A tap on the icon caused a detailed text box to expand in the air.
[Item: Summon Evolution Card]
[Type: Permanent Catalyst]
[Description: Applies a permanent evolutionary upgrade to a single existing summon. The targeted unit will ascend to the next stage of its racial hierarchy. This grants a massive boost to base stats, higher independent intelligence, and unlocks advanced magical or physical abilities. Note: Cannot be used on temporary siege constructs.]
Reading the glowing text, Alaric tapped his finger thoughtfully against the wooden armrest. Evolving a summon to the next racial stage offered a massive advantage, so he mentally ran through his options. He could use it on one of his giant Blood Knights, perhaps elevating the mindless heavy-hitter into a highly intelligent vanguard commander that could lead his armies without constant micromanagement.
Alternatively, there was Dae. The demon was currently miles away in the North, busy torturing Ramsay Bolton and breaking Theon Greyjoy's mind. What could a demon possibly evolve into? A devil?
The decision could wait. Closing the inventory window, he swiped the blue screen away.
Behind him, the splashing ceased.
"I'm clean, My Lor... King," Myrcella said quietly.
The rustle of wet skin sliding out of the iron tub echoed in the quiet tent, followed by the soft shuffle of fabric as she hastily pulled the fresh linen shift and simple camp dress over her head.
Rising from his chair, Alaric turned around.
The princess stood near the tub, awkwardly tying the strings of the plain grey garment. All the soot and dirt had been scrubbed away. Her wet blonde hair clung to her neck and shoulders, and the hot water had flushed her skin a rosy pink. Stripped of the heavy silk, gold, and makeup of the capital, she looked like a normal, terribly nervous girl.
Grabbing a thick linen towel from the edge of the bed, he tossed it to her. She caught it against her chest, her eyes wide with apprehension.
"Dry your hair," he instructed, before turning toward the entrance. "Knight."
The heavy canvas flap instantly pushed open, revealing one of the towering Blood Knights. Its red armor clanked softly as it stepped inside.
"Set up a separate tent for the princess, right next to this one," Alaric ordered. "Put a guard on it. She gets food and whatever else she needs, but she doesn't step foot outside unless I say so."
Giving a stiff nod, the massive guard looked at Myrcella and gestured toward the door.
Her grip on the towel tightened. Looking back at her captor, she hesitated, clearly torn. "You aren't... I thought you said..."
"I'll talk to you when I have time," he interrupted flatly.
Swallowing any further argument, she gave a quick, jerky nod and hurried out, following the red knight into the bright sunlight.
Once the flap fell shut, the tent was plunged back into heavy silence. Letting out a slow breath, Alaric sank back into his chair and summoned the blue System interface once more.
The golden [Summon Upgrade Card +1] hovered steadily in his inventory. Further deliberation was pointless; a smarter Blood Knight would be useful, but an evolved demon could conquer half the continent for him while he lounged in King's Landing.
Closing his eyes, he reached out with his mind. He pushed his consciousness through the psychic link provided by the System, stretching it all the way across Westeros to the freezing North.
Dae, he called out mentally.
A second later, a cold, sharp presence brushed against his thoughts.
My Lord, the demon's voice echoed in his head, sounding highly amused as always. How can I serve you today?
Where are you right now?
On a stolen fishing ship off the western coast, heading for the Iron Islands, Dae replied smoothly. Theon is rowing. He is very motivated today. Ramsay is tied to the mast. He is currently missing three of his fingers and most of his pride. It is a very pleasant trip.
Stop playing with them for a minute. Find somewhere safe on that ship and brace yourself. I am sending you something.
A brief pause hung over the mental link before the demon's presence spiked with sudden interest. Power?
I am ready, My Lord, Dae purred, the connection vibrating with greedy anticipation.
Opening his eyes, Alaric tapped the golden card on his screen.
[Use Summon Evolution Card?] [Select Target.]
He selected 'Dae' from the unit list and hit confirm.
[Applying Catalyst to Target: Dae (Lesser Demon)]
The blue screen flared with blinding gold light. Instantly, a massive wave of dark, heavy energy rushed through the mental link. Alaric winced, feeling the sheer force of the magic tearing through his connection to the vassal.
Miles away on the freezing ocean, Dae let out a sound that was half-scream, half-laugh. The psychic link burned hot with a mix of agonizing pain and pure, unholy euphoria as the system forcibly ripped the physical form apart and rebuilt it into something entirely new.
For a few long seconds, the connection went dead silent.
Then, the interface blinked, updating with fresh text.
[Evolution Starting.]
Lesser Demon ➔ .... Greater Demon ➔ Archdemon...... ➔ Lesser Devil
[Target has ascended.]
[New Form: Lesser Devil]
[New Abilities Unlocked:]
[- Aura of Subjugation (Passive): The Devil projects a localized telepathic field of absolute dread. Mortals caught within a one-mile radius will suffer rapid willpower decay, extreme paranoia, and eventual mindless servitude. No physical torture required.]
[- Hellfire Manipulation (Active): Can summon, shape, and detonate abyssal flames. This fire does not just melt steel; it directly scorches the soul, causing pain that bypasses all physical resistances.]
[- Shadow-Walk (Active): Can dissolve its massive physical form into shadows to instantly bypass walls, teleport across battlefields, or dodge incoming artillery.]
Staring at the glowing text detailing the Hellfire Manipulation and Aura of Subjugation, a slow, highly satisfied smirk spread across Alaric's face.
"Wow," he muttered under his breath, leaning back in his heavy wooden chair.