Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Windsordler is the next Elf Queen, and naturally also a student of Vilekis, a fact that Mavis knows.

She was curious as to why Cohen was so close to Virekis that he was willing to risk his life as her bodyguard.

Cohen continued explaining, his tone becoming serious:
"When I go to Toringard to deal with the three tomb masters, with Her Majesty the Queen secretly protecting me, my safety will be greatly improved."

after all……"

He paused, glanced at Virekis who was still staring at Mavis with amusement, and then said, "Her Majesty the Queen's current strength can be considered the number one expert known on the entire continent."

"The number one expert?"

Mavis couldn't help but gasp again, her purple eyes wide open.

Previously, I only vaguely sensed that the other party was unfathomable and far surpassed the legendary, but the impact of the title "the number one expert on the continent" is another matter entirely.

What does this mean? It means that the incredibly beautiful elven queen before them has likely reached the legendary level of cultivation…

Looking at Virekis, their gazes involuntarily carried a deeper sense of shock and a hint of awe.

Immediately, this shock was somewhat diluted by another familiar emotion.

Mavis pouted, her tone carrying a hint of reproach she herself didn't realize:
"You only hire pretty women as bodyguards, you really are... true to your nature."

Looking at the mature, charming, and stunningly beautiful elven queen before him, he felt inexplicably uneasy.

How come this guy is surrounded by beauties of this caliber, and each one is more impressive than the last!
Virekis took in Mavis's reaction, but remained noncommittal about her girlish jealousy.

Just as he was about to make another joke, his expression suddenly hardened, and a strange light flashed deep in his eyes.

The languid smile on his face remained, but his eyes became focused, as if he could see something deeper through Mavis's glamorous exterior.

She took a half step forward, her gaze sweeping slowly over Mavis as if it were a physical object, from the ends of her hair to her fingertips, as if examining a long-forgotten antique.

Mavis felt extremely uncomfortable under her gaze; that feeling of being completely seen through returned, even more so than before.

She couldn't help but frown slightly, and subconsciously wanted to back away, but found herself once again locked in by a gentle yet irresistible aura.

Cohen's expression suddenly changed; he knew Virekis's true identity and those long and terrifying memories.

This ancient being would not have cast such a scrutinizing gaze without a reason.

In a flash, he remembered Mavis's secret background, which she had never told anyone: one of the last surviving members of the royal bloodline of the ancient arcane empire.

That long-forgotten, taboo history that led to the tragedy at the Arcane Empire Research Institute is inextricably linked to the seemingly languid and alluring elven queen before us, who has actually lived through countless ages.

The destruction of the Arcane Empire Research Institute was caused by touching the forbidden area where Vilekis was in seclusion, which triggered a devastating backlash. Even Mavis's maternal grandfather died in this disaster.

The cause and effect involved were complex and intertwined; although it wasn't a direct act of revenge, it was by no means a pleasant memory.

We can't let Virekis reveal this here, in this way.

With a quick thought, Cohen took half a step forward, seemingly naturally blocking Mavis's path and cutting off Virekis's increasingly focused scrutinizing gaze.

Maintaining composure, he turned to Mavis behind him and said gently:
“Mei’er, Her Majesty the Queen and I have some matters to discuss privately.”

You've had a long day, go home and rest. I'll handle things here.

Upon hearing this, a clear look of doubt flashed in Mavis's purple eyes.

She glanced at Cohen's broad but slightly tense back in front of her, then looked over his shoulder at the elven queen who was scrutinizing her with a half-smile.

Her woman's intuition told her that things were not as simple as Cohen had said.

Is there anything that even she can't listen to?

Especially since it's related to this elf queen who suddenly appeared, who is excessively beautiful and ridiculously powerful.

"What is it that you have to avoid me about?"

Virekis took in Cohen's instinctive protective gesture and Mavis's puzzled expression, a hint of understanding flashing in her emerald eyes.

Her red lips parted slightly as she said to Mavis in a teasing tone:
"Don't worry, my little beauty, it's just some old grievances and boring agreements that need to be cleared up."

I won't do anything to him, and I certainly won't... steal your husband away!

She spoke the last few words softly and slowly, with a slight upward slant at the end.

Coupled with her stunning beauty and magnetic voice, there was an indescribable sense of ambiguity and teasing.

Mavis's cheeks flushed slightly, almost imperceptibly, but at the same time she felt a little relieved—at least, it didn't sound like it was going to harm Cohen.

She glared at Virekis, then looked at Cohen. Seeing his firm gaze, she nodded slightly to reassure him and let him leave.

Mavis pursed her lips, ultimately not pressing the matter further. She merely let out a slightly resentful snort, gave the two of them a deep look, and then turned and walked away.

Cohen breathed a barely audible sigh of relief after Mavis left, but his brows did not completely relax.

He turned around and met Villegisie's emerald eyes, which seemed to see right through people.

"What, worried your little sweetheart will be jealous?"

Virekis raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with undisguised schadenfreude, "Surely not, with so many beauties around you, how could you possibly be jealous?"

Cohen rubbed his temples helplessly and sighed.
“Your Majesty, I have a small suggestion… next time you are going to make a sudden appearance like this, could you perhaps tone down your unparalleled charm a little?”

Upon hearing this, Vireikis's red lips curved into a breathtaking smile. She took a light step forward, almost touching Cohen, and tilted her flawless face up, her breath sweet as orchids:
"Oh, so you've gotten so used to the current number one beauty on the continent that you've started to look down on me, the former number one beauty on the continent?"

She was so close that the unique scent emanating from her, seemingly a blend of the fragrance of ancient trees, gently wafted into Cohen's nostrils, accompanied by her languid, magnetic voice and her breathtaking beauty so close to his.

Even with his strong will, Cohen's heart skipped a beat, and he subconsciously took a half-step back to create some distance.

Cohen steadied himself and said with a wry smile:

"Your Majesty is too kind. Your Majesty is exceptionally handsome and I believe no man can ignore your charm."

He then quickly steered the conversation back on track, his expression becoming serious.
"Your Majesty, regarding Mavis... did you just notice something?"

Seeing that he was no longer responding to her teasing remarks, Virekis decided to stop while she was ahead, and the playful, carefree expression on her face faded slightly.

Instead of answering directly, she slowly walked to the simple cot inside the tent, sat down gracefully, crossed her long, slender, and fair legs, and said bluntly:

"People from the Arcane Empire?"

There wasn't much emotion in Virekis's voice, but Cohen could sense that beneath that calm lay a complex meaning that had transcended a long period of time.

Cohen's last shred of hope vanished.

Sure enough, this ancient being saw through the deeply hidden mark in Mavis's bloodline at a glance.

He was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded, walked to the opposite side of her, and sat down. He then gave a brief account of Mavis and Melantha's background in the simplest possible language.

The tent fell silent for a moment, with only the crackling of the lamps and the faint sound of the wind outside.

Virekis listened quietly, her long silver eyelashes drooping, obscuring the thoughts in her eyes.

In Cohen's brief narration, Buddha glimpsed the splendor and tragedy that had been buried in the long river of time.

After a long while, she let out a soft sigh, raised her eyes, and looked at Cohen. Her blue eyes had regained their usual calm, but there seemed to be an indescribable emotion deep inside.

"I see... The Arcane Empire is truly remarkable. On the verge of destruction, they were still able to master and utilize this sealing technology that touches upon the taboo of 'time'..."

She shook her head, clearing her mind of thoughts, and refocused her gaze on Cohen:

"But you're quite bold, and... you're lucky too."

You dare to keep this troublesome bloodline by your side and even make her devoted to you?

Don't you know what kind of being destroyed the Arcane Empire?

Her gaze sharpened, and even without being explicitly stated, the implications of her words were enough to send a chill down the spine of anyone who knew even a smattering of that history.

It was a terrifying existence capable of completely annihilating a magical civilization that rivaled the gods and was as brilliant as the gods in a short period of time; its level far exceeded the imagination of mortals.

Cohen was not unaware of this.

Although he is currently unable to fully uncover the truth behind the fall of the Arcane Empire, nor can he confirm the identity of the ultimate mastermind, he is still unable to do so.

However, the sheer scale of the Arcane Empire ruins, the remaining magical wonders, and the historical gap caused by its sudden demise are enough to deduce the horror that lies behind it all.

That was a power that would make anyone who knew about it tremble.

Cohen looked back calmly:

“Mei’er is Mei’er. Her bloodline is her past. What I want is her as a person.”

No matter what lies behind this bloodline, no matter who it is, nothing can stop me.

Virekis looked at him for a while, seemingly trying to find even the slightest wavering in his eyes, but in the end she only saw an unquestionable determination.

She nodded, resuming her languid demeanor.
"It's good that you know what's going on. Since you insist, I won't say anything more. However, Cohen..."

She paused for a moment, her tone becoming somewhat distant:

"The bloodline of the Arcane Empire, especially in this era, is awakening... which is no coincidence."

The plucking of the strings of fate often involves deeper causes and effects; you should take care of yourself.

Cohen felt a chill run down his spine, understanding the deeper meaning in her words, and said in a deep voice:

"I understand. I'll keep an eye on it."

Villegis gave a noncommittal "hmm" and did not continue the topic.

Virekis seemed unwilling to discuss the topic further, and her expression turned serious:
"Alright, let's get down to business."

When do you plan to travel to Toringard, and what are your specific plans?

Cohen also composed himself and began to explain his plan:

"I plan to inform Sal tomorrow and finalize the selection of the delegation members and the departure time."

As for Your Majesty's identity, I will tell you that Your Majesty is an important 'spy' whom I secretly developed in the Kingdom of Serene when I traveled the continent in my early years. You have special channels and identity.

This would greatly facilitate our contact with the Black Tomb and ensure my safety.

For this reason, I will arrange a legitimate official position for you within the mission. This way, you can stay by my side openly without arousing Thrall's suspicion, and it will also make your activities in Toringard more convenient.

only……"

As Cohen spoke, his gaze involuntarily fell on Virekis's face again.

Looking at this stunningly beautiful face that could be described as breathtaking by any standard, a clear hesitation appeared on his face.

With such a stunningly handsome and charismatic "secret agent" by your side, it's probably a false premise that you wouldn't attract attention.

In a dangerous place like Thoringard, the capital of Serene, an overly dazzling appearance could become a source of trouble, attracting unwanted attention.

Virekis let out a sneer tinged with a hint of arrogance and mockery:

"Ha, do you think that with the eyesight and senses of you mortal beings, you can easily see my true appearance?"

She lazily raised her hand, her slender fingers gently brushing a strand of silver hair against her cheek, a movement of exquisite elegance.

"If I hadn't given permission and voluntarily restrained my power, do you think you and your little lover, with your cultivation levels, could have seen my appearance so clearly?"

Upon hearing this, Cohen was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized what was happening and felt a sense of relief.

Yes, I was so concerned that I forgot about the identity and strength of the person in front of me.

Vilekis is a demigod-level being, having long transcended the realm of mortal life.

If she intends to hide, let alone ordinary legendary-level beings, even saints would find it difficult to see through her disguise.

Changing one's appearance, concealing one's aura, and reducing one's presence are all incredibly easy for such beings.

She could easily make herself appear ordinary and blend into the crowd unnoticed.

"I was overthinking it."

Cohen felt relieved, feeling even more confident about the trip to Torlingard.

With this unfathomable Elf Queen by my side, the safety factor is indeed greatly increased.

"Good that you understand."

Vilekis stood up, her stunning figure seemingly radiating a faint halo under the light, but the space around her seemed to distort slightly.

The breathtaking beauty and presence have faded somewhat; while still outstanding, it no longer possesses that inhuman, extreme impact.

"Then, we'll discuss the specific details after you've reached an agreement with that 'emperor'."

If there's nothing else, I won't disturb you while you're comforting your little lover.

She glanced at Cohen with a half-smile, her figure fading away like ink spreading in water.

In the end, it disappeared silently into the camp, as if it had never existed.

Over the next two days, Cohen handled his tasks with great efficiency and had a private audience with Sal.

A suggestion was made regarding having a "veteran Serene spy" accompany them.

As he expected, Sal, eager to grasp at any straw, agreed to Cohen's request almost without hesitation.

This "spy" was granted a high degree of authority and freedom of action within the mission.

Three days later, a small but well-equipped delegation composed of elite personnel personally selected by Thrall quietly left the front-line camp of the Magnum Empire and embarked on a journey to Toringard, the capital of Thrall.

……

Toringard, the capital of the Kingdom of Serene.

This ancient city did not show much signs of decay despite the covert changes in royal power.

Instead, it operates stably under an order imbued with a strange and gloomy atmosphere.

The towering Gothic spires and thick stone walls still stand, but the soldiers patrolling the streets no longer have the usual laxity in their eyes; instead, they have a more ruthless and vigilant look, a result of rigorous training.

A heavy, oppressive stillness hung in the air, as if the entire city was holding its breath, awaiting the arrival of an unknown storm.

After several days of top-secret travel, the delegation from the Magic Gold Empire, led by Cohen, finally arrived at this city shrouded in shadow.

Cohen was no stranger to the people from Serene who came to greet the delegation.

Nactus Warren, a student of the Three Tomb Masters, once appeared as a representative of Serene's side during the Ceylon Civil War.

A legendary dark mage.

Compared to the legendary transcendent who once regarded power and cunning as his only creed, Nactus is now much more composed.

Wearing a well-tailored Serene nobleman's dress, his face was slightly pale, but his eyes were sharp, and his demeanor carried a restraint that came from having experienced setbacks and matured.

Clearly, the disastrous defeat in the Northwest Continent last time taught this proud and talented mage a harsh lesson, making him begin to understand.

In the true game of power, mere force is not omnipotent; unseen strategies are often more deadly than devastating magic.

Therefore, his volunteering to welcome the envoy from the Demon Gold Empire was both a gesture and a way to learn and observe.

"Chief of Staff Mayne, I have long admired your name. His Majesty and my teacher have been waiting for you in the palace for quite some time."

Nactus's voice was calm, with a formulaic politeness.

His gaze lingered briefly on Cohen's face, as if scrutinizing Emperor Sal's most trusted war strategist.

He naturally also noticed the elegant lady behind Cohen.

According to the report from the Demon Gold Empire, this person is Mayne's assistant, but Nactus feels that the other person is more like Mayne's lover.

However, Naktos didn't ask any more questions. In Toringard, it's best not to ask what you shouldn't ask.

Cohen nodded slightly, maintaining the composure expected of a high-ranking official of the Magic Gold Empire.
"Thank you for your personal greeting, Lord Warren. His Majesty has asked me to convey his greetings to Lord Three Tomb Masters."

After a brief, polite exchange, neither side engaged in much small talk, both fully aware of the urgency and importance of the meeting.

Nactus personally led the delegation through the heavily guarded city gates and inner city, finally entering the magnificent yet strangely cold Serene Palace.

The palace's interior was ornately decorated, but beneath that ornate exterior lay a lingering sense of gloom.

The light seemed to have been deliberately dimmed, the huge stone pillars cast long shadows, and a faint fragrance filled the air.

However, it couldn't mask the smell, which resembled a mixture of old parchment and some kind of dark magic.

The meeting was held in a spacious council chamber.

The heavy, dark velvet curtains were drawn tightly shut, and the walls were inlaid with magical crystals that emitted a dim light, making the room look like dusk.

Three people were already seated at one end of the long table.

At the head of the table was a thin, elderly man dressed in a simple black robe.

With an ordinary face and gray hair, he looked like an unremarkable scholar or an old butler.

But when he raised his eyelids to look at Cohen as he walked in, the latter instantly felt an invisible pressure enveloping his entire body.

It felt as if I were being watched by the coldest, most venomous snake, or as if I were being quietly wrapped in an invisible spider web.

It doesn't deliberately exude pressure; its mere existence is enough to make one's soul tremble.

The Third Tomb Master, one of the highest leaders of the Black Tomb Organization, is a terrifying being of the Saint rank.

He sat there casually, yet he seemed to be the source of all the shadows in the room.

To the left of the three tomb owners sat a well-dressed, serious-looking middle-aged man.

He was the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Serene, Avery Lincoln.

Nominally, he assists the king (now a puppet), but in reality, he is the executor and coordinator of the "Black Tomb's" will in the kingdom.

This is also the mastermind behind how quickly the three tomb masters were able to control the entire Serene!
It is worth mentioning that his son, Cyril Lincoln, shamefully deserted during the Eagle's Beak Valley ambush.

As a general, he abandoned tens of thousands of soldiers and returned alone.

If it weren't for the fact that there were no other capable people to replace the three tomb owners, Avery's position as prime minister would probably have been lost because of his son's actions.

To Prime Minister Avery's right was Naxos Warren, who was leading the way for Cohen and others.

Cohen and Virekis, disguised as a "spy," took their seats in an empty seat at the other end of the long table.

Violet was now using the alias "Lady Violet," a widow who was said to have some influence in the Serene aristocratic circles but lived a secluded life.

Villegis's presence was deliberately minimized; she lowered her head slightly, as if she felt somewhat uncomfortable with this high-level meeting, and simply sat quietly to the side and behind Cohen.

He played the role of a competent assistant and recorder.

But Cohen could sense that from the moment they entered the room, the Third Tomb Master's seemingly murky gaze seemed to pause on her for an extremely brief, almost imperceptible moment.

To be precise, the three tomb masters carefully examined every single person in the Demon Gold Empire delegation.

After confirming that there was nothing amiss, the third tomb owner slowly spoke:
"Chief of Staff Mayne, you've come from afar, thank you for your hard work."

"Your Majesty Sal, how have you been lately?"

Cohen bowed slightly, his tone steady, carrying the proper courtesy to a powerful figure, yet also revealing a just-right touch of gravity:

"Thank you for your concern, Third Tomb Master. His Majesty is well, but the war at the front is not going well, and the whole empire is worried."

I was sent here with the hope that we can cooperate sincerely with you to overcome these difficult times together.

The three tomb masters nodded slightly, appreciating Cohen's direct approach, and said:

“Get to the point, very good. We in the Black Tomb roughly understand His Majesty Thrall’s meaning.”

The current Magic Gold Empire needs someone to help share the burden.

And we, too, need an opportunity to take Serrean and our cause to a wider stage.

Of course, most importantly, we need... a bloody revenge! (End of Chapter)