Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1499: New Lands (Part 1)

Adam and Alexia stood in silence for a moment, their gazes fixed upon the frost ridge. While their field of vision was limited, it provided more than enough clarity for them to recognize that they had reached their destination.

Neither of them could predict the dangers lurking within that frozen expanse. Nevertheless, it was obvious that venturing there was a mandatory requirement to satisfy the conditions for the Third Grand Star.

Out of all the Winding Fragments they had encountered, this was the only one that caused their internal energy to vibrate instantly, demanding their full attention.

They tested the other hundred fragments to see if the reaction was merely a fluke, but not a single one triggered the same resonance within them.

“Hey… I’m prepared to charge into a fight and everything, but…” Alexia murmured, looking somewhat bewildered. “What’s the plan? I seriously doubt Louis, Silvana, or anyone else can guide us to this spot just because we describe some mountains, snow, and a massive spine.”

Recalling Beth's words and Damien's previous actions, Adam remained silent for a beat.

“That information will definitely be useful. However, you're right. A single image won't get us very far. Well, I have a potential fix.”

Alexia shifted her gaze, skeptical.

“Hmm? You’ve got a plan? Then quit stalling and—!”

Adam didn't wait for her to finish; he shoved her forward, propelling her from the threshold of the void directly into the frozen territories.

Her eyes went wide with shock as she tumbled through the air. Spinning around, she saw Adam following right behind her, a smug grin on his face as he leaped into the portal.

Alexia’s irritation was cut short as the familiar, biting cold of the frost wrapped around her. Adam experienced the exact same sensation.

It felt as though the distant icy domain had detected their arrival, beckoning them to either integrate into the land or at least explore its depths.

However, reaching the actual ground was not in the cards for either of them.

“Argh?” Alexia’s expression turned to stone as she witnessed a bizarre sight.

Fractures began to spiderweb across the icy landscape. The cracks tore through everything—the dense snowbanks, the jagged peaks, the yawning chasms, and even the vivid blue sky that held nothing but a piercing, relentless wind.

In an instant, the frost ridge shattered into an infinite number of shards, resembling broken glass drifting through the dark void.

Adam and Alexia traded looks when they realized these shards contained visual data of the territory from every conceivable angle, including regions that had been hidden from them before. This was their chance to witness what lay beyond their initial perspective.

Before they could be swallowed by the surrounding abyss, the countless fragments swarmed toward them. Like falling stars, the shards pierced their consciousness, flooding their minds with information.

Under the weight of this massive data influx, the eyes of both Adam and Alexia glowed with an intense light before they finally succumbed to the darkness.

…

When they next opened their eyes, they found themselves in a peculiar dimension encircled by portals.

High above them, Queen Elisa was visible, enveloped in her pale cyan aura. Nearby, outside the queen’s tree, Damien, Beth, Silvana, and Louis remained exactly where they had been.

“Is that all?” Adam muttered, clutching his head. His mind was filled with so many distinct images it felt as though he had spent days meticulously studying topographical maps.

Alexia was struggling with the same sensation. While there was no actual pain, the sheer volume of fragments occupying her thoughts made it difficult to focus on anything else for a moment.

“Tsk, I guess that’s why they call them Winding Fragments, huh? But… do you actually recognize this place? Even with this map-like clarity in my head, I have no clue where this is located.”

Adam gave a solemn nod in agreement.

“Yeah… It doesn't resemble the Dead Lands or the Tarnished Lands. It might be a remote section of the Dark Shore, but something feels off. The Dark Shore is oppressive and terrifying, but this place feels like a direct provocation—a challenge to see who is the strongest, rather than who holds the most power.”

The Dark Shore was undoubtedly the most lethal territory. Adam found it hard to believe there were monsters elsewhere that could surpass those found there. It was difficult to imagine any rivals to the Befallen Crown or Free End existing in another corner of the world, with the sole exception of the Renegades within the Tarnished Lands.

“Well, since we've finished our business, let's get out. I've had enough of this place. This time-dilation effect is making me nauseous.”

Taking a deep breath, Adam tried to process the sequence of events.

Together, they exited Queen Elisa’s aura. A ripple of gray-blue energy washed over them as they stepped off the platform, returning to the world where time moved at its natural pace.

Damien glanced up from his watch, a smirk playing on his lips.

“There you are. That was fast. Only a few hours have passed out here. I assume you located the fragment you were searching for?”

Both Adam and Alexia nodded in confirmation.

“We did, but the location is still a mystery. I’ve dealt with this before—energy guiding the way while Silvana identified the spot based on my description. But… after going to the Tarnished Lands, I’ve realized that approach doesn't work anymore.”

Damien shrugged, understanding the dilemma.

“The further you stray from the Citadel, the more the world becomes a blank slate. There aren't enough high-level Phantoms to map out every minor region. Besides, the landscape shifts naturally every few decades, and the World Wipe essentially resets the board.”

He paused before continuing:

“But that isn't an insurmountable obstacle. You'll find your own path to that territory. Regardless, I'd like to hear what it looks like. You know,” Damien gestured toward Beth, “she possesses a great deal of knowledge—perhaps too much.”

Beth rolled her eyes, her gaze shifting toward the duo.

“Go on then, describe what you saw.”

They wasted no time in recounting the details of their vision.

After listening for a few minutes, Damien let out a short laugh and tilted his head back with an air of arrogance.

“It sounds like it’s time for you to head into new territories, doesn't it? Heh, you’ve gained strength remarkably fast. That’s good—very good.”