Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1496: Winding Fragments (Part 1)

Regardless of what other Phantoms were occupied with or what their intentions might have been, Frida remained dedicated to her role as a guardian angel for any Phantom trapped in a lethal predicament.

Her spear would hurtle toward the site of conflict at incredible velocities, provided specific conditions were met and she could rescue a fellow Phantom without her overwhelming power claiming the lives of dozens of bystanders.

The location of her island was concealed even more meticulously than Heaven Island. While Adam had been aware of Queen Elisa and Heaven Island for a significant duration, he was only now catching his first glimpse of Azure Island. Even then, he was observing it from a great distance, and it remained uncertain if he would ever set foot upon it.

Whooooooooosh.

A second spear departed from Azure Island, streaking toward the west. During the daylight hours, the sheer altitude of Frida's island allowed her movements to go largely unnoticed.

In the darkness of night, the clouds and sky were unable to mask the radiant blue glow of the massive spear as it sliced through the firmament. To the eyes of common folk, however, it merely resembled a falling star, appearing as nothing more than a natural phenomenon.

‘Hah,’ Adam mused to himself. ‘So, on those nights marked by intense meteor showers, was it simply Frida having a particularly busy day? If so... that implies dozens of Phantoms were facing certain death at those moments.’

“Alright.” Damien signaled with his hand as the breeze began to pick up once more. “We’ve wasted enough time. Keeping the Queen herself waiting is quite disrespectful! Hahaha!”

Carried by the shifting wind currents, the group soon arrived at the perimeter of Heaven Island.

During his previous visit, Adam had entered through the formal gateway, traversing the roads that wound between the sparse structures scattered across the island.

This time, they arrived in a region devoid of pathways. The landscape was composed entirely of rugged stone and a profusion of cyan crystals sprouting from every available surface, with a shimmering, translucent pond situated just ahead.

“Wait, hold on...!” Alexia’s eyes widened in shock as she drew closer to the water. “This pond... it isn’t filled with water, is it? Is this all pure energy?”

Beth, trailing behind Damien, gave a subtle nod of confirmation.

“Virtually. While a tiny fraction remains water, the concentration of energy here is staggering. If connected to an appropriate generator, it could power the entire Citadel for a full year. Of course, utilizing such energy for that purpose would be incredibly reckless and wasteful.”

Step. Step. Step.

Adam moved forward and placed his hand against one of the crystals. A soft pulse of energy surged through his palm, causing his heart rate to decelerate and his breathing to grow tranquil.

He was well aware that Queen Elisa’s energy possessed a unique quality; her mere aura was potent enough to dilate one's perception of time.

‘What sort of catastrophe did the Citadel encounter that forced a Phantom as formidable as her to make such a sacrifice, essentially becoming a living shield and a resource for the sake of millions?’

This thought had crossed Adam's mind many times. He tried to envision the kind of warrior Queen Elisa must have been on the battlefield during her prime. However... his knowledge of her history was far too limited.

He was ignorant of her true age and the condition of human civilization during her era.

Tuck.

Adam felt a tug on his sleeve from Silvana, prompting him to open his eyes.

“Agh?”

“Adam, are you okay?” Silvana inquired, her voice tinged with anxiety. “I was worried you had drifted off to sleep.”

After a brief pause, Adam nodded.

“Yeah... that’s a fair way to put it. Queen Elisa’s energy is truly on another level.”

He then shifted his attention to Damien. Despite his earlier urgency, the man seemed in no rush to depart, seemingly entertained by Adam and Alexia’s reactions to the Queen's energy.

In reality, the pond and the crystals were not direct manifestations of Queen Elisa’s power. Eons ago, they were merely ordinary stones and mundane water. However, through prolonged proximity to her presence, they had undergone a total transformation, turning common rock into high-grade energy crystals.

Though she had once been human, Queen Elisa now embodied a force of nature. While she technically remained human, it was a mystery whether she would ever awaken from her slumber.

“Damien, you were around during Queen Elisa’s time, weren’t you?” Adam asked, his expression turning solemn.

Beth cast a sharp, warning look at Damien. These were sensitive topics that shouldn't be shared with a K4-Phantom.

Nevertheless, Beth lacked the authority to control Damien. She could offer advice, but she could not command him.

“Yeah, I knew Queen Elisa personally. What of it?”

Adam’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“If the two of you fought, who would come out on top? You’re supposedly the strongest, right? So... are you powerful enough to best even Queen Elisa?”

Curiously, the heavy nature of the question did not create any immediate tension.

Damien simply dismissed the thought with a wave of his hand.

“You’re focused on the wrong detail, Adam. When it comes to her, the identity of her opponent or ally doesn't matter. Only one factor determines the outcome—who strikes first. The one who lands the first blow wins; it’s as simple as that.”

This response didn't satisfy Adam's curiosity. He prepared to ask more, but Damien cut him off before he could speak.

“Enough, follow me! We’re heading straight to Queen Elisa!” He shouted as he marched forward.

Whether the others were willing or not, fierce gusts of wind compelled them to follow his lead, moving away from the pond and the island's edge.

As they drew near the gray tower that served as Queen Elisa’s sanctuary, several members of the Gamma Division took notice of their arrival.

They hadn't been informed of any visitors for the Queen, but the sight of Damien among the Phantoms made the situation clear.

Unlike Frida, who focused on mentoring other Phantoms, Damien was known for his erratic and impulsive behavior. He had taken an interest in several members of the younger generation.

Adam and Alexia were among those who had caught his eye. Consequently, he would occasionally assist them or meddle in their business whenever he felt like it.

Even so, not even Damien was supposed to intrude upon Queen Elisa without prior notice.

Step.

A broad-shouldered, tall man blocked the entrance to the gate, staring intently at Damien.

A faint scowl touched the man's face, but Damien ignored it completely, waving cheerfully.

“Hey! We’re here for an audience with the queen!”

‘Ah...’ The man sighed inwardly, shaking his head. ‘Not him again... the man is a literal plague.’