Ultraman: The Dark Shadow Mage, Creating a Magic Empire

Chapter 30 A Brand New Idea

[Ding! Congratulations, host! Your civilization has entered a new era!]

[Current Era: The Age of Magical Industry!]

[Receive the Era Reward: Magic Monument (Placeable)!]

The Age of Magical Industry?

Norman, who was flying, rubbed his chin and hovered in the outer space of the Azure Star.

Looking from outer space towards the Azure Star, one can see a brightly lit area.

Those weren't neon lights, but magic lamps with "brightness" runes added!

Moreover, with the help of reinforced concrete and magic, the people who originally lived in the caves gradually returned to their original homes and rebuilt new houses.

"Fire magic, it's developed from a fantasy event triggered by itself. In the age of magic industry, the things I told Edward before should also be underway."

"The choice of route is very important. I wonder if anything left behind has sparked any new ideas..."

Norman smiled and then flew toward his palace.

……

The idea of ​​everyone becoming extraordinary is a terrifying thing.

For example,

A strong, well-trained adult human can climb eight floors up and down a hundred times a day, carrying around 30 tons of goods.

In the Black Kingdom, where everyone is extraordinary, an adult who has awakened their bloodline can move 30 tons of goods in half a day without any training!

And it can go up and down ten floors!

Those who are trained and know how to use their strength can easily lift more than 100 tons!

With the help of magic, a person can do even more.

Therefore, when the magical industrial revolution began, engineering tasks such as building houses, constructing factories, and building entirely new cities became extremely simple!

The construction speed is alarmingly fast!

In just one year, the entire Black Kingdom achieved the remarkable feat of leaping from a medieval state to an industrial age with a complete industrial chain, production lines, and newly built towns!

After industrialization was completed, the entire civilization unleashed even greater potential.

Productivity suddenly became excessive, and in this moment of overproduction, the entire civilization began to swing from one extreme to another.

People who were still suffering from the disaster began to emerge from its shadow and start pursuing themselves and their personal assets again...

Even the Norman royal palace, which was so simple and shabby compared to other empires and dynasties, was spontaneously renovated by the enthusiastic people!

After the infrastructure was completed, a large number of workers flocked to the factories, and some of the skilled workers began to think about starting their own businesses.

Having obtained their merchant qualifications, they led their caravans through wind and snow.

With mutated ice camels and various magical creations, they were able to roam freely through the snowstorm.

As these people transported goods for the Black Kingdom through trade, their wealth grew exponentially.

Having acquired wealth, they were no longer satisfied with simply being merchants; instead, they began to want to acquire property.

But we got stuck at this step.

Because the merchants' ideas conflicted with the policies of the Black Kingdom—

……

Inside the renovated royal council chamber.

The council chamber was brightly lit at the moment, with brand-new flame magic lamps hanging all over the walls, and with a touch of optical design, it looked like normal daytime.

The long table in the council chamber was full of people, while the throne at the head of the table was naturally empty, with the acting regent, Caitlin, sitting in her own seat to the side.

She was looking at a document, and she frowned as she read it.

The cabinet ministers sitting on either side remained expressionless, while some officials standing to the side felt uneasy as Caitlin frowned repeatedly.

"so."

Caitlin's voice rang out.

The officials breathed a sigh of relief, but the anticipated storm did not materialize the next second.

Caitlin put down the file, tilted her head, and asked, somewhat confused, "What exactly is this? What's this about individualism and the free market? Who wrote this?"

"Prime Minister Edward, can you explain this to me? I don't understand any of this."

Edward: ...

Official: ...

So you were frowning because you didn't understand...

Everyone knew that Caitlin was not being sarcastic when she said that.

Caitlin genuinely didn't understand, otherwise she wouldn't have had that expression.

"Regency, that's how it is."

Edward cleared his throat and explained, "The theory of individualism and the free market was proposed by a student in the social sciences department of a science and technology university."

"He was one of the old meritorious nobles, and his family obtained the right to trade. During his trade, he used his knowledge to summarize these theories."

"In this theory, individualism emphasizes individual freedom, autonomy, and self-reliance, which means relative openness and lack of control."

"In contrast to individualism, what we are now pursuing is called 'collectivism,' which emphasizes group harmony, cooperation, and shared responsibility."

"Individualism encourages looser social relationships based on personal interests, while collectivism emphasizes strong interdependence within close-knit communities. Individualism empowers individuals to make decisions based on their personal goals and desires, while collectivism involves decisions that take into account the interests of the group."

"In conclusion, his summary is very good, and I have high hopes for him, but individualism is difficult to succeed at this stage."

"As for the theory of the free market..."

Edward paused for a moment, then said, "Part of it can be done, but the timing isn't right."

"A loose social structure based on personal interests? Does this mean letting the state ignore them, allowing them to do things their own way and become their own territories?"

Caitlin scoffed. "These old noble families are still as detestable as ever! Without unified governance, we would have perished in chaos and darkness long ago!"

"That's exactly why we're having this meeting," Edward said.

Caitlin nodded, then looked around and asked, "So, everyone, do you have any good suggestions?"

"Throughout history, merchants have always held a low social status. Although they travel far and wide, helping us save a lot on transportation costs, they absolutely cannot set up factories or acquire permanent property!"

"The once third largest country in the south, the Hailan Empire, disintegrated under the manipulation of merchants and subsequently became the number one port in the southern sea—and that was not many years ago!"

"Perhaps a compromise could be reached?"

"Impossible! Businessmen can't be trusted!"

"But by blood, everyone is loyal to His Majesty; who would dare to rebel!"

"That's right! Merchants can also have a positive impact. For example, right now, do you know how much time and effort their trade saves us!"

"Merchants who pursue profit bring ruin to the country!"

"It can be regulated!"

The council chamber erupted into chaos, with the two ministers at the front arguing heatedly.

The other ministers on the side also started arguing amongst themselves in twos and threes, each holding their own opinions and clashing with one another.

Caitlin was already used to this kind of thing.

After Norman opened up channels for communication, the ministers of the Black Kingdom became loyal subjects who dared to submit memorials and speak frankly.

Even if Norman came, they would still have a fight and argue until they came to a conclusion!

"Alright everyone, since we're at a stalemate, why don't we bring in the person who proposed the theory and let him explain it to us in person?"

(End of this chapter)