Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1495: Azure Island (Part 2)

Adam vividly recalled his initial journey to Heaven Island. Back then, he was oblivious to the fact that something existed above the Citadel, beyond the Lower Ring nestled beneath it.

That realization had shaken Adam deeply, yet his world was truly upended upon meeting Queen Elisa.

He now recognized that Queen Elisa’s presence was far from strange; in fact, it was a necessity for humanity to endure the cycle of the World Wipe. Without her, Adam, Silvana, and millions of others would never have drawn breath.

While a majority of the population passed away from natural causes during the 250-year intervals of peace between each World Wipe, many Phantoms and their Operators utilized that time to grow powerful enough to persist. Every time the cycle turned, Queen Elisa’s barrier served as their shield.

During his previous visit, Adam had arrived with Douglas via a concealed platform located at the heart of the First Ring. That transport was designed for the use of both the Gamma Division staff and the Phantoms.

However… such elaborate methods would be unnecessary for someone like Damien or a person of comparable strength.

Like several other high-level Phantoms, he possessed the ability to fly to this location by manifesting his own energy.

In theory, Alexia and Adam were capable of the same feat now. Though ascending to such an altitude would be a grueling task, they could achieve it with sufficient practice.

The massive tree and Queen Elisa, who remained trapped within a glowing crystal, were obscured from the view of even those standing upon Heaven Island. She was encased within a monolithic tower that functioned like the defensive walls of a sovereign’s private chambers.

Accessing Queen Elisa required one to ascend the staircase of white stone and pass through the tower’s great gates.

“This…” Adam swallowed hard, fixated on the pale blue radiance spilling from the tower’s open peak. “Despite everything we’ve faced lately, the existence of a place like this is still hard to wrap my head around.”

Even Alexia was struck dumb, unable to do anything but marvel at the sprawling vista before them.

Supported by Damien’s currents of energy and wind, they drifted above the clouds, their gazes locked onto the distant island.

As Adam glanced upward, a sense of confusion washed over him.

He could just barely discern the silhouette of another mass against the backdrop of the night sky. It resembled an island, though it was notably smaller than Heaven Island, possessing the scale of a massive air base or a gargantuan vessel.

“Hey, what on earth is that?” Adam asked with a scowl, gesturing toward the sky.

He had already accepted the reality of Heaven Island floating above the Citadel—this was his second visit, after all—but the sight of another island positioned above Queen Elisa was unexpected.

Adam wasn't prepared for this discovery, and he struggled to understand how he had overlooked it during his first trip.

“What the hell!?” Alexia’s eyes grew wide. She rubbed them in disbelief, yet the distinct outlines remained visible.

Louis and Silvana traded glances. Despite being Operators, they were equally in the dark about this mystery.

“Oh, that’s right, this is your first time seeing it,” Damien said with a light laugh. “It isn't where we're headed, and you aren't permitted there, but there’s no harm in giving you a little background, is there?”

Beth gave a faint nod. “Proceed. They have already had some level of interaction with that place, in a way.”

Damien indicated the object hovering above.

“That is Azure Island. It is entirely man-made, unlike Heaven Island. It remains airborne through its specific construction, engines, and energy. The soil and everything else you see there is merely cosmetic.”

Silvana touched her lip, looking puzzled.

“Azure Island? Wait… does it have a link to the Azure Lotus?”

Damien gave a firm nod.

“Exactly. Azure Island is the property of the Azure Lotus—specifically their leader, Frida. I don't believe any of you have met her face-to-face, but her reputation precedes her. Furthermore…”

He squinted, pointing a finger at Adam and then at Alexia.

“She has saved Adam’s life twice and Alexia’s four times.” He directed a sharp look at Alexia. “Frida can be a real bitch, you know? If you keep throwing yourself into deadly situations, she might eventually decide to act like she forgot to save you.”

Louis winced. He realized this meant Alexia would face certain death the next time she was in peril. He was aware Frida had intervened for Alexia before, but he hadn't realized those events occurred here.

“Pfffft!” Alexia snorted dismissively. “I never asked for her help! I can take down my own enemies!”

“Khm,” Louis cleared his throat. “Actually, her spear was the only thing that saved you at the final second the last two times.”

“That isn't true!” she shouted, waving her fists in protest.

Damien gave a casual shrug.

“Essentially, while the Phantoms battle in the Dead Lands, Frida is always watching over them, even if most have no clue. On Azure Island, other Phantoms follow in Frida’s footsteps as her pupils, though she is clearly the one in charge.”

Silvana raised her hand, her expression filled with curiosity.

“But… Frida must have her limits, right?”

Damien waved his hand dismissively. “Naturally. If you find yourself deep in the Dark Shore, the far reaches of the Tarnished Lands, or buried underground, don't expect any help. Frida and her followers only exert influence over the surface of the Dead Lands.”

Adam let out a chuckle, finding a strange irony in the situation.

“So, the stronger you get, the more your safety net disappears.”

“Hah, that’s one way to put it. But you have to realize Frida can’t intervene in every scenario. Her spears possess too much power.”

Damien was starting to elaborate when a brilliant blue light erupted from the summit.

In an instant, a colossal azure spear, as large as an entire island, shot into the night sky. It vibrated with power and streaked toward the Tarnished Lands with the incredible velocity of a falling star.

A grin touched Damien’s lips.

“And there she goes. She’s always working, unlike me. Hah, the poor soul.”