Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1625 1625: Plans

Adam didn't rush off from the Primal Lands, waiting until the following morning to depart.

After all, Keranda had to head back to her clan, as she was destined to be the upcoming leader—everyone was aware that Zargos would refuse such a position. To him, it represented far too much needless effort, even if he recognized that should he desire it, he'd gain numerous backers within the Flaming Eye Clan.

Thus, Merra and Zargos accompanied Adam on their journey.

Nothing unexpected occurred; similar to Ramilo, they made their way to the Ice Path and called forth an earthworm.

This task wasn't limited to Old Light members alone. The key requirement was prior experience with the process.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

The ground quivered faintly as the earthworm neared the Citadel. Mere hours earlier, they'd exited the Primal Lands and crossed the majority of the Dead Lands.

"Hey, Adam, why the gloomy expression?" Zargos smirked, propping himself up on one hand.

He lounged atop the enormous worm like it was a sandy shore.

"Aren't you thrilled to be heading back home at last?"

Adam rubbed his cheek.

"Yeah, you're probably correct, but... those upcoming trials keep swirling in my mind. I arrived at the Primal Lands to meet a single requirement, yet ended up with something entirely unexpected plus two additional energy forms."

Merra faced him.

"Ultimately, the choice belongs to you, but in your position, I'd avoid hasty actions. The challenges ahead remain unknown. You've no doubt honed your skills to perfection, yet Ancient Energy and Dark Energy demand a separate approach. Time is essential to grasp this strength."

Zargos clicked his fingers.

"Exactly, she's spot on. I'm unaware of your next destination, but it promises peril— that's the path to true power. Prepare yourself thoroughly."

"Alright. I'll heed your words."

Next, Zargos scanned the surroundings while shutting his eyes briefly. His aura expanded, forming a subtle barrier spanning dozens of kilometers nearby.

"We're nearing it, Adam. We could let you out by a White Threat Nest, or proceed directly to the Citadel," Zargos proposed.

Adam peered back. "What do you suggest?"

"The former." Zargos stretched with a yawn. "Both choices are safe, but arriving beneath the Citadel invites inquiries and close examination. Of course, I'd remain composed there. Phantoms of immense might dwell in these parts."

Merra gave a quiet nod.

Relations between many monsters and Phantoms were solid, or at minimum functional. Still, that didn't equate to deep camaraderie.

Should a formidable monster draw near the Citadel, a thorough check was certain.

Clearly, Zargos wished to avoid such complications.

"Understood. Leave me by a cavern then. Perhaps I'll assist someone in need."

"Ha! I figured you'd choose wisely!" Zargos cheered, slapping the earthworm thrice. "You catch that, pal? Route change!"

Tremble.

The earthworm shook and veered abruptly into a narrow tunnel.

Merely ten minutes passed before the earthworm halted before a fissure. This served as the access to a basic cave within the Monster Nest. It's possible Phantoms were currently undertaking a task inside, or intended to arrive shortly.

"Have we arrived?" Adam inquired.

Zargos affirmed with a gentle smile.

"Yes. Part of me wants you to linger longer, but I get that you must press forward. Each of us has duties calling. Until we meet again."

"Appreciate it. Upon my return from the Primal Lands, your clan won't escape my thoughts." He turned to Merra. "Gratitude to you as well. Without your aid, those two Lords might have ended me."

She placed a hand on her chest.

"You shielded me during my direst moment too. Stay safe."

Adam acknowledged with a nod and leaped off.

Shortly after, the earthworm quivered and retraced its path along the Ice Path. Several hours on, Zargos and Merra reentered the Primal Lands.

"Hah..." Adam laughed softly, gazing skyward. "While I handled missions close to the Citadel, mighty monsters traversed beneath me on those colossal creatures? Tsk, I'd have dismissed such tales outright."

As Adam's strength grew, his comprehension deepened regarding the world's immense scale and the intricate links binding its elements.

"Perhaps my next assignment should take me back to the Tarnished Lands?" Adam pondered aloud, rubbing his nape. "The Primal Lands, and the Dark Shore in particular... they're beyond my current reach. Your thoughts?"

Silvana fluttered her eyes.

'Head home first, then we'll talk it over. Regrettably, fulfilling the last two conditions won't be straightforward.'

Adam lifted his shoulders.

"True enough."

Step. Step. Step.

Adam navigated the split, ascending the tight cave passage. At last, upon attaining the summit, a huge boulder confronted him, obstructing the way forward.

This wasn't merely an ordinary stone; it concealed a hidden portal.

"I understand—others have utilized this route before me? Naturally, that's logical. I must proceed correctly."

Crack.

Adam shoved the boulder away, stepped past, and sealed the entry behind. This marked the cave's remote extremity, shrouded in shadows.

Without knowledge of the boulder's secret, detecting the concealed path underneath proved impossible.

"Hah, it'd be troublesome if anyone uncovered the subterranean secrets prematurely."

Silvana grinned slyly.

'Oh, so we're now among those withholding vital details from the rest?'

He raised his shoulders again.

"Can't argue there. Knowledge brings complications."

He surveyed the area, spotting dim amber glows afar.

"Regardless. Where exactly are we?"