Strongest Kingdom: My Op Kingdom Got Transported Along With Me

The forges blaze day and night, and the sound of hammering echoes through the streets. A blacksmith and an artisan argue playfully over the best forging techniques, drawing a small crowd amused by their passionate banter. Crafting guilds are established, and competitions of artistry foster friendly rivalry.

In Cras, the Trade Hub, the Grand Market teems with life. Stalls overflow with goods, fresh produce from monster farms, jewelry crafted from rare ores, and exotic beasts tamed by experienced handlers. Caravans from Misorn and Varestand travel to Cras, turning the roads into lifelines of commerce. Trade agreements are negotiated, and the human merchants from the three kingdoms coming regularly curious about this kingdom of monsters. The atmosphere is a blend of excitement and curiosity, with whispers of prosperity on everyone's lips.

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Inside his private chamber, Alix observes the system screen, his eyes fixed on the population counter as it finally reaches 500,000. A golden notification appears, and a surge of power rushes through him, his level unlocks, climbing to 500.

Alix clenches his fist, feeling the strength coursing through his body. "Finally... Level 500," he murmurs, a small smile of satisfaction crossing his face. The experienced he's gained from the battles, the growth of his kingdom, everything culminates in this moment.

But then his gaze shifts to the requirement for the next level. "Requirement to unlock Level 600: Two million citizens."

His excitement fades, his expression falling. "Two million... That's a lot."

Reclining back in his chair, Alix releases a breath. The growth so far has been significant, but reaching two million citizens will be a monumental challenge. Expanding territory, accepting more refugees, everything will have to be amplified.

A knock on the door interrupts his thoughts.

"Your Majesty, may I come in?"

Recognizing Draya's voice, Alix straightens. "Enter."

Draya steps inside, a warm smile on her face. "I brought you some tea, Your Majesty. You seem deep in thought."

Alix chuckles softly, the tension easing. "Just considering the future, Draya. There's still so much to do."

Draya sets the tray of tea on the small table beside Alix. The fragrant aroma of herbs fills the room, soothing yet invigorating. She pours a cup and hands it to him with a gentle smile.

Alix takes a sip, savoring the warmth. "Draya, what do you think of the current state of the kingdom?"

Draya's expression turns thoughtful. "Your Majesty, although it's still far from what our kingdom used to be, it's progressing rapidly faster than I expected. That's a testament to your brilliance and leadership."

Alix chuckles, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "It's good to hear."

Draya laughs softly, her golden eyes glimmering. "The people believe in you, they see the changes, the hope you've brought. That's not an easy feat, especially after all they've endured."

Alix's gaze shifts to the floating screen, the ever-present system that monitors his kingdom. The weight of responsibility lingers, but so does the satisfaction of knowing their efforts are bearing fruit.

"Well then," Alix sets the teacup down and stands. "I think it's time I get back to training. I need to familiarize myself with the new skills and spells I've unlocked."

Draya nods, her expression encouraging. "Of course, Your Majesty. Should I prepare anything for your training session?"

Alix waves a hand dismissively but with a grin. "No need. I just need to see what these new Tier 5 skills can do. Besides, it'll be good to push myself a little."

With a respectful bow, Draya watches as Alix leaves the chamber.

After some time, Alix exits the training chamber, his steps light and a satisfied smile lingering on his face. The power of the Tier 5 skills still thrums within him, each spell felt like wielding the force of a storm. The sheer destructive capability and control they grant are beyond any tier 4 skills or spells.

"Tier 5... It's a whole different realm of power," he mutters to himself. "I can see why beings who reach this level are considered legends in the three kingdoms."

As the rush of excitement gradually settles, Alix straightens his posture and nods firmly. "Next, I need to visit the cities one by one. I want to see how much progress Thano has made."

Standing alone in his private chamber. Despite all he's achieved, he realizes that the people know of their king but have never truly seen him. His rule is felt through the laws, the protection, and the progress, but his presence remains a mystery, a legend whispered in the streets.

"Maybe it's time I change that, but not right now." Alix muses, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

Alix activates his item, altering his appearance. His towering, imposing figure shifts, his features now those of a common hobgoblin. His skin turns a dusky green, his ears slightly pointed, and his build sturdy but not overly imposing. Dressed in simple, rugged clothes, he looks like any other hobgoblin.

With a focused thought, Alix activates his teleportation skill, and the world around him blurs briefly before solidifying again. He is in the Alleyway where no one can see him teleported.

Alix steps out into the bustling streets of the city. The lively chatter of monsters fills the air, orc merchants bargaining, goblins darting between stalls, and trolls casually guarding the gates. His keen gaze captures the intricate blend of cultures converging in this city.

As he walks, a group of younger monsters, natives of the forest, mostly goblins and kobolds pass by, talking excitedly.

"Did you hear?" a goblin says. "They say a Ogres joined the army. A real one!"

"An Ogres?" a kobold yips, wide-eyed. "I thought they were just a myth!"

"Nah," the goblin grins, pride gleaming in his eyes. "Not anymore. There's a lot of monsters like that now."

Alix chuckles softly, amused by their enthusiasm. When he first arrived, a hobgoblin alone was enough to be considered a legend, an apex predator of the forest. But now, they stroll the streets like regular citizens. Creatures once feared and whispered about now stand as neighbors.