Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1542 1542: Azure Tree

Right from the outset, that energy guided Adam and Alexia straight to this location—the Frost Oasis, holding the upcoming requirements for the Third Grand Star.

Prior to the second trial, Adam managed to get a quick peek at this region, yet now both of them laid eyes on the Frost Oasis, the exact spot the Head Golem had cautioned them about right at the start.

Step. Step. Step.

Alexia moved ahead, positioning herself beside Adam while they crossed the gate. Way down below, a compact yet intensely radiant pond came into view, where the world's entire energy appeared to gather.

For an instant, it struck them that this tiny pond held even greater energy than Heaven Island, home to Queen Elisa herself.

"Is this the Frost Oasis...?" Alexia whispered, her eyes locked on one spot, ignoring everything around it.

Adam stayed silent, but he shared the sensation. Whether it was merely a dense energy mass or the Ancient Frost Alexia sought, he sensed himself surrounded by a vault of riches.

Yet shortly after, something else caught their attention.

"What the...?" Alexia exclaimed, staring at the massive lizard-like head.

No, it wasn't a lizard or a wyvern. It was a genuine dragon's head. Tough skin layered with countless blue scales stretched across its skull, revealing the beast was either long deceased or utterly spent.

Those were Alexia's initial impressions, until Adam highlighted another aspect.

"See, its tale ended ages ago." Adam gestured toward the dragon's head, guiding Alexia's focus to the protruding bones that formed its neck.

The dragon lacked a body, no place to conceal it, with its head embedded directly beneath the rock and its bare neck plainly exposed.

Adam scanned the surroundings, considering if the dragon's remains might lie hidden close by as part of some sinister rite, but such worries proved unfounded.

To the cave's left stood a solitary tree boasting a snow-white trunk brimming with energy and a crown of blue. It remained a frail young shoot, far from a mighty tree.

But...

Quickly, the enchanting scene in Adam's view crumbled upon spotting a key detail.

Scattered across the floor lay bones and limbs from monsters and humans alike beside the blue tree, while its pale roots snaked over the earth, drawing sustenance from their energy and blood.

"Huh, this tree seems like an angel, yet it actually thrives on others' demise?" Adam's tone shook. He hadn't anticipated such a twist in this area.

Alexia cocked her head slightly.

"So..." She brushed her lips. "What's our move? I had no clue what awaited, and while I'm not let down, I spot no foes or the Ancient Frost I seek."

Tap.

Louis materialized behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"We're nearly there. Just channel your energy like earlier. The Winding Fragments, yeah? That ought to guide you to what you need!"

This suggestion applied to them equally.

Adam and Alexia shut their eyes, envisioning once more the frost portal that had transported them from the Citadel directly here.

But... it produced differing results for each now.

For Alexia, the energy directed her precisely to the shining pond, suggesting the Ancient Frost lay there or served as her initial step toward fresh strength.

"Agh?" Adam blinked repeatedly, bewilderment etched on his features.

"Something off?" Alexia arched a brow while gesturing ahead. "I have to head to that pond, exactly as I figured initially. Hey, bet it's pointing you toward the dragon's head, huh?"

Rather than replying, she only caught Adam's dazed look. He had no idea of his destination.

"Is this normal...?" His words wavered. "The energy pulls me onward like the whole Frost Oasis overflows with the Blood of God, yet nothing stands out. Why does yours reveal a clear route while mine stays vague?"

Adam scowled as he advanced a step. He figured proximity might clarify the energy's direction.

Still, no shift occurred.

"W-Why?"

Adam halted in the cave's center, surveying the area. The vast chamber pulsed with energy signaling the Blood of God's presence. This spot fulfilled one requirement for the Third Grand Star.

Bam!

Abruptly, Alexia's hand smacked his back with enough power to reverberate through the cavern.

"Argh!"

Adam groaned from the sting. It burned like a scorching lash across his back, not a mere girl's strike.

"What the fuck?!" He clenched his jaw in fury.

Alexia flashed a smug grin.

"Huh, you're not the pioneer, and you're griping already? Come on, let's snag the Ancient Frost first, then sort your issue. Bet it ties to the dragon's head! I'm spot on every time!"

Twitch. Twitch. Twitch.

Adam's brow jerked. He itched to throttle her right then, but he couldn't deny her logic held weight.

Though his energy scattered unpredictably now, with the Blood of God's location unclear, tackling things step by step would surely unravel it eventually.

"Fine, let's grab the Ancient Frost and proceed."

"Huh, such spirit!" Alexia beamed widely and strode forth.

She pressed on without pause, aiming to leap from the ledge into the Frost Oasis, but...

THUMP!

She collided with an unseen barrier.

"Damn it!" Alexia clutched her flushed forehead while Adam's face grew grave.

Runes flickered in the air, unveiling a dome shielding both the Frost Oasis and the dragon's head, yet sparing the blue tree.

[The last trial begins!]

Suddenly, the Ancient Voice echoed once more as the gates sealed behind them with a resounding crash.

[Destroy all enemies if you want to survive!]

They exchanged a glance just as energy surged from the blue tree and the earth trembled.

Their foes had arrived well ahead, lurking in wait.