Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Valak, the Lord of the Abyss known for his cunning, insight, and long-term planning.

Naturally, they wouldn't sit idly by and watch their carefully cultivated pieces, into which they had invested so much effort over the years, be destroyed without any value.

The collapse of the Morgen Empire not only means the bankruptcy of Thrall's ambitions, but also that he will lose an important springboard and source of manpower for his plan to return to the Material Plane.

However, His power is limited by the seal, and direct intervention would come at a great cost and easily attract the attention of other beings.

Therefore, after receiving Thrall's prayer, Valak quickly contacted another being among the seventy-two demons, King Solomon, ranked sixth among the seventy-two demons, the sixth demon, Grand Duke Valefor!
Unlike Valac, who favored the power of war and destruction, Grand Duke Walif preferred secrecy, knowledge, long-term planning, and the manipulation of people's hearts.

He can be considered one of the seventy-two demon gods with the deepest and most extensive influence on the human continent.

The first underground organization, "Black Tomb," which strikes fear into the hearts of countless people and whose tentacles reach into the shadows of the continent, is the masterpiece that it has cultivated and grown over many years through its human agents, "Tomb."

The secret change of ownership of the Kingdom of Serene is merely the most recent and most dazzling move on this vast chessboard.

The person "Mu" himself was the last disciple of this demon god, and received his true teachings.

Although the demons and gods are not a united front, suspicion, competition, and even hostility are the norm.

However, their interests are highly aligned on the ultimate goal of "accelerating the internal strife within the world of gods, weakening the resistance of the prime material plane, and ultimately breaking through the seal and returning to the human world."

Effie's rise, especially the presence of Cohen Corleone, has become a huge obstacle to this goal.

He is not only the mortal enemy of the Demon Gold Empire, but also the "culprit" who has repeatedly sabotaged the "Black Tomb"'s major plans, causing it heavy losses and damaging its prestige.

Both Varlak and Walliver had long regarded Cohen and his Effie team as stumbling blocks that had to be eliminated.

Therefore, when Varlak proposed the alliance, Grand Duke Walif hardly hesitated.

The enemy of my enemy is my temporary ally.

Especially now, the attention of the five great empires and many powerful nations is deeply drawn to the preparation and competition of the "Covenant of the Gods," and they are plagued by internal conflicts, leaving them no time to attend to other matters.

Launching an attack now is the golden opportunity to break through defenses, create maximum chaos, and weaken the overall strength of humanity.

Without the knowledge of mortals or even the world of gods, an evil alliance was swiftly formed, spearheaded by two abyssal lords, each with their human agents (Thrall and "Black Tomb") as executors.

The main purpose of the plan is to integrate the remaining military forces of the Demon Gold Empire with the Kingdom of Serene controlled by the "Black Tomb" and its vast network of infiltration and elite armed forces.

They created a massive military conglomerate across the entire human continent, forming a pincer movement against Effie from the east and west.

The target is the core of Effie and his allies, aiming to deliver a fatal blow when their foundations are unstable, their allies are wavering, and they face numerous external constraints.

However, the most ironic and insidious part of this conspiracy soon arrived.

After receiving orders from the Pillar God Valak, Thrall, in order to carry out this plan to unite with the "Black Tomb," naturally had to send a special envoy to Thoringard, the capital of the Kingdom of Therein, to secretly meet with the "Three Tomb Masters," the actual controller.

However, the special envoy he chose was none other than his most trusted confidant at this moment, the Empire's war chief of staff, the Empire's "last hope"—Cohen Corleone.

……

Rewind to three days ago, the atmosphere at the Demon Gold Empire's front-line camp was extremely heavy.

Everyone knew their defeat was inevitable, and despair and madness spread silently.

Emperor Thrall's temporary palace resembled a volcano about to erupt, exuding an unsettling silence.

When Cohen received the order from the Saar Guard that His Majesty the Emperor wished to see him urgently, Cohen already had a premonition.

Sal's recent seclusion is definitely not a sign that he is waiting to die.

Composing himself, he followed the guards to Thrall's temporary palace.

Deep within the palace, Thrall stood with his back to the door before a strategic map almost entirely covered in crimson markings.

He didn't turn around, his voice tinged with weariness:
"Mayne, you've arrived."

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Cohen gave a perfect military salute, his posture impeccable.

Sal slowly turned around. In just a few days, the once ambitious emperor seemed to have aged and become much more haggard, with sunken eyes and an unhealthy, ashen complexion.

Only his eyes, burning with two dark and stubborn flames, showed that his heart was far from yielding.

He stared at Cohen, his gaze so sharp it seemed to pierce his soul.

After a chilling silence, Sal spoke in a hoarse voice:
"We haven't lost yet, but they think they've cornered us."
No, not at all.

We also have allies, truly powerful allies, allies capable of tearing everything apart.

Cohen looked up at just the right moment, his eyes showing perfectly timed astonishment:
"Allies? Your Majesty, you mean..."

“The Kingdom of Serene.” Thrall uttered the name, a cold, twisted smile spreading across his lips, like the hiss of a venomous snake, “and standing behind Serene… the ‘Black Tomb’.”

Cohen's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly, and he said slowly:

"Serene? That... human kingdom."

There's also a Black Tomb?

They...they weren't always..."

"Always hiding in the shadows, directing from behind, never showing his face?"

Sal finished speaking for him, letting out a chilling, hoarse laugh:

"Times have changed, Chief of Staff."

When a wolf pack becomes strong enough, it will no longer be content with simply gnawing on carrion.

They saw an opportunity, an opportunity for those so-called 'great powers' to be entangled in the covenant of the gods and their greedy infighting.

They also saw Effin, and Cohen Corleone… this enemy we must crush together!

His voice suddenly rose, filled with hysterical hatred:
"Cohen Corleone, Effie."

And that damned Supreme Council.

They are the ones who pushed us to this point, and they are the ones who have blocked the path of too many people!

Now, it's time for them to pay the price!

Sal suddenly bent down, grabbing Cohen's shoulders with astonishing strength, a sickly flush rising on his ashen face:

"Mayne, you are my loyal and most trusted chief of staff."

I am about to entrust you with a vital mission.

Cohen felt the almost crushing force on his shoulder, but his face showed excitement and a sense of being trusted. He said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, please give your orders. I will do anything, even die for you."

"I want you to be my plenipotentiary envoy to Toringard, the capital of the Kingdom of Serene."

Go and meet the true controller there, the three tomb masters of the 'Black Tomb'.

On behalf of myself, and on behalf of the soon-to-be-reborn Demon Gold Empire, I wish to discuss with them the specific details of our joint effort to deal with Effie!

Upon hearing Sal mention this mission in person, Cohen felt an overwhelming sense of absurdity.

Sending him, King Effiin and one of the core members of the Supreme Council, to represent the Mojin Empire and discuss with Effiin and the Supreme Council's most insidious and dangerous enemy how to join forces against...himself?

However, this sense of absurdity lasted only a moment.

Cohen immediately realized something: Sal had most likely been seeking help from his master all these days!

He recalled the intelligence he had extracted from the captured "Black Tomb" spy in Ceylon—

Behind the "Black Tomb" stands the sixth demon god, Grand Duke Waleifer! (See Volume 3, Chapter 277: The Seventy-Two Demon Gods Reappear, the Silent King Solomon!)

Now, the Kingdom of Serene has openly joined forces with the Demon Gold Empire, which must be at the behest and coordination of the Endless Abyss.

It seems that the sixty-second demon god Valak and the sixth demon god Valif have reached some kind of tacit understanding or deal.

Their decision to launch an attack at this time must be due to some intelligence they have obtained, confirming that the five great empires and even the world of gods are being severely constrained by the power struggle related to the "Covenant of the Gods".

They have no time to attend to other matters, and at least cannot make a strong intervention in the first instance.

Seeing that he was too "excited" to speak, Sal assumed he was overwhelmed by the weight of the responsibility and the "hope" it contained. He loosened his grip slightly, his tone carrying a solemn air of entrusting a heavy burden:

“Maine, I trust you, not only because of your abilities, but also because of your loyalty to the Empire.”

You were once a seasoned intelligence officer in the Lost Lands, and no one is better suited than you to deal with those who lurk in the shadows.

Go and find out their background, their intentions, and their strength.

Tell them our conditions and our needs.

What we want is not just to defeat the enemy, but to take revenge, to reclaim everything that belongs to us, and even... more!

Cohen took a deep breath, as if suppressing his surging emotions, his voice firm and resolute, his eyes gleaming with loyalty and determination:

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

"I will certainly represent His Majesty in reaching the most favorable agreement with the Black Tomb, making Effie pay the heaviest price!"

Sal patted his shoulder heavily, finally releasing his grip, a hint of almost ferocious relief on his face:

"Very good, go and prepare. Take your most capable assistant with you and select the necessary attendants and guards."

Remember, you represent the dignity and future of the Magic Gold Empire. No matter what conditions the other party proposes, remember our bottom line.

If necessary, you can invoke the highest authorization I've given you…

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Leaving the ominous palace of Salna, the air outside seemed to be fresher.

Cohen walked quickly back to his tent, his expression returning to calm.

This is an opportunity.

An extremely dangerous opportunity, but also a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

He will enter the core control area of ​​the "Black Tomb" as the special envoy of the Emperor of the Demon Gold Empire, and meet the mysterious Third Tomb Master. This will be the perfect opportunity for him to obtain first-hand information on the cooperation between the "Black Tomb" and the Demon Gold Empire (in reality, the two demon gods behind it), to understand their strategic intentions, and even to figure out some of the core structure of the "Black Tomb".

But the risks are equally enormous.

Who are the three tomb masters? They are core members who control the number one dark organization on the continent.

His deep thoughts, unpredictable methods, and terrifying strength far exceed ordinary people's imagination.

If one reveals even the slightest flaw, one will be doomed.

Moreover, the cooperation between the other party and the Demon Gold Empire is bound to be fraught with mutual scheming and distrust.

Whether he, as a special envoy, is seen as a worthy ally to be won over, or a hostage or bargaining chip to be manipulated or even detained at will, remains to be seen.

We must make thorough preparations.

Cohen pondered to himself that the first priority was to safely deliver this earth-shattering news so that Adele and the Supreme Council could be prepared.

Secondly, he needed a flawless disguise.

Not only must he play the role of the war chief of the Magnum Empire, who is loyal to Sal and hates Effie to the core, he must also demonstrate sufficient ability, skill, and value.

This made the people of the "Black Tomb," especially the Third Tomb Master, see him as a potential partner, not a lackey who could be easily dismissed.

Finally, and most importantly, he needed to obtain as much crucial intelligence as possible while completing the tasks assigned to him by Sal.

He spread out paper and pen and began to write rapidly.

One document is a "Delegation Plan and Preliminary Strategy" for Thrall, filled with a "defense" of the interests of the Morgen Empire and reasonable vigilance and suggestions for utilizing the "Black Tomb," perfectly fitting the persona of a shrewd and capable chief of staff.

The other document was a briefing written in ciphertext that only he and a very few core members, including Adele, understood.

It concisely explains Thrall's astonishing decision to send him to Thereon to contact the three tomb masters of the "Black Tomb," and analyzes the possible Daedric-level cooperation behind it.

He also included his assessment of the situation and suggestions for actions that might require support from the rear.

After writing the secret letter and carefully disposing of all traces, Cohen leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and began to mentally rehearse the possible scenarios of his meeting with the three tomb masters.

Carefully consider every line of dialogue, every facial expression, and every possible probing and response.

He completely immersed himself in the role of "Special Envoy of the Demon Gold Empire," carefully studying his mindset.

Of course, besides these, he also made other preparations, after all, the other party was a veteran saint and a core figure in the Black Tomb.

Cohen couldn't possibly go to the negotiations face-to-face all by himself.

……

When Mavis returned late at night, she keenly sensed the unusually heavy atmosphere inside the tent.

Looking at Cohen, one could immediately see the deep contemplation between his brows.

Mavis took off her outer robe, revealing a figure-hugging pure white open-chested sweater, and walked gently to Cohen's side, her purple eyes questioning.

Cohen snapped out of his daze and waved his hand to set up a magic circle.

Only after doing all this did he tell Mephisto the whole story of Risar's "appointment" during the day.

After hearing this, Mavis's voice instantly rose:
"Are you going to Toringard to see the three tomb masters?"

No, absolutely not.

You have no idea what a saint means, their perception, their insight, their control over the rules... The moment you step into their perception range, they can detect the slightest discord in you.

Once exposed, you won't even have a chance to resist. No, I absolutely disagree!

Cohen gently patted Mavis's hand, trying to soothe her, a mysterious smile on his face:
"Don't worry, Mei'er, since I dare to go, I naturally have my own support."

Mavis frowned, her face full of disbelief:

"Beside a saint, unless there is a being of the same or even stronger level protecting you closely, any reliance you have is meaningless."

"Do you think you can carry a saint with you at all times?"

Cohen's smile deepened as he looked into a seemingly empty, shadowy corner of the tent and said in a relaxed tone:

"Pretty much, Mei'er. Come, let me tell you about the security measures for this operation."

She is...

Before Cohen could finish speaking, a deep, magnetic female voice, with the languid and alluring quality unique to mature women, rang out without warning, interrupting Cohen.

The voice wasn't loud, yet it seemed to resonate directly in the depths of one's soul, carrying a detached air of looking down upon all living beings, along with a hint of playful mockery.

"The quantity and quality of your harem far exceeded my initial expectations."

This one... if I remember correctly, is Miss Mavis, the intelligence queen from the Chaotic Demon Continent whose fame is as widespread as her beauty and her fear?

You even managed to pluck the famous thorny rose from the Lost Lands.

"Wow, quite capable."

The moment the words fell, the shadows in the distance rippled like water, and an elegant and graceful figure materialized, quietly appearing before Cohen and Mavis.

Virekis wore a magnificent dark green elfin-style gown that accentuated her stunningly mature curves.

Her long, silvery-white hair, as if solidified moonlight, was casually draped over her shoulders, the ends shimmering with starlight.

Her beauty transcends the ordinary meaning of "pretty," and is a kind of perfection that is almost a law.

Her exquisitely beautiful features combined to exude a breathtaking allure.

What is most striking about her are her long, pointed ears and her emerald green eyes, like the deepest pool in an emerald forest.

He glanced at Cohen with a hint of interest, his gaze finally settling on Mavis, who looked as if facing a formidable enemy.

Mavis was startled and instinctively stepped forward to shield Cohen behind her. Her purple eyes, sharp as knives, were fixed on the suddenly appearing stranger, and she said in a deep voice:

"who are you?"

However, she froze as soon as she uttered the question.

It wasn't because the other party was unfathomable, making it impossible for her to perceive the depth of their aura, but because of their face.

Mavis has always been absolutely confident in her looks and demeanor; in the Lost Lands, her beauty and infamy go hand in hand.

Apart from Adaline Angelion, whom even she couldn't help but admire, she didn't think there was anyone else in the world who could completely overshadow her in terms of appearance.

But the woman before me... her beauty had an unreal, almost dreamlike quality.

It is an ultimate charm that has been accumulated over countless years and condensed the essence of nature and mystery.

Mature, languid, and charming, yet exuding an air of aloofness and authority.

Especially when she noticed the other person's distinctive pointed ears and elven features, combined with their stunning appearance and unfathomable aura...

Her stunning beauty, combined with her elven features, made her exceptionally beautiful.

Suddenly, a name popped into Mavis's mind that had long been buried deep in historical memory and had almost become a synonym for legend.

"Are you the Elf Queen?"

Mavis gasped, her purple eyes filled with disbelief and shock.

There are many rumors surrounding this nominal ruler of the Elven race, who was hailed as "the most beautiful woman on the continent in the past".

Mavis never expected that she would meet the real person here, in this way.

But what really sent chills down her spine was how the other party could have such a high level of supernatural ability.

As a transcendent being about to enter the legendary rank, she has a vague sense of higher-level power.

The elven queen before her gave her the feeling of facing a bottomless starry sky.

Vast, ancient, and majestic—qualities that only legendary beings could possess.

A saint? Or...something higher?
In response to Mavis's reaction, Vireikis' lips curled into a lazy, playful smile, and she let out a very soft laugh.

"It seems your little lover has good taste and is quite knowledgeable."

She first glanced at Cohen, a mischievous glint in her emerald eyes, then her gaze returned to Mavis, as if admiring a rather interesting work of art.

She then gracefully took a small step forward, ignoring Mavis's instantly tense body.

He extended a finger, as if sculpted from jade, and gently lifted Mavis's chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. With an almost teasing, ambiguous tone, he said:
"Little sister, this secret... you can't just tell anyone!"

A hint of embarrassment and annoyance flashed in Mavis's purple eyes, and her inner magic instinctively wanted to erupt to shake off this seemingly frivolous touch.

However, he found that the energy around him seemed to be trapped in viscous amber, and its flow was sluggish.

He could only watch helplessly as that breathtakingly beautiful face appeared so close to his, feeling the cool touch of her fingertips and her gaze that seemed to see into the depths of his soul.

Virekis's gaze lingered on Mavis's striking features, especially her purple eyes, which were now filled with stubbornness and resentment, and her smile deepened:
"Tsk tsk tsk, what a beauty, even when she's angry she's so captivating."

No wonder she could captivate our philandering king.

"Cohen, I'm getting more and more curious. What extraordinary identity did you have in your past life? How did you manage to attract such stunning beauties wherever you went?"

Mavis finally broke free from that invisible restraint, or rather, Virekis voluntarily withdrew her power.

She abruptly took a step back, breaking free from the other person's touch, a blush rising on her face from being teased, a mixture of anger and an indescribable embarrassment.

She glared fiercely at Virekis, but instead of standing in front of Cohen as if facing a formidable enemy, she turned her head, her purple eyes burning as she stared at Cohen, her voice filled with barely suppressed anger:
"What exactly is going on? Why is the Elf Queen here? And how did she become your bodyguard?"

Cohen felt helpless watching Virekis's "disrespectful" teasing of Mavis.

He considered how to explain Virekis's identity to Mephisto, after all, he had promised Virekis that he would not reveal her true identity to anyone:

"It's a long story, involving many things... well, an ancient agreement and some unexpected events."

Simply put, Her Majesty the Queen has some connection with me and Windsor.

She is currently our ally, and also Windsor's mentor on her magical path. (End of Chapter)