Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1524 1524: Descent into the Depths (Part 1)

The fire crackled steadily, throwing bright sparks that danced before Adam’s unblinking gaze.

Aside from the Head Golem, every other construct had retreated back into the earth. The leader of the golems remained perched upon a massive boulder, observing the two Phantoms as they prepared to breach the barrier. Now that both had mastered the ancient energy, the once-impassable wall presented no further obstacle.

"It took a bit longer than I anticipated," Adam mused. He eyed the massive slab of meat roasting over the flames, its surface turning into a delicious, crispy crust. It needed only thirty more seconds to reach perfection.

The wolf he had slain was his prize, a trophy of the hunt. To Adam, the line separating a hunter from a mere butcher was distinct.

A hunter ends a life to provide sustenance or gather materials, whereas a killer takes life merely to satisfy a bloodthirsty craving for conquest. Adam understood this philosophy well; even though the beast’s hide and claws were useless to him now, he intended to honor the kill by consuming every morsel of its meat.

Sounds of crunching filled the air.

Alexia was already deep into her meal, tearing flesh from bone with primal enthusiasm. Grease glistened at the corners of her mouth as she ate with a singular focus, clearly intent on leaving nothing behind.

'I have no regrets.' Adam scanned their surroundings. In this desolate world of endless snow and ice, their small campfire served as the solitary pocket of warmth.

The only other light came from the Frost Oasis within the abyss, casting an eerie, sapphire glow against the jagged cliffs. Beyond that, there was nothing but frozen stone and the skeletal remains of ancient monsters.

Despite the desolation, Adam felt a profound sense of serenity. Not even during his days at the Citadel with Silvana had his spirit felt this balanced.

Back at the Citadel, a nagging voice in his mind always insisted he was wasting time—that he should be back in the Dead Lands pushing his Cultivation to the limit. He had never been able to fully silence that restlessness.

But here, he felt the momentum of progress.

Though he had been in the Primal Lands for less than a day, he had achieved more growth than during those weeks of idle recovery.

"It isn't just about the ancient energy..." Adam whispered, lifting the spit from the fire. "The wyvern, those beasts, and that worm—they possess a fierce will to survive and thrive. I find that admirable."

He took a large bite.

The rich, gamey flavor of the powerful monster filled his palate. It was a heavy, unrefined taste, lacking salt, pepper, or any seasoning. A normal human would likely find the raw intensity of the meat nauseating, but Adam was well-acquainted with such fare.

Eating monster meat at different stages of his power allowed him to appreciate the unique essence of these creatures, a stark contrast to ordinary food.

"Phew!" Alexia exhaled loudly, collapsing onto her back. "I’m stuffed... I think I’m going to pop!"

Adam wiped a smudge of grease from his chin and smirked.

"You’re the one who decided to bolt it down. We weren't exactly in a rush."

At his words, Alexia scrambled back to her feet.

"Wrong! We need to head to the Frost Oasis immediately!"

Adam glanced up at the starlit sky. Between the skirmishes, Alexia’s training, and their meditation on the ancient energy, hours had slipped away.

"Fair enough. You’re likely right."

He nodded toward the Head Golem, who had sat motionless for hours. The entity had waited in silence for their move.

"Alright, old man, we’re moving out."

The stone figure slowly shifted its gaze toward him.

"Old man...? Well, given the eons between us, I suppose it is accurate. You both are so very young... It is a tragedy to see the brightest souls extinguished by the weight of their own ambition."

Alexia’s expression soured at the grim omen.

"What? Are you still convinced we’re going to die down there?"

The Head Golem gave a slow, solemn nod.

"Huh?" Alexia scoffed, crossing her arms. "We have the ancient energy now! Our power has reached a completely different level!"

Adam’s gaze turned pensive. 'She has a point. While I haven't fully grasped the limits of this ancient energy, it is undoubtedly a massive asset. This Ancient Flux isn't just a minor boost; it's a fundamental evolution of my strength.'

The golem remained unmoved.

"Obtaining that power was merely the requirement to pass the gate... nothing more. I see the fire in your soul; you intend to reach the very bottom. You will find no exit there, yet I am forbidden from stopping you."

Alexia balled her fists, ready to spend the next hour arguing her worth to the stone guardian.

Before she could snap back, Adam placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.

"You won't change his perspective, just as he won't change ours," Adam said calmly. "Words have no value here. The only way to prove him wrong is to descend, finish what we started, and walk back out. That is the only argument that matters."

The Head Golem looked at Adam one last time.

"Young man... many have stood where you stand and said those exact words. To this day, not one has returned."

Adam gave a casual shrug.

"See what I mean?"

He turned and walked toward the shimmering boundary with unwavering confidence.

"Take care, old man. I hope one day you find a purpose more exciting than guarding a door."

The Head Golem watched in silence as the two figures vanished through the barrier, beginning their descent into the depths of the Frost Oasis.