Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1581 1581: End of Rest (Part 2)

Adam's sole hope was avoiding any self-harming actions to attain the Bottomless Void.

Upon reading that requirement, he imagined defeat, despair, or perhaps a heartbreaking event. These remained his sole notions, and despite the effort, neither he nor Silvana devised a superior alternative during that period.

"Well, our hypothesis regarding the Highest Bliss proved largely accurate. Fingers crossed we're mistaken now." Adam gave a shrug before exiting his inner realm.

...

The night concluded with a serene meal.

They devoured the serpent completely and prepared the piranha Adam had snagged. Alexia spared no effort in demonstrating the fish's poor flavor from Adam, yet she kept devouring it and requested seconds.

Thump. Thump.

Not yet fully healed, Adam and Alexia slumped onto the couch and drifted off to sleep beneath Goen's steady watch.

He retreated to a separate chamber, retrieved an aged bourbon bottle from the cabinet, and filled a glass to the brim for himself.

A robust herbal fragrance swiftly permeated the space while he propped his feet on the desk and shut his eyes, savoring the aroma.

"Agh... Guests truly annoy me. Still, these pair aren't the most terrible choices, right?"

Moments later, a smile crept across his face as he grabbed the bottle and swigged the bourbon directly.

His extended stay here had evolved from merely preserving meats and produce to crafting his personal spirits.

Admittedly, he lacked the sophisticated machinery of industrial plants, yet he possessed superior resources, components, and ample leisure.

The outcome exceeded expectations.

"Fine, just a bit longer until they're completely mended, then I'll resume my dull schedule."

...

Regardless of Goen's formidable strength, he remained unaware that a unit from the Befallen Crown was en route to his dwelling, accompanied by one of the region's mightiest beasts.

Years had passed since his previous intense confrontation, much less one threatening his life.

No creature in this place posed a real challenge to him. Vaarh himself couldn't endure beyond two minutes against Goen.

It boiled down to nothing more than sheer disparity in might.

Twitch. Twitch. Twitch.

Adam's eyelids fluttered as he gradually awoke. A recognizable odor reached his nostrils.

In any other location, this fragrance wouldn't strike him as odd, but not amid the heart of the Primal Lands.

He stepped out, spotting Goen by the flames, warming a dark beverage in a tiny cauldron.

"Hmm? Coffee?"

Adam could hardly trust what he saw.

"Tea and berry preserves are fine, but seriously, how did you obtain coffee in this place?"

Goen flashed a grin.

"Hah, the Primal Lands hold surprises everywhere. Granted, this brew doesn't match Citadel quality, but the herb mimics it closely. Truth be told, my expression mirrored yours exactly when I discovered it first."

In the far off distance, Alexia appeared, perched on a stone near the water, gripping a fishing pole alongside a mug of coffee.

Her resolve burned to hook something far larger than Adam's piranha.

"You worried she'll deplete your lake of all fish once finished?"

Goen gave a sly smirk.

"Nonsense. She'd empty the lake of every fish and creature in under a year. Though I grasp your point."

His gaze shifted toward Alexia.

"She vowed to outdo you, and even I couldn't dissuade her. We settled on her releasing all catches back into the water until she tops your tally."

Adam rubbed the nape of his neck. He couldn't fathom Alexia's intense fixation on the matter, yet he chose not to meddle.

"Alright then, pour me a cup as well."

Goen shrugged casually.

"Naturally. I figured that scent would prove irresistible to you."

Shortly after, Adam savored his initial gulp, relishing the well-known sharp bitterness while memories of Primal Lands occurrences raced through his thoughts.

As though detecting it, Goen inquired:

"When do you intend to head back to the Citadel?"

"Have we already worn out our welcome?" Adam's mouth turned up in a smile.

"Hah, what else? Solitude suits me best. Visitors are scarce, so I'm unaccustomed to company."

Adam inclined his head.

"Understood. What if we linger three additional days? Can you spare us that?"

Goen pondered briefly, then dropped his eyes to the mug.

"Sure, that works. But heed this: extend beyond, and my temper might sour."

"Understood."

Engrossed in conversation with Goen, Adam sought deeper insights into the Primal Lands and energy. Meanwhile, Alexia poured her efforts into mastering fishing to the fullest.

Having endured a perilous clash, they earned these tranquil days.

This served as their respite.

Regrettably, the break wouldn't stretch as far as anticipated.

...

Whooooooosh!

Slicing across the dawn heavens, Liliane along with her six fifth-team comrades advanced on their target.

They departed Befallen Crown territory prior to daybreak, under cover of darkness, yet the Primal Lands spanned immense expanses. Even such potent monsters required hours to traverse those spans.

Instant relocation to the foe's hideout lay beyond their grasp.

"Hah, merely two K4-Phantoms and some mystery hunter." The youth laughed derisively. "That's our mission here?"

Liliane affirmed with a nod.

"I get your frustration, but our fighters erred previously. Adam Vinter invariably pulls through."

The axe wielder scowled.

"This hunter's identity and power remain unknown."

The hammer bearer stroked his facial hair.

"Indeed... They're rare, but perhaps a Second Rank Phantom lurks?"

Liliane dismissed with a gesture.

"Irrelevant. Our force can obliterate whatever stands against us."

Her eyes tightened.

"Adam Vinter meets his end today!"