Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1622 1622: Failed Escape (Part 1)

"Already done?" Adam wondered aloud, perched on the highest branch of a massive tree.

From their vantage point, he and Merra had a clear view of the entire battle. He felt a surge of admiration for the swift way Keranda had dispatched the burly man and woman.

'She's no ordinary being, more like a relentless weapon of death. Damn, even in the worst slaughter yards, beasts get kinder treatment than the fate she inflicted on them. Though...' Memories of Goen's combat style flooded his mind. 'That reaches an even higher peak of savagery, yet it doesn't appear to be exclusive to her.'

Merra gave a firm nod.

"Had it stayed a 5 against 2 matchup as planned, Keranda and Zargos still would've triumphed, particularly with Zargos's recent evolution."

A smile lit up her face.

"Thank you. Thanks to your Dark Energy, sir, he's grown much stronger. I realize it wasn't simple for you, so my gratitude runs deep."

"Hah, no need for that. Zargos didn't just save me—he rescued my friend too. She... she would've faced serious danger. You might call it settling the debt for his help. Besides, after hearing his story, I'd have sought out that Dark Energy regardless."

Curiosity flickered in his gaze toward Merra. Her eyes sparkled with unmistakable joy, thrilled above all by Zargos's advancement.

"Zargos holds a special place for you, doesn't he?"

Merra nodded once more.

"Yes. Unlike most monsters at his tier, he avoids flaunting his status or putting on airs of gravity and grandeur. He often behaves like a complete idiot, and attending to someone like that brings a truly invigorating change."

Adam chose not to probe into how she came to serve in that role. Gradually, he'd come to grasp that monsters, much like people, often commanded their own followers and aides. It hinged on their rank and way of life.

A figure like Goen could effortlessly gather devotees eager to fulfill any command, yet he favored solitude, not even constantly staying with his Operator.

"I get it. Well, let's watch how this wraps up, then I've got to head back home. The Primal Lands... Hah, this realm surprised me with how much I enjoyed it, but it's still overwhelming for someone like me right now."

Merra's smile beamed wide. "Uh-huh. They'll take him down shortly, and we'll ensure you get home safely!"

Step.

Keranda advanced with purpose, her stare drilling into Morok.

"You two... One day, regret will come crashing down on you. The Befallen Crown's fury will consume you both!"

His hand slipped behind his back, summoning the shadowy emblem into his palm. It bore the image of a skeletal limb ripping through the heavens. The emblem's aura alone revealed it as the mark of a formidable and influential figure.

This was an item rare even for a beast of Morok's stature to acquire.

Keranda's eyes flared open, betraying the first flicker of feeling on her features after so long.

"You scum!"

Morok flashed a wicked grin before spinning and hurling the emblem ahead.

A mere surge of energy ignited its power.

Black lightning crackled along its borders, while fissures spiderwebbed across the void like shattered glass.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Four enormous skeletal limbs erupted outward, tearing open a portal. The Primal Lands' reality and energies strained to seal the gap, yet the artifact's might overpowered them briefly.

Though the window lasted mere heartbeats, it granted Morok ample time to flee the fray and retreat to the Befallen Crown.

Regardless of Keranda and Zargos's prowess, few creatures in this realm outmatched their strength.

"Damn it!" Keranda's eyes bulged in alarm.

Swift action was essential.

"You won't escape, you filth!"

The air quivered as a violet lash materialized in her grip, linked to the snake band on her arm.

Much like Morok, she possessed a collection of potent relics.

Morok sneered while stepping into the tear, glancing over his shoulder with a taunting leer.

"Too slow, wench!"

As Keranda whipped it forth, the purple coil morphed into a savage draconic maw, brimming with thunderous force.

Under typical circumstances, it would seize Morok and bind him tight, paving the way for her punch to crater his features.

Yet no dread showed in Morok's expression. He felt secure at last.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The bony limbs shuddered as multiple blades emerged from the shadows. Descending like executioner's blades, they cleaved the violet serpent apart.

Disbelief twisted Keranda's visage as she stared at the dispersing energy remnants—the sole trace of her tool.

"Hahaha! What, your trinket can't measure up to mine? Stay in your lane, clan mongrel!"

The skeletal arms quaked again as the shadowy breach started to seal shut.

Keranda yearned to charge in and seize Morok, but she recognized the peril.

Fortunately, a bolder ally stood ready.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Zargos bounced on his toes, channeling all his power into a sleek aura enveloping his form.

"Hold on!" Keranda shouted, grasping his intent. "Don't even think about it! That void will trap you forever!"

"Relax." His smile held a faint edge. "Since our last encounter, I've powered up considerably, and... a valued ally inspired this gambit. Just observe!"

Before Keranda could protest further, Zargos's outline blurred and he disappeared.

"Huh?" Morok faltered in confusion. He refused to accept the sight.

Blazing past the sound barrier, Zargos streaked ahead in a linear burst like a comet's tail.

Undaunted, he plunged into the rift; the bone limbs lunged to block him, but his velocity outpaced them. He poured every ounce of might into that final sprint.

Keranda's warning rang true. With Zargos inside, the portal would deposit him and Morok straight into the foe's stronghold.

Luckily, he harbored a backup scheme.

"Now, Adam," he smirked at the terrified Morok. "Time to test the true potential of that Dark Energy!"