Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

"rogue!"

Mavis spat lightly, with a hint of coquettishness, but without much real resistance.

She glanced at him sideways, a glance that was full of charm and spoke volumes.

Then, under Cohen's burning gaze, she slowly loosened her grip on the edge of the towel.

The white bath towel, like a cloud that has lost its support, slipped quietly down her smooth skin and piled up around her bare feet.

A body, as perfect as if sculpted by a goddess, was presented without reservation to Cohen's deep gaze.

Water droplets rolled slowly down her delicate collarbone, full curves, slender waist, and straight, long legs, shimmering with a crystal-clear luster in the firelight.

She turned slightly to the side, standing in an elegant pose as if she were a dancer starting to move. Although she was completely naked, she strangely did not appear erotic, but rather possessed an artistic beauty that originated from life itself.

Mavis closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, her eyes were filled with focus and tranquility.

With a light touch of her toes, a supple twist of her waist, and arms outstretched like a swan stretching its neck, she began her dance.

Every movement is a combination of strength and beauty, with the outstretched limbs casting ever-changing shadows in the firelight.

Finally, after a difficult spin, she collapsed into Cohen's open arms, as if exhausted.

Skin to skin, heat mingling.

Thus began an absurd night.

The living room's soft carpet, large sofa, and even the warm area in front of the fireplace... all became their stage.

Until the sky outside the window began to lighten with the first hint of dawn...

……

After a wild night, Cohen, feeling refreshed, tidied himself up and glanced at Mavis, who was wrapped in a thin blanket and curled up in the corner of the sofa, only revealing half of her languid and alluring face. His gaze softened considerably.

He bent down, carried Mavis to the bed, kissed her gently, and then quietly left the mansion.

When Cohen entered the camp, Sal was standing in front of a huge military map, his brow furrowed, scrutinizing the jagged lines at the front.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up, his bloodshot eyes meeting Cohen's.

"Mayne, what's up so early?"

Cohen stepped forward, placed his right hand on his chest in a gesture of respect, and lowered his voice to say:
"Your Majesty, good news! Our informant within the vampire clan has gone through many twists and turns to send back a top-secret intelligence report!"

Upon hearing this, Sal's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "Oh? Speak!"

Cohen stepped forward, pointed to several specially marked areas on the map, and said:
"We have discovered strategic resource stockpiling points and core magic nodes that were privately controlled by several elders and the highest nobles of the vampire clan."

Two of these locations even contain some of the treasures and forbidden secrets accumulated by the vampires over generations.

The defensive force mainly consisted of their elite 'Silent Legion' and some family private soldiers. Although formidable, they were not invincible.

Most importantly, these locations are far from the vampires' current main defensive line and scattered around, allowing us to concentrate our elite forces for a swift and decisive surprise attack, catching them completely off guard!

Cohen's tone was seductive as he gestured deeper:

"Your Majesty, please take a look. According to our inside investigation, this is the secret vault of the 'Dark Blood Crystal Mine,' and this is the core node of the 'Crimson Castle' magic pool."

This place is rumored to contain the burial goods and legacies of an ancient vampire prince...

If we can capture it in one fell swoop, we will not only gain a massive amount of resources to replenish our army's losses, but also severely damage the morale of the vampire nobles and destroy part of the foundation upon which they rely to resist.

Sal's breathing became noticeably heavier, and his scarlet eyes gleamed with greed and excitement.

Resources, treasures, and the ability to strike at the enemy's lifeline!

This is exactly what he needs right now!

The protracted battle with the vampires on the front lines was extremely costly, so seizing such a rich spoil from the enemy's rear would be a huge boost to morale.

"Is the information reliable?"

Sal spoke in a deep voice, but his tone already indicated that he believed Cohen's intelligence capabilities.

Cohen replied decisively:
“Absolutely reliable. This was sent out at great cost by our insider. I also secretly sent people to investigate.”

Thrall no longer hesitated:

"Good! Pass down the order! Deploy the 3rd Battalion of the 'Blood Moon Vanguard Army' and draw two elite demon assault regiments, under the personal command of Balzac."

"Let's set off immediately! I'll teach those old bats hiding in the back a lesson they'll learn what pain is!"

He looked at Cohen, his eyes full of admiration:

"Mayne, you have made another great contribution. If this battle is won, you will be credited with the greatest merit!"

"I would gladly die to serve His Majesty!"

Soon, the sound of urgent bugle calls and the footsteps of messengers echoed through the Demon Gold Empire's military camp.

That evening, a strike force personally led by Balzac, the vanguard commander of the Empire, quietly broke away from the main battle line and rushed towards the rear of the vampires, heading towards the coordinates provided by Cohen.

The battle broke out suddenly and fiercely. Although the "Silent Legion" and the noble private soldiers who stayed behind put up a tenacious resistance, the resistance was quickly crushed by the elite attack of the demon legion.

The doors to the ancient treasure vault were forcibly broken open, and the mountains of treasure, magical items, and precious books inside were looted.

The key strategic magic node that supports the vampires' magic source was also destroyed, causing a small-scale magic disturbance and ley line tremors.

……

When news arrived that the Silent Legion guarding several treasure locations had been almost completely wiped out, the entire Twilight Continent was thrown into chaos.

The Silent Legion was the ace of ace among vampires, and its destruction was a devastating blow to vampire morale.

Inside the main hall, the vampire leaders looked at the detailed report on the devastating blows to multiple core treasure vaults and strategic resource points, their faces filled with grief and indignation.

The locations that were attacked were not royal property, but rather the private treasuries of several of the most prominent, oldest, and most stubbornly opposed to cooperating with the Supreme Council, and of the highest nobility.

It not only contains the enviable wealth accumulated by their family over hundreds or thousands of years (rare magical metals, gems, works of art, ancient scrolls), but also stores the core heirlooms that maintain their family's status and power.

Thrall's elite commando units are swift as lightning, ruthless and precise, and primarily focused on destruction and looting.

Wherever they went, the treasure troves were looted, key magical nodes were destroyed, defensive facilities were reduced to ruins, and the private soldiers and guardians who remained were either killed or wounded.

Centuries of accumulation, the foundation of family glory and power, vanished overnight.

For those nobles and elders who relied on their seniority and placed their personal interests above the survival of their clan, this was tantamount to having their hearts and livers ripped out.

Those who had previously clamored "better to be a broken jade than a whole tile" and "vampire dignity is above all else" are now truly feeling the pain of being "shattered".

That's not just about saving face; it's about the real foundation of power and the source of benefits.

"Revenge! We must get revenge! Take back what's ours! Slaughter all those damned demons and mechanical bastards!"

"My family's treasure trove! My ancestors' relics! All gone! All gone! This is an irreconcilable feud!"

"The Demon Gold Empire! Thrall! I will never let you get away with this!"

Inside the Twilight Court's council hall, the noise was deafening once again, but this time, the main theme was no longer empty glory and dignity.

Instead, it is filled with tearful accusations, heart-wrenching grief over the loss of wealth, and an almost manic desire for revenge.

Especially those elders and nobles who had previously opposed the treaty most vehemently, now had ashen faces and bloodshot eyes.

With a hoarse voice, he demanded that all remaining forces be gathered to fight the Demon Gold Empire to the death, reclaim lost territory, and seize back their property.

The loss of tangible interests is far more effective in unifying thought than vague notions of "pride".

When one's core interests are stripped away, and the foundation upon which one's status is shaken, ancient pride and racial dignity quickly give way to the most primal instincts of survival and revenge.

As for becoming a vassal of the Supreme Council?
As long as the Supreme Council can help them avenge their grievances, recover their losses, or at least stop the enemy from continuing to plunder, and ensure that their remaining interests and status are not harmed...

That doesn't seem like something that can't be considered.

Some people even muttered privately:
"If His Majesty Corleone can truly help me reclaim my family fortune and secure my position, then submitting to him... is not unacceptable."

Although the words were forced, the meaning was crystal clear—as long as the actual interests could be preserved and regained, the nominal humiliation could be tolerated.

Seated on his throne, Blood Lord Lucius silently watched his kin below, driven to near madness by the pain they had endured.

There was little fervent righteous indignation in my heart, only a chilling sorrow and a profound weariness.

He lamented the shortsightedness and selfishness of the tribe's upper echelons, only realizing the pain and fear when the knife actually cut him.

He was weary of being the Blood Lord, yet having to lead a group of people blinded by self-interest, searching for a virtually non-existent path to survival in a desperate situation.

He was more aware than anyone else that he couldn't wait any longer.

Thrall's strike was precise and ruthless, directly strangling the lifeline of the opposition forces within the vampire clan, and also completely exposing how vulnerable the Twilight Continent was in the face of the true military might of the Magma Empire.

If we hesitate or stall any longer, and wait until Thrall has fully digested the spoils and launched an even fiercer offensive, or if the Supreme Council loses patience and abandons Twilight Continent altogether...

Therefore, the vampire clan faces not only the loss of wealth for some nobles, but also the true threat of extinction.

Lucius slowly rose from his throne, ignoring the clamor of demands for battle and angry shouts below, and said in a deep voice:
"Enough, revenge? What kind of revenge can you take?"
Gather the remaining troops and charge at Sarr's heavily fortified defenses?

Or are we hoping that the families whose private armies have just been destroyed will scare away the demons with their roars?

Lucius's words dampened some of the unrealistic fervor.

Everyone looked at each other, speechless for a moment.

Lucius continued, his tone eerily calm:
"We have already experienced the might of the Demon Gold Empire."

Keshram has witnessed firsthand the power of the Supreme Council.

Continuing to argue and fantasize will only lead to destruction. We have neither the time nor the resources to bargain anymore.

He stepped down from the throne, his steps steady, yet carrying a tragic air of desperate desperation:

"I will personally travel to the Endless City to meet with Commissioner Windsordler."

This journey is for one purpose only—to seek a way out for my vampire clan.

He didn't say "strive for better conditions" or "uphold the dignity of the vampire clan," he only said "seek a way to survive."

This simple sentence caused all the vampires present, whether radical or conservative, to feel a sudden chill in their hearts, as if they had never felt anything before.

This time, Lucius did not send his son Keshram.

His Highness's status no longer carries enough weight in the other party's eyes.

He, the Blood Lord of Twilight Continent and leader of the Aragell family, must personally confront this humiliation and sign the treaty that could nail the vampire clan's millennia-long lineage to the pillar of shame.

This is his responsibility, and also his destiny.

……

Endless City, Supreme Council Headquarters.

Blood Lord Lucius Aragell, dressed in simple dark travel attire, stood alone, facing Windsordler, who sat regally in the main seat.

There was no lengthy ceremony, no unnecessary small talk, and Windsordler didn't even give Lucius much of a chance to explain his "difficulties."

His attitude was more direct and colder than when he last met with Keshuram.

She simply listened calmly as Lucius recounted the vampires' current predicament, the new internal consensus, and their request for assistance from the Supreme Council, in the most peaceful possible tone.

Then, she slowly said:

"I'm sorry, Lord Blood Lord, the vampire clan has lost its last chance."

We gave you time, but you rejected the contract, so... please leave!

Lucius's expression changed drastically. He forcibly suppressed his emotions and said in a hoarse voice:
"Your Excellency, please give us another chance, at least considering the historical ties between our vampire clan and the elves!"
This time, I guarantee the entire vampire clan will cooperate fully!

Windsordler narrowed his eyes and said slowly:
"The time was set by my husband and was also approved by all the committee members."

I myself cannot change it without authorization.

He then gestured to Rachel beside him, indicating that they could see the guests out.

Lucius took a step forward abruptly, then suddenly felt a pang of fear and glanced at the distance.

He could clearly sense that a powerful being was watching him!
Lord of Sequences, the Cursed Witch Belmody!
The strongest legend on the mainland!
Lucius suppressed his emotions, stopped walking, and said earnestly:

"Your Excellency, we vampires are willing to pay any price, as long as you are willing to give us another chance!"
Your husband's good friend, Grand Duke Roland of the Western Regions Empire, also has a deep friendship with our vampire clan.

Please, for our sake, give us another chance!

Lucius wasn't talking nonsense. Back when Cohen was competing with the Western Empire and the Darkwing Clan for a share of the inter-racial trade routes...

Grand Duke Roland established himself in the Lost Lands thanks to his connections with the vampires.

Upon hearing this, Windsordler pretended to ponder for a moment before saying:
"Since Your Excellency the Blood Lord has said so, please wait a moment while I contact the other committee members and ask for their opinions."

Time passed by minute by minute.

Blood Lord Lucius fidgeted in the conference room, showing none of the composure expected of a legendary transcendent.

Finally, the conference room door opened again, and Windsordler appeared, holding a new contract in his hand.

Upon seeing the contract, Lucius was overjoyed, but Windsordler's next words filled him with bitterness.

"The committee members have agreed, but it can no longer be the treaty that Your Highness took back before, but this new one. Please take a look."

This really is the last chance!

Lucius knew without a doubt that the new treaty would be even more harsh.

Soon, a new version of the treaty, more detailed and more stringent than the one given to Keshuram last time, was presented to Lucius.

The core terms are that the vampire armed forces will be integrated and commanded, key resources and magical nodes will be opened to the committee, and foreign policy will be coordinated with the committee.

Even this time, the selection of all important positions within the vampire clan must be approved by the committee.

All resources that have been occupied and plundered by the Demon Gold Empire will be allocated by the Supreme Council after the lost territory is recovered!

Each item is like a shackle, designed to bind the backbone of the entire vampire clan.

Lucius read the treaty word for word.

In the end, he neither argued nor got angry.

He knew very well that this was truly his last chance; if he refused again, the vampire clan would be completely wiped out from the continent.

He calmly picked up the pen that had been prepared beside him and signed his name at the end of this treaty, which was destined to be recorded in the annals of vampire history—Lucius Aragell.

Then he took out the Twilight Continent Seal and stamped it on.

The light of the magic contract taking effect shone brightly, and the contract was officially established!

……

The very day after Lucius signed the treaty, the Supreme Council, with astonishing efficiency, issued a brief but impactful announcement to all major powers and intelligence networks throughout the Lost Lands:

"From this day forward, the Twilight Continent and its ruling vampire clan have officially joined the Supreme Committee for the United Resistance and Nation Building of the Lost Lands, becoming members of the committee."

Blood Lord Lucius Aragell was appointed as the Deputy Director of the Operations Department of the Supreme Council.

The committee will provide comprehensive security protection and necessary assistance to the Twilight Continent in accordance with relevant charters, jointly addressing the threats from the Magnum Empire and the demons of the Abyss.

The announcement was worded with official restraint, but the information it contained was like a thunderclap, shaking the entire Lost Land.

Nightmoon Continent, the Orcish Royal Court.

Wolf Lord Tolwald Kayya stared at the Supreme Council's announcement, his thick eyebrows furrowing tightly.

"The vampires... those old bats with their eyes on the top of their heads, they actually bowed their heads? And so completely?"
The dignified Lord of the Vampire Clan, a legendary high-level transcendent, couldn't even get a committee member position; he was just some worthless deputy minister.

Is this some kind of cooperation or an takeover?

The orc generals and shamans below were discussing amongst themselves, their faces filled with shock and solemnity.

Goruk, the leader of the "Cracked Claw" wolf bandit gang, said in a deep voice:
"Lord Wolf, although the vampire clan has declined somewhat in recent years, its foundation remains strong."

Especially the old clans and the Silent Legion, they still have considerable fighting power.

For them to abandon their millennia-old pride and choose to completely side with that Supreme Council... the dangers of the Eastern War are likely far greater than we previously anticipated!

“That’s right,” the old shaman Wolfgar stroked his beard and continued Goruk’s words, “Thrall of the Morgen Empire, and the abyssal power that may exist behind him, are probably more terrifying than we imagine.”

The vampires have suffered a great loss this time, a loss so great that it could shake their very foundation!
This Supreme Council... to be able to force the vampires to submit, either their strength is equally unfathomable, or they have grasped the vampires' true weakness!

The wolf lord suddenly stood up, his tall figure exuding a strong sense of oppression:
"Pass down the order!"
The entire Nightmoon Continent is now under a state of war! All border outposts have been upgraded to maximum defense level! Patrol numbers have been doubled and their coverage expanded!

Each tribe has taken another inventory of its war supplies, ready to respond to any threat that may come from any direction!

He surveyed his people below, his eyes burning with a savage fire and a deep sense of vigilance:

"The lesson of the vampires is right before our eyes! Pride and antiquity are nothing but dust in the face of true blades!"

If you don't want someone to hold a knife to your throat when negotiating, you have to clench your fists tighter and keep your eyes open!
"Get your act together, all of you!"

……

When the Supreme Council officially announced the acceptance of vampires as members, the news swept across the Lost Lands like a hurricane.

The Demon Gold Empire's main base, located on the eastern front, naturally received this weighty announcement immediately.

The atmosphere inside the command tent was unusually eerie.

After a brief silence, Bhavamsa spoke incredulously:
"The vampires... the Aragell family... Lucius... actually lowered their heads that had been proud for ten thousand years?"
To submit to a newly formed alliance?
Has Lucius gone mad?

Balzac said in a gruff voice:

"This is too strange. The Strategic Department previously analyzed that the contact between the vampires and the Supreme Council was most likely limited to material assistance, limited troop support, or intelligence sharing."

The core demand of the vampires should be to maintain their existing independent status.

It's utterly baffling how they could suddenly and completely side with the Supreme Council, without even securing a committee position.

Sal listened silently to his subordinates' discussions. He had indeed anticipated that the vampires would seek outside help under pressure, and that the Supreme Council would certainly take the opportunity to expand its influence.

But he shared the judgment of most of his staff: Cohen Corleone's pragmatic and greedy style, known throughout the continent, and the vampire's deep-rooted pride.

The most likely form of cooperation between the two sides is a limited aid agreement, in which the vampires pay certain prices in exchange for the support of the Supreme Council, but will never give up their sovereignty and independent military command.

But now they are bowing down and completely submitting, which is truly unexpected.

Cohen, standing to the side, spoke up at the opportune moment:
"Your Majesty, esteemed lords, in my humble opinion, the vampires' actions, which defy common sense, may not be entirely incomprehensible."

Our previous offensives, especially the raids on several of their core noble treasuries and strategic nodes, not only struck at their military strength, but also directly shook the foundations and vested interests of their ruling class.

Although Lucius is the Blood Lord, the power of the Elder Council and the various ancient noble families within the vampire clan is deeply entrenched.

The treasures we destroyed were the accumulations of those opposition nobles for hundreds or even thousands of years; they were their lifeblood.

This kind of visceral pain is far more likely to incite internal panic and upheaval than the loss of a few legions on the battlefield.

Lucius was likely forced to make such a humiliating choice under internal pressure, especially from the nobles whose vested interests had been severely damaged, and from the dire external circumstances! (End of Chapter)