Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1592 1592: Old Coward

In battles, the decisive blow frequently proves to be the pivotal moment, particularly when fierce rivals clash.

The confrontation pitting Goen against the Old Horn followed this pattern precisely. Aware that the Old Horn's moments were fleeting, Goen channeled extra force into his ultimate assault, gripping his weapon with both hands rather than just one.

Yet the Old Horn vanished in an instant. He fled through the activation of yet another artifact.

Had Goen anticipated such a move or if the skirmish had turned lethal, a swift response might have been possible, though not on this occasion.

White particles whisked by his features while he gradually brought down his blade.

Scanning the surroundings, he confirmed the Old Horn's complete absence. Though Goen detected distant presences through their auras, the Old Horn showed no sign of lingering close by.

"Huh..."

A faint smile crossed Goen's lips.

"Hahahahahahahaha!"

Goen's boisterous laughter erupted uncontrollably, his joy reverberating through the void like a primordial dragon's bellow or the thunderous tread of a colossal beast.

"He pulled it off once more! Fleeing for the second straight time! Hahaha, such a spineless fool!"

Next, his gaze shifted to the sword in his grasp.

"You were aware of that extra artifact, weren't you?"

A sly grin spread across Arika's face.

"Naturally. Do you honestly believe a trick like that could slip past my watchful eyes? I chose to grant him one more opportunity, much like offering you a moment of hearty amusement."

Goen felt no irritation toward her. There was simply no cause for it.

With a nod, he sheathed his sword and cast a profound look over the chaotic field of combat.

His eyes took in the splattered blood, mangled corpses, and scattered armaments.

Years had passed since Goen last engaged in combat of this intensity. While Liliane and her allies lacked the strength to force his maximum effort, the encounter had been sufficiently demanding.

"Fine, we're nearly finished here. Only one final matter remains, and then we return to normalcy."

Propelling himself in a mighty bound, Goen made his way back to his domain, touching down before Adam and Alexia.

A casual flick of his wrist caused the fume barrier to shatter, leaving them secure at last. No dangers loomed over them now.

Goen's stare met Adam and Alexia's, his gaze profound and still holding that striking crystalline hue.

"As you might guess, this wasn't in my original scheme, and it's clear you both have plenty of inquiries."

Adam gave a quiet nod.

"Ask away. I'll share what I'm able, though don't anticipate revelations about every mystery in this realm. Certain truths remain beyond your current grasp."

He glanced back at the carnage-strewn area. Hours would pass before gusts or a fierce snowstorm buried the crimson remnants beneath heavy drifts.

"Caution is essential in the Primal Lands, and doubly so along the Dark Shore. The Befallen Crown seeks your demise, Adam, with particular fervor directed at you."

Adam and Alexia shared a quick look. They understood the Befallen Crown's peril was ever-present, yet right then, a single topic dominated their thoughts.

In unison, they gestured toward Goen's blade:

"What is that?" Adam inquired.

"Is that your Nexus? Who was that girl? Where did she go?" Alexia burst out, her gaze alight with eager wonder.

Goen rubbed his brow with a fatigued expression. He had foreseen these questions, despite his reluctance to address them.

"Alright, it looks like we can't avoid this now."

Tremble.

The blade quivered before vanishing, and Arika materialized beside Goen.

Her appearance remained unchanged from earlier, save for the blood staining her black gown's sleeves, mirroring the post-battle edges of the weapon's form.

"Hello, I'm Arika. You're correct—I'm Goen's Operator."

Adam's eyes fluttered in rapid blinks, stunned.

"B-But... How?" His words shook. "Are you actually real? You're nothing like Silvana in Spectral Form or the other Phantoms. What makes you so unique?"

"Exactly!" Alexia cried. "And that sword of his! Do you truly command his armament?"

Arika held back her response for the moment. She strolled to the brink instead, savored the chilly gust, then drew near to them.

Beneath their astonished stares, she clasped their hands, causing their eyes to grow wide.

"Do you sense it?"

Adam swallowed hard. Arika's hands felt genuinely warm and solid. She stood there in truth, or perhaps...?

Before uncertainty could creep in, Arika raised a hand to her lips and nipped her finger.

A crimson droplet emerged, trickling gradually along her skin.

This served as the ultimate evidence, proving they faced a living individual rather than a sophisticated mirage or construct.

"With your doubts erased and my humanity confirmed, I'll field your query." Arika turned to Alexia.

A subtle smile played on her lips.

"I don't command Goen's weapon—I embody it, serving as his Nexus."

Indeed, Adam and Alexia had pondered this possibility. They had harbored suspicions along these lines, but Arika's direct confirmation carried a profound weight.

"We can share further details with them, can't we?" She queried Goen, her attention fixed on the pair.

Goen rubbed the nape of his neck.

"I suppose that's fine. Should the Citadel folk wish to hold us accountable, they ought to have guarded themselves better. Circumstances left us no alternative."

Arika inclined her head.

"Though you're quite youthful, you've already wielded immense strength and journeyed far. Your powers have advanced, and so too has your Nexus. Isn't that true?"

"Yes, but..." Adam averted his eyes. "It's not the same. My Nexus has forever been my tool in battle, with Silvana as my companion. What we share is our vital force and determination, not some lifeless edge."

SLAP!

Arika's hand struck Adam's face abruptly, jerking his head aside.

This caught him entirely off guard.

"Never utter such words again." Arika's tone stayed gentle. "Regardless of the road you tread, every power at your disposal matters deeply—whether raw energy, a relic, your Evolution Tree, or above all, your Operator. You all rely on one another, for your essences have merged long ago."

Adam's gaze intensified as he regarded Arika steadily.

"From basic military gear, to the Nexus, the Stellar Nexus, and... How do you name your own weapon?"

Arika dipped her chin in affirmation.

She prepared to elaborate.

"The form you witnessed represents the zenith of a certain route, the fusion of Phantom and Operator might."

Her tone softened further.

"It's known as the Manifest Nexus."