Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chaotic Demon Continent truly lives up to its name of chaos. In the Demon City, although the streets appear bustling and orderly, careful observation will easily reveal the undried bloodstains in the dark corners of the walls.

Most shops also have signs hanging at their entrances that read "Duel Disclaimer Zone" written in demonic language.

As the rumors suggest, the chaos in this city is carefully contained under some kind of distorted rule—except for the central district directly ruled by the Demon Lord, the law of the jungle plays out almost constantly in other places.

Infighting between different gangs, races, and even factions within the Touch of Dark Magic is commonplace, making injuries a regular occurrence.

Therefore, highly effective healing potions are an absolute commodity here, and business is extremely booming.

However, there are very few alchemists in the Lost Lands who know how to make healing potions.

Most of the healing potions circulating in the city are not produced locally, but smuggled in from the outside world through various clandestine channels.

Among them, healing potions made by elven alchemists are the most sought after.

Elven potions are not only highly effective with few side effects, but their pure life energy is also irresistibly attractive to Shanghai residents who are constantly exposed to dark energy and whose bodies are eroded by it. As a result, their prices are often driven up to exorbitant levels.

The shop Cohen entered had a dark green signboard above its door, engraved with intricate vine patterns, and the words "Emerald Wings" written in both Elvish and Common.

This shop is the renowned Elf Potion chain brand that has rapidly risen to prominence in the Chaotic Demon Continent over the past five years.

With its stable and excellent potion quality and relatively fair price, "Emerald Wings" quickly won the widespread trust of residents from all walks of life in Shanghai and occupied most of the potion market in the city.

Whether they are mercenaries struggling at the bottom or mid-level members of the Black Magic Touch, they all praise its potions.

It is widely rumored that a powerful elven figure of saintly stature must be behind this shop, otherwise it would be impossible to continuously supply such a large quantity and purity of elven potions at such scale and price.

As for its true background and supply channels, only a very few key figures know the inside story.

The "Emerald Wings" in front of Cohen was not an ordinary branch, but the headquarters of the entire Chaotic Demon Continent.

Far exceeding the scale of ordinary shops, it is an eight-story stone building that blends the elegant aesthetics of elves with the rugged style of Shanghai.

The interior space is spacious and illuminated by warm-toned magical lighting, with a comforting fragrance of herbs filling the air.

The shelves were neatly arranged with all kinds of medicines, from the most basic hemostatic ointment to precious magical supplements that shimmered with a faint light.

The store was bustling with people from all ethnic groups. Well-mannered staff in uniform dark green uniforms moved among the customers, answering their questions in hushed tones.

A tall female shop assistant quickly noticed Cohen as he entered the store.

She keenly sensed the pure yet restrained demonic aura emanating from Cohen, as well as his seemingly casual yet extraordinary attire, and knew that he was no ordinary customer.

Not daring to be negligent, he immediately stepped forward, bowed slightly, and asked softly:

"Honorable sir, welcome to Emerald Wings."

What type of medicine do you need to buy?

We have high-quality products here for all kinds of injuries and mana depletion, from beginner to advanced levels, and we're sure to find something to meet your needs..."

Before the female shop assistant could finish introducing the wide variety of medicines in the store, Cohen casually raised his hand to interrupt her.

With a half-smile on his face, he took out an antique-style seal from his pocket and said in a calm tone:

"No need for introductions, I know more about this than you do. Go and give this to your superior, and tell him I want to see Jennings Wall."

Jennings Wall!
The name caused the female shop assistant's expression to change instantly, and an incredulous look flashed in her eyes.

This is the legendary big boss of "Emerald Wings," a figure whose presence is rarely seen.

She worked at Emerald Wings for several years but never had the chance to meet them.

This guest is incredibly arrogant, demanding to see the highest-ranking official directly...

Seeing the other person hesitate and stand there somewhat at a loss, Cohen couldn't help but chuckle:
"What? Didn't you tell your employees during training that 'Emerald Wings' was originally founded by two partners?"

"That bastard Jennings, has his business gotten so big that he's forgotten about his own investors?!"

His "reminder" snapped the female shop assistant out of her daze, and she quickly looked closely at the seal.

Sure enough, the shape and pattern of the seal, especially the emerald bird emblem with outstretched wings in the center, were almost identical to the official seal affixed to the important documents of the shop!
But the one before me seemed even older, and contained a deeper magic.

An astonishing thought exploded in her mind: Could this gentleman exuding a powerful demonic aura be the other founder of Emerald Wings who had never shown his face?

Thinking of this, she dared not be negligent in the slightest. Her face instantly changed to one of utmost respect. She carefully accepted the heavy seal with both hands and bowed deeply.
"I am so sorry, it was my mistake. Please wait a moment, I will go and report it immediately!"

After saying that, she immediately turned around and almost ran towards the private staircase at the back of the shop that led to the upper floors.

Cohen paid no attention to the female clerk's departure, and instead strolled leisurely in the spacious front hall.

Occasionally, they would pick up a medicine from the display shelf and examine it carefully under the light, or casually point out minor flaws in the packaging or ingredient descriptions of certain medicines to the waiter standing nearby, and offer suggestions for improvement.

His calm and composed demeanor made him look exactly like a big boss inspecting his own business and conducting a routine work check.

Cohen didn't have to wait long before a series of slightly hurried footsteps came from the inner corridor.

A middle-aged merchant, dressed in a magnificent silk robe and of a plump build, strode into the front hall.

His gaze quickly locked onto Cohen, a respectful and warm smile spreading across his face. He took small steps forward, bowed slightly to Cohen's side, and tentatively asked:

"Distinguished guest, may I ask if you are His Excellency Viscount Ian from the Eastern Empire?"

Cohen turned to the businessman and said:
"Yes, I am Ian."

After confirming his identity, the merchant visibly relaxed, his respectful expression deepening, even taking on a hint of obsequiousness.

He straightened up slightly and deliberately raised his voice to make sure the shop assistants who were watching the commotion could hear him clearly:
"A warm welcome to our Emerald Wings headquarters in Shanghai for your guidance!"

He bowed deeply again, his voice loud and clear:
"I, Zeni Cook, Business Manager of Emerald Wings Shanghai Headquarters, am at your command!"

Cohen waved his hand and asked in a calm tone:

"Where is Jennings?"
Where is he now?

Manager Zeni respectfully returned the significant seal to Cohen with both hands, carefully explaining as he did so:

"Your Excellency, Mr. Wall went to inspect the daily operations of the branch stores early this morning. I have already sent someone to contact him urgently, and he will definitely be back within an hour at the latest."

Would you like to continue providing us with some valuable guidance, or would you like to move upstairs to the VIP lounge for a short rest?

Cohen smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping over the well-organized front hall and the well-trained staff, and said in a calm tone:
"There's nothing to instruct you on; you've done a very good job."

"Take me upstairs to wait for Jennings."

Upon hearing this, Manager Zeni breathed a sigh of relief and quickly stepped aside to lead the way.
"Yes, yes! Please come with me!"

He personally led Cohen through a hidden staircase to an extremely luxurious and private lounge on the third floor.

The room was covered with a soft, magical carpet, and the walls were inlaid with magic circles to keep out prying eyes. The air was filled with calming incense.

Sure enough, less than an hour later, a series of hurried yet steady footsteps could be heard outside the lounge.

A middle-aged gentleman with a stern face walked in, looking travel-worn. This man was none other than Jennings Wall, the official head of "Emerald Wings".

Manager Zeni, who had been waiting outside the door, immediately went to greet them.

Jennings didn't even have time for pleasantries before speaking directly, his voice low and urgent:

"What about people?"

"Boss, it's in the lounge upstairs."

Jennings breathed a sigh of relief and said:

"Have everyone come down. No one is allowed to step into the lounge without my order."

After settling the trivial matters, Jennings straightened his clothes, walked steadily into the lounge, and gently closed the heavy wooden door behind him, shutting out all the noise from the outside world.

Inside, Cohen stood with his back to him in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the bustling streets of Shanghai.

Hearing footsteps, he slowly turned around.

Jennings strode forward, and without hesitation, knelt on one knee three steps away from Cohen, solemnly speaking in a low voice that only the two of them could hear:
"Jennings Wall, the head of the Military Intelligence Bureau's Shanghai station, greets Your Majesty!"

A faint smile appeared on Ke's face as he glanced at Jennings, his tone approving:

"You've worked hard. I just took a quick look around downstairs, and you've done a very good job running this business."

Jennings stood up, maintaining his respectful posture, and replied in a low voice:

"It is all thanks to His Majesty's strategic planning and skillful guidance."

In particular, the elven potion supply provided by Her Highness Princess Windsor is a game-changer in the chaotic Demon Continent market.

Currently, over 70% of the healing potions circulating in the market come from Emerald Wings.

Several high-ranking priests with real power within the Black Magic Touch have secretly acquired shares in our organization.

Even the managers of several of our key branches are actually high-ranking officials in the Shanghai management team.

Cohen nodded slightly, offered a few words of encouragement, and quickly got to the point, explaining the purpose of his visit:

"I have something to take care of in the Demon City. A few days ago, the Demon Lord Sal summoned many ninth-tier transcendent beings to the Demon City. Did you know about this?"

Jennings' expression hardened, and he quickly replied:
"Your Majesty, I have indeed heard about it. I heard it is a highly confidential mission. I have been asking around to find out more recently, but I haven't heard anything."

The news was kept extremely secret. Even a high-ranking priest within the Black Magic Touch organization, who was on good terms with us, claimed to know nothing about the specifics of the matter.

Cohen said in a deep voice:

Do you know the lord of the Potions City-State?

Jennings answered without hesitation:
"know!
This city lord is very famous in the Demon Continent.

He is a ninth-tier sequence user, known as the 'Musician,' not only exceptionally skilled but also possessing an unparalleled charisma…

He stopped abruptly just as he was about to utter the words "great beauty".

His gaze involuntarily swept over Cohen's expressionless face, combined with His Majesty's widely circulated romantic escapades and his unusual act of personally infiltrating the Demon City.

A startling thought flashed through his mind like lightning.

In an instant, Jennings felt a fine layer of cold sweat seep out of his back.

He quickly lowered his head, his mind in turmoil. His emperor was truly resourceful, having even extended his harem to the chaotic Demon Continent of the Lost Lands.

Cohen didn't mind Jennings' slip of the tongue, but simply gestured for him to continue.

Jennings coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment and continued:
"Your Majesty, according to the intelligence we currently have, Miss 'The Musician' has indeed arrived in the Demon Capital as scheduled, just like the other ninth-tier city lords."

However, their exact location is still unknown to our subordinates. What is certain, however, is that they are all still within Shanghai and have not left.

Cohen listened quietly, pondered for a moment, and then gave the order:

"Prepare a reliable identity for me, preferably one that allows me to hold a mid-level position within the Black Magic Touch, so that I can move freely throughout most of the city."

In addition, find out which areas inside Shanghai are off-limits to outsiders, especially those places that may have powerful magic arrays that block communication or isolate auras.

Also, please provide me with a summary of the Demon Lord Thrall's movements over the past month.

Jennings took careful notes and replied:

"Yes, these things will be ready tonight."

"Please rest here, Your Majesty. This is a safe and secure room of mine."

"it is good."

...(End of chapter)