The Evolution Of A Goblin To The Peak Chapter 1254: Infernal Radiant Sun Bear
Previously on The Evolution Of A Goblin To The Peak...
In terms of raw power, Souta could perceive that she was slightly ahead of Doranjan during the time he had freshly evolved.
Ultimately, Yuko’s [Monster Force III] had ascended into [Monster Force Ultimate (Lord)].
Souta had achieved the same feat upon reaching the fifth stage; however, even after becoming an Emperor, his [Monster Force] had not hit the Lord level. Still, it was a monumental advancement for Yuko to wield a Lord-level [Monster Force] at just the fifth stage.
She had transformed into an Infernal Radiant Sun Bear.
It was an incredibly formidable species, arguably rivaling dragons and phoenixes. Residing mostly within the deepest volcanic depths, their might could conjure intense heat capable of incinerating anything in their path.
The Sun Bear clan preferred volcanic habitats. Some of their most powerful specimens even dwelled within the Imperium's sun, contending with the Golden Winged Roc for supremacy.
"Great work," Souta said, his smile broadening.
With Yuko reaching the fifth stage, she would now stand alongside Kessa and Doranjan as a potent force. The trio were all fifth-stage monsters.
Furthermore, there was the Nightmare Conjurer who had pledged his service to him.
In total, he possessed four fifth-stage monsters under his command.
Souta looked at Yuko and stated, "Let’s move out. Once my preparations in the Depth of Banquet are finished, you will have a stage upon which to display your prowess."
He gestured with his hand, causing the surrounding scenery to shift.
Swoosh!!
A moment later, Souta and Yuko were floating high above the Blood Realm, positioned just under the moon.
"Master, what are you doing exactly?" Yuko asked, filled with curiosity.
"Observing," Souta replied, a smile playing on his lips. He was clearly in high spirits. "I constructed the land beneath us and dubbed it the Blood Realm. Various creatures here will vie for hierarchy. They are to establish a connection with the core of the Blood Realm to accelerate the growth of their dream power."
In the Dream Realm, dream power was the most vital resource. Without it, one felt as though they were merely drifting in the fathomless ocean.
Souta and Yuko continued to monitor the events unfolding below.
The Nightmare Conjurer quickly solidified his position, as no one dared contest him. Harnessing his dream power, he reshaped his environment to suit his tastes. Countless rocks hovered in the air while a dark mist blanketed the sector. This would serve as his dominion within the Blood Realm.
On another front, King Tasman established a connection with the core. His power as an Eight Shackle Realm expert was truly terrifying. Numerous fourth-stage monsters were essentially ants at his feet. Yet, because his dream power was nearly non-existent, he could not terraform his territory despite securing the connection.
At present, the Nightmare Conjurer and Tasman were the two undisputed sovereigns of the Blood Realm.
The others were still locked in combat for dominance. These skirmishes would likely persist for several days before order was fully established.
"Let us descend," Souta decided, beginning his descent toward the terrain.
Yuko followed closely behind him.
Shortly after, the duo arrived above a landscape dominated by massive mountains. Many stood nearly three kilometers high, with the largest peaks reaching five kilometers above the surface.
These mountains acted like a barrier, isolating this territory from the rest of the Blood Realm.
This was the land chosen by Tasman.
Souta and Yuko drifted slowly toward the camp where Tasman resided. He made no effort to conceal his presence, so Tasman immediately took note of his arrival.
Thud!
Upon touching the ground, the surrounding crowd parted for them, recognizing Souta as an ally.
"That is the Savior."
"And who is that beast trailing behind him?"
"I cannot say, but the mere sight of that bear quickens my pulse."
"Indeed, that is undeniably a fifth-stage monster."
The denizens of the Everlasting Kingdom whispered amongst themselves as the pair strode forward. While Souta was familiar to them, Yuko’s presence was entirely new.
...
Meanwhile, in the Depths of Banquet at the Rulman Household.
Fadu was seated on the ground, a wooden sword in his grip, his chest heaving with every breath.
"Master, how might I accelerate my progress?" Fadu inquired, looking up at Souta.
"I am not your master, so cease using that title," Souta replied with a wave of his hand, continuing, "I have stated before that rapid growth requires dedication and hard work."
"But I am putting in the work..." Fadu argued.
Souta cast a skeptical glance at him and scoffed. "You? Hard work? That is insufficient."
"While you will eventually gain strength through your family’s vast resources, do not anticipate a high growth rate. You must venture out and participate in true life-and-death skirmishes. Hone your techniques and skills through authentic combat," Souta explained.
"I..." Fadu understood his meaning. He craved strength, yet the prospect of life-or-death confrontation filled him with involuntary tremors.
He recalled when Souta had saved him; he had stood on the precipice of death.
Suddenly, Souta turned his head, alerted by commotion outside.
Had something occurred?
He looked at Fadu and commanded, "Remain here until I return."
Without waiting for a response, Souta strode out of the courtyard. Beyond the gate, the voices of the Rulman Household members drifted to him.
"The monsters from the Sea Fiend Cave have launched an assault on the eastern gate!"
"I heard hundreds of patrol guards have fallen already!"
"They have seized total control of the eastern gate!"
"Traitors plagued our household only a week ago, and now this catastrophe strikes."
Though they spoke in hushed tones, Souta’s heightened senses captured every word.
He simply leaned against the gate, listening.
The Sea Fiend Cave was a gargantuan force outside the bubble region of Wave Bond City. Scores of monsters lived there, all under the rule of a fifth-stage monster.
The Rulman Household was powerful, but recent events had left them shaken and anxious. They could only pray that the City Lord could rally sufficient forces to repulse the invaders.
Souta contemplated this for a few minutes before shaking his head and retreating inside.
Upon entering, he found Fadu waiting expectantly.
"Did something happen?" Fadu asked, his gaze filled with concern.
"Nothing much. The eastern gate has just fallen to those monsters from the Sea Fiend Cave," Souta said dismissively, as if it were a trivial matter.
"The Sea Fiend Cave?!" Fadu’s eyes widened in alarm.
"Do not concern yourself; you are not the one managing this," Souta remarked, stopping beside the boy. "Your family will undoubtedly dispatch aid to purge them."
He was certain the Rulman Household would not remain idle. As an influential pillar of the Tarrant Nation, they had a reputation to preserve. Wave Bond City was essentially their fiefdom, even if it remained unspoken. Their authority here far exceeded that of the City Lord.
Through his time here, Souta had become well-versed in the politics of both the Rulman clan and the surrounding Tarrant Nation.
He glanced at Fadu, considering whether he himself should involve himself in the cleanup.
...
Elsewhere, in a spacious chamber, Freida and the senior leadership of the Rulman Household gathered around a long table.
"Sea Fiend Cave?"
"Who dared to occupy our eastern gate?"
"They must be dealt with swiftly!"
"The City Lord will surely retaliate."
Freida listened, her chin resting on her palm, eyes closed against the din. Slowly, the noise faded away.
She scanned the room, noticing every elder awaiting her decree.
"Serkha, Dorun, Heming, Rek’ha, go forth and coordinate with the City Lord. Eliminate those entities," Freida ordered.
The four named elders bowed their heads.
"Yes, Matriarch!"
They were tasked with bringing elite family members to assist in the operation. With the orders given, she dismissed the gathering.
Once alone, she looked toward the eastern gate, pondering the motives of the Sea Fiend Cave. The overlord of that cave was a fifth-stage level creature whom she knew well. It seemed unlikely he would provoke the Rulman Household unless specific circumstances had compelled him, given they were far more powerful than his own forces.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Fadu appeared.
"Mother!" he called out.
"What is the matter, my child?" Freida asked with a soft smile.
"I wish to join the fight," Fadu stated, his voice resolute.