The Evolution Of A Goblin To The Peak Chapter 1242: Information and Return I

"I've gotten word that a single Commandment from the God's Will is now targeting the Giza Continent as well as the God's Continent."

As soon as those words escaped his lips, every person inside the chamber whipped their heads in his direction.

Such a response made perfect sense. What he'd just revealed concerned one of the dreaded Three Bringers of Calamity.

Just the Ruler of Gluttony by himself had thrown the entire God's Continent into utter disarray. Vast lands had crumbled, and numerous powerful groups continued to reel from the widespread ruin he'd caused.

"A Commandment..." Alexander's tone grew heavy. "Any idea which one it is?"

Souta gave a shake of his head. "Nope. All I've got is that they're likely gearing up for action."

He kept the additional details to himself. Sharing more could spark unwanted doubts. For now, it sufficed to make clear one vital point: the tenuous calm they'd been savoring was about to shatter.

Xue Yi shifted ahead a bit. "Is this a total invasion we're facing... or more like their earlier strikes?"

That distinction carried immense weight.

Should it turn out to be an all-out attack similar to the Ruler of Gluttony's rampage, the fallout would prove devastating. Countless groups would get pulled into the conflict, and the delicate equilibrium of strength between the continents would crumble apart.

Even if it fell short of a complete takeover, the damage would remain severe. A handful of cities might vanish entirely, echoing the God's Will's past deeds, yet it wouldn't spiral into a full-blown continental battle.

Nevertheless, such destruction alone would drag the realm straight back into chaos.

"On that... I'm in the dark." Souta shook his head once more. He scanned each face in turn and inquired, "How are things holding up on the God's Continent right now?"

The Second Head glanced over at the Fourth Head. Alexander, along with a few other Heads, directed their attention to the Fourth Head too.

The Fourth Head offered a bitter smile and remarked, "To start, I'm sure you've all caught wind of this, but let me repeat it clearly. The Ruler of Gluttony is no more."

Souta's eyes tightened. Right on cue, the fall had already occurred by now. 'And the clash between the Titans and Olympus?' he pondered silently.

The Fourth Head proceeded to relay the key updates sweeping the God's Continent as the others paid close attention.

In time, Souta pieced together the overall picture of affairs on the God's Continent.

Olympus kept its borders sealed tight, yet based on how rival groups were acting, victory over the Titans seemed assured. Those same groups hunted the scattered survivors of the Gluttony Army. Regarding the Lord of the Wood, local powers were gearing up for a massive purge.

"Against the Commandments, we're powerless to act. All we can do is ready ourselves to steer clear of them," Esriel interjected abruptly.

Jovi and the rest gave nods of agreement to her statement.

"In the best case," Alexander shifted his gaze to Gerxuzs and went on, "let's steer clear of drawing extra eyes for the moment."

Next, he addressed the whole group. "That said, it doesn't mean we cower from every threat. When push comes to shove, unleash everything. The Dragon Council won't block any of your schemes."

The Fifth Head gave a nod and chimed in, "With that in mind, caution remains key. For all we know, the Commandments might strike given where things stand now?"

Xue Yi drummed her fingers on the table while following the discussion. She shot a look at Souta and questioned, "Anything to contribute, Seventh Head?"

Souta met her eyes briefly before dipping his head. He then spoke up, "I'd like to hear about the Dragon Council's progress these days. It started out guarding the Mine Valley against intruders, but where do we stand today?"

The Fourth Head, Third Head, and Fifth Head all swiveled their gazes simultaneously. As original founders of the Dragon Council, they'd joined from that inaugural gathering when it first formed.

Souta realized they each commanded their separate armies. Aid only flowed between them in times of dire need.

"The Dragon Council stays a flexible alliance. No one can compel another to act against their will. We avoid clashing paths. When required, support flows to our allies. Yet growth remains essential," Souta explained.

The Fourth Head voiced his support for Souta's view.

"So, what's your plan?" Xue Yi queried, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

Though the Dragon Council held considerable might presently, it lacked the muscle to challenge the truly colossal powers.

"No longer does the Dragon Council possess a permanent headquarters. We're merely borrowing the Fourth Head's domain as a stopgap. But that setup can't hold forever." Souta halted briefly before adding, "Whatever became of the outpost in the ancient ruins?"

"It remains untouched. The Dragon Council retains control there, and outsiders remain oblivious to its existence," the Fourth Head replied.

"Those ancient ruins' treasures sustained us back when the Dragon Council got sidelined in the Hall Plains," the Fifth Head supplemented.

"That's our starting point. We'll restore the ancient ruins completely to serve as our stronghold and dig up every valuable we uncover," Souta proposed.

The Fourth Head and the group approved with nods.

"Should help be required, members can bargain with fellow allies," Alexander stated.

Those ancient ruins located in the heart of the Hall Plains would establish itself as a prime base for the Dragon Council. Further outposts would rise throughout the land.

Each Head in the Dragon Council wielded great power, poised to amplify it further. While some showed disinterest in expanding armies, others burned with ambition. Their views varied widely, after all.

Discussions pressed on, with Souta recommending various sites for erecting more Dragon Council outposts. Every spot he named brimmed with valuables and promised boosts to their practice. The surroundings suited their needs ideally.

Two full hours passed before the gathering wrapped up.

...

Land of Fire Light.

Souta's eyes fluttered open, landing on the [Meeting Table of the Outer Realm].

A subtle grin formed on his mouth. "The Dragon Council stirs to life," he whispered. "They've advanced further than I anticipated. I figured losing those Heads would cripple them... clearly, I misjudged."

Fresh recruits had bolstered the Council's ranks. Both Esriel and Xue Yi ranked as elite powerhouses, and their addition guaranteed expanding reach. Alexander poured vast resources into it, leaving no room for defeat.

That ancient ruin smack in the middle of Hall Plains would anchor the Dragon Council's initial headquarters.

"Groups such as this... they always look doomed from the start," Souta grumbled under his breath.

Members chased personal ambitions without a shared vision binding them. Instead of fracturing the group, this diversity fortified it against collapse. Somehow, it lent the alliance enduring toughness.

"I ought to check out the ancient ruin should I head back to the Giza Continent," he mused.

Souta could already envision the outcome: the Dragon Council was fated to emerge as a dominant player in the times ahead.

...

Meanwhile, within the Twisted Forest, Wave Bond City.

Fadu stirred from slumber. Following brief inquiries from Souta, the pair climbed out of the hideout.

"So you're the heir of the Rulman Household?" Souta noted, a light smile pulling at his mouth. "If I'm to guide you back... you'd best brace yourself."

Fadu gulped nervously. "Yes... I uncovered Uncle Dihra's scheme to seize control of my clan. He aimed to shut me up for good."

His other uncle had perished in the effort to shield him.

From Fadu's account, Souta discovered the Rulman Household stood as a top clan in the Tidal Merchant Group, Wave Bond City's premier trading empire. Their sway reached into the Depth of Banquet, earning deference even from the city's ruler.

"Your uncle's probably in a frenzy... not having snared or slain you yet," Souta laughed softly. His gaze darted to Fadu. "Say, what bribe might your uncle dangle if I turned you in?"

"No! Please... I'll grant any request, just spare me from Uncle Dihra!" Fadu's tone quivered.

Souta kept his expression serene. "Just curiosity on my part. Handing you over isn't in my plans."

He motioned ahead. "Come on, time to head home to your kin."

Fadu bobbed his head, tension still etched on his features.

"Steel yourself," Souta tacked on with a sly smirk. "Those pulling the strings won't release you without a fight... though rest easy. I've got your back."

...

Rulman Household.

A lady perched elegantly upon a seat, her aura demanding focus. Bluish tones colored her skin, with slits resembling gills along her throat's edges. Ebony locks flowed down her spine, while slender fins protruded from her arms. Emerald orbs, jewel-bright, gleamed with keen wit.

She served as Matriarch and leader of the Rulman Household, a cornerstone among the Tidal Merchant Group's top three clans.

Freida Rulman was her name.