Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1489: Two Guests (Part 2)

Adam’s intention was to finish his affairs at the Citadel, consult with Damien or another expert regarding the requirements for the Third Grand Star, and then depart for the Dead Lands—likely alone, though perhaps accompanied by Alexia.

Everything had been proceeding smoothly; there was no reason Adam shouldn't have been able to meet with Damien. They had crossed paths numerous times before, and Damien had been a vital benefactor on his journey, providing essential information, motivation, resources, and memorable sparring sessions.

However, Damien had alternative intentions.

Whooooooosh.

Violent gusts of wind whipped through Adam’s hair as he plummeted past dozens of skyscraper levels. The glowing lights and glass windows blurred into a streak as he descended toward the ground at a terrifying velocity.

To be sure, a fall from this altitude wouldn't kill Adam. His physique was far too resilient for that, but the danger wasn't the issue.

“Is he testing me to see if I can return to the summit from here?” Adam pondered, casting a glance over his shoulder.

He had only a few seconds remaining before impact. There was nothing stopping him from breaking his fall, landing safely, and simply riding the elevator back up.

But… unlike a normal human for whom the elevator was the sole path, he possessed other options.

‘Tsk, was this really necessary?’ Adam scowled as his aura surged. ‘What a prideful bastard!’

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

He channeled his energy toward his feet, causing the black-and-white flames to manifest as two small clouds.

It wasn't sufficient.

Adam’s descent continued because he lacked the energy density to make the clouds solid enough to support his weight in mid-air.

Nevertheless, this wasn't the extent of Adam's potential. He could have activated his special abilities, but he felt that would be cheating the challenge.

“Fine, I’ve managed to reduce my speed by 80% or 90%…” He noted while watching the pavement, which was now approaching at a leisurely pace. His window of time had expanded from seconds to nearly a minute.

Adam gave a small nod.

‘So, the trick is to compress my energy even further, right? Since forming the Second Grand Star and unlocking the path to the next, my strength has increased. I’ve fully recovered from the clash with Menax; I should be capable of this now!’

He recalled the techniques of Erik, Saegar, Damien, Kenward, and other Second Circle experts. He specifically remembered Erik’s arrival at the Alderran Family estate to verify the outcome of his fight with Reinz.

Erik had simply strolled through the sky, manifestng an invisible platform of energy with every stride. Even that was just a fraction of his power. He could thicken the very space beneath him at will to prevent any fall.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Adam’s veins throbbed as he balled his fists. Performing this through pure control without relying on innate abilities was grueling, but he was slowly mastering the sensation.

By the time he reached the level of the twentieth floor, his fall ceased. Two shimmering energy disks, barely larger than his soles, allowed him to stand firmly in the void.

“Agh… Agh… Agh…” Adam panted, glancing toward the side.

A young girl standing behind a window pane stared at him, her eyes wide with shock. Beside her, her mother looked on with an equally stunned expression.

Crunch.

The child bit into a cookie, her eyes sparkling with wonder. She was witnessing the impossible.

“Hah, that look on your face is reward enough.” Adam grinned, looking upward. “Alright, time to head back up!”

Tap. Tap. Tap.

With a series of rhythmic bounds, Adam began his ascent, passing one floor at a time. Having fallen from the very peak of the tower, he had a long climb ahead before he would reach his balcony.

“Good…” Adam’s voice was raspy as he wiped sweat from his brow. “Agh, what am I even doing? This isn't how I planned my evening.”

He looked up, preparing for the final stretch. Only a few more leaps remained.

Suddenly, his face twisted in shock as Alexia’s form appeared in his vision. She had been tossed off the balcony exactly as he had been moments ago.

Whooooooooosh.

Alexia plummeted past him, her expression a mix of confusion and sudden realization.

As she reached the fiftieth floor, her composure snapped.

“FUUUUUUCK!!!”

Immediately, the air grew frigid as Alexia scrambled to make her way back up.

Adam shook his head and vaulted onto the balcony. He found Damien leaning against the wall with his arms folded. Beth was nowhere to be seen, having retreated inside to avoid the chaos.

“What was the point of that?” Adam asked, his brow furrowed in clear annoyance.

Damien gave a casual shrug.

“Let’s just call it a surprise training session.”

His eyes dropped to Adam’s feet.

“It looks like you succeeded. This was your first time 'flying' using nothing but raw energy, wasn't it?” Damien smirked, already knowing the truth.

Surprisingly, Adam couldn't find a way to argue. He had indeed scaled the skyscraper through the open air.

While it could hardly be called true flight, the fact that Adam achieved it through pure energy control outside the adrenaline of combat was an impressive feat.

“Yeah, you're right,” Adam admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

“But I could have learned that without your 'help'.”

“Hahaha, lighten up. Do you think I get many chances to have this much fun? I saw an opening and I took it.”

Adam narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

“I suspect you do things like this constantly. If not to me, then to someone else.”

Adam had no idea how accurate his guess was. Had Frida been present, she would have certainly agreed.

Whooooooosh.

A blast of icy wind announced Alexia’s return as she touched down beside Adam.

“You…” She glared venomously at Damien. “What the hell are you playing at?”

Step.

Damien blurred forward like a phantom, appearing instantly in front of Alexia.

Click.

He delivered a sharp flick to her forehead, sending her tumbling to the floor.

“Ouch! You bastard!” Alexia cried out, nursing her forehead.

Damien simply smiled at the pair of them.

“The Third Grand Star, is it?”

The two of them nodded in unison.

“Excellent. You’re going to need guidance and pointers. However!”

Damien’s grin widened.

“First, I want some snacks!”