Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

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Upon hearing the tomb's request, Cohen's lips curled into a cold smile.

First, he looked toward Roosevelt Harper, the demigod who represented the nobles of the Central Empire.

Cohen's gaze was calm, yet it possessed an all-knowing penetrating power that made Roosevelt Harper feel inexplicably uncomfortable.

"Sir Roosevelt Harper, representing the House of Nobles of the Central Empire, since you have agreed to the bet, then, if I am fortunate enough to win..."

He paused, seemingly giving Roosevelt and all the listeners time to process what he was about to say.

"The compensation I request is as follows:"

First, there are the full mining rights to several large magic crystal veins within the "Stone Zone," including the "Heart of the Anvil" ore pocket, the "Bedrock Tear" crystal vein, and the "Immortal Spine Rich Zone."

Cohen clearly named several mineral veins located in the Rocky District, an administrative district known for its rich mineral resources.

Roosevelt Harper's face, which had been somewhat stiff from agreeing to the bet, twitched almost imperceptibly when he heard "Rock Zone" and the specific names of those mineral veins, and a hint of shock flashed deep in his eyes.

How could Cohen know so much about these mineral veins, and the ones he specifically requested happened to be...

Cohen didn't give him much time to think, and continued in that calm tone:

"Secondly, there are the 'Gold and Codex United Trading Company', 'Eternal Shipping and Transcontinental Trade Winds Syndicate', and 'Northern Fur, Rare Herbs and Licensed Goods Monopoly Alliance' in the 'Axis State' division..."

This includes absolute control over these large, trans-imperial trading companies, as well as all their trade routes, warehouses, fleets, and related contracts.

Roosevelt Harper's expression changed completely.

Those trading companies... are nominally independent business giants, but in reality, their core shares have always been firmly held by a few of the most powerful families in the House of Nobles, making them one of the House of Nobles' important sources of revenue and intelligence network nodes.

This is also top secret. Cohen Corleone, how exactly did he uncover these things?
Cohen's voice continued, like a judge reading a verdict, cold, precise, and brooking no argument:

"Finally, there is the complete dominion, control, and ownership of the people of the 'Spine Goblins,' 'Swamp Lurkers,' and 'Children of Ash' chapters of the 'Return to the Stream'... these alien races conquered by your House of Nobility!"

At this point, Cohen finally stopped, calmly watching Roosevelt Harper's increasingly grim expression, which was even beginning to turn slightly pale:

"Your Excellency Roosevelt, there's no need to make that face."

There's no need to try to argue that these industries and powers nominally belong to the governors of the various districts or to certain independent business families, and have nothing to do with your Central Imperial Noble Council.

I know these are all secretly possessed by your House of Nobles. With the gods as witnesses, if I win, these things must be immediately delivered to Her Majesty Shinise Klein!

With each word Cohen spoke, Roosevelt Harper's face grew paler.

Because what Cohen said was absolutely correct!
This is precisely the secret means by which the Central Imperial House of Nobles maintains its superior status and controls the vast empire.

In the central empire, the regional governors of the major administrative divisions indeed wielded considerable power.

But neither the Klein royal family nor the House of Nobles ever truly relaxed their control over every corner of the empire.

Behind these key districts, those seemingly independent large chambers of commerce, mines, and even slave camps, lies a hidden network of interests and armed forces belonging to the House of Nobles.

They used various complex nominee arrangements, trusts, and secret contracts to firmly grasp these gray or even black assets and powers, thereby achieving checks and balances on the governors of various regions.

Roosevelt Harper stood there, his initial surprise now completely transformed into shock, embarrassment, and a hint of annoyance and chill at being seen through and having his secrets exposed to the light of day.

He could never have imagined that Cohen Corleone, the young emperor from a remote, newly formed empire, not only knew the core secrets hidden deep within these noble houses, but knew them in such detail and with such specificity.

They even knew exactly which mineral veins were the most profitable, which trading companies were the most crucial, and which slave populations were the most valuable!
It was as if someone had laid out the most confidential ledgers of the House of Nobles right in front of Cohen.

Although reason still screamed wildly—Cohen couldn't win, he had no chance in this bet, and these compensation terms were nothing but illusions, not worth worrying about at all.

But what if, what if that one in a billion absurdity might actually come true?

The thought flashed uncontrollably through Roosevelt Harper's mind.

If Cohen were to win and these conditions were enforced, the House of Nobles would lose far more than just a few mines, companies, and slaves.

That would be a devastating loss, a heavy blow to the House of Lords' covert control over local areas.

It represents a precise and ruthless weakening of its financial resources, intelligence network, and even potential military strength.

But... can I back out now?
Roosevelt Harper’s Adam’s apple bobbed awkwardly.

He looked up and could feel the calm yet immeasurably oppressive gaze of Madora, the God of Prophecy, in the sky; the indifferent gazes of Aetheril, the Goddess of Light, and Daphne, the Goddess of Ice; and the gazes of other deities, representatives of other forces, and even hundreds of thousands of eyes on the ground.

He had just personally agreed to Cohen's challenge conditions in front of all the gods and in the public eye.

If he were to back out now because the compensation terms were too harsh, the reputation of the House of Lords, and that of Roosevelt Harper himself, would be utterly destroyed before both gods and mortals.

He, Roosevelt Harper, had no reason, nor the face, to back down at this moment.

It's hard to ride a tiger.

Roosevelt Harper's heart felt as if it were being roasted over a fire.

His face alternated between pale and flushed, and in the end, all the struggle, anger, and resentment turned into an incredibly difficult sigh.

He practically forced out a single word through clenched teeth:

"……it is good."

The moment he uttered those words, Roosevelt Harper felt as if he had aged decades.

He could only desperately try to reassure himself: No, Cohen can't win, this battle is a foregone conclusion, and these compensation demands will never be fulfilled...

Cohen's lips curled slightly, then he looked at Drummond Quinn, the demigod of the Southern Empire:

“Lord Drummond Quinn, if I am fortunate enough to win this battle, then the compensation I need from the Southern Empire is quite simple.”

He paused, then named several islands, each representing a resource-rich, strategically important island on the Endless Sea that had been secretly developed by the Southern Empire for many years and was considered its exclusive property.

"All sovereignty, development rights, garrison rights and all related rights of the main island and twelve adjacent reefs of the Azure Vortex Islands, the three obsidian mining islands near the Sleeping Deep, and the 'Siren's Song' Islands located on the edge of the Storm Corridor."

Cohen's gaze remained fixed on Drummond Quinn's subtly changing expression as he continued:
"The ownership of these islands and the surrounding twelve nautical miles must be permanently transferred to the Efein Empire after I win the battle."

The relevant land deeds, nautical charts, magical insignia, and a list of all facilities, personnel, and resources on the island must be completed within thirty natural days, witnessed by the gods.

Drummond Quinn's eyelids twitched violently a few times.

The islands that Cohen named are all unusual.

The main island of the "Azure Vortex Islands" is the location of a secret high-purity magic crystal and rare gemstone mine in the far sea of ​​the Southern Empire. Mining is still in its early stages and has enormous potential.

Moreover, the archipelago has a complex terrain, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack, and has been an important overseas outpost that the empire has been cultivating for many years.

The obsidian mining islands near "Eternal Sleep Abyss" produce obsidian, which is one of the core materials for constructing high-level magic arrays and refining powerful magical items. The obsidian is abundant and of extremely high quality, making it an important source of the empire's magical power reserves.

The Siren's Song Islands are not only rich in a variety of precious deep-sea potion ingredients, but their geographical location also guards a relatively safe secret shipping route through the "Storm Corridor," giving them extremely high military and trade value.

The development and control of these islands has always been one of the Southern Empire's top secrets, kept strictly confidential from the outside world. Only the empire's highest-ranking officials and core naval commanders know their exact location and value.

How could Cohen Corleone, a human emperor from a newly emerging empire on the distant northwestern continent, know so much?

A chill ran through Drummond Quinn.

This is not just about paying compensation after losing; it also means that the Southern Empire's supposedly secretive overseas layout and core resource points may have been laid bare before Cohen Corleone, or rather, the intelligence network behind him, like an open book.

The intelligence and security of the Southern Empire has been compromised by a serious and alarming breach!

This realization filled Drummond with a sense of lingering fear and anger.

But he also knew that at this moment, under the watchful eyes of the gods and various forces, and having already agreed to the bet, he had no room for bargaining or refusal.

He gave Cohen a deep look and spoke in a low voice:
"His Majesty Corleone's intelligence work is truly outstanding!"
Okay, I agree. If you win, all these islands belong to Effie!

Although his answer was straightforward, his slightly pursed lips still betrayed his inner turmoil.

Cohen nodded slightly, as if he had just completed a trivial transaction.

Then, his gaze moved steadily again, landing on the demigod Genus Tang, the guardian of the Eastern Empire, whose figure was as imposing as a mountain:

"Your Excellency Genus Tang, I do not want any piece of your land, any of your mines, any of your merchant ships, or even a single gold coin from the Eastern Empire."

These words caused Gnus Donna's rock-hard face to raise an eyebrow slightly, a hint of doubt appearing between his rugged brows.

Do you not want any substantial compensation?

This was completely different from the conditions proposed by the other two parties. Even some of the gods in the sky cast slightly curious glances at them.

Cohen looked at Gnus Don and said clearly and slowly:

"If I win, what I want is for you—Gernus Tang—to make a vow in your own name, with all the gods as witnesses."

The oath states: From this day forward, you, Grenus Tang, and any force directly under your command, control, or influence, shall not, in any form or for any reason, openly or covertly, directly or indirectly, interfere with the succession of imperial power, the order of succession, or any related political struggles within the Eastern Empire's royal family!
You must remain absolutely neutral, showing no favoritism towards any prince or princess, and not getting involved in any contest for the throne.

The next emperor of the Eastern Empire will be decided by the empire's laws, traditions, and the power of the royal family itself. You, Genus Tang, must remain an outsider.

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent for a moment, then erupted in an uproar.

This compensation demand is too tricky and too fatal!
It doesn't want land, wealth, or resources; what it wants is influence, political commitment, and a profound intervention in the future power structure of the Eastern Empire.

Moreover, it was not aimed at the Eastern Empire as a national entity, but at Grenus Tang as an individual.

The goal is to restrain the hands and feet of this powerful demigod who is like the pillar of the Eastern Empire, wielding immense influence and clearly already involved in the struggle for the crown prince position!

"Cohen!!!"

A furious roar suddenly shattered the brief silence.

The one who roared was not Grenus Tang, but Prince Shazo, who was standing not far behind Grenus Tang, dressed in gorgeous clothes but whose face had suddenly turned pale.

Prince Xiazuo, the prince of the Eastern Empire and the crown prince currently publicly supported by Gnus Tang, was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on the moment he heard Cohen's conditions; he almost jumped up.

His once handsome face was contorted with extreme anger and panic as he pointed at Cohen, his voice shrill with agitation:
“Cohen Corleone, you...you dare to openly interfere in the internal affairs of my Eastern Empire and covet the succession to my imperial throne.”

This is the most shameless violation of the sovereignty of my Eastern Empire! It is a provocation, a declaration of war!

Prince Xiazuo was trembling with rage. The demigod Genus Tang was his biggest trump card and strongest backer in his quest for the throne.

If Grenus Tang is bound by this damned oath and can no longer interfere in the struggle for the throne, then Xia Zuo will immediately lose his greatest support.

He absolutely would not allow it, he absolutely could not agree to it!
Faced with Prince Xia Zuo's hysterical accusations, Cohen merely glanced at him indifferently, his tone even carrying a hint of sarcasm:

"Your Highness Prince Xiazuo, why are you so agitated?"
I was merely discussing the terms of reparations with His Excellency Grenus Tang in the event of defeat.

Do you really have so little confidence in your country's legendary powerhouses?

Or do you believe that without His Excellency Genus Tang's help, you would never have been able to sit on the throne of the Eastern Empire?

These words were utterly scathing, striking right at Prince Xia Zuo's core, exposing his reliance on external forces to the gods and the people.

Prince Xia Zuo's face turned from white to red, then from red to green, so angry he almost vomited blood.

He pointed at Cohen, his fingers trembling, his voice hoarse with extreme anger:
"You...you're spouting nonsense!"
"Cohen, let me remind you."

Prince Xia Zuo, as if grasping at a straw, suddenly raised his voice, which became sharp and malicious:

"Princess Grace is already engaged to someone else."

"There's no point in you doing all this to try and please Grace now; she's already someone else's fiancée!"

Prince Shazor practically roared these words, attempting to use the fact that "Grace is already engaged" to attack Cohen, implying that Cohen made this condition to please Grace, thus making Cohen's behavior seem both despicable and futile.

However, Cohen's reaction greatly disappointed Prince Shazo and many others who had been listening intently, hoping to hear some royal secrets or gossip.

“Your Highness Prince Xiazuo, you are overthinking things.” Cohen’s tone was frighteningly calm.

"Princess Grace is a good friend of my wife Isabella, and we respect each other."

As for the 'Pirate King,'" he mentioned Grace's fiancé, the mysterious and powerful pirate king, "we've had some good collaborations, and I only wish them well."

His tone shifted abruptly, his gaze sharpening like a knife, piercing directly at Prince Xiazuo:
"I made this condition simply because I personally do not want my enemy to sit on the throne so comfortably!"

Didn't you want to dethrone me back then?
Now... karma has caught up with them!

“Furthermore,” Cohen’s voice suddenly turned cold, with a condescending indifference, “Your Highness, the ones here today discussing the bet and compensation are me, Lord Gnus Down, Lord Roosevelt Harper, and Lord Drummond Quinn.”

It seems you have no right to speak here.

"you……"

Prince Xia Zuo was so choked that he almost couldn't catch his breath. His face turned ashen, and he pointed at Cohen, trembling all over, but he couldn't utter a single complete sentence.

As a prince who relied on Grenus Tang for support, he indeed had no right to interrupt in front of the gods and demigods.

Cohen ignored the furious Prince Shazo and turned his gaze back to the ever-silent Genus Tang.

Grenus Tang, the imposing dragonborn demigod, had remained silent ever since Cohen made his demands.

His eyes were fixed on Cohen, as if trying to see through Cohen's calm exterior to his true thoughts.

His face was expressionless, but deep within his vertical pupils, it seemed as if a storm was brewing.

Cohen's conditions undoubtedly struck a nerve with him, and also with the most sensitive and core power nerve of the Eastern Empire.

Time seemed to flow exceptionally slowly in Grenus Tang's silence.

Prince Xiazuo looked at him with eyes that were almost pleading and filled with fear, his lips trembling, but he dared not utter another sound.

Finally, Gnus Tang slowly closed his eyes and spoke:
"I agree."

Prince Xia Zuo felt as if something had exploded in his mind. His vision went black, and he staggered back half a step. The last trace of color in his face instantly disappeared, turning him deathly pale.

It felt as if all the bones in my body had been removed, or as if all my strength and hope had been drained away.

He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, to object, to plead, but in the end he couldn't say anything.

He knew that once Grenus Tang made a promise before the gods, there was no possibility of him changing it.

His biggest trump card seems to be teetering on the brink of collapse after Cohen's seemingly casual yet ruthless attack.

Cohen looked at Prince Xia Zuo's distraught appearance, his face expressionless.

He simply nodded slightly to Grenus Tang, as if he had just completed an ordinary transaction.

Then, he turned his gaze to the last one—the tomb shrouded in a gray robe, silent all the while exuding the most dangerous aura.

"As for the Black Tomb, I also don't want anything from you."

but--

Today, here, everyone who came from the Black Tomb... not a single one can leave!

The moment the words fell, a chilling killing intent, like an invisible tide, silently spread out from Cohen.

Many people present, whether gods in the sky or powerful figures on the ground, clearly felt this undisguised will.

Roosevelt Harper's eyelids twitched slightly, Drummond Quinn's brows furrowed, and Gnus Don's vertical pupils contracted slightly.

This is no longer a negotiation, nor is it a demand for compensation.

This is a verdict. It is a death sentence for the "Black Tomb" organization and for all Black Tomb members present today, leaving no room for leniency.

The tomb let out a low, almost pleasurable laugh and nodded:

"Very well, I... also agree."

With the tomb's consent, this special gamble, proposed by Cohen Corleone, a mortal emperor at the peak of the Gold Rank, with him as one side and a legendary-rank powerhouse each from the Black Tomb, the Southern Empire, the Eastern Empire, and the Central Empire's Noble Council as the other, and with the ownership of godhood, huge compensation, political promises, and even many lives at stake, and witnessed by dozens of gods, was finally officially established!

The dust seemed to have settled.

However, soon after, Erebus the Night, the God of Darkness, who had been almost temporarily "forgotten" by everyone and was the other side of all conflict, coldly snorted and slowly spoke:
"And what about me?"

It seems your little dispute has been resolved. But—

"How do you intend to resolve this matter between me and this lowly thief, this ant who has defiled the realm of the gods?"

His target was always Vilekis and the "stolen" dark divinity within her.

In his eyes, the agreements Cohen made with the other parties were nothing more than an insignificant interlude.

The atmosphere, which had just eased slightly due to the "success" of the negotiations, instantly became extremely tense again.

The gods' gaze sharpened once more, and the people on the ground held their breath again.

Yes, Cohen and the other parties may have found a "solution" to their problems, but the deadlock between the God of Darkness and Vilekis remains unresolved.

This is the most unstable powder keg, the one that could ignite everything.

Under the gaze of countless eyes, under the undisguised murderous intent and destructive desire of the God of Darkness.

Cohen slowly raised his head and uttered the words that seemed to freeze the entire world, including the dozens of gods, various forces, and countless spectators:

"Just like them, it's a fight."

However, it doesn't require you to send anyone to fight me, nor does it require me to find any deity to fight you.

Instead... I'll fight you myself! (End of Chapter)