Chapter 276: The Way of the Dragon Cult

Wright led a group of mages back to the magic school, where Lancelot had already prepared the large classroom. The classroom was quite spacious, similar to a hall. Even with nearly a hundred people seated, only half of the seats were filled. Since the topic involved manufacturing, Wright had also called Gendry to listen in.

In recent years, Wright had gathered various books from ancient scroll worlds through the system. Most of them were humanities, stories, or history with little practical use, all stored in boxes in the castle's study. A useful portion was placed on his own bookshelf, and some were copied and placed in the magic school's library. Today, he brought out a previously unpublished book, The Basic Theory of Wand Making.

Standing at the podium, Wright spoke while writing on the blackboard with chalk: "Many of us mages use magical traps, which are the most basic formations. From this foundation, I have developed various magic circles, which have already become a separate field of study. The mages here, even if they don't use them, have mastered the theoretical knowledge."

The listeners nodded in agreement. Destruction-type magic circles, transformation-type, and illusion-type circles had all been developed, and the Eye of Wright in Tyrosh was a combination of the latter two. Everyone present had already studied the relevant theories.

"Magic circles can be placed on the ground and walls, or even on weapons and armor. However, this method is very unstable. So, is there something that can store and solidify magical power in a weapon? This is the topic we are going to research together." Wright wrote the theoretical knowledge from the book on the board. While the basic theory wasn't too complicated for mages, the crucial part—how to actually create a wand—was not explained.

Wright could have researched it on his own, but a wand didn't offer much increase in his own power. However, for other mages, having a wand would be a qualitative improvement. Wright had too many other magical things to research and didn't have the time, so now he was teaching the theory to everyone so they could work together on the research.

Wright continued explaining: "Apart from the highest-quality magic-conducting metal, Valyrian steel, metals like gold, gold-silver alloys, white steel, and red gold all have varying levels of magic conductivity. You can try different metals to save on costs."

Thoros let out a sigh of relief: "Thank goodness. Otherwise, I'd never be able to afford a Valyrian steel wand, even if I emptied my entire fortune!"

"Can you afford pure gold?" Qyburn laughed as he looked at him.

"This... I mainly use swords, so I could just modify my sword a bit." Thoros, being one of the first mages to be granted a title, actually earned quite a bit, but he spent it all recklessly and rarely had money left in his pockets.

Then Wright divided the mages into several groups, each responsible for researching different aspects: theory, materials, experiments, and manufacturing.

The mages were excited. They had always studied existing magic, but now they were about to create something new. This was a great opportunity to make their mark in history, and their enthusiasm was high.

For the next week, Wright didn't leave the magic school, except for sleeping. He stayed until he had taught the mages everything he knew before finally taking a break.

---

The development of the Dragon Cult was going smoothly, with large numbers of followers in Tyrosh, Lys, and Volantis. Especially in Volantis, the number of Dragon Cult followers had already surpassed those of the Lord of Light.

Before the Dragon Cult, the people of Volantis had worshipped the Lord of Light, making it the center of the R'hllor cult among the nine trade city-states. But with the rise of the Dragon Cult, the noble families, slave owners, and merchants who maintained pure Valyrian bloodlines immediately switched allegiances. The ethereal Lord of Light was nothing compared to the dragons flying overhead, and the Dragon Cult's connection to the real, tangible Odahviing gave it immense appeal.

The god worshipped by the Dragon Cult was Odahviing, and Wright positioned himself as the 'Dragon God' spokesperson. Since his lifespan was shorter than Odahviing's, as long as Odahviing existed, Wright believed that even if he died, as long as his descendants didn't act foolishly, they would continue to be protected by Odahviing and eventually become the next spokesperson.

Today was the day for the Dragon Cult's high-ranking meeting, and Wright hosted a banquet at his castle.

After Tyrosh's two-story building was completed, more and more banquets were being held—some to entertain nobles from various regions, others for merchants and mages. Today, a group of merchant nobles came, but it didn't attract much attention from other cults.

Under the guidance of Wright's second cousin, Andrew Estermont, the Dragon Cult was now divided into five ranks.

The lowest rank was the Believer level. This rank was open to all ages, genders, and identities. As long as you accepted the Dragon Cult, you could receive a wooden dragon head pendant for free. Believers helped each other, could receive donations, and would spread the faith of the dragons when they had free time.

Above that was the Faith level, marked by a brass pendant. To ascend to this rank, a believer had to be recommended by five others with brass pendants. This level required a deeper commitment to the belief in the dragons. Most pure-blooded Valyrians who joined the cult started at this rank due to their inherent advantages.

Next was the Ideal level, marked by a silver pendant. To reach this rank, one had to not only have strong faith in the dragons but also contribute to the cult, such as donating wealth, spreading the faith, or fighting to defend the cult's beliefs. Loyalty to House Baratheon was also essential, and when the Dragon God's spokesperson, Wright, gave orders, one was expected to stand up and eliminate any evil or heretics. Ascension required five recommendations as well.

The highest rank is the Truth level, which wears a golden dragon head pendant. In addition to unwavering faith, they must also master the Dragon Tongue. These individuals have become core figures within the Dragon Cult, possessing vast knowledge and the ability to offer advice for the church's development. They can also use their own influence to assist in the church's growth.

There is also a special rank, marked by a smoky black Valyrian steel dragon head pendant. This includes the Dragon God's spokesperson, the High Priest, Dragon Priest, and those who have made special contributions to the church. Currently, only a few individuals belong to this rank.

Tyrosh is very lenient with religious management, and any cult or religion is welcome. Even the Faceless Men, worshipers of the Many-Faced God from Braavos, have contacted Wright and expressed their desire to build a temple branch in Tyrosh. Although they had conflicts in the past, the Faceless Men are paid mercenaries and have no personal animosity with Wright. After agreeing to a contract where they would not assassinate local officials or nobles, the temple of the Many-Faced God is already under construction in Tyrosh.

Among the new nobles of the Stepstone Isles, only Garlan Tyrell, Hobber Redwyne, and Gunthor Hightower remain firm believers in the Seven. No other faith has swayed their belief.

Those attending today's banquet from the Dragon Cult are all at least wearing silver dragon head necklaces.

Lord Andrew Estermont, the intelligence officer, needs no introduction—he is the one who built the Dragon Cult under Wright's direction. The Commander of the City Guard, Ashara Dayne, was tricked into joining the faith by Wright. Dickon Tarly, the Dragon, is a golden-level believer. These three are not present at this gathering, as one is busy in Westeros, and two are fighting in Dorne.

Ser Balon Swann, the captain of the guard, voluntarily abandoned his faith in the Seven to join the Dragon Cult. His duty is to protect Wright and his family, and he understands that without joining the cult, his position would not last long. Now, the entire one-hundred-member personal guard has been reshuffled and is made up entirely of Dragon Worship believers.

Tax officer Allard Seaworth joined half a year ago after consulting with his father, the Onion Knight.

Sitting at the main seat is Wright, with Tyene on his right. The seat to his left is vacant for Nymeria. Both women hold high positions within the Dragon Cult—not because of their roles as Wright's women, but because they have ascended to a position close to the "Dragon God" Odahviing.

Admiral Aurane Velaryon raised his cup in a toast to Qyburn across from him, who smiled and returned the gesture.

As the music played from behind a screen, Aurane looked around at the nearly two hundred people at the banquet, chatting and joking with one another. Here, for the moment, there were no class distinctions, only fellow believers in the same faith. Aurane tilted his head back, drinking the entire cup of wine in one go, savoring the refreshing taste of golden grape wine.

Aurane couldn't help but reflect internally. House Velaryon had once been the most loyal house to the Targaryen royalty. But after generations of reckless behavior, they had ruined the kingdom. The Velaryons was now at a crossroads, with the previous head of the family dying, and they had chosen to remain low-key for the time being.

It wasn't until Greyjoy's rebellion that Wright, as a mage, rose to prominence. Through family legends, the Velaryons learned that dragons and magic were intertwined, which gave them hope for the family's resurgence. After discussing with his cousin, Aurane, they pooled their remaining family wealth and resources to join the war on the Stepstone, almost risking everything.

It was a gamble they won! Wright not only had magic, but he also brought with him a massive dragon during the assault on Tyrosh!

Aurane's cousin, Monford Velaryon, after the war, decisively handed all the credit to Aurane, securing the title of Lord in the Stepstone Isles. Since the main line of House Velaryon couldn't escape the royal supervision, Aurane had to go to the Stepstone Isles.

Aurane Velaryon was a clever man and an opportunist. His initial impression of Wright was that he was lucky to have a king for a brother, but now he thought Wright was a smart individual.

After spending some time in Tyrosh, Aurane changed his mind. Although he didn't understand Wright's policies, he thought Wright made a good Lord. And now, with Tyrosh becoming the center of trade between the East and West continents, the entire Stepstone Isles had benefited and made a fortune. Officially, Wright lamented that Tyrosh lacked manpower, but privately, through religion, he controlled Volantis; with diplomatic exchanges, he controlled Lys, and economically, he controlled Myr. Without lifting a finger, Wright had completely dominated three trade cities. Aurane knew he didn't have that kind of skill.

Aurane Velaryon now held Wright in high regard. Looking around at the banquet, more than half of the guests were pure-blood Valyrians with silver and gold hair and purple eyes. The talent was growing, and his advantage was slowly diminishing. The competition to rise even higher was getting tougher. He would need to place another bet to succeed.

"Lord Aurane Velaryon, I didn't expect you to join the Dragon Cult too," a woman's voice rang out beside him.

Aurane turned his head. The person who had been sitting beside him earlier had wandered off to drink, and now a lady sat beside him. Aurane stood up and gave a courteous bow. "Beautiful lady, I have been at sea for a long time due to my duties and haven't had the pleasure of meeting you. May I ask how to address you?"

"Haha, I've had a little too much to drink and forgot to introduce myself. I am Kana Rogare," the woman in a white dress said gently.

Ah, Wright's lover, Aurane had heard of her. Instantly distracted by her beauty, he lost his desire to pursue her: "A descendant of House Rogare?"

Not recalling her at first, Kana smiled. "Perhaps you've heard my other name—Roshan!"

Aurane: "Oh! So you're the one the people of Myr call: Roshan, the one who sleeps on gold!"

"Hehe." Kana Rogare chuckled lightly, covering her mouth.

After exchanging some pleasantries, Aurane Velaryon spotted an acquaintance and, not wanting to continue the conversation with Kana, found an excuse to slip away.

Kana Rogare sat back in her chair, a faint smile on her face, but inwardly she cursed Aurane for being a man with a mind but no courage.

Kana was well aware of her current awkward situation. She had become too close to Wright due to her secret mission, leading the nobles to believe that she was Wright's lover. As a result, all the men, except for the women, avoided her. Looking up at Wright sitting at the main seat, she silently cursed him for being such a coward!

Wright stood up and tapped his spoon against the golden wine goblet. The noisy banquet hall immediately quieted down, with everyone either standing in place or sitting in their chairs, waiting for Wright to speak.

"Everyone's efforts have made the world aware of the Dragon Cult, and the headquarters of the Dragon Cult is right here in Tyrosh."

Everyone nodded and applauded, and Wright paused for a moment before continuing, "Today, I would like to introduce a few new members!"

"Who? Who is it that Wright would introduce at such a high-level gathering?"

"I have no idea."

Whispers spread through the crowd.

ang~~~

A loud, metallic-like roar came from one side of the banquet hall.

"Peytvahaaz!"

The roar of Odahviing could shake the house and send dust falling from the ceiling. Peytvahaaz had been flying over Tyrosh every day lately, and its voice was unmistakable.

Renly, accompanied by his dragon, walked into the banquet hall, with his magic apprentice, Sansa Stark, following behind him.

"Welcome, Lord Renly!"

Both dragons of Westeros were now within the church—this was truly the Dragon Cult! Everyone present was stirred, and applause erupted continuously.

Wright: "Next, I have some important matters to announce. Let's move to another location."

"To the headquarters? Are we leaving right after I arrived?" Renly whispered, leaning close to Wright.

Wright turned to address the crowd: "The headquarters of the Dragon Cult is the nine-tiered temple in Tyrosh."

Everyone nodded.

"But that's just on the surface! Is the Dragon Cult, with a giant dragon, really that simple?"

Wright raised both hands: "Do you know why the Tyrosh castle was given so much money, why so many slave workers are building it, yet it's still being built so slowly?"

"Building the headquarters?"

Wright pointed to the floor with his right hand: "The true headquarters of the Dragon Cult is beneath my castle! Ser Balon Swann, inform the personal guard to light the torches, and let's all go see the real headquarters together."