Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1497: Winding Fragments (Part 2)

Upon reaching Heaven Island for the first time, every Phantom is briefed on the Touched Humans and the existence of the Gamma Division.

The descendants of the Twelve Branches are the sole exceptions to this protocol. Due to their high-ranking lineage, they are granted the chance to uncover the Citadel’s hidden truths earlier, provided they possess the necessary maturity.

The revelation of the World Wipe hit Adam with significant impact. This was to be expected, considering his rapid advancement allowed him to learn the truth at a remarkably young age. Had his growth been more gradual, he would have been older when the news reached him.

However, under current circumstances, a slower evolution might have meant Adam lacked the strength required to survive the impending World Wipe.

“Mr. Damien,” the man uttered with a deep sigh. “You’ve brought two K4-Phantoms and their respective Operators to Heaven Island. While I won’t dispute your right to do so, a prior notification would have been appreciated.”

He glanced toward Beth, who averted her eyes, feigning ignorance. To an extent, she was telling the truth; she was merely being swept along by the chaotic force of nature that was Damien.

“You could have simply consulted your Operator,” Damien replied with a shrug.

“You speak as if Queen Elisa keeps regular visiting hours. You know better than anyone that she stands ready to assist at any moment.”

“Agh.” The man sighed once more. “That is true, but I still maintain it is better not to disturb her without cause.”

“Oh, don’t fret over it. We are here because the two behind me require the Queen’s intervention. Their goal is to grow stronger—significantly stronger. Look closely; you’ve likely encountered their faces before.”

Damien’s observation was accurate. Although the Gamma Division governed the Citadel, they rarely concerned themselves with the daily news or the achievements of common Phantoms, leaving such matters to other government branches.

Nevertheless, Adam and Alexia had made quite a name for themselves over the last two years. Despite not seeking fame, their relentless drive to fight and succeed had thrust them into the spotlight.

“Adam and Alexia?” The man’s eyes narrowed. “I see… It is heartening to witness such talent emerging in the Citadel during these final years before the World Wipe. The more young warriors we have, the better it is for everyone.”

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Damien offered a friendly pat on the man’s shoulder, yet the man was seasoned enough to detect the underlying coldness in Damien’s gaze. Damien had no intention of lingering for more small talk.

“Excellent. Now, open the gate. Unlike Queen Elisa, I haven’t turned to stone yet, and I have tasks to attend to. I need to finish with these two and return to my business.”

The man swallowed hard and moved out of the way.

As the sentry, he possessed the authority to deny even a noble family head if necessary, but he could not refuse Damien.

“Of course.”

Damien signaled with a wave. “Alright, everyone, follow me!”

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

The gate swung open with a heavy thud. Adam and Silvana traded looks before stepping forward with the group.

The gates sealed shut behind them the moment they crossed the threshold, leaving them once again in the presence of Queen Elisa.

Silvana gulped; now that she possessed her own energy and abilities, she could truly perceive the overwhelming majesty of the Queen’s form.

“Everything looks exactly as it did before,” Adam whispered, staring at the massive tree ahead.

The tree appeared devoid of life or energy, resembling a metallic statue of iron that functioned solely as Queen Elisa’s throne and chamber.

At the tree's core sat a crystal of unparalleled size and power. None of the Midnight or Twilight crystals Adam had previously encountered could compare to even a fraction of the Queen’s crystal.

Queen Elisa remained suspended within the crystal, just as she had been before. Her eyes were shut, arms extended, and her legs drawn toward her torso—her knees fused together long ago.

Her jade-like skin looked more like the polished stone of a magnificent sculpture than the supple flesh of a young woman.

Only her long blonde hair, cascading past her waist, looked human, contrasting with her appearance as a living weapon or statue.

“I’ve witnessed her in this state hundreds of times, and yet…” Damien bit his lip. “We must find a solution. This cannot continue indefinitely.”

Alexia and Louis exchanged glances, clearly moved by the sight, much like the others.

Beth, however, showed no visible emotion while observing Queen Elisa, her gaze remaining unreadable.

“Damien, since we are here, they should begin immediately without wasting time.”

“Right!”

Alexia tilted her head, looking confused.

“Hmm? What are we supposed to do, exactly?”

Beth stepped toward the platform. A few more steps would bring them under the direct influence of Queen Elisa’s energy. Both Adam and Alexia were well aware of the consequences of entering that field.

“The technique I mentioned—the Winding Fragments. They will help you identify your specific conditions. As you know, the name or the origin doesn't matter. Every condition can be met; the challenge is simply finding the right path.”

Adam nodded in understanding of Beth's explanation.

“So, what is the process? We focus on our objectives and—!”

Suddenly, a force struck him in the back, moving faster than he could possibly react.

Adam stumbled forward. The final image he saw was Alexia’s wide-eyed shock as the same thing happened to her.

Just before the Queen’s energy consumed them, one thought crossed Adam’s mind:

‘Damien, I swear, the day will come when I pay you back for all these ridiculous stunts! Tsk!’

His irritation faded into nothingness as he drifted into a profound slumber.

…

It was impossible to tell how much time had passed since Damien shoved them into the Queen’s aura, but Adam eventually opened his eyes.

“Agh?”

To his amazement, he was surrounded by total darkness. There was no sign of the Evolution Tree or the Lone Blaze here.

However, Alexia was there, looking just as bewildered as he was. In the distance, countless shimmering stars glowed like gateways to other realms—the Winding Fragments.

A faint chill emanated from one particular star, which immediately drew the attention of both Adam and Alexia.