Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1614 1614: Path of Darkness

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Previously on Endless Evolution: Last Star...
Zargos and Merra observe as Adam's aura calms after defeating the nightmare in the First Star's trial, confirming his victory without yet absorbing the Dark Energy. Zargos warns Merra against interfering if Morok's squad arrives, as a burst of darkness from Adam soon shatters the protective barrier, drawing potential threats. Unaware of the outside, Adam interacts with his transformed dark needle, the Silver Weaver, before slashing a portal to return to the Evolution Tree. The needle flies to the Silver Weaver's altar atop the tree, where it reforms, noting partial restoration, and Adam begins channeling the Dark Energy into the evolving white orb.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The fissures across the dome kept multiplying, and before long, the crimson pieces would disperse once the shield collapsed. At that point, the First Star's power would cease to stay hidden.

Zargos had prepared himself for this moment, yet it hinged on a single requirement:

'Come on, Adam. Time to wake up,' he whispered, pacing anxiously with his feet pounding the floor.

Not even a beast of his immense strength could dismiss the danger posed by Morok. The level of threat was far too great, and to safeguard Merra and Adam, he required every ounce of strength available.

...

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Above Adam's hand, the dark matter quivered.

'This... Could this be the Dark Energy?'

Such a form for energy was entirely new to him.

Typically, energies appeared as luminous, see-through streams, their hues shifting based on the wielder's element. When pure, they shone with utmost clarity, surpassing even the pristine waters of a serene lake.

Ancient Energy stood as the sole outlier, bearing its violet tones and ashen shades, though it belonged to a distinct category, much like the Dark Energy.

The shadowy mass jerked back and forth, seemingly with protrusions straining to emerge. It resembled an entity from beyond the stars, stirring both intrigue and unease.

The Silver Weaver gave a nod.

'Yep. Sadly, that's our limit. Only this single clump, merely one droplet, and that's it.'

A smile tugged at the edges of Adam's lips.

'That's sufficient. I sense the strength within, and I have an ideal spot for this power.'

'Hmm?' The Silver Weaver arched a brow.

He had been on the verge of proposing that Adam merge the white sphere with the dark substance, yet Adam envisioned something different.

Bending closer, he allowed the dark matter to slide off his hand. The instant it entered open space, it vibrated and shrank dramatically, now akin to a substantial droplet.

'Good.' Adam nodded while observing how the Dark Energy gradually orbited the white orb, much like a moon.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

All at once, the Evolution Tree quaked, transforming into glowing symbols that appeared before Adam's gaze.

[Order of Desire has undergone changes.]

[Your ability, [Path of Tragedy], has been changed.]

[New ability, [Path of Darkness], has been obtained.]

Adam blinked, his gaze intensifying for a brief instant.

[Path of Darkness

You have always known that your strongest ability came from your desire. Now, it is time for you to see the other side of this power. The light may be swift and merciful, but darkness does not wish to accept these sides, not out of malice, but out of a desire to do everything alone.]

'I see... So, all my Dark Energy will be used up in just one use of the ability? I hope it's worth it.'

The Silver Weaver folded his arms across his torso.

'This is your new trump card. I'm sure you didn't expect to become stronger here again.'

'Hah,' Adam chuckled. 'The Primal Lands turned out to be a surprisingly productive place. Although what else would you expect from an area where everyone is constantly fighting, and chaos reigns?'

The Silver Weaver glanced skyward.

'Well, as strange as it may sound, you should thank the Befallen Crown for that. If it weren't for them, you wouldn't have received this power.'

'Pffft!' Adam snorted. 'They're trying to kill me, and I'm supposed to be grateful to them for that? No way!'

The Silver Weaver grinned.

'Hey, you're going to give that jester the Dark Energy, right?'

Adam sighed. 'Yeah, no matter how, but he actually saved me. If Ramilo decided not to continue fighting, then that was the best outcome for me. Moreover, he won't take my power, I'll just share my energy with him.'

The Silver Weaver fell silent after that. He nodded, then his form trembled, shattering into numerous shards of shadowy glass that faded into nothingness.

'Alright, it's time to go home. For real this time.'

...

Twitch. Twitch. Twitch.

Adam's eyelids fluttered as he gradually lifted them to open his eyes.

The initial sight that met him was scarlet fragments raining down from overhead and a shadowy star emerging from the shattered barrier.

Simultaneously, an elated shout echoed nearby:

'Hell yeah!' Zargos shouted, leaping to his feet. 'He did it! Just in time!'

Merra, ever the picture of composure, offered a smile. She felt joy for Zargos and both of them. However, challenging days loomed ahead for everyone involved.

'Adam! Hurry! Give me your hand!' Zargos dashed over, extending his palm.

'Hmm? You want to collect your reward so quickly?' Adam seemed puzzled. 'I thought we would rest first. Your pool and fruit were surprisingly relaxing.'

Zargos nearly grinned but pushed the impulse aside swiftly.

'No! You don't understand! Merra nor I can completely contain the First Star's energy!'

Adam's expression shifted upon grasping the nature of the dark star overhead. It amounted to no more than the lingering dark energy from the black flash.

'Shit... That bastard, Morok, and his team, are they coming here?'

Zargos's gaze revealed the full truth.

'Yes. I hate to say it, but now it's not just about my reward. If you want to be absolutely sure of my victory, give me the Dark Energy!'

Adam hesitated to dive in hastily, yet options were scarce.

'Either way, Zargos deserves it. Only a man like him would be reckless enough to tell me about the Dark Energy!'

Tap!

With a swift motion, Adam gripped Zargos's hand firmly.

Zargos flashed a broad grin.

'Good choice, kiddo. But I'm not going to hold back. It won't be easy.'

Adam offered a wry smile.

'I didn't expect anything else from you. Just promise me you'll kick the shit out of every one of them.'

Zargos burst into hearty laughter.

'Of course! You can count on it!'

From the side, Merra observed, her eyes constricting and her chest tightening in dread.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

A fierce scarlet blaze erupted from Zargos's aura, expanding beyond the confines of her erected barrier and enveloping his entire estate.

'Good. This is the heat I've been looking for for so long!'