Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

After watching as the figures of Cohen and his two companions were completely swallowed by the distorted spatial vortex, Prince Heinz suddenly spoke, breaking the silence:
Do you all think His Highness the Emperor will be able to get what he wants?

Prince Heinz's question was very straightforward.

Cohen risked being targeted by Chief Heisenberg to attend the Noble Martial Arts Festival in the Central Empire; his ambition was no secret.

He made a pact with the hellish dragon to build a dragon army that would sweep across the continent for the Red Dragon Duchess Asuna, who was loyal to him.

This trip was not a simple treasure hunt or adventure, but a strategic gamble.

Chief Heisenberg remained calm and said in a low voice:

"I'm afraid the outlook is not very optimistic. Our Noble House has dealt with those black lizards the most, and the manpower and resources we've spent are enough to fill the abyss."

As a result, let alone establishing a master-servant contract, even being able to exchange a few words on equal terms is harder than climbing to heaven.

Those ancient winged tyrants viewed mortals as ants; their arrogance was ingrained in their very blood.

In short, I'm not very optimistic.

This is also the consensus among many people: despite the large amount of manpower and resources the House of Nobles has gathered and the considerable time it has spent, it has failed to achieve any substantial progress.

How could Cohen and his two companions possibly succeed after spending dozens of days in there without any direction?

Prime Minister Hayes nodded in agreement.

Prince Heinz suddenly smiled, a subtle, enigmatic curve forming at the corners of his lips:

"Don't forget, our Royal Consort is always giving us surprises!"

Before the discussion about the Dragon Plane could go any deeper, it was abruptly interrupted by a cold, clear voice.

It was the Foreign Minister, Marquis Beren Windrunner, who spoke.

He stepped forward, his gaze no longer concealed, and stared directly at Chief Heisenberg.

Gone was his usual elegant smile; instead, a diplomatic seriousness with a cold, hard edge.

Beren's voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear, and the content of her words instantly drew everyone's attention:

"We can put aside the prospects of the Dragon Plane for now."

Now there is a more urgent matter, concerning the face and reputation of the Empire, which needs to be thoroughly explained at this moment, in front of His Majesty, His Highness the Prince, and the Prime Minister!

He paused slightly, his gaze sharp as a knife:

"Sir, the performance of our Central Empire delegation at this year's Noble Martial Arts Festival has been disastrous."

Legendary, Gold, Silver, and Bronze groups all suffered defeats!
If it weren't for His Highness the Emperor saving face for us, the entire empire would probably be in an uproar by now.

"You and I will be drowned out by the curses of billions of citizens of the empire, unable to lift our heads!"

Beren's opening remarks immediately chilled the atmosphere on the field.

He chose to launch his attack at this moment, a timing that was both cunning and precise.

With both military heavyweights, Prince Heinz and the prime minister, Duke Glenn, present, Heisenberg was completely shut down from any room for delay or sophistry.

The ownership of Shenghui Academy, the premier academy on the continent, has been finalized.

The atmosphere in the secret room instantly became tense with Beren's words.

All eyes were on Heisenberg.

Heisenberg's face showed no sign of anger or panic as he listened quietly to Beren's accusations.

After a brief silence, he slowly raised his head, his gaze first sweeping over the expressionless Empress, then over the sharp-eyed Prince Heinz and the meaningful-looking Duke Glenn.

Then his voice became low and hoarse:

"Minister Beren is right."

The poor performance at this Noble Martial Arts Festival is my fault, and the responsibility lies with the Noble Academy.

It was my poor leadership that prevented me from coordinating resources from all sides and providing the best support for the talents of the empire.

Especially Fyodor, the head of the Education Committee... As the principal of the Holy Radiance Academy, he bears the heavy responsibility of cultivating the future of the empire, yet in the Legendary Group finals...

Alas, his performance has indeed made him unsuitable to continue serving as the principal of Shenghui Academy.

More importantly, this martial arts festival also exposed significant deviations in the management model and support system of the Holy Radiance Academy by our Noble Academy.

The academy is the cradle of the empire's elite and should not become the private domain of any single faction.

It should serve the entire empire and be loyal to His Majesty!

At this point, Chief Heisenberg took a deep breath, as if he had made a tremendous decision, and looked firmly at Shanes:

"Therefore, for the sake of the Empire's future and His Majesty's reputation, I, on behalf of the House of Nobles, formally decide to completely transfer the ownership and management of the Holy Radiance Academy to the Klein Royal Family."

"Let's proceed as we previously agreed. The House of Nobles has no objections and will fully cooperate with the handover!"

Heisenberg's statement was concise, straightforward, and extremely sincere.

Not only did they admit their mistakes and take responsibility, but they also handed over the biggest piece of the pie—the Shenghui Academy—without even a struggle or a hint of bargaining.

This move, ironically, stunned Beren, who was determined to force a resignation.

He had anticipated Heisenberg's various excuses, wrangling, and bargaining, and had even prepared for a series of relentless attacks.

But to my surprise, the other party was... so agreeable!
Something is wrong!
This is completely out of character for Heisenberg and the House of Nobility.

How could they so easily give up the Shenghui Academy, which they had been running for tens of thousands of years?

There must be something fishy going on behind this!
Beren's gaze instantly sharpened as he stared intently at Heisenberg, trying to find even the slightest flaw in the other's "sincere" expression.

However, Heisenberg's expression remained flawless, showing only "deep sorrow" and "considering the bigger picture."

Not to mention Beren, even Prince Heinz, who was waiting to see a good show, was extremely surprised.

However, Heisenberg then changed the subject, and his words caused the expressions of the people present to change slightly.

He spoke calmly, even with a hint of solemnity reflecting his concern for the empire:

"Given the special status of the Holy Radiance Academy, which is related to the fate of the empire for the next hundred years."

Its controller must be of noble status and able to command respect in order to ensure a smooth transition and stabilize public sentiment.

Therefore, after careful deliberation by the core members of our House of Nobles, we have decided to formally transfer ownership of the Holy Radiance Academy to His Highness Prince Wilson Klein.

His Highness the Prince will serve as the new Principal of Sheng Hui Academy, with full authority over all affairs of the academy!

Prince Wilson?!

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed drastically.

Prince Heinz was taken aback at first, then a barely concealed look of delight quickly spread across his face.

Prince Wilson, his old friend!

He saved the royal family members by defying public opinion and even risking the wrath of the newly enthroned Shanies.

Over the years, under his protection, he held a sinecure in the Ministry of Military Affairs, which was tantamount to semi-house arrest.

If Wilson could become the principal of St. Glory Academy... it would undoubtedly be a golden opportunity for him to escape his predicament and regain real power and a prominent position.

This would not only repay the favor he owed him from years ago, but also give him a powerful and steadfast ally within the royal family.

Heisenberg's move was a delightful surprise!

The Duke of Hayes Glenn, the Prime Minister, was thoroughly taken aback by the nomination.

Prince Wilson? That treacherous figure who once openly opposed the Empress's ascension to the throne and had close ties with the rebellious princes.

Should we entrust him with the top university on the mainland, the cradle of the empire's future talents?
Has Heisenberg gone mad?
This is tantamount to planting a bomb next to the heart of the empire, ready to explode at any moment.

His peripheral vision immediately flickered nervously towards Shanis, who was seated in the main seat, trying to discern from Her Majesty the Empress's expression whether this was a sudden change or some deeper game.

Her Majesty the Empress and Beren were naturally furious.

Of course, Shanes was faking it because she had been informed by Cohen in advance, but Beren's anger was completely genuine.

Beren's face turned ashen, and she could no longer maintain her diplomatic composure; her eyes blazed with unbelievable fury.

He could hardly believe his ears. Prince Wilson?

That traitor who almost got exiled to the "Return to the Region" to die along with his stupid nephews!

Heisenberg actually dared to suggest that he take charge of the Holy Radiance Academy.
What does he want to do?
Are they tired of the empire being too peaceful? Are they waiting for Wilson to use the academy's resources and influence to secretly amass power, collude with those restless royal remnants, and start a new rebellion?

This is no longer a simple political game; it is a blatant provocation and an open contempt for the Empress's authority!
The pressure instantly shifted entirely to Empress Shanis.

Accept it? That's like planting a time bomb next to you!
Refuse? That would be blatantly breaking the agreement, giving the House of Nobles an excuse to delay or even renege!

Heisenberg's move was extremely ruthless!
If it weren't for Cohen's prior instructions, Shanes would definitely have flipped the table.

The air inside the sealed room was so heavy it seemed as if water could drip from it.

A power struggle over the ownership of the Holy Radiance Academy instantly escalated into a more acute and dangerous direct confrontation between the highest levels of the empire's power structure.

Beren's chest heaved violently; he was clearly enraged by Heisenberg's seemingly high-sounding but actually malicious remarks, and he vehemently refuted them:
"Sir, everyone here knows what kind of person Prince Wilson is."

You are now pushing a man who once plotted rebellion, openly challenged His Majesty's authority, and was utterly unprincipled and disregarded the overall interests of the empire into the position of leader of the continent's premier academy.

Wouldn't this make us a laughingstock to the entire mainland? Moreover, what kind of complex affairs does the position of Principal of Shenghui Academy require? How many parties' interests need to be coordinated? What kind of superb political wisdom and management skills are required?
Prince Wilson has been idle for many years and has no practical political experience whatsoever. How can you be sure that he is capable of steering this behemoth that concerns the future of the empire?

In my view, your actions are nothing short of impulsive and jeopardize the future of the empire!

Faced with Beren's barrage of rebuttals, Chief Heisenberg calmly stated:
"Minister Beren is too kind."

Yes, Your Highness Prince Wilson, you did do some immature things back then and took some wrong turns.

However, over the years, Prince Wilson has deeply reflected on his actions, especially under the tireless personal guidance and wise leadership of His Highness Prince Heinz.

He deliberately nodded slightly in Heinz's direction, then continued:
"His Highness Wilson has long since turned over a new leaf and sincerely reformed himself."

He repeatedly expressed to me and other colleagues that he deeply regretted his past mistakes and was eager to contribute his efforts to the cause of the empire and the prosperity of the Klein royal family, so as to make up for his past errors.

Could it be that the leaders of our Central Empire are so narrow-minded and petty?

Are you unwilling to give even one chance to someone who genuinely repents and wants to atone for their sins? Are you going to completely destroy them with one blow, ensuring they can never turn their lives around?

I believe that with Her Majesty the Empress's broad-mindedness and the benevolent light that shines upon the Empire, she has long since forgiven the mistakes that Prince Wilson made.

Even King Efein, known for his 'womanizing ways,' was willing to accept him as his consort and co-rule the empire.

How could they not accept a truly repentant uncle?

This final personal attack on Cohen almost made Shanis break down.

Finally, Chief Heisenberg once again precisely passed the hot potato to Prince Heinz Klein:

"As for Prince Wilson's abilities... I think no one is more qualified to speak on this than His Highness Prince Heinz, who has personally taught and guided Prince Wilson for many years."

"Your Highness, wouldn't you agree?"

Chief Heisenberg looked gently at Prince Heinz, whose expression was inscrutable.

His gaze held a questioning tone, but also an unavoidable pressure that forced him to take sides.

Prince Heinz was indeed quite surprised today.

He anticipated that today's secret meeting would be anything but peaceful, and that Her Majesty the Empress and the Noble Council would engage in a fierce contest over the ownership of the Holy Radiance Academy.

He was even prepared to act as a mediator or take the opportunity to advocate for the military's interests.

But no matter how much he planned, he never expected that this fire would end up burning him in this way!

This is truly... truly an unexpected delight!

After a brief moment of astonishment, an overwhelming surge of joy and excitement welled up within Prince Heinz.

He grasped the enormous potential benefits almost instantly.

Who is Prince Wilson?
Heinz Klein was the one who defied public opinion and risked his life to protect.

He was a key figure he placed within the royal family, representing, to some extent, the military's influence over the royal family.

Wilson was extremely grateful to Heinz and obeyed his every command.

If the Holy Radiance Academy were handed over to Wilson...

Wouldn't that be tantamount to bringing this top university on the continent under the control of the military?

What kind of place is Shenghui Academy?
That is the cradle of the empire's future elites, the origin of countless officers, generals, technical talents, and even extraordinary individuals.

If the military can deeply influence or even dominate the talent cultivation direction, resource allocation, and even ideological orientation of academies...

Therefore, his long-cherished military reform, which has faced numerous obstacles, will surely receive unprecedented support.

Reform needs fresh blood, technological support, and a change in thinking.

All of these can be more smoothly injected into the bodies of the Imperial Army through the platform of the Holy Radiance Academy.

This is a godsend!

However, it's clear that the House of Nobles didn't have good intentions either.

Heisenberg and the House of Nobility are blatantly trying to sow discord between the military and Her Majesty the Empress.

It takes the endorsement of a military leader to elevate a traitor whom the empress despises to such an important position.

This is tantamount to putting Prince Heinz on the hot seat, forcing him to choose between the Empress and practical interests. No matter what he chooses, it will create a rift.

By getting rid of the hot potato that was the Holy Radiance Academy, the focus of all potential future conflicts (with the Empress, with the Cabinet, and with other factions within the House of Nobles) was partially shifted to the military and Prince Wilson.

This was an open conspiracy, a temptation that Prince Heinz knew was a trap, yet could not resist.

Because this is the Holy Radiance Academy, the number one academy on the continent!

Heinz had no reason to refuse, and even if he wanted to, the military nobles and warlords he represented would force him to agree!

After a brief period of deliberation, Prince Heinz decided to form a temporary alliance with the House of Nobles.

Prince Heinz turned to Empress Xenias, whose face remained frosty, his tone still respectful to imperial authority.

But the content of his words already carried an undeniable air of power:
“Your Majesty, what the chief says makes a lot of sense.”

An empire that desires long-term stability sometimes does indeed need to demonstrate sufficient magnanimity and breadth of vision.

Giving those who have genuinely repented a chance will not only demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence, but also dismantle stubborn enemies and win over the hearts of the people.

Your Majesty should know that, in the shadow of the Empire, in certain corners both at home and abroad, there are still many die-hard remnants who are loyal to the former Crown Prince.

If only we could now grant His Majesty's pardon to Prince Wilson, a prominent figure among former traitors, and entrust him with important responsibilities.

This undoubtedly sends an extremely strong signal to all the remnants of the previous dynasty who are still watching and resisting.

This will inevitably lead many of them to abandon futile resistance, fundamentally eliminating this hidden danger to the empire.

Even now, many years after Xenias ascended the throne, the deposed prince, who had been the crown prince of the Central Empire for many years, still had many stubborn remnants of his power both domestically and internationally.

This is why Shanis could only exile the prince to the "Return to the Stream" and could not exterminate him completely.

Besides considering family ties, the more important reason is to avoid provoking greater resistance and unrest.

Even Heisenberg and Heinz probably don't know who in the country still holds a firm belief in deposing the crown prince.

After Prince Heinz made his statement, Beren's expression turned even uglier.

The combined power of the military leaders and the chief of the House of Nobles, the combined pressure from these two largest power groups in the empire, is overwhelming.

Even if he is loyal to the Empress, and even if Prime Minister Glenn may have doubts, it is difficult for him to confront her directly.

It's just that when the bet was made with the House of Nobles, only the agreement to "transfer the Klein family" was made, but the sensitive figures like Wilson were not explicitly excluded, leaving a fatal loophole that Heisenberg exploited.

Ultimately, under immense pressure from the combined forces of the military and the House of Nobles, and given the fait accompli, the matter was settled.

Prince Wilson, who had been neglected by the Empire for many years, replaced Fyodor as the principal of the Holy Radiance Academy.

……

After the slight spatial fluctuations disappeared, Cohen, Belmody, and Freya felt their feet become solid, and they found themselves on an incredibly hot and hard ground.

The three of them landed on a plain of scorched, coal-black volcanic rock.

Immediately afterwards, an indescribable blast of hot air, a mixture of a strong sulfurous stench and some ancient, bloody smell, rushed towards me.

The ancient dragon's might permeated the air, pressing heavily on the soul, making even breathing feel like a burning pain.

Freya, whose cultivation was the weakest, turned pale instantly and subconsciously gripped Cohen's hand tightly.

Even on Vermouth's eternally frozen face, a very subtle ripple passed through her, and the abyssal aura around her circulated autonomously, quietly offsetting some of the pressure.

She couldn't be too intimate with Cohen in front of Freya.

Fortunately, Cohen was prepared. He gently stroked the belt at his waist, the sacred artifact, "Eternal Ring - Dragon Blood Pact".

A soft, dark golden halo instantly spread out from the belt, forming an eggshell-shaped shield with dragon scale patterns flowing across its surface, completely enveloping the three of them.

The suffocating heat, the stench of blood, and the heavy pressure on the soul were instantly shut out.

The air inside the shield became fresh and stable, as if completely isolated from the hellish world outside.

Freya breathed a sigh of relief, and the fluctuating aura around Belmod also calmed down.

Only then did they have time to carefully examine the scene before them.

Looking out into the distance, one can see active volcanoes spewing black smoke and flames, lying like giant beasts across the wasteland.

The volcanic ash and smoke from the eruption dyed the entire sky a depressing orange-red, obscuring the sun, moon, and stars, leaving only an eternally burning haze.

To the left is a giant, churning lake of lava; even through the protective shield, one can feel its intense heat and peril.

The dark golden lava in the lake slowly undulates, occasionally bursting bubbles and splashing out deadly fire rain.

In the center of the lake stand several twisted, dark red stone pillars, and on top of the pillars, the skeleton of a huge, unidentified beast can be vaguely seen.

To the right stretches a wasteland of bones to the horizon, where the massive bones of giant beasts, piled up like mountains, have been fused into crystals by dragon flames, refracting eerie colors in the firelight.

Faced with this magnificent and terrifying scene that resembled purgatory, Cohen revealed a calm expression as if he had returned to a familiar place. He turned his head and looked at the two stunning female companions beside him, one tall and one short.

He said with a light laugh, like a tour guide:

"Welcome to the Lava Sea, the core territory of the Molten Dragonborn, one of the six major black dragon races in the Dragon Plane!" (End of Chapter)