Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

A meaningful glint flashed in Cohen's eyes:
"Sarr is in dire need of manpower right now. After losing Viktor, he urgently needs reliable new blood and intelligence sources."

Hearing Mavis's report, it was hard for him not to be tempted.

As long as he shows interest, I, the intelligence officer who "defected for love," can naturally come into his sights.

Once I pass the initial screening and demonstrate some sincerity, I'll have a very good chance of entering Sal's inner circle of decision-makers!

What do the three of you think of this script?

Belmod's lips seemed to curve slightly:

"The plan sounds good, but its implementation will likely be fraught with danger at every turn, so we must proceed with extreme caution."

Cohen nodded slowly:

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing!"

The general framework of the plan was thus agreed upon.

With time running out, the four immediately split up and began crucial preparations.

First, there's the intelligence about Twilight Continent.

Cohen activated the agents of the Twilight Continent Military Intelligence Station and began to collect and organize intelligence on the defenses of the core castles of the major vampire clans, troop deployments, noble relationships, and ancient restrictions.

Drawing on his past experience as a staff member under the Blood Lord, Ryder Gallo began to write a summary of the political landscape of Twilight, the secrets of the Bloodline, potential internal conflicts, and defensive weaknesses he himself knew of.

This summary will become one of Cohen's most valuable assets.

Belmody then seized the opportunity to help Cohen forge an identity.

This task is not difficult. The Mysterious Continent already has spies in the other four oases, so it's easy to arrange for Cohen to impersonate him.

Finally, there's the collaboration with Mavis.

He told her the entire infiltration plan, the fabricated identity and background story for him, and the "defection drama" that required Mavis's cooperation.

He believed that with Mavis's intelligence and adaptability, she could perfectly play the role of the introducer.

Chaotic Demon Continent, "Potion City-State," this advanced order city-state, renowned for its potions and alchemy, is the place with the most Sequencers in the entire Lost Lands, apart from the Mysterious Continent.

In the heart of the city, at the Castle of the God of Music, Mavis had just finished listening to Cohen's plan through the communication array, and her beautiful eyes instantly shone with an irrepressible brilliance.

Mavis naturally wholeheartedly supported the plan, even secretly cheering in her heart.

In this way, she could fight alongside her lover, which was a great comfort to her, who was suffering from longing.

In her excitement, Mavis quickly calmed down and began to meticulously prepare for the upcoming events according to Cohen's plan.

The first step was to spread the word that he already had a lover; this was the key to the whole plan.

In fact, this is not entirely unfounded.

When Cohen visited Potions City before, he frequently and openly entered and exited her Music God Castle, and even stayed overnight often.

At that time, many informants had already spread the news that "Lord Mavis City seems to have a mysterious and powerful young lover," which was no longer a secret in the lower and middle circles of the Chaotic Demon Continent.

Now, what Mavis needs to do is to subtly amplify this old news, making it popular again and ensuring that it reaches higher levels, especially the ears of the Demon Lord Sal.

She didn't make a big announcement, but instead adopted a method more in line with her aloof and elegant city lord persona.

First, during a casual chat with several colleagues with whom she had a decent relationship but who also liked to pass on messages, she casually mentioned that a mysterious man had recently written to her inquiring about intelligence on the continent of Demon Continent and asking them to help her find out.

Additionally, in public gatherings within the Demon Continent, she would intentionally or unintentionally wear one or two pieces of jewelry that looked quite different from the style of the chaotic Demon Continent.

When someone asked her out of curiosity, she vaguely replied that it was a gift from a friend.

At the same time, she secretly instructed her trusted personal maid to "accidentally" reveal details such as the city lord seeming to be in a good mood lately, occasionally staring at a peculiar seashell, during gossip with other noble servants.

These scattered, trivial, yet consistent signs, like trickling streams, slowly converge and ferment within the complex and sensitive information network of the chaotic Demon Continent.

A rumor that "the Lord of Mavis City does indeed have a close, possibly outside, mysterious lover" gradually began to circulate among some mid-level leaders and intelligence personnel.

As a renowned beauty in the entire Lost Lands, Mavis's gossip naturally spreads very quickly.

These rumors quickly reached the ears of Thrall's trusted confidants, who were constantly monitoring the movements of his important generals.

Just as Mavis was methodically carrying out her plan and laying the groundwork for Cohen's debut.

Deep beneath the "Eternal Night Court," the most crucial part of the chaotic Demon Continent, a decisive gathering is about to begin.

Beneath the Eternal Night Royal Court lies a hidden palace known as the "Eye of the Abyss".

This is the core command center that Thrall, the Demon Lord, has been building for many years to plan his "unification of the Lost Lands" and even grander ambitions.

The palace was constructed entirely of a strange black stone that could absorb light, and its walls were inscribed with constantly writhing and changing abyssal runes, emanating a faint aura that sent shivers down one's spine.

The dome hangs high, simulating a distorted starry sky and a blood-red vortex.

In the center of the hall, there was a huge sand table made of shadow energy and lava, which displayed the dynamics of the Chaotic Demon Continent, the Mechanical Continent and the surrounding areas in real time with magical light and shadow.

The air was filled with a cold, deathly silence that seemed to originate from the end of all things.

In the past, only two types of people could step into the "Eye of the Abyss".

One type consists of Thrall's absolutely loyal confidants, whom he subdued through coercive means such as soul bonds or binding interests during his rise to power. They participate in the darkest dealings and are aware of Thrall's connection to the Abyss.

The other type is a more mysterious and terrifying existence.

Those were "spies" and direct forces that the sixty-two demon gods Valak had already planted in the Lost Lands before choosing Thrall as their representative.

These people, whether human or non-human, are directly loyal to Valak and serve as a bridge for Thrall to maintain a stable connection with the Abyss, obtain certain forbidden knowledge and resources, and of course, also act as a force to oversee Thrall.

All the secret preparations for the unification war in the Lost Lands—resource plunder, construction of secret bases, alliance negotiations with the Mechanical Continent, and even the early exploration of the Demon Passage—were planned and driven by these two core forces within the "Eye of the Abyss."

Previously, both forces had a core leader, Viktor, Thrall's staunch confidant!
However, Viktor's betrayal and exposure caught Thrall completely off guard.

Viktor was not only Thrall's most important "front man" and external liaison, but he was also deeply involved in the early contacts with some demon tribes, the selection of sites for certain demon pillars, and the procurement of resources.

They even knew about the existence of some of the "hidden agents".

His capture resulted in Sal losing a large number of external connections, supply channels and secret strongholds that he had cultivated for many years. More seriously, it also exposed the risks to those lurking "sleeper agents".

This forced Sal to activate the backup plan in an emergency, even sacrificing some pieces, resulting in huge vulnerabilities in the entire intelligence and logistics network.

As the joint operation of the five empires unfolds, the demon pillars and strongholds exposed by Viktor are being eradicated one by one, and Thrall feels an unprecedented sense of pressure and urgency.

He knew that the initial plan for a completely secret preparatory phase had been forced to end, and the time had come for the war to shift from "covert planning" to "open mobilization and actual combat."

If we don't act soon, the entire Lost Lands will probably start to sense the danger!
"We can't wait any longer... we can't afford to wait any longer."

Thrall, the Demon Lord, sat enthroned on a shadowy throne deep within the palace, his body shrouded in churning dark magic, with only his eyes, burning with eerie green flames, clearly visible.

A figure in black robes spoke loudly:
“Victor’s stupidity caused us heavy losses and disrupted our plans.”

We must act swiftly. Lord Valak's will cannot be disobeyed; the great cause of unification must be accomplished!

The one who spoke was named Baffrom Moggos, who was the prime minister of Valak in the Lost Lands before Thrall.

Baphomet had always been dissatisfied with Viktor's ability to outdo him, and now he was taking advantage of this situation to launch a full-scale attack.

The Demon Lord Thrall's gaze swept over the few figures hidden in black robes or distorted shadows below, finally settling on the slowly opening giant door at the palace entrance, and he said in a low voice:
"Don't rush. War is inevitable, but we still need to make full preparations."

Today is an opportunity to bring those powerful figures who openly rule our territory and manage our army into this feast!

A chill flashed in Baphomet's eyes:

"Them? Can they be trusted?"

Demon Lord Thrall said in a deep voice:

"They may not be loyal enough, or they may have ulterior motives, but their army, their territory, and their network are indispensable forces in the coming all-out war."

Anyway, we're almost at the final stage, the war is about to begin, so it's not too early to 'lay our cards on the table,' show them our true strength and future, and force them to make a choice.

Thrall instructed a servant beside him who moved like a shadow:

"Let me reiterate to them that all those who have received the summons from the Abyss must arrive at the 'Eye of the Abyss' within the specified time."

Tell them this will be the final day, deciding whether they achieve eternal glory or face utter annihilation!

……

The time for the assembly had arrived. The heavy stone door slowly opened with a screeching sound, and faint sounds of noisy footsteps and whispers could be heard outside.

Those were powerful lords, generals, tribal chiefs, and leaders of secret societies who had come from all over the Chaotic Demon Continent and whose strength had reached the ninth rank or half a step into the legendary realm.

Even as powerful subordinates of the Demon Lord Thrall, this was the first time they had ever set foot in this legendary forbidden land.

As an important city-state lord and powerful general, Mavis was naturally among those summoned.

After slightly adjusting my emotions, I followed the flow of people and stepped into that giant gate that seemed to lead to an endless abyss.

She knew the real test was about to begin. Her reunion with Cohen and the ensuing thriller of a double undercover operation would soon unfold in the deepest part of this den of iniquity.

As the largest and most powerful Order Oasis force in the Lost Lands, Lord Thrall commands a multitude of powerful figures and possesses a profound foundation.

There are as many as five top experts whose strength has reached the "half-step legend" level.

The Gold Ninth-Order Transcendents, who form the backbone of the force, are numerous and spread throughout the various city-states, legions, and secret organizations under their control.

In the Lost Lands, a land shrouded in special and ancient rules, Saint-level beings cannot manifest for extended periods.

Therefore, the peak of the ninth rank of Gold, and even the "half-step legend," have become the most deterrent and decisive strategic forces that can actually be mobilized on this land, and are undoubtedly the mainstay in large-scale wars.

At this moment, in the oppressive and magnificent underground palace of the "Eye of the Abyss," almost every powerful figure who had received the Demon Lord's summons had gathered here.

Both in terms of strength and status, Mavis is quite outstanding, and therefore deserves to stand at the forefront.

Behind him were dozens of powerful figures whose auras were either cold, violent, strange, or profound, arranged on both sides of the hall according to their strength, status, and relationship with the master.

Some were dressed in magnificent armor, some in mysterious robes, and some simply concealed their figures with shadows or distorted light.

However, everyone wore a solemn and inquisitive expression, their eyes frequently glancing at the imposing figure on the throne.

And the several unsettling, blurry figures standing beside him.

The Demon Lord Sal's gaze slowly swept over each face below. He could sense the awe, ambition, doubt, and a hint of barely perceptible fear of the unknown contained in those gazes.

Great, that's exactly the kind of emotion he wanted.

After a long wait, Thrall's voice slowly rose, as if from the bottom of an abyss, deep and hoarse, yet carrying a soul-stirring resonance that instantly drowned out all the subtle sounds in the hall:

"Gentlemen, you are all pillars of my Chaotic Demon Continent, and my most loyal partners and subordinates along the way."

"It is thanks to you that we have been able to carve out this foundation from a desolate and chaotic land, making the name of the Chaotic Demon Continent resound throughout the Lost Lands!"

Sal's opening remarks, filled with affirmation and praise, temporarily calmed the tension among some who had been suddenly summoned to this strange and terrifying place.

However, the emotions on everyone's faces did not relax at all.

After a pause, Sal abruptly changed the subject:
"However, can our steps stop here?"

Is the chaotic territory of the Demon Continent our final destination?
No! "

He abruptly stood up, the dark magic surging around him as if stimulated, and his eerie green eyes flashed with a terrifying light:
"Our goal is to unify the entire Lost Lands!"

We will bring this land, which carries the endless legacy and glory of the ancient arcane empire, completely under our control!
Establish a powerful and unified new empire that rivals the five great empires of the human continent!
It could even recreate the glory of the ancient arcane empire!

Upon hearing this, although the expressions on the faces of the crowd below varied, there was not much of the expected shock and uproar.

As Sal had predicted, his actions in recent years—massive military expansion, frequent military exercises, probing encroachments on surrounding areas, and increasingly close ties with the Machine Continent—had already revealed his ambitions.

Everyone present was shrewd and had anticipated this.

Many even had a glint of excitement and greed in their eyes.

Unify the lost lands?

This means an endless redistribution of power, wealth, territory, and resources!

If they can follow Thrall to achieve hegemony, they will all become loyal subjects, and the day will come when they can expand their territories and establish their own kingdoms!
Seeing his subordinates' "calm" acceptance, Sal sneered inwardly, knowing that the time was right to drop the real "bombshell" that would stir their emotions.

Sal's voice returned to its previous calmness, but sounded deeper:
"However, the Lost Lands are vast and the forces are deeply entrenched."

"Although I, the leader of Chaotic Demon Continent, am confident of victory, a swift victory and the achievement of unification with minimal losses still require strong allies."

He paused slightly, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping across the faces that were beginning to show signs of contemplation, before clearly announcing, word by word:

"Therefore, I have formed the deepest strategic alliance with Lord Hex, the ruler of the Machine Continent, the 'Alchemist Baron'."

We will join hands, share resources, coordinate our forces, and work together to accomplish the great task of unifying the lost lands!
The war machines, alchemical creations, and endless torrents of steel from the Continent of Machines will combine with the bravery and magic of our Chaotic Continent warriors to form an unstoppable torrent of destruction.

With the two oases joining forces, who in this lost land can withstand our onslaught?

An alliance with the Continent of Machines?
This news is clearly more impactful and likely to elicit a wider range of reactions than the ambitious declaration of "unifying the lost lands".

The Mechanical Continent is located at the other end of the Lost Lands. It is known for its cold machinery, iron discipline, and alchemy that rejects flesh and blood emotions. It is completely incompatible with the chaotic, magical, and individualistic worship style of the Chaotic Demon Continent, and there have been many conflicts between them throughout history.

Sure enough, as soon as Sal finished speaking, the expressions of many people in the crowd below changed instantly.

The initial excitement and anticipation arising from the "great cause of unification" were quickly replaced by surprise, confusion, and even deep worry.

Form an alliance with the Continent of Machines and cooperate with those cold, hard metal lumps, those madmen who turn living people into constructs.

Soon, a burly man standing in the front row couldn't help but take half a step forward.

He was one of Thrall's veteran military commanders, known for his bravery and straightforwardness. He had clashed with Thrall on several occasions in small-scale conflicts on the border of the Machine Continent and harbored a strong dislike for it.

With undisguised hesitation on his face, he asked in a gruff voice:

"My lord! To form an alliance with the Continent of Machines?"
Can we really trust Hextech, that tin man, and those inhuman creatures under his command?

Their belief in absolute rationality and the suffering of flesh and blood is completely different from the ideology of our Chaotic Demon Continent!

My subordinate is worried that this alliance is like asking a tiger for its skin. Even if we cooperate for a while, how will we distribute the benefits once we conquer the country?
Are we supposed to share the market with those tin cans? Our brothers shed blood and sweat, only to end up…

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was already very clear.

These questions clearly reflected the sentiments of many generals present, especially those who had grudges against the Machine Continent or were extremely opposed to its ideology.

The atmosphere inside the hall instantly became somewhat delicate due to this questioning.

Before the Demon Lord Sal could answer, another middle-aged man, dressed in a dark purple robe, with a thin figure but sharp eyes, slowly stepped forward.

This person is none other than the Chief Administrative Officer under the Demon Lord Thrall, who is in charge of the daily administration, resource allocation, law enforcement, and some internal intelligence of the entire Chaotic Demon Continent. His position is comparable to that of the Prime Minister in the human empire, and his name is Nax Philson.

He himself is a powerful necromancer and shadow walker who has been in the "half-step legend" realm for many years.

Nax Philson's voice wasn't loud, but it possessed a unique penetrating quality. He bowed slightly towards the throne, his tone respectful:
"Sir, Lord Demon Lord.

As my colleague just said, let's not even talk about whether we can really achieve a close cooperation with the Machine Continent, let's assume that we can really achieve some kind of relatively stable collaboration with Lord Hex.

However, relying solely on the combined strength of our two oases to achieve the ambitious goal of 'unifying the entire Lost Lands,' a goal so grand it nearly reshapes the world order, is, frankly, beyond our capabilities, and the prospects are far from optimistic.
Not to mention the scattered small and medium-sized city-states and floating islands, nor oasis-level powers such as the 'Twilight Continent' and the 'Night Moon Continent'.

These are just the two toughest nuts to crack in front of us: the 'Endless Alliance' and the 'Mysterious Continent'.

This alone is enough to make our journey toward unification fraught with thorns and uncertainties, and we may even fail at the last minute!

Lord of Mysteries, the Cursed Witch Belmody Vineyard.

Her mystery and power need no further explanation from this old minister.

The potion-making pathways of Sequencers are inherently more unpredictable and mysterious than our mainstream extraordinary professions, and among those of the same rank, they often have the upper hand in combat power.

Now, according to reliable intelligence from various sources, she has a very close relationship with King Effie, the master of the Endless Alliance—Cohen Corleone—and the two have formed an alliance.

When the name "Cohen Corleone" was mentioned, Nax's tone became noticeably more forceful, and a deep sense of apprehension flashed in his eyes:

"His Majesty Corleone's recent actions on the human continent have shaken the gods."

Not long ago, he used swift and decisive means to join forces with the mysteriously rising 'Pirate King' Yann Hughes to destroy the Ceylon Kingdom, which had dominated the northwest of the continent for hundreds of years and was known as the 'strongest kingdom in humankind'!

He even successfully helped one of his lovers ascend the throne of Ceylon!

Such a figure has already established a formidable reputation on the human continent.

If we were to ignite a massive war in the Lost Lands, would Cohen Corleone, and the vast, endless alliance behind him, stand idly by and allow us to conquer all sides, potentially threatening his interests in the Lost Lands, or even the safety of the human continent?

Nax Philson's words were meticulous and logically sound, pointing out the most realistic and terrifying obstacle to the plan—the Endless Alliance and the unpredictable variable of Cohen Corleone!

His analysis truly reflected the sentiments of many generals present, especially those who had heard of Cohen's exploits and were uneasy about the speed of his rise. (End of Chapter)