Currently standing in the place I wanted to build my castle. It was in a place where Humans could attack without getting Magicule poisoning, but at the same time, there were enough magicules in the air for me to make the castle float without any issues. In the worst-case scenario, I could use my shadows as batteries for the castle to float.
It was close to the sea and near the various western states, but far enough that I could build a country without any issues here if I wanted to.
Well then, no time to waste, "Everyone out," I said, and instantly, my shadow expanded, and out of it, thousands of shadow creatures appeared. Tigers, spiders, bears, ants, serpents, wolves, dwarfs, elves, and human shadows bowed to me, awaiting my command.
The command was simple, "Build me a castle," While they wouldn't be able to do it when I first turned them into shadows after they grew stronger and gained some more intelligence, a task like this would still be challenging, but they would do a great job.
They instantly started to work, and I watched. The mage shadows were important for this job in creating materials. Becoming my shadows made them capable of using more magic and using it better.
The first days were used to prepare the terrain by removing the trees before they started to build the castle itself. Mixing creation magic together with the finest materials I could find.
Three months later, instead of the small forest, I could see a majestic masterpiece suspended in the sky.
Just looking at it, I know it's a castle of a Demon Lord. The castle is adorned with grotesque carvings and dreadful stained glass windows that emit an eerie, mystical glow. In addition, the castle's exterior is made from black stone that absorbs light, casting an aura of eternal darkness.
While on the inside, everything changes.
The castle's interior is a blend of luxury and magic. Staircases spiral upwards, seemingly defying gravity, leading to spacious chambers. The walls are adorned with intricate murals depicting mythical creatures, epic battles, and enchanting landscapes, all from stories I read in my previous life.
But my favorite room, aside from the throne room, is the library. The library has shelves that stretch to the ceiling and are lined with thousands of books. While it is still pretty empty, considering its size, I plan to fill every shelf in a few years.
In the dining room was a dining table that stretched across the room's length. Crafted from rich, polished wood, it gleams under the soft glow of chandeliers suspended above.
And finally, the throne room, a regal chamber that emanates power. The throne, positioned at the center of the room on an elevated dais, commanded attention. Crafted from the finest materials, it is a masterpiece with intricate carvings and embellishments.
The dwarven and ant shadows worked well together, making everything look luxurious.
I sat down on the throne and started thinking.
I should probably spread information about me becoming a demon lord and the castle that appeared.
If they think the new demon lord is weak, they would instantly organize an army of soldiers to remove me before I become a significant threat. A few rumors here and there, and it should gather the attention of people.
Maybe I should name a few of my shadows now. Unlike gaining skills naming someone won't permanently decrease my magical capacity, but it will take a few weeks, if not months, to regain them. But if the namer names someone too strong or names too many people without a long enough recovery time, there is a high chance that the energy expended in the naming process will never fully recover.
After I become a True Demon Lord, my magical capacity and magical regeneration speed should increase so I would be able to name more of them at once.
Oh, Mom's here, "To make something like this in only three months is quite impressive," She said, looking around the throne room, "But I like the style of the outside more."
I nodded in agreement, "My shadows did a good job."
"It's a good area also if you decide to make a kingdom," She said while I started leading us toward my office.
"I was thinking the same thing, but besides my shadows, I don't think I will have anyone here," I said while we walked through the hallway and saw a few shadows still working on the interior, "I also plan to make the castle be able to fly around in the future."
Mom observed them as we walked passed them, "How many of them do you have?" She asked.
I thought for a moment before answering, "Around eight thousand."
That number is mostly due to Veldora and his magicules that spawn the monsters for me. Otherwise, I wouldn't even have a thousand of them by now.
"Quite the interesting ability. Maybe the only trait of a vampire you got was the shadow-related abilities." She mussed as we arrived in the office and sat down.
"I haven't seen Vampires have the ability to make living shadows," I said with a chuckle.
"That's true," She nodded but then looked unsure, "But wouldn't creating a castle like this bring too much attention?" She asked.
"Ah, yes, that was my intention," I answered, "I wanted to use it to make a name for myself, a Demon Lord living in a floating castle." Plus, if everything goes to plan, I will awaken as a True Demon Lord soon.
She sighed, "Of course, you would do something like this. Everything was so much easier when you were still a small kid."
"Kids grow up..." I chuckled as she grew more and more annoyed, "And then they become Demon Lords."
She gave me a glare but didn't say anything. It was also when El, who I brought to the castle, brought tea for us.
"You should remember you are still one of the weakest Demon Lords, so don't cause too much trouble," She said and took a sip of the tea, "And even if Guy is interested in you, don't try to make a big mess."
"Don't worry, I will keep the trouble to a minimum," I laughed before taking a sip of the tea. El always makes good tea, so I'm glad she will be staying here in the castle, "And I wouldn't say I'm the weakest."
After our small chat, Mom left due to having more work to do, leaving me with time to think of ways of informing people in the continent about the castle.
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Author's Note:
Thank you for reading this chapter.
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