Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

The highest authority in Afonas is called the "Supreme Military Joint Council".

This appears to be a united command center, but in reality, there are undercurrents surging within.

Many councilors held significant military power, especially those highly decorated barbarian generals and veteran ice demon elders.

They are all secretly coveting the supreme command throne of Grand Duke Zariel.

On the one hand, they strive to accumulate military merits on the battlefield and expand their influence.

On the other hand, like vultures, they keep a close eye on Zariel's every decision, waiting for him to make even the slightest fatal mistake, hoping to find an opportunity to take his place.

After all, Zariel had also used this method to defeat his predecessor and successfully take over.

Moreover, the steel devils from the second-tier domain, Dis, are Afonas's most important logistics and arms suppliers.

They are by no means docile partners.

These shrewd businessmen and industrial giants are using the resources they control to exert influence behind the scenes.

Through bribery, lobbying, and intelligence manipulation, they attempt to gain greater influence within this massive war machine, even to sway the course of the war, in order to secure greater political and economic benefits.

Surrounded by powerful enemies, and rife with internal power struggles.

This is the true predicament faced by Grand Duke Zariel, and the complex situation that Cohen and Grace must carefully navigate on this trip.

……

Passengers entering Afonas from the luxury ferry terminal naturally do not have to go through a series of cumbersome checks.

After disembarking, Cohen stood on the dock, squinting slightly as he adjusted to the unique dark red light of Afona.

His gaze swept over the desolate and lifeless scene before him, and then he took out a military map meticulously drawn by Mammon's intelligence personnel.

The map is made of some kind of treated demon leather, with detailed terrain and military outposts marked on it in phosphorescent ink.

He carefully discerned the direction, then pointed to the vast, faintly visible shadow in the distance that seemed to blend into the blood-red sky, and said in a deep voice:
“The capital and supreme command center of Afonas is located in the Bronze Fortress, and Grand Duke Zariel’s headquarters should also be there.”

If we want to see him, we have to cross most of the layer, which is quite a journey.

The fastest and safest way is by taking the 'Messenger Airship'.

However, this is a magical vehicle specially customized for high-ranking envoys and VIPs, and it can only be rented and used with a special military order issued by the legion's high command.

"Do you think you should find a larger military camp first and reveal your identity?"

Thinking that this could be considered a kind of meeting the parents, Cohen's expression became slightly strange.

Grace, however, seemed completely unconcerned with such complicated thoughts. After listening to Cohen's words, she replied almost without hesitation:

"There's no need for that. I've been maintaining regular correspondence with Grand Duke Zariel."

Every letter he sent bore his personal seal, signifying his identity.

With this stamp, we can directly rent the 'Messenger Airship' at the military airport ahead.

No complicated military approval process is required.

Hearing Grace's affirmative answer, Cohen breathed a sigh of relief, a look of relief appearing on his face, and said in a low voice:
"Now that we have this relationship, things will be much easier."

Cohen's gaze then shifted to the figures hurrying around him, most of them dressed in standard military uniforms, and his brow furrowed slightly again:
"However, before we go to rent the airship, we probably need to solve a small problem first."

Aphonas is unlike any other realm in the Nine Hells. Here, the common currency is neither soul crystal cards nor any precious metals from the outside world.

Instead, it is a special currency issued internally by the Demon Legion—'Soul Rift Coin'.

Without this kind of money, we probably couldn't even afford the basic cost of leasing an airship.

The name "Soul Rift Coin" directly reflects Afonas's purely military nature.

The minting process of this currency was extremely unique; it did not originate from mineral deposits, but was born on the front lines of bloody battles.

It was Aphrodite's demon legion that, in their brutal battles with the Abyss Demon Tribe, obtained the corpses of powerful demons by slaying them.

Then it was refined and tempered through the Legion's special alchemical process and soul forging technology.

Behind each Soul Rift Coin lies a destroyed demon and its torn and imprisoned soul fragments.

It was approved and issued by the Supreme Military Joint Conference, the highest command body of the Demon Legion.

It was not only the only legal tender circulating within the tiered system, but also a hard currency symbolizing military achievements and glory.

Holding Soul Rift Coins is itself a testament to status and power.

Cohen and Grace were discussing their next course of action in hushed tones.

Consider whether you should first find an underground black market to exchange some Soul Rift Coins for a rainy day.

Suddenly, two extremely cold and powerful auras approached from afar, pressing directly towards their location.

Cohen and Grace sensed something almost simultaneously, immediately stopped talking, and looked up.

Two tall figures, each over three meters tall and entirely ice-blue, were seen walking steadily and silently through the sparse crowd on the dock toward them.

His sharply defined face was expressionless, except for the eerie blue soul flames flickering in his eye sockets, which emanated a chilling aura.

It was none other than the Ice Demon, a kinsman of Grand Duke Zariel!
Their target was clear: Cohen and Grace.

Two towering ice demons, exuding an aura of bone-chilling cold, stopped five steps away from Cohen and Grace.

Their movements were synchronized and uniform, without the slightest hesitation.

Then, both of them bowed slightly in Grace's direction, performing a simple yet respectful gesture.

Then one of the ice demons raised its head and said respectfully:
"Excuse me, are you Princess Grace?"

Address her directly as "Your Highness" instead of "Eldest Princess".

A flash of understanding crossed Cohen's eyes, and Grace clearly understood as well. Her gaze sharpened slightly, but her face remained impassive.

He simply countered with a calm tone:
"How do you know my name?"

The Ice Demon's expression became even more respectful, and he lowered his head slightly as he replied:

"The Grand Duke has been waiting for you for a long time, Your Highness. Please come with us to the Bronze Fortress!"

As it spoke, it turned to the side and pointed to a sleek "messenger airship" that was moored in a designated berth not far away, radiating a faint magical aura.

Cohen and Grace quickly exchanged a glance, both seeing the same understanding and solemnity in each other's eyes.

Grand Duke Zariel's control over the land of Afonas has clearly reached an unbelievable level.

The two of them had barely set foot on this land, and before they even had a chance to make any obvious moves, their whereabouts were already accurately tracked by the other side.

He immediately sent his trusted confidants to greet them.

The intelligence network and governance efficiency behind this made both of them more vigilant.

Grace turned to Cohen, seeking his final opinion.

Cohen stared at her silently for a moment, then slowly nodded, indicating that she could accept the arrangement.

After receiving Cohen's confirmation, Grace turned to the two ice demons and replied in a calm and authoritative tone:

"it is good."

However, just as Cohen subconsciously took a step forward, preparing to follow Grace,

The ice demon that had just spoken suddenly took a step to the side, using its massive body to block Cohen's path.

His gaze remained respectfully fixed on Grace, but his words were addressed to Cohen.

Although the tone was polite, it carried an uncompromising firmness:

“Your Highness, the Grand Duke has given clear instructions that he will only meet with you this time.”

Its words clearly indicate that Cohen was excluded from this crucial meeting.

Grace's face darkened instantly upon hearing the Ice Demon's unequivocal words.

A chilling glint flashed in her previously calm, beautiful eyes. Though her voice remained restrained, anyone could detect a suppressed anger within it.

“He is my husband. If he can’t go with me, then I won’t go either.”

Faced with Grace's almost ultimatum, the ice demon's expression remained unchanged, as if frozen solid, and its voice remained steady:

“Your Highness, please don’t make things difficult for us. This is an order personally given by His Excellency the Grand Duke. We are just following orders.”

Grace's eyes narrowed slightly, the coldness in them almost solidifying as she stared at the Ice Demon and asked, word by word:

"Does the Grand Duke know that my husband came with me?"

The Ice Demon nodded without hesitation:
"Yes, His Highness, when you appeared in Dis, His Excellency the Grand Duke already knew of your existence and that of the gentleman beside you."

The Grand Duke also knows that His Highness has reached an exorbitant deal with Reynolds.

Cohen felt a chill run down his spine. As expected of the Demon Grand Duke who guards the gates of the Nine Hells, the infiltration and control capabilities of this intelligence network are truly terrifying, reaching a point where it is virtually omnipresent.

Grace's expression changed several times in that instant, her brows furrowed tightly, and a hint of confusion and deep doubt flashed in her eyes.

Since her great-grandfather, Grand Duke Zariel, already knew of Cohen's existence and was even fully aware of their actions.

Why, then, at the very last moment of this meeting, was Cohen so explicitly excluded?

Could it be because his human identity is disliked?
This devilish grand duke, known for his iron-fisted rule and adherence to tradition, ultimately could not accept that his great-granddaughter was marrying a "lower" human.

Even in formal meetings, they are unwilling to give the other party basic recognition and courtesy?

This speculation made Grace's heart sink. If it were true, then the prospects for this meeting would probably be more complicated and difficult than she had anticipated.

Grace took a deep breath, her gaze piercing like icicles as she looked at the two ice demons blocking her path, and said, word by word:

“Go back and tell the Grand Duke.”

If you acknowledge my status as a princess in Aphrodite, then he will be your prince consort in Aphrodite.

He must be treated the same way I am! The scene fell into a suffocating stalemate.

The two ice demons still stood like statues, but the soul fire flickering in their eye sockets flickered slightly, as if they were silently receiving some kind of command from afar.

A moment later, the ice crystals on the face of the ice demon that had spoken earlier seemed to loosen almost imperceptibly.

It bowed again and spoke in a slightly gentler tone:
"Your Highness has misunderstood. The Grand Duke did not mean to deny this gentleman's identity."

However, according to the ancient traditions of the Layered Realm, to become Afonas's son-in-law, one must first prove one's abilities.

Upon hearing the words "proof of ability," Grace's lips suddenly curled into a breathtaking smile.

Her smile was breathtakingly beautiful, yet utterly devoid of warmth; her voice carried an almost mocking undertone.

"Prove your ability?"

"Ridiculous! He is my man! My eyes are proof!"

This time, the Ice Demon's gaze did not fall on Grace, but instead turned to Cohen, who had been standing silently to the side.

The ghostly blue soul flames burned calmly in his eye sockets, as if scrutinizing the human man whom the princess had so carefully protected.

After a brief pause, the Ice Demon spoke to Cohen:

"Sir, the Grand Duke asked me to pass on a message to you."

Cohen narrowed his eyes slightly and said calmly:
“I feel extremely honored that a demon grand duke of saintly caliber personally conveyed a message to me, a mere mortal.”

Please speak.

The Ice Demon said slowly:

"The Grand Duke was a soldier by birth, and he only recognized the achievements and strength he earned on the battlefield."

You may win the princess's heart and approval, but in the Nine Hells Plane, in the land of Afonas that only believes in power and blood, before the Grand Duke, everything must start anew.

If you wish to gain the Grand Duke's true approval, if you wish for Her Highness the Princess to receive Afonas's full support.

Prove your worth through your actions.

The Grand Duke also said that if you are unwilling to accept this approach, he will not force you.

"Her Highness is ultimately his bloodline. Even if she fails in the struggle for the throne, Afonas will ensure she has a safe escape route."

The subtext of this statement is crystal clear.

Grand Duke Zariel gave Cohen a choice: either earn respect and an alliance through his strength, or accept Grace as a junior in need of protection, rather than an equal partner.

Cohen himself would naturally be permanently excluded from the inner circle.

Cohen raised his hand and made a gentle gesture to stop Grace from speaking, then calmly asked:

“Tell the Duke that I really like the rules here.”

Letting results speak for themselves is more effective than any empty pleasantries.

So how do I need to prove it?

The ice demon seemed to feel a subtle, almost imperceptible, approval of Cohen's directness and composure.

The icy head turned slightly towards the other, silent ice demon beside it, and then spoke in a deep, serious voice:

“My name is Gar, and this is Lavas.”

We are all eighth-tier ice demons, and each of us leads an elite squad of fifty people.

The squad members are all barbed demons and bone demons of Silver rank or above, and are experienced veterans in the legion.

From this moment forward, the two of us, along with the hundred soldiers under our command, will all be under your command.

Your mission is to lead us to obtain at least one 'Bloodbath Badge' within ten days!

Upon hearing the Ice Demon's request, Cohen's eyes flickered slightly, and detailed information about the Afonas military merit system flashed through his mind.

He had already learned all this information through various channels before he decided to come to the Nine Prisons.

In Avernus, a realm where war is the only law, military merit is the yardstick for measuring all value.

Avonus has five classes of military medals, with the "Blood Medal" being the third class.

The lowest tier is called "Merit Bone Fragment". You can obtain one Merit Bone Fragment by killing more than ten enemies of the same tier.

This is the starting point for accumulating military merits and the most basic proof of personal bravery.

The next level up is the "Hunter Vanguard" title, which is no longer just about individual bravery, but begins to test command abilities.

The commander is required to lead a well-organized army to defeat a roughly equal enemy force in a direct confrontation.

This title can only be earned by successfully capturing a small strategic stronghold, such as an outpost or supply depot.

This means that the commander has already acquired a certain level of tactical execution capability.

As for the "Bloodbath Badge" that Zariel requested, it is located at the third level, and its difficulty of obtaining it has increased dramatically.

It requires commanders to lead their troops to defeat an enemy force that outnumbers them by at least twice as many as their own.

Furthermore, it is also necessary to capture a medium-sized stronghold, such as a well-equipped fortress or an important resource point.

This not only tests the commander's tactical skills, but also requires him to have excellent battlefield insight, resource allocation ability, and leadership to boost morale when at a disadvantage.

Commanders who can obtain the "Blood Battle Badge" can be regarded as the backbone of the legion and are being groomed. Currently, many mid- to high-ranking officers in the legion have obtained the "Blood Battle Badge".

However, above that, there is an even more demanding fourth-tier medal, the "Abyss Essence".

The conditions for obtaining this medal have gone beyond the scope of conventional warfare; it requires the recipient to be able to obtain it without the assistance of any legendary-level superhumans.

Hunt down a powerful, mature demon of legendary rank, either alone or leading a small team, such as the cunning Temptress or the ferocious Fromon.

Mature Temptresses and Fromon are among the best in the Abyss, possessing individual strength comparable to legendary powerhouses.

They often command large numbers of low-level demons, making it incredibly difficult to hunt them down amidst a vast army.

This is why, since the establishment of Afonas's military merit system...

Very few cases have resulted in obtaining the "Abyssal Essence" medal, and most of those who succeeded did so by taking advantage of the target demon's actions for some reason.

For example, being injured in battle with other powerful beings, or being in a weakened state.

There are virtually no examples of people succeeding by sheer luck, and of those who actually hunted down a legendary demon in his prime in a fair duel.

Finally, at the very top of the imposing pyramid of military achievements hangs a medal that has never been removed, symbolizing the highest honor—the "Hellfire Star."

This medal is less of a reward and more of an almost impossible legend.

Its acquisition conditions are both desperately simple and suffocatingly demanding:
Command your army to utterly destroy or capture an entire demon tribe!

Beneath the endless abyss, even the smallest demon tribe possesses terrifying power.

Those that can be called tribes are usually ruled by at least three legendary-rank demon lords or chieftains.

Below them are more than ten demon overseers with strength reaching the ninth rank, serving as the backbone of the tribe's fighting force.

The tribe's basic fighting force consists of hundreds of elite silver-rank demon warriors, not including thousands of low-rank demon cannon fodder.

To confront such a complete war cluster on the Abyss's home turf, one would have to mobilize Aphonas's main legion and launch a massive expedition.

Otherwise, any small-scale military action would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock.

This is why, since the establishment of Afonas's merit-based military system...

This "Hellfire" medal has remained untouched by anyone; it is like a cold star hanging in a blood-red sky, desirable but unattainable.

After a brief moment of thought, Cohen raised his eyes, refocusing his gaze on the face of the Ice Demon Gal, and said softly:
"The Bloodbath Badge?"

A third-class medal; it seems the Grand Duke didn't intend to present me with an impossible challenge from the start.

He then paused slightly before asking a crucial question:

"What would Grace and I get if I could obtain a 'Blood War Medal'?"

The Ice Demon said calmly:

"When the time is right, the Grand Guild will send its most elite troops to support Her Highness's cause."

This promise may seem simple, but it carries immense weight.

Grand Duke Zariel's elite troops represent the pinnacle of Afonas's fighting strength.

Their support means that, at crucial moments, Grace will gain a powerful force capable of turning the tide of the battle.

Cohen's gaze did not waver from the Ice Demon's answer. After a moment, he asked a question that seemed to freeze the air:

"What if... I could obtain the 'Abyssal Essence'?"

Upon hearing Cohen's question, the Ice Demon's usually emotionless, icy-blue face underwent a drastic and clearly visible change for the first time.

Its gaze was fixed on Cohen's face, as if it wanted to re-examine this arrogant human.

The Ice Demon was stunned for a moment, then seemed to receive some instruction.

His tone was no longer businesslike, but carried an indescribable meaning as he looked at Cohen:

"Sir, you're really quite arrogant. Do you really know what it means to hunt down a legendary-level demon on the battlefield of hell?"

That means directly destroying a mobile scourge, a terrifying entity with the power to destroy legions!
"I need to consult with the Grand Duke before I can answer your question."

Cohen said calmly:

"Please convey to His Highness the Duke that if I can do it, I hope to have the full support of the entire Afonas."

The Ice Demon bowed slightly and said:
"Then please wait here for a moment, sir. After we escort Her Highness the princess back, we will come to report back to you with our respective soldiers."

"Okay." (End of Chapter)