Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1611 1611: Only Way (Part 1)

Tap.

Zargos set Adam down on a stone platform located in the backyard of his residence and then perched himself on a nearby boulder. He observed every shift in Adam's facial features and demeanor closely, ready to intervene if things went wrong.

Indeed, no matter what secret technique Adam might unleash, it wouldn't be potent enough to even graze Zargos, yet Zargos harbored no fear of Adam himself—rather, it was the energy of the First Star residing within Adam that concerned him.

This force could potentially injure both him and Merra, compelling him to stay alert despite it clashing with his usual approach.

"Nothing's occurring," Merra said, pressing her hand against her chest. "Is this the expected outcome?"

"Who can say? You think I've encountered numerous K4-Phantoms at this level possessing the Dark Energy? We'll only grasp the full picture once it's concluded."

"Still..."

A shadow draped over his features, concealing his gaze.

"I have faith in that young rascal. Everything I've learned suggests he's among the prime contenders for the next Second Rank Phantom position. You realize how scarce they are in comparison to us Lords."

His gaze sharpened.

"All of this unfolds just prior to the World Wipe, during these years of minimal energy, the final calm ones."

Merra understood precisely what Zargos meant, and while she shared his view, doubt lingered about Adam's success. Too many unknowns swirled around the situation, beyond their knowledge.

All that remained for them was to wait and trust that Zargos's gamble would succeed, as it invariably had in the past.

In certain respects, Zargos and Adam shared similarities, though this instance saw Adam only partially aware of the true peril involved.

...

Regardless of Zargos and Merra's sentiments, Adam faced the true ordeal at this moment.

Dark Silvana possessed formidable strength independently, yet Adam found himself barred from employing any skills, left solely with command over his energy.

However, his current adversary consisted not just of Dark Silvana, but also the Silver Weaver. In essence, it formed a 2 against 1 confrontation, with the Silver Weaver adopting his weapon shape as he typically did for Adam—except now they opposed each other.

"Recall the power unique to me alone? Was that his claim?" Adam furrowed his brow, mulling over the Silver Weaver's statement. "Tsk, what could that possibly signify? Every bit of power in this place is mine, yet I'm blocked from accessing it!"

Step.

Dark Silvana advanced a pace, leaving Adam no further leisure for contemplation.

She sprang ahead, her velocity as remarkable as always, though Adam dreaded not her directly, but the armament she wielded. He could vanquish Dark Silvana via an energy surge—he'd achieved it previously—but circumstances had altered drastically now.

'The dark needle? Why conceal from me his capacity to assume that shape?' Adam pondered while Dark Silvana materialized before him.

Whooooosh!

The shadowy blade sliced mere inches from his eyes as he leaped away. She pursued relentlessly, aiming to seize his throat, yet Adam countered swiftly.

"Too sluggish!" He parried her wrist with a lateral strike.

BAM!

In that pivot, Adam's fist slammed into Dark Silvana's abdomen. Though merely a duplicate, it responded to every move identically, mirroring injuries as well.

Consequently, Dark Silvana nearly crumpled from the impact of Adam's punch, yet she retained her footing with effort.

'Damn! She held her ground!'

Adam prepared to retreat, but a detail seized his focus.

Twitch.

The dark needle quivered, and instantly, a searing sensation radiated from his left flank.

Blood spurted from his shoulder while Adam grappled with the events.

"In a mere instant—no, far quicker—did that needle extend?" Adam muttered in astonishment.

Straining, he observed how, following a subtle vibration, the dark needle morphed into a prolonged shadow that impaled his shoulder akin to a lengthened lance.

Adam himself couldn't execute such a maneuver with any of the countless needles he'd encountered along his journey.

Dark Silvana remained voiceless, but the Silver Weaver differed.

"What occurred there, Adam?" His tone emanated from the quaking needle. "Did that velocity surpass all your anticipations? And that's merely the beginning! You've scarcely glimpsed a fraction of it!"

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Simultaneously, the needle shook with greater intensity as black flames erupted from the edge.

Dark Silvana hoisted the needle overhead before descending it toward Adam in a sweeping arc.

A shiver coursed through Adam's spine while white flames enveloped his legs, bolstering his might. Swift action was essential for his survival.

Whooooooooosh.

A shadowy crescent exploded from the needle, slicing through all in its trajectory, including the surrounding void's simplicity.

The devastating wave rushed by Adam as he evaded the assault by a hair's breadth at the final instant.

"Agh... Agh... Agh..."

His breaths came in ragged gasps, knees quaking as he gradually lifted his head.

"What in the...?"

Disbelief widened his eyes as he gazed upon the vast fissure torn into the emptiness. Dark Silvana had rent space apart, but what lay beyond this realm?

Nothingness.

Yet it wasn't an endless void of shadow, but a radiant white glow. The same emptiness persisted, merely from the opposing side.

Adam's pupils constricted while the Silver Weaver's declaration reverberated in his thoughts repeatedly.

"Only my power..." He swallowed hard as enlightenment dawned.

Dark Silvana pivoted, silhouetted against the white rift, her needle vibrating once more in readiness for the subsequent strike.

This round, Adam refused to flee. He comprehended his required course, or at minimum, one viable notion.

He assumed a combat posture, drawing one arm rearward and clenching his palm rigidly like a dagger poised to penetrate all obstacles.

'I've never attempted this sans a needle, but... who declared this as my needle's exclusive talent?'

His eyes grew profound and serene, resembling an ancient sea.

'The sole vital element of my path is me!'