Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1606 1606: What do you need?

Whoosh.

Morok along with the rest departed from the Primal Lands' edge. They chose not to head back to the Befallen Crown, holding onto hope of locating Adam despite lacking any clue on where to begin.

These areas were far from the frozen territories where Adam had battled Vaarh and Goen resided. Instead, a thick forest sprawled with towering cliffs and enormous trees bearing massive fruits on their limbs.

This represented the jungle in its most untamed state, the terrain dominating much of the Primal Lands beyond just the chilling zones teeming with terrifying creatures.

Morok scanned the surroundings once more prior to signaling the group toward their makeshift camp.

Rustle! Rustle! Rustle!

A subtle rustling noise echoed from the summit of one of the loftiest trees, blending seamlessly with a mere breeze.

"What do you think?" Zargos inquired.

Adam swallowed hard.

"So... Those guys were actually tracking me? Damn, they proved sharper than that other group."

Zargos gave a shrug.

"That other group belongs to a separate unit, operating at a superior rank. Liliane might have seized you and followed through on the directive, but Morok... He'd execute the order too, yet he wouldn't hesitate to sever your limbs if it kept you breathing."

He gestured dismissively.

"Pretty savage, huh?"

It took only moments after Morok's departure for Adam to exhale in relief.

"Hey, did you orchestrate everything from the start, or did things shift midway?"

Zargos flipped his hand.

"Eh, a mix of both, I suppose. I aimed to witness Ramilo's fighting mode, leading me to strike at you. Plus, Ramilo showed up before Morok covered in scorch marks, making it more believable—though Morok doesn't seem fully convinced. They lingered in the Primal Lands; that much is clear."

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

Adam rubbed his cheek, completely baffled.

During Zargos's victory over Ramilo and subsequent abduction of Adam, both Adam and Silvana had truly freaked out.

Such a scenario was unprecedented. Typically, Adam emerged victorious or received aid from allies. Without that, he would have perished ages ago, joining the countless weaker or unluckier Phantoms.

Yet this time, genuine fear gripped Adam.

Nevertheless, once Zargos exited the Ice Path and ascended the tree's peak, he unshackled Adam and laid out the full explanation.

From then onward, they observed from above, anticipating Morok and his companions' arrival.

"See, you ended up rescuing me, didn't you?"

Zargos affirmed with a nod.

"Indeed. Don't misunderstand. In nine out of ten scenarios, Ramilo would prevent them from touching you, but... a risk remained that they might snatch you away. I opted to eliminate any gamble."

He pivoted gradually, a sly spark igniting in his gaze.

"However, don't assume you can shake me off so simply. My interest in you isn't the sole motive for seeking you out."

Adam's face grew solemn. He had foreseen the discussion veering this direction eventually.

"I figured as much. It had to come to this, didn't it?"

Zargos nodded once again.

"But... Zargos, what on earth could you want from me? Anything I'd toil over, you could acquire effortlessly at your tier with just a flick."

In reply, Zargos dismissed the concern with a wave.

"No need to fret. What I seek is already in your possession. The First Star guided you to the Dark Shore, correct?"

"Hmm?" Adam failed to grasp why Zargos raised that point. "Yes... Though it was months back. I managed to escape the Dark Shore successfully. How does that connect?"

Tap.

Zargos clasped Adam's shoulder, avarice stirring in his eyes. Hearing confirmation straight from Adam thrilled him.

"Fantastic! I require that energy!"

Adam's eyes bulged.

"Hold on, hold on!" He retreated on all fours. "What exactly are you implying? What energy? What's this about?"

"Huh?"

Zargos blinked repeatedly. Oddly, he appeared more bewildered than Adam.

"Huh? You mean you endured the rare black flash typical for Phantoms, yet you haven't tapped into its strength?"

"W-What? Was I meant to acquire some ability post-black flash?" Adam struggled to follow Zargos's words.

"Naturally! Damn! How come no one informed you? Normally, Phantoms unlock this ability nearing the K4-Level cap, but yours unfolded differently, didn't it?"

He flashed a grin.

"You tapped into the First Star's energy way sooner, during K3-Level. I'm aware of your Dark Shore breakout and the epic clash waged to shield you."

Suddenly, Zargos fell silent, piecing it together. He stroked his beard contemplatively, eyeing Adam with evaluation.

"Ah, I get it—no one tampered with your advancement, which makes sense. Yet it's intriguing your Evolution Tree omitted this detail. In certain fights, it could prove game-changing."

Though questions lingered for Adam, he now grasped fragments of the truth.

"So, you're claiming that throughout this period, a power from my Evolution Tree lay dormant within reach, unknown to me and unrevealed by others? Ever since my return from the Dark Shore?"

Zargos shrugged nonchalantly.

"Yep, essentially. As I mentioned, you gained entry to it far ahead of the norm. Still... perhaps withholding it was wise. Such power might shatter the unprepared. But hey, you're Adam Vinter! I've got faith in you!"

He idly cleaned his nails.

"Moreover, why dwell on dangers when triumph is inevitable?"

Adam swallowed nervously. For reasons unclear, Zargos's words carried an ominous edge; his audacity unnerved him.

"And... What exactly is this power?"

Zargos beamed widely.

"The Dark Energy."