Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 257: Yadel’s unique talent—Overheard, Cohen’s ambition!
He noticed that the Queen sister did not show any abnormality since she caught him cheating last time.

This made Cohen feel a little relieved, and he asked:
"What discovery? Is it related to the magic circle?"

Adele nodded and said:

"Yes, we discovered a new communication array during our research. It is more convenient, simpler, and cheaper than any existing communication array.

If we use this new communication array, we can hopefully spread magical communications to every street and village in Effiin."

A look of deep astonishment appeared on Cohen's face.

The existing magic communication array on the human continent is attached to the magic network that spreads throughout the entire main plane.

Long-distance communication is achieved by communicating with the magic network.

Communicating on the magic network requires a lot of resources and costs a lot. Every communication also consumes magic power, either the user's own magic power or the magic power on the magic crystal.

Therefore, the cost of building and using each communication array is very high.

With Aifein's previous national strength, it could only ensure that a long-distance communication array was established in every larger city to ensure that the superior's administrative orders could be implemented and carried out.

As for small towns and rural areas, only some powerful kingdoms and the five empires have the ability to build communication arrays.

Now Adele actually said that the new communication array could be deployed in every street and every village, which could not help but surprise Cohen.

Adair briefly introduced the general situation of this new communication array to Cohen:
"Although this new type of magic array also needs to communicate with the magic network, it does not require every terminal's communication array to establish communication with the magic network.

Its principle is to establish a special magic base station at a node at a certain spatial distance, so that the magic base station can establish communication with the magic network. Other communication terminals only need to establish contact with this magic base station to achieve the communication effect.

Furthermore, it consumes very little mana when used, which will greatly reduce costs."

Cohen nodded thoughtfully. It was probably similar to the telephone lines in his previous life. It seemed that the ancient elves must have invented something similar, but it was unfortunately buried by history.

Fortunately, his queen sister was very helpful and managed to restore this great invention!

Cohen immediately thought that this set of magic communication arrays could also be used in the army to ensure that soldiers in every company could get in touch with the headquarters in real time.

Apparently, Adele had the same idea. Given that Eifin's national strength was not strong at present, the conditions for establishing magic base stations on a large scale were not yet mature and were easily coveted by others, the Queen's sister planned to first try it out in the army for a period of time, and then promote its large-scale application in the country when conditions permitted.

Adele continued:

"In addition, we have discovered something even more meaningful from the heritage of ancient civilizations.

A formation that can monitor other communication arrays. As long as this monitoring formation is placed near a communication array or communication stone, it can monitor the communication array and communication stone."

Cohen's eyes showed astonishment, and he asked:
"Are all communications available?"

Adair shook her head and said:
"The use of the communication stone and the communication array is closely related to the user. Usually, the user needs to input magic power to activate it. If the user's magic power output level is relatively high, in other words, if the user's extraordinary level is high, then monitoring will be impossible.

The monitoring array we have developed so far can monitor the communication stones or arrays of users below the Gold tier."

Cohen said:

"That's all, sister. First, focus your research on this monitoring array. Oh, and contact Isa and ask the Dwarven Forging Tribe to send over some experienced blacksmiths.

Let the Casting Tribe achieve large-scale production and equip every military station as soon as possible."

Cohen felt excited. With this monitoring array, the Military Intelligence Bureau's ability to gather intelligence and information would be even stronger. Even if it was only below the gold level, it was enough to monitor most of the important information.

The point is that many people don't know that there is a magic array that can monitor communications through the magic network, so they don't take any precautions.

No matter how things develop in the future, at least Cohen's Military Control Station can now gain an advantage.

He then said to Adair:

"Sister, talk to Nephthys and ask her to speed up the development of the Military Control Station. Um... Let's not talk about the Northwestern Continent for now. We must ensure that our Military Control Station is present in Dragon Continent, the Central Continent, and the Southern Islands.

Then, we will gradually spread deeper into the country, and within three years, we will ensure that there is a military control station in every capital of every empire and kingdom."

Adele nodded and said:

"Okay, I'll explain this to her.

Well, enough business, have you reached the Crimson Reaver yet?"

Cohen has been keeping in touch with Adele via text these days, reporting his whereabouts and movements in real time.

There was no other way. Even though he was thousands of miles away and had to pretend to be the leader of a pirate group and go to the Endless Sea, which was full of dangers, Yadel was really worried.

Cohen's face showed tenderness and he replied:
"I've already met with their people, and the talks went smoothly. Vice Admiral Flint of the Southern Territory Empire agreed to my proposal.

In about two or three months, I will be able to fully control this pirate group."

Adele said softly:
"Be careful, I'm at home. You must be careful outside. Don't be impulsive. Think more about the people in your family."

Cohen listened patiently to the Queen's nagging, and his mind gradually relaxed completely...

……

There is an uninhabited island off the coast of the Kingdom of Ceylon, and Cohen and Mr. Modo arrived there early.

When Cohen saw Asuna also appeared on the island, he said unhappily:

"Why are you here? There are so many things going on in the Southern Territory. How can you spare some time?"

Asuna took Cohen's arm as soon as she arrived, and said with a hint of coquettishness:
"Nothing major has happened in the Southern Territory recently, and Miss Rosalina has also arrived in the Southern Territory. With her around, there won't be any major chaos.

I came out to relax and also to practice my combat skills."

Cohen thought, with Mr. Modo, a genuine legendary transcendent, around, what chance do you have of making a move?

However, he did not expose the other party's flawed excuse. After all, it was the beauty's heart.

Following behind Asuna were the operatives from the Military Control Commission's Southern Border Station, as well as a young noble who was being guarded by the Military Control Commission personnel and looked obviously very reserved.

The young noble buried his head deeply, trembling all over, his heart filled with complicated emotions.

Grand Duchess Asuna Iliad, who was known as the "bloodthirsty red dragon" in the southern region and was ruthless and could make things happen with a wave of her hand, now threw herself into the arms of a mysterious man and acted like a little girl who had just fallen in love.

The young noble felt as if his brain had stopped thinking.

After a brief moment of daze, looking at Cohen's handsome and familiar facial features, he slowly realized that there was only one man who could make Grand Duke Iliad behave like this.

The young noble hesitated for a moment, then mustered up the courage to bow to Cohen.

"Your Majesty, the guilty minister Leonard, pays respect to you."

Cohen raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at Asuna.

Asuna sneered and said:
"The third young master of the Luca family. He used to be in charge of connecting with the Dark Tide Ghost Pirates."

A look of understanding appeared in Cohen's eyes:

"The Grand Duke must have told you what to do before.

Behave well and don't play tricks on me, or you will suffer something more painful than death."

The young nobleman named Leonard hurriedly expressed his loyalty.

Time passed minute by minute, and the night swallowed the entire island.

Suddenly, a black shadow gradually emerged from the distance.

A huge pirate ship, like a giant beast returning from the deep sea, slowly approached the shore.

The penetrating breakers cut through the calm sea surface, and the water rolled with waves, making a splashing sound.

The pirate flag fluttered at the top of the mast, and in the dim night, the hideous skull pattern looked particularly eerie.

As the ship approached, the noise coming from the pirate ship became clearer and clearer.

Mr. Modo closed his eyes and sensed for a moment, then whispered:
"There are about forty people, the strongest of whom is a sixth-level transcendent.

It seems that Dark Tide Ghost takes this mission very seriously. They actually sent out a peak Silver-rank Transcendent just to pick up some abducted children."

Cohen frowned slightly and sighed:
"The Dark Tide Ghost's strength is comparable to that of the Crimson Reaver. Unless you're at the Gold Rank, you're not qualified to enter the main base.

Even if I report my duties, I will probably be cast into the state of amnesia, and will not be able to obtain the precise coordinates of the Dark Tide Ghost's main base."

It seems that we still need to find the person from the Kingdom of Ceylon who is colluding with the core leaders of the Dark Tide Ghost Pirates.

Cohen put aside his thoughts and looked at the pirate ship that had already docked.

On the pirate ship, the anchor chain fell into the water with a "splash", splashing a lot of water.

The gangplank was slowly lowered, and the pirates filed down, their heavy boots leaving a series of deep footprints on the beach.

The leading captain, wearing a black cloak and a sharp dagger on his waist, strode down from the boat.

After stepping onto the soft sand, he glanced around with his usual vigilance, and then made arrangements in a deep voice:
"Send guards around the island. Keep the ship's engine compartment on alert and be ready to retreat at any time."

"Okay sir."

The captain shook his cloak and led his men towards the previously agreed location.

After passing through a forest, we arrived at an area of simple shacks.

Soon, the unusual silence made the captain suspicious.

With so many children, it seems that it shouldn't be so quiet.

Before he could think too much, Leonard appeared.

Seeing the familiar face, the captain breathed a sigh of relief and asked:
"Why is it so quiet today?"

Leonard's face turned slightly pale, but fortunately, under the cover of night, the other party did not notice.

He opened his mouth and said:
“Everyone is put under a sleeping spell, otherwise it would be too noisy on the road.

There has been unrest in the southern part of Aifei recently, so it's best to be cautious."

The captain nodded and said:

"It's right to be cautious. I also heard that the owner of Effiin South has changed. I heard that the owner is the lover of your Majesty the King?"

Cohen, who was hiding in the dark, looked a little embarrassed, and Asuna next to him also blushed slightly.

Cohen wondered who was ruining his reputation outside.

Asuna clearly became the Grand Duke of the Southern Territory through her own achievements and strength, but now it is rumored that she got to the top by selling herself.

These bastards just love to hear these gossips.

Asuna also bit her red lips lightly, her face full of indignation.

Let’s put this aside for now. Leonard has gradually entered the state and started communicating with the captain of the Dark Tide Ghost Pirates.

He followed the instructions given earlier and asked the captain:
"By the way, our master said that things have been quite tense in the southern border recently, and he wants to find a place to hide.

Ask me to pass on a message to your boss, asking if he could stay at your base camp for a few days to pass through this sensitive period? A look of vigilance immediately appeared on the captain's face. After a brief silence, he shook his head.

"I'm afraid that won't work. It's not that I don't trust Viscount Luca, but our base camp is of paramount importance.

Not to mention outsiders, even I, your brother, have only entered the main base three times since I joined Dark Tide Ghost.

Every time, I was under strict surveillance, with all my senses blocked, and I had no idea of my exact location."

Cohen, who was lurking in the dark, shook his head when he heard this. His guess had come true.

Leonard showed a look of obvious disappointment upon hearing this, and then asked:

"What about the Kingdom of Ceylon?
Your boss should have connections with the high-ranking officials of the Kingdom of Ceylon. Could you please contact them and let us take refuge there?"

The captain did not refuse this time and nodded:

“That’s fine. When I hand over the goods to them this time, please ask Viscount Luca for him.

But it’s just…”

Leonard immediately understood and took out a purse from his pocket:
"We still understand the rules and won't let you make a wasted trip."

The captain took the purse, weighed it, and his expression became much better.

Leonard struck while the iron was hot and asked:

"Could you please reveal the general identity of this high-ranking official from the Kingdom of Ceylon? This will allow me to report to the Master when I return."

A look of hesitation appeared on the captain's face.

Leonard whispered:
"Brother, our master has been really anxious lately. You don't know how ruthless that new Archduchess is. She has already dealt with several generations of old nobles.

Our Luca family is probably also among her targets..."

The captain frowned deeply and remained silent for a long time before he slowly said:

"I can't go into too much detail. I can only tell you that he is close to the third prince of the Kingdom of Ceylon."

Before Leonard could reply, a cold voice suddenly rang out from the darkness in the distance:
"The second prince of the Kingdom of Ceylon, Charles Cromwell?"

Hearing the unfamiliar voice, the captain's expression tensed and he immediately became alert, his eyes fixed on the direction where the voice came from.

Soon, the figures of two men and one woman appeared in his sight.

When the captain saw the person appear, his pupils shrank slightly and a layer of cold sweat instantly broke out on his back.

Not to mention the outstanding looks of Cohen and Asuna, the middle-aged man next to them made him feel a sense of fear and despair emanating from the bottom of his heart.

The slightest breath that emanated from him was enough to make his soul tremble.

Even his immediate superior, the head of the branch base, an eighth-level pirate, had never put such pressure on him.

Legendary level, definitely legendary level.

The captain's eyes widened, his throat unable to make a sound due to intense fear, and he looked at the newcomer in horror.

The reason why a strange legendary expert appeared at this critical moment was self-evident.

Mr. Modor waved his hand slightly, and the captain seemed to be deprived of all the magic and strength in his body. He stood still, unable to move.

Cohen came up to the captain and asked in a deep voice:
"You have two choices now. Cooperate with us and I will spare your life.

As for the second option, you probably know it even without me telling you.

If you don't return to report on time, the Dark Tide Ghost will definitely send more people.

I have plenty of patience and am waiting for your next wave of arrivals.

I don't believe your leader will come in person!"

The captain understood the hint in Cohen's words. There were legendary transcendents guarding the island. Unless the captain came in person, anyone who came would be a waste.

If he doesn't give in, someone will always give in under the pressure of life and death.

It is better to keep your life than to die in vain.

Pirates are extremely selfish, and the captain quickly made a choice that was not too difficult.

"I'm just the captain of a landing ship. I'm at most a lower-middle-ranking official within the Dark Tide Ghost, and I don't have access to many core secrets."

Cohen chuckled and said:
"I won't ask you about your Dark Tide Ghosts. First, tell me, have you ever met Prince Charles, the second prince of the Kingdom of Ceylon?"

The captain shook his head.

Cohen then asked:

"Is Charles the main planner of what you did?"

The captain answered in the affirmative.

"Does the Kingdom of Ceylon officially know about this?"

“No, Charles did this behind someone else’s back.

This is an important source of income for him... In the underground trading market of the Kingdom of Ceylon, a child with extraordinary talents can be sold at a sky-high price of 10,000 gold coins.

This is a completely no-cost business.”

Cohen frowned slightly and said:
"Five or six hundred children a year, that's five or six million gold coins. For a prince, that's a pretty substantial income indeed..."

At this point, Cohen suddenly asked:
"If my guess is correct, Charles should be doing this business more than just in the southern part of Effiin."

The captain took a deep breath and said slowly:
"Yes, Charles has ventured into several small countries along the coast of the northwest continent, but the southern part of Effiin provides the most children."

Asuna's face suddenly turned cold, and she said coldly:
"brute!"

The captain's expression changed slightly, and he added:

"My beautiful lady, we pirates never target children.

Those hypocritical aristocratic bureaucrats are much more vicious and insidious than us pirates.

We were also forced to do this. Our eldest brother also felt that this was a bit too unethical and suggested it to Charles several times, but he was rejected every time.

Cohen narrowed his eyes slightly and then asked:

"How do you usually transport the kidnapped children to the Kingdom of Ceylon?"

The captain was silent for a moment, and then, facing Cohen's unfriendly gaze, he replied:

“Baron Marlin Paxson, Charles’s permanent secretary, owns a large ship trading company that specializes in buying and selling ships.

Every year, we load our 'cargo' onto a new ship provided by Baron Marin and sell it to his company.

Just drive the ship directly to their shipbuilding port, and then someone will be responsible for transferring the 'cargo'."

Cohen asked:

"Is this Permanent Secretary Baron Marin responsible for communicating with you, the Dark Tide Ghosts?"

The captain nodded and said:
"Yes, he has come to our place many times, often negotiating with our boss on behalf of the Second Prince."

Cohen had an idea in his mind. Baron Marin should know the exact coordinates of the main base of the Dark Tide Ghost Pirates.

Cohen continued:

"Have you seen this Marlin Paxson?"

The captain nodded and said:
“I was the one who connected with him every time.”

Cohen said:

"Okay, ask him out and tell him that the situation has changed and that Effiin South may no longer be able to provide children."

The captain immediately realized Cohen's plan. The other party was preparing to attack Marlin Paxson!

This is the permanent secretary of a kingdom's heir!
Not even an heir to a kingdom cares what the other party's identity is.

The captain suppressed his doubts and agreed:
"Okay, I hope you can keep your word!"

……

A grand hotel in the heart of Quesaon, the capital of the Kingdom of Ceylon.

Also the stationmaster of Khoi Saang Station in Cohen, Julian Singh's hotel
Asuna has returned to the southern border, and this time she was accompanied by Cohen and Mr. Modo.

Cohen looked at the familiar setting before him, and a wave of memories flooded back.

More than two years ago, he and Mavis came here together and stayed in this hotel. At that time, Mavis also acted as an auctioneer.

The posture, dress and style at that time were truly unforgettable.

Cohen couldn't help but sigh. Ever since he and Rosalina were caught by Mavis, Mavis went straight back to the chaotic Demon Continent of the "Lost Land".

No more information was passed to Cohen.

Facing Mavis, who also had a special feeling for him, Cohen always felt a little sorry in his heart.

Knowing the other person's feelings, Cohen pushed the other person's biological sister silently. He even felt that he was a beast.

Cohen secretly thought in his heart that he had to find an opportunity to return to the Lost Land and apologize to everyone.

Julian's voice interrupted Cohen's thoughts:

"Director, this is all the information regarding Marlin Paxson, the permanent secretary to Prince Charles."

Cohen came to his senses and looked at Julian, who had become increasingly calm.

Most of Julian's industries are supported by the second prince Charles. In terms of status, Julian can be regarded as Charles' white glove.

He must have also dealt with Charles's permanent secretary.

Therefore, after arriving in Quesaon, Cohen went to Julian to ask for detailed information about Marlin Paxson.

Cohen looked through Malin Paxson's information and asked:
"I forgot to tell you that last time in the Silver Frost Principality, I had a very good cooperation with your good friend's brother, General Roman.

I've already informed the HR department, and I'll credit you with this."

Julian said quickly:
"It's all thanks to the Director's excellent leadership. Roman has written to me many times saying that he now has control over the political situation in Yinshuang.

If the Director needs Yin Shuang to do anything in the future, he will definitely do his best to help!"

Cohen smiled and nodded. Suddenly, he stopped what he was doing and stared at a file of Marlin Paxson, lost in thought.

(End of this chapter)