Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1574 1574: From Beast to Hunter

Just like nearly every other person, Adam began his path from the very beginning. Indeed, had he been born in the Second Ring or Third Ring rather than the slums, his early years might have been more comfortable, yet he now realized it would have changed little in the grand scheme.

Aside from those born into elite noble lineages, any regular person would fear venturing beyond the Citadel's barriers.

They were aware that beyond those walls, in the Dead Lands, lurked terrifying beasts capable of slaughtering hundreds in an instant. Naturally, nobody wished to perish or confront such perils. It made perfect sense and was entirely relatable.

Then... how might a typical individual respond upon discovering someone in this realm who deliberately opted to dwell in the Dead Lands, amidst those deadly creatures?

Furthermore, this wasn't some secure area close to the Citadel, patrolled by mighty Phantoms; it lay deep within the Primal Lands, where even Frida's reach faded away.

Probably, they would dismiss it as unbelievable or claim the fellow was mad and out of his senses.

Adam held a different view.

After coming back from Izardo, he had recovered nicely at the Citadel, but in this place, he sensed a profound peace, akin to a warrior who, following an epic clash alongside allies, lounged by the flames content with nothing more.

No inn, not even the grandest in the First Ring, could serve a broth as exquisite as this one he'd just savored.

"I'm uncertain about settling here indefinitely like you, but I won't deny enjoying it all up to now."

Adam turned his gaze toward Goen.

"How many years have you resided here? Did you construct this dwelling on your own?"

Goen gave a nod.

"Each rock, timber, and item in this spot was crafted by my hands alone. What more to add? Shaping a wooden ladle with the proper hollow proved tougher than slaying a beast at first, but practice brought mastery over time."

"What's your plan moving forward?"

Goen lifted his shoulders.

"I must collect some logs for the fire. I'd ask you to join, but—"

Goen's words trailed off as Adam's eyelids drooped, and he slumped onto the couch, already deep in slumber.

"Yes, that's precisely my point. Rest is what you both require."

With a quick look at Alexia, he rose and headed out.

Goen felt no concern over intruders striking at Adam and Alexia in his absence. His errand wouldn't take him far, and local monsters wouldn't risk it.

No creature craved his fury.

A tracker who not only endured amid beasts but erected a shelter in their domain displayed immense strength.

...

Thump! Thump! Thump!

A steady, muffled rhythm pounded in Alexia's mind, slowly rousing her from sleep.

Her brow furrowed in irritation as her eyes fluttered open.

Right away, she spotted the soup pot half-drained, a few cleared bowls, and Adam dozing off.

No need to wonder about the scene, since Louis swiftly recounted all that transpired, with Silvana keeping close tabs on their status.

"A hunter dwelling in the Primal Lands who gave Adam that soup?" Alexia's brow creased. "If he's called Goen, then surely you've dug up details on him, haven't you?"

Yet Louis shook his head.

'Nothing on him or his strength. Though based on observations, he seems like a Second Rank Phantom. That wasn't the shock. Perhaps records truly lack him, or access is blocked for me. Another issue nags.'

"Hmm?"

Louis's expression grew intensely grave.

'Where's his Operator?'

Alexia's eyes widened and closed repeatedly.

Chaos reigned post-Vaarh's fall from the wyverns' assault, but she'd glimpsed Goen briefly before his energy surge felled her.

Clinging to his back, she heard no talks with others, saw no companions nearby. Plus, neither Adam, Louis, nor Silvana detected extra presences in Goen's abode beyond himself.

"Huh, that hadn't crossed my mind. Likely she's close by or based at the Citadel."

Louis cocked his head in bewilderment.

'You figure they rendezvous at the Citadel periodically? Some distant bond?'

Alexia let out a deep breath.

"I've no clue. Still, we ought to probe deeper into this, and..."

Thump! Thump! Thump!

"What in blazes is that racket?!"

Her outburst failed to stir Adam, who slumbered on deeply. Though empowered by Highest Bliss, battling Vaarh had drained him fully.

Extended recovery was essential. The stew tasted superb, yet fell short of sufficing.

"Tsk. Choosing to nap at this moment?" Alexia clenched her jaw, eyes landing on wall-leaning planks. One suited her intent.

Crack.

A groan accompanied the door swinging wide as Alexia emerged, plank serving as a crude support.

Certainly, she might bounce on one foot like some hare, but that struck as clumsier, and Alexia refused to appear foolish.

Upon exiting, the noise's source hit her instantly.

Far off, Goen heaved his axe repeatedly, landing mighty blows at one point, steadily felling the robust trunk.

'Merely splitting logs, yet it shakes the whole region? Fine, beats staring at snoozing Adam.'

With effort, Alexia approached Goen.

"Hmm?"

Mid-motion, he halted, eyeing Alexia.

"What? My soup didn't suit you?"

Alexia huffed. "I'm not famished."

"Liar." Axe met tree with force. "Finishing up shortly."

"Then what follows?"

His features stayed composed.

"We gather by the blaze for a meal. Ever sampled monster fish?"

Alexia's eyes widened in astonishment, blinking repeatedly.

"Agh?"