Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1501: Detached Mountains (Part 1)

Chapter 1501: Detached Mountains (Part 1)

Adam and Alexia prepared themselves to plunge back into the heat of combat. Their destination was the Dead Lands, or to be more specific, a voyage toward an entirely new territory: the Primal Lands.

They were under no illusions that this journey would be pleasant. On the contrary, they understood that this mission was both perilous and vital for their respective paths.

A few final arrangements were necessary, however, before they could depart for the Primal Lands.

While Alexia and Louis brought their honeymoon to a close, Adam utilized an additional week of leave.

This interval was spent not only in recovery but in gathering intelligence regarding the Primal Lands.

The more they uncovered about this region, the stronger their urge to explore it became.

In many aspects, the Tarnished Lands and the Dark Shore shared similarities. Both were populated by lethal monsters, treacherous environments, and powerful Lords. Their primary distinctions lay in their geography and the discipline of their factions; the Befallen Crown operated with military precision, whereas the Renegades lived with a certain reckless freedom.

While the Befallen Crown sought total dominion over the Dark Shore and the entire world, the Renegades were content simply ensuring no major disturbances occurred within their borders.

Furthermore, the Befallen Crown faced internal complications, specifically regarding the Free End and neutral Lords of immense power, such as Saegar.

Though the Free End was the smallest among the world's elite factions, no soul dared to dismiss them. The sheer individual power and indomitable will of their members made them a terrifying threat.

The Primal Lands, however, followed a different set of rules. From what Adam and Alexia could gather, no dominant faction held sway there.

Only two true dangers existed within the Primal Lands: the beasts and the raw energy.

While one could argue that every territory—even the Dead Lands surrounding the Citadel—faced similar issues, these two threats existed in their most concentrated, unadulterated form within the Primal Lands.

The turbulence of the energy there was unparalleled, a reality that Adam and Alexia were about to experience firsthand.

...

Tap.

Setting his coffee cup aside, Adam glanced toward Silvana. She sat across from him, her attention fixed on the tablet in her hands.

A full week had passed since their excursion to Heaven Island.

Today marked the scheduled rendezvous with Alexia, Louis, Damien, and Beth.

It was through the assistance of Damien and Beth that they would secure passage to the Primal Lands.

“Today is the day, isn’t it?” Adam asked, a faint grin playing on his lips.

In contrast to his lightheartedness, Silvana’s expression remained grave. She viewed the upcoming journey into the new territory as an event of extreme risk and significance.

“You really should drop that carefree attitude, Adam.”

“Why? I’ve already navigated the Tarnished Lands and the Dark Shore. I know the Primal Lands will be brutal, but what choice do I have? I’m going there to fight and to win, just like always. I’m ready!”

Silvana let out a heavy sigh. She had anticipated that exact response, and that was precisely what worried her.

“Is that so? Do you honestly believe everything went smoothly? Do I need to remind you what actually happened during those trips?”

“Hmm?” Adam looked genuinely puzzled.

Silvana’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Your first arrival at the Dark Shore was a total accident. You would have been a corpse long ago if not for pure luck, the intervention of Wilfred, and two incredibly powerful Lords. The Befallen Crown was prepared to throw away a dozen Lords just to snuff out your potential before it could bloom.”

She pressed on without giving him a chance to interrupt.

“Even at the Tarnished Lands, where things were supposedly 'better,' you would have been slaughtered by an External Artifact—perhaps even an Ancient One—if Frida hadn't stepped in. Every time you visit these places, you end up on the brink of death.”

Adam merely shrugged at her concerns.

“I didn't choose to go to the Dark Shore so soon; the First Star gave me no choice. As for the Tarnished Lands... well, I’ve returned there recently without issue, even with powerful monsters hunting me. Last time, I simply didn't realize how much heat I’d draw by activating the Path Construct.”

Before Silvana could retort, Adam leaned in close until their eyes locked.

“Come on, Silvana, you’ve started to feel it too, haven't you? That craving to test yourself against a powerful foe or a wild beast instead of some arrogant Elder? If you were the one heading out there, you’d be feeling exactly the same way!”

She opened her mouth to argue that he was being reckless, but the words wouldn't come.

“Tsk, whatever!” She shook her head in frustration. “Your objective is to obtain the Blood of God, yet all you can think about is the thrill of the fight? Focus on the goal!”

“Well, if I’m destined to face a god one day, the least I can do is enjoy such a rare experience, right?”

Silvana found herself speechless. Adam turned toward the kitchen and pulled a carton of milk from the refrigerator. He intended to brew one final cup of coffee before his stay at the Citadel reached its end.

He had made the most of his time.

Adam had cherished the moments with his family and had even secured a home for himself and Silvana. They had enjoyed their time together as well, remembering that beyond their roles as Phantom and Operator, they were a couple.

Nevertheless, they both understood that the time for relaxation had ended.

With only six years remaining until the next World Wipe, the clock was ticking. No one could say for certain how long it would take for Adam to reach the power level of the Citadel’s Second Rank Phantoms.

“So, where is the meeting point Damien set?” Adam inquired, assuming he would be heading toward one of the spires again.

To his surprise, Silvana gave an unexpected answer.

“The northern mountains. It’s a secluded spot within the Pacific Lands.”

Adam blinked, looking lost.

“The mountains in the north? W-What? Why would I be leaving the Citadel?”

Silvana’s gaze turned serious.

“They claimed it's the only way to reach your destination in time.”