[Next Step: Take the Capital in Secret]
---
But not yet.
War would weaken all thrones.
And once the realm bled enough, Ryu wouldn't need an army.
He would just walk in.
King's Landing was boiling.
The streets buzzed with fear.
Whispers of war, betrayal, and rebellion crawled through every alley.
And Ryu moved through it all unseen.
---
With Ned Stark dead, the realm broke.
Robb Stark marched south.
Renly claimed the Reach.
Stannis gathered ships.
Each man wanted the throne.
But none of them knew it was already being stolen—in silence.
---
Inside the Red Keep, Ryu's shadows replaced more guards. A silent servant vanished, and a shadow took his form. A scribe went missing—no one noticed.
Even Maester Pycelle's assistant was now a hollow puppet.
Information poured in like blood from a wound.
---
Joffrey sat the Iron Throne.
He gave commands.
He thought he ruled.
But Ryu had already planted false advisors, whispered into dreams, and twisted truths behind the scenes.
Even Cersei began to doubt her control.
---
"Let them wear their crowns," Ryu said quietly from the dark. "When they fall, I'll be the only one standing."
---
Far across the sea, Daenerys walked into fire—and lived.
Ryu saw it all.
He marked her as a threat. But not yet an enemy.
A piece.
A powerful one.
He would deal with her in time.
---
War had begun.
But no one realized the true enemy wasn't on a battlefield.
He was under their feet.
Watching. Waiting.
And smiling.