Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Drive away the tiger to devour the wolf, then join forces to control the tiger, and eventually become the new wielder of the knife.

Weaken one side, coerce the other, and ultimately bring everyone into the orbit he has set!
This is a brilliant strategy that achieves two goals at once, or even more!

In fact, Cohen had more than one plan that could easily break through the Crimson City.

Even without Baffom and his two half-legendary subordinates, with Adrian as his inside man, coupled with his in-depth understanding of Twilight Continent and Crimson City, as well as the other informants and resources he controlled, he was at least 60-70% confident that he could use other, more covert and relatively lower-risk methods.

Creating an opening for the Morgen Empire's army, or severely weakening the city's defenses, would also allow you to complete the mission and prove your abilities to Thrall.

But he chose to lure Baphomet down this seemingly shortcut path of "decapitation."

Because his goal was never as simple as "conquering the Crimson City".

What he wanted was to capture the city-state while ensuring that Baphomet's most elite forces, especially those two precious half-step legends, remained in the Crimson City-State forever!

Weakening the elite forces of the Morgen Empire, especially the forces directly under Thrall and Valak, was one of his core objectives in his infiltration.

Of course, he couldn't make it too obvious, otherwise he would appear foolish and incompetent as the "chief of staff," which would not only lose Sal's trust but also arouse suspicion.

That's why he deliberately mentioned the Crimson Treasury.

On the one hand, it's about getting Baffro to willingly take a big risk and agree to the plan.

On the other hand, it also foreshadowed the future failure of Baphomet.

A general blinded by the Crimson Treasury, due to momentary greed, caused the Demon Gold Empire to gain city-states but lose valuable generals and elite combat forces.

Cohen, on the other hand, perfectly achieved the dual goals of weakening the enemy while cleverly shifting the blame for the defeat!

……

Scarlet City, a luxury hotel in the East District, a private little banquet hall.

Dark red velvet curtains hung from the high dome, and moonstones that emitted a soft, ethereal glow were inlaid on the walls.

Exquisite silverware and blood crystal wine glasses were laid out on the long table.

The air was filled with the rich aroma of aged blood wine, and everywhere exuded the unique luxury of vampire nobles.

Cyril Pollack, the ruler of the Crimson City, sat in the main seat.

He looked like a middle-aged nobleman in his forties, very well-maintained, with a handsome face but lacking color.

Her long, silver-gray hair was neatly tied back, and she wore a well-tailored, deep purple dress.

This half-step legendary vampire elder, known for his defense and iron fist, fixed his gaze on Adrian below him, with a hint of affability.

He certainly valued his capable subordinate, Yadriyan, highly.

It wasn't just because he had reached the eighth level of transcendence at such a young age, but also because of his sharp mind, meticulous thinking, and the competence he displayed in handling the complex affairs of the Crimson Moon Guard.

In the vampire clan, a group with a strict hierarchy and sometimes a somewhat conservative and old-fashioned nature, rising stars like Adrian, who possess both strength and outstanding administrative and strategic abilities, are rare.

Cyril had long regarded him as his right-hand man and the core of his future team, and even had the intention of grooming him as his successor.

Therefore, when Adrian invited him to a private banquet on the grounds that he had "important matters to discuss concerning the future of the city-state," Cyril accepted without much hesitation.

The atmosphere at the banquet was initially quite harmonious.

Adrian reported to Cyril on some recent city defense matters and put forward several defensive suggestions on dealing with the potential threat from the Magnum Empire. Cyril listened carefully and gave his affirmation and supplements.

The two also exchanged views on some developments within the vampire clan.

After a few drinks, the atmosphere seemed to relax a bit more.

Just then, Adrian put down his glass, looked calmly at Cyril, and asked:
"Elder Pollak, what are your thoughts on the clan chief's recent overall foreign policy?"
Especially in dealing with the threat from the Demon Gold Empire, the patriarch seems to prefer a conservative policy of holding onto the territory.

Conversely, it has always maintained a cautious attitude towards alliances with other forces.

This question is somewhat abrupt and goes beyond the scope of ordinary discussions on city defense.

Cyril glanced at Adrian, a complex emotion flashing in his dark red eyes. After a brief silence, he slowly spoke:
“Yadrian, the fact that you even thought of asking this question shows that you are indeed thinking about the future of my people, which is good.”

The clan chief's emphasis on unity and purity within the vampire clan, considering the bigger picture, is perfectly reasonable in the current turbulent situation.

This approach helps stabilize the core base and prevent internal divisions.

However, a sense of unease lingered in my heart.

This unease stems from our perhaps insufficient understanding of the enemy, as well as from my assessment of the future situation.

Having ruled the Crimson City-State for over a thousand years, bordering the Chaotic Demon Continent, my understanding of the Demon Lord Thrall is perhaps deeper than that of some of my compatriots deep within Twilight City.

Sal is by no means the kind of reckless fool who would be blinded by momentary gains or fanaticism.

He was cunning, patient, ambitious, and extremely adept at seizing opportunities.

Since he chose to join forces with Hextech and openly establish the Magnet Empire, he forcibly merged the two completely different and even somewhat opposing forces of chaos and machinery.

This means he must have some cards up his sleeve that we don't yet know about.

Moreover, looking at the current situation across the entire prime plane, the Lost Lands, the human kingdoms, and even more distant powers... undercurrents are surging, and the balance has long been broken.

The future will inevitably usher in an era of great chaos, marked by fierce clashes and a reshuffling of power among various factions—an unavoidable tide.

Faced with such a great tide of the times, perhaps we vampires really shouldn't continue to be complacent and cling to the ancient belief that "those who are not of our kind must have different hearts," thus isolating ourselves from the outside world.

Cooperation and alliances, even temporary alliances based on interests, may be the key to survival and development.

By stubbornly holding our ground and waiting for others to come knocking, or by frantically seeking help only when a crisis is truly imminent... by then, we may have already lost the initiative and even have to pay an unimaginable price.

Cyril's words undoubtedly revealed his deep-seated worries and his subtle disagreement with the patriarch's conservative strategy.

He saw the deeper meaning behind Thrall and the Hextech Alliance, sensed the chaos of a great era, and believed that the vampires needed to take the initiative to change, rather than passively wait.

These words, upon hearing them, caused Baffomier to raise his opinion of Cyril somewhat.

This was a clear-headed and formidable opponent, but it also strengthened his resolve to carry out the plan—such a visionary and capable enemy must be eliminated as soon as possible!

A brief silence fell over the banquet hall once again.

Cyril seemed to realize he had said too much, picked up his glass, downed the remaining liquid in one gulp, then looked at Adrian, his tone returning to its usual calm:

"Of course, this is just my personal opinion."

The clan chief's decision must have its profound meaning. As his subordinates, our primary task is to protect the Crimson City. No matter what the future holds, this place will always be the strongest bulwark for our clan in the southeast.

"Yadrian, since you've asked this, you must have your own opinions. I'd like to hear how you young people view the current situation."

Ardrian met Cyril Pollack's suddenly sharp gaze and slowly nodded:
"Elder Pollak, I admire your foresight and wisdom."

You have witnessed the tide of the times, and the danger of the vampires' stagnation.

My thoughts coincide with yours. In this era of great strife and impending storm, if we continue to close our doors, regard all those who are not of our kind as heretics, and refuse all possibilities of cooperation... that would be tantamount to cutting ourselves off from the future.

Therefore, I would like to introduce you to a few friends today.

They might offer a different path for our Crimson City, and even for Twilight Continent.

"friend?"

Cyril's voice suddenly rose, and he abruptly sat up in his chair, staring intently at Adrian, his previous appreciation and affability completely gone from his face:

"Yadrian! Do you know what you're saying? Have you forgotten the decree personally issued by the chieftain?"

Any form of private contact or transaction with any external force is strictly prohibited!
You are my most trusted deputy, the person I see as the pillar of my future! How dare you... how dare you openly defy the clan leader's orders and secretly collude with outsiders?

Cyril's chest heaved slightly, his emotions a mixture of heartache and anger almost bursting forth.

He couldn't understand why this young man, whom he had personally promoted and placed high hopes on, whom he considered a promising talent and the future hope of the vampire clan, would do something so foolish and dangerous!

Despite Cyril's heartbroken questioning, Adrian's expression remained largely unchanged as he calmly replied:
"Elder Pollak, the ban is a dead end, but the situation is dynamic."

"The clan leader is far away in Twilight City and may not truly understand the pressure my Crimson City faces in the face of military might. Please meet with them first."

As he finished speaking, the curtain on the side of the banquet hall was gently lifted.

Baphomet, who had been waiting outside, strode in with his two half-step legendary subordinates.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Cyril Pollack's pupils contracted sharply, and he almost gritted his teeth as he forced out a name:
"Baphomet!"

As the supreme commander on the front line confronting the Chaotic Demon Continent (now the Demon Gold Empire), Cyril knew the important generals under the Demon Lord Thrall very well.

Naturally, he recognized the person in front of him at a glance. He never expected to see this person, who should have been in the enemy camp, at this time, in this place, and in this way!

Looking at Adrian, whose expression was strangely calm, Cyril instantly understood everything.

All this talk about discussing the current situation, introducing friends, and different paths... it's all a smokescreen!
This is a meticulously planned betrayal and conspiracy!
Adrian, the vice-captain he had personally groomed and the confidant he regarded as his mastermind, had actually secretly defected to the Demon Gold Empire!

A chill ran through Cyril's body. He slowly turned his head, his gaze fixed on Adrian's face, the pain, disappointment, and anger in his eyes almost turning into tangible flames.

“Yadrian…”

Tell me why?
You are the vice-captain of the Crimson Moon Guard in Crimson City!

He is one of the people I, Cyril Pollack, trust the most!

You also have the noble blood of the vampire clan flowing through your veins!

Why did you betray your race?

Facing Cyril's piercing, questioning gaze, Adrian's face revealed a long-suppressed mockery and hatred:
"A vampire?"

The blood of the noble vampire?

Elder Pollak, for you to say such a thing is... truly an immense irony!

You haven't forgotten why I came to Crimson City, have you?

Cyril seemed to have thought of something, and his expression changed slightly.

Adrian took a step forward, his pale face flushed with an unnatural red from excitement, and his voice suddenly rose:

"Just because I'm a mixed-race person!"
Just because my mother is a human being whom you regard as an ant.

Therefore, no matter how much effort I put in, no matter how outstanding my talent is, no matter how much blood and sweat I shed for the so-called glory of the vampires, in the eyes of you 'pureblood' adults, I will always be inferior!
I will always be nothing more than a useful tool, a 'bastard' who can be driven but never given real power or status!

Look at this city-state!

Look at those so-called aristocratic children. How many of them rely on their bloodline and birth to hold positions without doing any work and boss me around?

What talents did they possess? What achievements did they make?
They're nothing but a bunch of maggots sucking blood from their ancestors' legacy and bloodline!
As for me, Adrian, a half-blood, even if I climbed to the position of vice-captain of the Crimson Moon Guard through my own strength and intelligence, in your eyes, I have reached the top forever!

I will never truly enter the core, and I will never gain a status and respect commensurate with my abilities!

I can't stand it! I can't stand those idiots standing above me, pointing fingers at me!

I cannot bear to see my talent and ambitions being stifled by that ridiculous bloodline!

"I cannot tolerate the people I served and even once held illusions about using such rigid and corrupt rules to define my value and limit my future!"

He pointed sharply at Baphomet, his eyes flashing with an almost crazed light:

"The Demon Gold Empire, at least they value my abilities!"

They promised me everything I could earn through merit and ability!
It is true respect and the power that matches it!

Instead of being here, forever nailed to the pillar of shame by that damned, unchangeable bloodline!

The banquet hall was deathly silent.

Only Yadriyan's accusations, filled with hatred and resentment, echoed in the air.

Yadriyan's almost cathartic confession was truly genuine.

His choice to betray the vampires and serve under Ryder Gallo, and later secretly serve the Endless Alliance alongside Ryder, and pledge allegiance to Cohen, stemmed from his awkward bloodline.

He is the offspring of a vampire and a human woman, with two kinds of blood flowing through his veins. This was originally a coincidence of life, but it became an inescapable shackle in his destiny.

In the Twilight Continent, where the purity of bloodlines is highly valued, a "hybrid" seems to be born with original sin.

No matter how hard he tries or how outstanding he is, that invisible barrier always stands in his way.

He gave it his all and, with his amazing talent and perseverance, was admitted to the most prestigious Twilight Academy in Twilight Continent.

There, his intelligence and strength even surpassed many pure-blooded prodigies, earning him praise.

But so what?

Upon graduation and job assignment, he was dismissed with a casual remark, "His background is flawed, and he needs more training," and sent to the remote border region of Crimson City-State, where he was given only the nominal title of deputy captain of the Crimson Moon Guard.

What a load of rubbish! In the eyes of those pure-blooded nobles, this is probably already a favor bestowed upon a "bastard".

This daily disdain and the frustration of having no outlet for his talent gnawed at his heart at all times.

It was this almost overflowing resentment and ambition that was keenly observed by Ryder Gallo, who, after some contact and testing, eventually turned him into one of his most secretive and reliable confidants.

Cyril Pollack was completely stunned.

He did appreciate Adrian's talent and gave him important responsibilities within his authority on several occasions, but he never really thought deeply about what kind of pain and constraints his "hybrid" identity brought to Adrian in a vampire society that placed extreme importance on the purity of bloodlines.

What he perceived as a "promotion beyond the norm" might, in Yardrian's view, be proof of the existence of that invisible ceiling.

Meanwhile, Baphomme stood aside, coldly observing this dramatic rift between "master and servant," a satisfied smile on his face.

The more compelling the reasons for Adrian's betrayal, and the deeper his hatred for vampires, the more advantageous it would be for him.

This proves that Yadrian's "surrender" was genuine, based on deep personal hatred and self-interest, and not merely on simple inducement.

This further increased his confidence in the success of the plan.

Cyril looked at his deputy, who was both familiar and unfamiliar, as if he were seeing him for the first time, and said in a trembling voice:
"So...you chose to betray?"

Adrian sneered:
"betray?
I simply chose a path that better allows me to realize my value.

Elder Pollak, for the sake of our past relationship, and for the sake of your earlier remarks about 'not being complacent,' I will give you a choice.

Submit to the Demon Gold Empire and assist us in controlling the Crimson City-State.

With your abilities and the strategic importance of Crimson City-State, His Majesty Thrall will certainly not treat you unfairly. You will gain greater power and respect than you would as a border lord in Twilight Continent. Otherwise…”

Yadrian didn't finish his sentence, but his cold gaze and the murderous intent slowly rising from Baphomet and the others said it all.

Faced with Adrian's resolute statement, a ruthless glint gradually appeared on Elder Pollack's face:
"Alright, alright... In that case, there's nothing more to say!"
In the name of the Lord of Crimson City, I declare you rebels and invaders!
"Guards! Seize them!"

He shouted loudly, his voice echoing throughout the banquet hall.

However, after a few breaths, there was only deathly silence outside the door, and not a single guard was seen as expected to swarm in.

Elder Pollak's heart sank, and he instantly understood.

He slowly turned his head, looking at Adrian, whose face wore a mocking and confident smile, and then at Baphomet and his two companions, who had formed a triangular formation and were slowly approaching him, no longer concealing their overwhelming aura. He couldn't help but sneer:
"Good tactic... It seems you've already planned this out!"
"However, Yadrian, Baphomet, do you really think you can take down Cyril Pollack with just a few of you?!"

Before he finished speaking, his body surged with blood-red light, and the terrifying pressure of a half-step legendary expert erupted, causing the heavy long table to creak.

The battle broke out instantly.

Adrian arranged the meeting place in an extremely remote location, far from the city center and areas with dense guards, and it was also protected by a shielding magic array.

The intense energy collisions, the explosions of clashing weapons, and the shrill screams unique to vampire magic were all confined to this reinforced banquet hall and its surrounding small area.

It did not cause a large-scale disturbance in the city lord's mansion or even the outer city in a short period of time.

Baphomet, a top-tier spy planted in the Lost Lands by the seventh pillar demon god Valak for many years, possesses formidable strength and mysterious methods. He is extremely difficult to deal with, as he is wielding a multitude of secret techniques bestowed upon him by the demon god and ancient secret arts of the Lost Lands.

With the assistance of two other equally experienced half-step legendary demon generals, the three joined forces and launched an attack like a storm, instantly engulfing Elder Pollak in a vortex of life and death.

Elder Pollak, as expected of a vampire general who has been guarding the border for hundreds of years, possesses extremely rich combat experience. He brings the vampire's innate abilities to the extreme, his figure turning into afterimages, and his blood magic is sharp and ruthless.

Despite holding his own against three formidable enemies in a small space, he managed to launch several counterattacks, forcing Bafumie and the others to temporarily retreat.

However, in the end, two fists can't beat four hands, especially since the opponents came prepared and had excellent teamwork.

The fierce battle lasted for less than an hour, and Elder Pollak already had several deep wounds that exposed bone, and his breathing began to become erratic.

Baphomet spotted an opening, and a jet-black chain, wreathed in an aura of destruction, shot out like a venomous snake, tightly binding Elder Pollak's arm. Meanwhile, another demon general's heavy warhammer, carrying immense force, crashed down upon him!

A resolute and mad glint flashed in Elder Pollak's eyes. Knowing that he could not escape today, he did not dodge or evade. Instead, he concentrated all the remaining blood energy in his other hand, which was not bound, and a dark red light that made people's hearts tremble appeared at his fingertips.

With a suicidal intent, he ruthlessly grabbed at the chest of the other half-step legendary demon general who was closest to him!

puff!

The warhammer smashed Elder Pollak's head, splattering blood everywhere.

Almost simultaneously, with a teeth-grinding tearing sound, Elder Pollak's claws, imbued with all his life's magic and last bit of venom, pierced the demon general's chest and crushed his heart.

The demon general's sinister smile froze as he looked down in disbelief at the gaping hole in his chest. Then, the light in his eyes dimmed rapidly, and his burly body crashed to the ground.

Dust mixed with blood mist slowly fell.

The banquet hall was in a mess, with cracks and scorch marks covering the walls and floor.

Cyril Pollack, the lord of the Crimson City, a powerful half-step legendary vampire elder, is now dead, his body severed from his head and lifeless.

Meanwhile, Baphomet also paid a heavy price—a valuable half-step legendary subordinate perished in the enemy's desperate counterattack! (End of Chapter)