Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Shanghai, council chamber.

Baphomet respectfully presented Sal with a detailed investigation report:

"Your Majesty, regarding the leak of logistics routes, after investigation, I have reached an accurate conclusion."

I am certain that the source of the leak did not originate within my Chaotic Demon Continent, nor was it due to negligence by the frontline commanders.

Rather... it lies with the Mechanical State!

As he spoke, Baphomet presented the evidence he had gathered to Sal one by one:

"Kalon, the third commander of the mechanical legion responsible for guarding the magic pipeline in the Blackrock Mountains; Triss, the logistics officer in charge of coordinating the supplies transfer station in the putrid swamp; and Green, the logistics adjutant in charge of the large transfer warehouse."

These individuals disappeared one after another after the Empire's supply lines were attacked.

Subsequently, we intercepted this intelligence during a crackdown on the Supreme Council's peripheral intelligence network.

The letter expressed appreciation for the contributions of Caron and others, and promised them generous treatment and security guarantees in the new empire after the mission was accomplished.

After investigation by secret agents, it has now been confirmed that the families of these generals left the Mechanical State several months ago for various reasons.

Although their whereabouts were concealed many times, multiple clues intersected and most of them pointed in the same direction—the Central Empire!
The Empire's power in the Central Empire was weak, and the investigators, constrained by their status, were unable to conduct further in-depth investigations.

The investigation team concluded that these individuals had most likely been secretly placed in shelters.

Baffame paused, waiting for Sal to fully process his investigation findings, before continuing:
"To be able to so cleanly and efficiently transfer several generals and their families to the strongest empire in humankind so quietly from the lost lands."

And they were able to so quickly and smoothly help those traitors clear their names and hide their tracks.

"Those with such power and motivation, across the entire continent, aside from the Central Empire's royal consort and the ambitious King of Efein, Cohen Corleone, I can think of no other."

Thrall's eyes blazed with fury:

"In other words, it's someone from Hextech!"

"They were bribed by Cohen long ago. It was a traitor among his men who leaked the supply lines, causing our supplies to be cut off and putting us in this passive situation?"

Bhavam nodded slowly and replied calmly:

"All the evidence at present points to this conclusion."

Sarr slammed his fist on the table, unusually losing his composure in front of the entire court:
"Useless! You can't even manage your own subordinates!"

Thrall already harbored suspicion and resentment towards Hextech, and now that the "evidence was irrefutable," he unleashed all his anger over the disruption of his supplies onto this ally.

What is he doing on the front lines?
He's dragging his feet on dealing with a lowly vampire, and his own backyard is on fire, allowing Cohen to extend his reach into his inner circle!

How did he become a Grand Marshal?

Enraged, Thrall immediately contacted Hextech, who was far away on the front lines of the vampire clan, via emergency communication.

Before Hex could report any situation at the front, he launched into a tirade of angry rebukes.

He then dismissed Baphomet's investigation findings, sternly questioning him about his serious responsibility for lax military discipline, the presence of traitors among his subordinates, and the resulting crisis that plunged the empire into such a predicament.

On the other end of the communication, Hextech, who was on the front lines, looked at the evidence sent by Thrall accusing his trusted general of defecting to the enemy, and an incredulous expression appeared on his face.

He simply couldn't accept the findings of the investigation that Sal had thrown his way.

Hextech isn't stupid; anyone he assigns to a critical position like logistics, which is vital to the army's survival, is rigorously selected.

Especially the people Sal mentioned, who were his most trusted confidants.

He absolutely did not believe that these people would betray him so easily, much less that they would betray him so thoroughly that they even moved their families in advance.

This doesn't make sense! This seems more like... a frame-up!
Hextech suppressed his suspicions and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, there are many suspicious points in this matter."

Caron, Triss, and others have followed me for many years and have withstood numerous tests; they are absolutely loyal.

The Supreme Council is cunning and its methods of fabricating evidence and sowing discord are not impossible.

"I implore Your Majesty to allow me to conduct a thorough investigation, to clear their name, and to give my Mechanical State an explanation."

Thrall was furious and wouldn't listen to Hextech's explanation. Or rather, subconsciously, he hoped the problem lay with the Mechanical Continent rather than his own subordinates betraying them.

"Investigate? By the time you've investigated, the troops on the front lines will have already starved to death!"

I don't care what your reasons are, the fact is that your people are the problem, causing the imperial strategy to become passive!

Hextech, I'm giving you three days. You must give me an explanation in three days!

Then, Sal angrily cut off the communication.

Hex was left alone on the front lines of the vampire clan, facing the evidence that was being sent to him.

Hex's face was expressionless, but the sudden drop in temperature in the command room was enough to show the raging anger and deep doubts churning within the Imperial Grand Marshal.

Caron, a subordinate who had followed him for over a hundred years, had helped the Machine State open up three new mining areas, and he had even personally attended his son's wedding ceremony.

Triss, a genius logistics officer, designed an optimization algorithm that saved the Mechanical State one-fifth of its logistics losses. She was always cited as a typical example of an outstanding political officer at every meeting.

And Green...

Hextech doesn't believe these people would betray him!
In response to Thrall's ultimatum and to prove their innocence, Hextech quickly established an internal investigation team to thoroughly investigate the disappearances and suspected defections of Caron, Triss, and others.

The head of the investigation team was one of his trusted confidants, his political secretary Julian.

Julian is shrewd, familiar with bureaucratic operations, and has a thorough understanding of the personnel and affairs within the Machine State, making him a theoretically good candidate.

However, what Hex didn't know was that Julian, this seemingly capable political secretary, had long been corrupted by the Kuomintang's secret police!
Nephthys, who was in charge of military intelligence in Florence, had long ago begun to make arrangements across the entire continent, especially targeting the oasis-level forces in the Lost Lands that were at odds with the Endless Alliance.

Military intelligence agents had long since infiltrated many levels of the Mechanical State.

One of the senior intelligence agents made contact with Julian under the guise of a businessman.

The two ran several shady businesses together, the most profitable of which was using Julian's authority to smuggle personal goods into the logistical supplies being transported to the Chaotic Demon Continent, thus enriching themselves.

Therefore, when the leak occurred and Hex ordered a thorough investigation, this KMT intelligence agent immediately contacted Julian:

"Lord Julian, the Grand Marshal is truly enraged this time and is determined to investigate thoroughly."

The disappearances of Caron and Triss were suspicious, and the evidence they presented was also strange.

"Checking for leaks isn't a problem, the real fear is that they might uncover something else... like our business dealings."

Julian's expression changed instantly. If his collusion with the intelligence agent to embezzle military supplies were exposed, given Hextech's strict discipline, he would surely die, and his family might even be implicated.

"Then... then what do you suggest we do?"

The intelligence officer lowered his voice and patiently persuaded:

"The key to this matter is not whether Karon and his men have truly betrayed us, but rather to give His Majesty Thrall and Lord Hex a 'reasonable' explanation and divert attention."

You can imagine, it's not just the people of our Mechanical State who know the complete logistics routes.

Back in the Chaotic Demon Continent, weren't His Majesty Thrall's advisors, the generals in charge of receiving them, and even those demon overseers all aware of this?

Why is His Majesty Thrall so adamant that the problem lies on our side?

Could it be... that he has a more cunning pawn planted by the Supreme Council, who deliberately leaked information and then framed us to sow discord between the Chaotic Demon Continent and the Mechanical Continent?

A glint flashed in Julian's eyes.

This line of thinking not only throws the mud back at the enemy, but also explains why the evidence points to the Machine State—it's all an enemy conspiracy!
Julian was tempted by the prospect of being able to both deal with the investigation and protect himself.

A few days later, an investigation report led by Julian was presented to Hextech.

The report was lengthy and detailed, thoroughly examining the backgrounds, recent behaviors, and interpersonal relationships of Caron, Triss, and others, ultimately concluding that:
"Upon investigation, it was found that Commander Caron, logistics officer Triss, and several others had no unusual communications, financial transactions, or sudden changes in behavior before or after the incident."

There are many suspicious points surrounding the disappearance of his family members, and the possibility of kidnapping or fabrication of their whereabouts cannot be ruled out.

The alleged enemy traces left at the scene differed from the Supreme Council's known combat style and showed signs of forgery.

The so-called evidence, including secret letters and identity documents, has been found by technical analysis to have a high probability of being forged. The clues pointing to the Central Empire are too clear, suggesting a deliberate attempt to conceal the truth.

The most crucial part of the report is at the end:
"Based on comprehensive analysis, there is another highly probable possibility regarding this leak."

The source of the leak was not within the Mechanical State, but rather a key member of the Chaotic Demon Continent who knew the details of the logistics routes.

The enemy may have successfully infiltrated His Majesty Sal's inner circle and obtained intelligence. In order to cover up their infiltration and sow discord between the two pillars of the empire, they have meticulously planned to kidnap our personnel, fabricate evidence of defection, and divert the blame eastward.

It is recommended that His Majesty Sal thoroughly investigate his core staff and all personnel familiar with the supply routes, especially those who have recently exhibited unusual behavior or had unconventional contact with the outside world!

Hex was very satisfied after reading it, and then expedited the dispatch of the investigation report to Shanghai.

……

"Bastard!"

Sal slammed the report to the ground, his eyes flashing red. "His own people have problems, and he can't find any results, yet he dares to turn around and blame me."

To say there's a traitor among my ranks? Utterly absurd! A complete farce!

Cohen sighed at just the right moment and said slowly:

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. The Grand Marshal may be trying to absolve himself of responsibility. However, shifting blame to those close to Your Majesty is not only a breach of duty as a subject, but also discourages the soldiers on the front lines."

Now that a formidable enemy is at hand, it is precisely the time for us to unite in solidarity.

These words, seemingly meant to reconcile, actually struck at Sal's sore spots.

Sal's anger intensified:

"Unity? When has Hextech ever truly been of one mind with me?"
Preserving their strength and hesitating to move forward, they have now become passive due to a traitor among their subordinates, and instead of reflecting on their mistakes, they have turned around and attacked others!
"Good, very good! It seems he's gotten too big for his britches and really thinks the Demon Gold Empire can't do without him!"

A cold glint flashed in Cohen's eyes, and he said no more.

For some words, just click on it.

Once the seeds of doubt are sown, they will naturally grow wildly in the soil of a lack of trust.

From this point on, a clear rift appeared in the already fragile relationship between Thrall and Hextech.

In subsequent logistical allocations, intelligence sharing, and even directives regarding the Eastern Front, Sal began to show reservations towards Hextech, and even deliberately hindered it.

Hextech, meanwhile, grew increasingly dissatisfied with Thrall's growing distrust.

This further solidified their resolve to preserve their strength and plan for the future.

Just as Thrall and Hextech were constantly at odds due to mutual distrust, the situation on the eastern front of Twilight Continent was rapidly deteriorating in a direction unfavorable to the Magisterium Empire.

While the Chaotic Demon Continent was under attack, the Twilight Continent also received various forms of support from the Supreme Council.

It wasn't just supplies, but also organized elite reinforcements and tactical guidance.

The remnants of the vampire army, having received a life-saving injection from the Supreme Council, began to recover from their initial defeat and chaos, much like a shot of adrenaline.

Under the coordination of the military advisory group dispatched by the Supreme Council, the remaining noble private armies, royal guards, and remnants of the "Silent Legion" of the vampires were reorganized.

They abandoned some outdated and rigid tactics and adopted more flexible and aggressive counter-attack tactics.

The Hextech mechanical units that took over the defenses of Thrall's demon army were better suited to positional defense and attrition warfare, and they seemed somewhat ill-suited to dealing with the vampires' highly mobile and magically explosive assaults.

Finally, after several successful probing counterattacks, the Blood Clan Alliance, with the flank support of an elite mixed force from the Supreme Council, launched a large-scale strategic counter-offensive, breaking through several key nodes of the Mechanical Continent's defense line.

Although the mechanical legion, relying on its powerful firepower and discipline, did not suffer a complete rout, several important strongholds that had previously been seized from the vampires were subsequently lost.

The good news reached the Twilight Royal Court, greatly boosting the spirits of the vampire nobles and elders who had suffered humiliation and losses. They seemed to see hope in recovering lost territory and restoring their glory.

They eagerly organized their forces, even personally leading their guards, and rushed excitedly to the newly "reclaimed" territories, especially the treasures they were most concerned about.

Those hidden treasure troves belonging to their respective families, concealed underground, in the mountains, or even in the crevices of other dimensions!

That place holds the accumulated wealth of their family for hundreds or even thousands of years; it is the source of their power and a symbol of their pride.

However, when they finally arrived at the gates of the treasure trove they had been dreaming of, filled with excitement, the sight they saw plunged them into an icy abyss.

The hidden magical barriers and guardian puppets that the vampires had originally set up around the vampire's territory had all been dismantled.

Before them fluttered the flag of the Supreme Council, beneath which stood squads of well-equipped, grim-faced orc warriors.

These orcs, with their bulging muscles and eagle-like eyes, disciplinedly blocked all passages to the treasure vault and showed no concealed hostility to anyone who tried to approach.

Beneath the military flag, a fiery red figure stands out prominently.

She was directing a group of scribes and magicians dressed in Effie uniforms to seal and inventory boxes of valuables, magical materials, and books that had been taken from the treasury.

Sensing the arrival of the vampire nobles, the red-haired woman turned around.

Her appearance was stunning, yet her eyes held a battle-hardened aura and an undeniable authority. Her gaze swept over the stunned vampire elders, a businesslike smile playing on her lips, and she coldly stated:

"You must be the original owners of this place, the elders of the Aragell family?"

Let me introduce myself. I am Asuna Iliad, Duchess of Effie, the Red Dragon. By order of the Supreme Council and His Majesty Cohen Corleone, I am in full charge of the logistics coordination of the Allied Forces in the Twilight Continent theater and the temporary control of the liberated areas.

According to the Supreme Council's "Twilight Continent Wartime Temporary Control and Resource Requisition Act," all areas reclaimed from the Magnum Empire's occupation are subject to this.

All strategic resources and magical facilities within will be taken over by the Supreme Council's allied forces in preparation for the counter-offensive.

She paused, looking at the blood elders' eyes that were practically spitting fire, but her tone remained calm:

"This treasure trove has been protectively taken over by our army during the counter-offensive."

The supplies in the warehouse are being inventoried and registered, and will subsequently be allocated and dispatched in accordance with the committee's regulations.

Please rest assured that the committee is impartial and all resources will be used for the common cause of fighting against the Demon Gold Empire.

As for the losses suffered by each family... after the war ends, they can file an appeal or apply for compensation with the committee based on their contributions.

Now, please leave. This is a military restricted area. Anyone who trespasses will be treated as an enemy spy.

After Asuna finished speaking, she ignored the group of vampire nobles who were almost bursting with anger and turned around to continue directing the inventory work.

Behind her, the orc soldiers stepped forward in unison, their weapons half-drawn, exuding a strong sense of battle spirit and warning.

The vampire elders stood frozen in place, their faces alternating between pale and flushed.

They thought they were reclaiming their wealth and heritage, but they never expected that after driving away the greedy demon, they would be replaced by an even more domineering and legitimate leader.

They were also familiar with the stunningly beautiful Red Dragon Duchess before them. She had led her army to great renown in the war against the Kingdom of Ceylon and was known as the Red Dragon Goddess of War.

Watching their family's treasures being sealed off and carried away, they felt a mix of emotions: anger, humiliation, and helplessness, but dared not utter a single thought of resistance.

Their Blood Lord has signed the treaty on behalf of the vampires to join the Supreme Council. Now that they are members of the Supreme Council, they must obey all decisions of the Council.

Asuna coldly watched as the vampire nobles, who had come with high hopes, left in disappointment. Her gaze drifted into the distance, her thoughts already wandering to the distant, chaotic demon capital, calculating when she could reunite with Cohen…

……

Reports of successive defeats on the eastern front of Twilight Continent, like a series of death knells, kept reaching back to the capital, further irritating Thrall, who was already gloomy due to logistical difficulties and dissatisfaction with Hextech.

As he watched the symbols representing the Mechanical State's controlled territory on the sand table being removed one by one and replaced with the flags of the Supreme Council and the Vampire Alliance, Thrall roared angrily at the messenger:
"Useless! A bunch of useless trash!"
The mighty Mechanical State, with its countless war machines and rune golems, and its advantageous terrain, couldn't even withstand a group of remnants of the vampire army whose spines we had just broken. Instead, they pushed us back step by step!

Hextech, this Grand Marshal of the Empire, is truly going downhill with each passing year. Does he even deserve the title of 'Grand Marshal'?

Sal's dissatisfaction was almost overflowing.

In his original plan, even if he led the main force back to reinforce, with the strength of the Mechanical State, relying on the vampire territory he had already occupied to build a solid defense line, he should be more than capable of confronting the remaining vampires.

Furthermore, if Hextech is aggressive enough, it can continue to erode and compress the vampires' living space.

But the reality was that he suffered repeated defeats, which not only made the situation on the eastern front tense again, but also made him feel ashamed and made him have deeper doubts about Hextech's ability and intentions.

Could it be that Hextech is conserving its strength, deliberately feigning weakness so that I can face Cohen's pressure alone?
Meanwhile, Hextech, far away in the mechanical fortress on the Twilight Front, was in a similarly bad mood.

One defeat after another not only meant strategic passivity, but also threatened the dignity of his mechanical state and his personal prestige.

Being pushed back by a "lowly-health" enemy after receiving reinforcements was a disgrace for the dignified Grand Marshal of the Empire.

Sarna's undisguised rebuke and suspicion only made matters worse.

It can't go on like this!

A head-on confrontation with the vampires, who are supported by the Supreme Council, in the Twilight Continent is clearly no longer in the interests of the Machine Continent.

We must find a new way to break the deadlock.

After discussions with his advisors, Hextech finally made up his mind and began a new plan.

He re-established emergency communication with Sal, and this time, his voice returned to its usual calm, as if the previous defeat and accusations had never occurred:
"Your Majesty, the war on the eastern front is at a stalemate. The enemy has received reinforcements and their morale has rebounded, while our logistical pressure is increasing and our morale is being dampened. Continuing to fight the enemy head-on here is probably not the best strategy."

With such attrition, a major defeat is inevitable sooner or later.

Sal snorted coldly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, but he did not interrupt.

Hextech continued:

"I propose that we adopt a defensive posture in Twilight Continent."

Leave behind a portion of elite mechanical troops and rune golems, relying on the remaining fortified strongholds to construct a flexible defense network, creating a stalemate with the enemy, delaying their advance, and depleting their forces and resources.

Our main force should break free from the current quagmire and open a second front.

A hint of surprise flashed in Sal's eyes:
"A second battlefield?"

“Not bad.” Hextech looked at a vast, relatively empty area on the flank of Twilight Continent and said in a deep voice:
"Night Moon Continent!"

The werewolves of Nightmoon Continent are savage and uncivilized. Their tribes and wolf bandit groups fight independently. Although they are brave and fierce individually, they lack unified command and advanced tactics.

Over the years, their raids have amassed a vast amount of resources in the lairs of various wolf bandit groups and powerful tribes.

More importantly, this place is far from the current main battlefield, making it difficult for the Supreme Council and the Vampire Alliance to reach it in the short term.

Moreover, all attention is currently focused on the Chaotic Demon Continent and the Twilight Continent, where we are locked in a fierce battle. The Night Moon Continent would never expect us to make a sudden move.

"You and I can easily send a main force of the allied army to take this opportunity to attack Nightmoon Continent!" (End of Chapter)