Dubstheduke

In Paramesia, Magical powers came into the world of an unknown origin over a thousand years ago. Humans live in underground cities to avoid the dangerous magic using monsters on the surface. In pursuit of power and land, the empire performed experiments to develop their own magical abilities, however when one of the test subjects escapes, he joins a resistance force and poses a threat to take over the world.

Note to anyone considering reading this book: Unfortunately, I the author was unable to finish writing this book, so if you do read it- do not expect a finished story. You have been warned.

Mercenary

"Surely you jest, Lord Dubs. It would be unthinkable for one to even dream of creating an empire without a plan..."


Dubs smiled and laughed. "Heh heh.. just watch."


"Well then, I will attend to the cooking. If you'll excuse me.", Sylvester stated before bowing and leaving to cook.


"Do not worry so much, Arctus. I may not have some grand scheme plotted to each and every detail, but my instincts are good. I won't lead this empire to ruin, especially not before we even establish ourselves."


Arctus reaffirmed himself and bowed. "As you say, Lord Dubs! I will go and assist Sylvester."


Arctus left, and Dubs headed to the exit.


"I had better gather some others before holding a meeting at the dinner table...", Dubs thought.


"Reagan, do you have any of those goggles that I used to enter here before?!", Dubs shouted across the room.


"Yes, Ill retrieve them!", she replied, quickly descending and ascending from the lab with 2 pairs of goggles.


"It looks like I can only invite 2 guests to the meeting who cannot use magic. Well, I know who to invite.", Dubs decided.


Dubs turned to Reagan once more. "Are the traps to the entrance turned off?"


"Tch! No fun...", Reagan said bitterly as she waved her hand and a magic string spread out at the speed of light in many directions, like a flash of electricity connecting to each of the traps in the yard. 


"Thank you, Dear.", Dubs said as he left.


Dubs flew up by propelling his body using some air magic, and took a look around the area. 


It was dark out at this point, so all he could see was the dark outline of the swamp in the distance, and a single light a bit far away in a dryer patch.


Dubs flew over to the light. "There are no settlements in immidiate range of Reagan's manor, therefore this must be the new dwarven settlement. 


Upon arrival, he found a newly dug cave, and a shack for storage that had been built in a single day.


Reginald was standing guard at the entrance to the cave, and flashed his lantern on Dubs when he heard the approach. 


(Dubs had not bothered to silence his movements)


"This is the property of Lord Dubs, ruler of the newfound empire! Identify yourself!"


Dubs laughed. "Advertising already, are we Reginald?"


Reginald realised Dubs voice, and saw his figure as Dubs walked closer.


"Lord Dubs! What brings you to the mine so soon? As you can see, the dwarves found a suitable plot of land for mining, and have already started construction of storage facilities and digging in the mine.", Reginald reported.


"Thank you for the report. I have come to invite you and two others to a meeting so that we may discuss further the plans of my empire. You do have time, right?"


Reginald kneeled. "Anything for my lord!"


"Gather Drocar and Drocai. Meet me at the manor in 15 minutes. Here," Dubs threw over the pairs of goggles. "Tell the dwarves to wear these as they enter the manor. Without them they will be unable to enter."


"And one more thing... have you noticed any suspicious activity around here?" 


Reginald came uo close to whisper to Dubs.


"To be honest, yes, I have. There seemed to be an unidentified scout sneaking around this area recently. I would highly suggest that we increase the defenses of this mine, before the surfacers take action against our intrusion on what they consider to be their land."


Chapter 53- Gathering for the Meeting