Four days of riding brought Uther and his escort to the gates of Soldrath, the capital of the Central Dominion.
It was a city like no other — white stone walls that soared into the clouds, adorned with gold-threaded banners. Airships hovered above the spires, and magic-infused lanterns lined every street. At its center rose the Verdant Spire, the heart of imperial power, crowned with the Throne of Unity.
Uther rode in silence at the front, with Mara, Borin, and Elena following closely behind. All three wore travel gear modified with Hollow's Edge's sigil, their presence not just symbolic — but strategic.
> [System Notice: You have entered Soldrath – Capital of the Central Dominion]
Global Visibility Increased
Faction Tracking: High
Notable Status: "Hero of the Borderlands" Recognized
Caution: Diplomatic Hostility Hidden (3 Sources)
The crowd watched as they passed — nobles whispered, commoners stared, and soldiers saluted. Word of the cult's defeat had outpaced them.
Some saw heroes.
Others saw threats.
---
The Verdant Spire's entrance was guarded by knights in layered armor of jade and obsidian. The commander from before bowed as Uther approached.
"You are expected."
The doors opened, revealing polished marble floors and vaulted ceilings that sang with enchanted resonance. It wasn't just a palace. It was a declaration — of magic, power, and history.
At the far end stood a raised dais, upon which sat Emperor Kael of the Dominion.
He was not as young as Uther expected — perhaps in his fifties — but his bearing radiated control. Clad in dark silver robes laced with crimson, and wearing no crown, only a subtle circlet of rune-etched steel.
To his sides were ministers, generals, and robed scholars — all watching Uther with a mixture of curiosity and caution.
---
Uther knelt. Not fully — just enough to show respect, not submission.
"Sire," he said calmly.
Kael motioned him to rise.
"You have shaken the bones of old powers," the Emperor said. "From the ashes of cursed land, you raised a village. You broke a cult that eluded our grasp for decades. And you have done so wielding a System none of my mages understand."
Uther stood tall. "Because I didn't wait for permission. Or coin. Just the will to protect what others had forsaken."
A few nobles flinched. The Emperor smiled thinly.
"Well spoken. Perhaps too well."
---
A court mage stepped forward. "We believe Hollow's Edge rests upon a dormant Core Nexus. That power must be studied."
Uther's eyes didn't leave the Emperor. "It will not be claimed. Not by scholars, not by crowns. If you wish to understand it, come as guests — not conquerors."
Murmurs spread. One noble scoffed. "He thinks himself king of mud and ash."
Before anyone could speak further, the Emperor raised a hand.
"You've defied our expectations, Uther of the Edge. And that has earned you this."
He gestured to an attendant, who stepped forward with a velvet box.
Inside was a medal carved of Voidsteel and Lightglass, bearing the symbol of the empire entwined with Uther's tree.
> [System Notice: "Medal of Dominion – Hero's Crest" Acquired]
Effect: Influence +20 with Imperial Citizens
Unlock: Access to Capital Trade, Military, and Research Guilds
Prestige Title: "Hero of the Fringe" Granted
Kael continued: "You are offered this honor — and a boon of your choosing. Land, title, coin, or alliance. Choose wisely."
Uther exchanged glances with his companions. Borin looked ready to speak. Mara tensed. Elena's eyes flicked toward the scholars — watching too closely.
But Uther stepped forward.
"My choice," he said slowly, "is recognition of Hollow's Edge as an independent protectorate under no noble's thumb. Freedom to trade, grow, defend — and shape its own future."
Silence.
Then the Emperor laughed — short, sharp.
"Bold. Dangerous. And... deserved."
He turned to his ministers. "So be it. Let this be carved into law. Hollow's Edge stands. Autonomous. Answerable only to the Crown — and to history."
---
Later, in a private chamber, Kael dismissed his advisors and looked Uther in the eye.
"There are factions within this palace who fear you. Others who want to use you. The cult you destroyed is not the only snake beneath our soil."
Uther nodded. "Then let them come. I didn't survive to become someone's pawn."
The Emperor's gaze sharpened. "Then don't act like one. Be the flame that warns them all."
---
As Uther and his companions departed the palace, the city buzzed louder than before.
Not because of fear.
But because a new force had been acknowledged — not from noble blood or academy halls, but from battle-scarred ground and iron will.
And the world would not forget the day the Emperor bowed, ever so slightly, to a man from Hollow's Edge.