Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Just as tensions were running high and the divine power of the gods was about to break through Cavendish's divine kingdom, the god of contracts.

"enough."

A calm and gentle voice, yet seemingly resounding directly in the deepest recesses of the gods' souls, forcefully halted this chaotic clash of wills.

There was no earth-shattering pressure, no dazzling divine light, and not even a concrete image appeared.

But the instant this voice rang out, time, space, and even the boiling, conflicting divine power and will of the gods were all directly calmed down by this voice.

Madora, the god of prophecy.

This is one of the oldest, most mysterious, and most feared beings in the divine realm.

They rarely directly participate in disputes between deities.

But each time He intervenes, it means that things have reached a deeper level, a "node" concerning the course of fate.

"To argue endlessly over the affairs of a mere mortal, even going so far as to talk about a war of gods, only makes one a laughingstock."

Madora's voice remained calm, revealing neither joy nor anger, yet carrying an unquestionable tone.

He glanced at Daphne, the goddess of ice, then swept his gaze over Aetheril, the goddess of light, and finally swept over the gods of darkness, war, fire, and storm.

Finally, the attitude was clearly declared to the gods:
"This matter ends here."

From this day forward, until the final terms of the covenant of the gods are announced and new rules are established.

I personally monitor and control all passages from the divine realm to the human primeval plane.

No deity, incarnation, or projection carrying a clear divine will may be allowed to establish any contact with the human superplane continent in any form.

Everything will proceed according to the new covenant after its promulgation.

Personally monitor all channels!

Any direct contact or interference is strictly prohibited!
Upon hearing this, even the most domineering Ice Goddess Daphne couldn't help but show a slight change in expression.

She would not hesitate to wage war against any one, or even several, of the main gods present to uphold her claim to Effie.

But she knew that Madora was different.

This ancient being possesses unfathomable power, and its authority stems from acting as an agent for the long river of destiny.

In some ways, he transcended ordinary pantheon conflicts; he was upholding the existence of the entire divine realm.

More importantly, Madora's ruling at this moment, while restricting the gods, also temporarily protected Cohen and Effie, preventing them from being directly harmed by other deities.

This is not entirely in conflict with her goals to some extent.

The radiance around the goddess of light, Aetheril, rippled slightly, seemingly surprised by Madora's intervention, but more so by a sense of "as expected."

The shadow of Erebus, the god of darkness, twisted violently, clearly reluctant, but ultimately only let out a cold snort without directly refuting it.

Faced with Madora, especially her declaration that clearly invoked the power of destiny, even the God of Darkness had to temporarily suppress his anger and resentment.

Seeing this, the other gods had no choice but to agree.

With her resolute attitude of fighting to the death and her strong declaration against Effie, the Ice Goddess Daphne temporarily suppressed the gods' almost overflowing greed and restless desire for Cohen and Effie.

Madora, the god of prophecy, with her transcendent status in the divine realm, her vague warnings about the trajectory of fate, and her forceful methods of personally monitoring the passage, used her absolute authority to temporarily bring a forced pause to this conflict among the gods caused by Cohen.

However, all the gods knew perfectly well that this suppression was only temporary.

Madora's ban was like a dam that temporarily held back a raging flood.

Behind the dam lies a vast network of interests represented by Cohen Corleone, powerful enough to influence the future structure of pantheons, the distribution of faiths, and even the evolution of rules.

This temptation did not disappear because of the ban; on the contrary, after a brief period of suppression, it was like a spring that had been compressed to its limit, accumulating even greater rebound power!
……

As the Demon Lord Thrall completely vanished into the world, the immense abyssal power and soul essence that dissipated upon his demise did not entirely return to nothingness.

Part of it was shredded and devoured by Cohen's "Unlimited Blade Works" domain, while the other part transformed into the purest torrent of experience, flowing into Cohen's body like rivers flowing into the sea.

This is not a rigid infusion of experience points in a game, but rather the release and transformation of the life essence, understanding of rules, and profound imprint of the abyss accumulated over countless years by a legendary high-level being at the moment of death.

For Cohen, who was at the peak of the ninth rank of the Gold Realm and just one step away from achieving it, this power was nothing short of an overwhelming and irresistible rain.

In an instant, his already overflowing experience pool was pushed to its peak.

Cohen stood atop the ruins of the city-state of Bius, and the aura emanating from him began to undergo a dramatic transformation.

The energy fluctuations, which had been somewhat turbulent due to the fierce battle, now converged inwards, returning to an extreme calm like the eye of a storm.

But beneath this calm lies the stillness before a volcanic eruption, the accumulation of energy before a fledgling hatches.

He could clearly feel that every inch of his flesh and blood, every strand of magic, and every bit of spirit within him was greedily absorbing and transforming the power left behind by Thrall.

With just one opportune moment, everything will fall into place, and we will officially ascend to the legendary realm that countless extraordinary individuals dream of!

Cohen is on the verge of a personal breakthrough, and the expansion of his forces is equally impressive.

It was even faster and more noticeable than his own advancement.

With Thrall's complete annihilation and the three tomb masters' hasty escape under the watchful eyes of the four saints.

The situation across the entire Northwest Continent and the vast "Lost Lands" bordering it is also beginning to become clear.

The Kingdom of Serene, a nation that once reigned supreme in the Northwest Continent but was later infiltrated and controlled by the Black Tomb organization.

Having lost the Three Tomb Masters as the highest pillar of military power and the mastermind behind it all, and having suffered a crushing defeat in the city-state of Bius and the near annihilation of its high-ranking forces (the legends who accompanied the Three Tomb Masters on their expedition), it was no longer able to rule this vast country.

Internal conflicts, noble resistance, and immense external pressure have led to the kingdom's de facto disintegration and its demise.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Jialin completely brought the entire Kingdom of Serene under her control.

Taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the destruction of the legend by Cohen and the appearance of the saints of the Starry Race, the Starry Empire was officially established on Serene's foundation.

The former territory of Serene will become the domain of the Star Empire, to be slowly digested, managed, and rebuilt by Garin and the Star remnants behind her.

The gaze shifts to the lost land.

With the fall of the Demon Lord Thrall, the ruling system he once established through absolute force collapsed instantly.

The Demon Gold Empire collapsed, and the entire Lost Lands effectively fell under the rule of the "Supreme Council."

The council began to operate with unprecedented efficiency and authority, integrating the forces of various tribes, city-states, and relic powers, eliminating Thrall's remaining loyalists, and appeasing the people who were terrified by Thrall's rule.

The dream of establishing a nation, which had lingered in the hearts of various ethnic groups in the lost land for countless years but remained unattainable due to internal strife and external pressure, has now become incredibly clear.

On the eve of the announcement of the Covenant of the Gods, establishing a unified, powerful nation capable of representing the voice of all beings in the Lost Lands has become an urgent reality.

Inside the Supreme Council's meeting hall, the faces of all the members were filled with unprecedented excitement and anticipation.

Discussions on the founding charter, the delineation of the territory, the drafting of laws, the solicitation of new national names and flags... all these matters were put on the agenda and were carried out efficiently.

The Lost Land, this ancient and scarred land, is moving at an unprecedented pace toward a unified and powerful new nation.

Of course, the committee members deliberately ignored the most important question: who is the ruler of this new nation!
It's not that they're deliberately ignoring it, but rather that they need to wait for a crucial figure to return before they can discuss this most critical agenda!
……

The smoke of war in the city-state of Bius has not yet completely cleared, and the aftermath will be handled by capable people.

After giving a brief explanation, Cohen led Mavis back to the core of power in the Lost Lands—the headquarters of the Supreme Council, a magnificent, ancient, and mysterious endless city.

The Supreme Council Executive Government, and the back residence is Cohen's home in the city. It is relatively quiet and overlooks most of the city.

At this moment, on the open terrace of the Executive Government’s rear residence, Cohen casually draped a loose velvet bathrobe over his shoulders, the belt loosely tied, revealing his well-built chest, which still bore traces of sweat from his vigorous exercise.

He leaned on the carved stone railing, his gaze calmly sweeping over the city below.

The power that had filled his body to its limit after slaying Thrall still surged and roared within his blood, calling for the final transformation.

He only needs a thought to enter the legend.

But before that, there are a few urgent matters that need to be addressed.

The first thing was to establish a new core of order for this vast and ancient land—a unified and powerful empire.

As he pondered the founding charter, the balance of interests among various ethnic groups, and the future direction of the empire.

I heard footsteps behind me, carrying a familiar scent.

Immediately afterwards, a soft and fragrant body gently pressed against his back.

The silky fabric rubbed against his skin, sending a shiver through him.

"What are you looking at so intently?"

Grace's languid, slightly husky voice rang in his ear, her warm breath brushing against his earlobe.

Her Highness the Princess had just bathed, her body still carrying the scent of water and faint floral fragrance. Her beautiful face was flushed, her eyes sparkling with desire, yet also carrying a hint of post-coital satisfaction and slight weariness.

She was barefoot, her ivory toes curling slightly on the cool stone slabs, leaning against his strong back like a satiated cat. Cohen didn't turn around, but instead pulled her close, letting her rest against him as they looked down at the city view.

His large hand naturally reached out and touched the amazing softness beneath her nightgown, gently stroking her, causing the beauty in his arms to tremble slightly.

Grace adjusted her posture slightly to make herself more comfortable, her voice still languid, but now carrying a hint of seriousness:

"Conrad and Reed are here again to urge us, along with the vampire chieftain and the werewolf chieftain."

They've practically worn down the threshold of my office.

You're such a busy person, causing such a stir in Biuss, then disappearing for days. Now that you're finally back, everyone's eagerly waiting for your final decision.

Cohen lowered his head and kissed the top of her fragrant hair, chuckling softly:

"Isn't it true that as soon as you get back, you're busy comforting my most capable and hardworking princess?"

Grace blushed slightly, slapped away his mischievous hand in annoyance, turned around from his embrace to face him, her eyes filled with a hint of reproach, but more so with seriousness:
"Alright, stop fooling around. You've been tormenting me for ages, my bones are practically falling apart. Let's get down to business."

She adjusted the front of her slightly disheveled nightgown, though the action seemed somewhat futile under the burning gaze of the man before her:
"Saar is dead, the three tomb masters have fled, and Galin's Star Empire has taken over Serene's side. On our side, the call for unification and nation-building has reached its peak."

Representatives from various tribes and city-states have been gathering in the Endless City these past few days, ostensibly to discuss the aftermath and future plans, but in reality, their eyes are all fixed on the throne that hasn't even been placed yet.

Cohen twirled Grace's fragrant, slightly damp hair between his fingers and asked casually:
"Oh? Whom do they privately prefer to nominate? Or rather, which ones are the most likely to succeed?"

Grace leaned comfortably against his chest, tilting her head slightly back to reveal her beautifully shaped neck.

"A bunch of cunning old foxes, who would dare to truly reveal their true feelings in front of you, His Majesty Corleone, who has just slain a legend?"
It's just a mutual test, waiting to see your attitude, my pillar of strength.

The Supreme Council has only ten members at most. As the eldest princess of the Eastern Empire, my identity is too sensitive for me to be included.

You, King of Efein, are also behind the newly established Starry Empire of Serene. If you were to also become the Emperor of the Lost Lands, other powers would probably have sleepless nights; it would be too conspicuous.

Windsor, your princess, is naturally also one of Effie's people, so she is also excluded.

Of the remaining seven, only Mavis and Belmody could be considered as one of their own.

Both of them, especially Mavis, had mysterious origins and were women, so they might not have been the first choice in the eyes of some old-fashioned tribal chiefs.

Moreover, the 'Cohen faction' imprint is too deep on both of them.

The remaining five—President Conrad, Pope Reed, and the others—are all legitimate, long-established native forces from the Lost Lands.

Therefore, it is obvious to anyone with discerning eyes that electing an emperor from among these five representatives of the 'native group' is the most likely option, whether from the perspective of seniority, representativeness, or from the perspective of appeasing local forces and gaining popular support.

These past few days, undercurrents have been swirling in the Endless City, with various small gatherings and private meetings constantly taking place, likely all paving the way for this.

Many people, including some neutral tribes, implicitly accepted this arrangement, feeling it was more legitimate and aligned with the expectation of 'the people of the Lost Lands governing the Lost Lands.'

Cohen listened quietly, his fingers lightly stroking Grace's smooth back until she finished speaking, then he chuckled softly.
"Your analysis is spot on, my princess."

He kissed Grace approvingly on the forehead, then changed the subject, his tone calm yet earth-shattering, "However, I already have a choice for the emperor."

It's Mavis.

"what?"

Grace abruptly sat up in his arms, not caring that her robe had slipped off. Her beautiful face was filled with astonishment, which then turned into a reproachful expression that was both amused and exasperated.

She clicked her tongue softly and poked Cohen's firm chest with her slender finger:

“I say, Your Majesty, isn’t your… obsession with collecting empresses a little too obvious?”
Leaving aside the Empress of the Central Empire, the one from the Kingdom of Ceylon seems determined to marry you, not to mention Queen Garin of the Star Empire, whom you just put on the throne.

Now you're going to force your lover to go to the Lost Land? Is your behavior really that... huh?

Ugly!

She certainly knew Mavis's abilities, and she was also aware of Cohen's trust and even feelings for Mavis, but to place such an important position, the crown that would determine the future of the entire Lost Land, on the head of a "lover" was unacceptable.

To outsiders, it is undoubtedly driven by strong personal motives and suspected of "interference in politics by the empress dowager," which is bound to cause huge controversy and criticism.

Cohen didn't immediately refute, but his smile deepened:

"Your Highness, does the empress you mentioned include the future emperor of the Eastern Region?"

Grace spat lightly, but Cohen gently beckoned her closer.

Grace didn't understand, but she still moved closer as instructed.

Cohen leaned down, his warm breath brushing against her sensitive earlobe, and whispered to her the true identities of Mavis and Melantha.

"what?"

After hearing this, Grace's beautiful eyes widened suddenly, her pupils contracting in extreme shock, and her red lips parted slightly, almost wide enough to fit an egg:
"What...what did you say?"
Descendants of the Arcane Empire?
Mavis and Melantha? This...how is this possible?!

As the eldest princess of the Eastern Empire, she received the highest level of royal education from a young age and was well-versed in the historical secrets of various parts of the continent.

She had naturally heard the legends of the Arcane Empire, an existence far more ancient, powerful, and mysterious than any empire on the continent today.

It is said to be a highly advanced civilization, even involving some lost magic and technology.

Its sudden collapse has always been a mystery, and its direct lineage has long been considered to have been severed in the course of history.

Now they're telling her that the Mavis and Melantha sisters, who sleep in the same bed with her man all day, are the legendary last heirs of the empire?
The impact of this news is no less than that of Cohen's legendary comeback.

Seeing Grace's stunned silence, Cohen smiled and shrugged, his tone returning to its usual calm, yet carrying a resolute air:
"Absolutely true. So, this emperor can only be the Mavis sisters."

This is not merely a matter of ability or trust; it is orthodoxy, the most indisputable reason to unite all races and tribes in the lost lands to the greatest extent, to heal historical wounds, and to awaken ancient glory and a sense of identity.

No matter how deeply entrenched those 'native groups' are, they pale in comparison to the banner of 'the true descendants of the Arcane Empire'.

This is truly legitimate and rightful.

Grace leaned against Cohen, stunned, as she processed this shocking secret.

If the Mavis sisters are indeed descendants of a lost dynasty, then having Mavis serve as emperors of the new empire would not only face far less resistance, but could even become a powerful unifying force, reuniting potentially divided factions under the ancient banner.

Of course, the most important thing is to be able to actually get this big piece of meat into our own mouths.

As Cohen gazed at Grace's slightly parted red lips, glistening alluringly in the moonlight and distant lights, a series of sinful and alluring thoughts involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

The afterglow of their passion hadn't faded, and now with a beautiful woman in his arms, looking so alluring... his Adam's apple bobbed slightly.

But he quickly suppressed these thoughts.

There were more important things to do today. He took a deep breath, and his eyes regained their clarity.

Grace, recovering from her shock, was an extremely intelligent woman. She immediately grasped the key point and nodded thoughtfully.

"I see...that explains it. Does Mavis know? When are you going to tell her this secret?"

Cohen's eyes flickered slightly, and he said slowly:
"For this kind of thing, of course, you should choose the most appropriate and formal time."

"Tonight then. I need to speak with her alone, not just to tell her about my origins, but more importantly, to plan together this empire that bears the name of her bloodline yet carries the future of the entire Lost Land."

He paused, as if he had thought of something, and said to Grace:

"By the way, that bottle in your wine cabinet... um, I remember there's a bottle of 'Starlight Ember,' it's quite old and has a unique flavor, could you bring it to me?"

"Embers of Starlight"?
Grace raised an eyebrow; this was an extremely rare and ancient elven mead.

It requires the power of the stars to be drawn during brewing, resulting in a rich and complex taste with a long-lasting aftertaste, making it a rare collectible even among the royal family of the Eastern Region.

Grace understood Cohen's intentions when he asked for the wine.

After all, the background of Mavis that Cohen described was not so easy for her to accept.

She clicked her tongue lightly and rolled her eyes at Cohen, her gaze seemingly saying, "I knew you weren't up to anything."

She then straightened her bathrobe, preparing to turn and fetch the wine. As she reached the terrace doorway, she turned back, a mischievous smile playing on her exquisite face, and whispered:

"Understood, Your Majesty, but... please be careful to keep quiet tonight."

Those jealous types of yours are all sleeping nearby!

……

In the dead of night, the hustle and bustle of the day gradually subsides in the Endless City, leaving only the warm yellow glow cast by the magic lamps on the streets, intertwined with the cool moonlight in the sky.

The rear residence of the Executive Yuan, Cohen's private area, a small hall overlooking the inner courtyard garden.

Cohen lowered the heavy curtains, blocking out the outside world's sight and most of the sounds, leaving only a high window open, letting the moonlight flow in like water.

There was a small round table in the room covered with a snow-white linen tablecloth, but it was not illuminated by the usual magic lamp.

Instead, a simple silver candlestick with three slender white candles was placed in the center of the round table.

The flickering flames were the only source of light in the hall, casting a soft, warm, and intimate orange glow over everything around them.

The candlelight danced on the gleaming silver cutlery, refracting into dappled patterns on the tall crystal glasses, casting half-light and half-shadow on the faces of the two seated opposite each other, adding a touch of depth and ambiguity. (End of Chapter)