Support me on patreon.com/c/Striker2025
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon Stark lay unconscious in his chambers, his breathing shallow and his face pale as parchment. The shadow-binding had drained nearly half his life force before Arthur's intervention severed the connection, leaving the young heir hovering between recovery and permanent weakness.
Arthur knelt beside the bed, his enhanced senses reading the damage with clinical precision. The qi pathways that governed life energy had been severely disrupted, creating blockages that would prevent natural healing. Without intervention, Brandon would survive but remain frail for the rest of his shortened life.
"His condition?" Lord Rickard asked quietly from his position near the window, where he had been maintaining vigil since the battle's end.
"Survivable, but not without cost," Arthur replied, placing his hand carefully on Brandon's chest. "The shadow-binding created tears in his energy channels—like wounds that won't heal properly on their own. But there are techniques that can repair such damage."
Vaeren looked up from his collection of medical supplies, his alchemist's knowledge reaching its limits. "What sort of techniques?"
"Qi transfer. I can share my life energy to jumpstart his natural healing and repair the damaged pathways." Arthur's expression grew thoughtful. "Though there may be unexpected consequences. My qi has been... enhanced beyond normal human parameters. Exposure to it could change him in ways we can't predict."
"What kinds of changes?" Rickard demanded, the protective father overriding the pragmatic lord.
"Increased strength, enhanced healing, possibly extended lifespan. The techniques I've mastered have altered my own energy patterns significantly." Arthur met Rickard's gaze directly. "I cannot guarantee the process will leave him unchanged, but I can guarantee that without it, he'll never reach his full potential as heir to Winterfell."
Rickard was quiet for several minutes, weighing the risks against the alternatives. Brandon was his eldest son, the future of House Stark, but also a sixteen-year-old boy whose life had been nearly destroyed by supernatural forces beyond anyone's control.
"Do it," he decided finally. "Brandon has always been ambitious, always pushed his limits. If this gives him the strength to protect himself and others from such attacks in the future, then the risk is acceptable."
Arthur nodded and placed both hands on Brandon's chest, beginning the delicate process of transferring controlled amounts of his enhanced qi into the boy's damaged energy system. The technique required absolute precision—too little and the healing would be incomplete, too much and Brandon's mortal frame might not survive the infusion of power.
The process took nearly an hour, with Arthur carefully guiding his enhanced life energy through Brandon's disrupted pathways, repairing damage and strengthening weakened channels. As the transfer progressed, color returned to Brandon's face and his breathing deepened.
But Arthur also sensed the changes beginning—his qi, refined through decades of impossible training and supernatural encounters, was indeed altering Brandon's fundamental energy patterns. The boy would recover completely, but he would also gain capabilities far beyond normal human limits.
When the transfer was complete, Brandon's eyes opened with unusual clarity. He sat up smoothly, without the weakness that should have accompanied his ordeal, and looked around the room with senses that were clearly enhanced beyond their previous state.
"I feel... different," Brandon said, his voice carrying new depth. "Stronger. Like I can sense things I couldn't before." He looked directly at Arthur with something approaching understanding. "You shared more than just healing energy, didn't you?"
"The healing required more than simple energy transfer," Arthur confirmed. "Your qi pathways have been rebuilt using my energy as a template. You now possess capabilities similar to what I began developing during my own training."
Brandon stood and moved to the window, his movements displaying the fluid grace that marked martial arts mastery. "I can feel everyone's presence in the castle. Their emotions, their intentions, even the general state of their health." He turned back to Arthur with excitement. "Is this what you experience constantly?"
"A portion of it, yes. But Brandon—such abilities come with responsibilities. Enhanced senses can be overwhelming if not properly controlled, and the temptation to use such power for personal advantage rather than protection of others is constant."
Arthur's expression hardened. "Which brings us to our next concern. The attack on Winterfell demonstrates that our enemies understand our vulnerabilities better than we understood theirs. We need defensive measures that go beyond conventional security."
He moved to the center of the room and began sketching symbols on the floor with a piece of charcoal. The symbols were complex, combining geometric patterns with flowing curves that seemed to shift and move in peripheral vision.
"These are ward patterns I created drawing inspiration from northern runes—techniques for creating barriers that supernatural attacks cannot easily penetrate," he explained.
"How permanent are such defenses?" Maelen asked, his warg abilities allowing him to sense the subtle power building in the ward patterns.
"Depends on the materials and the energy invested in their creation. Basic versions last weeks, but properly anchored wards using appropriate materials can maintain effectiveness for years." Arthur completed the primary pattern and began adding secondary elements. "I'll teach the techniques to all of you, but creating truly effective defenses requires significant qi reserves and understanding of energy manipulation principles."
He straightened, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Recent events have made it clear that all of you need to advance beyond your current capabilities. The enemies we're facing have escalated beyond what conventional training can handle."
Arthur gestured for his assembled allies to form a circle around the completed ward pattern. "I'm going to teach you the next level of techniques—methods for breaking through the limitations that have been constraining your development. But understand that such advancement comes with risks. You'll be pushing your bodies and minds beyond their designed parameters."
Lyanna was the first to speak. "What kinds of risks?"
"Physical transformation that may make you noticeably different from ordinary people. Enhanced senses that can become overwhelming without proper control. Increased longevity that means watching normal humans age and die while you remain essentially unchanged." Arthur's tone grew grave. "You'll be stepping across a line that separates the merely skilled from the genuinely superhuman."
"After what we just survived," Garron said grimly, "remaining merely human doesn't seem like a viable long-term strategy."
"Agreed," Thom added. "If our enemies can possess our allies, turn shadows into weapons, and strike through supernatural means, we need capabilities that can counter such techniques."
Arthur nodded and began positioning them around the ward pattern in specific arrangements. "The technique I'm going to teach you is called Foundation Breaking—a method for shattering the natural limits that prevent ordinary humans from accessing higher levels of ability."
"Foundation Breaking?" Redna echoed.
"Most people are born with internal barriers that prevent them from channeling more energy than their bodies can safely handle. It's a survival mechanism, but it also creates absolute ceilings on development." Arthur moved to the center of the pattern, which began to glow faintly in response to his presence. "By carefully shattering those barriers while simultaneously strengthening the underlying structure, you can access capabilities that would otherwise be impossible."
Arthur produced a collection of scrolls from his inner coat, each covered with intricate diagrams and detailed instructions. "I've documented these techniques over years of research and experimentation. The knowledge will transfer more completely if you experience it directly rather than just hearing explanations."
He placed his hands on each scroll in sequence, and they began to emanate a soft light. "Memory sharing through qi resonance—the techniques will imprint themselves directly into your consciousness, allowing you to understand not just the methods but the principles behind them."
The process that followed was unlike anything his allies had previously experienced. As Arthur guided each of them through mental contact with the scrolls, they felt knowledge flowing into their minds—not just information, but deep understanding of energy manipulation, physical enhancement, and spiritual development.
The Foundation Breaking itself proved even more transformative than expected. As Arthur helped each person systematically shatter their internal limitations, their bodies began to change in subtle but noticeable ways. Years seemed to fall away from their faces as enhanced qi flow restored cellular vitality. Their skin took on a subtle luminescence, their movements became more graceful, and an indefinable charisma began to radiate from their enhanced presence.
The entire process took four intensive days of careful guidance and gradual breakthrough work—each person requiring different amounts of time based on their natural aptitude and previous training foundation.
Sarra was the first to break through, her archery abilities expanding to include supernatural accuracy and the ability to imbue arrows with directed energy. More than that—her thirty years seemed to have become twenty-five, her auburn hair gaining lustrous depth, her green eyes now holding an inner light that made people want to listen when she spoke.
"You've unlocked the Wind-Following Arrow Technique," Arthur explained as she tested her enhanced abilities. "Your next development should focus on Thousand-Mile Sight—a method for targeting enemies beyond normal visual range through qi-enhanced perception."
Redna followed, her spy's instincts evolving into something approaching precognition about danger and deception. The years of careful living had left subtle marks on her face, but now those lines smoothed away as enhanced qi restored her cellular structure. Her movements gained an almost feline grace, and her presence became magnetically compelling in ways that would make her infiltration work even more effective.
"The Shadow-Walker's Intuition you've developed will serve you well," Arthur noted. "Continue practicing Silent Thunder Steps—a movement technique that allows perfect stealth while maintaining combat readiness."
Garron's breakthrough was the most dramatic—his massive frame suddenly radiating an aura of strength that made the stones beneath his feet crack slightly. The big man had always been imposing, but now he carried himself with a dignity that commanded instant respect. His graying hair darkened, his weathered features became more distinguished, and his presence filled rooms with quiet authority.
"Iron Mountain Foundation," Arthur identified. "Your path leads toward Earth-Shaking Hammer—a technique that allows you to channel qi through weapons to devastating effect."
Thom's enhancement was more subtle but equally significant—his combat instincts sharpened to the point where he could predict enemy movements several seconds in advance. The old soldier's scars remained, but they now seemed like badges of honor rather than signs of aging. His eyes gained the sort of penetrating intelligence that made enemies hesitate and allies feel confident.
"Battle-Heart Sight—the ability to read combat intentions before they become actions. Focus next on Flowing Water Sword—a defensive technique that turns enemy attacks into counterstrikes."
Vaeren's advancement centered on his alchemical work, allowing him to create compounds that bordered on the magical in their effectiveness. The scholar's perpetually ink-stained fingers now moved with artistic precision, and his intellectual intensity gained an almost hypnotic quality that made people eager to learn from him.
"Five Elements Mixing—you can now infuse qi directly into your compounds. Work toward Immortal Pill Crafting—though true immortality is beyond us, the technique creates elixirs with remarkable healing properties."
Maelen's warging abilities expanded exponentially, granting him consciousness-contact with animals across hundreds of miles simultaneously. The weathered warg's connection to nature had always been strong, but now he seemed to carry the wisdom of the wild itself. Animals approached him without fear, and even hardened warriors found his presence somehow calming.
"Ten Thousand Beast Unity—your mind can now coordinate vast animal networks. Your next goal is Sky-Eye Technique—maintaining aerial surveillance through bird consciousness while fighting on the ground."
Lord Rickard, who had been silent throughout the transformations, finally spoke with barely contained amazement.
"By the old gods," he breathed, staring at his allies who now radiated power and presence that seemed almost otherworldly. "I've seen knights trained from childhood, maesters who devoted their lives to learning, but nothing like this. Arthur, is it possible... could I learn these arts as well?"
Arthur considered the question carefully, studying Rickard's weathered but still strong frame.
"It is possible, my lord, though I must be honest about the challenges. Age makes the Foundation Breaking process more difficult—the older one becomes, the more rigid the internal barriers become. Starting this path in youth provides the greatest potential for advancement."
"But not impossible?" Rickard pressed, hope evident in his voice.
"Not impossible, but the likelihood of reaching the higher realms that my closest allies have achieved would be limited. Still, even partial advancement would grant you capabilities far beyond normal human limits, and increased longevity that would serve House Stark well." Arthur's expression grew thoughtful. "I give you my word, Lord Rickard—I will teach you these techniques. Your dedication to protecting the North and your natural leadership qualities suggest you could achieve considerable progress despite the age disadvantage."
"What about us?" Brother Tormund asked, speaking for the three soul-bound allies who had observed the process with evident interest.
Arthur turned to them with consideration, producing three additional scrolls.
"You will start from the basics. Through the vow you did gain a portion of my power, but its amount is negligible compared to what you can cultivate yourselves."
He handed each man his respective scroll.
"The memory transfer will work differently for you due to your soul-binding, but the techniques will adapt to your existing enhancements."
As they absorbed their respective knowledge, the three soul-bound allies also underwent physical transformation. Tormund's stern features gained an almost saintly radiance that made his religious convictions seem divinely inspired. Gareth's nondescript appearance became perfectly forgettable in a way that would make him invisible in any crowd while simultaneously commanding respect when he chose to reveal himself. Sorrin's pit-fighting scars transformed into marks of honor that spoke of battles survived and victories earned.
"Tormund, your faith-warrior training makes you ideal for Divine Shield Manifestation—creating protective barriers through spiritual energy. Gareth, your spy expertise can develop into Thousand-Face Technique—illusion methods that surpass even the techniques of the many-faced men. Sorrin, your pit-fighting experience leads toward Blood-Iron Body—making your physical form nearly impervious to conventional weapons."
"These names," Lyanna observed, "they sound like they are from another world."
"Because I created them based on principles I've discovered through years of experimentation and refinement," Arthur confirmed. "The human body and mind have capabilities that conventional training barely touches. What we're doing here is unlocking potential that has always existed, but giving it structure and methodology that didn't exist before."
"I see—you are indeed a monster in disguise or you are a genius of the century," Lyanna said.
Arthur ignored her and said, "How do you feel now that the enhancement is complete?"
"Like I've been living underwater and can finally breathe," Lyanna said wonderingly, flexing hands that now carried controlled strength far beyond their apparent size. "Is this what you experienced when you first began advancing beyond normal limits?"
"Similar, though your progress has been accelerated considerably by the techniques I've developed since then." Arthur studied their transformed capabilities with satisfaction. "You're now equipped to face supernatural enemies on relatively equal terms. But remember—power without wisdom is dangerous, and abilities without restraint can become curses rather than gifts."
Brandon, who had been observing the enhancement process with fascination, spoke up.
"Can you teach these techniques to others? To Father's guards, to the other northern lords?"
"The Foundation Breaking technique requires candidates who have already achieved significant conventional mastery," Arthur explained. "Attempting it with unprepared individuals would likely prove fatal. But there are preparatory methods—training regimens that can gradually build someone toward readiness for such advancement. To achieve this level, however, requires talent and dedication."
"Then we establish a proper school," Rickard decided, his lord's mind already working through implications. "Not just the Hollow Vale's current operations, but a formal institution for developing the North's supernatural defenses. If foreign enemies can deploy shadow-binders and possession techniques, we need trained individuals capable of countering such threats."
Arthur nodded approvingly. "Exactly what I was hoping you would conclude. But such a school will require resources, careful recruitment, and absolute discretion. We're proposing to create capabilities that could reshape the balance of power throughout Westeros if widely known."
"Then we ensure it remains a northern advantage," Rickard said firmly. "House Stark has protected the North for thousands of years. If supernatural techniques are the future of warfare, then the North will master them first and most completely."
As the night wore on and Arthur's enhanced company began adapting to their new capabilities, he addressed the larger implications of what they had accomplished.
He turned to Brandon, who was still marveling at his enhanced senses.
"Brandon. The qi I used to heal you remains foreign to your system—borrowed strength rather than true strength. Until you learn proper foundation techniques and make that energy truly yours through dedicated training, you'll never reach your full potential."
"What do you mean?" Brandon asked, confused.
"The energy flowing through you now is attuned to my patterns, my methods, my understanding. It's like wearing armor forged for someone else—functional, but never perfectly fitted." Arthur's expression grew serious. "Borrowed power always has limitations. True mastery comes only when you develop your own foundation from the ground up."
Brandon nodded slowly, understanding his new capabilities. "How long would such training take?"
"For someone with your natural talent and the head start you've received? Perhaps a year to make the qi fully yours, several more to develop advanced techniques." Arthur looked around at his enhanced allies. "The same applies to all of you. You've broken through your limitations, but now you need to learn to truly inhabit your new capabilities."
"While we establish a proper school—as Lord Rickard suggested," Arthur continued, his mind already working through the logistics, "not just expanding the Hollow Vale's current operations, but creating a formal institution for developing supernatural defenses. "
Lord Rickard, who had been quietly observing the transformations, nodded approvingly. "House Stark will provide whatever resources are needed. The North must be prepared for whatever supernatural threats the future may bring."
Arthur nodded and addressed his allies.
"The physical changes you've all undergone are not just cosmetic. Your enhanced charisma, your improved appearance, your increased presence—these are natural results of qi flowing properly through your systems. When internal energy moves without obstruction, it affects everything about how you appear to others."
"Will these changes continue?" Lyanna asked, studying her own transformed hands with fascination.
"To some degree, yes. As you master your techniques and develop your foundations, the improvements will stabilize and deepen. You'll age more slowly, remain healthy longer, and continue to develop the sort of natural authority that comes from genuine capability." Arthur's smile held satisfaction at what he had helped them achieve. "But remember—enhanced appearance without enhanced wisdom can become its own trap. Power attracts attention, and attention brings both opportunity and danger."
The foundations were laid for something unprecedented in Westeros—a formal school for developing supernatural abilities, hidden in the North and dedicated to protecting the realm from threats that conventional forces could never counter.
Outside the Hollow Vale's walls, the night air carried whispers of change that would soon reshape everything the Seven Kingdoms thought they knew about strength, loyalty, and the limits of human potential.