Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 354 The three women meet
Valan's eyes flickered, and his expression became somewhat unnatural. After hesitating for a moment, he said:
"temporary?"

Cohen replied with a smile:

“Ceylon is, after all, Princess Freya’s territory, so I can’t make decisions for her directly.”

However, the Starry Sky Clan can rent the land for a period of time. As for the future, the Northwest Continent has more than just Ceylon. With such a large continent, they are sure to be able to find a place suitable for the Starry Sky Clan to live in.

"Does Mr. Varan understand what I'm saying?"

A look of understanding appeared in Valan's eyes, and he said:
"I understand, thank you, Your Majesty."

Cohen said with a smile:

"No need to be polite. This is something we agreed upon beforehand. In the future, we will need the Star Lords and Star Envoys of the Star Clan to deal with the high-level superhumans of the Kingdom of Ceylon."

Varan immediately stated:

"Your Majesty, rest assured, many experts from our tribe will be coming with us this time. Even if Ceylon sends a saint, we can handle it."

This is the key!
Although the five great empires have issued a decree forbidding the saints from intervening, when the final moment arrives, Gaius will not care about any decrees or prohibitions.

To prevent Gaius from resorting to desperate measures, the Star Clan, with its tens of thousands of years of history, is Cohen's biggest trump card.

Not long after Varan left, Windsordler and Melantha returned from their mission to sweep up the remnants of the Ceylon border legion.

Windsordler stared at Asuna's long dress, his eyes revealing a cryptic look.

Cohen coughed lightly to hide his embarrassment and said:
"Everyone's here, so let's discuss something together."

Windsordler gave a soft snort, Asuna pretended not to hear, while Melantha looked confused.

Cohen looked at the three beautiful women and said:

"According to our previous plan, the first phase of the Ceylon mission has been a complete success."

With three months to go before the Noble Martial Arts Festival, I plan to call a truce early and let Freya digest the territory and resources she has acquired.

We also need to return home to prepare for this grand event on the mainland.

The three of them naturally had no objections, and Cohen continued:

"Asuna and I will compete in the Silver Division. Windsor and Melantha, you two will compete in the Gold Division."

"Is everything alright?"

Windsordler reached out and said:

"Let's be clear from the start, I can't guarantee I'll win the championship."

Melantha also spoke up:
"I should be able to guarantee a top-three finish, as for the championship... well, that depends on luck."

Isn't Prince Xia Zuo of the Eastern Empire also a strong contender for the Gold Group championship?

Cohen smiled and said to the two of them:
"There's no need to feel any pressure. Just try to improve your ranking as much as possible. As for the champion, I already have the most suitable candidate in mind."

Seeing Cohen's confident statement, the two of them said nothing more.

Cohen concluded by saying:
"Then you all pack up and hand over your work to your subordinates. I'm going to Guimian City to discuss with Freya about letting her participate in the competition."

Upon hearing this, the three beauties simultaneously showed expressions of astonishment. Windsordler asked:

"Is Freya going to participate as well?"
She seems to have just reached level three.

Besides, she's a princess of Ceylon; it wouldn't be appropriate for her to represent Efein in the competition.

Cohen said:

"Don't forget, she is a [Mechanical Mage], and her combat power mainly depends on the power of her mechanical puppets."

As long as we help her collect some powerful mechanisms, taking down the 'Strongest Bronze' shouldn't be a problem.

As for her eligibility to participate, I didn't ask her to represent Effie in the competition.

The three immediately understood Cohen's plan.

If Freya wins the "Strongest Title" on behalf of Ceylon, the morale and public support of Quesaon will be further damaged, and the wavering nobles will be more inclined to side with the Crown City.

Even if it's just to gain more national fortune, more and more people will submit to Guimiancheng.

This is highly beneficial to the Ceylon War following the Noble Martial Arts Festival, and could even directly overturn the legitimacy of Quissaon's regime.

Asuna raised a crucial question:

"Can Freya qualify for this?"

Needless to say, Quessaoon will do everything in its power to prevent this.

Cohen smiled and looked at Windsordler, who raised an eyebrow slightly and said:

"If I remember correctly, the power to verify the eligibility of participants rests with the organizers."

Cohen snapped his fingers and said:

"Therefore, we must ask Her Majesty the Empress for help with this matter!"

Windsordler stared into Cohen's eyes for a long time, leaving the latter completely bewildered.

The mention of Her Majesty the Empress caused the Princess Consort to ponder for a moment. She wondered when Xenise planned to announce the engagement. Could it be that she intended to use the time when Cohen was competing in the Central Empire?

Windsordler suppressed his thoughts and said:

"We can't rely entirely on Xenise. After all, Quessão is still the official representative of the Ceylon regime. If Gaius strongly opposes it, things are still uncertain."

Because of me, if Shanis insists, she could easily be accused of neglecting her duties for personal reasons.

Anyone with eyes to see knows that Freya is backed by King Cohen Corleone of Effie.

Her Majesty the Empress's chief minister is Princess Effie.

If Shanis insists that Freya compete under the name of the Kingdom of Ceylon, it could easily cause all sorts of problems.

Both within and outside the empire, people will lose faith in Her Majesty the Empress's fairness.

Cohen pondered for a moment, then his eyes lit up, and he said:

"Then let Gaius's opposition be less intense."

"I've already made up my mind about this. Alright, you all hurry up and resolve the remaining issues. I'm going to Guimian City."

Cohen acted immediately, kissing each of the three beauties lightly in turn before rushing to the princess's palace.

Melantha watched Cohen's departing figure and sighed softly:

"I'm afraid there will be one more person."

Asuna asked in surprise:
"You mean Freya?"

Since the Northwest Region Exchange Meeting ended three years ago, Asuna has been working in the Southern Territory and hasn't seen Freya for a long time.

In her memory, Freya was still a fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl.

A captivating smile curved Windsor's lips:

"She is no longer Freya, but the Princess of Ceylon, the future Queen of Ceylon!"

……

The Ceylon princess, as described by Windsordler, was much more reserved than usual when she met Cohen.

As she grew older, Freya became increasingly adept at expressing her love in a restrained and subtle way.

The tender gaze made Cohen uneasy; she was not as affectionate as the little girl who would rush into his arms the moment they met a few years ago.

More than physical contact, it was the invisible gaze and pressure that made Cohen feel uneasy.

Cohen cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence, and asked:
What are your thoughts?

Freya withdrew her gaze and asked:

"Why can't he represent Effie in the competition?"
I've recently learned some things about the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

The national ranking at the Noble Martial Arts Festival determines the nation's fate for the next ten years.

If you, sir, have the ability to grant me the title of strongest Bronze, wouldn't it be better to leave that title to Effie?

Cohen said with a smile:

"Freya, you are now the princess of Ceylon, how can you compete in the name of Efein?"

Various factions on the mainland already suspected you were a puppet I was supporting. Now, with this, won't you just confirm that rumor?"

A hint of seductive glint flashed in Freya's beautiful eyes, and her words almost made Cohen turn and run away:
"Then marrying Effie would allow him to represent Effie in the competition?"

Cohen was at a loss for words.

Freya suddenly curled her red lips into a smile, her beautiful face beaming with joy:

"Did I frighten you, sir?"

Just kidding, I'm not someone who doesn't understand the bigger picture.

I understand that winning the strongest title on behalf of Ceylon will play a very important role in the future war of national restoration.

Don't worry, I will do as you say, sir.

Cohen breathed a sigh of relief; he had almost been outmaneuvered by a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl.

He suppressed his thoughts and said:
"The key is to help you find a suitable agency."

Based on past competition results, your organization needs to have at least a level 5 combat power to guarantee you the 'Strongest Bronze' rank.

When it came to serious matters, Freya became much more serious and said in a deep voice:
"With my current soul power and control skills, I have no problem with those below the fourth rank, but I'm afraid it will be a bit difficult for those above the fourth rank."

It could even backfire.

Mechanical sorcerers are extraordinary professions who use gears, runes, and alchemical power to drive mechanical creations in battle; they are fusions of ancient technology and modern magic.

Similar to a summoning mage, an individual's combat power depends entirely on the capabilities of their mechanisms.

In theory, the stronger the mechanism, the greater the increase in individual combat power, but the issue of control and proficiency must also be taken into account.

Under normal circumstances, it is generally not possible to drive a mechanism beyond its normal operating level.

For example, a Bronze-level mechanical wizard can only operate Bronze-level mechanisms. Once it exceeds its own level limit, it will not only be unable to fully utilize the mechanism's capabilities, but may even cause a backlash against its soul.

Cohen had certainly considered this, and he nodded, saying:
"Therefore, you need to make the most of the next three months for intensive training."

Don't worry about your soul power; I'll help you raise it to a level strong enough to control advanced mechanisms.

As for the skills, you'll need to work on them yourself.

Cohen pulled a notebook from his pocket, handed it to Freya, and said:

"This is the skill and insight of a Saint-level mechanical sorcerer, and it is an integral part of the inheritance I gave you before."

You only need to master the techniques of the three mechanisms I've circled above.

These are also the three main combat mechanisms I've prepared for you in the future.

Freya couldn't hide her joy as she solemnly took the notebook. Upon opening it, she saw three names of various organizations circled in red pen.

These are the offensive "Elemental Annihilation Array", the defensive "Siphon Rune Trap", and the control-oriented "Mirror Maze".

Cohen explained in turn:
"These three mechanisms are generally only accessible after reaching the Gold rank."

However, you received top-tier training from the Warlock's Enlightenment, so you can master these mechanisms well in advance.

The first one is the 'Elemental Annihilation Array', a fifth-order mechanism.

This mechanism triggers a chain reaction of explosions involving fire, water, and wind energies through the interaction of magical runes and elemental cores.

The intensity of the explosion was roughly equivalent to a mid-level mage's (silver rank) full-power spellcasting.

Unless the opponent can decipher the rune sequence on the mechanism, the only option is to physically withstand the attack.

The second one is the 'Siphon Rune Trap', a fifth-tier mechanism.

It absorbs the enemy's magic power and transforms it into an energy barrier; the barrier's strength gradually increases with the amount of magic power absorbed. This is a very good defensive mechanism, its only drawback being its long casting time. Therefore, this mechanism should be used in conjunction with the next one.

The third one is the 'Mirror Maze', a fourth-order mechanism.

By creating an infinite corridor through magical mirrors, enemies will lose their way between the mirror images and suffer from mental interference.

The entire maze lasts for five minutes, after which you will be teleported to your chosen location.

You can use this time to set up 'Siphon Rune Trap' or other powerful mechanisms in advance.

Although the 'Mirror Maze' is a fourth-order mechanism, its true power is no less than that of some gold-level mechanisms.

The key to this mechanism is its mystery, leaving the other party unsure how to respond.

I guarantee that over 90% of those bronze-level contestants had never even heard of such a mechanism.

Even the few who have seen it cannot crack it, because to crack the 'Mirror Maze', one must use the 'Location Technique', which can only be mastered at the Gold rank, to lock the exit.

Therefore, they could only withstand it by using their soul power.

Freya's eyes shone with a captivating light:
"Sir, I will work even harder and I will definitely master the skills of these three mechanisms within three months."

Cohen instinctively reached out to pat Freya's head, but then remembered that she was now a princess, so he stopped and said:

"It's good to have confidence, but before you start your special training, you have to come with me to find these three mechanisms."

Do you have any free time lately...?

"Yes, sir, when shall we depart?"

Freya answered without any hesitation.

Cohen nodded and said:

"Then get ready, we'll set off with your sister Windsor tomorrow."

Freya's bright eyes dimmed slightly, and she muttered something under her breath:

"Can't it just be the two of us?"

Cohen's lips twitched slightly. He thought to himself, even without any objective reasons, I wouldn't dare go out alone with you in your current state.

He smiled softly and said:
"One of these three institutions is quite a distance from the Crown City. We don't have much time left and need Windsor's help."

Freya then reluctantly replied:

"Alright then, sir, where do you live? I'll come find you tomorrow."

Cohen said:

"No need, Windsor and I will be waiting for you outside the palace tomorrow."

"it is good."

……

Outside the princess's palace in Guimian City, Cohen stretched his body slightly and subtly massaged his lower back.

Turning around, I met Windsordler's mischievous gaze:
"Could it be that it's broken? How am I going to explain this to Adel when I get back?"

Cohen slapped Windsordale's buttocks and said angrily:
"Don't spread rumors, or you'll be punished according to family rules!"

Windsordler made a face and let out a silvery laugh.

Cohen regained his composure, cleared his throat, and said:

"Alright, let's get down to business. There are three locations. The first two are in northwestern Ceylon, and the last one, the Mirror Maze, is quite far away, in a central province of Ceylon."

The three agencies that Cohen chose for Freya were all carefully considered and were located within the Kingdom of Ceylon.

These are also three of the more classic game instances from the previous game.

When it came to serious matters, Windsordler put aside her joking thoughts, after all, she had played a part in it last night.

She replied:
"If all goes well, I should be back within seven days."

Cohen nodded and said:
"That's what I was thinking too. Before I go back home, I'm going to Quisaion to meet with Gaius."

You'll have to come back to Crimson Island with me first.

I'll go by sea to Quesaon; you go straight back to Alfion.

Windsordler nodded slowly:

"it is good."

Before the two had to wait long, Freya came into view.

Looking at Freya dressed in hunting attire, a hint of amazement flashed in Cohen's eyes.

Windsordler also praised it, saying:

"That's right. After wearing palace costumes for so long, it's refreshing to change to a different style."

Freya said modestly:
"No one can compare to how beautiful Sister Windsor is."

Cohen said:

"The first place we went to was the Whispering Forest, where we captured General Obadiah."

Deep in the forest stands an ancient tree that has lived for over a thousand years, known as the Moss-Trace Tree.

The 'Elemental Annihilation Array' we're looking for is inside.

After determining the first destination, starlight shimmered behind Windsordler, and a pair of crystalline wings shimmering with emerald light slowly unfurled.

Cohen stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Windsordler's slender waist. Before he could make his next move, Freya naturally stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Cohen's neck, gracefully flipping her legs upward.

Cohen had no choice but to reach out and support Freya's long legs, carrying the stunningly beautiful princess in a princess carry.

Windsordler let out a soft, enigmatic laugh, flapped his wings gently, and transformed into a streak of light, disappearing into the horizon.

……

In the Whispering Forest, a streak of emerald light rapidly approached from afar.

The light disappeared, and a man and two women appeared deep in the forest.

After Cohen stood still, he released his grip on Freya's legs.

Freya reluctantly left Cohen's embrace, her gaze sweeping over the ancient forest.

The branches of towering trees intertwine to form a dome that obscures the sky, and the damp earthy scent mixed with the crispness of pine resin fills the nostrils.

Windsordler couldn't help but sigh:

"I never expected that the Kingdom of Ceylon would have a place like this. It's almost like the Elf Forest."

Cohen said with a smile:

"It's not just the elves who like forest greenery. Let's go, the giant moss-covered tree is still inside, let's hurry."

The deeper the three ventured into the Whispering Forest, the more towering trees came into view.

Moreover, each tree is taller than the last, resembling a series of green mountains, brimming with vibrant life.

When a tree several times taller than any of the trees they had encountered before came into view, the three of them held their breath.

The tree trunks, hundreds of meters long, stand like inverted mountains.

The tree trunk is covered with glowing moss veins, and the red, blue and cyan veins intertwine on the dark brown bark to form an interlocking matrix of runes, each rune flowing slowly as if it were alive.

What surprised the three of them most was that each leaf reflected the afterimages of different elements—the fire leaf burned without extinguishing, the water leaf condensed dewdrops, and the wind leaf trembled endlessly.

Such a magnificent scene is truly breathtaking.

Cohen said softly:

"This is the Moss-covered Giant Tree. The 'Elemental Annihilation Array' we are looking for is inside this tree."

Freya frowned slightly and said:

"Why didn't I sense any trace of a mechanism?"

There was no unusual reaction in the blood vessels within the body.

Cohen smiled faintly:
"I didn't explain it clearly enough. To be more precise, this moss-covered giant tree can help us create an 'Elemental Annihilation Array'."

He then stopped keeping them in suspense and led the two around the moss-covered giant tree, soon arriving at a huge tree hole.

Windsordler's body tensed immediately, and her magic surged. She could clearly sense an exceptionally powerful aura within the tree hollow.

He has at least the strength of the peak of the Gold rank.

Cohen made a gesture to reassure everyone, then shouted into the tree hole:

"I need the help of the Mossy Giant Tree."

In exchange, I can do something for you.

Not long after, a strange sound came from inside the tree hole. The sound grew closer and closer until a pair of ghostly golden pupils emerged from the dark opening.

Immediately afterwards, an ancient syllable mixed with tremor rang out:
“Mortal, your footsteps have shattered the five hundred years of silence here.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a giant golden owl with a wingspan of ten meters emerged.

Although he was only at the Gold rank, the oppressive aura he exuded surprised even Windsordler.

Cohen stared into the giant owl's golden eyes and continued repeating his words:

"No one has been here for five hundred years. You must have a lot of things that need your help with."

Let's make a deal.

The Golden Tycoon stared at Cohen for a long time, his voice carrying a certain ancient charm:

“A human, an elf, and a… well, a sorcerer, a mechanical sorcerer. You came for her, didn’t you?”

Cohen made no attempt to conceal his intentions:

“Yes, I need a fifth-order elemental annihilation array.”

A hint of human-like doubt flashed in the golden owl's eyes as he asked:

"How do you know that an elemental annihilation array can be generated here?"

As far as I know, this mechanism has been lost for over a thousand years.

Cohen's answer left the gold tycoon with no room for criticism:
"I am the child of prophecy."

After speaking, he took out a rhombus-shaped gem from the "Heart of Eternity." Under the sunlight, six rays of light radiated outward from the center of the gem, eventually connecting to form a strange pattern resembling an eyeball.

It was one of the three tokens given to Cohen by Pope Atkinson of the Church of Prophecy to prove his identity as the Son of Prophecy—the Eye of Fate.

"The Eye of Destiny!"

The voice of the Golden Tycoon carried a hint of surprise.

Cohen continued:

"I don't need to show you the hourglass of time and the white robe of the prophet, do I?"

The golden owl's attitude had clearly changed; it stretched out its wings and pointed in a distant direction:
"There's an annoying nest of petrified giant worms there, which is disturbing my rest."

"Use the corpses of their mother insect in exchange for the Elemental Annihilation Array."

"it is good!"

After leaving the tree hollow, Windsordler finally couldn't help but ask:
"Strange, why are you being so polite to a Gold-ranked tyrant today?"
Why do I need to deal with some giant insect nest for him?

Cohen stopped, glanced back at the tree hollow now hidden by lush trees, and said in a deep voice:

"That's not a Gold-tier beast, but a genuine... Saint-tier magical beast!"

(End of this chapter)