Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

The once bright sky outside the palace suddenly darkened without warning, as if it had been splashed with a thick layer of blood, turning into a blood-red sun that made one's heart tremble!
Almost simultaneously, a deep, muffled roar, like the howl of a giant beast, came from afar, and a bottomless, enormous rift appeared out of nowhere, like a scar on the earth.

A chilling aura emanated from the depths of the rift valley.

The stars that formed the temple in the sky all dimmed at this moment, as if the laws of the entire world were lamenting.

Finally, under the horrified gazes of all the imperial ministers, the Holy Temple, which floated in the magical crystal image and represented Prince Ceylon Moro's last indomitable will, let out a mournful cry of unbearable burden.

The temple was covered with spiderweb-like cracks, and the brilliant holy light flickered like a candle in the wind.

Finally, in a storm of energy that swept across the heavens and earth, it collapsed with a deafening roar, turning into countless scattered and annihilated specks of light and dust, and completely disappeared into the world.

A saint... has fallen!
It has been less than ten years since the Lich King Nex fell at the last exchange meeting in the Northwest region!
Another Saint-level being who stood at the pinnacle of the continent perished, body and soul.

The energy of heaven and earth across the entire Demon Tide Continent descended into a violent chaos, all things grieved, and once again fell into a terrifying scene resembling the end of the world.

……

This world-ending scene, enough to make heaven and earth grieve and all things tremble, naturally had terrifying aftershocks that even crossed the towering waves of the endless sea.

It shook the Dragon Continent, which was far away on the other side.

The atmosphere inside the magnificent imperial palace of the Eastern Empire was unusually heavy.

Viscount Longdo, the hot-tempered Grand Councilor, slammed his fist on the heavy table made of dragon bloodwood, causing the cups and saucers to tremble.

The voice was filled with disbelief, anger, and questioning:

"A saint has fallen!"
Judging from the source of the strange phenomenon, it should be the Holy One Moro of Ceylon!
What is the purpose of the Holy Ones' Supervisory Office, jointly established by the five great empires?
Were those saints who were stationed there just for show?
Even if the conflict cannot be stopped, at least the life of a saint should be saved!

This is the pillar of the mainland!

How could they just stand by and watch a saint perish like this?

Faced with this thunderous question, Prince Quentin, who was in charge of overseeing the daily affairs of the Saint's Office, slowly stood up from his seat.

His expression was calm, but there was a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

He cleared his throat and then relayed the report he had just received via the emergency communication array from the Inspectorate's lead expert, Saint Er:

"Saint Thor has just sent back a confirmed message."

The few saints in the oversight office did not remain inactive; they intervened immediately in an attempt to mediate.

Furthermore, according to Thor's observation, the ten saints on Effie's side maintained a considerable degree of restraint throughout, and did not reveal any intention to kill.

He changed the subject, his tone becoming heavy with regret:
"The problem lies with Prince Morrow himself."

He... seemed determined to die with the enemy, and his fighting style was entirely based on mutual destruction.

They did not hesitate to burn their own holy essence and frantically attacked the enemy's lines.

Under these circumstances, the saints of the supervisory office... were truly powerless.

In order to prevent the war from spreading further and affecting a wider area, they had no choice but to prioritize stabilizing the space and isolating it from the impact of the self-destruction.

Ultimately, they could not prevent Prince Morrow's demise.

Prince Quentin's words echoed in the hall, bringing an eerie silence.

The truth is often more cruel than imagined. The fall of a saint was not due to an evil attack, but to his own resolute choice.

This only added to the sense of tragedy and helplessness, and stirred up a complex and indescribable emotion in the hearts of all who heard it.

Prince Xia Zuo's face was so gloomy it was almost dripping with water, and his knuckles, gripping the armrest of the chair so tightly they were white from excessive force.

The oppressive aura emanating from him caused several ministers around him to instinctively hold their breath.

The fall of Saint Moro, with its earth-shattering phenomena, was like the final tolling of a death knell, mercilessly announcing the complete end of the Kingdom of Ceylon's fate.

This also means that his strategic investment, which he has meticulously planned and invested countless efforts and resources over the years, has been completely lost and turned into nothing at this moment.

In fact, this first prince of the Eastern Empire had been secretly and actively working to support Gaius Cromwell.

The root of all this can be traced back to the third son of the current King Gaius, Saxon Cromwell.

Saxon can be said to be the agent he personally promoted.

In recent years, the relationship between the Kingdom of Ceylon and the emerging Efein has deteriorated sharply, to the point of becoming irreconcilable enemies. Prince Shazor's continuous instigation and instigation behind the scenes played a significant role in this.

However, at this moment, Prince Xia Zuo's state of mind was remarkably similar to that of Chief Heisenberg of the Central Empire.

They all made a fatal mistake.

They severely underestimated King Cohen Corleone's ruthless methods and unfathomable hidden strength.

They misjudged the course and outcome of the conflict even further.

He originally thought this would be a protracted tug-of-war, giving him enough time to calmly plan and take advantage of the mutual attrition between the two great powers to maximize his own interests.

He was separated from the vast, endless sea, and his many carefully laid plans had not even had time to activate the first step.

Gaius, far away on the other side, had even completely lost his thousand-year-old capital, Quisson.

The speed of their defeat was astonishing, like a devastating avalanche.

What sent chills down Prince Xia Zuo's spine was the appearance of a king-level army in this war!

Effie had quietly amassed a fully-organized, king-level army equipped with three divine and demonic artifacts!

This completely overturned his, and indeed all the established powers on the continent's, perception of Effie as a "nouveau riche."

This level of strategic power should not exist in a small country that was on the verge of extinction just a few years ago!

The secrets and power hidden behind this made Prince Xia Zuo, a seasoned veteran of many battles and well-versed in power struggles, feel powerless for the first time.

However, what truly made Prince Xia Zuo's heart tremble was another, even more chilling fact.

Effie has actually joined forces with that lawless pirate king, Yann Hughes.

If it weren't for the Pirate King launching a complete betrayal and surprise attack on Gaius's main naval force from behind at the most crucial moment,

The Ceylon fleet would never have collapsed so quickly.

Furthermore, they would not allow Gaius to reveal all his cards prematurely, thus exposing themselves completely to Effin's already bared fangs.

Ultimately, they were fatally wounded by the enemy, resulting in the complete annihilation of their army and the immediate fall of their capital!
The clues connecting these events sent a chill down Xia Zuo's spine.

This is not just the fall of Ceylon, but could also directly threaten his power base within the Eastern Empire.

Because the biggest obstacle on his path to the throne, Princess Grace, whom he always regarded as a major threat, was none other than the rightful fiancée of the Pirate King Yann Hughes.

If Grace were to form a solid alliance with the suddenly rising and terrifying power of Effie through her fiancé, gaining such powerful external support, the consequences would be...

Xia Zuo could hardly imagine the upheaval that would cause to the balance of power within the empire.

He forcefully suppressed his surging blood and chaotic thoughts, and his face regained some of the dignity and composure befitting an imperial prince.

Turning to Emperor Eberron on his throne, his voice softened:
"Your Majesty, the equipment of the 'King-level' legion that Effie has shown this time speaks for itself."

The elusive 'phantom dragon wing cloaks' worn by their soldiers were something that no ordinary craftsman could replicate.

It is certainly not something that can be obtained in large quantities through ordinary trade channels.

The only explanation is that they possess the complete blueprints for this divine and demonic equipment!

He paused deliberately, his sharp gaze sweeping across the assembled officials before finally settling on Emperor Eberron:

"And considering the fact that Pirate King Yann Hughes joined forces with Eifine so unexpectedly and so thoroughly this time."

It can be almost certainly concluded that the source of this extremely valuable blueprint was provided to Cohen Corleone by Yann Hughes.

If that's really the case, then Pirate King Yann Hughes has openly violated the secret agreement he made with our Eastern Empire back then.

This is a blatant provocation and betrayal of our imperial dignity!

The fact that Pirate King Yann Hughes possessed the complete blueprints for the "Phantom Dragon Wing Cloak" was no secret within the highest echelons of the Eastern Empire's power structure.

Many high-ranking officials were well aware of the details of this past event.

Back then, the former emperor of the Eastern Empire, the White Dragon Emperor, made a secret deal with the Fifty-Eight Pillar Demon Gods at a huge cost.

One of the items in the transaction was the blueprint for this incomparably precious divine and demonic equipment.

As a direct descendant of that demon god, it was only natural for Yann Hughes to inherit the blueprints.

Later, in order to reclaim this treasure that had been lost, the Eastern Empire sent its esteemed Princess Grace to negotiate in person.

The outcome of this negotiation caused a sensation on the mainland at the time.

The blueprints were indeed successfully "redeemed," but the "ransom" paid was far beyond what was expected.

The noble princess herself, along with a marriage contract, became part of the deal, thus becoming the fiancée of that unruly pirate king.

One of the core terms of the deal was that Yann Hughes had to promise never to disclose or transfer the contents of the blueprints to any third party.

However, the sheer number of "Phantom Dragon Wing Cloaks" appearing in the Effie army today, almost like standard equipment, cannot be explained by sporadic captures or private purchases.

This is undoubtedly the scale that can only be achieved through large-scale mass production after mastering the core technology.

This irrefutable fact almost confirms that Yann Hughes has violated the agreement he made with the Eastern Empire!
Faced with Prince Xia Zuo's sharp and incisive question that went straight to the heart, the atmosphere in the court immediately became even more tense.

Previously, some people may have thought that Prince Xia Zuo was using this as an excuse to attack his political enemies.

But at this moment, all the ministers had to face this chilling fact.

That remote and secluded Effie had, without anyone noticing, quietly mastered at least three complete systems of divine and demonic equipment.

They successfully mass-produced it, arming a terrifying legion capable of instantly altering the balance of power on the continent.

This hidden strength made these seasoned imperial officials feel a strong sense of apprehension and unease towards this emerging nation for the first time.

Emperor Eberron sat on his throne, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.

He knew perfectly well that the "Pirate King" Yann Hughes, who roamed the seas, and the meteoric rise of King Cohen Corleone of Eifine were the same person. Strictly speaking, the "Yann" had not breached the contract, since he had never "transmitted" the blueprints to anyone else.

He simply used it on the power he had established under another identity.

If anyone is to blame, it's the people of the Eastern Empire who failed to see through this ingenious disguise.

But this truth must not be revealed at this moment.

The court was silent, all eyes of the officials focused on the emperor, awaiting his decision.

Ultimately, Emperor Eberron turned his attention to Prince Quentin, presenting him with the difficult question:

"Quentin, what do you think about this?"

Prince Quentin thought for a moment, then said slowly:

"Your Majesty, the marriage contract you made with Yann Hughes clearly stated that he would formally marry Princess Grace after he was crowned the new 'Pirate King'."

Now, in just a few years, the flag of the 'Crimson Raiders' has been planted almost all over the Northwest Islands.

Its power is so great that it is indeed not far from recreating the unparalleled glory of the ancient Pirate King.

He paused briefly, then skillfully changed the subject and offered a suggestion:
"In my opinion, now might be the right time."

Why not invite Mr. Yann Hughes and Princess Grace back to Dragon Land under the pretext of "meeting before the wedding to enhance understanding"?

In name only, it could serve as a formal meeting before the wedding, allowing the subjects of our empire to catch a glimpse of the future prince consort.

In fact, he could also be asked to speak directly to His Majesty and the ministers about why the 'Phantom Dragon Wing Cloak' appeared in Effie's army.

Provide a reasonable explanation.

This flawless suggestion immediately garnered silent approval from most of the ministers present.

This approach avoided an immediate confrontation with a powerful pirate king and the emerging Effie faction behind him, while also keeping the initiative in the hands of the Empire and providing both sides with a dignified way out.

A barely perceptible glint flashed in Emperor Eberron's deep eyes.

Quentin's suggestion was exactly what he wanted.

He also felt it was time to meet this audacious future son-in-law who had silently "tricked" away his most cherished only daughter.

"Alright, then let's do as Prince Quentin says!"

……

Quisaon, deep within the ancient royal palace.

On the cold throne, Gaius Cromwell leaned slumped like a stone statue stripped of its soul.

Those eyes, which once looked down upon the world, now stared blankly ahead, reflecting no light.

Before his throne, which was within his reach, lay deeply embedded in the ground the legendary longsword "Lionheart Judgment," passed down from his grandfather.

The sword still gleamed coldly, as if it still retained the heroic spirit and lingering power of its former lord.

But now, this sharp edge can only silently witness the end of a dynasty.

Outside the palace walls, deafening shouts of battle, the roar of magical explosions, and the deafening crashes of collapsing buildings rose like an unending tide.

Wave after wave of attacks assaulted this once indestructible palace.

The air was thick with the stench of blood and the smell of smoke.

As news of Prince Moro's tragic death spread throughout the city, and the other four saints openly defected, it spread like wildfire.

The last vestige of organized resistance within the city of Quessaon has completely collapsed.

The defending troops scattered and fled for their lives, while rioters took advantage of the chaos to loot and plunder. The former heart of the kingdom had now become a purgatory of despair and chaos.

Heavy, disordered footsteps approached from afar, breaking the deathly silence in the throne room.

Led by Prime Minister Merrick, a group of nobles and high-ranking officials, dressed in fine clothes but unable to hide their panic, were present.

A few legendary-level extraordinary beings, their faces filled with resolute sorrow, still chose to accompany the king to the end, and walked in with heavy steps.

Their figures appeared exceptionally small in the empty hall.

Among this group of people, one figure stood out particularly.

The third prince, Saxon Cromwell, had his head bowed, his face pale, and his body trembling slightly, as if he were bearing an invisible weight.

As for Prince Charles, the once highly anticipated naval commander, his fate sank to the bottom of the cold sea along with the complete annihilation of the Ceylon Navy.

The group of people silently approached the throne steps and stopped.

No one spoke; only heavy breathing and the faint sounds of destruction drifting from afar intertwined to form a lament for a dynasty.

They looked up, their gazes complex as they looked at the man on the throne who had once symbolized supreme power but now only felt loneliness and despair.

The final moment is approaching.

Gaius slowly raised his eyelids. Those eyes that once made ministers tremble and enemy countries tremble were now as dim as extinguished ashes.

His gaze slowly swept over the thirty or forty scattered figures below the throne.

These are the last remaining subjects of the once mighty Kingdom of Ceylon, who are still willing to walk with him toward destruction.

His lips twitched, revealing a bitter smile more unsightly than crying, brimming with endless desolation and self-mockery:

Thirty years...

A full thirty years!
I, as the King, have ruled Ceylon with all my heart and soul, transforming it from a small, isolated kingdom into a top-tier power dominating the continent.

Wealth, territory, glory—I have given them everything they could imagine.

But in the end, when disaster truly struck, only a few dozen of you were willing to stay on this sunken ship and accompany me to hell.

Hahaha, I'm truly a very successful king!

Prime Minister Merrick, fighting back tears, staggered forward, and with all his might, his voice trembling, yet still trying to maintain a final shred of dignity and hope, offered words of comfort:
"Your Majesty! Please do not belittle yourself in such a way."

It is human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm.

Those who have abandoned us today are nothing more than opportunists who fawn over the powerful and change their allegiance with the wind.

Their loyalty is as cheap as dust, not worth Your Majesty's sorrow!

He took a deep breath, and a near-obsessive light forced a flame into his cloudy eyes:

"As long as Your Majesty is still here, as long as we are still alive, the legitimacy of Ceylon will never be severed!"
Hope will never be extinguished!
Your Majesty, consider this: Cohen Corleone has gone so far as to expose such a deeply hidden 'King-level' legion in order to destroy my Ceylon.

They even openly colluded with the remnants of the Starburst Clan, who were already considered taboo.

His wolfish ambitions are now blatantly obvious, and will inevitably arouse the fear and encirclement of the powerful forces on the mainland.

The Noble Council of the Central Empire, Prince Xia Zuo of the Eastern Empire, the Black Tomb... and those forces he had offended.

We will never stand idly by and watch him grow stronger!

We only need to be patient and wait for the right opportunity. The situation on the mainland is constantly changing; perhaps one day we will rise again and restore our lost lands!

However, Gaius seemed not to have heard Merrick's words at all.

His gaze swept past the crowd, staring blankly at the faded murals on the palace dome depicting the Cromwell family's great achievements throughout history.

His right hand unconsciously rose, trembling as he stroked the cold hilt of the legendary longsword "Lionheart Judgment" stuck in the floor in front of him.

The touch from his fingertips was the coldness and heaviness of his family's thousand-year-old heritage, and also a silent testament to his life's merits, demerits, honors, and disgraces.

Yes, I haven't completely failed yet!

As long as you are alive, there is hope!
Gaius took a deep breath, his withered hand firmly gripping the hilt of the legendary longsword "Lionheart Judgment" that was stuck in front of the throne.

The gleaming sword was pulled from the ground.

The scraping of the sword blade against the stone slab produced a piercing sound, which was particularly clear in the deathly silent hall.

Gazing at the cold light shimmering on the sword, as if looking back on his thirty-year reign, culminating in a hoarse, resolute sigh:

"Okay, when do we leave?"

When Prime Minister Merrick saw that the King had finally made his decision, a huge weight was lifted from his heart.

But his expression remained as solemn as iron, and he reported in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, His Highness Prince Orlando is in the deepest part of the palace grounds."

Gather and reorganize the last batch of absolutely loyal royal guards and mage groups; these are all death squads ready to die at any moment.

Meanwhile, the ancient teleportation array located at the deepest part of the royal underground vault has been repaired and filled with all the necessary rare materials according to ancient records.

The formation is ready to be activated at any time.

"We await only Your Majesty's command, and we will immediately initiate the teleportation and evacuate from Quesaon!"

This last resort was not Gaius's spur-of-the-moment decision.

Rather, it stemmed from his grandfather, the monarch who came to power through a bloody coup, and the suspicion and caution deeply ingrained in his blood.

From the very beginning, this usurper was secretly planning his escape route should he fail.

The core is this ancient teleportation array that was accidentally unearthed from ancient ruins and is in perfect working order.

The other end of the teleportation array connects to a large island deep within the Endless Sea, shrouded in a powerful natural illusionary mist.

Through three generations of secret management by the Cromwell family, the island had accumulated enough resources to support a small country for decades.

Moreover, it relocated and cultivated a group of absolutely loyal subjects and artisans, making it a perfect base for a comeback! (End of Chapter)