Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Cohen walked to the center of the living room, where a detailed strategic map of the Lost Lands, composed of magical light and shadow, had somehow appeared and floated.

Pointing to two huge spots of light on the map representing the Chaotic Demon Continent and the Mechanical Continent:
"According to the latest intelligence we have, the Demon Lord Thrall and the Alchemist Baron Hex have set a timetable."

A month later, they will hold a grand celebration at a secret location on the border of the two continents to officially announce the merger of the Chaotic Demon Continent and the Mechanical Continent, and the establishment of a brand new unified nation.

The name of the country has not yet been decided, but this will undoubtedly be the beginning of their great cause of unification!
After the founding of the nation, with the banner of 'nation,' their actions will become more legitimate and aggressive.

At that time, the war machine that integrates the resources of the two continents will be fully activated, under the name of "unifying the lost lands and establishing a new order", targeting all the city-states, oases, floating islands and even oasis-level forces that maintain independence and follow the existing order.

Launch a full-scale, indiscriminate war of conquest!

With the demon legions as their vanguard and offensive force, I can assert that no single faction in the Lost Lands could possibly withstand their first wave of attacks alone.

When that time comes, the city will surely fall, people will die, life will be devastated, order will collapse, and the banner of the devil will be planted all over the ruins!

Therefore, my thinking is that, in order to fight an empire empowered by demonic forces, our only option is to do the same thing as them!

Cohen paused, then spoke clearly and distinctly, word by word:
"We must also establish a nation!"

Let us establish a unified empire of our own, uniting all those willing to resist the forces of evil!

Only in a national capacity can we most effectively integrate resources, unify commands, establish an efficient command system, and mobilize all available forces.

Only by acting in the name of the nation can we better engage in formal, equal, and in-depth diplomatic and military cooperation with the empires of the human continent.

Only by acting as a nation can we offer a clear, powerful, and worthy refuge and hope to all the weak forces trembling under the iron heel of the demonic legion.

Only by becoming a true empire will we have the qualifications and the ability to engage in a final showdown with the demonic empire supported by the demon god in the Lost Lands!

Cohen's words exploded like thunder in the living room, carrying an immense, exhilarating allure.

Found a nation! Establish a united empire of their own, to fight against evil!

The suggestion was immediately approved by everyone present.

In fact, the people present were all top-tier predators in the Lost Lands, with an extremely keen sense of smell.

They had already heard about the various secret rumors about the announcement of the Covenant of the Gods and the imminent arrival of a new era through various channels.

Establishing a unified and powerful national entity is not only to deal with the immediate threats from Thrall and the demons, but also a "ticket" to a future era full of opportunities.

Only by becoming a genuine, universally recognized state entity can one be qualified to sit at the table where future interests are divided and rules are set.

Cohen's proposal perfectly aligned with their deepest strategic needs.

After the consensus on "nation-building" was reached, the atmosphere in the living room was invigorated. However, what followed was the most crucial and sensitive question for this new nation: How should this nation be built? Who should be at the core? How should power be distributed?

This directly relates to the fundamental interests and future status of every giant present and the forces behind them.

On the faces of the five shrewd and calculating giants—Conrad, Reed, Taiwo, Solari, and Nilsson—intriguing expressions appeared.

They either lowered their eyes to sip tea, or casually adjusted their cuffs, or stared at a point on the map, but their peripheral vision subtly shifted between each other and towards Cohen.

Everyone knows this is the key issue, but no one is willing or dares to speak up at this time, for fear that a single misstep could put them at a disadvantage in the future power structure of the empire, or prematurely reveal their hand.

Cohen seemed completely oblivious to the sudden shift in the atmosphere, as if he had just remembered something trivial, and casually tossed out his first major bargaining chip:
"Oh, right, there's something I almost forgot to tell you all."

Since we are going to establish a brand new country with a long and prosperous future, military strength is naturally the most fundamental foundation.

We have our own strengths on land, but our maritime and transdimensional projection capabilities are also indispensable.

I have some good news to share with you all: my dearest friend and staunch ally, Lord Yaon Hughes, the 'Pirate King,' has learned of our plans to establish a new nation and fight against the demons together.

He has already decided to deliver a batch of his most elite ghost ships to us free of charge as a congratulatory gift, and also as the foundation for our future imperial navy.

Princess Grace will be fully responsible for the initial command and reorganization of this future imperial navy.

Her Highness is not only the representative of the Eastern Empire, but also has unique insights into naval affairs. I think it is most appropriate for her to assist us in building and forging our future maritime power.

At least in terms of the navy, our future empire should have little to worry about.

Ghost ship!
It was a gift from the mysterious and powerful Pirate King, and was personally directed by the Princess of the Eastern Region!
Cohen's display of support at this sensitive time seems to have an overly obvious purpose.

The expressions on the faces of the several industry leaders immediately became more intriguing, their eyes flashing with complex and unfathomable light.

This is both a powerful boost and a silent declaration and demonstration of strength.

However, before they could fully appreciate the implications, Cohen's next words came like a barrage of machine gun fire, unleashing a series of formidable assets that sent chills down their spines.

Cohen calmly outlined the support and strength he could offer to this nascent nation, each point he made seeming to weigh heavily on everyone's hearts:
"Firstly, regarding funding, you should all be familiar with the Pale Wings; they will be our strongest material support!"
On the ground, I command a king's legion equipped with three different types of 'god-level' weaponry. Their offensive and frontal combat capabilities have been proven in actual combat and are sufficient to deal with the most elite enemy forces.

In addition, Grand Justice Iliat is intensifying the training of a 'Dragon Knight Order' composed of pure-blooded dragons and the best knights at a secret base.

Once deployed to the battlefield, it will possess a strategic strike force capable of altering the course of local conflicts.

Furthermore, we have gained the friendship and support of the Holy See, and a group of well-trained and steadfast Knights of Light warriors who are ready to answer the call at any time to fight to drive out the darkness.

As for top-tier military strength…

Cohen paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and continued:
"I'm sure you've all heard about the cooperative relationship between the Star Clan and me."

If necessary, the Saints of the Starburst Clan will also lend us a hand!
We have also made some special preparations to deal with the most extreme possible scenarios.

You are all trustworthy people, so I won't keep anything from you here. I can give you a heads-up.

We, the Endless Alliance, have reached a deep strategic cooperation agreement with His Excellency Grand Duke Zariel, the ruler of the first level of Hell, the plane of Avernus.

Grand Duke Zariel promised that, if needed, he could provide a batch of extremely powerful 'Hell Armaments' specifically designed to combat the Abyss Demons!
Of course, this is limited to fighting our common enemy, the demons of the abyss.

Hellfire Armaments? Grand Duke Zariel!

Even with the composure and knowledge of the people present, their expressions changed drastically upon hearing this name!
To cooperate with Zariel, the most powerful warlord in the Hell plane?
There are even Hell Armed Forces?

This...this is even more unimaginable than colluding with demons.

However, if we're talking about who's best at dealing with the Abyss Demon Legion, it's definitely Grand Duke Zariel, Lord of Afonas, who's at the forefront.

Zariel has been at war with the demon army for over a thousand years.

A deathly silence fell over everyone. What Cohen said represented his terrifying network of connections and power that had transcended the boundaries of ordinary mortals and planes!

Cohen stopped talking, calmly sat back in the main seat, picked up his teacup, and took a small sip.

He laid out his trump cards, one by one, clearly on the table.

From sea to land, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, from the world of the living to the Nine Hells...

What he demonstrated was not merely the strength of a "powerful ally," but a vast and terrifying network of resources and power capable of supporting the nascent form of an empire and plotting a direct confrontation with the demon god!
The living room was deathly silent, with only the slightly heavy breathing of the group.

All the subtle thoughts and underhanded struggles regarding core leadership seemed so pale and powerless in the face of Cohen's undisguised display of strength.

Strength is always the most convincing language.

The calm and composed expression on Cohen's face, in their eyes at that moment, was almost tantamount to saying unequivocally:
"Do you see clearly? I have the Ghost Fleet, the God and Demon Legion, the Dragon Knights, the Saints, the support of the Holy See of Light, and I can even make deals with the Grand Duke of Hell... I have so many things to offer, such a powerful background, what about you?"
"What worthy achievements do you each possess to compete with me for the top leadership position?"

The expressions on their faces immediately turned extremely strange, and their eyes darted around Cohen with complicated expressions.

Shock, fear, realization, resentment, and even a sense of powerlessness under the suppression of absolute power intertwined.

They couldn't help but think to themselves, "What's the point of choosing or discussing core leadership?"

With such a strong hand, who can stop you? Who dares to compete with you?
Other things aside, even the Knights of Light, who are known for eliminating heretics and for their pure faith, are under your command.
And then there's the unheard-of, unthinkable "Hell Armed Forces" and Grand Duke Zariel...

A suffocating silence fell over the living room.

Finally, Duke Adrian Solari, the patriarch of the Solari family, who always maintained the demeanor of an ancient nobleman and spoke little but always with incisive insight, slowly raised his head.

Looking directly at Cohen, his voice was calm and slow:
"His Majesty Corleone is a man of great talent and profound knowledge, which is truly awe-inspiring."

However, His Majesty is now the rightful monarch of Effie, and also holds the title of 'Royal Consort' personally appointed by the Empress of the Central Empire. His status is extremely noble and involves the very foundations of two great human powers.

If again…

Duke Solari didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was crystal clear—you are both the King of the human kingdom of Efein and the Imperial Consort of the strongest human empire, holding the dual identity of the supreme ruler of humanity.

Would it be appropriate for him to become the emperor or core leader of our newly formed empire in the Lost Lands? What would the xenophobic forces and people within the Lost Lands think?
Would they accept a human king as their emperor?
The Lost Lands can accept the masters of the Endless Alliance as powerful allies for equal cooperation, but they would never accept an outsider who holds the highest dual human status sitting on the supreme throne of the unified empire of the Lost Lands.

That would definitely trigger an unpredictable and potentially devastating backlash and resistance against this nascent alliance.

These words also revealed the biggest hidden worry in the hearts of Conrad, Taiwo, and others.

They may yield to Cohen's strength, but the Lost Lands' millennia-old tradition of xenophobia and independence is an insurmountable obstacle.

Everyone looked at Cohen, waiting for his answer.

Faced with Duke Solari's question, Cohen seemed to have anticipated it, a knowing smile appearing on his face as he slowly said:
"Duke Solari's concerns are reasonable, and I fully understand them."

However, you may have misunderstood me.

I, Cohen Creon, am the King of Effie, and that will never change.

Having already been crowned at Effie and bearing the fate of a nation on my shoulders, there is absolutely no possibility for me, nor will I ever go to any other country to serve as king or emperor!

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the living room immediately relaxed!
A look of relief flashed across the eyes of Conrad, Taiwo, and the others, and their expressions softened considerably.

Cohen's personal denial of the possibility of becoming the emperor of the Lost Lands was undoubtedly a huge reassurance to them.

Then, Cohen uttered the most crucial sentence:

"The emperor of the Lost Lands must, and can only, be a person from the Lost Lands."

Gentlemen, don't you agree?

His rhetorical question, though seemingly simple, firmly established the politically correct banner of "the lost land ruled by men, the lost land," while cleverly limiting the decision-making power, or rather the scope of discussion, for the selection of the emperor to "the people of the lost land."

This both respected the traditions and sentiments of the lost land and paved the way for his next arrangements.

Sure enough, upon hearing Cohen's clear statement, the expressions of the several industry leaders immediately softened considerably.

The emperor of the Lost Lands must be a person from the Lost Lands!

Cohen's words instantly confined the future empire's supreme position to the realm of "domestic forces."

This means that Cohen's core forces and confidants from the human continent, including Windsordler, Grace, and even the potential Pirate King, are naturally excluded from the competition for the Supreme Leader position.

The only one who might theoretically still be a possibility is the cursed witch Belmody Vineyard, the ruler of the mysterious continent who has also been operating in the Lost Lands for a long time.

However, Belmod's situation is also unique.

Being a woman is already a major disadvantage.

More importantly, it is her identity as a Sequencer and her title as the Lord of Sequences.

As a supernatural professional group rejected by humanity, Sequencers are inherently linked to legends involving forbidden knowledge, dangerous potions, and soul experiments.

In many people's minds, it represents uncontrollability and potential danger.

Making her emperor would likely not only fail to win over the people, but would also provoke fear and resistance from traditional forces, religious groups, and even ordinary citizens, which would be detrimental to the stability and unity of the new empire.

Therefore, it seems most likely that the supreme crown will ultimately belong to these five local giants of the lost lands or to the factions they represent.

As long as Cohen himself doesn't personally enter the fray, the vast wealth, faith, military power, traditions, or resources that each of them represents have the qualifications and potential to compete for that throne.

Just as Conrad, Taiwo, Duke Solari, and even Nilsson were unconsciously pondering the future power structure, Cohen, who had been observing quietly, coughed lightly.

He then calmly stated:

"Gentlemen, should we put aside for now the specific selection of the future emperor or king, and the related titles?"
Right now, the threat from the Demon Lord Thrall and the demon legions is imminent. They are about to establish their own kingdom and their military might has already begun.

The most urgent and vital issue for us right now is not about who will sit in that chair in the future, but how to immediately unite our individual strengths into one.

To form a war machine capable of unified action, unified command, and efficient crisis response.

As for who will be qualified and capable of taking that position in the future and leading the unified lost land to prosperity.

Wouldn't it be better if we worked together to completely defeat Thrall, eliminate the demon threat, and truly unify the Lost Lands, then we could calmly discuss and elect each other based on our respective merits, abilities, and prestige?

At that time, those who have made outstanding contributions will naturally be recognized by the people and their success will come naturally.

Seeing that Cohen had spoken so frankly and had indeed hit the nail on the head, Conrad and the others stopped their private whispers and eye contact and refocused their attention on Cohen.

They knew that since Cohen had raised the question, he must also have a corresponding solution.

Pope Reed of the Fallen Church spoke first:
"Your Majesty has considered all aspects. With a formidable enemy at hand, we should indeed unite as one and defeat the foreign invaders first."

Now that His Majesty has brought it up, he must have a well-thought-out plan for unified command.

Why don't you tell us, so we can all hear what you have to say?

The others nodded in agreement, indicating their willingness to hear more details.

Seeing this, Cohen stopped beating around the bush. He sat up straight and directly presented his long-conceived plan:

"What I mean is that we don't need to rush to decide on the country's name, the imperial system, or even the emperor right now."

We can first establish a transitional supreme authority and coordinating body—let's call it the 'Supreme Committee for the United Resistance and Nation-Building Preparations in the Lost Lands', or simply the 'Nation-Building Preparation Department' or the 'Supreme Committee'.

This 'Supreme Council' will serve as the sole supreme decision-making and command center during wartime and the early stages of nation-building.

Each of our factions, including my Endless Alliance and related forces, as well as the factions you represent, will have equal seats in the committee and send representatives to serve as 'committee members'.

The Supreme Council is responsible for formulating the overall strategy for the joint fight against Thrall and the demons, coordinating the allocation of forces, resources and intelligence from all parties, and handling all major matters in the joint operation.

And began planning the initial framework and legal foundation for the future nation.

Meanwhile, the committee established specialized working groups for military command, logistics support, intelligence integration, and diplomatic liaison, with each member recommending or selecting capable individuals to participate, ensuring that the committee's resolutions are implemented effectively.

This 'Supreme Council' is the prototype and core of our future united empire.

Once the war is won and the lost lands are restored to peace and unity, we will use this committee as a basis to transform it into the supreme governing body of the country through a formal and open process.

And from among them, a head of state who is widely respected is chosen—whether called emperor, king, or other honorific titles.

At that time, everything will fall into place naturally and logically.

What do you all think of this plan?

After Cohen clearly explained his concept of the "Supreme Council," a brief hushed discussion ensued in the living room.

Conrad, Reed, Taiwo, Solari, and Nilsson quickly exchanged glances and whispered a few words among themselves.

As Cohen said, this plan can both avoid the most sensitive and potentially infighting "Emperor's Struggle" and immediately establish an effective cooperation platform to consolidate forces against Thrall.

This also lays a relatively fair foundation for the future power structure of the country.

Soon, everyone reached a consensus again.

President Conrad, as the representative, first stated:
"I have no objection to His Majesty Corleone's proposal."

The other four nodded in agreement.

However, as a shrewd businessman, Conrad also recognized the most crucial and essential issue in this plan, and then said:

"Your Majesty's considerations are thorough, and we all fully agree with the framework proposed by the Supreme Council."

However, there are some specific details that Your Majesty needs to clarify in order to avoid any discrepancies in future operations.

For example, who exactly are the 'members' of this committee?
In addition to committee members, should we appoint a permanent chairman or chief of staff to oversee the overall situation?

If the committee has differing opinions and engages in endless debate, what mechanism should be used to make a final decision, and whose decision should be followed?

Is it a vote, or are there other rules?

Conrad's questions went straight to the heart of the matter: seat allocation, leadership mechanisms, and decision-making rules.

This relates to each party's voice and future interests within the alliance, and it must be made clear in advance.

After all, the committee members here are highly likely to be core members of the empire's highest power structure in the future! (End of Chapter)