Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1501: Detached Mountains (Part 1)

Chapter 1501: Detached Mountains (Part 1)

Adam and Alexia prepared themselves to plunge back into the fray, returning once more to the Dead Lands. Their true objective, however, was a fresh destination: the Primal Lands.

They were under no illusions; this journey would be anything but a leisure cruise. On the contrary, it promised to be a perilous and pivotal undertaking for both of them.

A few final arrangements were necessary before they could depart for the Primal Lands.

Alexia and Louis brought their honeymoon to a close, while Adam took an additional week of leave.

This period wasn't just for recuperation; they used the time to deepen their understanding of the Primal Lands.

The more intelligence they gathered, the more their anticipation for the journey grew.

In many aspects, the Tarnished Lands and the Dark Shore shared similarities. Both were infested with lethal monsters, treacherous zones, and powerful Lords. The primary distinction lay in their geography and the military-like structure of the Befallen Crown, which stood in stark contrast to the more relaxed nature of the Renegades.

While the Befallen Crown sought total dominion over the Dark Shore and the world beyond, the Renegades were content simply ensuring their borders remained undisturbed by anomalies.

Furthermore, the Befallen Crown faced internal complications, specifically regarding the Free End and neutral Lords like Saegar, who wielded immense strength.

Though the Free End was the smallest among the world's major factions, no one was foolish enough to dismiss them. The individual power and iron will of each member made them a formidable threat.

The Primal Lands, however, operated on a different logic. No dominant faction held sway there, or at least none that Adam and Alexia were aware of.

Two primary dangers defined the Primal Lands: the beasts and the energy.

While such a description could apply to any territory, including the Dead Lands surrounding the Citadel, these threats existed in their most concentrated, raw state within the Primal Lands.

Nowhere else was the energy as chaotic and volatile, a reality Adam and Alexia were about to witness firsthand.

…

Tap.

Setting his coffee cup down, Adam shifted his gaze toward Silvana. She sat across from him, her attention fixed on the tablet in her hands.

Exactly seven days had passed since their trip to Heaven Island.

This was the day they were scheduled to rendezvous with Alexia, Louis, Damien, and Beth.

It was Damien and Beth’s responsibility to facilitate their transit to the Primal Lands.

“It’s time, isn't it?” Adam asked, a faint grin playing on his lips.

Silvana did not share his lightness; her expression remained grave. To her, entering these new territories was a high-stakes, dangerous mission.

“You really should drop that nonchalant attitude, Adam.”

“And why is that? I’ve survived the Tarnished Lands and the Dark Shore already. The Primal Lands will be brutal, sure, but what other choice do I have? I’m going there to fight and emerge victorious, just like always. I’m ready!”

Silvana let out a heavy sigh. She had anticipated this exact response, which only fueled her concern.

“Is that so? You think everything went perfectly? Do I need to remind you of what actually happened during those trips?”

“Hmm?” Adam looked genuinely puzzled.

Silvana’s eyes narrowed.

“Your first arrival at the Dark Shore was a total accident. You’d be a corpse right now if it weren't for Wilfred’s help, sheer luck, and two powerful Lords. The Befallen Crown was prepared to throw away a dozen Lords just to snuff out your potential for good.”

She pressed on without giving him a chance to speak:

“The Tarnished Lands weren't much better. You would have been finished by an External Artifact—perhaps even an Ancient One—if Frida hadn't stepped in. Every time you visit these places, you end up on the brink of death.”

Adam merely shrugged in response.

“I didn't choose to go to the Dark Shore so soon; the First Star gave me no choice. As for the Tarnished Lands… well, I’ve returned from there recently without a scratch, even with high-level monsters hunting me. Last time, I was simply caught off guard by the attention I drew after opening the Path Construct.”

Before Silvana could argue further, Adam moved close, looking her directly in the eye.

“Come on, Silvana, you’re starting to feel it too, aren't you? That hunger to test yourself against a savage beast or a true powerhouse, rather than some stuck-up Elder. If you were in my shoes, you’d feel exactly the same way!”

She opened her mouth to call him foolish, but the words wouldn't come.

“Tsk, fine!” She shook her head in frustration. “Your mission is to obtain the Blood of God, yet all you can think about is the thrill of the fight? Focus on the objective!”

“Look, if my fate is to eventually battle a god, the least I can do is enjoy the experience, right?”

Silvana was left speechless as Adam turned toward the fridge. He grabbed a carton of milk to prepare one last coffee before his time at the Citadel concluded.

He had made the most of his break.

Adam had prioritized his family and even secured a home for himself and Silvana. They had enjoyed their time together, setting aside their roles as Phantom and Operator to simply be a couple.

Nevertheless, they both recognized that the time for leisure had ended.

With only six years remaining until the next World Wipe, the clock was ticking. No one could predict how long it would take Adam to reach the power level of the Citadel’s Second Rank Phantoms.

“So, where is the meeting point Damien set?” Adam inquired, assuming they’d be heading to one of the spires.

Silvana’s answer caught him off guard.

“The northern mountains. It’s a secluded region within the Pacific Lands.”

Adam blinked, looking bewildered.

“The northern mountains? Wait, what? Why am I leaving the Citadel?”

Silvana’s gaze turned serious.

“According to them, it’s the only way to reach your destination in time.”