Ash-grey fog blanketed the charred soil as the first rays of morning filtered through the broken spires of the ruined capital. Alec stood at the highest terrace of the central citadel, the wind brushing against his fur-lined mantle. The black-and-gold banner of the Ashen Empire fluttered behind him, newly restored by the system as if it had never fallen.
The remnants of the once-glorious city stirred below—monsters, both feral and sentient, now citizens reborn under his command, gathered around makeshift fires and crumbling taverns. Some cooked food using salvaged tools. Others whispered about the return of the Empire, their words laced with uncertainty, awe… and hope.
Alec narrowed his eyes, scanning the chaos. It was a kingdom in name only. No order. No unity. Only memory. But that was about to change.
DING!
[Empire System Interface: Council Summoning Unlocked]
Your capital is stabilizing. Initiating the first Noble Council.
Projected Loyalty of Summoned Nobles: 100% (Bloodline-Bound).
Initiating Summon: [Noble: Baron Goruk Ironmaw]
Location: Council Chamber
Estimated Arrival: 00:00:03
"Finally," Alec muttered.
He turned on his heel and descended the grand staircase. With each step, the hall seemed to rebuild itself. Walls once broken stitched together. Banners unfurled. Runed braziers flared to life, casting warm golden light over polished stone.
This was the work of the system—restoring his Empire brick by enchanted brick.
Council Hall – Ashen Citadel
Baron Goruk stood in the center of the hall, his posture rigid, one clawed hand over his chest in salute.
He was a goblin, yes—but unlike the low-caste ones that cowered in back alleys. This one wore obsidian plate armor engraved with swirling molten runes. His tusks were plated in silver, and his left eye gleamed with a mana-enhanced lens. Around his neck, a tattered sash of gold and black—the mark of an Ashen Baron—fluttered like a banner of war.
"My Emperor," he said, his voice gruff but reverent, "I have answered the summons. My sword, my blood, and my lineage are yours. Until death."
Alec approached him, placing a hand over his own chest in mirror salute.
"Baron Goruk Ironmaw. You served my past incarnation well."
"And I will serve this one better," Goruk replied, eyes narrowing with pride. "Give me your will, and I will see it carved into the bones of your enemies."
DING!
[First Noble Summoned]
Title: Baron Goruk Ironmaw
Race: Steelblood Goblin
Role: Commander of the Capital Militia
Trait: Tactical Genius (S)
Loyalty: Unbreakable (Bloodline-bound)
Bonus Unlocked:
[Militia Training Grounds] (Restored)
[Combat Doctrine: Ashen Garrison] (Unlocked)
Alec nodded, then turned toward the great round table at the center of the chamber. Ten thrones stood around it—massive, imposing, adorned with different emblems. Only one was occupied now.
But that would change.
"We will rebuild," Alec said. "Not as scavengers clinging to ruins. But as rulers. We will resurrect this Empire from ash—and carve a place in this world again."
Sky-Isle of the Ten Dukes
High above the citadel, a floating island rumbled to life. The system's light-blue glow pulsed from hidden anchors embedded deep in the stone. Ancient towers reformed themselves in real time—gold-and-silver temples of war, strategy, and noble lineage.
This was the Seat of the Grand Dukes—the Ten Pillars of the Ashen Empire.
Only Alec, as Emperor, could grant passage here. Not even nobles of the highest rank could set foot on this sky-isle without his edict.
Sky-Isle Stabilization: 12%
Access to teleportation pad: Online
Summoning Queue Initiated:
[Duke Silvaras of the Eternal Ember]
[Duchess Myrr of the Thornsworn]
[Duke Karnak the Hollow-Blooded]
(Full list concealed until Monarch reaches Level 5)
Back in the throne room, Alec received the update through the glowing glyph hovering above his palm. His eyes lingered on the names.
Ten Grand Dukes. Ten Kingdoms-worth of power. And every one of them loyal by blood oath.
But loyalty, Alec knew, could be tested—especially in war.