Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 390 One championship and one runner-up finish, all in the hands of one person!
With the lesson learned from the defeat of Lucien Murphy, the "Northern Warrior" and a top contender of the Central Empire, by the "Mirror Maze," they had a clear advantage.

How could the entire Southern Empire not make preparations?

Woolf's grandfather, Prime Minister Winston Smith, had already conducted a thorough analysis of every opponent Woolf might face after the quarterfinals.

This includes Freya and the fourth-tier mechanism she possesses.

Winston directly recruited someone from the Middle Kingdom who knew how to set up "Mirror Mazes" and gave Woolf special training.

In fact, the mirrored maze had no effect on Woolf.

On the arena, Woolf did not rush to break through the maze's boundaries, nor did she attempt to violently destroy the ever-changing light corridors.

Instead, after she staggered to her feet, she blended herself into the mesmerizing corridor, as if trapped inside and unable to struggle.

Time passed by, and Woolf began to wander aimlessly through the maze.

The pace was no longer rapid, and even carried a deliberate slowness.

She no longer tried to force a leap in light and shadow, but instead turned back and forth in the corridor.

Sometimes I would stop to observe the changes in the refracted light and shadow, and sometimes I would accidentally bump into what looked like a wall due to a misperception.

Everything was like a lost soul completely trapped in a mirrored corridor.

Her body language conveyed a strong message—she was in disarray under the influence of the "mirror maze."

The ethereal and sharp spirit that belonged to the "walker of light and shadow" seemed to have disappeared from her, replaced by anxiety about being in trouble and helplessness in the face of adversity.

The sighs coming from the audience, coming from the Southern Empire, seemed to confirm her predicament.

However, no one could see the emotions revealed in her eyes.

Those eyes were as calm as two frozen stars.

Every seemingly lost turn of Woolf's was actually a covert attempt to pinpoint Freya's location.

She was precisely calculating in her mind the direction of her movement and the changes in distance from Freya's main body.

A clear trajectory has already been etched into her mind.

She intends to use the maze in reverse to find Freya's exact location and kill her in one fell swoop.

Woolf carefully sensed Freya's energy fluctuations—the kind of melodic fluctuations unique to mechanical sorcerers, generated by the resonance between mental power and mechanical runes.

Prime Minister Winston used special training methods to enhance Woolf's perception of this special fluctuation.

At this moment, Woolf was silently shortening the spatial distance between herself and Freya along an extremely concealed spiral trajectory.

Freya focused intently on controlling the mobilization of energy and the dispersion of the mirror image, seemingly completely immersed in the perspective of the controller.

They seemed oblivious to Woolf's various subtle actions.

It's now.

Woolf's eyes flashed with a resolute glint, and her hands clenched abruptly together.

A blinding beam of light, imbued with all her magic power, shot out like a spear, piercing straight towards the location she sensed Freya's true form.

Upon seeing this scene, the tense emotions of the people from the Southern Empire instantly eased, and they now understood Woolf's plan.

However, Prime Minister Winston, who had remained calm and composed, suddenly changed his expression and stood up in astonishment.

Langdon, the Temple Master of the Battle Temple, said slowly:

"Both are promising fighters, but this sorceress is clearly superior."

"Someone at the Bronze rank can control three Silver rank mechanisms, and even combine them together. Prime Minister Winston, your granddaughter's defeat is well-deserved."

Prime Minister Winston muttered:
"That's impossible. How could a Bronze-rank mechanical mage control three Silver-rank mechanisms at the same time?"

Prince Quentin said meaningfully:
"Yes, but it's a secret technique from the ancient times of gods and demons!"

The ancient era of gods and demons!

Winston's gaze immediately turned towards Effin's direction.

Just now, someone used a mental technique that only existed in the ancient times of gods and demons, and now another secret technique has appeared.

A look of dejection crossed Prime Minister Winston's face.

The battles on the ring remained incredibly tense and breathtaking.

Just as the beam of light fired by Woolf was about to tear Freya's body apart.

Suddenly, a black pyramid, no bigger than the palm of her hand and covered with star-ring-like patterns, appeared in Freya's hand.

hum!
Freya chanted a spell, and the black pyramid transformed into an incomparably deep, ever-rotating black vortex.

The beam of light crashed into the black vortex without causing any explosion, like a drop of water thrown into a bottomless abyss.

The immense magical power contained within was being absorbed by the black vortex at a visible speed.

At the same time, the black pyramid in front of Freya began to gradually fade in color.

As the beam of magic was decomposed and absorbed, extremely complex dark golden light paths gradually emerged on the surface of the pyramid.

These light paths spread rapidly and coalesced.

Soon, a dark golden energy barrier, which continued to accumulate rapidly with the beam of light, extended from behind the pyramid, completely enveloping Freya like a solid cocoon of light.

Woolf's fatal blow ironically became the source of her opponent's strongest shield!

Siphon Rune Trap, Tier 5 Mechanism.

By absorbing the enemy's magic power, it is transformed into an energy barrier, and the strength of the barrier gradually increases with the absorption of magic power.

"Combo attack?"

Three silver-tier mechanisms combined!

The entire arena erupted in cheers!

Soul power is the core of controlling advanced mechanisms.

However, soul power is the most difficult to improve, and can only be slowly increased through meditation and raising one's own level.

For a Bronze-ranked individual to simultaneously control three Silver-ranked mechanisms that require extremely high mental exertion is simply a fantasy.

The other party must have mastered some kind of lost ancient secret technique that can break through the bottleneck of the soul.

Freya didn't care what others thought. Woolf, who had unleashed his strongest attack, realized his mistake and was preparing to withdraw his magic and disappear into the light and shadow.

Freya, however, would not give her that chance.

It recklessly detonated the elemental annihilation array at maximum power.

This time, it was no longer a defensive stance. Instead, she unleashed the power of annihilation of the three elements—fire, water, and wind—to the limit of what she could control towards Woolf.

Three roaring, enraged energy dragons instantly tore through the labyrinth's illusory constraints and slammed into Woolf, who had finally revealed herself.

Woolf only had time to erect a fragile shadow shield in front of her.

Three different but equally destructive torrents of magic instantly engulfed her.

The shadow shield in front of Woolf was torn to shreds like paper.

His body trembled violently, and he was sent flying like a kite with a broken string.

Blood gushed from his mouth, slamming heavily against the edge of the arena's protective barrier. He slid slowly to the ground, completely losing consciousness.

Only a few wounds torn by annihilation energy remained on his body, emitting eerie smoke.

A deathly silence instantly enveloped the Imperial Arena.

Until the referee's slightly hoarse voice rang out:

"The victor is Freya of the Kingdom of Ceylon."

For the first time in its history, the two finalists of the Noble Martial Arts Festival both came from outside the five great empires.

Although many people secretly speculated about this possibility when Freya and Nephthys made it to the semifinals.

But when it actually happens right before your eyes, it still gives you a sense of absurdity and strangeness.

On the arena, Freya stood swaying, her face deathly pale, a trace of dark red spilling from the corner of her lips.

The continuous release and control of the triple silver-tier mechanisms, coupled with the uninterrupted spellcasting beforehand, had already pushed her magic and soul power to the brink of exhaustion.

But... it was all worth it, she won!

Coincidentally, just like after Nephthys defeated Thorin, Freya also looked in Cohen's direction, a charming smile curving her lips.

The air seemed to freeze in the top tier of the VIP seating area.

Prince Xia Zuo's knuckles, resting on the armrest of his chair, turned bluish-white from the sudden tension.

Without a doubt, in the Bronze Group competition, he, along with the Eastern Empire behind him and the five great empires, all lost to one person!
The first favor of the gods will fall upon one of the two women Cohen has carefully nurtured.

This is definitely bad news for Shazo, who is in a state of sharp hostility with Cohen.

Deeper in the shadows, Heisenberg Wertheimer, the First Lord of the House of Nobles of the Central Empire, remained as silent as a mountain.

A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he turned his gaze to the shadowy area around Effie.

He seemed to see, beneath that shadow, an invisible hand tearing apart the ironclad rules that had been established on the continent for millennia, like rotten wood.

And there is a high probability that you will become the sacrifice that the other side uses to tear apart the order!

Countless gazes passed over the Ceylon princess, who stood tall and walked step by step toward King Alfiein on the stage.

His gaze swept over Nephthys, who was already seated beside King Efein—the mind warlock who had utterly crushed the Empire's pride, the "Dragonfire Warrior," yesterday with a single "Void Exile."

Cohen slowly stood up to greet Freya's arrival.

The figure that stood up was like a monument that suddenly rose from the darkness, its shadow piercing through the entire arena and pressing down on the hearts of all those with a heart for it.

The two girls' extraordinary power clearly originated from the same unfathomable source.

One championship and one runner-up finish, both in the hands of one man – Cohen Corleone!

This is the King of Efein, the Lord of Shadows, the Son of Prophecy!

On the empire's most glorious arena, on the continent's most prestigious stage, the most dazzling crown and brilliance of the Bronze Division were all seized by one person.

This was not merely a few simple victories in combat; it was Cohen Corleone trampling on the faces of the five great empires and the established order of the Old World, declaring to the entire continent the power he possessed that defied all reason and norms.

If he wants to, he can do it!

He's already completed the Bronze group, but what about the Silver, Gold, and Legendary groups?
Although it seems unbelievable, many people with a keen eye have begun to seriously consider this possibility.

……

The finals began on the second day, before the aftermath of the battle had even subsided.

At noon, the giant sun-shaped magic circle in the Imperial Arena blazed with magnificent light. Beneath the dome, the first champion of the Noble Martial Arts Festival, the "Strongest Bronze" blessed by the gods, would be revealed today.

However, compared to the two thrilling semi-final battles where divine and demonic skills were first revealed and the power far exceeded that of bronze-level combat, the final battles were far more intense.

The final battle then became much calmer.

As the final bell rang, Freya and Nephthys stood facing each other.

Their match lacked the intense and fierce competition of the semi-finals or even the quarter-finals.

Mental shock, elemental traps...

The back-and-forth spells exchanged between the two were like a meticulously choreographed performance.

On the final stage, there was no fierce attack, no desperate burst of energy, and no reversal, calculation, or comeback.

After a mere ten minutes of seemingly routine spellcasting by two exceptionally beautiful young sorceresses...

Nefertis calmly made a stop gesture, bowed slightly to the referee, and her cool voice remained completely calm:
"I surrender."

Deathly silence descended upon the arena once more.

Then came an even louder buzz of discussion.

Many spectators in the viewing area looked puzzled and bewildered, but some others had a thoughtful look in their eyes.

This was undoubtedly the most uneventful and relaxed final match since the establishment of the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

Countless viewers who had spent a fortune hoping to see a clash of titans felt an absurd sense of disappointment.

"That's... all?"

Why did Nephthys just admit defeat?

"There was no fight at all!"

Unlike the ordinary people and nobles who were discussing the game in the spectator area.

Among the VIPs and the delegations from some important kingdoms, those who truly held power and were influential figures who could sway the situation on the continent showed no surprise whatsoever.

On each face, weathered by countless storms, the expressions varied, yet each held a tacit understanding.

All eyes were on Freya on the arena, who was being guided by the master of ceremonies and walking steadily toward the highest podium.

She accepted the "Strongest Bronze" trophy, which shimmered with starlight, with both hands, and then raised it high.

This "Strongest Bronze" trophy symbolizes invincibility among its peers and carries the aura of "divine favor".

It is the supreme scepter that King Cohen Corleone of Efein personally forged for the future Queen of Ceylon.

The impact of this scene is far more profound than the outcome of a single match—

On the southeastern coast of the Kingdom of Ceylon, in a border town tightly controlled by the Quessane Ironclad Guard, the "Mirror of the Sky" within the city had long been destroyed.

Although King Gaius, for various reasons, did not prohibit the people of Ceylon from watching the broadcast of the Noble Martial Arts Festival through the "Mirror of the Sky".

But there are always some fools below who like to "guess the emperor's intentions" and think they're so clever.

Just as the rebellious fake princess was about to obtain the "Strongest Bronze," the town's mayor, in an attempt to curry favor, sent men to destroy the "Mirror of the Sky."

He also issued a strict order forbidding anyone from discussing any news related to the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

Just as King Gaius had worried, the Noble Martial Arts Festival was broadcast to the entire continent via magical communication base stations. Even without the "Mirror of the Sky," people could still receive the messages through the base stations.

In a dark, secret underground room of a tavern in town that is on the verge of closing down.

The lamp oil was murky, and the air was filled with the smell of cheap tobacco and a pungent, sour odor.

Inside, however, was packed with all sorts of people, gathered around a small screen, nervously watching the final match.

When Freya finally won, the entire basement erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

"Your Highness... has won!"
They defeated those monsters from the five great empires!

Hey, the strongest Bronze!

The speaker was an old soldier with gray hair and beard, his voice hoarse, his left eye covered by a dirty eye patch, and his only remaining right eye was wide open like a copper bell, with bloodshot veins.

Standing next to him was a priest in a white robe; judging by the pattern on his chest, he was a priest from the Earth Church.

"Mother Earth..."

The pastor's withered hands pressed tightly against the yellowish-brown emblem on his chest, and his dull eyes suddenly burst forth with a faint but fervent light.

His lips trembled:

"Glory to you!"
miracle!

Her Highness is the embodiment of the will of the gods on earth!
"The strongest bronze level—this is a blessing, a divine decree!"

The pastor stood up abruptly, lowering his voice, yet with an undeniable divine authority:
"Spread the word and tell everyone we can reach."

The true Ceylon tradition has returned!

With the authority of God!

Gaius... he usurped the throne that belonged to the princess!
He is a demon's henchman sent from hell to tear our land apart!

The veteran gulped down a mouthful of strong liquor, the cheap liquid causing him to cough violently, and his blindfold became damp.
"Cough...cough cough...okay!"

Tell those brothers hiding in the back mountains... it's time to make our move!

The Crown and Thorns Meeting!
This is a genuine group of people who were once loyal to the legitimate royal family of Ceylon.

The remaining forces after the bloody siege by Gaius's lineage.

They lay dormant for nearly a century, their hopes for revenge long since dwindling to the flickering flame of a candle.

However, they never expected that just when they were in despair, a princess would suddenly appear, raise the banner of restoring the kingdom, and advance triumphantly all the way, and now she has even won the "strongest bronze" symbolizing the favor of the gods.

As for Freya's identity... they no longer care.

As long as they can lead them to take revenge on Gaius's lineage, the truth or falsehood doesn't matter.

Over a century of bloody sieges and blood feuds among brothers and family members have made these people's hatred for the Gaius lineage far exceed the hatred brought about by Gaius's ancestor's usurpation of power!
……

Central Ceylon, an economic and trade center, a river valley city-state.

The magnificent conference hall features a huge "Mirror of the Sky" that covers the entire wall, displaying every image with crystal clarity.

The moment Freya received the "Strongest Bronze" trophy was frozen in time.

The light from the screen illuminated faces that were either solemn, gloomy, or rapidly calculating.

At the round table, a young man dressed in an expensive velvet suit and adorned with jeweled rings flicked the ash from his cigar in annoyance and muttered:
"The Gaius lineage is indeed a bunch of useless people, and those people from the five great empires, always boasting about how great they are."

It's ridiculous to just stand by and watch a teenage girl win the strongest bronze medal.

The young man complained for a while, but when no one responded, he shook his head dejectedly.

Addressing the white-haired, white-bearded lord of the Valley City-State and the Speaker of the Central Seven Cities Alliance Council, Bill Houston spoke:
"Dad, what are we waiting for!"

The Gaius family's ship is about to sink, and that arrogant barbarian from the west will come to kill us sooner or later with his lovers.

I heard that his ferocious orcs don't eat grain, they only eat human flesh!
To be honest, Gaius is a gambler who's lost everything right now, and we can't afford to go down with him!

In a corner of the hall, a middle-aged man dressed in a low-key gray suit stood with a livid face, wanting to refute the Speaker's eldest son's outrageous remarks.

But he opened his mouth, and in the end, he didn't say anything.

Finally, we turned our attention to the elderly man at the front of the group.

Lord of the Valley City-State and Speaker of the Central Seven Cities Alliance Council, Bill Houston, finally looked away from the light screen and said with a faint smile:

"Her Highness's current demeanor is almost identical to that of Queen Adel Angelen of Effie ten years ago when she won the 'Strongest Silver' title and became the most beautiful woman on the continent."

"Adeline has been married for so many years now; it's time to change hands for the title of the most beautiful woman on the continent!"

Upon hearing what the Speaker of Houston said, the middle-aged man in the gray suit turned pale, feeling a chill suddenly rise from his tailbone to the top of his head.

The enormous light screen before my eyes seemed to blur for a moment.

He subconsciously straightened his slightly hunched back, trying to hide his inner unease.

The fact that the Speaker no longer refers to Freya as the "false princess" is a clear enough signal.

After a brief moment of reflection, Bill Houston looked gently at the middle-aged man in the gray suit:
“I told Mr. Earnshaw this when he came to the Vale from Quessaon to take up his post thirty years ago.”

The Speaker's ever-gentle, smiling eyes remained fixed on Earnshaw, even carrying a hint of tender reminiscence:

"Sir, you may leave the city-state at any time."

I'd like to know what your current choice is, sir?

Earl Shaw's Adam's apple bobbed laboriously, making a dry, grinding sound.

Enshaw was an inspector sent by the Ceylon royal family to the Central Seven Cities Alliance. His main duty was, of course, to act as the "eyes" and "claws" of the Gaius royal family.

King Gaius favored these seven incredibly wealthy city-states, which were crucial to the strategic lifeline of Ceylon.

However, thirty years is enough time to change many things.

Earnshaw didn't speak immediately, and Speaker Houston didn't seem to care.

I handed him a cup of black tea, pointed to the endless rose garden outside the window, and casually said:

“Mr. Earnshaw, look at the roses in this valley. Aren’t they more beautiful than those in Quesaon?”

Different soil and water produce different flowers.

Humans are the same, naturally.

You've lived in the city-state of Vale for thirty years; there's no longer a place for you in Quessarion.

Earnshaw's gaze became somewhat unfocused.

Looking out at the valley scenery, he recalled the first gift he received from the Speaker of the Houston Council when he first arrived in the Valley City-State thirty years ago.

A landscape painting of a river valley.

It is said to be an authentic work by Sigurvis, the top elf painter. There are only two such works in all of Ceylon, one of which hangs in King Gaius's study.

The painting depicts the ever-flowing Mother River, symbolizing the enduring prosperity of the River Valley Federation.

Later, the Speaker of the House took pity on him because he was far from his homeland and lacked time to educate his children.

He specially arranged for his only son to study at the most prestigious academy on the mainland, the Holy Radiance Academy of the Central Empire, with all expenses covered by the philanthropic Chamber of Commerce.

There's also a small, scenic vineyard estate on the outskirts of the valley, a permanent stake in the "Golden Valley" ferry, a spa villa in Crystal Valley, and several stunning A-list opera stars...

Earnshaw closed his eyes in anguish.

(End of this chapter)