Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

An uncontrollable ecstasy appeared on Baphomet's face.

The deputy captain of the Crimson Moon Guard, and a powerful figure in charge of specific city defense affairs!

This means they have almost gained access to the back door of the Crimson City's defense system!

The most difficult and costly phase of a siege is often breaking through the outer defenses and engaging in street fighting within the city. If there were an inside agent like Adrian, who could disrupt command, open the city gates, destroy key magical nodes, or even provide precise troop deployment maps at crucial moments…

The difficulty of conquering the Crimson City will decrease dramatically, and the number of casualties will be greatly reduced.

This is simply a miracle!

Once he successfully assists the Imperial army in capturing this southeastern gateway of the vampires, Baffom, as the person in charge of this advance reconnaissance, will undoubtedly make a great contribution. His position in the hearts of His Majesty Thrall and Lord Valak will be even more secure, and his power in the Morgen Empire in the future will be limitless!
However, what Yadrian said next dampened Baphomet's newly ignited joy considerably:
"Mr. Baphomet, don't be too optimistic."

In peacetime, or even under normal alert, with my support and the army's coordinated attack from within and without, conquering the Crimson City-State would not be an easy task, but it would certainly not be difficult.

This would reduce resistance by at least 60-70% and minimize casualties.

But things are different now. Since the establishment of the Demon Gold Empire, the entire Twilight Continent, including this Crimson City-State, has entered the highest level of war alert.

Correspondingly, much of the power I held was also taken away.

According to the wartime regulations of Twilight Continent, once the continent enters a state of high alert, all Order City-states, Ancient Castles, Underground Lairs, and even the Night Families tribes must immediately establish a temporary supreme authority—the Emergency Command Center.

This command post was under the full authority of the highest local official, Elder Cyril Pollack, who directly commanded all military forces, administrative institutions, economic lifelines, and most importantly, the defense system within the city.

Power was highly centralized, and every detail was meticulously managed; the movement of even a single soldier required a decision from the command headquarters or a direct order from the overall leader.

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Cohen and Baffame, emphasizing:
"This means that information on city defenses, troop deployments, magic arrays, etc., which were previously scattered across different departments and controlled by different nobles or officers, are now all under the unified management of the command headquarters."

Moreover, in order to prevent espionage and tactical prediction, Lord Cyril ordered that all the city-state's defensive arrangements, including the strength of the defenses of each section of the city wall, patrol routes, the activation status of magic traps, the allocation of barrier energy nodes, and even the garrison positions of reserve forces, would be dynamically adjusted at a high frequency and without any pattern.

The adjustment cycle is unpredictable; it may change several times a day, remain unchanged for three to five days, or even be maintained in a certain configuration for a month before suddenly being completely changed.

The decision-making process depends entirely on Lord Cyril's judgment and the execution by a very small number of people in the core of the command.

Only the core members of the command center have complete control over the final plan for all adjustments.

Although I am the deputy captain of the Crimson Moon Guard, I currently only have access to a portion of the intelligence within my assigned duties, which is of little use in taking over the entire Crimson City-State.

After listening to Yadriyan's explanation, the flush of excitement that had just appeared on Papim's face quickly faded, replaced by a deep cloud of sorrow.

He sighed heavily, his voice becoming somewhat hoarse:

"If that's really the case... then it will be extremely difficult for us to conquer the Crimson City-State."

This is no longer a problem that can be solved by simple inside-outside cooperation. Cyril, that old bat, has everything in his own hands and keeps changing...

He scratched his bald head in frustration and continued:
"His Majesty attaches great importance to this operation. He has repeatedly emphasized in private that this is the first foreign war since the establishment of the Demon Gold Empire. It is a war to establish its prestige and a war to make its debut!"
This time, he personally led the expedition, and his large army is waiting for our intelligence, ready to strike at any time.

This battle must be fought beautifully and decisively, like a thunderbolt, a single, decisive blow, crushing the opponent with absolute superiority.

We want to show the other forces in the Lost Lands who are still watching or even looking down on us the strength of our Demon Gold Empire, and show them the consequences of disobeying His Majesty's will!
The psychological deterrent created by this battle forced some weaker and more wavering smaller forces to surrender outright, or at least not dare to openly oppose us.

Baphomet looked at Cohen, then at Yadrian, his tone heavy:
"To put it bluntly, this first battle is not only about seizing the territory of the Crimson City-State, but also about demonstrating the power of our Demon Gold Empire and the majesty of His Majesty!"

It must be a swift victory, a resounding victory, to leave an indelible impression of our invincibility in the minds of the public and all onlookers!
If the first battle turns into a protracted war of attrition, or even a stalemate with heavy casualties before a victory is barely achieved...

Those neutral forces that already looked down on us will only become more dismissive, believing that we are nothing but bluffing and a paper tiger.

This will greatly encourage their will to resist and make it more difficult for us to conquer the entire Lost Land in the future.

His Majesty... will never tolerate such a situation.

A brief silence fell over the secret room.

The intelligence provided by Adrian revealed a harsh reality: under the highest state of alert, the Crimson City-State had become a tough nut to crack, with highly centralized power, dynamically changing defenses, and extremely difficult intelligence to obtain.

However, the Demon Lord Thrall's requirements for the first battle were almost demanding—not only must he win, but he must win quickly, win beautifully, and win in a way that would instill fear in the enemy.

The contradiction between these two factors made the reconnaissance and subsequent offensive missions exceptionally difficult.

Seeing the undisguised disappointment on Baphomet's face, Adrian suddenly chuckled and said:

"Mr. Baphomet need to be so discouraged?"
Although we cannot easily obtain the real-time updated complete defense map in the hands of the Lord of Cyril, it does not mean that we can only wait passively or have to use the lives of our soldiers to break through this fortified city.

On the contrary, this might be an opportunity, a chance for us to take over the entire Crimson City-State with minimal cost, and perhaps even without bloodshed.

Baphomet abruptly raised his head, his eyes regaining their light, and fixed intently on Adrian:

"Does the gentleman have any good plans?"

Yadriyan did not answer immediately, but glanced at Cohen first, as if asking for advice or confirming something.

Cohen nodded slightly, indicating that he could speak freely.

With his "superior's" tacit approval, Yadrian turned his gaze back to Baphomet and slowly revealed his audacious plan, which could only be described as earth-shattering:

"I have a fairly good personal relationship with Lord Cyril."

This relationship can be used to arrange a private meeting between Lord Cyril and himself at a relatively private location, away from his heavily guarded mansion.

As soon as Lord Cyril leaves his fortress, he is no longer protected by the emergency command center and free from the environment of immediate troop mobilization.

Then we would have the opportunity to carry out a 'decapitation' operation against him, or, ideally, capture and control him alive!
Once Lord Cyril falls into our hands, whether he is dead or alive, as long as we can obtain the lord's seal, which represents the highest authority, that he carries with him as soon as possible.

Then, by stepping forward and using these tokens and my identity, I can quickly take control of the central command system of most of the Crimson City's defense forces.

At that time, the army of the Demon Gold Empire outside the city will launch a general offensive in coordination with the enemy. With the help of both inside and outside forces, the Crimson City-State will be leaderless, its command paralyzed, and the will of the defending army to waver... This advanced city-state will be able to fall into our control with minimal casualties.

Isn't this more in line with His Majesty's requirements of a swift, decisive victory and the establishment of his authority than a frontal assault that results in mountains of corpses and seas of blood?

Decapitate Cyril, seize control of the command center, and coordinate an attack from within and without?
Baphomet's breathing quickened, and a burning light blazed in his eyes.

This plan is too tempting!

If it succeeds, it would be the perfect script tailor-made for the Demon Gold Empire's first battle!

He eagerly pressed on with the question:
“Good plan! But the key is whether we can successfully take Cyril! Mr. Adrian, in your estimation, how much force do we need to mobilize to ensure absolute success?”

This is the core of the plan, and also where the risk lies.

Adrian's expression turned serious, and he answered clearly:

"Cyril Pollack is a vampire elder who has been at the half-step legendary level for over a hundred years."

He was not a mediocre person who rose through the ranks by age; on the contrary, he had extremely rich combat experience.

Their combat strength is among the best in their class, especially skilled in the vampire's high-speed movement, shadow movement, blood magic, and close combat. Their fighting style is fierce and cunning.

In addition, the vampires' powerful vitality, regenerative abilities, and innate resistance to certain mental control and negative states make it extremely difficult to subdue or kill them in a short period of time without alerting too many outsiders.

In my judgment, unless three well-coordinated and powerful half-step legendary experts act simultaneously, forming an absolute power crushing and tactical coordination, blocking all of its escape routes, and ending the battle before it can sound the alarm or activate its life-saving measures, the outcome will be uncertain.

Alternatively, a true legendary-level expert could personally intervene and instantly kill the opponent due to an absolute difference in strength.

Otherwise, it would be almost impossible to complete this decapitation mission without causing a large-scale disturbance and battle.

"If the battle drags on, even for just a few minutes, given the current state of alert in Crimson City-State, the emergency command center and the powerful figures stationed in various locations will be alerted. At that point, not only will our plan fail, but those involved in the operation will also find it extremely difficult to escape."

Three near-legendary figures or one legend!
Upon hearing this, Baphomme's expression turned grim.

Legendary-level powerhouses—let alone whether the Demon Gold Empire has any spare legendary figures available to carry out such high-risk missions of infiltrating behind enemy lines—even if they did, the possibility of them silently passing through the "border fog" and "bloodstain barrier" surrounding the Crimson City-State and infiltrating the city's core area without being detected would be extremely slim.

Energy fluctuations of this level are difficult to completely conceal.

So, as a second choice, what about the three semi-legendary figures?

The Demon Gold Empire does indeed have a considerable number of near-legendary experts, but each has important responsibilities, whether guarding a region or commanding a key legion. Even for this crucial first battle, His Majesty Demon Lord Sal has given Baffomi considerable support, and can indeed summon two more near-legendary experts, making the three of them enough.

But the stakes are too high!

If Cyril is not killed or controlled, but instead alerts the entire city, they will be instantly surrounded, which would be an absolute death sentence.

This would be an unbearable blow to the newly established Magmortar Empire, to Thrall's prestige, and to the morale of the entire army.

Just as Baphomet was torn between the immense benefits of the decapitation plan and the risks that could shatter him to pieces, he was caught in a moral dilemma.

Cohen suddenly spoke up, steer the conversation in a seemingly unrelated direction.

He looked at Adrian and asked:

"I remember that, in addition to being a major military stronghold, Crimson City-State has always seemed to have served as the main resource distribution center and trading hub in the southeastern region of Twilight Continent."

The city's famous 'Crimson Vault' has been stockpiling rare minerals, magical materials, finished potions, works of art, and special goods from all over the Lost Lands, and even occasionally from the human continent.

As is customary, these stockpiled goods are usually cleared out once a year and transferred to Twilight City or other core vampire territories, right?

This question came rather abruptly and seemed somewhat disconnected from the previous intense tactical discussions.

Baphomet was somewhat confused, but then, it was as if lightning flashed through his mind!
Oh, right! The Crimson Treasure Vault!
That enormous warehouse, which was mentioned many times when the strategy was being formulated, symbolized the astonishing wealth and strategic value of the Crimson City!

Due to the Crimson City's unique geographical location and commercial status, the richness of this treasure trove ranks among the top in the Twilight Continent.

The resources piled up inside are enough to make any force or powerful individual envious!
Baphomet abruptly turned to look at Adrian, and involuntarily held his breath.

He volunteered for this extremely risky advance reconnaissance mission not only to impress His Majesty Sarr and to earn the first merit in the founding of the nation.

Deep down, how could there not be a hint of covetousness for the Crimson City, especially for that legendary "Crimson Treasury"?

What is the purpose of war?
Expanding territory and making a name for oneself are two things, but what is most real is the insane plunder of resources.

Within the Demon Gold Empire, factions abound, competition is fierce, and the strong reign supreme.

Although Bafumie is valued by Lord Valak, resources are essential if he wants to advance further, enter a higher circle of power, and acquire greater strength!

The Crimson Treasury is a temptation that can rapidly expand his personal strength and influence!
Adrian seemed unsurprised by Cohen's question, giving an answer that made Baffro's heart pound:

"That's right. In previous years, this was the time when the treasure trove was being inventoried and prepared for transshipment."

However, since the Level 1 alert order was issued, the entire city has entered a wartime state, and all non-essential commercial activities and material transfers have been suspended and directly taken over and sealed off by the emergency command center.

As far as I know, the original cleanup plan has been postponed indefinitely.

Right now, the 'Crimson Treasury' should still be full of all the rare resources accumulated over the past year or even longer, filling an entire warehouse, and there's still not enough time to move them all.

Its total value is immeasurable.

"Completely full...too much to move...the quantity is immeasurable..."

These words echoed repeatedly in Baphomet's mind like a spell.

He seemed to see mountains of magical crystals, rare metals shimmering with various colors, ancient potions exuding an alluring aroma, scrolls engraved with ancient knowledge, and strange artifacts from the human continent...

These are not just wealth, but power! They are the foundation for him to advance further in the brutal competition of the Demon Gold Empire, and even to gain a more advantageous position in the future Demon God's Descent Plan!
The previous hesitation now seemed less insurmountable in the face of the unimaginable allure of the "Crimson Vault".

Yes, the plan to behead Cyril was extremely risky. If it failed, he could not afford the loss of two near-legendary figures, he would not be able to explain it to His Majesty, and he himself might perish.

But... what if it succeeds?
Not only will they be able to successfully conquer the Crimson City and complete His Majesty's political task of "establishing his authority," but they will also gain access to the terrifying resources of the entire Crimson Treasury!
How high can those resources push his personal and faction's power?
To gamble, or not to gamble?

The room was quiet for a moment, with only the sound of Baphomet's slightly heavy breathing.

After a brief silence, he looked at Cohen:

"Mr. Maine, what do you think of the feasibility of Mr. Adrian's 'decapitation' plan?"

Cohen thought for a moment, then replied slowly:

“The Crimson City has been operating for thousands of years, and its defense system is by no means limited to city walls and troops.”

Countless hidden magical traps and warning barriers lie buried outside the city.

Since Cyril is known as a master of defense, there will only be more of these outer 'barbed wire' barriers.

If our army wants to proceed step by step, eliminating these hidden spies one by one, and then facing the well-rested and heavily fortified vampire garrison... it will take at least one or two months and a heavy price to break through this tough nut.

His Majesty has given us a one-month deadline.

But one month is the bottom line; it's a deadline that must be met.

"If we could make that iron gate in the southeast of Twilight Continent burst open before us much earlier... say, within ten days..."

He turned sharply to Adrian, his eyes burning with intense passion, his voice trembling slightly with excitement:
“Yadrian, Mr. Maine said ten days!”
Is it possible for us to accomplish all of this within ten days?
From infiltrating, setting up, and luring Cyril out, to taking action, controlling the central command, issuing signals, and receiving the main force as they enter the city... ten days, is that enough?

Adrian nodded slowly:

"As long as you can successfully control Lord Cyril himself—whether by capturing him alive or killing him and then quickly obtaining the tokens and keys from his body."

I am absolutely confident that, during the initial chaos and the window of opportunity when command is temporarily disrupted, I can use Cyril's seal and some pre-arranged plans to quickly paralyze the defense forces of most key nodes.

At least open a clear path for the army and create maximum internal chaos.

Ten days? If everything goes smoothly, it might not even take ten days!

After another moment of deliberation, Baphomet suddenly raised his head and looked at Adrian, his voice hoarse with excitement and determination:
"Let's do it!"
For Your Majesty's great cause, I am willing to give it a try!
I do indeed have two reliable half-step legendary level experts under my command who can participate in this operation.

They are all experts in infiltration, assassination, and control. I carefully selected and brought them here for any eventuality. They are currently hiding at a designated location outside the city, waiting for orders.

The Crimson City-State is now heavily guarded and rigorously inspected, especially sensitive to the aura of unfamiliar powerful individuals.

These two near-legendary figures possessed extraordinary energy fluctuations, making it virtually impossible for them to infiltrate the city's defenses and patrols without alerting the city's defenses and patrols.

Even with disguise, it's difficult to hide from a close-up, detailed inspection. This... is a big problem.

Upon hearing Baphomet finally reveal the truth and express his willingness to take the risk, a faint smile seemed to flash across Adrian's pale face, as if everything was expected, and he slowly spoke:
"Lord Baphomet need not worry too much about this. Since I have proposed this plan, I naturally have the corresponding preparations."

Having held some authority over the Crimson Moon Guard for many years, I am intimately familiar with the operation of the city's defense system and the identity verification process.

Forging a verifiable set of Twilight Continent identities for two near-legendary powerhouses wouldn't be too difficult.

As long as they cooperate, conceal most of the overflowing energy fluctuations, disguise themselves as ordinary senior experts, and with the legitimate identities I have prepared, I am more than 80% confident that I can get them through the city gate checkpoint safely and smoothly and enter the Crimson City-State.

"Okay! I will inform the two of them immediately to prepare for infiltration and fully cooperate with your arrangements!"
Seeing that Baphomet had finally taken the bait, Cohen's lips curled into a faint smile.

He took such a huge risk to infiltrate the chaotic continent, disguised as "Maine," and gradually approached Thrall to gain his trust, until he finally sat in the high position of "Chief of Staff of the War." His purpose was very clear.

On the one hand, it aims to weaken the chaotic Demon Continent itself to the greatest extent possible.

Whether it's Thrall's vicious demon legions or cunning demon generals like Baffrom, they are all targets he needs to eliminate.

They will deplete their elite forces, exhaust their resources, sow discord among them, and erode this seemingly invincible war machine from within.

On the other hand, and at a deeper level, he wanted to use the Demon Gold Empire, the sharpest blade, to "persuade" the other still arrogant forces in the Lost Lands.

The werewolves of Nightmoon Continent, the vampires of Twilight Continent, and countless small and medium-sized forces... They may be wary of Thrall and Hextech's ambitions, but they still harbor a sense of wishful thinking.

Only by letting the iron hooves of the Demon Gold Empire truly trample their land, let war burn their homes, let death descend upon their people, and let them personally experience the terror and despair of annihilation.

Only then will they abandon their ridiculous arrogance and wishful thinking, and truly realize that in the face of a monster combining "chaos" and "mechanics," fighting alone will only lead to certain death.

At that time, he, Cohen Corleone, will descend as a savior, making them willingly become part of the future empire! (End of Chapter)