Strongest Kingdom: My Op Kingdom Got Transported Along With Me

Alix takes it all in, the organized chaos of the artisans working tirelessly. The city lives up to its reputation. As he walks, he overhears a conversation between a group of human merchants dressed in fine clothes.

"How can these monsters craft weapons like this?" one merchant mutters, his eyes wide as he inspects a rack of spears. "This quality, some are better than the famous blacksmiths in the three kingdoms."

Another merchant, a woman with a calculating gaze, crosses her arms. "I hate to admit it, the monsters are very talented. Who would have thought monsters could create such things?"

Alix smirks faintly at their conversation, understanding the depth of the change his influence has wrought.

He teleports again, this time to Crass City, the site of the kingdom's largest marketplace right now. Unlike the modest market squares of the human cities, Crass is a vast expanse filled with towering stalls and pavilions. Deftly barter, they display intricate trinkets, and big monsters oversee trade routes with surprising efficiency.

A human merchant shakes his head, looking at a towering stone structure, a trade hall for auctions.

"Who built all this?" he mutters. "I've traveled through all three kingdoms, and I've never seen anything like it."

A monster nearby grins toothily. "Our king did. The one that create miracles. Welcome to Crass City, human."

Finally, Alix teleports to Varestand City, the last stop on his tour. Unlike the bustling activity of the other cities, Varestand has a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere. The streets are less crowded, and many of the monsters here carry tomes, staffs, and enchanted trinkets.

At the heart of the city stands the Mage Academy called Celestia Magisterium, a towering structure that contrasts sharply with the simpler iron-tier buildings that surround it. The academy is a silver-rarity blueprint, the most costly. The funds poured into its construction nearly drained the 1,500,000 gold coins, but the result is a building that exudes an aura of arcane knowledge. Crystal orbs glow softly atop spires, intricate runes are etched into the walls, and enchanted banners ripple in non-existent winds.

As Alix approaches, he notices a group of aspiring students. Kobolds, goblins, and even a few trolls, practicing basic spells in the open training yard. A pair of academy staff members, created by the blueprint, observe and guide them. Though their knowledge is adequate for teaching beginners, they lack the expertise to instruct higher-level spells.

Alix steps inside the academy, where hallways are lined with polished stone and glowing glyphs. Students shuffle between classrooms, clutching spellbooks and muttering incantations under their breath. Despite the academy's grandeur, there's a sense of incompleteness, like a stage set waiting for its main performers.

He spots Groth, now the headmaster, near a grand staircase. The old salamander monster stands with his hands clasped behind his back, his scales a muted, weathered green with streaks of gray. Despite his age, Groth's eyes are sharp and observant, following the progress of each student with a mix of patience and discernment.

"Groth," Alix calls out.

Groth turns, his gaze landing on Alix before a smile pulls at the corners of his scaled mouth. "Ah, you are here, your majesty. Visiting to see how your precious academy fares?"

"Just taking a look," Alix replies, his eyes scanning the bustling halls. "How are things here?"

Groth chuckles, a raspy sound like dry leaves rustling. "Hah! It's a fine building, no doubt. The students are eager, the staff reliable... but a fine blade is useless without a proper hand to wield it."

Alix nods, understanding. "Still lacking teachers?"

"Aye," Groth grumbles, his gaze falling to a group of young orcs struggling to conjure a basic fireball. "We've had many applicants, goblins who can barely light a candle, ogres whose idea of magic is smashing a rock with their fists. Tier 1s, most of them. Eager, but lacking."

"Any promising ones?" Alix inquires.

"Here and there," Groth admits, his voice thoughtful. "A gnoll with a knack for wind magic, a troll who shows surprising finesse with enchantments. But even they are barely Tier 2. We need more, monsters who have truly walked the path of magic, who can guide these students past the basics."

Alix watches as a young gnoll finally conjures a small flicker of flame, earning applause from his peers. There is potential here, raw and unrefined.

Alix crosses his arms, his gaze steady. "Just keep on teaching here, Groth. If we really can't find any suitable teachers, I'll handle it myself."

In his mind, he's already considering the possibility of resurrecting mages from the Mage Tower of his capital city. Even the weakest mage there is level 400, a formidable force compared to the monsters here. However, resurrecting even one of them would demand an enormous amount of gold coins. Still, if it's necessary to ensure the academy's success, it might be worth it.

Groth tilts his head, a thoughtful glint in his aged eyes. "Very well, Your Majesty. I'll continue as you wish. Truth be told... teaching these talented young ones is a far more pleasant task than constantly marching onto the battlefield. There's joy in seeing a spark ignite in their eyes when they finally grasp a spell."

Alix glances around at the students practicing in the training yard, their faces lit with focus and determination. There's something admirable about Groth's dedication, about the way he's adjusted to this new role.

"Then keep nurturing them, Groth," Alix says firmly. "And if we need more than that, if the time comes when your guidance isn't enough. I'll bring in someone who can fill the gaps."

Groth bows his head, a respectful and genuine gesture. "I will do as you say, Your Majesty."

As Alix turns to leave, Groth calls out, "And thank you, Your Majesty. For this academy. For giving us more than just strength, we now have wisdom to pursue."

Alix pauses, offering a final nod before stepping away. The sound of incantations and the hum of magic fill the air behind him, a melody of growth and promise.