Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

"All right……"

Daphne waved away the remaining ice crystals, then looked at Aetheril, whose expression was cold and who seemed ready to unleash a war of godhood at any moment. She then used a safer approach:
"He hasn't changed his mind, but... is it possible that he was reincarnated?"

"or……"

A glint of insight flashed in Daphne's eyes, as if she were patiently guiding something:
"His memories were sealed by some powerful force?"

"I remember you didn't find his divine body in the Shadow Dimension either, did you?"

The madness in Aetherel's eyes gradually faded, and a faint flame of hope ignited deep within them.

Daphne breathed a sigh of relief as she watched Aetheril finally calm down, but she couldn't help but say:
“Is it really that serious?

You two have only met a few times in total.

It's just that he saved your life back then, why have you been thinking about him for so many years?

He was even willing to seal away his divine authority, and turned himself into this cold, stone-like figure.

Am I the Ice God or are you the Ice God?

The phrase "like a cold, lifeless stone" carried a hint of regret that even Daphne herself didn't realize.

Aetherel's body trembled very slightly.

She did not answer, nor did she erupt again.

After a long silence, he slowly said:

"Two years. You must give me an explanation in two years!"

……

As the one who sparked the conflict, Cohen was completely unaware of the near-war between two goddesses of the highest rank in the Light Plane.

The prime material plane where he was located was now being shrouded in the light of another stage—the smoke of the Gold Group group stage had finally dissipated.

Time slipped away quietly amidst the intense attention, the ceaseless shouts and roars.

As the final match concluded, a massive magical light screen was refreshed, projecting the final rankings of the eight groups in the Gold Series.

What followed was a ranking situation that shocked the entire continent.

Effie!
This small, remote northwestern country, which no one had any faith in before the competition, crushed all the participating countries with an unparalleled performance.

Four of the five Effie representatives—Cohen Corleone, Isabella Winzer, Windsor Windrunner, and Melanie Tinuvel—all finished first in their respective groups.

Eight groups.

Of the four groups that came in first place, a full half belonged to Effie.

Even during the most glorious and prosperous golden age of the Central Empire, a time when many talented individuals emerged.

Never before has any country so domineeringly monopolized half of the top spots in the group stage of the Gold Group.

In particular, Viscount Melantha Rose actually defeated the seeded player from the Northern Empire, the ninth-tier "Chaos Warlock" "Frosty Will" Selene Winterburg, in the sixth group.

It caused a sensation at the scene.

Besides the four from Effie, the group winners from the remaining four groups were Gabriel Dela, a ninth-tier "Shadow Assassin" from the Central Empire, and the "King of Devious Assassins".

Xia Zuo Tang, the ninth-tier "Dragon Vein Sorcerer" of the Eastern Empire, and the "First Prince".

Gregor Jarvis, a ninth-tier "Beast Tamer" from the Southern Empire, also known as "Ocean Calamity".

Ash Lancelot, the ninth-tier "Holy Warrior" of the Western Empire, also known as "Holy Lancelot".

The only regret is that Sancho ultimately failed to advance from the group stage.

Sancho fought hard in the group, but ultimately failed to advance.

But his unwavering will and fearless fighting style earned him the respect of all the viewers.

In the subsequent fierce ranking battles, he made great strides all the way and finally achieved an amazing top-thirty ranking.

This achievement even surpasses the rankings of many core players from the kingdom.

With Cohen securing the top spot in Group 1 without any doubt, he maintained his undefeated record.

A massive gamble, closely related to this and affecting countless people's financial nerves, has come to a dramatic end.

Betting on whether Cohen Corleone can advance to the Round of 16 in the Gold Group through the group stage... is now officially closed!
The result is self-evident:

Cohen not only made it to the round-robin stage, but also won the group with an overwhelming advantage!

Countless gamblers looked ashen-faced. Those fanatics who had been betting wildly on "Cohen's team being eliminated" before Cohen's match against Reinhardt now seemed to have lost their backbone, collapsing into the noisy crowd.

The sound of gold coins flowing away seemed to drown out all the cheers.

Meanwhile, the unfathomable tycoons behind "Golden Eye" quietly completed another massive harvest of wealth from the entire continent.

However, they will soon have to give back most of what they harvested!

The group stage has come to an end.

But this is only the end of the prologue.

Amidst countless gazes of shock, awe, envy, ecstasy, and even despair, the true core of the Gold Group, the battle of the top sixteen... is about to begin in an even more brutal manner!

There are two days of rest before the start of the round-robin tournament.

Cohen did not bask in the glory of Effie's four-man victory in the group stage.

Instead, he used these two days to focus on personal matters that required his personal attention.

The first to be targeted was the "Mechanical Queen" of the Taren Kingdom, Wendina Antalya, who had put on an earth-shattering showdown with him in the first round of the group stage and was ultimately defeated by him.

To avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings, Cohen specifically invited Windsordler to accompany him.

Inside the Starry Sky area of ​​the State Guesthouse, in a private reception room with a tranquil environment, elegant furnishings, and a high degree of privacy.

Dude, dunk, dunk.

Three crisp knocks sounded on the door.

The door was opened silently.

Standing outside the door was Wendina Antalya.

At this moment, she had shed the specially made workwear leather armor that exuded mechanical beauty and a fighting spirit that she wore on the arena.

They also shed that cold, focused fighting stance, like a precision instrument.

She was wearing a well-tailored, exquisitely made Tarun-style palace dress.

The dress has a deep, dark blue base, embroidered with intricate and elegant family crests in silver thread, and the neckline and cuffs are adorned with tiny pearls, exuding aristocratic elegance with every gesture.

Her smooth, light blonde short hair was meticulously combed, revealing her smooth, full forehead.

Without her combat gear, Wendina lost some of the fierce and imposing aura of the "Queen of Machines".

She possessed a refined and intellectual air befitting a young noblewoman. Her already delicate features were further accentuated by the palace attire, making her even more striking.

In his spare time, Cohen had also done some research on this mechanical sorcerer.

After receiving top instructions from headquarters, the head of the Military Intelligence Bureau's Taren station quickly provided Cohen with detailed information on Wendina, including the Antalya family behind her.

The Antalya family is a mid-level noble family in the central province of the Kingdom of Taren.

The family's history is not long, and its heritage is only average in the Taren Kingdom, which is full of talented people and factions.

Its fiefdom, "Gear Fortress," is known for producing high-quality iron ore and possessing several historic workshops, but that's about it.

In the complex power structure of the Kingdom of Taren, comprised of ancient families, emerging conglomerates, and powerful professionals, the Antalya family has always been in an awkward position, neither high nor low, lacking a voice.

Until the emergence of Wendina Antalya.

This young girl, who displayed astonishing talent in mechanical arts, instantly shattered the family's silence.

She advanced to the peak of the ninth rank of mechanical sorcerer at an unbelievable speed, and even achieved near-legendary skill in the forging and control of her "natal mechanical beast".

Her terrifying combat prowess, demonstrated during the internal testing of the Kingdom of Taren, has drawn the attention of the Taren royal family.

The Antalya family also rose to prominence because of her, transforming from an unknown middle-class noble family into an object of courtship by various forces.

Wendina dressed up specially today to facilitate the upcoming negotiations.

However, as she silently pulled open the heavy door, as the soft light poured into the drawing room, as her gaze passed over Cohen Corleone, who rose to greet her, and landed on the figure sitting quietly to the side—

Wendina felt her breath catch in her throat.

Because she saw a woman who made her feel ashamed of herself.

Windsordler simply sat there quietly, dressed in a simple yet shimmering silver-white elven dress.

She wore no fancy jewelry; her long silver hair, like a flowing galaxy, was casually draped over her shoulders.

But it is precisely this simple attire that is most touching.

Wendina suppressed her turbulent emotions, struggled to look away from Windsordler, and respectfully bowed to the two people in the room.

Then he spoke slowly, with the elegant tone characteristic of Taren nobles:
"Your Majesty Corleone, Your Highness Windrunner."

It's a pleasure to see you all here.

Her gaze lingered briefly on Cohen's face before settling on Windsordler.

This time, she looked more closely and confirmed it with even greater despair.

Up close, Windsordler's perfection and ethereal grace far surpass any fleeting glimpse on the field.

"Miss Antalya, please come in."

Cohen stood up to greet him, a perfectly gentle smile on his face.

Windsordler sat gracefully to the side, like the perfect backdrop, her eyes calm and undisturbed, yet taking in every subtle detail.

Wendina took a deep breath, stepped inside, and tried to make her steps appear composed.

She could feel Windsordler's calm, unwavering gaze upon her. The gaze wasn't sharp, but it carried a scrutinizing quality that seemed to penetrate all pretense.

This elf is definitely not just a decorative figure beside King Corleone!

Cohen exchanged a few simple pleasantries, and the atmosphere eased somewhat.

He then explained, seemingly casually:
"Windsor is currently my chief political advisor, and Effie needs her involvement in decision-making on many core matters."

Today's meeting involves in-depth cooperation between our two countries and is of great significance. Therefore, I invited her to join us so that we can discuss the details later.

He looked at Wendina, his smile still gentle:
"Miss Undina won't mind, will she?"

Wendina said softly:
"The Princess of Windsor's outstanding achievements as a cabinet minister in the Middle Empire have long been known throughout the continent."

With such an experienced and exceptionally wise Princess present to witness and participate in the discussions, I am confident that the cooperation between our Antalya family and Effie will proceed very smoothly.

A barely perceptible smile flashed in Cohen's eyes. He leaned forward slightly and placed his hands clasped on his knees.

Her demeanor remained gentle, but her eyes had become incredibly sharp, piercing straight into Undina Antalya's heart:

“I can give Miss Wendina what she needs, but I’d like to know what you can provide for me?”
Or rather, what can the Antalya family offer me? Wendina took a deep breath, as if trying to suppress the complex emotions surging in her chest.

A resolute glint flashed in his sapphire-like eyes, and his voice lowered, carrying a sharp, all-or-nothing edge:

"Deal with Xia Zuo Tang for His Majesty!"

Cohen's eyes flickered slightly, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth:
"This is one of the answers I most want to hear."

His voice carried a hint of amusement, but his eyes suddenly sharpened to the point of being like a knife.
“But Miss Undina, you… or rather, the Antalya family behind you.”

What makes me believe you have the ability to do this?
Moving an imperial prince requires more than just courage; it requires matching strength and leverage!

Wendina replied in a deep voice:
"The Kingdom of Taren will, when necessary, help Effie restrain Xiazuo's power in the Eastern Empire."

Cohen did not reply. Just then, Windsordler, who had been as silent as moonlight, gently put down the porcelain cup in her hand.

His gaze calmly fell on Wendina, and he said softly:
"The Kingdom of Taren?"
Excuse my bluntness, Miss Antalya.

As far as I know, your family seems to occupy a rather marginal position within the power structure of the Kingdom of Taren.

The highest-ranking official was merely a provincial political vice minister, from a family that had not even managed to secure a core seat in the Kingdom's Parliament.

How can one represent the entire Kingdom of Taren?
How can we ensure that the kingdom's will would risk restraining a powerful imperial prince for the benefit of the Antalya family?

Wendina looked directly at Windsordler, her words ringing out clearly and forcefully:

"After I break through to the Legendary rank, I can represent Taren."

His Majesty Corleone should know better than anyone what a legendary-rank mechanical mage represents for a nation.

Wendina's words were filled with absolute confidence in her talent and potential.

Legendary mechanical sorcerers are beings capable of altering a nation's strategic standing.

It is the cornerstone of the nation, capable of forging national treasures, building war fortresses, and constructing a defensive network.

Wendina believed this offer would be enough to sway Cohen.

Once she achieves legendary status, her personal will will become an undeniable voice in the Kingdom of Taren.

At that time, she will naturally be able to fulfill the promise she made today.

Cohen raised an eyebrow slightly:

"Legendary Rank..."

He repeated the word softly, a word that would make ordinary people look up to him, but his tone was so calm it sent chills down one's spine.

Leaning slightly forward, his gaze locked onto Wendina's eyes as if they were solid:
"Miss Wendina, how much longer do you think it will take you to break through that legendary threshold?"

Wendina hesitated, and after a moment of silence, said:

"I am confident that I will break the legend within twenty years."

Although Wendina is currently at the peak of the ninth rank, she is not very confident about breaking through to the legendary rank.

A bitter thought began to spread through her mind.

The path to legend is fraught with thorns, and countless brilliant talents have been stuck at the peak of the ninth rank until their deaths!

Not everyone is as gifted as Adaline.

In fact, if she could break through to the legendary rank before the age of sixty, she would already be considered a rare genius.

The meaningful smile on Cohen's lips did not fade. He said nothing more, but simply took out a scroll.

It's the Soul Contract that hasn't been used in a long time!
A deep, dark light gathered at Cohen's fingertips, like the most precise carving knife silently gliding across the scroll.

He transformed the conditions he agreed to and the other party's promises into lines of clear, cold terms composed of soul runes, imprinting them on the scroll.

He gently pushed the scroll toward Wendina, its flowing dark gold luster reflecting off her slightly pale face.

"Soul Contract".

Cohen's voice was calm and even, yet carried an undeniable weight:
"The terms have been written in accordance with our agreement."

If there are no objections, then in the name of the soul… brand it upon it.

Wendina was stunned for a moment; the huge surprise even made her feel a little unreal.

But the clearly flowing soul runes on the scroll, and Cohen's calm yet deep black eyes that seemed to devour all light, all told her—this was real!
After a brief hesitation, Wendina picked up the contract, glanced at it, and quickly signed her name.

A strange sense of constraint and commitment, as if it had established a faint connection with the origin of the world, was imprinted deep within her soul.

As Windsordler watched Wendina sign the contract, a strange feeling arose in his heart.

It seems that all the women who signed a soul contract with Cohen ended up being added to his harem.

I need to talk to Adele about this when I get back.

Cohen was unaware that he had already been marked badly by Windsor.

He looked at the completed soul emblem, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, and then took out an ancient book:
"Here's what you need. Hope it helps."

Wendina took the book and eagerly opened a corner of it.

Her breathing quickened instantly after just a few glances at the ancient and exquisite runes and energy structure diagrams.

An unbelievable, ecstatic light, as if he had discovered a priceless treasure, burst forth from his sapphire-like eyes.

This...this is far more precious than she imagined.

This is undoubtedly a lost treasure of ancient mechanical arts, and the concepts it contains are enough to make a breakthrough in her long-stagnant research on the optimization of the "Tranquil Wrath" energy core.

It might even... provide her with key insights for achieving legendary status.

"Thank you... thank you, Your Majesty!"

Wendina's voice trembled with barely suppressed excitement as she gripped the scroll tightly, as if holding a key to the future.

He thanked them repeatedly.

"This gift is too precious, the Antalya family... will remember it forever!"

"Equal cooperation is unnecessary."

Wendina bowed deeply once more, and carrying the precious scroll and a weighty soul contract, she quickly left the Starry District's reception room with mixed feelings of excitement and complexity.

The door closed gently.

Only Cohen and Windsordler remained in the drawing room.

A strange smile crept across Windsor's lips:
"If this happens a few more times, she'll probably be able to snuggle into your arms at the slightest beckoning of your finger."

Cohen said in a very serious tone:

All I want right now is for you to throw yourself into my arms.

As he spoke, he began to grope her.

Windsordler spat lightly:
"Stop fooling around in broad daylight, let's get down to business."

"Twenty years, are you really going to wait that long?"

Cohen smiled and said:

"The contract didn't specify twenty years; it only needs to last until she breaks through to the Legendary rank!"

As she spoke, Windsordler's clothes began to move and undulate irregularly across her chest.

Her Highness, suppressing the unusual heat coursing through her body, said in a trembling voice:
"You...you...can help her break through to the legendary level?"

Cohen shook his head, his expression suddenly becoming much more solemn.

Raising my gaze, it seemed as if my eyes pierced through the magnificent dome of the reception room, reaching into the boundless depths of the starry sky.

His voice was deep and filled with an indescribable sense of insight and control.

"It wasn't me who propelled her onto the path of legend."

Rather, it is the torrent of rules inherent in this world itself and the impending wave of upheaval!

Windsordler was almost stunned by Cohen's divine and prophetic speech—if only his restless hands hadn't been groping inside his clothes.

After making this ambiguous remark, Cohen had already expertly stripped Windsordler of her clothes, his eyes blazing with fury, and said:

"To prepare for this massive wave of change, I think it's essential to train your physical resilience..."

……

……

……

After dealing with Wendina's matter, it was time to meet with Governor Thorg Chambers of "Thousand Streams Court".

This was a specially arranged reception room, with heavy velvet curtains blocking out the outside light and deliberately dimmed.

All that remained were the flickering flames in the fireplace and a few magical wall lamps embedded in the walls, emitting a cold, eerie blue light.

The space is divided into a strange interplay of light and shadow.

The air was filled with the scents of sea salt, aged rum, and a faint, almost imperceptible, fishy smell of sulfur and rust, like the breath of a deep-sea monster.

This was specially arranged by Grace to create an atmosphere that best suited the identity of the "ghost ship's" controller.

Cohen put on the demon mask, and his appearance changed in an instant, transforming him into the Pirate King Yann Hughes.

His face was unremarkable, but his eyes were like ghostly flames burning in the abyss, cold, sharp, and seemingly able to pierce through the soul.

They waited for each other in the drawing room.

The second installment of the husband-and-wife team action!
At the appointed time, a knock sounded on the door, followed by Grace's authoritative voice:

"Please come in."

The door was pushed open silently.

A figure stepped in.

Thorger Chambers, Governor of Thousand Rhythm Court.

He wore a crisp, dark blue uniform, the tassel emblem on his epaulets representing the highest authority of the Thousand Streams Court.

His posture was as upright as a pine tree, his steps were steady and powerful, and every step carried the precision and strength unique to soldiers.

His weathered face was etched with resolute lines, his short, graying hair was meticulously combed, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.

Even in the dim light, it gleamed with the all-knowing shrewdness and unquestionable authority characteristic of an old-school officer.

Torg's gaze first fell on Grace, and without any hesitation, he performed a standard court etiquette of the Eastern Empire.

Immediately, his sharp, hawk-like gaze, as if drawn by a magnet, locked onto Cohen, who was standing close to the princess.

After a brief pause, he said in a deep voice:
"This must be the descendant of the ancient Pirate King, the master of the Ghost Ship, the Pirate King Yann Hughes!" (End of Chapter)