Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 252: In the office with Asuna...

The smile on Shannis's lips could no longer be suppressed. She coughed lightly, steadied her voice, and said:

“Reward?
What can you offer me in return?
You have to understand that this time it's not just the Chief of the House of Lords who's targeting you, but also Prince Heinz representing the military and Prime Minister Hayes representing the cabinet.

If the three of them are determined to target you, even if I want to protect you, it will cost me a considerable price. Is your reward worth it?"

After listening to what Shanice said, Cohen fell into deep thought.

It has to be said that the conditions in this dragon plane really hit his weak spot.

Forming a dragon army is too attractive to him, and he must do everything he can to seize this opportunity.

The five-year limit agreed upon with Daphne Frost, the [Ice Element and Snow Goddess], is getting closer and closer. He must do everything he can to enhance Effiin and his own strength, and forming a dragon legion is the best choice.

But the prerequisite for all this is that he can arrive at the Central Empire safely and successfully participate in the [Noble Fighting Festival] and win at least one championship title among "Strongest Bronze", "Strongest Silver", "Strongest Gold" and "Strongest Legend".

He could tell from Xinise's words that the various forces in the Central Empire suspected that he had an accurate prediction about the future changes in the continental situation, and that was why they wanted to communicate with him.

The so-called communication is based on the premise that both parties have equal status, otherwise the communication is likely to turn into coercion and intimidation.

Cohen didn't dare to believe in the Central Empire's credibility at all.

Therefore, this trip to the Central Empire must be full of crises.

No matter how confident Cohen was, he was not confident that he could fight against the most powerful empire of mankind at this point.

His only reliance now is Her Majesty the Empress, with whom he has common interests and an alliance.

Even though the power of this Empress is subject to certain restrictions within the Central Empire, if she wants to do her utmost to protect someone, there will definitely be no problem.

After thinking for a long time, he said:
"Your Majesty, as long as you can absolutely guarantee my personal safety in the Central Empire, I can tell you a secret about the future of the continent.

This is also the prophecy those people want to obtain!"

Cohen's words were very straightforward, he believed that Shanice would make the right choice.

Shanice stopped playing with her feet, sat down again, and a serious look appeared on her face.

She thought to herself that it seemed that the speculations of several people in the court were correct.

Cohen indeed had accurate predictions about the great changes that would happen on the continent in the future.

Is he going to exchange this for my protection?
Shannis narrowed her eyes slightly and said slowly:

"You tell me first. If this secret is important enough, I will do my best to ensure your safety while you participate in the [Noble Fighting Festival] in the Central Empire."

Cohen was silent for a moment, then said:
"I believe Your Majesty has a premonition of the future situation. Well, I can tell you clearly that within five to ten years, a catastrophe and turmoil will occur on the continent that will sweep across the entire human race.

Countless countries will be destroyed in this catastrophe and chaos.

At the end of the catastrophe, a supreme being will descend and end everything.

Your Majesty, I can tell you without exaggeration that one day, even the five great empires will be destroyed!"

Shanice's expression turned completely serious. She did not question Cohen's words. She frowned and fell into deep thought. After a long time, she spoke:
"Uncle Wang and the others suspect you made a deal with the Cobalt Soul Academy using this prophecy, correct?"

Cohen replied:

"Yes, Dean Dumbledore also knows about this prophecy."

Shanice fell into silent silence again.

That means that Cobalt Soul Academy also recognizes Cohen's prophecy!

Cobalt Soul Academy, the most mysterious and ancient existence in the pan-human continent, has recognized Cohen's prophecy. There is no need to explain what this means.

A chill ran down Shanice's heart.

Although she was mentally prepared, she was still caught off guard when she heard the exact content of the prophecy.

It's too fast and too short. There are only a few years left. Even if we have started to prepare before, it is far from enough.

Even the gods will suffer, what a shocking change this will be.

Especially once there is a great chaos, can he still sit on the throne safely?
The fact that Shanice Klein, a young woman in her twenties, was able to ascend to the throne of the Central Empire was the result of mediation and compromise among various forces.

During a period of stable development, the demands of all parties can be met, and everyone will tacitly accept the existence of the empress.

But when the situation falls into unknown darkness and chaos, when development is hindered, and when the interests of some forces are not met, this fragile balance of compromise can easily be broken.

At that time, a peerless empress and the royal interests behind her will become a piece of fat meat in everyone's eyes.

She was not sure whether she could still protect the legacy left by her ancestors.

Suddenly, Shanice felt a chill emanating from deep within her bones.

This chill seemed familiar. The last time I felt this way was when I was being hunted by the other royal heirs and was on the verge of death.

At that time, a strong woman saved herself. This time, will anyone save herself?

Shanice took out the engagement letter. It was after that despair that the powerful and mysterious woman forced a fiancé she had never met on her.

Shanice opened the marriage certificate, and the name of Corleone was still shining on it. Seeing this name, Her Majesty the Empress had complicated thoughts in her heart.

I couldn't help but think in my heart, if I had his help, would the situation be much better?

If I can face it together with him in the future, will our chances of winning be greater?
Unfortunately, this man already has a partner, and that person is his lifelong enemy!
The youngest legendary level in the continent!
This title made the proud empress Shanice Klein feel deeply powerless.

I'm afraid I'll never have the chance to avenge the humiliation I suffered back then!
Shanice fell into a dazed state of mind until Cohen's voice rang out again from the other side:

"Your Majesty, is this secret of mine worth it?"

Shanice came back to her senses, looked at the marriage certificate in her hand, and curled her red lips. Suddenly, she had an idea that could kill two birds with one stone - it could not only provide Cohen with a guarantee of personal safety in the Central Empire, but also severely avenge her hateful "enemy"!
Shanice has made a decision. She will wait until Cohen comes to participate in the [Noble Fighting Festival] to announce the marriage certificate!

This marriage certificate can serve as Cohen's amulet.

As long as he was the Empress's fiancé, no matter how much the Prince and the Prime Minister were interested in Cohen, Prince Heinz and Prime Minister Hayes, who had always upheld orthodoxy, would not take any coercive measures against Cohen.

They even wished that such a talented young king could be the husband of Her Majesty the Empress of the Central Empire.

As for Chief Heisenberg, if it is just his own force, Her Majesty the Empress is confident that she can still deal with it.

Of course, what makes Shanice most satisfied is that she can use this marriage certificate to severely strike a blow against Adele's arrogance.

In terms of time, she was Cohen's first wife in name only, and Adele had to come after him.

Having made up her mind, Shannis quickly replied:

"Okay, I will provide you with security, but it may cause you some trouble, so you should be mentally prepared."

Cohen didn't think much about it. As long as he had the full protection of Her Majesty the Empress, some minor troubles would not be a problem.

The two sides completed the negotiation and ended the communication with satisfaction.

……

Cohen stayed in the southern border for a few more days. He wanted to wait for Gillivos to return from the Kingdom of Ceylon so that he could control the Scarlet Reavers pirate group through him.

In the past few days, Cohen and Asuna have seriously discussed many postures.

The dragon-born girl was very studious and had plenty of energy, so she always drank her fill. This made Cohen sigh that the physical difference between humans and dragons really couldn't be generalized.

On this day, Cohen was playing some fun games with Asuna in the Grand Duke's office when a maid's voice came from outside the door:

"Grand Duke, the Baron named Gillivos Gian that you mentioned has arrived in Nanjun."

After a long while, Asuna's steady voice rang out:
"Okay, find someone to arrange for him to stay at the guesthouse, I'll be there later."

After the maid left, Asuna could no longer hold back. A faint trembling sound came out of her throat, and she collapsed on the chair.

Cohen raised his head, pursed the traces at the corners of his mouth, and said:

“After I finish talking to Gillivos, I will leave the Southland directly. It may take some time for me to come back. Take care.

If there is any situation, please inform me immediately."

Asuna nodded. Cohen stood up to leave, but Asuna quickly grabbed him and said shyly:
"Give me the things, where else are you going to take them?"

Cohen coughed lightly, took out two small black silk items, and handed them to Asuna.

Asuna quickly put it away, turned around and dressed herself, the blush on her face gradually fading.

He came to Cohen, leaned close to his arms, and whispered:
"Sir, be careful too. I'll be waiting for you in the South."

"it is good."

……

Perhaps he let go of the burden that had been suppressed in his heart for a long time, or perhaps he found a way to break free from the bondage of the fifty-eight demon gods Ami.

Gillivos Gian was clearly in much better spirits than the last time Cohen saw him.

The two met in the safe house of the Military Control Commission's Southern Border Station. After a brief greeting, Cohen asked:
"How are you dealing with those demon servants of yours?"

Gillivos replied:

"It has been placed in Duke Gavin's territory. So far, no major incidents have occurred. Everything is dormant. We await your Majesty's instructions."

Cohen nodded and said:
"Very good, let them gather some information outside first. They will be useful sooner or later.

There's no rush for this matter. First, tell me briefly about your pirate group, the Scarlet Reavers."

Gillivos thought for a moment, organized his words, and said slowly:
"The Crimson Reaver was created over a thousand years ago by the Crimson One, the incarnation of the Pillar Demon God Ami.

Now, it has grown to a scale of more than 100,000 people."

Hearing this number, Cohen's eyes slightly raised. It turned out that the number had already exceeded 100,000. No wonder the Grand Duke of the Southern Territory did not dare to take action against Gillivos's mother even though he knew that he was being cuckolded.

A pirate group of this size and strength posed a significant threat to the coastal areas. It was understandable that the Grand Duke of the Southern Territory chose to remain silent.

Gillivos paused, waiting for Cohen to digest the news, and then continued:

“The core leadership of the pirate group consists of five people.

I am the team leader. Besides me, there is a chief captain and three deputy team leaders.

The captain is at the Legendary level, and the three vice-captains are at the peak of the Gold level."

Cohen looked surprised and asked:
"What kind of position is the captain? Is it higher than the deputy captain?"

Gillivos smiled wryly and said:

"Originally, there wasn't a position of Captain-General, but later... well, Captain-General Flint Blackfang was actually the previous leader of the Scarlet Reavers.

It wasn't until I awakened my memory at Silver Moon Shoals and learned my identity.

He also obtained the Scarlet Skull Flag, a magical equipment that symbolizes the authority of the leader of the Scarlet Plunderers, from the inheritance left by the fifty-eight demon gods Ami on the seabed.

With this group magic equipment that can improve the combat effectiveness of the pirate group members and several loyal old people in the group, and the incarnation of the Pillar Demon God after... my mother, he briefly appeared in the pirate group.

He revealed my existence to several core members and made it clear that when I came of age, I would succeed him as the leader.

I became the supreme leader of the Scarlet Reavers in name only.

But Flint himself has great influence and is the only legendary powerhouse in the pirate group, so he was given the position of chief captain. It can be regarded as the result of a mutual compromise between the two parties."

Flint Blackfang, when Cohen heard this name, a gleam of light appeared in his eyes.

This person was also very famous in the previous life game. When the continent fell into great turmoil later, Flint took the opportunity to unify all the pirate groups near the northwest continent and became the true Pirate King.

In the end, he even led his men to attack the northwestern continent and briefly established a pirate kingdom.

However, due to his poor talent in the later period, he was never able to be promoted to a saint and gradually left the top stage of the continent.

In Cohen's opinion, Flint Blackfang is a true grassroots hero.

He is also a rare and excellent subordinate.

Cohen suppressed his thoughts and asked:
"What is the Scarlet Skull Flag?
You just said it can increase the combat effectiveness of the army. What level of magic weapon is it?"

In his previous life, Cohen had very limited knowledge of the pirate group. Cohen only heard of Flint because he later became the Pirate King and gained a certain fame. If it were not for Gilworth's introduction, Cohen would not even be very clear about his origins.

Gillivos replied:
"It is a magical weapon forged personally by the fifty-eight demon gods, Ami!
The Scarlet Skull Banner is currently at the peak of the Gold Rank, which isn't too high, but it has great growth potential. If conditions permit, it can continuously upgrade its rank."

A magical weapon that can grow?
Cohen's expression was startled, and excitement immediately flashed in his eyes. He asked:
"Tell me more about it."

Gillivos said:

"The core of the Scarlet Skull Flag is the soul of the skeleton monster imprisoned within the flag. The higher the number and level of souls, the stronger the flag's power.

Now imprisoned in the middle of the scarlet skull flag are the souls of three ninth-level peak "Skeleton Mages", which can enhance the combat effectiveness of an army of 30,000 people to the "conventional level" level at one time.

According to Ami's memory, if the soul of a legendary 'Giant Skeleton' can be imprisoned within it, the Scarlet Skull Banner will reach the legendary level, and the army's combat effectiveness can be strengthened to the 'Elite' level.

Cohen's eyes suddenly became much deeper, and his voice became deeper:

"What if a Saint-level 'Skeleton Lord' could be imprisoned inside?

Is it possible to upgrade the Scarlet Skull Banner to the level of a holy weapon, thereby strengthening the army to the level of 'special forces'?"

Gillivos nodded:

"Theoretically, yes, but to imprison the soul of a saint...

This difficulty is no different from forging a holy weapon from scratch."

Cohen temporarily suppressed this thought in his heart. In fact, he had one more question yet to ask. He really wanted to know whether this flag could imprison a god-level existence like the "Skeleton King".

If that's the case, will this flag evolve directly to the level of a divine artifact?

Cohen asked suddenly:
"Besides you, does anyone else know the true identity of this flag?"

Gillivos shook his head.

"They only know that this flag can increase the combat effectiveness of 30,000 people to 'conventional' level. They don't know that it is equipment left by a deity."

Cohen breathed a sigh of relief without leaving any trace.

Jiliwoston paused, and then continued:
"This flag is the foundation of my existence in the Scarlet Reaver.

With 30,000 'regular-level' troops, the help of some ninth-order elders, and the reputation of righteousness, I temporarily became the head of the group.

In addition to the forces on my side, there are about 80,000 organized combat personnel in the regiment.

Captain Flint Blackfang has a flagship, ten battleships, three supply ships, two landing ships, two stealth ships and one magic ship under his command.

It has a main base and ten branch bases in the Endless Sea.

The total number is about 50,000.”

There was surprise in Cohen's eyes. Flint's power was indeed not to be underestimated.

Gillivorth continued:

"Except for Captain Flint, the remaining three vice-captains each have a flagship, a varying number of battleships, supply ships, landing ships, and stealth ships, but no magic ships.

Flint's greatest reliance is his magic ship, which houses the magicians he has plundered or trained over the years. Its scale is not much inferior to the court mage corps of ordinary countries."

Cohen thought silently for a while and said:
"So, the Crimson Reavers alone have over 100,000 combatants?"

Gillivos nodded and replied:

"In addition, there are some craftsmen, technicians, and some alien members with special abilities or skills.

There were also a large number of slaves and captives.

The population has never been counted, but I conservatively estimate it to be close to 200,000."

Cohen sighed softly and said:

"With such a powerful force, why didn't you join the rebellion in the South?"

Gillivos narrowed his eyes slightly:

"As I said before, I don't think this amount of power can have any impact on a country that has signed the Charter of Gods and Demons.

No matter how destitute I am, I am still a son of God. I can see that Her Majesty the Queen has the potential to become a god. A person of this level will not fall because of one or two rebellions.

What's more, overthrowing Effiin and establishing another national regime is the plan of the Fifty-Eight Demon Gods Ami, not my plan.

I have one and only one plan, and that is to break free from the control of this demon!
Until I achieve this, any power or influence will be meaningless to me.

This is also the reason why Flint Blackfang was able to tacitly accept my existence as the leader, because I have never revealed any ambitions, and even rarely interfered in the affairs of the pirate group. I only occasionally brought a few confidants to the southern border to solve some troubles. Other than that, I never interfered with the activities of the four of them..."

Gillies paused here and looked at Cohen meaningfully.

Cohen raised his eyebrows slightly, chuckled and said:

"Mr. Gillivorth is not optimistic about my ability to successfully control the 'Crimson Reaver'?"

Gillivos nodded unabashedly and said:
"Yes, ever since the incarnation of the Fifty-Eight Demon Gods, the 'Crimson One,' left the human continent, the 'Crimson Plunderer' has been operating according to its own system for hundreds of years. It has its own rules of the game, and it is difficult for any external force to change them.

Even for me, it was because I did not interfere that they tacitly accepted my existence.

If Your Majesty wants to make them surrender, I can only say that it will be very difficult."

Cohen smiled and said:

"I understand your good intentions, sir, but such a large force hovering near the coast of the northwest continent is also a hidden danger for Effiin, which relies on maritime trade.

Now in peacetime they are just extorting protection money, and there doesn't seem to be any major harm.

But once a period of unrest comes, these pirates will directly block our port, which will cause great harm to Effiin.

No matter what, I have to try to subdue them first."

Gillivos didn't try to persuade him anymore and took out a black flag and a strangely shaped mask from the space storage equipment.

A scarlet skull was embroidered on the front of the flag, and three powerful soul auras were faintly trembling on it.

The mask is completely decorated with demonic features, including horns, fangs, and flame-like ornaments, making it look extremely ferocious.

Gillivos handed the things to Cohen and said:

"I will give His Majesty a list later. The people on it are some of the confidants I have developed in the pirate group over the years.

In addition, there is this demon mask, which was also left by the Pillar Demon God Ami. It can completely change a person's aura, and even the Saint level cannot see through it. It was specially prepared to protect my true identity.

I appeared in front of them wearing a mask before. Your Majesty and I are about the same size. As long as I deliberately change my accent, they won't be able to tell the difference.

This is all the help I can give Your Majesty."

Cohen took the flag and mask and said solemnly:

"Whatever the final outcome, Mr. Gilliesworth, I am grateful for the help you provided me."

Gillivos shook his head.

"This is part of our deal. I wish Your Majesty all the best!"

……

(End of this chapter)