Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

The female assistant keenly received Mephisto's silent hint and quickly adjusted her breathing.

A professional and humble smile returned to his face as he carefully organized his thoughts and replied:

"Your Highness, as intermediaries, our main purpose is to provide our clients with the most comprehensive and accurate information and data."

Help customers understand the features and value of the product.

She deliberately slowed her speech, appearing very cautious:

"As for the specific supply quantity, as well as the final transaction method and price."

This usually requires us to lead further detailed discussions with the supplier after the customer has expressed a clear intention before a final decision can be made.

The market prices of the biological weapons I showed earlier are not constant.

It fluctuates to a certain extent every day.

Therefore, I'm sorry, I cannot give a precise answer to your question.

Please understand. "

The female assistant's response tactfully avoided giving specific figures directly, while cleverly steering the next stage of negotiations toward the premise that Grace needed to "clearly state her intentions."

It is both professional and leaves room for flexibility.

Grace did not show the slightest displeasure upon hearing this answer.

He simply gave a soft "hmm" and then continued:

"I can understand."

So, let's talk about any other good things as well.

We want the most valuable and powerful weapons in the hands of you Dis arms dealers!

These casual words made the female assistant take a deep breath.

As Mephisto's most capable subordinate, she had spent countless years navigating the complex and chaotic world of Eternal Night City.

I've met quite a few so-called "big clients".

Among them are some extravagant, devilish nobles or powerful visitors from the abyss.

However, even after hearing about strategic biological weapons like the War Beast and the Acid Bat-Winged Demon, the succubus lady in front of them was still not satisfied.

And she had never encountered a customer who directly asked to "see the most valuable and expensive items" before.

This unfathomable confidence and unpredictable appetite put immense pressure on the female assistant, but also filled her with a thrilling excitement at the prospect of her boss making this earth-shattering deal.

She forced herself to calm her somewhat agitated mind, seeing that even biological weaponry seemed to have failed to meet the other party's expectations.

She knew it was time to reveal some of her true secrets.

She reached into the seemingly ordinary yet mysterious briefcase one last time and took out several smaller models, but with more exquisite craftsmanship, some even emitting faint magical fluctuations.

He gently placed them next to the three biological weapon models and patiently explained:
"These are large siege weapons: Hellfire catapults, self-propelled steel towers, and flesh-tearing cannons."

She first pointed to a complex, dark red mechanical model with a huge throwing arm:
"Your Highness, please look, this is the 'Hellfire Catapult' that is renowned throughout the entire Nine Hells Plane."

It didn't throw ordinary stones, but rather Hellfire incendiary bombs that had been specially treated in the Hellforge.

When this incendiary bomb hits its target, it bursts into a vast area of ​​hellfire.

It is enough to turn the enemy's dense formations, large building complexes, and even the entire city wall into a continuously burning sea of ​​fire.

Most importantly, hellfire possesses characteristics that are unmatched by ordinary flames.

It is extremely difficult to extinguish and has a strong corrosive and penetrating effect on magical energy shields.

This made it a crucial piece of equipment for breaking through formidable defenses that relied on powerful magic, playing a decisive role in many interdimensional wars.

She then moved her finger to a model next to her that had an even more grotesque appearance.

It was a tower that resembled a mobile steel fortress, its body covered with spikes and firing ports.

The bottom features a massive track structure, while the very front is equipped with an enormous metal ram.

"This is a self-propelled steel tower that perfectly combines the defensive capabilities of a mobile fortress with the destructive power of a battering ram."

It was able to advance irresistibly to the enemy's city walls using its own power.

It can carry an entire heavy assault team, which can provide fire support with heavy weapons on the top of the tower while approaching the city wall.

This allowed the soldiers to safely climb directly onto the city wall.

The tower's massive ramming head and built-in high-frequency vibration device could launch a deadly direct attack on the city wall itself.

Enough to tear a breach in even the strongest city defenses.

Most importantly, the steel tower's external armor has undergone a special enchantment treatment.

It can effectively withstand conventional magical bombardment, providing an extremely reliable mobile fire support and protective barrier for advancing ground troops.

Finally, the female assistant's gaze fell on the most bizarre model.

It was a cannon-shaped object forcibly fused together with writhing flesh and cold metal, its barrel covered with vein-like patterns.

The muzzle shows an irregular, torn pattern.

The female assistant's tone also became much more wary:

"The last item, the Flesh-Tearing Cannon, is similar in principle to the powerful magic cannons in the main plane."

But it is fundamentally different; it is a living bio-energy cannon.

Compared to the bulky magic cannons that rely on complex magic arrays, the Flesh-Tearing Cannon is much easier to carry and deploy.

Furthermore, the power and unpredictability of its projectiles far surpass those of ordinary magic cannons.

It can primarily fire two types of live projectiles.

One type is the 'high-speed corrosive flesh and blood projectile', which releases highly concentrated corrosive biological enzymes instantly upon hitting a biological target.

It can dissolve flesh and blood, even solid bones, into a pool of pus in a very short time, and severely disrupt the target's magical circulation.

Another type is the 'parasitic spore cluster'.

Once these spores come into contact with a living organism, they quickly parasitize and grow rapidly, disintegrating the host from the inside.

They are also deadly to mechanical units, as they can secrete special acidic substances.

This causes rapid corrosion of metals and triggers overload and explosion of energy systems.

The Flesh-Tearing Cannon is an extremely powerful and efficient piece of equipment for pinpoint assaults and rapidly dismantling enemy manpower.

After introducing these three powerful large-scale weapons and equipment, the female assistant changed the subject, her face becoming serious, and said in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, there is something I must make clear to you."

These three large siege weapons must all be forged using a rare hellish metal called 'Calamity Black Iron'.

The mining and processing of 'Disaster Black Iron' is strictly controlled by the official authorities of the Dis Layer Domain throughout the entire process.

Circulation was restricted to a very small area.

This directly results in an extremely limited production of such heavy equipment, making it virtually impossible to buy in the normal market due to its high price.

Currently, the only way to acquire them is through secret transactions via intermediaries like ourselves who have deep connections to the underground black market!

The female assistant's words not only highlighted the preciousness and scarcity of these top-tier weapons, but also subtly emphasized their indispensable value and influence as intermediaries.

From the most basic standard individual equipment to special weapons with vicious enchantments.

Then came living weapons incorporating biotechnology, and finally, massive siege engines powerful enough to shake a city's defenses.

The female assistant presented Grace with information about these four categories of equipment in a progressive manner, with each category accompanied by a detailed description of its power, characteristics, origin, and most importantly, its scarcity.

This presentation was well-organized and professionally detailed.

This fully demonstrates Mephisto's profound expertise and vast resource network as a top intermediary in the Dis layer.

His professional competence is indeed beyond doubt and convincing.

Even the well-informed Grace was taken aback after listening to this entire introduction, which was practically an encyclopedia of hellfire weaponry.

My heart skipped a beat.

A burning light flashed uncontrollably in his eyes, as if he could already see an elite army equipped with these deadly weapons, invincible on the future battlefield of the struggle for the throne.

If these powerful weapons and equipment can be successfully deployed, they will undoubtedly become a great asset in her struggle for the throne.

Cohen, who remained silent throughout, stood to the side.

His opinion of Mephisto rose to a new level.

He not only recognized the middleman's professional competence, but also began to consider an even bolder idea.

Is it possible to find an opportunity to recruit this talent into our own camp?

Beyond his personal intention to recruit Mephisto, he thought further and deeper.

Simply purchasing a batch of finished weapons and equipment.

No matter how advanced or powerful they are.

Ultimately, it is only a temporary and external boost to military power.

Once damaged in a fierce war of attrition or cut off from supplies, its combat effectiveness will be greatly reduced.

What he truly yearned for was something more fundamental.

It is the complete industrial chain behind these powerful weapons that represents, from raw material mining to core technologies and finally assembly and production.

Controlling the production line means controlling the ability to sustain military power.

This means no longer being subject to others, and it means being able to customize production according to one's own strategic needs, and even further technological upgrades and iterations.

This is the solid foundation that can support a long and brutal interdimensional war for supremacy.

Second tier Dis!

When the name echoed in Cohen's mind, even someone as shrewd as him couldn't help but let out a silent exclamation of admiration.

This place truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most prosperous and "popular" layers in the entire Nine Hells Plane.

In a world like Hell, perpetually mired in chaos and war, weaponry is always the most valuable and hardest currency. It is the core resource that all ambitious individuals and forces vie for.

A burning thought ignited in Cohen's mind:

If one day I can completely control this second level of Dis.

Then they combined it with the dwarven techniques of forging.

Then, in the future continental wars of the prime material plane, and even in the conquest of broader planes, he will no longer need to worry about the source of weapons.

What a tremendous strategic advantage that would be.

By then, even if the five great empires of the prime plane join forces...

Even when faced with the direct invasion of other demon gods, he will have the confidence to confront them head-on.

Therefore, deep down in Cohen's heart, this encounter with Mephisto was something to be cherished.

Its significance has long surpassed that of a simple arms purchase.

It is also a potential opportunity, a hidden window that may lead to mastering core military industrial production capacity.

A bolder idea for collaboration began to take shape in Cohen's mind: perhaps a deeper collaboration with Mr. Mammon!
Mammon, the ancient demon god who rules the third level of the Greedy Hell, has an insatiable thirst for wealth and resources.

As a "neighbor" of the Dis layer, Mammon must have long coveted this incredibly wealthy second layer, right?
If a deeper strategic alliance can be formed with Mammon, leveraging his influence and resources within the Nine Hells, then...

Then the plan to acquire Dis will no longer be a pipe dream.

However, this requires more careful planning and prudent arrangements.

The most important step right now is to get through the connection with this "creditor" Mephisto.

First, leverage the deeper resources and connections within the Disi layer.

He had to approach his target step by step, like the most patient hunter.

Ultimately, they will gradually bring some key production technologies, and even the core personnel who master these technologies, under their control.

This will be a long game, but its potential rewards are enough to make any ambitious person put in their best effort.

Cohen temporarily suppressed the grand strategic ideas churning in his mind and refocused on the most pressing practical tasks at hand.

He knew perfectly well that no matter how grand the future blueprint was, he had to take the first step steadily and practically.

By securing orders for these urgently needed weapons and equipment, we can ensure adequate munitions reserves for the upcoming continental war.

Under his covert guidance, Grace perfectly played the role of a shrewd and decisive buyer.

He was engaged in a seemingly mundane yet subtly scheming negotiation with Mephisto's female assistant.

The two parties engaged in back-and-forth negotiations regarding the proportion of intermediary fees, payment methods, and the specific scope of follow-up services.

Finally, in an atmosphere where both parties were satisfied, the final details of the contract were finalized.

They also set a specific date for a formal meeting and negotiations with the mysterious underground arms tycoon, Victor Reynolds.

Mephisto, having successfully negotiated a huge deal, could hardly contain his excitement.

An excited blush spread across his usually gentlemanly face.

He stepped forward, placed his right hand on his chest, and bowed deeply to Grace.

He spoke in a tone filled with fervent anticipation and a solemn promise:

"Your Highness, please rest assured, not to mention your noble status."

For my own hefty commission alone, I, Mephisto, will do everything in my power, utilizing all my connections and resources.

"To ensure this deal with Mr. Reynolds goes smoothly!"

His words were both straightforward and frank, making no attempt to conceal his pursuit of profit.

On the contrary, it seems more real and credible, full of a unique "integrity" belonging to the merchants of the Nine Hells.

Grace smiled faintly, a smile so subtle yet capable of outshining everything else, and nodded gently.
“Very well, then we’ll meet again in Forge City in three days.”

Mephisto wore a perfectly measured, obsequious smile.

He carefully took out two thick cards that shimmered with a dark golden magical luster from the inner pocket of his tuxedo.

Instead of handing it directly to Grace, he considerately turned to the berserker Cohen, who stood silently to the side.

He handed over the card, clearly taking into account Grace's unusual habit of being "allergic to men".

With a hint of barely perceptible pride in his voice, he introduced:

"These two are VIP tickets to the 'Eternal Pleasure' ship."

This cruise ship is the epitome of luxury in our Disneyland.

The ship's hull was crafted from the ancient remains of a carapace behemoth forged in the Abyss Forge, making it a magnificent work of art and a symbol of power.

In our Nine Hells plane, only the very few who are the richest and most noble, standing at the very top of the pyramid of power and wealth, are qualified to receive an invitation to board the ship.

The ship not only boasts the most luxurious accommodations and dining services, but also features a multitude of top-tier entertainment facilities that would make even the Abyss Lord linger.

His gaze was sincere as he looked at Grace:

"These two tickets are a small token of my appreciation, and I hope they will add some comfort and enjoyment to Your Highness's trip to Forge City."

Grace's gaze swept indifferently over the two expensive ship tickets, her expression remaining calm and composed, and she slowly nodded.
"You're so kind. I'll be there on time in three days."

Upon hearing this, Mephisto's smile widened even further.

He bowed respectfully once more before leaving the villa with his female assistant, completely satisfied.

The heavy door slowly closed, shutting out all outside noise.

Cohen, who had been playing the role of a loyal protector, clicked his tongue softly and looked down at the two warm-to-the-touch tickets in his hand, which contained powerful spatial fluctuations.

His tone was filled with undisguised admiration and a hint of regret as he said:

"This Mephisto is truly capable and insightful; he considers every aspect meticulously."

If only we could successfully place a trusted subordinate like him, who is both capable and has a vast network of connections, in this Nine Hells plane.

That would undoubtedly be a great help to our future plans.

Grace, standing to the side, chuckled softly upon hearing this, her beautiful eyes carrying a languid allure as she glanced sideways at Cohen, a hint of mockery in her eyes:
"What? You're already thinking about poaching people's employees just because you came to buy some weapons?"

When Cohen heard Grace's teasing, he didn't deny it; instead, he nodded seriously.

"I do have that idea."

Furthermore, I believe it's time for the Military Intelligence Bureau to establish a secret branch in the Nine Hells dimension.

His gaze fell upon the sky outside the window, shrouded in an eternal dark red, as if he could already see the strategic layout of the future:

"This place will definitely become one of our important sources of arms in the future, so we must set up informants and intelligence networks in advance."

Grace frowned slightly upon hearing this:
"This Mephisto has been able to operate in the Nine Hells Plane for so many years, especially in a place like Dis, where all sorts of people mingle."

And he's doing incredibly well; his connections and background are probably unfathomable.

Such people are often ambitious and shrewd, typical of the "Hydra" type.

Are you really sure you can get him to willingly submit to someone else and risk his life for one person?

A meaningful smile slowly crept onto Cohen's lips:

"Every living being has desires."

Power, beauty, wealth, knowledge, strength, or some deeper obsession.

If we can accurately find and satisfy his deepest desire, he will naturally be able to be used by us.

Moreover, he was a demon, and demons' desires are often more direct, stronger, and easier to manipulate.

As long as we can pinpoint his 'pain points,' taking him down isn't as difficult as we might imagine.

After a pause, Cohen continued:

"However, this matter still requires further planning and more thorough arrangements, and now is not the best time."

Our top priority right now is to successfully complete this arms deal with Victor Reynolds.

Make real preparations for the war to come!

……

Mephisto was not wrong, when Cohen and Grace stepped onto the gangway of the "Eternal Pleasure".

Even with Grace's discerning eye, a princess accustomed to the empire's extravagance, she had to admit that Mephisto's arrangements were indeed top-notch.

This cruise ship itself is a breathtaking work of art.

Just as Mephisto described, the ship's hull was crafted from the remains of a complete ancient, armored behemoth.

The strange, naturally formed patterns on the carapace shimmer with a dreamlike luster under the dim, hellish light.

The interior decoration is both extremely luxurious and bizarre.

The dome of the hall was adorned with crystals formed from countless souls, and the wails emitted were cleverly transformed by magic into an ethereal background melody.

The murals hanging on the walls depict the bloody history of battles in the various levels of the Nine Hells, as if silently telling the story that in the Nine Hells plane, power and conquest are the eternal themes.

Cohen also saw many familiar faces on the cruise ship that had appeared in the promotional videos for the Nine Hells expansion of the game in his previous life.

There was a devilish duke dressed in magnificent court attire, with elegant manners but sinister eyes; there were lords' envoys from the endless abyss; and there were also some well-dressed representatives wearing the emblems of the interdimensional merchant alliance.

Cohen even caught a glimpse of a figure sitting alone in a corner, sipping blood-red liquor.

Behind that person were a pair of incomplete wings that still emitted a faint holy light.

He was none other than a former archangel who had betrayed Mount Paradise due to ideological differences and his pursuit of greater power!

These beings may not all possess the ultimate level of extraordinary power.

However, the resources, connections, and influence each of them possesses are enough to stir up a considerable storm in their respective fields, and even shake the balance between different planes.

Even with so many top-tier and distinguished guests, Grace's unparalleled beauty and charisma once again caused quite a stir on the cruise ship, unsurprisingly! (End of Chapter)