Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Victor looked up at Cohen, then at Belmody next to Cohen.

He took a deep breath and slowly recited one chilling place name after another, along with the names of the nobles or powers associated with them.

Each time a place name or a noble surname was mentioned, it was as if a heavy death knell had been tolled.

Cohen's expression grew even more serious.

Some of these names were familiar to him; they were cities, fortresses, or ports on the mainland known for their prosperity or strategic importance. Others were relatively remote, but were often regional resource hubs or transportation chokepoints.

The nobles or local powers associated with them were often powerful figures who held sway over their respective territories and had deep roots in the region. Some even wielded significant influence within their own countries.

As Victor recounted his story, Cohen's expression grew increasingly somber, a storm seemingly brewing in the depths of his eyes.

Although he had anticipated that the Demon Lord Thrall's infiltration network would be extensive, the impact of presenting the specific nodes of this network in such a clear and dense manner still far exceeded his expectations.

This is not just a matter of a few traitors or a few secret strongholds; it is a vast, meticulously woven poison network covering multiple strategic locations across the human continent.

Each node, like Lionheart Estate in Ceylon, may conceal one or more "devil pillars" that are under construction or already completed.

Waiting for a certain signal, it can become a deadly portal that tears through space and leads to the legion of demons from the abyss.

Considering the example of the Ceylon capital—Thrall's choice to secretly build the Demon Pillar in the heart of the capital—his sinister intentions are self-evident.

Once war breaks out, the demonic legions will appear directly in the heart of human kingdoms, delivering the most devastating blow to humanity from within.

To create maximum panic and chaos, thereby undermining the resistance of human nations at its source.

The difficulty of conducting large-scale and efficient investigations and cleanups simultaneously in so many key areas covered by this network, including capital cities, important provincial capitals, core economic cities, and strategic strongholds, is self-evident.

These places are heavily guarded and have deeply entrenched power structures, making it virtually impossible for outsiders to carry out their operations silently.

If the action is too drastic and alerts the enemy, it could force Sal to launch an attack prematurely, or allow the lurking traitors to destroy evidence and relocate facilities.

Relying solely on Cohen and Effie's military intelligence is far from enough.

This is no longer a crisis that a single country or state can handle independently; it is a disaster that concerns the survival of all human civilization.

We must rely on a stronger, broader, and legitimate official force to intervene.

On this continent, the only "official forces" qualified and capable of coordinating such large-scale cross-border and cross-power operations are the five empires that dominate the continent and possess supreme authority and immense national power.

Only they have the ability to mobilize the armies, intelligence systems, and extraordinary forces of various countries, and they have enough authority to investigate, control, and even eliminate the powerful nobles and lords on the list.

Cohen fell silent, his brow furrowed, lost in deep thought.

Victor stopped narrating, looking at Cohen with some unease, and then glanced at Belmotti, who stood silently beside him like an iceberg, his emotions unreadable under the purple mist.

After a long silence, Cohen slowly raised his head, his gaze refocusing on Victor, and said in a cold voice:

"Write down the exact coordinates of all the locations you just mentioned that are involved in the construction or planned construction of the 'Devil Pillar'."

I need the most precise intelligence, down to the exact city, district, street, building, or even the specific coordinates of a wilderness or valley.

If it is within a noble's territory, specify which noble's estate, castle, mine, or secret base it is.

Make sure nothing is overlooked, and don't try to get away with vague information.

Viktor was startled by Cohen's suddenly serious tone. He looked up, his face showing hesitation and struggle. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but swallowed it back, and finally let out a barely audible sigh.

He nodded and replied:
"I...I'm trying my best to remember."

"For some places, I only know the general area; for the exact location, I might need to check the encrypted records I left elsewhere, or contact specific informants..."

"Then write down everything you know, and also write down any ways you might find accurate records."

If you need to contact an informant, write down their contact information and the code word.

Viktor pursed his chapped lips, a complex glint in his eyes, and tentatively asked:
"If... if I fully cooperate and tell you everything I know without reservation."

Helping you eliminate these hidden dangers... what... what will I get in return?
"Do I... do I even have a chance to survive?"

Upon hearing this, Cohen sneered and said in a cold voice:

“Victor, what you should pray for most right now is not what way I can give you to survive, but that your master, the Demon Lord Thrall, will not launch his plan so soon!”

Let's pray that those abyssal passages haven't been activated prematurely!
Pray that none of those demons have set foot on the human continent!

Because if even one demon successfully descends into the human world through those evil pillars you've laid down, even just one!
"By then, it won't be me, Cohen Creon, who'll be taking your life!"

Cohen paused slightly, then said to Victor, word by word:

"When the time comes, those who will judge and settle accounts with you will be the saints of the five great empires who have been alarmed!"
They are the ascetics of the Temple Alliance who consider it their duty to eliminate evil!
Even... those gods in the realm of the gods, who have already turned their gaze back to the mortal world!

He watched as Viktor's face turned deathly pale, filled with boundless terror, and coldly added the most lethal sentence:
"To tell you the truth, I have already formally informed the supreme rulers of the five great empires about the Demon Lord Thrall's conspiracy and the existence of these demon pillars."

And... the realm of the gods!

This matter is no longer a personal grudge between you and me, nor is it a localized conflict between Effie and the Lost Land.

This is a war that concerns the entire world order and the survival of hundreds of millions of lives!
And you, Viktor, are one of the most crucial traitors and accomplices in this war!

So, put away your ridiculous attempts at bargaining.

Your only value now is to use the information you possess to atone for the heinous crimes you've committed!

Upon hearing Cohen's cold, final verdict, Victor trembled violently.

Only now did he realize that the Cohen Corleone he was facing was not just the ruthless King Effie who had risen rapidly in the Northwest Continent.

He is also the prophesied son appointed by the god of prophecy, a young king who can communicate directly with the world of gods.

The person before me truly has the ability and the means to expose mortal conspiracies directly to the gods!

Viktor completely gave up resisting from the bottom of his heart.

Under the watchful eyes of the gods, and in the shadow of the combined purge of the five great empires, he could only pray that his master wouldn't act so soon.

Viktor trembled as he pulled out a quill pen and then tore off a blank magic scroll of a special texture, forcing himself to concentrate and begin writing.

The pen tip traced across the scroll, leaving behind magical characters that glowed faintly. Each name and each location represented a dark deal, a potential source of disaster.

Cohen stood to the side, watching silently, his face expressionless.

Only those eyes grew colder and more somber as Victor wrote what he wrote.

When Viktor finally put down his pen and tremblingly handed over the leather scroll filled with dense information.

Cohen reached out and took it, his eyes quickly scanning it. Even with just a cursory glance, he felt a chill run down his spine.

The list is so long and the scope so wide that it is shocking!

Aside from the expected small countries struggling to survive and kingdoms rife with internal conflicts, what weighed heavily on Cohen's mind was the appearance of the names of five great empires on the list!
As he expected, the Demon Lord Sal's reach did not extend to the most heavily guarded capital cities of the five great empires, but it did reach those important secondary cities, strategic transit points, and resource-producing areas that served as the economic lifeline, military fortresses, transportation hubs, and resource production areas of the empires.

However, quite a few of them appeared on the list!

If something happens in these places, the blow to the empire will be equally heavy or even fatal.

The section about the Central Empire, in particular, sent a chill down Cohen's spine.

While the Central Empire under Empress Shanes Klein was powerful, its unique administrative division system granted each governorate a high degree of autonomy.

While bringing flexibility and efficiency, it also creates potential regulatory risks.

The list shows that the Demon Lord Thrall and Viktor cleverly exploited this, their tentacles infiltrating more than one administrative district.

Bribes, temptations, threats... they established secret contacts with some powerful but scheming high-ranking officials in the districts, and even local military commanders.

One of the records most shocked Cohen:
The Fire Stream Division, under the supervision of Deputy Governor Grag, oversaw the completion of a medium-sized demon summoning/stabilizing pillar in the third isolation zone of the underground secret armory of the Fire Stream County City Defense Force.

The final magic infusion was completed four months ago and it is currently awaiting activation.

The secret code for communication: "The day the earth's fire reignites."

Note: The rewards demanded by Vice Governor Grag include: three legendary fire dragon crystals, one Abyss Flame Demon Lord's Heart (active), and a promise to retain his family's rule over at least three provinces in the Blazing Fire District in the future "New Order".

Tianhuo County!
That was an important military and metallurgical center in the southwest of the Central Empire, possessing one of the continent's top-ranking giant lava veins and refining workshops, and was one of the key support points for the Empire's military equipment.

The Demon Lord Thrall actually built the Demon Pillar right there.

Once activated, it would not only mean that millions of soldiers and civilians in Tianhuo County would instantly become sacrifices and slaves of the devil, but also that the vital military-industrial lifeline of the Central Empire would suffer a devastating blow.

They might even be used by demons to produce weapons against humanity!

Cohen took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the surging waves of rage and chilling killing intent in his chest.

Looking at the heavy list in his hand, even with his composure after experiencing two lifetimes and weathering many storms, he felt a chill run down his spine.

This is not merely a list of traitors; it is a meticulously crafted network of death designed to undermine the very foundations of human civilization from within.

The Demon Lord Thrall, and the sixty-two Demon Gods Valak hidden behind him, had a far greater scheme, a more vicious plan, and a more terrifying patience than he had initially imagined.

If the Demon Lord Thrall's plan succeeds, he will ignite war in the Lost Lands and detonate the "Demon Pillars" buried deep in the hearts of human nations.

At that time, human nations will be plunged into chaos and disaster, and they will have no spare strength to intervene in the war in the Lost Lands.
Being able to protect oneself and avoid being torn apart and devoured from within is probably already a stroke of luck.

Thrall, the Demon Lord, can seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sweep away the other forces in the Lost Lands without any worries, and complete the unification of this ancient and rich abandoned land.

The Lost Lands—that was once the core territory of the Arcane Empire, a glorious and prosperous land where magical civilization reached its zenith!
Even after enduring the legendary cataclysm and the erosion of countless years, its underground still holds immeasurable ancient knowledge, lost arcane tomes, powerful ancient magical relics, and rare magical mineral veins that are now almost extinct on the continent.

On this land steeped in history, resources will be integrated to establish a unified empire entirely dominated by the will of the Demon Lord Thrall (or rather, the Demon God Valak behind him), with demons and fallen ones at its core.

Its potential and threat are absolutely comparable to any of the five great human empires.

At that time, the balance of power on the continent will be completely broken, and a powerful and evil empire that is diametrically opposed to human civilization and extremely hates the living will stand in the world.

This was by no means a spur-of-the-moment act of plunder or chaos, but a meticulously planned conspiracy that had been brewing for countless years, aiming to fundamentally overturn the existing world order and pave the way for the Abyss forces to fully invade the Prime Material Plane.

Cohen even suspected that there might be instructions hidden behind this from a more ancient and terrifying will from the depths of the abyss.

The Demon Lord Thrall and the Pillar Demon God Valak may just be some of the executors in a larger game.

Thinking of this, Cohen felt no longer any sense of luck or hesitation.

The severity of the situation has far exceeded the scope of response by an individual or a single country.

He must act immediately, eradicate these malignant tumors before Thrall launches his attack, and fully expose the crisis to the public, prompting a united response from the highest levels of the human faction.

After assigning Viktor to Bayonetta's care, he hurriedly headed to the Central Empire with the intelligence she provided.

This matter must be discussed with Shanis first, and she should contact the five great empires on her behalf.

Opening the Book of Time and Space, a flash of silver spatial light disappeared in an instant. When Cohen's figure solidified again, he was already in the interior of an extremely luxurious palace.

The air was filled with the unique fragrance that Empress Shanes was known for, but the palace was empty at the moment.

With a quick sense, Cohen determined that Shanis was not there.

He glanced at the time; it was the time for the daily court assembly of the Central Empire.

Her Majesty the Empress should be in the council chamber, discussing state affairs with her cabinet ministers, marshals, and heads of government.

Cohen's eyes sharpened. Very well, this matter is of great importance and should be discussed at the highest decision-making level of the Empire.

The process was most efficient when it was personally overseen by Queen Shanis and discussed with several key confidants.

Without further hesitation, Cohen pushed open the bedroom door.

They approached Medea, the leader of the Rose Guards, who was standing guard nearby and was taken aback by Cohen's sudden appearance.

……

The atmosphere inside the council hall was solemn and respectful.

Empress Shanes Klein sat at the head of the long council table, dressed in a simple yet dignified dark purple dress.

Her long, golden hair was tied up with an imperial eagle crown, and a focused and calm expression appeared on her exquisite face as she listened to the Finance Minister's report on the new round of tariff reforms.

Seated on either side were the true pillars and core of the empire: her uncle, the imperial war god, Prince Heinz.

Heisenberg, Chief Member of the House of Peers.

Royal Archmage and Dean of the Imperial Magic Research Institute, Saint Victor Ereshkiss.

The cabinet prime minister was the Duke of Hayes, known for his composure and competence; and several other key ministers who held military, financial, or intelligence power.

Suddenly, the doors to the council hall were silently pushed open a crack.

A figure clad in a close-fitting suit of silver and dark blue armor flashed in; it was Medea, the Rose Guard Captain, Xenia's personal bodyguard.

Xenise's train of thought was interrupted, and a hint of surprise flashed across her brow. Medea would never normally barge into such a high-level royal meeting unless there was an extremely urgent matter.

Medea walked quickly and silently to Xenia's side, leaned down and whispered a few words in her ear.

A fleeting look of astonishment flashed across Shanis's previously calm eyes, and she almost lost control of the subtle expression on her face.

She repeated the sentence subconsciously, her voice soft, but everyone present was sharp-witted and exceptionally capable.
Those two words clearly reached everyone's ears:

"Cohen?"

Medea immediately whispered to confirm:
"Yes, Your Majesty."

His Highness the Imperial Consort is waiting outside the palace; he has an extremely urgent matter to discuss with His Majesty.

Cohen is here?

At this time, without any prior notice, they barged directly into the council hall.

Shanis's mind raced. Her first reaction was surprise, followed by a subtle embarrassment.

She knew all too well the omnipresent eyes and ears and the mouths that were keen to weave court secrets in the imperial capital of Constantine.

This was a crucial moment for her to discuss state affairs with the core of the empire's highest power. If she were to suddenly leave for "personal matters," or allow him to enter...

Tomorrow, no, perhaps in less than a day, all sorts of rumors will spread like a plague throughout aristocratic salons and the streets.

"Her Majesty the Empress interrupted important state affairs to see her Imperial Consort," "National affairs are not as important as personal feelings," "Her Majesty is bewitched by male beauty and indulges in private affections"...

These malicious speculations and attacks, while unable to shake her foundation, are enough to upset her and inevitably damage her consistently iron-fisted and impartial public image.

Just as Xenia was hesitating whether to have Medea invite Cohen to wait in the side hall first, or to find an excuse to leave her seat for a moment, Prince Heinz, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke slowly:

"Is that His Highness the Emperor?"

He asked Medea, but his gaze was calmly fixed on Xenia.

Medea bowed in response:
"Yes, Your Highness."

When Prince Heinz brought it up, Xenise knew she could no longer pretend nothing was wrong.

His face regained its usual calm and dignity. His gaze swept over the assembled officials, and he acknowledged in a steady voice:
"Yes, it's Cohen."

However, he came without prior notice, which suggests it must be something extremely urgent.

Just as Shanis was weighing the pros and cons and hesitating slightly, Chief Heisenberg, who had been sitting upright on the left side of the long table with his eyes closed, spoke up:
"His Highness the Emperor is not a reckless person. Since he has chosen to see His Majesty at this time and in this manner, it must be something extremely urgent."

Since the situation may be extremely urgent, Your Majesty should perhaps summon him in to see what's going on and discuss a solution together.

Having said that, Shanis naturally no longer hesitated.

She nodded slightly to Chief Heisenberg, then straightened her expression and clearly instructed Medea, who was standing to the side:

"Go and invite His Highness the Imperial Consort in."

A moment later, the heavy black steel door of the council hall was pushed open again.

Cohen appeared at the doorway and strode into the hall, his gaze quickly sweeping across both sides of the long table—Prince Heinz, Chief Heisenberg, Prime Minister Hayes… all familiar faces, the true power core of the Central Empire.

He nodded slightly to them, then walked straight down the steps of the throne, faced Xenias, and gave a simple Imperial Knight's salute with one fist clenched in front of his chest.

This is a sign of respect for the Empress, and it also indicates that he is now formally paying homage as both the "Emperor's Consort" and the "Allied King".

Then he got straight to the point and said, "

"Your Majesty, it was truly unavoidable to interrupt the imperial meeting so abruptly."

There is an extremely urgent matter concerning the safety and survival of the entire human continent, which must be reported to His Majesty immediately.

Before Xenise could speak, Prince Heinz, sitting to her left, smiled and took over the conversation.

This imperial war god, known for his iron will and majesty, wore a warm smile on his face at this moment.

He spoke slowly and deliberately:

"Your Majesty Corleone has come from afar; you must be tired."

If you come to Dunton again next time, you might as well give me a heads-up.

Although given the relationship between our two countries, there is no need to be bound by formalities, as the dignified central empire, it is still necessary to have the proper ceremonies and welcoming ceremony to avoid being impolite.

"This will give outsiders the impression that our empire has neglected important allies and His Highness the Crown Prince."

These words sounded polite, but they actually carried a clear sense of probing.

Following the devastating northwestern border war in the Kingdom of Ceylon, Cohen's ability to teleport large armies over extremely long distances was no longer a secret among the highest levels of human nations.

At that time, in the central imperial court, a faction led by Chief Heisenberg had analyzed in detail the terrifying nature of this strategic teleportation capability and formally proposed a "technology sharing" or "limited cooperation" with Eifine.

Shanes did not give a clear answer at the time, only saying that she would ask Cohen.

Cohen naturally understood the hidden meaning in Prince Heinz's words.

His expression remained unchanged, but several thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant. He had always believed that he could have a monopoly on long-distance teleportation technology forever.

As archaeological excavations of the Arcane Empire ruins continue to deepen in various places, similar technical principles or incomplete magic arrays will sooner or later be discovered or restored by others.

His original plan was to trade in some of the application technology or limited services at the right time and at the right price.

It can bring huge benefits and, to a certain extent, dominate the relevant rules and standards.

However, how to sell it to them and at what price are things we need to carefully consider! (End of Chapter)