Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1608 1608: First Star's Wish
Previously on Endless Evolution: Last Star...
During Adam's initial arrival in the Primal Lands, he became convinced that chaotic realms captured their essence far better than the name they held.
Within a mere two days, Adam encountered a relentless string of occurrences, over which he wielded scarcely any influence. The ordeal kicked off with an unforeseen disturbance, forest creatures, and Vaarh, then culminated in being chased by Goen, Ramilo, and various Lords of the Befallen Crown.
Yet... despite all the chaos he'd endured, Adam remained unprepared for what came next:
Crunch.
A segment of juicy fruit, akin to a pineapple, cracked under Adam's bite. The tangy-sweet liquid burst forth as he gulped it down.
"Hey! I said a short break couldn't do any harm, right?" Zargos gave a wink while lounging on the chair across from Adam.
Similar to Adam, Zargos clutched a cocktail, dense and crimson, crafted from veggies like tomatoes.
Contrasting the Frost Ridge, no chill lingered in this spot, just balmy winds, scorching warmth, and the sun's fierce rays pounding amid the jungle's symphony.
Both Adam and Zargos donned only shorts, unwinding before a striking bamboo swimming area.
'Damn, looks like Goen isn't the sole one who craves luxury in the Primal Lands, but...' Adam recalled Norax, who had not only decked out his tower but also hauled in a gaming device. 'When you've got the means, why let them go to waste, huh?'
A two-level structure loomed behind them, evoking a serene vacation home, lovely and tranquil. It embodied the ideal retreat for anyone seeking repose after grueling labor.
Nevertheless, one additional element left Adam in disbelief.
Step. Step. Step.
Footfalls echoed nearby, sharp black heels clicking against the stone flooring. The young woman with her ebony locks pulled into a ponytail and azure gaze drew near.
Clad in a black-and-white outfit, she carried a platter in her left hand bearing assorted treats, chiefly fruits, along with an array of mixed drinks.
"Mr. Zargos. I've fetched your beverages and bites," the girl announced with deference.
She evoked memories of Narica, the one attending to Norax.
"Oh, Merra! Perfect timing!" Zargos exclaimed with glee, flashing a sly grin. "Care to hang out with us? Your bikini lineup is quite the sight."
Oddly, Merra stayed composed.
"Of course, but..." Her eyes shifted to Adam. "I wouldn't want to make our visitor uncomfortable. Plus, aren't there more pressing matters for you than lounging poolside?"
Zargos lifted his shoulders.
"Yeah, fair point."
Afterward, he faced Adam.
"Sorry, pal, the downtime's finished."
"Huh?"
BAM!
Before Adam could respond, Merra's hand pressed against his brow, shrouding his vision in a dark cloth.
Upon reopening his eyes, Adam stood before a solitary Evolution Tree that had awaited his presence for a while.
Merra had thrust him into the inner realm abruptly, yet it was an atypical one, shrouded in gloom, featuring just a single glow—the tree itself.
"What comes next for me...?"
This confined domain lacked the Path Construct or other facets of its abilities. The Evolution Tree alone appeared somewhat altered.
Its typically vibrant, vitality-packed bark now dimmed. The outer layers seemed faded, harboring shadows within, while merely the contours held onto their radiance.
Furthermore, right at the Evolution Tree's foundation, where mighty roots ought to extend, lay a portal.
Crafted from ebony glass, fractured along the borders, the portal emitted pale force, designed solely to draw Adam inward. This force illuminated the path to untapped strength.
"Merra, was it her who directed me here?" Adam examined his palm. "How on earth did she manage that?"
Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought.
"No, that's not what I should dwell on at the moment."
Gazing upward at the Evolution Tree, Adam sensed its familiarity as his personal inner realm and his very own tree, despite the changed look.
"Got nothing to share with me?"
Adam's brow furrowed.
"All this while, a mighty power lay accessible, and you never once alluded to it? Danger or not, it doesn't faze me. I'll face any challenge, even straight from the First Star!"
Yet silence reigned. The Evolution Tree disregarded Adam, save for a single quiver in the shadowy portal.
"I get it... So a fragment of the First Star has resided here from the start? Buried deep at the Evolution Tree's core?"
Adam let out a deep breath and advanced.
The First Star's essence appeared in numerous items, yet vast disparities existed among them. For instance, the power from Twilight Crystals vastly differed from that lingering after the obsidian surge.
Twilight Crystals served as mere shards of the First Star, whereas the obsidian surge bore its intent. Adam's arrival at the Dark Shore stemmed directly from the First Star's desire, not mere chance mishap.
Therefore, past the portal awaited not simply a mass of absorbable essence to yield Dark Energy, but a direct ordeal from the First Star.
Step.
Halting before the portal, Adam reached toward the glassy rim.
[Sorry...]
Abruptly, the Evolution Tree voiced.
"Huh?"
[I never meant to conceal this from you, yet you're scarcely prepared for the test even today... At K3-Level... Upon departing the Dark Shore, your fate held only downfall and demise.]
Adam inclined his head solemnly, resolve gleaming in his gaze.
"So, you think I'm capable of claiming the Dark Energy now?"
Following an extended silence, the Evolution Tree answered:
[I trust in you... however... I can't guarantee it. That fool from the clan... He should've sealed his lips.]
That sufficed for Adam.
The mention of Dark Energy had sealed his determination long before.
"Alright, let's proceed immediately."
As Adam parted the portal, obscurity enveloped him. The Evolution Tree's form receded, yielding boundless void.
Still, amid the void hovered a mass of ebony fire, so profound that the blackest evening paled beside it.
But another sight sent shivers through Adam, ice creeping along his back.
"W-What?"
His vision captured a known figure positioned beyond the blaze, fixing him with a steady, unyielding stare.
"S-Silvana?"