The Evolution Of A Goblin To The Peak Chapter 1244: Turmoil within the Rulman Household

The following morning.

Since stepping into the room upon his arrival, Souta had remained there, reclining on the bed with his eyes shut. Staying indoors seemed the smartest choice, given the possibility that danger might come knocking. After all, certain members of the Rulman Household desired Fadu's demise, yet he had successfully delivered the young boy back home.

To them, this positioned him squarely as a foe.

Though he held no fear toward such individuals, Souta favored steering clear of pointless clashes.

A crisp rap resounded against the door.

Souta shifted his gaze. "What's the matter?"

"The Matriarch requests your presence," came a steady voice in response.

"Got it," Souta acknowledged, getting up from the bed.

Internally, a smirk formed. The moment has arrived. Likely, the Matriarch intends to act at last. Straightening his attire, he approached the door. Waiting beyond was a maid, her stance poised and impeccable.

"Come with me," she instructed following a quick look. "I'll lead you to the Matriarch."

Souta gave a nod and trailed after her.

During their stroll, he observed the environment closely. Pathways wove between towering four-story dwellings, bordered by verdant grass and dispersed foliage, all linked by smooth stone paths. Close to the primary entrance, a vast pool extended almost a hundred meters in length, teeming with Searans and various beasts gliding idly as sentries circled the edges.

Based on his observations, the Rulman property covered about two hundred meters in every direction.

He curbed the impulse to examine it using his superior feram. Inciting the dwellers of the household—particularly the leaders, who outmatched him vastly—posed a danger he refused to court. A mere error might reveal his true nature.

It wasn't long before the maid halted before an elaborate entrance.

"The Matriarch awaits within," she informed him. "This is as far as I can escort you."

Souta inclined his head. Advancing, he pressed his hand to the surface and swung it wide. A rush of air billowed forth.

Whoosh!

Strands of his hair fluttered wildly as he crossed the threshold.

The portal banged closed right after, and the air thickened in a heartbeat.

'That mana...'

His eyes locked onto the Matriarch, who perched regally upon a commanding throne in the chamber's heart. An overwhelming, nearly palpable aura emanated from her form.

As a premier authority in the Rulman Household—one of Tarrant Kingdom's mightiest clans—she outshone even Wave Bond City's overseer, according to tales. Furthermore, she ranked among the Tidal Merchant Group's three supreme figures, a trading empire that held sway over the three realms of the Depth of Banquet.

Such was Freida Rulman.

Beneath her throne, lines of figures arranged in opposing rows. The majority were Searans, though some hailed from races like Aquarans and Octodas. Octodas resembled octopus-like demis. Distinct from Searans or Aquarans, they lacked arms or legs, relying instead on eight nimble tentacles that operated on their own.

These were the elite members, referred to as the Elders of the Rulman Household, yielding power only to the Matriarch.

From her elevated seat, Freida's eyes scanned down to Souta. After scrutinizing him intently, she opened her mouth.

"You're Atos, right?"

"Indeed, Madam," Souta answered evenly, dipping his head.

Several Elders creased their brows at his manner. A hint of irritation flickered across their faces.

Souta paid them no mind. Absent the Matriarch's approval, not one could lay a hand on him. In truth, he was the savior of her child.

"To start, allow me to convey my thanks for rescuing my son," Freida stated, standing up. She offered a slight bow. "As his mother, I offer you my deepest appreciation."

"You're welcome, Madam. It was no trouble at all. I just happened to be nearby," Souta responded fluidly.

A smile graced Freida's lips as she settled back down. With a subtle gesture of her hand, a pair of maids appeared, bearing a metallic chest.

All at once, yet another servant dashed in, gasping for breath. Raising her head to Freida, terror shone in her stare.

"Matriarch! An attempt was made to poison the young master!"

The mood altered in a flash. A chill descended upon the chamber.

"WHAT?!"

Freida's roar boomed through the space. She leaped to her feet, a colossal wave of mana bursting from her core.

"Commence!"

Scarce had the command escaped her when the whole Rulman Household quaked. Explosive forces erupted everywhere, quivering the earth and stirring the winds. Those assembled froze in shock, unprepared for the abrupt torrent of might.

"It appears a complete purge of this household is necessary," she declared icily.

In the space of a moment, Freida disappeared from view.

Ohm!

Souta cocked his head and at once detected a formidable array expanding over the grounds. The Matriarch had barricaded the entire domain, gearing up to eradicate the culprits.

He pondered briefly what pandemonium might have unfolded had he not rescued Fadu.

Glancing around, he saw the Elders departing the area sequentially to pursue Freida.

'Could a betrayer lurk in their midst?' he mused.

Moving without a sound, Souta sidestepped the bowed servants. He slipped out, extending his limbs leisurely while a subtle grin played on his mouth.

"Such an impressive formation," he whispered.

His sight followed the translucent shield that cloaked the property in a gigantic dome. A quiet laugh slipped out as he examined it.

Souta had selected Fadu deliberately.

The reason? Straightforward.

While seeking a chance, he spotted Fadu chased by a group of formidable specialists. Overhearing their words, he discovered the youth was heir to a influential lineage.

Rescuing Fadu and securing access to his clan formed the groundwork for Souta's schemes in Wave Bond City.

"Time to get some exercise."

Souta swiveled his neck, allowing his power to flow out and survey the vicinity. He yearned to delve deeply into the grounds, yet held back to avoid irking the Rulman Household's superiors. Expulsion at this juncture would derail everything.

Things stood differently this time. Amid the turmoil gripping the Rulman Household, Souta unleashed his energy freely.

Exercising sharp focus, he concentrated and swiftly located Fadu's position.

Crouching low, Souta propelled himself ahead, racing toward the boy at blinding velocity.

Swoosh!

...

High overhead the Rulman Household, Freida floated, her frame pulsing with a tremendous mana outburst. Her face remained stern and resolute as she glared at the aged figure below.

"Elder Reklor," she uttered, her tone dripping with lethal menace, "as my husband's father, you command my regard, yet do not block my path while I root out this household's betrayers."

Standing beneath her was a senior gentleman, clutching a mighty trident. He served as an Elder in the Rulman Household, among the clan's top authorities.

"If possible... please spare my son, Dihra," Elder Reklor requested, his eyes locked firmly on hers.

Freida's stare intensified. "No chance. As Matriarch, duty binds me. He sought my son's life and leaked our confidences. His death is certain. Should you interfere, I'll have no choice but to face you too."

Freida's power rushed at him without pause.

Elder Reklor stood unmoved. Bracing himself solidly, he countered her onslaught with his own might.

Boom!

Fiery sparks burst aloft where their forces met.

Freida maneuvered her left arm, etching a pattern through the ether. Soon, the area around them tightened, like an unseen pressure seeking to bind them down.

"The Protection of Deep Water is now engaged," she stated serenely. "I retain full mobility, and the Rulman Household will suffer minimal harm from my strikes. Now... your end comes."

"Expel my son if you must, and I'll remain silent," Elder Reklor countered resolutely. "But should you seek his life, you'll need to defeat me beforehand."

Suddenly, both blurred out of perception, their speeds defying sight. They collided once more suspended in the air, their blows detonating with raw devastation.

BOOM!

The atmosphere quivered, and the heavens appeared to crack under their ferocious duel.

...

Encompassing two hundred meters across, the Rulman Household loomed vast, yet for a powerhouse like Souta, crossing it demanded little effort.

Before long, he reached Fadu's spot. Pausing at the entrance, he shoved it aside.

Within lay two figures: Fadu alongside his sire, Wresho Rulman.

"Atos!" Fadu exclaimed, his voice brimming with relief and joy.

"What brings you here?" Wresho inquired warily, suspicion threading his words.

A slight smile curved Souta's lips, grasping the parent's wariness. "Word reached me of the poisoning attempt on Fadu," he clarified steadily. "Rest easy. Had harm been my goal, I wouldn't have returned him here."

He stayed put, refraining from nearing the pair.

Wresho squinted, maintaining separation. He shifted Fadu to his rear, poised against any abrupt danger.

Souta eased himself onto the floor, staring skyward.

Overhead, turbulent waves of energy surged wildly. Booms echoed sporadically while primal elements twisted above, raging like a tempest set loose.