Previously on Endless Evolution: Last Star...
Frida continues to act as a guardian for Phantoms in danger, her powerful spears traversing the sky. Adam and his companions arrive at Heaven Island, finding a vibrant energy pond and crystals altered by Queen Elisa's powerful aura. Adam questions Damien about Queen Elisa's strength, and Damien suggests the first attacker would win a fight between them. They then proceed toward Queen Elisa's tower, where they are met by a disapproving guard.
Upon arriving at Heaven Island for the first time, every Phantom is briefed on the Touched Humans and the reality of the Gamma Division.
The descendants of the Twelve Branches are the sole exceptions to this protocol. Their high-ranking status grants them access to the Citadel's deepest secrets far earlier than their peers, provided they are deemed ready for such knowledge.
The revelation of the World Wipe had been a profound shock even for Adam. This was hardly surprising, given his meteoric rise; he had uncovered the truth at a remarkably young age. Had his progression been more typical, he would have been much older before facing such a heavy burden.
However, considering the current circumstances, a slower evolution might have left Adam without the necessary strength to survive the impending World Wipe.
“Mr. Damien,” the man uttered with a heavy, drawn-out sigh. “You have escorted two K4-Phantoms and their respective Operators to Heaven Island. While I am not questioning your authority to do so, a prior notification would have been appreciated.”
His gaze shifted toward Beth, who pointedly looked away, feigning total ignorance. To a certain degree, she was telling the truth; she was merely being swept along by the turbulent force of nature that was Damien.
“You could have simply consulted your Operator,” Damien remarked with a nonchalant shrug.
“You speak as if Queen Elisa keeps regular visiting hours. You know better than anyone that she stands ready to assist at a moment's notice,” the man countered.
“Agh.” Another sigh escaped the man. “That is true, yet I still maintain it is better not to disturb her for trivial matters.”
“Oh, do not fret over it. We are here because these two behind me require the Queen’s intervention. They are destined to become stronger—significantly stronger. Take a look; surely you recognize their faces from somewhere.”
Surprisingly, Damien’s assessment was accurate. While the Gamma Division governed the Citadel, they rarely concerned themselves with the daily exploits of common Phantoms, leaving such matters to other government branches.
Nevertheless, Adam and Alexia had made quite an impact over the last two years. Though they never sought the limelight, their relentless drive to fight and conquer had earned them a reputation.
“Adam and Alexia?” The man’s eyes narrowed as he studied them. “I see... It is heartening to witness such talent emerging in the Citadel, even in these final years before the World Wipe. The more young warriors we have, the better it is for us all.”
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Damien offered a friendly pat on the man’s shoulder, yet the man was seasoned enough to detect the underlying coldness in Damien’s gaze. It was clear that Damien had no intention of lingering for further pleasantries.
“Excellent. Now, open the gate. Unlike Queen Elisa, I have not yet turned to stone, and I have tasks to attend to. I need to finish with these two so I can return to my business.”
The man swallowed hard and moved out of the way.
As the gatekeeper, he possessed the authority to deny even the head of a noble family if necessary, but he knew better than to obstruct Damien.
“Of course.”
Damien gestured forward. “Alright, everyone, follow me!”
Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.
The gate groaned open with a heavy crash. Adam and Silvana traded quick looks before following the group inside.
The moment they crossed the threshold, the gates slammed shut behind them, leaving them once again in the presence of Queen Elisa.
Silvana gulped audibly. Now that she possessed her own abilities and energy, she could truly perceive the overwhelming majesty of the Queen’s presence.
“Everything looks exactly as it did before, doesn't it?” Adam whispered, staring at the massive tree looming ahead.
The tree appeared devoid of any life or energy, resembling a monumental statue forged of iron and metal—a structure serving solely as Queen Elisa’s throne and chamber.
A crystal of unparalleled size and power sat at the very heart of the tree. None of the Midnight or Twilight crystals Adam had previously encountered could compare to even a fraction of the Queen’s shard.
Just as before, Queen Elisa remained encased within the crystal. Her eyes were sealed shut, her arms were extended to her sides, and her legs were tucked toward her torso, her knees having long since fused together into a single form.
Her jade-colored skin looked less like flesh and more like the polished stone of an ancient, enchanted sculpture.
Only her long, blonde hair, which flowed past her waist, retained a human quality, contrasting with her otherwise statue-like, weaponized appearance.
“I have seen her like this hundreds of times, and yet...” Damien bit his lip. “We must find a solution; this state of affairs cannot persist indefinitely.”
Alexia and Louis exchanged silent glances, clearly as awestruck as the rest of the group.
Beth, however, appeared entirely unmoved as she observed Queen Elisa, her expression unreadable.
“Damien, since we are already here, they should begin immediately. We shouldn't waste time.”
“Indeed!”
Alexia tilted her head, looking puzzled.
“Hmm? What exactly are we supposed to do?”
Beth stepped toward the platform. A few more paces would bring them directly under the influence of Queen Elisa’s radiating energy. Both Adam and Alexia were well aware of what that entailed.
“The technique I mentioned earlier. It is known as the Winding Fragments. Through them, you will perceive the nature of your conditions. As you realize by now, the name or the origin of the method is irrelevant. Any condition is achievable; the secret lies in discovering the path to it.”
Adam nodded in understanding. He grasped the essence of Beth’s explanation.
“So, what is the process? We just focus on our objectives and—!”
Suddenly, a force struck him in the back with a speed he couldn't counter.
Adam tumbled forward, catching a final glimpse of Alexia’s wide, startled eyes. The same force had propelled her forward as well.
Just before Queen Elisa’s energy consumed his consciousness, one final thought flashed through Adam's mind:
‘Damien, I swear, the day will come when I repay you for all these ridiculous stunts! Tsk!’
His irritation soon dissolved into nothingness as he drifted into a profound slumber.
...
It was impossible to tell how much time had passed since Damien had shoved them into the Queen’s aura, but eventually, Adam’s eyes snapped open.
“Agh?”
To his bewilderment, he was surrounded by total darkness. There was no sign of the Evolution Tree or the Lone Blaze here.
However, Alexia was there, looking just as confused as he felt. In the distance, countless shimmering stars glowed like gateways to distant realms—or perhaps, like wandering fragments.
A faint, chilling sensation emanated from one particular star, immediately drawing the attention of them both.
