Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Shanis said calmly:
"I agree with this proposal. What about you all?"

The other major empires looked at the well-coordinated couple with puzzled expressions.

Few dared to oppose Her Majesty the Empress's decision openly, especially since the Kingdom of Ceylon was in the wrong. The representatives of the other empires quickly agreed to Cohen's proposal.

To put it bluntly, it was the Kingdom of Ceylon that was blind to its own shortcomings.

So much time has passed since the war between gods and demons ended that contacting the demons is no longer a taboo.

Making deals with devils and demons in private won't get you into trouble.

The Grand Duke of Violet of the Northern Empire and the Chief of Heisenberg of the Central Empire have both made deals with devils or kings of hell.

The Eastern Empire even directly treated the Demon Child as its son-in-law, and Efein also had a close relationship with Mammon.

But for the Kingdom of Ceylon to be caught red-handed like this today, especially in such a sacred setting as the Noble Martial Arts Festival, attempting to harm a participant in the festival, is simply unacceptable.

Furthermore, with Cohen insisting on escalating the situation, the Kingdom of Ceylon had no choice but to swallow this bitter pill.

Freya's incident was just a minor episode. After a retrial by the referee team, Freya was declared the winner of the final match.

Another contestant with ten wins has emerged in this year's Noble Martial Arts Festival.

The competition continued, and after another day, all group stage matches concluded.

Ultimately, according to the rules, the top five teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.

It is worth mentioning that, in addition to Woolf, Nephthys and Freya, two other players also qualified with a perfect record.

They are Martin Sanchez from the Central Empire and Frey Zorn from the Eastern Empire.

During a noble martial arts festival, five contestants emerged victorious, two of whom were not from the five great empires.

This result sparked a heated discussion among viewers who didn't usually pay much attention to the Bronze Group matches.

Especially since these two people have a close relationship with someone.

Viewers who noticed the situation saw Nephthys and Freya, who had just finished their match, arrive at the area where Cohen was.

This caused a minor disturbance.

Cohen naturally ignored these gossips and whispered with the two about the upcoming match.

After the group stage, the knockout stage begins.

A total of fifty people entered the final elimination round, which required six rounds of competition to determine the final winner.

After a period of rest, the names of fifty people flashed on the "Mirror of the Sky," and then the draw for the elimination rounds began.

Nephthys and Freya both advanced from their groups with a perfect record, naturally becoming the top team in their respective groups. Their opponents in the draw were the fifth-placed teams from each group.

Similarly, the opponent of the second place is the fourth place.

The third-place winner will only be drawn against the third-place winner.

This is also to ensure that strong teams do not clash prematurely.

After the draw results were announced, the competition officially began.

Compared to the group stage, which doesn't receive much attention, the knockout stage is significantly more popular.

One match decides the winner, the winner advances, the loser is eliminated, it's exciting and tense enough.

The first round of the competition was uneventful; the gap between first and fifth place, and between second and fourth place, was still too large.

There was no instance of subordinates overthrowing their superiors.

The only slightly more intense competition was between the third-place finishers, which lasted for a day and a night, ultimately resulting in 25 contestants advancing to the second round of the elimination tournament.

The second round of the draw began, and one person needed to have a bye. After the draw, it turned out that Nephthys was the one who got a bye.

Cohen glanced discreetly at the Central Imperial Noble Council, which was in charge of the lottery, wondering if it was genuine good luck or if Chief Heisenberg had some other scheme in mind.

The match schedule for the second round was quickly released, consisting of a total of twelve matches.

Unlike the first round, where the skill gap was somewhat large, the players who made it to this round are truly the cream of the crop.

Every match was intense and exciting.

Especially as the number of participants decreased, the seeded players from the five major empires soon faced each other in the knockout stage.

The representatives from the five major empires are generally a level above.

Such a clash between two strong teams naturally attracted more attention.

"Martin Sanchez of the Central Empire wins, and Fury Zorn of the Eastern Empire is eliminated."

As the cold, mechanical voice of the bronze golem rang out, a fierce and intense competition came to an end.

The highly anticipated match has finally come to a conclusion.

Many people were slightly disappointed, as both Martin Sanchez and Fritz Zorn were players who advanced from the group stage with a perfect record, and they didn't expect to meet in the second round.

One of them is destined to be eliminated.

Upon seeing the match results, the faces of the people from the Eastern Empire in the VIP area immediately turned grim.

Prince Quentin, suppressing his unusual expression, said to Chief Heisenberg beside him:
"As expected of a student trained by the top academy on the continent, if I remember correctly, this Martin Sanchez is the top student of this year's Holy Radiance Academy."

As the premier academy of extraordinary talents on the continent, the Holy Radiance Academy attracts outstanding students from various empires for training.

As the most outstanding chief student of the Bronze Academy, Martin Sanchez naturally received the most attention.

At just seventeen years old, Martin was able to represent the strongest empire in the Noble Martial Arts Festival, which is enough to prove how highly the empire values ​​him.

In fact, Martin was the seeded player in the Bronze Group of this year's Noble Martial Arts Festival in the Central Empire, and his perfect record in the group stage proved this.

Similarly, Fury, who was eliminated by Martin, is also the Eastern Empire's most promising player to reach the strongest Bronze rank.

Unexpectedly, they were eliminated by the Central Empire in the second round, so the people from the Eastern Empire were naturally not happy about it.

Most people present were well aware of the open and covert struggles between the Central Empire and the Eastern Empire.

It's no secret on the continent that the Eastern Empire, located on the Dragon Continent, has always wanted to challenge the Central Empire, the strongest empire among humankind, for its dominance.

Therefore, the two seeded players from the two great empires met in the second round. The Eastern Empire simply did not believe that the Central Empire was not behind this.

The seeded player who had a chance to challenge for the "Strongest Bronze" title was eliminated in the second round, and even the top eight ranking that could earn national points could not be maintained. You can imagine how the people of the Eastern Empire felt.

Especially Princess Grace Down.

She was in charge of the participation in the Eastern Empire's Noble Martial Arts Festival, and she carefully selected the contestants. Naturally, she was furious that the promising contestant she had placed high hopes on ended up like this.

But when Grace saw the results of the third round of the draw, a slight smile appeared on her lips, and the frustration in her heart dissipated considerably.

Then, taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, he picked up the communication stone and secretly sent a message to Cohen.

Like Martin Sanchez, a seeded player from the Central Empire, the other three players who had won all their group stage matches – Nephthys, Freya, and Woolf – also advanced smoothly through the first two rounds.

In the end, thirteen people remained standing on the arena.

One person still received a bye, but this time Nephthys wasn't so lucky; the bye spot was drawn by a contestant from the Northern Empire.

The screen flickered, and the results of the six matches in the third round were in.

Upon seeing Nephthys's opponent, Cohen raised an eyebrow and looked towards the Central Empire.

It was none other than Martin Sanchez, the chief student of the Bronze Academy of the Holy Radiance Academy, who had just eliminated the seeded player of the Eastern Empire.

At the same time, the communication stone on his body also received a message from Grace.

After reading the message, Cohen's lips curled into a strange smile.

Martin eliminated the Eastern Empire's top player, and Her Highness the Princess wants Cohen to help her get revenge!

Grace had dealt with Nephthys for a while in the "Lost Lands" and was well aware of her fighting prowess. In addition, with Cohen's training, she had full confidence in her.

This match has attracted a lot of attention.

Whether it's Martin Sanchez, the seeded player from the Central Empire, or Nefertis, who advanced to the third round with a winning streak.

Both sides' strengths are beyond doubt.

However, given Martin Sanchez's recent victory over Eastern Empire seeded player Fury Zorn, most people still favor Martin.

Martin Sanchez's extraordinary profession is "Combat Master," which is extremely difficult to enter, but once you successfully become a member, your combat power will increase exponentially.

Martin Sanchez, a bronze-level extraordinary being trained by the strongest academy in humankind, naturally possesses formidable combat power.

Although the Battle Master is a branch of the Warrior class.

However, it is different from warrior classes such as "Warrior" and "Arcane Knight".

Combat masters do not rely on brute force or flashy techniques, but elevate combat to a near-philosophical level.

What they pursue is not the sheer size of their power, but the absolute precision in the application of that power, the absolute perfection in seizing opportunities, and the absolute insight into the battlefield environment and the physiological and psychological state of their opponents.

Abandoning flashy energy explosions or complex magical incantations, all battles are reduced to the most basic physical laws—the interaction of force, time, space, and matter.

Their fighting style is extremely efficient and deadly; seemingly simple movements contain a wealth of experience and a profound understanding and utilization of the laws of physics.

The "Battle Master" has three core skills.

First, "perfect insight".

The combat master possesses near-predictive insight.

It can instantly grasp the battlefield layout, including all details such as obstacles, light, smell, enemy posture, center of gravity distribution, and energy flow.

A perfect 3D battle model is created in a glance.

By observing subtle muscle movements, breathing rhythms, changes in gaze, and even fluctuations in energy, one can discern the weaknesses in an opponent's techniques, armor, weapons, and even physiological structure, and accurately predict their next or even several steps ahead.

Second, "Essence of Power".

Combat masters do not pursue absolute strength, but rather the ultimate in instantaneous bursts, penetration, and control.

It achieves pinnacle control over every muscle, every bone, and every joint in the body.

It can make subtle adjustments that are unimaginable to ordinary people, transmitting power through the most precise path, the most tricky angle, and the most effortless method. Through precise strikes, it sends a trace of power into the stress points of the opponent's weapon and body, triggering a chain reaction of destruction.

Third, "fighting mentality".

The Battle Master possesses a powerful fighting spirit.

No matter how chaotic, bloody, or powerful the enemy, one must maintain an icy calm.

Emotional fluctuations are suppressed to a minimum or transformed into pure focus.

They have a cold and clear understanding of the nature of combat, are ruthless and merciless, have clear and specific goals, and are not swayed by unnecessary emotions.

Throughout the entire Demon Tide Continent, there are very few people who can advance to the level of "Combat Master".

As a carefully cultivated seed player by the Holy Radiance Academy, Martin Sanchez has brought the combat power of the "Combat Master" class to its extreme.

The defeat of Eastern Empire's top contender, Fury Zorn, further proves this point.

Fury Zorn holds the same extraordinary profession as Prince Shazor.

He is a warlock who inherited the bloodline of the green dragon. Such extraordinary professions have a unified name - "Dragon Vein Warlock".

Fury has a high concentration of bloodline and possesses two core talents: "Dragon Physique" and "Poison Element Affinity".

Like Cohen, although his extraordinary level was only Bronze, his physical strength had long since broken through to Silver, and he possessed a "Silver Body".

In addition, the "Poison Affinity" allows for rapid spellcasting without any chanting or rituals, and the spells carry the highly toxic element from the Green Dragon bloodline.

Even such a powerful dragon vein sorcerer could not withstand Martin Sanchez's incredibly precise attacks and was ultimately defeated after ten minutes.

However, Cohen still has a lot of confidence in Nephthys.

When it comes to understanding the "Master of Combat," no one on the Demon Tide Continent can compare to him.

Because in his previous life, Cohen worked as a combat master in the game, and he was very clear about the advantages and disadvantages of this profession.

While the combat master's "perfect insight" can provide superb prediction, it also leads to professionals becoming overly reliant on and trusting of their own "perfect insight."

If you rise by this, you will surely fall by this.

As long as it can disrupt the opponent's "perfect insight".

If they misinterpret battlefield information and the opponent's intentions, their subsequent micro-management and prediction will become chaotic.

Silently interfering with the opponent's psychological cognition, so that he is unaware that his perception has been distorted, is Nephthys's chance to win.

However, achieving this is difficult. The Battle Master's third core skill, "Battle Mindset," ensures that he is rarely disturbed by other superhumans of the same level.

But Martin Sanchez is only a third-tier superhuman after all, and his combat mentality must have flaws. As long as we find these flaws, we can successfully undermine the enemy's fighting will!

Just before going on stage, he whispered a few words to Nefertis.

With the ringing of a bell, the competition officially began.

Martin Sanchez gazed at the tall, slender, and stunningly beautiful young woman before him, the words of Principal Fyodor echoing in his ears.

He knew the other party was from Effie, from Effie, the very Effie that had caused the Imperial Noble House to lose face.

The reason I drew Nephthys in the third round was to eliminate as many of Effie's players as possible.

Even though he knew the other party had a close relationship with Her Majesty the Empress's fiancé, Martin had no choice.

When he chose to accept the training of the "Battle Master" in the Noble Academy and become the chief student of the Holy Radiance Academy, his stance and allegiance were already determined.

He must win, and he will win!

As soon as the Bronze Golem finished speaking, Martin Sanchez stood like a javelin on one side of the ring.

His grey-blue pupils contracted slightly, and "Perfect Insight" was instantly activated—

Nephthys's posture, breathing rate, and even the swaying of her clothes were transformed into a torrent of data, constructing a three-dimensional combat model in his mind.

"The weight shifts to the left leg, there are signs of power gathering in the right shoulder muscles, and the deepest traces of magical energy surge in the right eye."

Based on the "Mind Warlock" fighting style, the first move is expected to be a 'Silent Storm' attack from the left side.

The strategy is to dodge to the right and quickly approach the opponent.

Martin silently recited the command in his mind, his fingertips already resting on the hilt of the bladeless sword at his waist.

The main offensive method of the Mind Warlock is mental shock, and the skill "Silent Storm" is the instantaneous burst of mental shock.

Injecting a torrent of pure spiritual energy into the enemy's core of thought causes physical nerve tearing and consciousness collapse.

Silent, invisible, and impossible to dodge.

But for Martin, who has "perfect insight," all of this is "tangible"!
Because he can accurately grasp the timing and direction of the opponent's spellcasting from their subtle movements as they prepare to cast it.

Three seconds, two seconds, one second...

Martin awaited the opponent's "Silent Storm" attack.

As Martin expected, Nephthys raised her right hand and pointed lightly in Martin's direction from a distance. There was no beam of light, no shockwave.

But Martin was certain that the enemy's silent storm had already arrived from the left.

A fierce glint appeared in his eyes, and his legs contorted with subtle muscle contractions as he darted to the right like a cannonball.

At the same time, he drew his unbladed longsword from his waist with his right hand, dodging the "Silent Storm" and the surprise attack in one smooth motion.

However, just as Martin leaped into the air, his pupils suddenly contracted, his facial muscles spasmed from the intense nerve pain, and he fell heavily from mid-air.

This scene immediately shocked everyone present.

In the VIP area, the expressions of everyone from the Central Empire changed drastically. Fyodor, the principal of the Holy Radiance Academy, said in a deep voice:
Even if Nephthys interfered with Martin's 'Perfect Insight', a third-tier mind mage's 'Silent Storm' could not possibly dismantle Martin's 'Battle Mindset'.

That's so strange.

Nefertis actually used "Mind Interference" as soon as she entered the game.

This casting technique, which involves no pre-cast animation, is an exclusive skill of the Night Rose family.

Martin didn't realize it.

However, this did not escape the notice of the top experts in the VIP area, but the people of the Central Empire were not worried about it.

Thanks to Martin's exceptional "combat mentality," Nephthys's mental magic had no effect on him whatsoever.

At most, it will only delay the pace of the attack. Spellcasters are inherently less consistent than melee fighters. Once the opponent runs out of mana, Martin will naturally be able to win.

But what they were seeing was completely unexpected.

Nephthys's "Silent Storm" was able to dismantle Martin's "fighting mindset"?
Landon, the Temple Master of the Temple of Battle, understood the situation far better than Fyodor, and said with a faint smile:

"This little girl has found Martin's weak point in his willpower, which is interesting."

I heard she was previously a prospective saintess of our Battle Temple, but unfortunately, she was kidnapped by King Effie!

After all, Martin is only a Bronze-level "Combat Master," and his "combat mind" also has "cracks."

Once the "crack" is found, it can have an impact on willpower.

It's incredible that they could find the "crack" in such a short time.

Just as Fyodor was wondering what was going on, Martin knelt down on one knee, cold sweat beading on his forehead, his expression turning extremely ferocious.

They couldn't even stand up and continue fighting.

Even Heisenberg, the chief, couldn't sit still anymore and turned his gaze to Fyodor.

Fyodor's heart tightened, and he said:

"Impossible. Even if he were to withstand the Silent Storm head-on, Martin's willpower would be more than enough to keep him standing."

Lord Langdon's voice carried a hint of amusement:
"He...wanted to win too much."

His fear was brought out by Nephthys!
The match is almost over, and he's already been infected with a mind-control spell by Nephthys!

Everyone looked astonished. Prince Heinz of the Central Empire spoke slowly:
"The Palace Master is right, he is too eager to win."

The top student of Shenghui Academy carries the expectations of too many people.

The pressure of "never losing to an athlete like Effie" was the crack in his willpower.

Principal Fyodor stood up abruptly, instantly understanding everything, his face turning ashen:

"Martin's will has been used in reverse!"

Nephthys transformed his deep-seated obsession with 'imperial honor' into the fulcrum of his mental magic!

The scene on the field attracted everyone's attention. No one wanted to fight. Martin, who had been performing very strongly, was controlled as soon as he made a move.

Martin felt countless voices assaulting his will in his mind, and he didn't understand when he had been affected.

He forced himself to stand up, his mind reeling from the pain, and pressed his left hand against his temple in an attempt to physically suppress the nerve pain.

He gripped his longsword tightly in his right hand and charged toward Nephthys, though his steps were noticeably unsteady.

"Fifty meters to the northwest, use a leap to quickly close the distance in three seconds, and slash the opponent's right arm to force them to stop casting spells."

Martin continued to believe in his "perfect insight," but his actions appeared quite comical to the audience.

Because the direction he charged was completely opposite to the direction Nephthys was in.

As expected, Martin's strike missed its mark, and a moment of surprise crossed his face, as if he were wondering why he hadn't hit the target.

With the deep interference of mental magic, Martin completely lost the ability to analyze battlefield information.

At this moment, the "perfect insight" became a burden, and the continuous analysis of the distorted battlefield data only accelerated the confusion of consciousness.

Everyone was watching as the powerful "Master of Combat," Martin, fought wits and courage against thin air all by himself.

As time passed, Martin's magic and physical strength were completely exhausted, and he collapsed onto the ring, utterly dehydrated.

The bronze golem's cold voice rang out:
"Effie's contestant Nephthys has won, and the Central Empire's contestant Martin Sanchez has been eliminated." (End of Chapter)