Ultraman: The Dark Shadow Mage, Creating a Magic Empire

Chapter 64 "The Believer" Holsoddi, Teton's Ideal

Black Throne City.

The kingdom has been renamed, and the entire planet has been fully developed. Both the surface and the underground caverns have been transformed by magic and technology, becoming the dwelling place of the Shadow Empire.

Times are progressing, but too fast, so Norman allowed them to preserve historical sites as proof of their arrival.

And what serves as a symbol is the former royal city!

This place still retains its appearance from the magical industrial revolution. The central royal city still uses black stone bricks, and in the middle of the shimmering city, it looks like an invisible black hole.

However, the people of the Shadow Empire were not afraid; on the contrary, they longed for it immensely.

Because they knew that in that darkness, which seemed as deep as a black hole, sat their emperor, their king!

The great Shadow Emperor, the supremely noble Black King, is watching them!

May they be protected at all times!

"Is this the Black Throne City? It's truly awe-inspiring. It's filled with magic and a dark aura."

Holsodi looked at the castle before him and couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

He knelt on one knee and bowed in the direction of the palace.

"After a thousand years away, I have finally gathered all the necessary materials and shall go to report back to His Majesty."

Teton Lava walked in, carrying his giant hammer.

Upon reaching the palace gates, under the watchful eyes of two Black Knight guards, he decisively put down the hammer, donned gloves to suppress magic, and covered his burning left hand.

"Wow! It can actually suppress my magical flames temporarily! Can I take this with me?" Teton asked the guard excitedly.

The guard shook his head and said nothing.

Teton felt it was a pity and could only sigh as he walked up the steps of the palace.

Holsodi walked beside him and asked, "You're so decisive? You said before that the hammer was a dwarf's lifeblood, something that couldn't be separated from him."

"Yes, but there's one more thing."

Teton gazed ahead, and said with slightly agitated emotion, "—'The hammer is the lifeblood of a dwarf, and must never be far from him; the god of the hearth is everything to us, and we are willing to give up our lives for him.'"

"Your Majesty is our God of the Hearth!"

"Um."

Holsodi was not surprised by this answer.

He wasn't the only one with fanatical faith in His Majesty; most people within the empire shared this sentiment.

Over the past millennium, Holsodi has seen many races that joined the Empire before the Baltans.

There are Landonians, Treants, Dwarves, Goblins, the Demon Apes of Doron, and the Zerg who have not developed intelligence.

They have their own customs, their own bottom line, and their own inviolable taboos.

Under Your Majesty's rule, they may have conflicts, but they will respect the habits of others.

If these public customs are violated, they may fight each other, and Holsodi has seen many cases of this leading to murder.

Without exception, as long as they encounter His Majesty, they are able to throw their customs, bottom lines, and even their most sensitive points to the back of their minds!

I am wholeheartedly devoted to His Majesty!

This is not a false obedience brought about by a reign of terror and oppression, but rather genuine compliance from the heart!

This made Holsoddy, who already held Norman in the highest esteem, even more respect and admiration for him.

And now, he was finally about to see the Emperor he had been longing for!

From the moment he was appointed, he had never seen his emperor, nor had he ever come to pay homage to Norman in person.

He only reported the situation every now and then and received a reply from Norman.

The two quickly arrived at the palace gate, and after the guards announced their arrival, the gate opened.

The two entered the main hall and saw Norman sitting on the throne.

Holsodi trembled with excitement and couldn't help but kneel down, prostrating himself in reverence, saying, "Holsodi greets the Shadow Emperor, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, I have fulfilled my mission and found the materials sufficient to forge the divine artifact." Teton, standing to the side, also bowed to Norman.

"I'm back."

Norman put down the book in his hand; the books he was reading now were all obtained from the Land of Light.

The Land of Light also has the habit of recording history; they have recorded the history of various civilizations, large and small, within the M78 Nebula over the past 40 years.

That just so happens, Norman really enjoys watching these kinds of things.

"Get up, you've worked hard."

Norman waved, and two more chairs appeared next to the two men.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The two men stood up and sat down, and then Norman said with a smile, "Holsodi."

"exist!"

When Holsodi heard his name called, he immediately stood up again, showing none of the imposing manner of a Great Baltan warrior, but rather like a helpless child.

"Don't be nervous. I heard you want to become my personal guard? Don't you want to be the first general of the Baltans?"

"Yes, more than the Grand General, I would prefer to serve His Majesty, attending to his every need!"

Holsodi had a flash of inspiration and used the words he had just learned.

"Being a bodyguard means going to work every day, are you sure?"

"Yes! I do, I absolutely do!"

Holsodi exclaimed excitedly, "I grew up listening to His Majesty's legends. Everything I have now is because of His Majesty!"

"I am willing to serve Your Majesty faithfully and fight for Your Majesty!"

"Hahaha, very well, then I hereby appoint you as the Commander of My Personal Guard. Go and collect your token later!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Others might not understand Holsoddi's ideas, but Norman did.

Holsodi are neo-Baltans re-cultivated by the Shadow Empire and developed on a clan-based basis.

He grew up listening to Norman's stories and understood that everything he had in his life came from Norman!

Most importantly, this Neo-Baltan was a filial son!

You read that right, he is a devoted son of Baltan!

Because he was devout enough, Norman could hear his prayers clearly, and it was because of his prayers that Norman saved his mother from danger.

His mother's life did not end there; she was put in danger due to a disaster.

Norman wouldn't interfere if it were a matter of life and death, but if it were a disaster, then raising his hand to help would be acceptable.

It was precisely because Norman responded to him that he became Norman's most loyal "follower".

It's not the kind of relationship between ruler and subject in the Shadow Empire, but rather a "faith" between God and his shepherd!

"Teton".

"Your subject is here."

"The Great Forge was already open when you reported, and your people are waiting for you."

"Yes, Your Majesty! I will certainly not disappoint you!"

There wasn't much more to say to Tidon.

It wasn't that they didn't care about Teton, but rather that Norman had given the order to find materials for forging the artifact, while Teton himself was the one who truly wanted to forge it!

Norman was simply fulfilling his subordinates' dreams.

Teton swore an oath to Norman, then rose and walked out of the hall.

His steps were firm, and after seeing the Land of Light and the many artifacts of the Alien Empera, he became even more determined in his ideals.

The Shadow Empire needs an extremely powerful artifact, not only for the empire, but also for His Majesty!

They need the strength to protect their homeland and share His Majesty's burdens!

This mission must succeed!

"For His Majesty!"

(End of this chapter)