Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1496: Winding Fragments (Part 1)

Regardless of what other Phantoms were planning or their personal objectives, Frida persisted in her role as a guardian angel for any Phantom caught in a deadly crisis.

Whenever the right circumstances arose and Frida could intervene without her overwhelming power causing collateral deaths, her spear would streak toward the conflict at incredible speeds.

Her sanctuary was concealed with even greater care than Heaven Island. Adam had been aware of Heaven Island and Queen Elisa for ages, yet only now had he caught a glimpse of Azure Island. Even so, he was merely observing it from a distance, and it remained uncertain if he would ever set foot upon it.

Whooooooooosh.

A second spear launched from Azure Island, piercing toward the west. During the daylight hours, Frida’s movements went undetected due to the extreme altitude of her island.

At night, the clouds and darkness failed to mask the brilliant blue radiance of the massive spear as it tore through the firmament; however, to the common folk, it merely resembled a falling star, appearing as nothing more than a natural phenomenon.

‘Hah,’ Adam mused to himself. ‘Does that mean on those nights with heavy meteor showers, it was actually just Frida having a busy day? Though… that would also imply dozens of Phantoms were facing death at that time.’

“Alright.” Damien signaled with his hand as the winds began to surge once more. “We’ve wasted enough time. It’s disrespectful to keep the Queen herself waiting! Hahaha!”

Carried by the rushing air currents, the group soon arrived at the perimeter of Heaven Island.

On his previous visit, Adam had entered through the formal gates, traveling the roads lined with the sparse buildings that occupied the island.

This time, they arrived in a desolate region devoid of paths, surrounded only by jagged stones and a profusion of cyan crystals sprouting from every surface, with a shimmering, translucent pond situated ahead.

“Wait, wait, wait…!” Alexia’s eyes grew wide as she moved toward the water. “This pond… It isn’t water, is it? Is it all pure energy?”

Beth, following closely behind Damien, gave a small nod of confirmation.

“Nearly. A tiny fraction is still water, but yes, the energy density here is staggering. There is enough power in this pond to provide electricity to the entire Citadel for a full year if hooked to the right generator. Of course, using such energy for that would be senseless and wasteful.”

Step. Step. Step.

Adam moved forward and placed his hand on one of the crystals. A soft pulse of energy flowed into him, causing his heartbeat to decelerate and his breathing to turn rhythmic and calm.

He was aware that Queen Elisa’s energy was unique; her mere aura possessed the power to dilate one's perception of time.

‘What sort of catastrophe did the Citadel face that forced a Phantom as dominant as her to sacrifice herself, essentially becoming a living shield and a tool for the survival of millions?’

Adam had pondered this many times. He tried to envision what a formidable warrior Queen Elisa must have been on the battlefield in her prime. However… his knowledge of her was far too limited.

He didn't even know her true age or the condition of human civilization during her era.

Tuck.

Silvana gave Adam’s sleeve a tug, causing him to snap his eyes open.

“Agh?”

“Adam, are you okay?” Silvana inquired, her voice tinged with worry. “I thought you had drifted off to sleep.”

After a brief pause, Adam nodded.

“Yeah… that’s a fair way to put it. Queen Elisa’s energy is truly on another level.”

He then looked toward Damien, who, despite his earlier insistence on rushing, was in no hurry to depart. He seemed curious to witness the reactions of Adam and Alexia to the Queen's energy.

In reality, these crystals and the pond were not direct sources of Queen Elisa’s power. Eons ago, they were merely ordinary stones and water, but through prolonged exposure to her presence, they had been fundamentally altered, transforming common rock into high-grade energy crystals.

Queen Elisa was akin to a force of nature itself, despite her human origins. She remained human, yet it was a mystery if she would ever wake from her slumber.

“Damien, you actually lived during the same era as Queen Elisa, didn't you?” Adam asked with a solemn expression.

Beth directed a sharp, warning look at Damien. Such topics were not meant for discussion with a K4-Phantom.

However… even Beth lacked the authority to control Damien. She could offer warnings, but she could not command him.

“Yeah, I knew Queen Elisa personally. What about it?”

Adam’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“If you were to fight her, who would come out on top? You are considered the strongest, right? So… do you have the strength to defeat even Queen Elisa?”

Strangely, despite the gravity of the inquiry, no tension filled the air.

Damien merely gave a dismissive wave.

“You’re focused on the wrong thing, Adam. When it comes to her, it doesn't matter who the opponent or the ally is. Only one factor determines the outcome—whoever strikes first. The one who initiates the attack wins; it’s as simple as that.”

That wasn't the definitive answer Adam desired. He prepared to ask more, but Damien cut him off.

“Alright, keep up! We’re heading straight to Queen Elisa!” He shouted, stepping forward.

Regardless of whether the others were ready, powerful gusts of wind compelled them to follow him, moving away from the pond and the island's edge.

As they drew near the gray tower that shielded Queen Elisa from the world, several members of the Gamma Division spotted them.

They hadn't been informed of any visitors for the Queen, but the sight of Damien among the Phantoms made the situation clear.

Unlike Frida, who focused on training other Phantoms, Damien was known for his spontaneous and reckless behavior. He had taken a particular interest in several members of the younger generation.

Adam and Alexia were among those who had caught his eye. Consequently, he would occasionally assist them or meddle in their business if he felt like it.

Nonetheless, even Damien was expected to provide notice before disturbing Queen Elisa.

Step.

A tall, broad-shouldered man blocked the entrance, staring directly at Damien.

A faint scowl touched his face, but Damien ignored it completely, waving his hand playfully.

“Hey! We’re here to see the queen!”

‘Ah…’ The man sighed inwardly, shaking his head. ‘Him again… He truly is a nuisance.’