Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1624: Time to get home

Beyond a quick assist in the skirmish involving Merra against the two Lords, Adam stayed out of the combat thereafter.

He refused to allow Merra's demise, pouring all his strength into the effort, though he recognized that without Keranda's prompt appearance, catastrophe would have struck them both.

Indeed, Adam craved total reliance on his own might and abilities, yet in this moment, he was forced to merely observe.

Though not a frequent practice for him, scrutinizing the moves of fighters vastly superior to himself while dissecting their techniques proved a valuable training.

"That beast, Morok," Adam gestured toward the pit and the bloody mark. "He possessed considerable power, didn't he? After all, both he and Liliane led their squads, but as far as I can tell, their strengths differ greatly."

Keranda shot a look at Zargos, who simply lifted his shoulders.

"Yes." She affirmed with a nod. "The creatures assaulting Goen belonged to the Crown Squad, whereas Morok's group hailed from the Sword Squad. All of them serve under mighty beings within the Befallen Crown."

A dark expression clouded her features.

"To tell you the truth, if any of those top figures appeared, we'd stand no chance. The outcome would mirror that if they dispatched a member from the elite three squads to pursue you. Perhaps Zargos and I might flee, but triumph would elude us entirely."

Adam inclined his head in agreement. He grasped that neither Morok nor Liliane occupied the pinnacle of the Befallen Crown's power structure. Nevertheless, in a way, he felt relieved by the events, as they brought him nearer to the summit—though merely through insight for now.

"Suppose Goen faced off against one of those elite monsters here? Who would emerge victorious?"

Keranda swallowed hard, a rare display from her.

"Adam... You seem not to fully grasp the gravity of such a confrontation. Should a clash of that scale erupt in our domain, my sole focus would be escaping this place at utmost speed."

Adam held back further inquiries. He lacked clarity on the duration needed to match the prowess of Zargos and Keranda.

’Regardless, I must discover a method to achieve this. I need to exceed them and align with human powerhouses like Goen to halt the World Wipe.’ He balled his hands into fists, pondering his journey thus far. ’One and a half years have elapsed. Six and a half years remain. Time is on my side.’

Clap!

Zargos struck his palms together.

"Hey! What's eating at you all? We triumphed, so ditch those dour looks! Time to celebrate!"

"But... Zargos, shouldn't you be worn out?" Keranda arched a brow.

He agreed with a dip of his head, eyeing Merra with a mischievous smile.

"Absolutely. I'm utterly drained. I poured my all into securing this win. But some fruit, a dip in the pool, cocktails, and Merra in swimwear will revive me in no time!"

Merra's cheeks flushed red.

"S-Sir!"

She averted her gaze, flustered.

"If that's your desire, I have no objection... but not with your sister present."

Keranda rolled her eyes in exasperation.

"Ugh, why must my brother be such a lech? You realize you're an idiot, don't you?"

Zargos flung his arms out and showcased his bulging muscles with a cocky expression.

"Feast your eyes on these! Ha, I've grown mightier than you, sis!"

She examined his aura and scowled.

"Oh? Care to settle it with a fight this instant?"

Abruptly, chuckles erupted nearby:

"Hahahahaha! You two truly are siblings, huh?"

Keranda huffed, folding her arms across her bosom.

"Naturally, and you... You mentioned having a little sister?"

He confirmed with a nod.

"Whether it's a blessing or curse, she lacks abilities like mine."

Keranda gave a nonchalant shrug.

"Believe me, it's a good thing. Now you can rest assured nothing will befall your sister, since she's utterly secure at the Citadel. I get your concern over the World Wipe, but..."

Her eyes intensified.

"Avoid any reckless moves. The odds of her attaining K4-Level are slim to none. Venturing into the Dead Lands would claim her, just as it does most Phantoms."

"Of course. I'm aware."

Tap.

Zargos rested his hands on their shoulders.

"Alright! Drop the heavy discussion! Let's unwind! Merra, okay, no swimsuit for now, but bring on the fruit and cocktails!"

Merra bounced with excitement in place.

"Y-Yes! Consider it handled, sir!"

...

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

Positioned at the table, Adam savored honey-coated nuts alongside a zesty, invigorating cocktail. Keranda, seated opposite, enjoyed the identical treat.

Meanwhile, Zargos frolicked in the pool alongside Merra. True to form, despite his claims, he'd convinced her to don the swimsuit.

"It's been quite the demanding day for you, right?" Keranda remarked, her tone laced with fatigue.

Adam lifted his shoulders, sipping from his drink.

"Yes, though these past days have yielded solid gains. Not just in strength, but in knowledge too. Honestly, I'm uncertain when I'll next feel drawn to the Primal Lands."

"Hah, should you choose to return, seek us out—but not at this outpost, our primary stronghold. The Flaming Eye Clan ranks among the Primal Lands' most potent factions."

Adam lifted a brow.

"Yet you're not surpassing the Old Light, are you?"

She denied it with a shake of her head.

"No. It's a compact guild where each individual fulfills a unique function. Without their aid, the Befallen Crown would have dominated the Primal Lands ages ago. Our clan and the rest couldn't have held them back."

"Understood."

Keranda gazed at the descending sun before refocusing on Adam.

"Prepared to head back home?"

He offered a wry smile.

"Certainly. I'm eager. Time to press forward."

Keranda let out a soft laugh.

"Yeah... You're spot on there."