FIVE YEARS LATER - LEONIDAS, AGE 12
The hammer fell with perfect precision, the final strike completing the axe head.
Leonidas quenched the blade, watching steam hiss into the morning air. At twelve years old, he no longer resembled the small, wounded seven-year-old who'd arrived on Berk's blood-soaked ship. He'd grown significantly—not quite as tall as adult Vikings, but lean and powerfully built from five years of constant forge work and relentless training.
The scar across his left eye had become a defining feature, faded but permanent.
He set the finished axe aside and wiped sweat from his brow, allowing himself a moment to reflect.
Five years. Five years of living in Berk. Five years of secrets.
{ MORNING STATUS CHECK. }
The system's familiar voice chimed in his mind.
{ CURRENT AGE: 12 years, 3 months }
{ TIME IN BERK: 5 years }
{ COVER IDENTITY: Fully Established }
{ NEW SPARTA: Thriving }
{ NIGHT FURY STATUS: Hatched 2 weeks ago, healthy }
THE FIVE YEARS - SUMMARY:
YEAR 1 (Age 7-8):
Became Gobber's apprentice
Befriended Hiccup (now best friends)
Earned village trust
Combat Training: Basic Spartan techniques, began morning drills alone
Quests: "Master Basic Blacksmithing,"
"Innovator," "Integration" (+1,370 SP total)
YEAR 2 (Age 8-9):
Blacksmithing: Advanced level
Started sparring regularly with Ingrid (then age 11)
Never lost a match
Combat Training: Added Samurai sword techniques, Assassin stealth
SECRET: Began planning New Sparta expedition
Quests: "Undefeated Warrior," "Mentor to Hiccup," "Advanced Craftsman" (+1,045 SP)
YEAR 3 (Age 9-10):
Blacksmithing: Master level (youngest ever in Berk's history)
Became Stoick's informal advisor
Combat Training: Integrated all three styles (Spartan/Samurai/Assassin)
Quests: "Master Blacksmith," "Trusted Advisor," "Builder of Empires" (+1,250 SP)
YEAR 4 (Age 10-11):
Runs forge independently when Gobber's absent
Reputation as prodigy blacksmith
Close friendship with Ingrid (now 13) and Hiccup (now 9)
Combat Training: Could defeat most adult Vikings in sparring
YEAR 5 (Age 11-12):
Blacksmithing: Legendary level for his age
Combat: Could fight multiple opponents simultaneously
SECRET: New Sparta now 80% constructed, 10,000 population
CURRENT SP: 4,840 Sp
{ IMPRESSIVE PROGRESS. YOU'RE 12 YEARS OLD WITH MASTER-LEVEL SKILLS IN MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES, A SECRET KINGDOM GROWING 500 MILES AWAY, AND A BABY NIGHT FURY HIDDEN IN A CAVE. }
{ SPEAKING OF WHICH—THE DRAGON. WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THAT. }
Leonidas's expression tightened. The Night Fury. Two weeks ago, he'd finally removed the egg from his inventory, placing it in the hidden cove he'd discovered. It had hatched within hours—a tiny, black, adorable creature with enormous green eyes.
And it had imprinted on him immediately.
{ SHE'S GETTING BIGGER EVERY DAY. BABY NIGHT FURIES GROW FAST. IN ANOTHER MONTH, SHE'LL BE TOO LARGE TO HIDE EASILY. }
"I know. That's why I'm sending her to New Sparta today."
{ TODAY? }
"I'm going to summon the ship and send it to new Sparta with the dragon and summoning soldiers to crew it."
{ AMBITIOUS PLAN. DETAILS? }
"I'll summon twenty Spartans—enough to crew the ship properly. Give them orders to transport the dragon safely to New Sparta, where my forces there can raise and train her. The dragon will grow up in my kingdom, bonded to my people, ready for when I eventually arrive."
{ COST: 20 SPARTANS AT 200 SP EACH = 4,000 SP. LEAVING YOU WITH 840 SP. }
{ YOU'RE SPENDING ALMOST EVERYTHING. }
"It's worth it. A Night Fury is invaluable. And having twenty more trained warriors in New Sparta strengthens my forces."
{ FAIR POINT. WHEN ARE YOU DOING THIS? }
"Tonight. After the village sleeps. I'll take the dragon to the cove, row out to the island, summon the Spartans, give them their orders, and send them off. Should take a few hours total."
{ AND WHAT ABOUT BERK? WON'T PEOPLE NOTICE YOU'RE GONE? }
"I'll tell Gobber I'm going night fishing. Vikings do that sometimes. I'll be back before dawn."
The forge door opened, interrupting his planning.
"Leonidas! There you are!" Hiccup burst in, now nine years old and even more enthusiastic about inventions than ever. "I finished the new bola launcher design! Look at these tension calculations—if we modify the spring mechanism and add a counterweight system, we can get thirty percent more range!"
"Show me," Leonidas said, genuinely interested despite his racing thoughts about tonight's mission.
As Hiccup spread out his sketches, chattering excitedly, Gobber emerged from his sleeping quarters.
"Morning, lads. Hiccup, doesn't your father want you doing chores instead of hanging around the forge?"
"I finished my chores! Mostly. Well, some of them. The important ones!"
"Mm-hmm." Gobber grinned at Leonidas. "You're a bad influence on the chief's son. Teaching him that brains matter more than muscles."
"Brains keep you alive longer," Leonidas observed.
"Can't argue with that." Gobber examined Hiccup's designs. "This is actually good work, lad. Your father may not appreciate your inventions, but they're clever."
Hiccup beamed at the praise.
The morning proceeded normally—forge work, Hiccup's endless questions, the familiar rhythm of Berk life. But Leonidas's mind was elsewhere, planning every detail of tonight's mission.
THAT EVENING - THE GREAT HALL
Dinner was its usual chaotic affair. Leonidas sat at the head table—a regular position now after five years—between Stoick and Gobber.
"Leonidas," Stoick said between mouthfuls of food. "I wanted to thank you again for those new axes. The warriors say they're the best they've ever used."
"Quality materials, proper technique. Nothing special."
"Everything you make is special. That's why you're special." Stoick clapped him on the shoulder. "You know, in a few years, you'll be old enough to take over the forge completely if you want. Gobber's not getting any younger—"
"Hey!" Gobber protested.
"—and you've already surpassed most blacksmiths twice your age."
"I'm honored," Leonidas said. And he meant it, even though he knew his future was far more complicated than just running a forge.
Across the table, Ingrid caught his eye and smiled. At thirteen, she'd become one of Berk's most skilled young warriors, and their daily sparring sessions had forged a strong friendship.
"Training tomorrow morning?" she called over.
"Always."
"Good. I've been practicing a new move. This time I'm definitely going to hit you."
"You've said that the last forty-seven times."
"Forty-eight's the charm!"
{ SHE'S DETERMINED. I'LL GIVE HER THAT. }
After dinner, as Vikings dispersed to their homes, Leonidas approached Gobber.
"I'm going night fishing. Might be out for a few hours."
Gobber raised an eyebrow. "Night fishing? You've never shown interest in fishing before."
"Thought I'd try something new. Clear my head."
"At midnight?"
"Best time for it. Fewer boats competing for fish."
Gobber studied him for a moment, then shrugged. "Your choice. Just be careful. Dragons sometimes hunt at night too."
"I will."
MIDNIGHT - THE HIDDEN COVE
Leonidas moved through the forest silently, using every bit of his Assassin stealth training. The cove was a mile from the village—a secret place he'd discovered three years ago, perfect for hiding things he didn't want found.
Like a baby Night Fury.
He slipped through the narrow entrance between two large rocks and entered the hidden space.
The dragon was awake, her green eyes glowing in the darkness. At two weeks old, she was already the size of a large dog, with midnight-black scales that absorbed light.
She chirped happily when she saw him, bounding over like an excited puppy.
"Hey, girl," Leonidas said softly, scratching under her chin. "Ready for a trip?"
The dragon—he hadn't named her yet, leaving that for his forces in New Sparta—rumbled contentedly.
He'd brought a large sack designed to carry her. It wasn't comfortable, but it would work for the short journey.
"I know this isn't fun, but I need to get you to the boat. Once you're on the ship, you'll have more room. And where you're going... you'll have an entire kingdom to explore."
He carefully placed the dragon in the sack, leaving the top open enough for air. She protested with small growls but didn't resist—she trusted him completely.
{ BABY DRAGONS ARE RIDICULOUSLY CUTE. EVEN I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT. }
Leonidas carried the sack to the small fishing boat he'd "borrowed" from the docks, placing it carefully in the bottom.
Then he began rowing. Fifteen miles to the uninhabited island where he will summon the ship. Three hours of hard rowing in the darkness.
His enhanced body made it manageable, though exhausting.
THREE HOURS LATER - THE UNINHABITED ISLAND
The Spartan Warship sat anchored in a sheltered cove
Leonidas pulled his fishing boat alongside and climbed aboard the larger vessel. He released the Night Fury from the sack, and she immediately began exploring the deck with curious enthusiasm.
"Stay close," he told her. "This'll only take a few minutes."
{ READY TO SUMMON YOUR CREW? }
"Ready. System, purchase and summon twenty Spartan Soldiers."
{ CONFIRMING PURCHASE: }
{ 20 SPARTAN SOLDIERS }
{ COST: 4,000 SP (200 SP each at doubled prices) }
{ REMAINING SP: 840 }
{ PROCEED? }
"Yes. Proceed."
{ PROCESSING PURCHASE... }
{ SUMMONING 20 SPARTAN SOLDIERS... }
Another flash of light, this time on the beach itself. When Leonidas's vision cleared, twenty warriors stood before him in perfect formation. Each wore bronze armor, carried shield and spear, and looked at him with absolute loyalty in their eyes.
The captain—the system had automatically designated one as leader—stepped forward and saluted by clasping his fist over his heart.
"My Lord Prince Leonidas. We await your orders."
{ MEMORY IMPLANTATION COMPLETE. THEY KNOW: }
{ - You are their rightful prince and commander }
{ - They are to sail to New Sparta }
{ - They are to deliver the dragon safely }
{ - They are to maintain absolute secrecy }
Leonidas stood straighter, channeling the authority that came from his Spartan combat training and the prince's inherited memories. These were his soldiers. His responsibility.
"At ease, warriors. I am Prince Leonidas, and I have urgent orders for you."
The captain relaxed slightly but maintained his disciplined posture. "We are ready, my Lord."
"You see that ship?" Leonidas gestured to the warship. "You will crew it and sail southwest, 500 miles to New Sparta—your home, your kingdom. The journey will take approximately one week, depending on winds."
"Yes, my Lord."
"You carry precious cargo." Leonidas gestured to the baby Night Fury, who had paused her excited bouncing to watch the soldiers with curiosity. "This is a Night Fury dragon—the rarest and most powerful dragon species in existence. She hatched two weeks ago and has imprinted on me. You will transport her safely to New Sparta and deliver her to Commander Dienekes."
The Spartans stared at the dragon with a mixture of awe and wariness. None of them had seen a living dragon before—their implanted memories gave them knowledge of dragons, but not direct experience.
"She is... small, my Lord," the captain observed carefully.
"She's a baby. But she will grow rapidly—by the time you reach New Sparta, she'll likely be twice this size. Night Furies mature quickly." Leonidas knelt and scratched the dragon's chin. She rumbled happily. "She's intelligent and already shows signs of understanding commands. She's also loyal—she'll bond with those who care for her properly."
"We will protect her with our lives," the captain vowed.
"Good. But more than protecting—I need you to care for her. Feed her fish, keep her comfortable, speak to her gently. She's young and needs to feel safe." Leonidas stood. "When you reach New Sparta, inform Commander Dienekes that this dragon is to be raised and trained by our best handlers. She should learn to fly, to hunt, to obey commands. But she must also learn to trust our people."
"It will be done, my Lord."
Leonidas pulled out a sealed letter he'd written earlier. "This contains detailed instructions for Commander Dienekes—orders about the dragon's care, updates on my situation in Berk, and strategic directions for New Sparta's continued development. Deliver it directly to him."
The captain accepted the letter with reverence. "We will deliver it safely."
"One more thing." Leonidas's expression became more serious. "You must maintain absolute secrecy. If you encounter other ships, you are Greek traders from the south. If asked about the dragon, she is your cargo—a rare animal you're transporting for sale. Do not mention me. Do not mention Berk. Do not mention the Viking Archipelago. Understood?"
"Understood, my Lord."
"And when you reach New Sparta, you will integrate with the forces there. You are now part of my kingdom's military. Serve Commander Dienekes as you would serve me."
"We are honored, my Lord." The captain saluted again. "When do we depart?"
Leonidas looked at the sky. Still several hours until dawn. "Immediately. Load supplies from my fishing boat—food, water, navigation tools. The dragon comes aboard last. I want you well away from this island before sunrise."
The Spartans moved with impressive efficiency. Within twenty minutes, they'd loaded supplies, familiarized themselves with the ship, and prepared for departure.
Leonidas spent those minutes with the Night Fury, saying goodbye.
"You're going on an adventure, girl," he told her, scratching behind her ears the way she liked. "You'll sail to a place I built—a kingdom that exists because I willed it into being. The people there will take care of you, train you, help you grow strong."
The dragon chirped, nuzzling against his hand. She didn't understand the words, but she understood the emotion behind them.
"I'll come visit someday. When I'm older, when circumstances allow. And when I do, you'll be magnificent—full-grown, powerful, the terror of the skies." He smiled slightly.
"But you'll remember me. Won't you?"
She licked his hand—the dragon equivalent of a promise.
{ THIS IS ACTUALLY PRETTY EMOTIONAL. YOU'RE SAYING GOODBYE TO A CREATURE THAT IMPRINTED ON YOU. }
"I know. But it's necessary. She can't stay in Berk—someone would discover her eventually. In New Sparta, she'll be safe. She'll thrive."
{ AND YOU'LL HAVE A FULLY TRAINED NIGHT FURY WAITING FOR YOU WHEN YOU FINALLY VISIT YOUR KINGDOM. }
"Exactly."
The captain approached. "My Lord, we are ready to depart. Should we load the dragon now?"
"Yes." Leonidas picked up the Night Fury carefully—she was getting heavy already—and carried her to the ship. The Spartans had prepared a sheltered area below deck with soft materials and ventilation.
He set her down gently. "This is your den for now. Stay here during the journey. The soldiers will bring you food and water. Be good."
The dragon chirped uncertainly, sensing something was changing.
"I know. But trust me—this is for the best." He scratched her chin one last time, then stood. "Take care of her, Captain."
"With our lives, my Lord."
Leonidas climbed back onto the beach as the Spartans prepared to cast off. The oars extended from the ports, twenty warriors ready to row.
"One final order," Leonidas called out. "When you reach New Sparta, tell Commander Dienekes this: 'The king watches from afar, but he will come when the time is right.' He'll understand."
"Yes, my Lord!" the captain responded.
The oars dipped into the water, and the Spartan Warship began moving, gliding out of the sheltered harbor toward the open ocean.
Leonidas watched from the beach as the ship grew smaller, eventually disappearing into the darkness.
Gone. The dragon was gone. Twenty more soldiers added to his forces. The connection to New Sparta maintained.
{ CURRENT SP: 840 }
{ NEW SPARTA FORCES: 10,020 (up from 10,000) }
{ NIGHT FURY: In transit, will arrive in approximately 7 days }
{ QUEST COMPLETE: "SEND THE DRAGON HOME" }
{ REWARD: 500 SP }
{ CURRENT SP: 1,340 }
"Good," Leonidas said quietly. "Now to get back to Berk before anyone notices I'm gone."
He climbed into his small fishing boat and began the long row back. His arms protested—he'd been rowing for six hours total tonight—but his enhanced endurance made it manageable.
As dawn began breaking on the horizon, Leonidas finally reached Berk's harbor. He returned the fishing boat to its spot and made his way back to the forge, moving like a shadow through the waking village.
Gobber was just emerging from his quarters as Leonidas climbed to his loft.
"How was the fishing?" the blacksmith called up.
"Productive," Leonidas replied. "Very productive."
"Catch anything?"
"Nothing I can show you. But it was worth the trip."
Gobber chuckled. "You're a strange lad, Leonidas. But I've learned not to question your methods."
"Probably wise."
Leonidas collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion finally catching up with him. He'd been awake for over twenty hours, rowed thirty miles, summoned a ship and soldiers, and sent a dragon to his secret kingdom.
Just another night in his complicated double life.
{ YOU DID WELL. THE DRAGON IS SAFE, YOUR FORCES ARE STRENGTHENED, AND NO ONE IN BERK SUSPECTS ANYTHING. }
"That's the plan. Always the plan—maintain both lives without either discovering the other."
{ HOW LONG DO YOU THINK YOU CAN KEEP THIS UP? }
"As long as necessary. I'm twelve now. In five years, Hiccup will be 15—the age when he shoots down Toothless in the original timeline. That's when everything changes."
{ FIVE YEARS. THAT'S NOT VERY LONG. }
"It's enough time. Time to prepare, to train, to position myself for when the changes come." Leonidas closed his eyes. "When Hiccup befriends Toothless and starts the revolution, I'll be ready to help guide it. To make sure it goes better than it did in the story I remember."
{ AND YOUR SECRET EMPIRE? }
"By then, New Sparta will be fully established. The dragon will be grown and trained. My forces will be ready. And maybe—just maybe—I'll be able to start bringing these two worlds together instead of keeping them separate."
{ BIG PLANS FOR A TWELVE-YEAR-OLD. }
"I'm not really twelve. Not mentally."
{ FAIR POINT. }
Sleep finally claimed him, deep and dreamless.
500 miles away, a Spartan Warship sailed southwest carrying twenty warriors and one very special cargo—a baby Night Fury destined to become a legend.
In Berk, a twelve-year-old blacksmith prodigy slept, his secrets safe for another day.
And the wheels of fate continued turning, bringing closer the moment when a Viking boy would befriend a dragon and change the world forever.