Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

One hundred of each type of biological weaponry and giant siege weapon!

Reynolds almost thought he had misheard.

Let alone one hundred pieces of each type, even if you add up all six types of strategic equipment, you only need one hundred pieces in total.

That was already a super order that would put Forge City's production schedule several years in the future.

Because these are not "commodities" that can be mass-produced on an assembly line!
The cultivation and forging of each of them requires a massive amount of rare resources.

It relies on extremely harsh environmental conditions and comes with a very high risk of failure.

Their production cycle is often measured in "years".

Grace requested three hundred pieces of biological weaponry and three hundred giant siege weapons, totaling six hundred pieces of strategic equipment.

This is almost equivalent to the total sales volume of Reynolds' entire arms network for an entire year.

Weapons and equipment of this level are generally used as a trump card.

An elite army of legion size could be equipped with such a strategic weapon.

This alone is enough to fundamentally change its combat effectiveness and turn the tide of battle in key engagements.

But Grace casually asked for a three-digit amount. What does that mean?
This means that the forces she represents are planning something far more than a local conflict, or even a conventional interdimensional war.

It is more likely to be an unprecedented super war involving multiple dimensions.

The thought sent a chill down Reynolds' spine.

But at the same time, an irrepressible sense of excitement also surged up, if this deal could really be reached.

The profits and influence it brings will be immeasurable.

Mephisto, who had maintained a professional smile throughout, was now completely stunned by the numbers Grace announced.

He had no idea that Grace had such a big appetite; this was no longer just "purchasing".

This is practically emptying out half of Forge City's strategic reserves.

For a moment, an extremely eerie silence fell over the empty and solemn office.

Whether it's Reynolds, the emperor of the underground arms trade, or Mephisto, the well-informed middleman.

They were all genuinely stunned by the astronomical figures Grace casually tossed out.

Reynolds looked stern, unsure how to respond to Grace's question.

He couldn't very well admit that he, a powerful figure in the Nine Prisons arms industry, was actually scared off by a client's purchasing request, could he?

After a long silence, Grace's clear, slightly languid, and alluring laughter rang out:

"What, is it that the quantity I requested is too small, Mr. Reynolds? Do you think it's not worth it for you to personally take on this order?"

Reynolds composed himself and said calmly:

"Your Highness is too kind. Mr. Mephisto must have already explained the relevant situation to you in detail beforehand."

The production process for these biological weapons and massive siege engines you requested is extremely rigorous.

It is far superior to ordinary standard equipment.

Typically, these types of strategic equipment need to be ordered well in advance.

Furthermore, a substantial deposit must be paid upon signing the contract to ensure the allocation of production resources and the start-up of the production line…

Reynolds's words made it very clear that he could not directly admit that he could not produce such a large quantity of top-tier equipment in a short period of time.

That would make me seem incompetent.

He then cleverly steered the conversation toward another crucial aspect of the transaction—funding.

His subtext was that with such an astronomical purchase volume, the total price must be an unimaginably high amount.

According to industry practice, the required deposit is a figure that would deter most players.

He didn't believe the other party could easily come up with such a large sum of liquid funds, which might serve as a polite excuse.

Or at least it's an opportunity to test the other party's true financial strength.

If the other party doesn't have that much money, they will naturally reduce their demand accordingly.

If it were truly available, Reynolds would pull out all the stops and incur countless favors to make this deal happen.

All difficulties pale in comparison to the enormous profits and capital.

As long as the profits are high enough, he can even break into the dragon's treasure vault!

Faced with Reynolds's reasonable explanation, Grace simply chuckled again.

She slowly raised her eyelids, looked directly at Reynolds, and said calmly:

"How about I pay with one percent of the mineral resources of the Dragon Realm?"

These simple words, when put together, were like a silent thunderclap, exploding in the minds of Reynolds and Mephisto.

The Dragon Plane is a strategic location coveted even by the Nine Hells and the Abyss, and is extremely rich in resources.

The value represented by its one percent mineral share is beyond the measure of ordinary money.

That is a continuous supply of strategic resources, enough to support the military production of a powerful empire for hundreds of years!

The silence that had just been broken in the office returned, but this time it was no longer filled with awkwardness, but with a deathly stillness born from the shock of absolute power.

……

It took Reynolds a long time to recover from the shock of Grace's earth-shattering words.

His gaze became much more serious. He slowly raised his head and stared sharply into Grace's stunningly beautiful face, which was calm yet breathtaking.

He asked in a deep voice:

"You're planning to launch a war in the Dragon Plane aimed at unifying the six major dragon races, is that right?"

As one of the giants who controls the lifeline of the Nine Hells' underground arms trade, Reynolds naturally possesses his own vast and efficient intelligence network.

After initially learning about Grace, this mysterious client, from Mephisto, he had already used his power to secretly investigate the recent movements of the Dragon Plane.

The intelligence he obtained largely matched the information held by Mephisto and Demogorgon, the chief intelligence officer of the Balzeb Empire.

Indeed, there is an extremely mysterious and powerful force that is secretly active and making clandestine connections in the Dragon Plane.

They attempted to break the division and chaos that had lasted for tens of thousands of years among the six major dragon clans and to launch an unprecedented war of unification.

At this moment, considering Grace's incredibly large demand for arms, and the fact that she dared to use "one percent of the mineral resources of the Dragon Plane" as a bargaining chip,

Reynolds was almost 100% certain that the succubus lady before him and the force she represented were the mysterious power that was trying to stir up trouble in the Dragon Plane.

Grace calmly met the scrutinizing gaze and responded with an extremely slight nod.

Seeing Grace's admission, Reynolds's expression became even more serious.

The voice also became lower and more serious:
"Your Highness, one percent of the mining shares in the Demon Dragon Plane is, to be honest, a very tempting offer."

It was so tempting that it would make any of the Grand Dukes of the Nine Hells swoon.

However, the current reality is that the Dragon Plane remains in a state of extreme chaos and division.

The six major tribes fought each other, and hatred accumulated over tens of thousands of years.

The internal contradictions and complexities far exceed what outsiders can imagine.

Throughout the long past, countless ambitious forces have existed, including powerful abyss lords and even mighty empires from other prime planes.

They all attempted to unify the Dragon Plane, integrating this powerful and unruly dragon race into their own domain.

However, without exception, they all failed.

Moreover, they suffered devastating defeats, with some even losing their remains.

Then why should I believe that the being behind you can accomplish something that even the Abyss Lord couldn't do?

For such a massive arms deal, you're only offering a promise based on 'future possibilities'.

Isn't this just like a worthless check?

Faced with Reynolds's pointed questions and almost interrogative gaze, Grace showed no displeasure whatsoever.

With a slight smile, her slender hand, clad in a black silk glove, gracefully flipped in the air.

Her movements were as fluid as magic, and in the next moment, a stack of crystal cards, thick enough to be astonishing, appeared out of thin air in her palm.

These crystal cards are similar in form to the Soul Crystal Cards that previously appeared in the "Final Agreement" casino in Eternal Night City.

However, their materials and the light they emit are completely different.

They are all a deep, dark gold color, with fine runes inlaid along the edges of the cards.

The card itself is not a completely solid object, but rather has a semi-transparent texture.

Through the surface of the card, you can see countless tiny, pure points of light from the soul, flowing and rotating slowly within it, like a miniature galaxy.

The energy fluctuations emitted by these crystal cards are not intense, but rather a restrained and gentle radiance.

But the purity of the soul energy it contained made the air in the entire room seem to become viscous.

Without a doubt, this is a Soul Crystal Card of this grade.

Its level is far beyond what ordinary hell nobles can possess; each card contains the finest soul essence that has been carefully selected and repeatedly purified.

Grace gently pinched the thick stack of crystal cards with her fingertips and casually displayed them in front of Reynolds.

Her gaze calmly fell on the other person's face, which had already stiffened somewhat, and she slightly parted her red lips:
"Is this enough as a deposit?"

Reynolds' breathing became much heavier, and his eyes, which had seen countless riches, were fixed on the stack of crystal cards that radiated an alluring light.

With his keen eye, he could naturally determine the grade and approximate value of these soul crystal cards at a glance.

The total amount of soul energy contained in this stack of crystal cards far exceeds the total amount of most of the huge transactions he has handled.

And this was merely a "deposit" casually offered by the other party. He was now certain that he could readily produce such a quantity and quality of top-grade soul crystal cards.

The "man" behind this prince is definitely a direct descendant of a true demon god.

Moreover, they are by no means ordinary offspring of demon gods.

Judging from his actions and demeanor, he is very likely the successor he is cultivating with all his resources, and a strong contender for the future throne of the Demon God.

Because only beings at this level could so easily mobilize resources of this scale.

Only beings at the level of demon gods possess such extraordinary abilities to gather such a vast number of souls of such pure quality from countless planes and timelines.

He then refined it into a top-grade soul crystal card that would make even the Demon Grand Duke envious, and stored it in his treasure trove as his most core strategic reserve.

Faced with Grace's question, Reynolds' answer was almost spontaneous, carrying an instinctive reaction after being overwhelmed by immense wealth:

"As a deposit, this is more than enough, and even a little to spare."

However, his words did not end there. Beneath the immense temptation lay the caution and rationality of a top arms dealer.

His tone then shifted, becoming somewhat serious:
"However, Your Highness, the final transaction amount you proposed is an astronomical figure."

Even with this incredibly generous deposit, there's still a huge gap compared to this, and the risks involved are immense…

The meaning was already quite clear, even though the words were not fully spoken.

Clearly, even with such an enticing deposit, the method of paying the final installment regarding the share of mineral resources in the Dragon Plane still left him with great doubts and concerns.

Grace continued speaking calmly and unhurriedly:

“Mr. Reynolds, I believe in your energy and channels.”

There must be a way to personally enter the Dragon Dimension and see for yourself what it's really like there.

Once you enter the Dragon Realm, our people will contact you and demonstrate the power we possess.

You can verify the true extent of our determination and confidence in unifying the Dragon Plane through your own eyes and personal experience.

She paused slightly at this point, giving the other person time to process the weight of her words.

He then continued in a tone as if stating a given fact:
"At that time, you can make another choice: whether or not to accept our proposed final payment method."

The remaining balance of this transaction will be paid using one percent of the mineral resources of the Dragon Realm!

Having said all that, Reynolds had no more doubts, and all his weighing and calculations had been settled.

He took a deep breath, as if trying to completely suppress the surging excitement and lingering shock in his chest.

When he looked up again, his eyes held only the decisiveness and composure befitting a top arms dealer, and he said in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, there is no problem with the quantity you mentioned regarding standard individual equipment and enchanted special weapons."

Starting tomorrow, all my workshops and foundries will immediately change their production lines to prioritize fulfilling your orders.

I guarantee with my reputation that I will deliver all the standard equipment you need within three months.

As for biological weapons and giant siege engines, with the resources and stockpiles I can currently mobilize...

After three months, we can only guarantee to deliver ten sets of each type to you.

As for the remaining part, we can only make a final decision after we return from the Dragon Plane and witness everything firsthand.

How does this arrangement sound to you?

Grace did not speak immediately in response to Reynolds's suggestion.

Her stunningly beautiful face still wore that inscrutable, serene expression; she merely tilted her head slightly and nodded her chin lightly in Cohen's direction.

Cohen took a step forward, extending his massive hand covered in a menacing carapace.

A crystal about the size of an egg had appeared in his palm without him noticing.

The crystal is a deep dark blue color and emits a faint but unusually stable spatial fluctuation, making it a high-quality astral communication stone.

Cohen handed the communication stone to Reynolds and said in a low voice:

"There is a contact number imprinted here. Once you arrive in the Dragon Plane, contact him directly."

You don't need to worry about the rest; it will answer all your questions.

His name is Gabriel Dela! (First in line to the throne of the Darkwing family)

……

Mephisto was in high spirits after leaving the Tower of Contracts.

This deal, which can be described as one of the biggest in his career, was full of thrilling twists and turns, but the framework was finally finalized.

Moreover, the astronomical deposit that Grace paid in advance was enough to make him a fortune.

Not to mention the long-term benefits that the even more attractive final payment might bring in the future.

He quickly walked a few steps to Grace's side and bowed slightly.

With an incredibly attentive and considerate smile plastered on her face, she asked softly in a fawning tone:
"Your Highness, do you two have any other plans?"

If there are no other important matters, please allow me to do my duty as a host.

Let me be your guide and show you around our Disco Zone.

To be honest, besides the famous Eternal Night City, our Dis has many other unique places that are not well known to outsiders.

For example, there's the 'Opera House of Madness', the 'Abyss Art Gallery', and the 'Lava Hot Spring' built on an active volcano.

Both are well worth a visit, and will definitely give you a unique experience of the Nine Prisons.

However, in response to his enthusiastic invitation, Grace simply said:
Thank you for your kindness.

However, I didn't come out here just to discuss this business deal.

Upon hearing this meaningful remark, Mephisto's enthusiastic smile froze slightly.

A perfectly timed hint of regret then appeared on his face.

He was a smart man and immediately understood the implication of the other person's words.

His Highness's trip to the Nine Prisons likely had a more important and secretive purpose.

He asked tentatively:

"Then what else can I do for Your Highness?"
"As long as it's within my capabilities, Mephisto will do everything in my power to serve you!"

Mephisto adopted a humble approach, trying to seize any opportunity to maintain the relationship with this major client.

Grace paused slightly upon hearing this, her beautiful eyes lingering on Mephisto's face for a moment, as if weighing something.

Then, she suddenly asked a question that surprised Mephisto:
"My next step is to go to the first level, Afonas."

Do you have any convenient and quick methods available?

When Mephisto heard the name "Aphrodite" from Grace's mouth, his heart skipped a beat.

As the first level of the Nine Hells, Aphonas is the gateway to the outside world for the entire Nine Hells, and the most direct symbol of the strict order and powerful military force of the Nine Hells.

The security there was tight, and the atmosphere was tense.

It is far superior to places like Disneyland, which are known for their commerce and hedonism.

Grand Duke Zariel, who ruled Afonath, was a renowned warlord.

He commands the largest demon legion in the Nine Hells, as well as armies of outlaws and thugs from various dimensions, his power at its zenith.

Aphonas is not only the front line against external enemies, but also the sharp spearhead for the Nine Hells' outward expansion.

After securing a massive arms deal that would arm several legions, Grace immediately proposed a trip to Avernus.

The implications of this are truly thought-provoking.

Considering their plans to conquer the Dragon Plane, could it be that they intend to join forces with that warmonger, Grand Duke Zariel?
Mephisto's mind was instantly filled with countless possibilities for the future situation, but he was, after all, a seasoned veteran who had seen it all.

Forcibly suppressing the turmoil churning within him, a professional and composed smile returned to his face:
"Of course, Your Highness, the 'Eternal Pleasure' you are aboard belongs to a shipping company."

It inherently undertakes cross-level general aviation business, with regular flights directly connecting to all major areas of the Nine Prisons.

However, the flight to Avernas has very strict screening process, and tickets need to be booked well in advance.

Therefore, Your Highness, please wait two days while I arrange two tickets for you to travel to the first realm.

"Thank you, I'm very considerate."

Grace then declined Mephisto's offer of accommodation and settled into an ordinary hotel.

After confirming that the surrounding environment was safe, Cohen and Grace removed their disguises.

A candle was burning on the mantel, its warm light casting a soft, amber glow over the room.

As the firelight flickered, Grace, now with her human appearance restored, stretched and displayed her breathtakingly beautiful figure.

Grace walked to the oak chair by the window. The exhaustion of the past few days had clouded the princess's violet eyes, and her beautiful face showed a hint of fatigue.

These days of maneuvering and negotiating in the Distance region have truly exhausted her.

If this were the Eastern Empire, she would be soaking in a rose-strewn bath right now, instead of discussing important military and national affairs in this hotel where even hot water has to be boiled on the spot.

As a pampered princess of the empire, only Cohen in the entire world could make her willingly go to great lengths for him.

Even Grace's father, Emperor Eberon of the Eastern Empire, had never commanded his only daughter in this way.

The candlelight crackled nearby. Grace gently rubbed her temples and looked up at Cohen, who was tidying up the bathtub and preparing to fill it with bathwater.

Suddenly asked:

"Are you so confident that after that old fox Reynolds goes to the Dragon Plane and sees it for himself, he will definitely choose to cooperate with us?"

Grace's concerns were not unfounded.

Reynolds is a seasoned arms tycoon who has seen it all, and his power is based on nothing more than superficial displays of strength.

We might not be able to completely convince him to place such a heavy bet! (End of Chapter)