The fleet set sail for their return to Oakenshield.
The kraken—now christened simply "Kraken"—clung to the stern of the Graceful Light, following along in quiet submission while still drawing curious stares from every soul aboard the vessel.
The creature paid no heed to the small figures that surrounded it.
Instead, it remained occupied with answering its new master's endless questioning. Whether bound by contractual oath or held in check by awe of its master's overwhelming power, it could not remain silent.
"Where were you active before your long slumber?" Joffrey inquired. "Or rather, where did you choose to rest?"
He knew he would receive truthful answers.
Without His interference, Joffrey had regained complete control over the kraken's information rune mirror image. Combined with the constraints of their binding contract, the creature could not lie.
The kraken answered without hesitation. "The Jade Sea, far to the east."
Joffrey could not hide his surprise.
Too distant by far—at least twenty thousand miles from these waters.
According to his speculation about His identity, the kraken's habitat should not have been in such remote seas.
Had he guessed wrongly?
His words had pointed with such clarity toward "Drowned Beast" and "Storm Demon"—obviously referring to the Drowned God and Storm God of the Iron Islands. Or was this merely His misdirection?
Yet during their previous contact, His various behaviors had suggested strong connections to Westeros. Could this too be misunderstanding?
Moreover, during their negotiations and oath-making, though He had not explicitly stated His identity, neither had He deliberately concealed it. He had seemed to acquiesce to Joffrey's judgment. This should not be false.
Joffrey pressed further. "Have you always dwelt there? Why did you not remain by His side?"
"Sleep came easier in those waters," the kraken replied with simple honesty. "As for sleeping here—that was long, long ago."
"How long past?" Joffrey demanded.
The kraken considered for a considerable time before speaking. "Once, the Long Night lasted for many years. The sea grew colder and colder, the sun vanished, and nothing remained to hunt in the shallow waters. No ships sailed—only the deep sea offered refuge."
"The Long Night of eight thousand years past," Joffrey understood the creature's description immediately.
The Wall had been raised during that tragic and famous Long Night. The prophesied hero Azor Ahai had also been born during those dark years.
"Yes, precisely so," the kraken continued. "After that ending, several hundred years passed, and the sea here became increasingly uncomfortable. The spiritual power gradually thinned. The eastern waters proved slightly better, so I journeyed there."
Joffrey understood that the "spiritual power" it spoke of was source energy. So the decline of the magical environment had begun seven or eight thousand years ago.
"When did you first find yourself able only to sleep?"
This question held great interest for Joffrey. It might represent the key turning point for the withdrawal of krakens and other mythical creatures from the world.
The kraken replied with careful thought. "The last time I hunted, I heard mortals say that the Valyrian Peninsula had been destroyed, and the great volcanoes had erupted."
Four or five hundred years past... Joffrey pondered this. Earlier than even the extinction of dragons.
"What of Him?"
"What?" The kraken seemed not to understand.
Joffrey chuckled darkly. "Your former master—when did He begin to rest as you did? Still do not comprehend?"
"Understood, understood," the kraken nodded with hasty eagerness.
"When the golden-haired Andals came to this continent, the master began to grow weary. After the brown-skinned Rhoynar arrived, the master never again appeared to me in person. Later, I remained in the east." The kraken's answer proved even more detailed than Joffrey's question had required.
If historical records held any truth, then the time periods the kraken spoke of were roughly five thousand years ago and one thousand years past, respectively.
Joffrey waited in quiet patience. The oath showed no reaction.
This meant such information did not count as secrets requiring protection under their agreement. Indeed, those at the kraken's level could know such things, so naturally there was no need for excessive secrecy.
Even knowing these details merely satisfied curiosity, with almost no improvement to his current situation.
Yet he retained many other questions.
Joffrey asked with studied casualness, "Tell me of my allies—your former master. Who are His friends and enemies?"
If one such being existed, there would never be only one in all the world.
The kraken fell into heavy silence.
"Well?" Joffrey questioned with cold menace. "Do not tell me you know nothing!"
"I truly cannot speak of such matters," the kraken sighed and complained. "Master, you should understand that the world itself protects Them. I am merely a kraken—even if I risked my very existence, I truly could not leak such information!"
Where would I gain such knowledge? Joffrey shook his head. "Then I shall pose questions requiring only 'yes' or 'no' answers."
The kraken still refused. "This method cannot circumvent the prohibition. As long as I know in my heart that what I speak is truth, then it shall be forbidden! Master, please ask of other matters!"
Joffrey frowned, reconsidering his previous questions.
The kraken took initiative to add, "When I mentioned the old master just now, He became aware of it. You and the master are allies—other beings would not wish that bond to strengthen."
Given this explanation, Joffrey could not continue to insist.
He could hardly kill the kraken, could he? It still held the methods for breaking through runic limitations.
In any case, strengthening himself remained the key priority.
Joffrey stepped back from this line of inquiry. "Then can you speak of those below Them—what levels exist in this hierarchy?"
The kraken breathed with visible relief and immediately replied, "Demigods have not yet been favored by the world's protection—mortals can still speak of them freely without restriction. Further down are Supreme Heroes and Great Heroes."
"I have slain two Great Heroes," the kraken said with evident pride. "One wielded the power of fire, the other commanded earth. There are countless heroes of the first step."
"Of course," the kraken quickly added flattering words for Joffrey, "Master, you are different. Though you are but an initial hero, you possess unlimited potential, favored by so many powers—you are certainly not comparable to ordinary beings!"
Joffrey pondered in thoughtful silence.
Hero, Great Hero, Supreme Hero, Demigod, and then God—only five levels in total?
Or rather, were there as many as four or more upgrade versions of runes?
Had the magical development of this world become so systematized? Why had he never known of this before? Where were these practitioners?
Joffrey continued his questioning. "Because spiritual power grew thin and declined, you fell into complete slumber four or five hundred years past. Is there sufficient spiritual power for you to move freely now? When did you awaken?"
The kraken answered with honest directness. "The master roused me half a year ago. There is not yet enough spiritual power for full activity, but relying upon saved spirit crystals, I can maintain myself for another year or two."
"It should be sufficient then."
Spirit crystals? Joffrey withdrew a gem storing source energy, tossing it toward the kraken at the stern.
The creature quickly extended a tentacle to catch the precious stone.
"How long will this spirit crystal sustain you?" Joffrey asked.
The kraken sent the gem into its maw. "Thank you for the master's generous reward! A most pure spirit crystal—sufficient for ten days of my consumption."
Joffrey nodded with satisfaction. At last he had obtained accurate data.
This also meant that other higher life forms could continue surviving in this manner and gradually recover their strength.
Time was running short. Within three to five years, perhaps ten to eight at most, he must at least achieve demigod status!
"Theon Greyjoy has already obtained the Hero's Proof of seawater," Joffrey declared as he walked toward the kraken. "The first such achievement. According to our oath, I demand the first portion of advancement knowledge."
Six portions total, spanning two levels—He required one hundred thousand heroes for the complete exchange.
The kraken extended a tentacle forward.
The soul wrapped in encrypted information stretched toward Joffrey...