Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1616 1616: Attention from the Outside

Morok and his companions were certain that Adam Vinter remained somewhere within this region. Although the planned rendezvous at the border hadn't occurred, they realized he hadn't departed from the Primal Lands.

'Boss, what's your take? Who might have assaulted Ramilo?' The burly fellow murmured quietly. He lounged beside a boulder, appearing disinterested while cracking stones one by one as if they were mere nutshells.

The youth who had forfeited his right arm during the confrontation with Ramilo gazed into the flickering campfire, his brow lightly furrowed. Resentment didn't target his superior or Ramilo himself; his frustration aimed elsewhere.

'What on earth were they thinking? Did they truly suppose that this wench, Liliane, along with the fifth team, could abduct Adam Vinter? Regardless of his location or circumstances.'

The lady positioned to his right, puffing on her smoke, closed her eyes languidly in a slow blink.

'It's clear as day. While we view him as a danger, humanity regards him as the emerging beacon. He's far from unique in that regard, yet I struggle to recall when a stellar Phantom advanced at such a rapid pace last.'

The young girl, the final addition to their group, gnawed at her lower lip.

'Probably, they expect him to ascend to a Second Rank Phantom prior to the upcoming World Wipe. That's audacious, exceedingly so, yet considering the current state of affairs, I wouldn't call their hopes fanciful.'

Morok, perched upon a sturdy log with arms crossed, inclined his head in profound agreement.

'They absolutely hold that conviction. I can't fathom why SHE deemed the fifth team capable of this assignment, yet that's precisely the reason for our deployment here. Our strength surpasses theirs by a wide margin, ensuring we'll fulfill our objective. As for Ramilo...'

Silence enveloped Morok for several instants.

'His words rang true, albeit incompletely. An assault did befall him, but he surrendered Adam Vinter of his own volition. It seems he was caught off guard by the offer, though the scheme proved irresistible to refuse.'

Even though Morok's team had journeyed straight from the Befallen Crown, pinpointing Adam's position eluded them. The Primal Lands sprawled immensely, encompassing not just expansive terrain but also a multitude of inhabiting beasts.

Each formidable creature exuded an equally formidable aura. Countless such presences intertwined, rendering the detection of Adam's faint aura amid the chaotic din nearly impossible.

Thus, they lingered in anticipation, biding time for any anomalous event to unfold.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

They anticipated its arrival.

The Primal Lands quaked as Morok whipped his head around.

Far off, a column of shadow pierced the sky, trailed by an intense scarlet aura akin to infernal blaze surging from hell's deepest inferno.

The woman cast a sidelong look, flicking away the cinders.

'Well, well, somehow I sensed it was him right from the start.'

The young man's gaze expanded in astonishment.

'The First Star's essence? So potent and untainted? Yet... Does a solitary origin of it even exist in this place?'

The muscular man affirmed with a nod.

'Indeed. That's Adam Vinter in person. It appears he's freshly assimilated the Dark Energy via the black flash.'

'Hmm?' The girl fluttered her eyelids repeatedly. 'Wouldn't that prove lethally hazardous at his stage?'

Morok rose to his feet, dusting off his trousers. His towering stature and robust build eclipsed the girl in shadow.

'Correct. Adam Vinter possessed just one chance to prevail; failure would be deemed by the First Star as utter defeat. For him, that equates to demise. Nevertheless...' Morok balled his hands into fists, his pristine gloves quivering. 'He not only endured but empowered that fool. The deeper my knowledge of that scoundrel grows, the clearer our elders' urge to eradicate him becomes.'

Donning a ferocious scowl, Morok lifted his arm, and with a sweeping motion, the quartet of beasts vanished into obscurity. Moments later, he followed suit.

...

Step. Step. Step.

Though Morok and his crew distanced themselves from Zargos's residence and the surrounding wilderness, their formidable prowess ensured arrival at the target in mere minutes.

Merra grasped this reality.

'Quick, Adam! Time's running short!' She urged as they halted before the stone portals.

Tap.

Her hand pressed against the entrance, channeling her power while the inscription blazed luminously, granting them passage.

Adam surveyed his surroundings, intrigued by the lofty stone barriers illuminated solely by sporadic crimson gems. Elaborate sigils adorned the surfaces from base to apex.

No openings, hidden passages, or similar features existed.

Rumble!

Once the portal sealed with a resounding thud, escape became impossible.

'What sort of location is this?'

Merra faced him.

'Zargos employs this underground chamber for energy storage or training sessions. Hence, these barriers possess exceptional durability. Breaching them would challenge even a Lord.'

Yet, Adam's expression darkened further.

'Such fortifications won't deter those beasts, will they?'

Merra denied it with a shake of her head.

'Regardless, it'll afford us a delay. Remain at my rear. Though I lack Zargos's might, safeguarding you lies within my capability.'

Without protest, Adam retreated, pressing against the barrier. His hand touched the symbols, sensing the vital currents coursing through the masonry.

'Ha, this isn't merely an underground room; it's a genuine fortress against catastrophe. I ponder what caliber of beast could shatter it with one strike?'

...

Whooooooosh.

A balmy gust sweeping the forest caressed Zargos, tousling his ebony locks.

He positioned himself in an open expanse, positioned a hundred meters ahead of his dwelling. His presence fully manifested, radiating his complete might.

Zargos orchestrated this intentionally. Permitting Morok and his allies to approach the structure unchecked would complicate Adam's defense immensely.

Shortly, his lips curved upward into a pleased grin.

The scheme had succeeded.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Five silhouettes materialized in his view as Morok, enveloped in dense gloom, advanced, his heavy footfalls vibrating the earth.

'So it's truly you, Zargos...' He rasped. Morok felt far from pleased by their adversary's identity.

Zargos lifted his shoulders nonchalantly.

'Fellows, have you strayed? This is restricted grounds, so unless you fancy a thrashing, vacate the premises before my temper sours!'

Morok ejected with disdain.

'Fucking jester.'