Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Ironvein Fortress, in the northern border region of the Kingdom of Ceylon.

The first rays of dawn had just pierced through the thick clouds.

The cold light shone down on this war-torn, black city.

Outside the castle's massive, heavy gates, an endless expanse of dark figures stood silently.

All officers of battalion level and above in the Effie Expeditionary Force.

Whether they are veterans with gray hair or young, ambitious newcomers in the military.

At this moment, they all stood upright like statues.

All eyes, filled with awe, turned upwards to the temporary, towering platform for commanding troops, which stood tens of meters high, not far away.

The air was filled with a chilling, steely atmosphere.

suddenly!

A dragon's roar, filled with boundless majesty and violent power, tore through the sky!

Like a thunderclap from the heavens, it suddenly exploded from the sky!
Rumble, rumble—!
The vibrations made everyone's eardrums buzz.

Furthermore, a terrifying dragon's might, originating from the depths of the soul and causing people to tremble from the bone marrow, instantly swept across the entire military parade ground.

Some of the weaker officers even felt their legs go weak and almost knelt down!

Then, to everyone's utter astonishment...

A vivid crimson figure, as bright as burning blood, accompanied by towering air currents and sonic booms.

It crashed down onto the high platform with a loud thud.

"Boom--!"

A deep, muffled thud seemed to shake the entire Ironvein Fortress!
As the smoke and dust slowly dissipated, the true face of that figure was revealed.

A giant dragon!
A real, living dragon, radiating an aura of vastness!

Its body was as large as a small mountain, covered with scales that shimmered like rubies.

The enormous dragon wings spread out, casting a large shadow!
His vertical pupils, like molten gold, coldly swept over the crowd below, carrying an innate majesty that looked down upon all living beings.

What took everyone's breath away even more was that a figure stood atop the dragon's head.

A figure they knew and admired immensely!

The newcomer was wearing a scarlet cloak embroidered with golden dragon patterns.

Beneath the cloak was a set of dark red dragon scale light armor that fit her perfect figure.

A magnificent sword, exuding a chilling aura, hung at his waist.

His strikingly beautiful face was devoid of any superfluous expression, only displaying an icy coldness.

It was that person who led them all the way north from the southern border of Efein, sweeping across most of the Kingdom of Ceylon.

They are invincible in every attack and every battle.

The Red Dragon Duchess, Asuna Iliad, who created one military miracle after another!

On the entire parade ground, all the officers, regardless of rank, had a fervent light in their eyes that was almost frenzied, a mixture of awe and boundless worship.

Dragon!

It really is a dragon!
Their commander was standing atop the head of a real dragon—how majestic, how imposing, how awe-inspiring!

It's like an epic of heroes that has been passed down for tens of thousands of years!
Now, they have become part of the epic!

Asuna's gaze slowly swept over every flushed, excited face in the audience.

"Qiang——!"

A crisp, long metallic scraping sound rang out.

Asuna drew the sword from her waist, a symbol of power and destruction, its tip pointing straight south!
It points directly to Quesaon, the capital city that symbolizes the last glory and dignity of the Kingdom of Ceylon!

Her red lips parted slightly, and in a cold voice filled with boundless killing intent, she shouted sharply:
"The whole army obeys the order!"

"March!"

"Target--"

Her voice suddenly rose to a high pitch, resounding through the sky like a dragon's roar!

"Quesaon!"

boom--!
This command was like a thunderclap that struck the hearts of everyone.

The entire parade ground was first deathly silent, then erupted with a deafening roar, like a tsunami or a landslide.

It seemed as if it would shake the clouds in the sky apart.

All the officers and all the soldiers felt their blood boiling and burning at that moment.

They were in high spirits, their eyes fixed intently on the direction of Quesaon!

Today, they will continue to make history!
They will use their swords and blood to bring this magnificent war of annihilation to a perfect end!

They will completely conquer the capital of this continent's premier kingdom, which has stood for over a thousand years!
Quessaon!
Battle flags fluttering in the wind!

Swords and blades everywhere!
A final battle destined to be recorded in history has officially begun!
……

Quesaon, a once mighty city that dominated the northwestern continent and shone with a thousand years of glory.

The former glory and hustle and bustle have long since faded away.

Like a dying giant, it lies prostrate on the vast earth.

Central Avenue, which runs through the entire city, used to be bustling with traffic and people.

Caravans and travelers from all over the mainland thronged together.

At this moment, however, a suffocating, deathly silence descended.

Only the howling wind swept through, swirling up fallen leaves and trash, making a mournful sound.

It was as if a final elegy was being played for this dying, magnificent city.

Ten days earlier, news had arrived that Effie's army had breached Ironvein Fortress.

The entire Quessaon region has been placed under the strictest military control.

The city gates were tightly closed, and the curfew was brought forward.

The number of soldiers patrolling the streets has increased several times over.

They wore heavy armor and carried sharp weapons.

His face bore an expression that was a mixture of exhaustion, tension, and numbness.

Now it has come to this point.

Even those ordinary people living at the very bottom of society, with the most limited access to information.

They were already fully aware of what was happening in their country.

And what is about to happen.

However, compared to those nobles, landlords, and high-ranking officials who were already in a panic, like ants on a hot pan.

These ordinary civilians, on the contrary, appeared unusually calm.

It could even be described as "numbness".

They quietly hoarded their limited food and water, and secluded themselves in their simple homes.

Through the crack in the window, I cautiously observed the familiar yet unfamiliar city outside, a city about to undergo tremendous changes.

Their eyes held worry and confusion.

But more than anything, it was a calm that bordered on resignation.

Because in the past period of time.

Thanks to the pervasive and continuous covert propaganda and public opinion guidance of the "Crown Thorn Society" and the "Military Intelligence Bureau".

Most ordinary people have gradually come to understand and accept a fact.

That is, the war that is currently sweeping across the entire Kingdom of Ceylon.

Its essence is not an invasion by foreign enemies.

It was a just war, a war of punitive expedition against Gaius and his ilk, these "regicides and usurpers"!

It is that beautiful, powerful, and noble Princess Freya!
A revenge against Gaius for stealing her rightful throne!

This was a glorious war to restore our nation!

And what they are about to face.

He will be a great emperor who is favored by the gods, shines brightly at the All Nations Nobles Martial Arts Festival, wins the title of "Strongest Bronze", is praised as "the most beautiful woman on the continent", and has powerful allies such as the Central Empire, the Eastern Empire, the Western Empire, the Church of Prophecy and the Church of Light as his steadfast allies!

Such a radiant and universally acclaimed divinely ordained monarch!

Compared to King Gaius, who was a warmonger, tyrannical, and now in dire straits.

How should I choose?

Everyone has a clear scale in their heart.

This scale.

Through the daily comparison between propaganda and reality, the focus has already shifted towards the direction that represents hope and new life!

So they remained silent and waited.

Waiting for the moment when that heavy city gate will be pushed open from the outside.

We await the arrival of a new era!

……

The situation in Quessaon has deteriorated to such an extent.

Those high-ranking nobles and officials could not possibly be unaware of this.

In fact, it wasn't just the common people at the bottom of society; even many middle and upper-level officials and nobles who had originally been attached to Gaius's regime began to secretly seek their own way out.

Just like what happens at the end of every dynasty.

Those once respectable nobles and gentlemen were already like ants on a hot pan, frequently colluding and forming alliances in private.

Pairs of eyes hidden in the shadows gleamed with calculating light.

The intention was to overthrow the crumbling capital from within at the last moment.

They opened the city gates to "welcome the royal army," hoping to gain a foothold in the new dynasty.

In order to stop this escalating internal strife, King Gaius personally issued a stern order.

They mobilized the sons and scions of various noble and political figures to form the so-called "Loyal Emperor and Protector of the Nation Inspection Team".

Responsible for patrolling and monitoring during the citywide martial law period.

They called it "protecting the capital."

In reality, they are using the interests of these privileged children and their families to forcibly maintain this collapsing edifice.

now.

In the third block of Central Avenue.

A squad of soldiers, dressed in brand-new uniforms and wearing armbands that read "Loyal to the Emperor and Protect the Nation Patrol Team," were conducting their daily patrol with a slightly unhurried gait.

The leader was a middle-aged military officer with a serious expression.

His brows were furrowed, and his gaze swept across both sides of the street like that of a hawk.

It was as if they were searching for any suspicious sign.

He was able to serve as the patrol leader in the heart of Quissaon's central avenue, especially in the third district where most dignitaries and officials resided.

This officer's background was naturally extraordinary.

Indeed, his name was Nursi Sak, the grandson of the deputy mayor of Quesaon and the Marquis Sak.

A highly respected and influential playboy, a top-tier spoiled brat even within the elite circles of Quissaon.

At this moment, he was leading a squad of scouts composed of sons of various noble families.

He was carrying out this tedious yet "crucial" task.

His face was filled with impatience and a condescending arrogance.

It was as if what they were stepping on was not a street, but the fate of a group of ants.

His very existence is a microcosm of the Gaius regime’s last-ditch effort.

It is also a true reflection of the internal contradictions and decay of this ancient city with a history of thousands of years.

……

Third block of Central Avenue.

The morning sun gradually became scorching.

Nursi Sak, a top-tier playboy from a distinguished family.

He led his group of equally idle noblemen, whose family backgrounds were far less prestigious than his own, on a perfunctory patrol of the deserted streets for an entire morning.

It was less of a patrol and more of a group of idle playboys.

In the oppressive city, I take a boring walk to kill time.

at last.

When the sun is directly overhead, its scorching rays make your skin feel hot.

Nursi impatiently raised his hand and wiped the fine sweat from his forehead with a silk handkerchief embroidered with gold thread.

Then, he casually waved his hand and said to his listless followers behind him:

"Alright, alright, this awful weather is unbearably hot!"

Where are all these suspicious individuals?

Go back and have lunch, take a nap, and rest. Come back this afternoon!

Nursi's words sounded like heavenly music to the noblemen behind him.

Their faces immediately lit up with undisguised excitement.

He was secretly overjoyed; Captain Nursi was so considerate of his subordinates.

They actually let them go back so early.

They had heard that their comrades in other squads, under the leadership of their "dutiful" captains...

They have to patrol 24 hours a day without interruption, and they can only eat dry rations on the job!
In comparison, their Captain Nursi is simply an angel!
They can always find various reasons and opportunities to let them slack off and rest!
The team members' faces showed heartfelt gratitude.

After thanking Nursi profusely, they scattered like prisoners granted a pardon.

Before long, Nursi was the only one left on the entire street.

And his long shadow stretched out by the sunlight.

After everyone had disappeared around the street corner and it was confirmed that there was no one else around, they waited until they were sure that no one else was around.

The carefree, spoiled brat expression on Nursi's face slowly disappeared.

Instead, he wore a deep and serious expression that was completely different from his usual demeanor.

His gaze sharpened as he warily scanned his surroundings.

He then did not head towards the Sack family mansion.

Instead, they continued walking along the deserted streets.

His steps were slow, but they carried a clear purpose.

After several seemingly random turns, we arrived at a relatively quiet alleyway.

The buildings here are noticeably shorter and more dilapidated than those on the main street.

He checked again to make sure no one was around.

Then, his figure flashed, like a ghostly shadow, and quickly disappeared into the depths of the alley.

The figure vanished instantly through what appeared to be an inconspicuous side door of the mansion.

In the dimly lit living room of the mansion.

A strange smell, a mixture of old wood and dust, filled the air.

Two men were already waiting there.

The man was of a plump build, dressed in a seemingly ordinary but extremely fine silk robe, and wearing a large jade ring on his finger.

He looked like a businessman.

The other person had a cold and stern face, a lean and capable build, and wore an inconspicuous gray outfit. His eyes were sharp as an eagle's.

Nursi pushed open the door and entered.

The portly man immediately frowned, a look of displeasure on his face, and complained in a low voice:

"Why did it take so long today? I thought something had happened and we were about to leave."

Nursi shrugged helplessly, his face showing undisguised exhaustion.

I walked up to a chair covered with old velvet and plopped down.

He picked up the kettle on the table, poured himself a glass of water, and took a big gulp.

Then, panting, he said:
"Don't even mention it. My old man has been acting strangely again these past few days, throwing tantrums all the time."

They said I couldn't even handle something as simple as leading a patrol, and today they even sent someone to keep an eye on me.

If I hadn't been quick-witted and made up an excuse to send them all away...

He's probably still wandering the streets with his bunch of pampered young soldiers right now!

The stern-faced man standing to the side coughed lightly, interrupting Nursi's complaints.

His gaze was fixed on Nursi.

His tone was concise and forceful as he asked:

"Have you brought anything?"

Upon hearing this, Nursi's complaining expression vanished instantly.

His expression turned extremely serious, and he looked around warily, especially at the tightly closed door.

It was as if they were afraid someone might suddenly barge in.

Then, he carefully groped out a palm-sized, flat cube wrapped tightly in oilcloth from the lining of his underwear.

His movements were extremely gentle, as if he were holding a rare treasure.

He solemnly handed the oilcloth bundle to the stern-faced man, lowering his voice as he said:
"I took this out from a hidden compartment in the old man's study."

The stern-faced man took the oilcloth bag and deftly opened it with his fingers.

Inside was a neatly folded sheet of paper made of a special material.

He slowly unfolded the paper, revealing an extremely detailed map to the three of them.

The map clearly marks every street and every building in the eastern part of Quesaon.

What's even more alarming is that it also features symbols of different colors and tiny, closely spaced characters.

The troop deployment details for each important stronghold are clearly marked.

This includes the number of troops stationed, equipment configuration, patrol routes, and rotation times!

And those key departments that are vital to the city's survival—

Security forces are deployed at locations such as the Kingdom's Central Bank, national universities, and central hospitals.

This was a top-secret document that could determine the fate of the entire Quessaon city defense system.

The cold, stern man's gaze was like the most precise ruler.

He carefully scanned every street and every mark on the map, comparing it with his memories and the findings of the past few days.

His brows furrowed deeper and deeper, as if he were rapidly checking something in his mind.

After a long pause, he finally raised his eyes, stared at Nursi, and asked in a deep voice:
Is this picture authentic?

Upon hearing this, Nursi straightened his back and said firmly:

"Absolutely authentic!"
Effie's army is already almost at the city gates.

Even a high-ranking official like my father was only urgently summoned last night.

They received the defense map, which marked their respective areas of responsibility.

The secrecy measures are this strict.

It's probably true!

As he spoke, a look of doubt appeared on his face, and he asked:
"However, on the other hand..."

I heard that your Military Intelligence Bureau also planted spies at the highest levels of Quesaon, didn't it?
Why should I take this risk and do this?

The cold-faced man listened, but his expression remained unchanged.

He carefully folded the map again and stuffed it into his inner pocket.

He explained slowly:
"Even you know we have people in high positions."

Gaius isn't stupid.

Although he has not yet been able to find the source of the leak.

But this kind of intelligence is crucial to the success or failure of a war.

They were already managed separately.

Now, apart from Gaius himself.

Even your Prime Minister Merrick probably only has a portion of it in his hands.

Upon hearing this, Nursi's eyes lit up.

A hint of joy couldn't be contained on his face!
He seemed to be confirming some incredibly good news.

His voice trembled with excitement as he asked eagerly:
"So, does that mean the intelligence I obtained is extremely important?"

His eyes made no attempt to conceal his expectation and greed.

It was as if he could already see the rich rewards he would receive after making a great contribution.

The aloof man casually raised his eyelids.

He answered in a flat tone that revealed no emotion:

"That's it."

His gaze seemed to drift into the distance.

There was a hint of something unreadable in his tone:

"Quesaon is, after all, a capital city with a history of thousands of years."

The fruits of human civilization, with their profound heritage, cannot truly be destroyed by war.

With this map, at least when necessary, the scope of damage can be controlled more precisely.

To better protect the city from excessive damage.

Nursi's face broke into a perfectly timed smile, and he flattered her in an almost fawning tone:

"Your Highness is truly insightful and far-sighted!"

"To serve Your Highness is truly the greatest blessing of my life!"

The transaction has been completed.

Flattery was also said.

Nursi secretly breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to turn around and leave this place of trouble.

However, he had only just moved his feet.

The previously silent, portly man suddenly took a step to the side.

His obese body blocked his way.

Nursi's expression changed instantly, and his heart skipped a beat!
Countless unpleasant speculations crept into his mind like venomous snakes.

Silence?

Crossing the river and then dismantling the bridge?

Unload the mill and kill the donkey?
A fine layer of cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead, and he hurriedly spoke, his voice trembling almost imperceptibly:

"Brothers! Two brothers!"

Since I, Nursi, joined Her Highness the Princess, I have always been loyal and dedicated to my work.

I've never done anything to wrong you in the slightest, so you can't do something like discarding me after I've served my purpose!

The stern-looking man looked at him with a panicked expression.

A chilling smile slowly crept onto his lips.

He said softly:
“Brother, didn’t you just say that serving Her Highness the Princess was the greatest blessing of your life?”

He paused slightly, his cold eyes fixed intently on Nursi.

As if trying to see through his soul, the voice was extremely low, yet it struck Nursi's heart like a heavy hammer:
"Right now, an even greater blessing is right in front of you."

Do you want it or not?

These words were like a shackle, instantly binding Nursi's neck.

It made him feel suffocated.

He understood that this "blessing" would probably require him to risk his life.

He asked with a tearful face:
"Do I have the right to refuse?"

The stern-faced man calmly shook his head:
"I'm sorry, I can't!"
From the moment you first stepped into this room, you had no other choice! (End of Chapter)