Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1549: The old body

Unknown dangers loomed ahead for them, possibly the ice worms or perhaps different beasts eager to uncover the secrets of the Frost Oasis. At this point, no barriers or golems would be able to halt their advance.

However, none of those paled in comparison to the events unfolding in the final cave, right beside the pond.

Crack.

The shadowy shell of the egg shattered aside, exposing a lengthy arm tipped with brief yet razor-like claws.

Beneath the stunned stares of Adam and Alexia, that arm reached for the egg's upper surface, its claws plunging straight into the material.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

That arm shattered the egg's crown, and prior to any response from Adam and Alexia, another arm emerged into view.

At that moment, both arms seized the borders of the opening, gradually forcing the egg to split open.

This resembled a lizard or serpent attempting an untimely escape from its shell, a feat achievable only by the mightiest specimens.

Alexia’s eyes constricted as the arms ripped the egg to pieces, stirring up a frosty haze.

A towering silhouette hid within the fog, advancing with a single stride the following instant, gradually stepping out from the shroud.

What struck them first was his stature. The figure confronting them lacked the massive bulk of stone demons or golems; though in humanoid shape, he still measured two meters high and loomed effortlessly above Adam and Alexia.

His frame appeared lean and toned, devoid of bulging muscles, yet brimming with raw strength in a formidable physique.

Flowing blue locks cascaded to his waist, while a pair of brilliant azure eyes eclipsed the glow in Adam and Alexia’s own. Such a hue remained beyond their grasp, at least in the present.

The figure possessed neither tail nor wings, nor any other sign marking him as a draconic beast. The sole deviation consisted of scattered blue scales across his chest and forearms.

His expression held serenity tinged with mild arrogance, his piercing stare set on angular features that evoked a shadowy royal more than a subterranean dragon.

Step. Step. Step.

Silent as ever, the figure strode from the now-vacant pond, the ground yielding beneath every measured yet forceful footfall.

A shiver coursed through Adam and Alexia’s backs.

Identical visions and notions filled their minds. This individual clearly held the makings of a Lord, or... could he already be one, merely diminished in strength?

Moments later, as the figure ascended from the pond, he pivoted gradually, his eyes shifting from Alexia to Adam.

Oddly enough, his focus lingered on Adam, despite Alexia surpassing him in strength at present. She had met one requirement by locating the Ancient Frost, while he remained tasked with it.

"You..." The figure’s voice, rough from recent awakening, echoed forth. "You are so young, both of you... You are not even thirty, and yet you possess such power."

This rang true, yet regardless of its tone, it carried no flattery from their adversary.

Evidently, the figure merely pondered whether unveiling himself at this juncture and dismantling the barriers had been wise.

"Now, seeing you, it definitely wasn’t a mistake. You reached this level of power at the end of the World Wipe. I must admit it’s impressive."

Step.

Alexia advanced, her fist gripped firm.

"Who the hell are you? Answer me! Did you set up all these trials?!"

To this, the figure inclined his head solemnly while pressing a hand to his torso.

"Yes. My name is Vaarh, the Azure Eye. I made a contract with the Ancient Voice, and everyone who entered my domain became the other party to that contract. I think you should have understood that by now, shouldn’t you?"

Alexia gave a mocking grin.

"The Azure Eye? What kind of silly title is that? Did you decide that the most special thing about you is the color of your eyes?"

With a dismissive gesture, she indicated the distant gate.

"We passed all your trials and broke your rules! I don’t know what you want to do, but you should have done it before I got my new power!"

"No."

His steady yet cutting response left Alexia breathless.

"You didn’t break the rules. I opened the gate for you when I realized that the Ancient Voice couldn’t stop you. That was good news for me."

Alexia found herself speechless, though Adam harbored inquiries too.

"Vaarh, right?"

Vaarh merely dipped his head in affirmation. Though his presence exuded menace, he conducted himself as a tolerant conversationalist.

"If it were you who controlled the rules of this place, then why did you allow us to destroy the tree? Why is it good news for you that we progressed further than the others?"

"Those are foolish questions," Vaarh replied icily. "But I will answer them."

Next, he gestured toward the spot of the former azure tree.

"If you had died like everyone else during the trials, this tree would have absorbed you and, as a result, filled the barrier and the pond with energy. Yes, it would have made me stronger, but it would have been just a drop in the ocean."

Alexia’s complexion drained of color.

"Wait... That means this tree was just—!"

Vaarh inclined his head.

"The seal to the barrier. No matter how strong you are, you couldn’t destroy the barrier while the tree was functioning."

Adam’s look grew graver. He grasped the reason Vaarh confronted them directly rather than staying shielded by the barrier.

’He decided that defeating us would be enough to evolve. It was a risk on his part because he lost the pond and the tree. But he’s right, if we had died, he would have only gained a tiny fraction of our power.’

Clarity started to emerge in the scenario.

Yet Adam harbored yet another query, likely the crucial one:

"This." Adam indicated the dragon’s head. "What the hell is that?"

Vaarh pivoted unhurriedly.

"Oh, isn’t it obvious? It’s my real body, the one I used to have."