Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

[Banner of Command (Gold Quality): Provides all friendly units within a designated area with a 50% boost to all attributes and combat power for five minutes. Cooldown: 24 hours]

The moment the golden light enveloped their bodies, both Garr and Lavas were jolted!
An unprecedented surge of power erupted from the depths of their souls, like a volcanic eruption.

They could clearly feel their muscle strength, reaction speed, magic reserves, and even fighting will all be terrifyingly enhanced at this moment.

This rate of increase is simply astonishing!
The two couldn't help but widen their eyes in disbelief as they stared at the human figure shrouded in a faint golden light.

What level of ability is this?

How could it possibly increase the combat effectiveness of an entire hundred-man army by half in an instant?
Could the other party be an incarnation of a deity?
In their understanding, only gods probably possess such all-encompassing power!

Cohen didn't give them any time to think at all.

Almost at the same moment the golden light appeared, Cohen raised his right hand and slashed forward!
"Shoot-"

With a piercing sound like cloth being torn apart, a huge gap was forcibly ripped open in the shadowy space in front of everyone.

The scene inside the canyon appeared clearly before everyone's eyes.

Cohen's orders followed in quick succession:

"Battle begins! Charge out!"

Without another word, Garr and Lavas roared and charged out first.

"Roar--!"

The next instant, a deafening battle cry, mixed with the roars of hundreds of elite demons, resounded throughout the Shattered Skull Canyon like a thunderclap.

One hundred ice demon warriors, shrouded in golden light and resembling demons emerging from the depths of hell, burst forth like a torrent of steel from the torn gap in the shadows.

A deadly attack without warning!

The berserk demons in the canyon had no time to make any effective response.

Many demons were still in the posture of carrying supplies and wiping their weapons when they were instantly torn to shreds by blades and magic imbued with bone-chilling cold and terrifying power.

The battle was overwhelmingly one-sided from the very beginning.

With the terrifying 50% boost from the "Banner of Command," the already elite Ice Demon Guard was now like a tiger among sheep, invincible.

Gar and Lavas took the lead, their massive ice crystal swords creating showers of blood and severed limbs with each swing.

The battle went even more smoothly than they had anticipated.

In less than five minutes, the resistance in the core area of ​​the canyon had been completely wiped out.

When the last remaining berserker fell to Lavas's ice spear, Garr and Lavas didn't even have time to catch their breath before anxiously turning their gaze toward the high platform at the deepest part of the canyon.

They worried that Cohen would struggle alone against the ninth-tier lord, or even meet with misfortune.

However, when their gaze pierced through the pervasive smoke and blood and landed on the high platform, the two men suddenly stopped in their tracks.

His face was filled with utter shock and disbelief.

On the high platform, Cohen stood there quietly, without even a trace of battle left on his body.

Beneath his feet, the five-meter-tall, terrifyingly powerful ninth-tier berserker demon lord had become a cold corpse.

The enormous head, covered in dark red keratin, was twisted at an extremely unnatural angle, as if it had been snapped in an instant by an irresistible force.

His eyes still held the horror and bewilderment of dying, as if he couldn't understand how he was killed so quickly.

Cohen stood quietly beside the body, as if he had only done something insignificant.

The entire canyon was deathly silent except for the crackling of the flames and the sound of the wind.

Gar and Lavas stood frozen in place, staring at the figure on the high platform, feeling a chill run down their spines and straight to the top of their heads.

ten minutes?
No, it's probably been less than five minutes since the start of the battle.

The human commander had already dealt with the toughest challenge and cleared the battlefield, and was now waiting for them.

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the same fear and a hint of inexplicable relief in each other's eyes.

I'm glad I'm on the side of this unfathomable human being.

……

The battlefield cleanup was quickly completed thanks to the efficient and ruthless execution of the Ice Demon Guard.

Garr strode up to Cohen, his face revealing an undisguised mixture of excitement and awe, and even his way of addressing Cohen unconsciously changed:

"Your Highness, we have just made history in the entire Nine Hells Plane!"
You are the fastest person in the entire Nine Hells plane to obtain the 'Blood Battle Medal'.

Now even the most stubborn members of the Supreme Joint Council have to acknowledge your strength and status!

Lavas, who was standing nearby, also stepped forward, his voice filled with the same deep reverence, and added:
"Your Highness, the battlefield has been cleaned up, and all valuable spoils and certificates of merit have been collected."

Should we set off immediately to return to the Bronze Fortress?

We just destroyed a key stronghold of the Berserker Horde, and they will not let this go.

We are, after all, a lone force deep in enemy territory. If we are entangled by the enemy's main force, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Garr also turned his gaze to Cohen, clearly sharing the same thought.

His gaze passed over the two men and landed on the distant sky, stained crimson with blood and the flames of war. He spoke calmly:
"You take the soldiers and return to the Bronze Fortress to report. I still have some things to take care of."

Gar and Lavas were both stunned. In this dangerous place that had just experienced a great battle and was in danger of facing a fierce counterattack from the enemy at any time, His Highness was going to stay behind alone?

What else does he need to do?

Is it more important than returning safely and consolidating this hard-won victory?

A strong sense of unease instantly gripped the hearts of the two ice demon commanders.

But seeing Cohen's calm, unwavering gaze and feeling his unquestionable authority, they swallowed back the words of advice that were on the tip of their tongues.

They knew that His Highness's decisions were never something they could easily change.

Garr asked cautiously:

"Your Highness, should we leave some men behind to accompany and protect you?"

Cohen shook his head:

"No need. Just tell the Grand Duke and Princess that I will be returning to Bronze Fortress soon, and that they need not worry."

"Yes, Your Highness, please be extra careful!"

Then, filled with doubt and worry, they turned around and began to assemble their troops, preparing to embark on their journey back to the Bronze Fortress.

Cohen stood quietly, watching their figures disappear completely into the blood-red smoke-filled exit of Skullcrusher Canyon.

Only after confirming that they were far away did Cohen calmly take out a communication stone from his pocket that was shimmering with a faint magical light.

He infused a wisp of magic into it, and the communication stone quickly began to glow steadily.

A slightly hoarse voice, belonging to Old Mo, came from it.

Cohen skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point:

"Just to confirm, that seductive demon hasn't moved yet, has it?"

Old Mo on the other end of the communication stone did not immediately answer Cohen's question. Instead, he first uttered a meaningful sigh:

"The fastest Bloodbath Badge in the history of the Nine Hells, Your Majesty Corleone."

I'm starting to really believe that you might actually be able to replace that old man Dispart and become the new ruler of the Second Hell.

Cohen didn't seem surprised that Old Mo was able to learn about the Skullcrushing Canyon battle report so quickly.

He was now almost certain that among the ten powerful councilors in the Bronze Fortress, there must be an informant planted by Old Mo, and his position was probably not low.

Otherwise, it would be impossible to transmit such top-secret intelligence, which has not yet been fully disclosed, in such a short period of time.

However, Cohen did not dwell on this issue; he simply repeated his question in a lighthearted manner:

Is that seductive demon still in the same old spot?

After a brief moment of reflection, Lao Mo quickly replied from the other end of the communication channel:

She's still in the place I told you about, go there.

I'm really curious now, what method are you planning to use to deal with a legendary-rank Temptress?

Cohen smiled, said nothing more, and casually ended the communication.

Then I took out a topographic map and quickly scanned it, finally locking onto a town icon marked "Prism Town" located in the northeast of the canyon.

That was the coordinate provided by Old Mo, and also the temporary hiding place of that legendary seductive demon.

Cohen put away the map, his figure disappearing into the deep shadows of the canyon like a ghost, and silently sped off in that direction.

……

With Cohen officially receiving the Blood War Medal, all the discussions and doubts about his identity have vanished.

The deathly silence lasted only a short time.

Soon, a member of the Sumerian council sitting on the right couldn't help but stand up, his gaze fixed on Grand Duke Zariel, who sat regally in the main seat, and he asked with barely suppressed curiosity:
"Your Highness, just how prominent is the princess's fiancé in the human world?"

Given the abilities and strength he has displayed today, he could hardly be an unknown figure even in the prime material plane, could he?

In an instant, all the councilors in the hall focused their attention on Grand Duke Zariel, filled with intense curiosity and anticipation.

Under this silent gaze, Grand Duke Zariel hesitated for a moment before speaking slowly in a low voice:
He is the son of the demon god.

In the human world, he has another, more widely known title—the Pirate King.

One Piece!
"Son of the Demon God"!
These two prestigious titles were like two bombshells dropped into a calm lake!
The entire command hall instantly erupted into an uproar. Even these well-informed, high-ranking devil councilors who wielded the power of Afonas couldn't help but show disbelief and shock upon hearing these two titles.

They may not be deeply involved in the specifics of the human world, but they are well aware of the weight and significance behind the titles "Pirate King" and "Child of the Demon God."

It is a symbol standing at the pinnacle of power and strength in the primary plane, a mythical existence capable of stirring up the entire material plane.

When all the councilors looked at the red dot on the magic screen again, their expressions had completely changed.

The atmosphere in the hall became heated because of the unprecedented Bloodbath Badge that Cohen had received.

Several councilors who favored Grand Duke Zaril, with relaxed smiles on their faces, began to discuss the next steps.

A senior ChainMagic councilor, with a hint of jubilation in his voice, loudly suggested:
"Since Your Excellency has already secured victory in this highly anticipated bet..."

Shouldn't we immediately begin preparing for the grand wedding of Her Highness the Princess and this Pirate King?

Another member of the Sumeru council also chimed in with a smile:
"This is a perfect opportunity to formally announce to the entire Nine Hells Plane the distinguished status of our newly appointed Prince Consort, Aphonas!"

A murmur of approval rippled through the hall, with many members of parliament agreeing that it was the obvious thing to do.

However, amidst this seemingly harmonious atmosphere, Grand Duke Zariel, seated in the main seat, slowly raised his hand, his face still bearing that unchanging, cold expression.

He spoke in a low, penetrating voice:
"There's no need for you all to be in such a hurry."

Our bet is far from over.

Only twelve hours have passed since our agreed ten-day deadline.

The expressions of all the members of parliament present, especially those from other factions, changed drastically in an instant.

They suddenly remembered!
Before this gamble began, there was this seemingly absurd additional condition that Grand Duke Zaril had proposed!
—If Cohen can not only obtain the "Blood Badge" within ten days, but also achieve military merits of a higher level than the Blood Badge.

Therefore, the Supreme Military Joint Conference must offer an additional full command of the "Heavenly Punishment Legion" as a reward.

When this condition was proposed, almost all members of parliament believed it was merely a bluff by Grand Duke Zaril to gain more leverage in the negotiations.

No one really believed that an eighth-tier human, leading two eighth-tier ice demons and a hundred-man guard, could accomplish such an incredible feat in the perilous battlefield.

Kill a legendary demon?
That's a complete fantasy!

But now!

After witnessing firsthand how Cohen obtained the "Blood War Badge," something countless devils could only dream of in a mere twelve hours, in an almost overwhelming manner.

These lawmakers couldn't help but feel uneasy!
just in case!

What if this human really does create another miracle?

What if he really has the ability to challenge a legendary-level demon?

Command of that "Heavenly Punishment Legion" involves a huge redistribution of interests and power!
The mere thought of this possibility sent a chill down the spines of many lawmakers.

The atmosphere in the hall instantly changed from relaxed and festive to extremely heavy and oppressive.

All the councilors turned their attention back to the red dot representing Cohen on the magic projection screen.

This time, their eyes were filled with unprecedented tension, apprehension, and a hint of fear.

How many more outrageous things will this human do?

Among them, the horned demon Knatu and the beard demon Alanie looked the most unpleasant.

These two powerful lawmakers, belonging to different factions, had faces so gloomy they looked as if they were about to burst into tears.

His gaze was fixed on the magic projection screen, his eyes filled with a mixture of shock, anger, and unease.

According to the previous bet, if Cohen can really obtain the "Abyssal Essence," which is a higher level than the "Blood War Badge," then...

Then the command of the precious "Heavenly Punishment Legion," which was the stake, would be ceded from the sphere of influence of the factions they represented.

That was a well-organized and well-equipped devilish army!
At this extremely sensitive moment, the previously still light spot on the magic projection screen suddenly began to move again.

All the councilors' eyes were instantly drawn to it.

They could clearly see that the two blue dots representing the Ice Demon Garr and Lavas were leading the white dots of soldiers, moving quickly and orderly toward the Bronze Fortress.

However, the most prominent red dot representing Cohen did not return with the team.

It broke away from the main force all by itself and moved resolutely towards a deeper and more dangerous area in the Bloodbath, opposite to the Bronze Fortress.

Upon witnessing this scene, a wildly unsettling speculation uncontrollably surged into the minds of every member of parliament.

Could this human, who just made history, be planning to hunt down a legendary demon all by himself?

is it possible?

Is this reasonable?

An eighth-order human, even if he is the so-called "Pirate King" or the "son of the Demon God".

But he was about to face a real, legendary-level demon at the pinnacle of power!

In the countless years of bloody battles between the Nine Hells and the Abyss, there has never been such a crazy precedent.

The faces of the horned demon Knatu and the beard demon Aranie were already slightly pale.

If they had previously harbored a sliver of hope, believing that the bet on the "Abyssal Essence" was nothing but a pipe dream.

At this moment, watching that red dot of light rushing alone into the depths of the battlefield without hesitation, an extremely ominous premonition coiled around their hearts like a cold, venomous snake.

This human really dares to do that!

He might actually have some hidden trump card!
The entire hall fell silent; all discussion and speculation ceased.

The councilors' eyes were fixed on that single red dot, which shone with an incredibly blinding light.

There was a depressing feeling of impending storm in the air.

Grand Duke Zariel remained expressionless as he sat in the main seat, with only a fleeting glimmer of expectation in his pupils.

He also seemed to be waiting to witness something.

We await the next earth-shattering event that will unfold on this brutal battlefield, with that red dot of light.

……

To the northeast of Skullcrushing Canyon, the outline of a small town shrouded in a pale purple mist faintly appeared on the horizon of Cohen's vision.

The air in the town was filled with a sweet, rotten smell, which perfectly matched the location characteristics described in the information provided by Lao Mo.

Cohen stopped and observed quietly for a moment. After confirming that there were no abnormal energy fluctuations or ambushes around him, he slowly raised his hand.

He removed the "devil mask" that he always wore on his face, which could disguise his appearance and aura.

As the mask was removed, the young and handsome face was exposed to the polluted air.

At the same time, his unique aura, which naturally emanated from his charismatic attributes that reached the limits of mortals and could attract the attention of all living beings, spread out without reservation.

Then, without any attempt to conceal it, he walked straight to the entrance of the town.

Almost the instant he stepped into the town, the eyes of all the strange and wonderful demon residents were drawn to him.

These low-ranking demons, who had long lived in an ugly and twisted environment, had never seen such a handsome and inexplicably charming human male.
Not to mention the dazzling aura that Cohen possesses, refined through countless legendary experiences and the tempering of a king, a quality that shines like a pearl in the night.

In an instant, a mixture of greedy, lewd, curious, and malicious gazes pierced Cohen like countless invisible needles.

News of Cohen's arrival spread like wildfire throughout the town.

Less than half an hour.

Deep within the town lies a mansion that appears dilapidated on the outside but is decorated with extreme luxury and debauchery on the inside.

The legendary Temptress lurking here was lazily reclining on a huge soft couch covered with the fur of various creatures.

When she saw Cohen's magical projection through the magic crystal presented by her subordinates, her alluring yet cruel eyes instantly lit up with a fiery light.

"What an exceptional human man! He actually delivered himself right to my doorstep!"

The seductive demon extended her scarlet tongue and licked her full lips, her voice filled with undisguised possessiveness.

After carefully sensing the energy fluctuations emanating from Cohen, and confirming that he was only around the eighth rank in strength.

A greedy smile appeared on his face.

She gave the order to a low-ranking Flomoth standing to one side:
"Go and 'invite' that cute little guy over here."

In her view, an eighth-tier human falling into the lair of a legendary-tier seductive demon like her was nothing short of lambs to the slaughter.

She was already looking forward to properly "savoring" this top-notch "male concubine" who had come to her door.

On the streets of the small town.

Cohen hadn't even had a chance to start actively searching.

A low-ranking Flomos, his face plastered with a fawning smile, came forward, bowing and scraping.

In a hoarse, unpleasant voice, he tried his best to imitate a polite tone:
"Your Excellency, welcome to our town. I am the mayor of this town."

Is there anything I can do for you?

As he spoke, he exaggeratedly performed an awkward and inappropriate gesture of greeting.

Seeing the Flomoth before him and sensing the aura of a mature demon emanating from it, Cohen immediately felt relieved.

There's no mistake, this is the lair of that legendary-rank Temptress.

However, this is her home turf, not a good place to make a move.

To prevent any accidents, we should change locations! (End of Chapter)