Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Fyodor suppressed his astonishment and remarked:
"This should be a divine artifact passed down through generations of dwarves, the forging furnace!"

These are totems and blood oaths flowing deep within the soul of every dwarf.

It is a sacred object that the dwarves have guarded and passed down through generations.

In the hands of the supreme dwarven craftsmen, even ordinary iron could be imbued with divinity. It is said that Ornn, the god of forging, once used this furnace to forge more than five divine artifacts!

Heisenberg's figure was like a statue frozen on the edge of the furnace's glow, unmoved by the overwhelming weight of history, his voice steady as he turned a page in the scroll of history:
"Chief of the Fyodor Education Committee, or more precisely, this is the inherited artifact of the Forging Tribe, one of the ten great tribes of the Dwarfs."

Fyodor nodded and said:
"Yes, it's the Forging Tribe. I heard that a former chief of the Forging Tribe once used the Forging Furnace to forge a genuine artifact."

However, that was also the last time the furnace was shown to the world.

Since then, the forging furnace has disappeared from all written records, and I never expected to see it here.

Could it be that…”

Chief Heisenberg narrowed his eyes slightly, a fleeting arrogance flashing in them:
"That's right. At that time, the Forging Tribe poured all its resources into creating a divine weapon, exhausting its accumulation over thousands of years."

Lord Hohenheim, the thirteenth chief of the House of Nobles, recognized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

He personally led two saints and five legendary warriors, and incited the other tribes to besiege the Forging Tribe, seizing the Forging Furnace from their hands!

From then on, this divine artifact remained the foundation of the Noble Academy, and it was one of the core secrets passed down through each generation of the Academy's top scholar.

After reviewing the glorious history of the House of Lords, Chief Heisenberg instructed Fyodor:

"I'll entrust the forging furnace to you for the next few days. Speed ​​up the process and perfect the legendary realm."

This time, only victory is acceptable; defeat is not an option!

"Yes, sir!"

……

In the surging demiplane, Belmod slowly opened her eyes. In the depths of those eyes, which seemed to reflect the end of the stars, a trace of the deep, dark purple that could annihilate all things slowly faded away.

Along with that legendary realm that devoured all light, laws, and even the sense of space, "the Abyss of the Underworld".

Cohen sensed the lingering terrifying aura around Belmody, and a look of seriousness flashed in his eyes.

The legendary rank is indeed a completely different level from the traditional ninth rank of the extraordinary rank.

Legend is the transformation of the essence of life, a terrifying level that can shake the rules of the world.

It is by no means something that can be measured in terms of orders of magnitude by the traditional "Nine Levels of Transcendence," let alone the chasm that it crosses!
He was confident that he could defeat a Silver-ranked individual at the Bronze rank and a Gold-ranked individual at the Silver rank, but he wasn't very confident that he could defeat any Legendary-ranked transcendent at his current level.

The domain expands, forming its own world and its own rules!

That is a divine barrier that mortal skills cannot reach!

Under the oppressive force of the Absolute Domain, any exquisite use of magic or any profound skill is utterly useless.

The only thing that can defy the rules and order is a rule and order of the same level!

Perhaps only after I have a deeper understanding of the rules will I have a chance to defeat a legendary-level opponent.

"What are you doing standing still?"

A voice, tinged with languor yet cool like a falling star, pulled him from his thoughts.

Cohen looked up and saw that Belmodi had somehow sheathed his once awe-inspiring aura.

She tilted her head, her cascading purple hair falling casually over her shoulders.

Her fair hand waved in front of him, creating a strange contrast between her mature and charming demeanor and her cute movements.

Vermoti's lips curved into a half-smile:

"After all, this is a demiplane with imperfect rules. As a Gold-ranked individual, you are easily corrupted if you stay here for too long."

"Go out."

Cohen snapped out of his daze and channeled his fingertip magic into the Book of Time and Space in his hand.

The ancient, heavy pages turned silently, revealing complex and profound spatial runes. A stable light curtain flowed from the spine of the book, perfectly enveloping the two figures.

With a flash of light, the two disappeared into the demiplane.

Then, the bright, soft lights of the state guesthouse and the fresh air instantly enveloped us.

Back in the familiar suite living room, Cohen didn't stop. He followed Belmody's footsteps very naturally and went directly into her bedroom, which was filled with a cool fragrance and a mysterious atmosphere.

Vermouth turned around and met Cohen's follow-in, a warning look in her eyes, the meaning of which was probably:

Melanie could come over at any time during the day, so don't even think about doing anything reckless.

However, this time Belmody completely misunderstood Cohen.

After the two entered the room, Cohen went straight to the small round table covered with a fringed tablecloth, and respectfully took out a piece of intelligence from the Endless Alliance from his pocket, handing it to Belmody:
"Sister Bei, I have some not-so-good news for you."

This is intelligence that Ryder just sent from the Endless Alliance.

Ryder Gallo... I've heard Cohen mention that name before.

He was the veteran intelligence officer who once roamed the bloodiest shadows of the "Lost Lands," served the "Blood Lord" of the "Twilight Continent" who fed on blood, and oversaw the entire vampire intelligence network.

Later, he transformed himself into one of the behind-the-scenes financiers of the "Farmers' City-State".

He was eventually recruited by Cohen and became the de facto deputy in charge of the massive intelligence machine called the "External Security Bureau" within the "Endless Alliance" that Cohen had established.

The director is Mavis.

However, Mavis spends most of her time in the Chaotic Demon Continent, so the Endless Alliance's intelligence work is basically handled by Ryder.

After reading the intelligence that Cohen handed over, Belmody's expression changed slightly.

According to Ryder's intelligence, he discovered three spies from an unknown force.

At first, he thought they were from the Chaotic Demon Continent, but after investigation, he found that all three of them were from the human continent.

Moreover, all three people's investigations revolved around the identities of Belmody and Melantha.

Cohen slowly began to speak:
"The Central Imperial Noble House is entrenched at the core of imperial power, its roots intertwined like those of an ancient tree."

One of the foundations that has enabled it to stand firm and see into all directions is an organization called the 'Intelligence Agency'.

Their tentacles, like invisible spider webs, have long since permeated every corner of the Demon Tide Continent.

From the secrets of the human empire's court to the unusual movements of tribes on the edge of the lost lands, and even... as far as the endless sea, their shadows can be found.

I'm certain these three spies are from the Noble House's intelligence agency, and they have only one goal: to investigate your and Melantha's identities!

Vermouth frowned, her beautiful face instantly turning frosty, and asked:

"So, in other words, my and Melantha's identities are no longer a secret to them?"

Cohen nodded slowly:

"It's highly likely that Heisenberg already knows you two are from the 'Lost Land'."

Belmod asked with some concern:
"What about the Legends Group matches next?"
Will they use this as grounds to disqualify me from the competition?

Cohen shook his head:

"That's not necessarily true. The Noble Martial Arts Festival doesn't explicitly prohibit people from the Lost Lands from participating, and besides, you are now the Emerald Duke of Effie."

As long as Her Majesty the Empress stands with us, their protests will be of no use.

What I'm worried about now is that since the other party has already discovered your identity, it means that he must also know the source of your power and your true combat strength.

He is certainly familiar with your astonishing feat of taking on the Chaos Demon Lord head-on in the lower ranks of Legend.

Therefore, the House of Nobles will definitely make preparations before the competition!

Belmottie remained silent for a moment, her purple eyes seemingly weighing some dangerous choice.

Finally, she spoke again, her voice carrying a hint of desperate resolve:

"I need higher-level power."

If you have the complete potion recipe for the high-tier Legendary rank of the 'Goddess of Destruction' sequence, I can try it right away.

"As long as I can advance to a higher level, all of Fyodor's preparations will be meaningless."

Cohen refused outright, his eyes flashing with undeniable firmness:

"No, that's too risky. It's been less than a year since your last breakthrough."

Your sequence foundation, your soul and flesh are all undergoing a period of intense transformation, consolidating, reshaping, and integrating with the vast rules of destruction.

If you force yourself to drink the potion that leads to a higher divine throne, the violent power will completely destroy your internal balance.

It's enough to cause irreversible damage to your mind and body.

Belmod sighed softly, somewhat helplessly:
"I am also aware of the cost of this risky move."

My legendary domain is now at its peak; even entering the Abyss of the Underworld again wouldn't have much effect, leaving only a pure level difference. I don't have any other way to quickly increase my combat power.

Belmody understood the significance of the Legends title to Cohen, as it was related to the struggle for the Dragon Plane.

If a legendary member of the Noble Council were to enter the Dragon Plane, Cohen wouldn't be able to pull any tricks.

Cohen said in a deep voice:

"Fyodor's legendary rank has also climbed to the pinnacle."

Aside from continuing to refine his 'legendary domain' and bringing it to a more perfect and grander 'perfect' state... he had no other way to quickly improve his combat power.

All we need to do is disrupt his methods for perfecting his domain.

Belmod replied in agreement:

"That's a good idea, but the competition starts in two days. Is there still enough time?"

Cohen nodded and said:
"There's still time. The key now is to figure out what kind of promotion Heisenberg provided for Fyodor!"

Belmody was almost in sync with him; her astonishing wisdom instantly unfolded along Cohen's train of thought.

Violet eyes seemed to see through all the hidden forces in the world:

"At our level, the most effective way to perfect the legendary realm, besides our own insights, is to rely on external resources."

The most essential, direct, and irreplaceable external force is the 'treasure' that contains the essence of the corresponding laws.

Cohen's eyes lit up, and he murmured:
“Fyodor is a fire mage. I remember the Noble House possesses a fire-attribute artifact that has been passed down through generations!”

Belmod immediately replied:
"Indeed, divine artifacts are the most effective means of enhancing one's understanding of the domain."

A complex thought flashed through Cohen's eyes in an instant, and the bloody scroll of the collapse of the central empire and the division of the country by warlords in his previous life suddenly unfolded.

Countless fragments of history collided wildly with consciousness! The House of Nobles, standing tall atop the corpse of the Empire, the ultimate foundation upon which it continued to provide steel and power even after the Empire's collapse, ultimately laying the foundation for the House of Nobles' military hegemony and territorial expansion—

A fire-type artifact capable of producing an unlimited number of magical weapons of various levels, the natal artifact of the God of Forging:
A furnace for forging!

The raging smoke of his past life roared in his mind.

The legions of the Noble Council swept across the warlords, relying on batches of Forge Magic Weapons that flowed out of the mysterious workshops, were engraved with the Forge emblem, and possessed magic transmission efficiency and structural strength far exceeding that of conventional weapons.

That was a terrifying weaponry capable of arming elite gold-tier troops and supporting legendary-tier combat power in large numbers.

It forged an unshakeable war machine.

Normally, this artifact is kept in the hands of a sub-plane within the Noble Council, and is usually protected by a Saint-level power. Under normal circumstances, it is extremely difficult to even see it.

But... if his and Belmod's guesses are correct, this artifact should be in Fyodor's hands now!

A legendary high-level superhuman!
Even though Fyodor is in the heart of Constantine, and even though he will certainly lay down many precautions.

However, compared to the unsolvable fortress that is normally sealed in the sub-plane and protected by saint-level power, the current time is definitely the easiest time to get the forging furnace!
Cohen's breathing suddenly quickened. Once the House of Nobles lost its forge, it would lose its military hegemony and war potential, which was enough to crush all other powers.

And if I get it...

Perhaps this is a good opportunity to seize this strategic artifact that could influence the fate of the mainland!

……

In the state guesthouse, in the Starry Sky District where Effie was located, in the secret conference room, the light from the crystal chandelier seemed to be dimmed by a tense and focused will.

Cohen and a group of beauties, young and old, gathered together, secretly plotting to seize this divine weapon.

Isabella reclined gracefully in the high-backed velvet chair, her slender fingers gently tapping the rosewood tabletop.

After listening to Cohen's account, he pondered for a moment and then said:
"To seize a divine artifact from a peak legendary-level expert is extremely difficult."

Cohen met her gaze, his eyes resolute:
"So we need enough manpower, and we can't arouse Heisenberg's suspicion."

Isabella's eyes lit up, and she said:
"Dwarves!"

Let the dwarven forging tribes take the lead!

Cohen nodded in agreement:

“That’s right. I’ve already spoken to Chief Ironrock. The dwarves will send two legendary-ranked warriors.”

The Forging Tribe has reclaimed its lost, thousand-year-old heirloom artifact; Heisenberg, however resentful, has no choice but to accept it!

Belmod said in a deep voice:

"Two legendary dwarves are still not enough to guarantee a safe deal for Payor."

Cohen coughed lightly, glanced sideways, and a barely perceptible hint of unease flashed in his eyes:
"Her Highness the Eldest Princess will also send one of her legendary-level disciples, and in addition, Clan Chief Claire will also make a move."

The clandestine cooperation between the Eastern Empire and the Dwarves was no secret to the high command of the Central Empire.

Cohen and Isabella had discovered this when they were helping Ironrock seize the chieftainship in the dwarf tribe.

The Wildhammer Tribe, one of the ten tribes of the Dwarven Alliance, has colluded with the Northern Army Group of the Eastern Empire.

The Eastern Empire has been trying to incite the Dwarf Alliance to attack the Western Empire.

It makes perfect sense that the Eastern Regions seized the opportunity to interfere and disrupt the situation in the Central Empire after the dwarves retrieved the artifact.

With the dwarves and the people of the Eastern Empire working together, Heisenberg couldn't suspect Cohen.

As for Claire, she had previously collaborated with Cohen's alter ego, One Piece King Yann Hughes, so it's only natural that she would team up with the One Piece King's fiancée this time.

Windsordler began by saying:
"This means there will be four legendary-level opponents against Paid Odor, so the odds are pretty good."

But this is Constantine; if there's any major commotion, the House of Lords will definitely be able to react.

Cohen nodded and said:
"Yes, that's why we can't fight in the prime plane, otherwise the commotion of five legendary-level warriors fighting will definitely attract a lot of attention."

Asuna's eyes lit up, and she quickly replied:
"Are we using the same methods we used to deal with those people in the Bound Church?"

Cohen gave Asuna an approving look and said:
“That’s right, the Temple Master of the Battle Temple, Landon, is right here in Constantine. He must also control the passage to the ‘Final Arena’!”

The "Final Arena" is a special derivative sub-plane created specifically for high-level transcendent beings to fight each other.

All the terrifying phenomena arising from the clash of power rules and the unfolding of domains will be perfectly imprisoned within that spatial barrier, independent of the main plane.

Even if the heavens and earth were to shatter within, King Constantine wouldn't even flinch.

Each kingdom-level master of the extraordinary arena controls a passage to the "Ultimate Arena".

In fact, this Legendary Group competition will take place in the "Final Arena".

Belmod nodded and said:
"There's another problem: how do we lure Fyodor out?"

Cohen's smile became enigmatic:
"This requires the intervention of our Princess..."

Cohen whispered his thoughts to everyone.

Then he said to Belmotti:

"At that time, Sister Bei will be lying in wait in the shadows, and will not take action unless absolutely necessary."

I will infiltrate Fyodor's house to prevent him from leaving the artifacts there.

This possibility is very small. For the sake of the artifact's safety, Chief Heisenberg would certainly have instructed Fyodor to carry the forging furnace with him at all times.

No one could snatch an artifact from the hands of a legendary peak-level player like King Tandin.

The artifact is safest in Fyodor's hands.

However, just in case, Cohen still needed to prepare for both possibilities, since he couldn't be of any help in the legendary-class battle anyway.

Once the plan was finalized, Cohen began to execute it.

Isabella was tasked with using the "Book of Time" to fetch the two legendary dwarves.

Cohen then went directly to visit Lord Langdon.

……

"The final arena?"

Langdon looked at the young king who was being given special attention by Ares, the god of war, and a hint of doubt appeared in his eyes:
"Can I ask what you need this for?"

Cohen smiled slightly, meeting Langdon's almost piercing gaze:
"We can't just start a war in Constantinople to settle some personal matters."

The Temple of Battle has always remained neutral, and Cohen is not worried that they will leak this matter to the House of Nobles, especially since Lord Landon needs his help.

A strange smile curved the corners of Lord Landon's lips as his thoughts raced.

Just after Cohen won the Silver and Gold championships, Ares, the God of War, secretly sent down a divine oracle, instructing him to win over Cohen and, ideally, to form an alliance between the two.

Therefore, he agreed to Cohen's request without much consideration.

As for who Cohen will "clean up" in the arena?

Deep within Lord Langdon's soul, steeped in battle and slaughter, only a near-fanatical excitement remained.

Whoever it is, as long as it satisfies the God of War and makes Cohen owe this favor.

Even if Cohen were to slaughter a god inside, Langdon would dare to personally step in and hand him the knife.

A glint of light flashed in his hand, and with a slight wave, a dark golden rhomboid mark, purely formed from berserk battle intent and spatial laws, appeared out of thin air.

The mark floated between the two, its surface flowing with countless tiny, blood-red runes that resembled silhouettes of gladiators in combat.

A cold, chilling aura, seemingly connected to an endless abyss of bloody battle, instantly spread out.

Langdon handed the mark to Cohen and said slowly:

“Crushing the mark will create a teleportation vortex.”

It can probably be used three to five times.

Cohen took the mark and said:
"Thank you for your generosity, Lord!"

……

As a key figure in the House of Nobles, Fyodor's residence was located within the House of Nobles' administrative district.

The surrounding area was filled with various shielding arrays, and his mansion itself was also constructed with many layers of arrays.

At this moment, he was inside the furnace of the forging furnace, bathed in abundant fire elements.

The legendary symbol behind him—the Eternal Forge—is also a furnace, echoing the Forge of Smelting.

It was as if the "Eternal Forge" was greedily absorbing the primordial laws of the artifact, trying to forge itself into another miniature forge belonging to Fyodor himself.

Fyodor was lost in his thoughts for a long time until someone interrupted him.

Fyodor put away the forge and looked at the servant who had knocked on the door.

The servant handed Fyodor an invitation.

Fyodor opened it and looked at it, and a look of astonishment appeared in his eyes:
"The eldest princess of the Eastern Empire?"

The servant nodded and said:
"Yes, Princess Grace said she has something to discuss with Fyodor."

Fyodor frowned slightly and asked in a deep voice:
"Didn't Your Highness say what it was about?"

The servant replied:

"The maid who delivered the message said that Her Highness the Princess wants to send a group of people to study at the Holy Radiance Academy."

A group of people?

Fyodor's brow furrowed even deeper:

"The people from the Eastern Empire want to study at the academies of our Central Empire."

Aren't you afraid people will gossip if word gets out?

The servant lowered his voice and said:

"My lord, they're not from the Eastern Empire. I heard they're subordinates of that pirate king..."

A realization flashed in Fyodor's eyes.

So that's how it is. It must be a force that Grace and the Pirate King secretly cultivated.

If he stayed in the Eastern Empire, he would easily be monitored by Xia Zuo, which is why he wanted to send him to the Central Empire, the continent's premier academy.

After a moment's thought, Fyodor agreed.

He had no reason to refuse a favor from an imperial princess, even if her chances of inheriting the throne were slim; he could certainly use her to cause more trouble for Xia Zuo! (End of Chapter)