Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Even these ancient beings, who sit high on their divine thrones and overlook the ages, have never heard of such an outrageous thing in their long divine lives.

Previously, Cohen's repeated comebacks at the All Nations Nobles Martial Arts Festival as a Silver-ranked individual, ultimately winning both the Silver and Gold crowns, were enough to shake the Divine Realm.

I never imagined that so little time had passed and I was already able to defeat a legendary-level opponent.

The Goddess of Light, Aetheril, was not surprised, after all, her lover was once a being comparable to the King of Gods.

The Storm God, Sirova, said in a deep voice:
"According to the news from the mainland, although this Cohen has only initially comprehended the domain, his range has already covered the entire city, and he can even suppress a veteran legendary-level high-stage legendary domain."

To be able to comprehend and support such a complete domain at the mere ninth level, this human king must be hiding an earth-shattering secret.

Could he be the reincarnation of some ancient, forbidden being?

Or is it some supreme favor that we have not yet noticed?

Amidst their shock, the gods simultaneously entertained a more realistic thought.

This ancient covenant, which will redefine the map of faith in the prime material plane and determine the rise and fall of pantheons across countless future eras, is about to be announced.

Within this alliance framework, the allegiance of the major powers and powerful individuals in the Prime Material Plane will become crucial.

A powerful mortal kingdom, and a hero or king with boundless potential, can influence the future landscape of the struggle for supremacy among nations.

A mortal monarch who, despite being at the ninth rank, could defeat a legendary high-ranking figure and was suspected of possessing the potential of a "saint" or even higher.

It represents not only a powerful secular force, but also a strategic variable that could disrupt the existing balance of power and reshape the future landscape of beliefs.

Whoever gains his support, or rather, whoever successfully invests in him, will likely gain an immeasurable advantage in the upcoming alliance battle!
Previously, during the "blessing ceremony" following the noble martial arts festival in the Central Empire, the gods had indeed entertained their intentions.

Blessing is not only a reward, but also an excellent opportunity to spread divine grace and establish initial faith connections.

However, at that time, the prophetic god Madora, in order to protect Cohen's identity, and with the powerful ice goddess Daphne making her stance clear, even abandoned the Northern Empire that she had cultivated for tens of thousands of years for Cohen, and made Effie the place where her divine kingdom descended.

Therefore, none of the gods were able to find an opportunity to connect with Cohen.

Now, Cohen has once again propelled himself to the forefront of attention across the entire continent and even in the eyes of the gods with his earth-shattering achievements.

This made the gods see his value and importance even more clearly.

Different deities, based on their own authority, doctrines, allegiances, and future plans, had countless thoughts flashing through their minds in an instant, and their attitudes toward Cohen became subtle and complex.

But one thing is in common—we can no longer be easily swayed by the god of prophecy, or miss opportunities due to hesitation, just like last time.

We must come up with countermeasures, clarify our stance, and take action as soon as possible.

Therefore, coincidentally, these gods who usually resided high in their respective divine kingdoms all projected their wills onto Cavendish Libra's divine kingdom at this moment.

They came to sound out the word of this overseer of the covenant of the gods, but they never expected that the god of prophecy, Madora, would arrive before them.

A brief silence permeated the divine realm, where light and darkness intertwined and ice and fire clashed.

Until the voice of Erebus, the god of darkness, rang out first:
"Hmph! Those shady insects in the Black Tomb, these remnants of the demon gods, are becoming increasingly unruly and without any bottom line."

They actually mobilized a saint and gathered several legends to join forces to assassinate a human king who was still at the Gold rank?
This is absolutely outrageous and utterly disgraceful!

What are the five great empires doing, sitting idly by and watching this heinous event, which disrupts the basic balance of the continent and tramples on the Pact of the Strong, happen?

After a pause, Erebus's voice suddenly rose, carrying a stern air as if he were about to uphold justice:
"With such unbridled behavior and disregard for rules, wouldn't the order of the prime material plane collapse and the law of the jungle become unrestrained in the long run?"
I think it's time to go down to the lower realms and properly rectify this corrupt practice, and reaffirm the most basic rules and order!

These words sounded grand and dignified, as if the God of Darkness had suddenly changed his nature and become a guardian of peace and fairness across planes.

But who among those present wasn't an old fox who had survived countless epochs and endured countless conspiracies and schemes?
The moment the words of the Dark Myth were spoken, they were met with merciless sneers.

"Ha! Hahahaha!"

Ares, the god of war, roared with the intent of war and slaughter, but it turned into a deafening laugh. The thunderous laughter almost shattered the frozen space around him. "Erebus, did I hear that right?"

Maintaining order? Reaffirming the rules?
Coming from the mouth of someone who loves to scheme in the shadows and desperately wants all planes to fall into chaos and fear, is truly the biggest joke of this era!

"You're just envious of Cohen Corleone's amazing potential and want to find an excuse to personally intervene and help him out, aren't you?"

The God of War's words were blunt and crude, yet they incisively exposed the hypocrisy of the God of Darkness.

The talk of maintaining order is nothing more than an attempt to get ahead of others and exert influence, seeing Cohen's value skyrocket.

Whether the five great empires failed in their duties was not His concern at all; Cohen was.

A muffled, cold snort, like thunder, also came from the thunderous phantom of the Storm God, Sirova. Although it wasn't as direct as the God of War's, the disdain was just as obvious.

The flames of Vulcan burned calmly, as if silently mocking him.

Even Cavendish, sitting upright in the center of the scales, seemed to have a faint hint of mockery on his eternally unchanging face.

The thoughts of the God of Darkness are crystal clear.

It was simply because Cohen was showing incredible potential, Effie's rise was unstoppable, and the Covenant of the Gods was about to break down, so they wanted to use the pretext of "maintaining order" to establish contact with him first.

They even tried to brand them with a dark mark, laying the groundwork for future competition for faith and expansion of influence.

This kind of trick is nothing new in the divine realm.

However, just as the gods were tacitly aware of the Dark God's naked intentions and were each plotting how to intervene without violating their unspoken agreement, an even more domineering and extreme chill erupted once again!

This time, the chill did not spread indiscriminately, but rather, like a living, frost behemoth, forcefully pressed towards the shadowy area where the god of darkness, Erebus, resided!

"Snap—!"

Like the sharp sound of shattering glass, thick, dark blue ice crystals instantly condensed at the edge of Erebus's shadow.

The darkness that could devour light was forcibly "frozen" by the extreme cold, leaving a clear outline.

The figure of the Ice Goddess Daphne became clearer and clearer in the increasingly dense cold fog. Her long, ice-blue hair moved without wind, and every strand of hair flowed with a cold light that could freeze the soul.

Her exquisite face remained expressionless, but her icy blue eyes coldly gazed at the shadow of the God of Darkness, her voice chilling:

"Erebus, stop with your hypocritical tricks. And all of you—"

Her gaze, sharp as an icicle, swept over the God of War, the God of Storms, and the God of Fire, finally even glancing almost imperceptibly at Cavendish and Madora. "If anyone has forgotten my last warning, then I will reiterate it one last time—"

Her voice was not loud, but it carried an absolute will that froze time and space, leaving no room for doubt, and clearly resonated at the core of the minds of every deity:

"Effie is mine."

That land, that country, and all the possibilities it has nurtured... including Cohen Corleone, have all been marked by this one.

This place will serve as the foundation for the future divine kingdom I have chosen.

Anyone who dares to extend their claws or harbor malicious intentions...

"I will freeze off whose claws, and along with their divine kingdom, seal them forever in the silent, frigid hell."

A blatant declaration! An undisguised possessiveness! A threat so overbearing it borders on unreasonable!

The moment the Ice Goddess Daphne uttered these words, the atmosphere within the divine realm instantly plummeted to freezing point.

Even Ares, the usually unrestrained god of war, seemed to have his boiling fighting spirit extinguished somewhat by the extreme cold and killing intent, letting out a dissatisfied grumble, but did not immediately refute.

The storm god's thunder had also softened its edge, and the fire god's flames flickered erratically.

Only now did the gods seem to be slightly pulled back to reality from their "scheming" against Cohen by this cold declaration.

I recalled a past event that they had almost "selectively forgotten".

When news of the World Martial Arts Festival first reached the Divine Realm, Cohen Corleone, despite being of low rank, won two championships in a row, demonstrating astonishing talent, which attracted the attention of some deities.

At that time, some deities began to consider sending down their thoughts to observe more closely and even try to make contact with this interesting mortal.

It was Daphne, the goddess of ice, who forcefully stopped the gods from spying on them.

Furthermore, Madora, the god of prophecy, also gave some vague warnings, so the gods temporarily held back, and that attention was dropped.

However, things are different now!
What was once just a mortal king with considerable potential has now defied the legends, displaying terrifying strength and limitless potential capable of shaking the very fabric of the continent.

His reign over Eifine was marked by an astonishing rise to power. The dragon legion swept across the northwest, internal affairs were stable, and technology and magic were combined, giving it the imposing presence of becoming the sixth largest empire on the continent.

Its strategic value, faith potential, and potential impact on future battles among the gods are now incomparable to those of the original Martial Arts Festival, having increased by hundreds or thousands of times.
Faced with such astonishing profits, the weight of the Ice God's initial announcement naturally diminished in their minds, and was even intentionally or unintentionally ignored.

At this moment, Daphne reiterated her ownership and bottom line with an attitude that was even colder, more resolute, and even more clearly murderous than before.

This time, her threat was no longer a vague warning, but an ultimatum that would cost the gods their lives!

The atmosphere within Cavendish was so heavy it was almost frozen in place.

The shadow of the God of Darkness twisted slightly under the pressure of the icy cold, clearly enraged, yet it did not immediately retaliate.

Although Ares, the God of War, was dissatisfied with the Ice Goddess's domineering ways, he seemed to be weighing the cost of waging war against this madwoman who controlled "eternal freezing."

The gods of storm and fire remained silent, and the flames and thunder seemed much "milder" than before.

After a moment of silence, Vulcan slowly spoke:
"Daphne, the Covenant of the Gods has not yet been announced."

In selecting a representative force in the Prime Material Plane, everyone should compete fairly, relying on their own methods. Your current absolute declaration of monopolizing Eifine seems... a bit too hasty, or perhaps too absolute?

Moreover, Lady Hanbing, as far as I know, the founder of the Cox family, the royal family of the Northern Empire, seems to have been one of your capable divine guards, and the family has been passed down for over ten thousand years.

The Northern Empire has a vast territory, a relatively pure faith, and a preference for frost and winter, which aligns with your divine role.

Your lineage of gods, of the Frosty Ones, has been cultivating for millennia, with a deep and solid foundation.

Are you really so willing to easily hand over this foundation that you've built up over thousands of years to someone else?
Instead, they're placing all their energy and hope on a newly emerging company, Effie?

All the gods know that the Northern Empire has a close relationship with the Ice Goddess Daphne.

To abandon such a vast empire that had been built up over millennia and was practically a sure thing, in order to fully support a newly rising power, Effie.

This seems somewhat illogical in a rational consideration of "investment" and "returns".

The God of Fire was questioning the rationality of the God of Ice's decision, and was also hinting to the other gods that the God of Ice's obsession with Effie might not be entirely out of self-interest, but rather had other hidden reasons.

This could actually become a "breakthrough" for other deities to intervene.

Faced with Vulcan's seemingly rational analysis, which actually contained provocation and probing, Ice Goddess Daphne's reaction was colder and more resolute than the polar winds.

Daphne's voice was flat, yet carried a chilling coldness that seemed to freeze the very soul. She didn't even look at the god of fire; her icy blue eyes swept over the phantom images of every deity present, as if trying to freeze their very thoughts.
“Fjorn, stop with your cost-benefit analysis tricks.”

I've said it before, and I don't want to repeat myself.

Since you're curious, and may have even already investigated some of the less obvious details—

Her tone suddenly turned sharp, carrying an undeniable sense of declaration:

"Then I'll be frank: the king of Effie, Cohen Corleone, is a target I've been investing in and paying attention to for a long time."

His potential, his path, are more deeply connected to mine.

And his queen, Adele—" When she mentioned this name, Daphne's tone seemed to pause for a moment with an extremely subtle pause, but it was so quick that it was impossible to catch it, "and her relationship with me is far beyond your imagination."

Her very existence is the best proof and inevitable result that Effie belongs to the will of this seat!

Therefore, abandon your pointless tests and wishful thinking.

Efein will inevitably become the sole foundation of the covenant divine kingdom chosen by this seat in the future era of the covenant of the gods.

This was predetermined, and it cannot be changed or questioned!

Whoever dares to extend their claws toward Effin, Cohen Corleone, and everything related to him again.

Regardless of whether the covenant is announced or not, I wouldn't mind starting a divine war before the covenant officially takes effect!

These words were more blatant and uncompromising than the previous warnings.

Not only does it reiterate the exclusive right, but it also subtly reveals an ancient and profound connection between Cohen and Adele and her.

This is undoubtedly telling the gods that Effie is not an unclaimed possession, but a pawn that she, the Ice Goddess Daphne, had already placed there. Any newcomer is an enemy attempting to seize her predetermined spoils.

Especially when she explicitly threatened to "start a war of the gods," even a warmonger like Ares, the god of war, had to carefully consider the possibility of acquiring a potential asset that was not yet fully secured and had already been clearly marked by a powerful god.

Is it worthwhile to start a war prematurely with Daphne, the Ice Goddess who wields one of the seven major elements and is known for her ruthlessness and toughness?

The goddess of light, Aetherel, listened silently from the side.

Aetherel's feelings at this moment were actually quite complicated.

Daphne's assertive, almost domineering, declaration of "ownership" of Cohen made her very resentful.

Cohen was the hope she had waited for for countless years and gone through countless reincarnations to find again; he was the most special and irreplaceable existence in her heart.

But she had an agreement with Daphne, so she couldn't say anything.

Anyway, once Cohen regains his memories in the future, he will naturally understand everything from his past life, know who his true home is, and will naturally return to his side.

Thinking of this, Aetherel's resentment lessened slightly.

As for Adel, a barely perceptible trace of apprehension flickered across Aetherel's flawless face.

This mysterious woman is indeed a tricky variable.

Judging from her previous behavior of directly intruding into her own divine kingdom with her will, she must have been an extraordinary figure in her previous life.

Who exactly is she, and why is she willing to stay by Cohen's side in the name of a queen, despite being a mere mortal?
What exactly was the nature of her supposed "close relationship" with Daphne?

Even the Goddess of Light could not fully understand these questions.

However, before Cohen regains his memories, Adael is a crucial link that must be kept in check. Otherwise, if this "vicious woman" really interferes with Cohen's memory recovery, then Adael will have nowhere to turn for help.

However, for now, we still need to stand with Daphne. Cohen is still very weak, and none of these gods are good people. We must warn them!
After a brief moment of inner turmoil, the Goddess of Light, Aetheril, suppressed all outward emotions and returned to her perfect and divine demeanor.

She took a step forward, not standing shoulder to shoulder with the Ice Goddess Daphne, yet creating a subtle echo between them.

A resolute voice echoed in the minds of the gods:

"Daphne's meaning is my meaning."

These words instantly ignited the already tense and oppressive atmosphere to a new level.

The wills of the main gods fluctuated noticeably.

Aether, the goddess of light, wields the power of "light" and is one of the oldest and most influential chief gods in the divine realm.

Its followers are spread across many planes, and their divine attributes seem to be opposite to those of the Ice Goddess Daphne, and even conflict with each other in some areas.

Yet at this moment, she stood so clearly and firmly on the side of the Ice God, endorsing his domineering declaration of exclusive possession.

"Effin, Cohen Corleone and everything related to him are now under the joint attention of Daphne and me."

Aetherel's gaze swept over the God of War, the God of Darkness, the God of Fire, the God of Storms, and others, finally lingering briefly on the God of Prophecy, Madora. His voice carried an undeniable resolve, "Anyone who dares to lay a finger on Efein is simultaneously making an enemy of both my Light Pantheon and Daphne's Frost Pantheon!"

The two main elemental gods, Light and Frost, surprisingly reached a high degree of consensus on this matter and jointly issued the most severe warning.

The combined power of two powerful deities is far more significant than simply one plus one equals two.

This means that any deity who wants to interfere with Effie and Cohen will no longer face the "madwoman" Daphne, the Ice Goddess, but the combined wrath of the two pantheons of light and frost.

This is almost tantamount to announcing to the entire divine realm: Efein is the exclusive possession of these two goddesses, and anyone who dares to lay a hand on her should be prepared to face a divine war with unpredictable consequences!
"what?"

"Aetheril, you actually joined forces with this madwoman?"

Is it worth it for a mere mortal king?

……

The gods were puzzled, but Daphne was quite clear that Aetherial was openly protecting her husband.

After a brief period of deathly silence, an even more intense conflict of ideas and arguments ensued.

Ares, the god of war, roared in fury, his fighting spirit burning fiercely with the rage of being provoked.

The shadow of Erebus, the god of darkness, churned violently, revealing his extreme unease and scheming.

The thunder of the storm god Sirova roared incessantly, as if venting his discontent at being forcibly suppressed.

Even the calm flames of Vulcan, the god of fire, began to flicker noticeably, clearly indicating that the goddess of light's statement had completely taken him by surprise.

The divine thoughts of the gods clashed fiercely in this area, which Cavendish's divine kingdom barely managed to maintain stability. Opposing and conflicting laws and images such as light and darkness, ice and fire, storms, and war squeezed and clashed with each other, making this space extremely dangerous and chaotic.

The explicit alliance of the two powerful deities has completely altered the landscape of the power struggle over the ownership of Cohen Corleone and Effie.

The possibility that other deities might secretly place bets, make clandestine contacts, or try to get a share of the spoils has been minimized.

Forcibly intervening is almost tantamount to declaring war.

However, the potential profits are too great, and the temptation is too strong.

The potential shown by Cohen and the emerging power represented by Effie are of immeasurable value in the context of the impending covenant of the gods.

Should we really give up because of this? Or... could we look for loopholes in the rules, or wait for an opportunity?

The declaration of the alliance between ice and light acted as two insurmountable barriers, firmly confining Effin and Cohen within their sphere of influence.

But it was like a spark thrown into boiling oil, instantly igniting the suppressed discontent and greed of the other gods.

Arguments, doubts, threats, scheming... Divine powers and thoughts of different attributes collided fiercely in this space forcibly distorted by the will of the gods.

Light and darkness intertwined, ice and fire clashed, storms raged, and weapons clashed. If Cavendish had not maintained the stability of this region with the "fairness" rule at the core of his divine kingdom, it would probably have already triggered a small-scale divine storm.

However, neither Daphne's absolute coldness in the face of divine war nor Aetheril's unwavering support on behalf of the pantheon of light could truly persuade or frighten away all those who coveted it.

The allure of profit was too great, and the unresolved state of the covenant among the gods gave all the deities a glimmer of hope that "perhaps there is still a chance."

The conflict continues to brew, and it seems a large-scale divine war is about to erupt! (End of Chapter)