Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1524 1524: Descent into the Depths (Part 1)

The fire crackled steadily, throwing sparks into the air that danced past Adam's unmoving gaze.

Aside from the Head Golem, every other construct had retreated back into the earth. The leader of the golems remained perched upon a massive boulder, waiting for the two Phantoms to finally make their move through the barrier.

Since both of them were now infused with ancient energy, crossing the threshold would be a simple task.

"Huh, that took much longer than I expected," Adam mused. He looked down at a massive slab of meat roasting over the flames, its surface turning into a perfect, crispy crust. It needed only another thirty seconds before it was ready to eat.

The wolf he had slain was his prize, the bounty of his hunt. To Adam, the line between a hunter and a mindless killer was distinct.

A true hunter claims a life because the beast provides sustenance or vital materials. A killer, however, acts on impulse, driven only by a hollow craving for another conquest.

Adam grasped this philosophy well. Even though he lacked the means to utilize the wolf’s pelt, teeth, or claws, he intended to honor the kill by consuming every bit of its meat.

The sound of crunching filled the air.

Alexia was already deep into her meal, tearing meat from the bone without a shred of hesitation. Fat glistened at the corners of her mouth as she savored the flavor, clearly intent on finishing the entire portion.

'Well, I don't regret it.' Adam scanned his surroundings. In this vast, snow-covered wasteland, their small campfire served as the solitary island of warmth.

The only other illumination came from the Frost Oasis within the abyss, casting a faint blue glow along the jagged edges of the canyon.

That was the extent of the world here.

A landscape defined by nothing but frost, stone, and the skeletal remains of prehistoric beasts.

Yet, Adam felt no sense of dread. Instead, a profound stillness settled over him. Not even during his time at the Citadel with Silvana had his spirit felt this unburdened.

Back at the Citadel, he was plagued by the nagging thought that he was wasting precious time. He constantly felt the urge to return to the Dead Lands to advance his Cultivation. Those thoughts had been impossible to silence.

But here, he felt certain he was on the right path.

Though they had been in the Primal Lands for a mere half-day, he had achieved more progress than during weeks of idle recovery at the Citadel.

"It's not just the ancient energy..." Adam whispered, lifting the spit where his meat roasted. "The wyvern, those two monsters, and that worm—they are formidable. They fight to survive and seize every advantage. I respect that."

He took a large bite.

The raw, potent flavor of the beast’s flesh flooded his palate. It was a heavy, gamey taste, unmasked by salt, pepper, or any seasoning.

A normal person would likely have been repulsed by the pungent flavor, perhaps even gagging, but Adam was no stranger to the meat of monsters.

Because he only ate such things after long intervals and at different stages of power, he actually found himself missing the unique, savage taste that regular food lacked.

"Gha!" Alexia exhaled loudly, collapsing onto her back. "I'm stuffed... I think my stomach is actually going to pop!"

Adam wiped a stray drop of grease from his chin and smirked.

"Well, who made you eat so much and so fast? We're in no hurry."

At his words, Alexia snapped back to a standing position.

"No! We have to go to the Frost Oasis, right now!"

Adam glanced at the star-studded sky. Between the skirmishes, Alexia's training, and their discovery of the ancient energy, the hours had slipped away.

"I see. Maybe you're right."

He gave a nod and turned toward the Head Golem, who had been staring blankly into the distance for hours, waiting in stoic silence for their move.

"Hey, old man, we're ready."

The golem’s head creaked as it turned toward Adam.

"Old man...? Though... given the eons between us, that is accurate... You are both merely children... It is a tragedy to watch the brightest sparks extinguished by their own pride."

Alexia’s expression soured; the golem’s grim outlook irritated her.

"What? Do you still think we'll die there?"

The Head Golem simply nodded.

"Agh?" Alexia arched an eyebrow. "We both now possess the ancient energy! We've become much stronger!"

Adam’s gaze turned pensive. 'She’s right. While the full depth of this ancient energy remains a mystery, it has already become a vital asset. The Ancient Flux isn't just a minor boost; it's a massive evolution of my strength.'

The Head Golem nodded once more.

"It was the requirement for passage... nothing more... I see the fire in your eyes; you intend to reach the very bottom... You will not return from those depths, yet I have no authority to stop you."

Alexia balled her fists. She looked ready to spend the next several hours arguing with the construct to prove him wrong.

Tap.

Adam placed a steadying hand on her shoulder before she could speak, drawing her attention.

"You can't change his mind, just as he can't change ours. Words are pointless here. The only thing left to do is descend, finish what we started, and come back. Only then will he see he was wrong about us."

The Head Golem shifted his gaze to Adam.

"Young man... you are not the first to speak those words... Yet, not one soul has ever returned..."

Adam merely shrugged.

"You see?"

He walked forward with purpose, heading straight for the shimmering barrier.

"Good luck, old man. I hope your life becomes more interesting than just standing guard at a gate."

The Head Golem watched in silence as the two figures stepped through the barrier, beginning their journey toward the Frost Oasis.