Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

However, beneath this seemingly rigid hierarchy, there is a clearly visible path for promotion within Afonas's legion system.

Any lesser demon or spiked demon born from the lowest-ranking blood-pact slave legion has, in theory, the opportunity to accumulate enough battle merits through endless blood battles.

Continuously improve your strength and rank, and eventually apply to be transferred to a higher-level legion.

But the difficulty of this path is beyond imagination.

It required these soldiers to survive thousands of brutal battles and continuously build up their reputations.

Its probability is comparable to retrieving a specific fragment of a soul from the Styx whirlpool.

Throughout the history of Afonas, there are only two paths to becoming a high-ranking and powerful figure like the commander of a "Heavenly Punishment Legion".

The first path is the most orthodox, but also the longest, route to promotion.

That is achieved through countless bloody battles and the accumulation of merits like water dripping on stone, step by step.

They climbed up the legion's promotion ladder step by step, strictly following the established order.

This requires amazing perseverance, outstanding military achievements, and, crucially, appreciation and promotion from above.

This means that one must be recognized and cultivated by at least two members of the Supreme Joint Military Council.

The second method is relatively "faster," but also more incredible.

That is, by obtaining the "Abyss Essence" medal, which symbolizes legendary achievements, one can directly gain command.

However, even in the long history of wars in Afonas, there are very few cases of people successfully taking command of a Heavenly Punishment Legion through this path.

The "Heavenly Punishment Legion" is undoubtedly important and holds a significant position as the most elite and costly strategic force in the entire Avonus Layer.

They are mobile fortresses, living works of war art, and decisive forces capable of influencing the course of a major battle or even a local war.

Therefore, it can be said that the core objective of the daily power struggles among the members of the Supreme Joint Military Council is...

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the command and control of these "Heavenly Punishment Legions".

The more "Heavenly Punishment Legion" a player controls, the higher its quality.

This means that he has a greater say and influence in Afonas's power structure, which is directly related to whether the forces behind him can occupy a more favorable position in the political landscape of the Nine Hells.

In order to quell the political turmoil caused by Grace retaining her princess title, Grand Duke Zariel had been forced to relinquish command of several valuable "Heavenly Punishment Legions".

This significantly weakened his actual control.

At this moment, when Zariel once again raised the issue of the ownership of the "Divine Punishment Legion" in this sensitive occasion...

The demons Aranie and Knatu, who had been secretly vying with him, couldn't help but feel a strong sense of vigilance.

They were well aware that if the pretty boy the princess had taken a liking to actually pulled off a miracle and obtained the "Abyssal Essence," it would be a serious problem.

Therefore, the command of this Heavenly Punishment Legion, as a reward, will undoubtedly have to be relinquished from their existing share of the force.

This will directly affect their weight on the scales of power in Afonas.

However, when considering the almost impossible conditions for obtaining "Abyssal Essence".

The initial wariness dissipated considerably, replaced by a barely perceptible hint of sarcasm and indifference.

After a long and oppressive silence, the deep voice of the horned demon Knatu finally broke the silence once again.

His gaze swept over Zariel, and he spoke in a tone that seemed magnanimous but actually contained a hidden provocation:
"If this human can truly make history, he will receive a 'Abyssal Essence' medal."

Therefore, according to tradition and custom, it would be only natural to grant him command of a 'Heavenly Punishment Legion'.

But what if he can't even get the minimum requirement, the 'Blood War Medal'...?

He didn't finish his sentence, but the unspoken implication was filled with an unspoken threat.

Faced with this blatant subtext, Grand Duke Zariel, seated in the main seat, remained completely unmoved, calmly stating:
"Then let's proceed according to the rules and traditions of the Nine Hells!"

A smile, seemingly warm but actually laced with malice, appeared on the face of the demon Aranie, which was shrouded in shadowy tentacles.

He leaned forward slightly and spoke in a tone tinged with feigned respect:
"Your Excellency, since all of us here have agreed to offer the command of a precious 'Heavenly Punishment Legion' as the stake in this bet."

As the supreme commander of Afonas, shouldn't you also show corresponding sincerity?

Grand Duke Zariel, seated on his throne, seemed to have anticipated this question, showing no surprise whatsoever.

His gaze swept calmly over Aranie, then he answered in a deep, unquestionable voice:
"If he can't even get a 'Blood Battle Badge,' then I will no longer interfere in the selection of the Third War Zone Commander!"

"Commander of the Third War Zone!"
The name of this position was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating huge ripples throughout the command hall.

Several lawmakers who had initially intended to continue pressuring the issue showed undisguised satisfaction upon hearing the condition.

They exchanged a knowing glance, then fell silent, no longer demanding further concessions from Grand Duke Zariel.

The Third War Zone was an extremely important and sensitive strategic location within the Avonus Line, and its commander's position had been vacant since the previous commander was killed in a fierce and bloody battle.

The ownership of this location is directly related to control of a large area of ​​scorched earth rich in strategic resources, as well as command of several main army corps.

Therefore, the various factions within the Supreme Joint Military Council have long been engaged in fierce competition for this coveted position, with constant open and covert struggles.

Now that Grand Duke Zaril has actually staked the decision-making power over this coveted position on the negotiating table, the assembled members of parliament were both surprised and somewhat suspicious.

The weight of this "sincerity" was so heavy that it was almost unbelievable to them.

However, Aranieux, the demon, had clearly thought things through more thoroughly; he seemed intent on completely eliminating all possible accidents and variables.

Amidst whispers, he stood up again and, in a tone seemingly dedicated to fairness and justice, loudly proposed:
"Given the gravity of this matter, I recommend that we immediately activate the 'Bloody Battle Monitoring Mode,' with all ten members of our Supreme Joint Military Council jointly monitoring this human's every move on the battlefield."

To ensure absolute transparency of the process and avoid any potentially controversial or unpleasant situations.

This proposal, though seemingly noble, actually placed Cohen entirely under the watchful eyes of ten sharpest eyes.

This eliminated any possibility of covert assistance.

Grand Duke Zariel gave Aranieu a deep look, then slowly nodded and uttered two words in a cold voice:
"agree!"

……

When that political game, full of intrigue and power struggle, finally came to an end with Grand Duke Zaril's resounding "I agree,"...

The ten councilors did not immediately get up and leave.

Now that the news of Princess Grace's imminent arrival at the Bronze Fortress has been brought to the forefront.

So whatever their motives, both publicly as members of the Supreme Military Council and privately as part of the Afonas ruling class.

They all had to stay here for a formal, public welcome, as a sign of basic respect for this princess of hell.

This is an indispensable ritual in the politics of the Nine Prisons, and also a silent gesture.

Not long after, a series of steady footsteps and a faint chill followed.

The heavy doors of the operations command center were slowly pushed open.

Grace appeared at the doorway, guarded by two towering ice demons, Gar and Lavas.

Grace had carefully tidied herself up before arriving at the Bronze Fortress, shedding the dust of her journey.

She changed into a dignified yet luxurious outfit befitting her status as a princess of hell.

With measured and graceful steps, he walked step by step onto the cold, hard ground, toward the center of the command hall that symbolized Afonas's supreme power.

The moment Grace's figure clearly came into the sight of the ten councilors, even these high-ranking demons, who were already accustomed to all kinds of alluring and seductive beings in hell, were astonished.

They couldn't help but feel a deep, indescribable emotion.

All eyes turned to Grace, and a complex mix of emotions welled up inside them.

No wonder he is a descendant of Grand Duke Zariel and the succubus queen who is famous for her charm in the Nine Hells.

Grace exuded a natural, overwhelming charm, a blend of innate nobility and unassailable majesty.

This surprised even these well-informed devil nobles.

Regardless of their political differences with Grand Duke Zaril.

But based solely on Grace's unparalleled charm and stunning beauty at this moment, her status as the princess of Aphrodite is truly well-deserved and beyond doubt.

Several members of parliament even secretly thought to themselves that with Princess Grace's charm and temperament...

It could become an excellent "calling card" for Afonas to the outside world, greatly enhancing the fame and influence of this layer known for its war and desolation in other layers of the Nine Hells and even in the outer planes.

Grace seemed completely oblivious to the various gazes directed at her.

Her gaze swept past the crowd and landed directly on Grand Duke Zariel, who sat in the main seat.

Then, with a slight bow, performing a standard courtly gesture, he spoke in a clear and calm voice:

“Great-grandfather, I’m back.” This was the message from the eldest princess, who had received the most advanced and rigorous court education in the Eastern Empire since childhood.

Grace's natural grace and composure in every gesture were almost flawless.

With a perfectly balanced smile—neither overly friendly nor impolite—he exchanged polite pleasantries with Avernus and other powerful devilish giants.

His precise words and elegant demeanor fully demonstrated the profound upbringing of an imperial heir.

These astute members of parliament, naturally, were quite tactful and, after completing the necessary formalities, they all found excuses to bow and take their leave.

This space, symbolizing supreme power, was reserved for this great-grandfather and grandson with a special relationship.

Soon, the huge command center, which had been somewhat bustling, fell completely silent.

Only Grand Duke Zariel, seated on his throne, and Grace, standing silently in the center of the hall, remained, facing each other from afar.

The empty hall amplified the chilling and desolate atmosphere that belonged to hell.

To be honest, Grace's heart was not stirred by the demonic duke who was her direct blood relative and ruled the front line of the Nine Hells.

There was no joy or excitement about reuniting with loved ones.

In her view, the reason why the two sides were able to sit down together and reach the current cooperative relationship is because of this.

The most fundamental driving force does not stem from the vague and ethereal blood ties, but from something more real and more solid—interests.

Grace needs to rely on the power of Grand Duke Zariel in the Nine Hells, especially the powerful demon legion of Afonas, as a crucial asset and trump card for her final contest with the Shazo Group in the Prime Material Plane.

Conversely, if Grace were to successfully ascend to the throne of the Eastern Empire in the future...

For Grand Duke Zariel, a human empire ruler with whom he shares a blood relationship and to whom he owes a favor would undoubtedly be an extremely powerful and reliable external ally in the power struggles within the Nine Hells Plane.

This can greatly enhance his influence and strategic depth.

This was a naked political exchange, a strategic alliance based on rational calculations, with kinship playing a negligible role.

Therefore, Grace's gaze toward Grand Duke Zariel maintained the proper respect.

But beneath that respect lay a deep, calm sea; she felt absolutely no blood ties toward this nominal great-grandfather.

Moreover, Duke Zariel changed his mind about Cohen's matter at the last minute, proposing such harsh conditions that forced him to go to the bloody battlefield where he had a slim chance of survival to fight for his life.

Although Gard the Ice Demon later explained to Grace the political considerations and unavoidable predicament behind it.

However, this only temporarily quelled her anger, allowing her to rationally accept the arrangement.

It's far from enough to make Grace feel close to, or even truly accept, this suddenly appearing great-grandfather.

What separates them is a gap of hundreds of years in time and a cold reality of exchanging interests.

Grand Duke Zariel, seated on his throne, clearly sensed the undisguised indifference and subtle resistance in the eyes of his bloodline descendant.

His face showed no emotion whatsoever, and he made no attempt to explain or comfort her.

After a moment of silence, he slowly rose from his throne and spoke to Grace in a deep, steady voice, devoid of any discernible emotion:
"follow me."

Grace paused slightly upon hearing this, then looked up at Zariel, seemingly trying to discern his intentions.

But in the end, she didn't ask anything. She just paused for a moment, then silently followed Zariel's steady steps.

The two walked one after the other through the spacious and solemn strategic command hall, and then along a dimly lit corridor toward the deeper parts of the fortress.

Finally, they stopped in front of a huge gate.

Zaril reached out and pushed it open, revealing a magnificent hall that was even more spacious than the command center.

The moment Grace stepped into the hall, her gaze was immediately drawn to a huge and breathtaking portrait hanging on the opposite wall.

It was a huge oil painting with deep colors but extremely delicate brushstrokes.

At the very center of the portrait is a handsome middle-aged man dressed in a magnificent Hell Marshal's uniform.

His face bears a striking resemblance to that of Grand Duke Zariel, who stands beside Grace at this moment. However, in the painting, his eyes have lost some of their current coldness and vicissitudes, and instead possess a sharper edge and a warmer quality.

There is no doubt that this painting depicts Grand Duke Zariel himself.

Beside Grand Duke Zariel stood a mature woman who appeared to be around thirty years old.

Her appearance bore an undeniable and striking resemblance to Grace, especially her slightly upturned eyes and pert nose, which were almost identical.

In the woman's arms, she was also carefully holding a delicately swaddled baby.

The baby stared curiously into the distance with its large, clear eyes.

When Grace's gaze fell upon the face of the mature woman in her thirties in the painting, her heart felt as if it had been gripped tightly by an invisible giant hand, and she trembled violently.

An indescribable warm current, a mixture of bitterness and excitement, suddenly broke through her carefully maintained calm exterior and instantly spread throughout her body.

The woman in the painting is her mother, who passed away many years ago!
Grand Duke Zariel gazed at the enormous portrait, his voice rising slowly.

The tone seemed to remain calm as usual, but upon closer listening, one could detect a subtle, almost imperceptible gentleness beneath that calm:
“You don’t know, do you? When you were little, Cecilia brought you here once, and you even stayed here for quite a long time.”

His gaze seemed to pierce through time, landing on the face of the woman in the painting. He paused slightly, as if recalling something, and then corrected himself:
"No, to be precise, I'm the one who brought you here."

A hint of barely suppressed surprise flashed in Grace's eyes.

She is now absolutely certain that the mature woman in the portrait who resembles her is her long-deceased mother.

The exquisitely beautiful baby girl in her arms was herself!
However, Grace had absolutely no recollection of the past events that Zariel recounted; her memory was completely blank.

She had no idea that she had visited this legendary Nine Hells Plane during her innocent infancy and stayed there for quite some time.

Grand Duke Zariel seemed to sense the great turmoil in Grace's heart, and he deliberately paused for a while.

He stood silently to the side, giving Grace enough time to calm her turbulent emotions and process this sudden information.

After a brief silence, Grand Duke Zariel's gaze remained fixed on the enormous portrait.

The voice rose slowly, carrying a hint of ethereal depth, as if sinking into distant memories:
"When your great-grandmother was pregnant with your grandmother."

I am vying with the Lord of the Deep Pit Demons, Bayer, for control of Afonas.

At that time, I was already a saint, and your great-grandmother was a legendary succubus queen.

You should know how difficult it is for extraordinary individuals at our level to have bloodline descendants.

Therefore, I was very happy when I learned that she was pregnant.

But at that time, it was a crucial moment to expel Bayer, and I was unable to attend to other matters.

In order to interfere with me, Bayer's supporters secretly organized an attack on your great-grandmother.

It was this attack that caused irreversible damage to your maternal grandmother while she was in the womb.

His bloodline was damaged, and he ultimately failed to become a superhuman.

That's why I didn't leave her in the perilous Nine Hells plane, but instead sent her back to the relatively peaceful human main plane.

Originally, I thought she could live a peaceful and ordinary life, far away from these conflicts and dangers.

Unexpectedly, she later gave birth to your mother.

Your mother, on the other hand, inherited the talents of me and your great-grandmother. Not only was her talent extraordinary, but her beauty and temperament also far surpassed that of ordinary people.

Soon, he caught the eye of an imperial prince and became a member of the human empire's royal family.

Grace's expression became complicated when she heard the words "Imperial Prince".

Her gaze lowered slightly. Without a doubt, the prince that Grand Duke Zariel spoke of was none other than the current emperor of the Eastern Empire, her father—Aberon Tang.

Grand Duke Zariel's voice continued to rise slowly, but unlike his usual cold and authoritative tone, it now carried an increasingly noticeable gentleness:
“I thought it was inappropriate at the time, after all, your mother has pure hellish blood flowing through her veins.”

Such a status would make it very difficult to be accepted as empress in the environment of a human empire.

Indeed, that's exactly how things unfolded. When the royal families of the Eastern Empire learned that your mother came from the Nine Hells Plane...

They reacted with extremely strong resistance.

In addition, from the moment you were born, you had an exceptionally strong hellish bloodline, even stronger than your great-grandmother.

Therefore, you were under close surveillance by the entire Eastern Empire's royal family from a young age, which made your mother Cecilia's situation extremely difficult.

At this point, Grand Duke Zariel suddenly changed his tone, his voice becoming even calmer:

"Of course, I'm not saying this to sow discord between you and Eberron."

Eberron had just ascended to the throne at that time, and he also needed the help of the royal family to consolidate his power.

From a political perspective, the choice he made at the time was correct; under those circumstances, temporary forbearance and humiliation were the necessary price to pay! (End of Chapter)