Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1525 1525: Descent into the Depths (Part 2)

Back at the Citadel, Adam and Alexia had glimpsed the abyss through the Winding Fragments while determining their destination.

Only now, after a grueling journey, did they finally stand before the precipice of this place.

With the barrier at their backs, freezing gusts of wind whipped against their skin as they peered into the depths below.

Standing on the jagged rim, they saw nothing but a radiant blue glow that swallowed everything else.

The secrets hidden at the bottom of the Frost Oasis and the perils lurking within remained a complete mystery to them.

"Do you actually believe that talking rock was telling the truth?" Alexia questioned, her eyes fixed on the drop.

Adam gave a noncommittal shrug.

"Hard to say, but that's where the Ancient Frost and the Blood of God are supposed to be."

"Jump on three?"

Adam gave a firm nod in agreement.

"1."

"2..."

"3!"

In perfect unison, the pair leaped, vanishing instantly into the brilliant azure light.

Once more, the Head Golem found himself in solitude. Although he commanded subordinates, they lacked the spark of the rogue Phantoms who dared to seek strength within the Frost Oasis.

"Grh..." The Head Golem let out a low grunt, staring toward the chasm. "Why...? How can this youth, who hasn't even survived a single World Wipe, possess such confidence...? And... why do I find myself believing he might actually succeed?"

Shaking his head, the Head Golem turned back toward the land. Deep down, a part of him hoped to be impressed, yet his logic insisted that such a feat was impossible.

...

Meanwhile, Adam and Alexia plummeted through successive waves of radiance as they descended further into the pit.

They remained on high alert. Adam considered the high probability of an ambush; in the Primal Lands, such violence was expected.

However, the descent remained peaceful, and the origin of the blinding light finally revealed itself.

"Agh?"

Alexia scanned the surroundings, noticing thousands of energy crystals embedded in the cavern walls. As their speed increased and they went deeper, the density of the crystals thinned, causing the light to dim.

"How long are we going to fall? Just how deep is this hole?" she shouted. "And those crystals! Damn! There must be tens of thousands lining the walls!"

Indeed, the sheer volume of energy crystals present could fuel the evolution of thousands of powerful monsters. Yet, harvesting them seemed impossible. They grew directly into the rock of the abyss, filling every crevice near the surface and radiating light.

Notably, the crystals stopped short of the barrier that sealed the abyss away from the external world.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Adam manifested clusters of energy beneath his feet to slow his momentum, a move Alexia quickly imitated. Despite being K4-Phantoms, a fall from this altitude would cause serious injury without proper dampening.

The light was soon swallowed by a heavy darkness, followed by the sight of a flat, reflective surface catching the glimmer of the remaining crystals.

Adam’s eyes widened a moment before they both crashed into an underground lake. The freezing water sent a violent shiver through them as they scrambled to reach the shore.

Splash!

They hauled themselves onto the jagged, rocky bank.

"Shit!" Alexia cursed, her voice trembling. "Brrrh! It's freezing!"

Adam didn't reply; instead, his pupils contracted into thin slits.

Before Alexia could even sense the danger, Adam surged forward, positioning himself in front of her. His white needle flashed in his hand as he delivered a massive, sweeping strike.

Slash!

A dark-blue limb spun through the air. Alexia stared in shock at a massive spider covered in blue chitin, possessing eight legs, six shimmering eyes, and venomous green fangs.

A second spider lunged from the left, targeting Adam, but he was already moving. Without shifting his gaze from the first beast, Adam thrust his left hand out, palm open, directly toward the second spider’s maw.

Energy condensed rapidly before his palm, detonating in a violent explosion that obliterated the spider's head.

Step.

Adam lunged forward, his body becoming nothing more than a blur of motion.

The white blade tore through the first spider, bisecting it with a powerful cleave. Adam skidded to a halt several meters away.

Blood sprayed across the frozen earth as the two halves of the monster hit the ground, its life extinguished.

Adam watched the remains of the second spider for a heartbeat. Once certain the threats were neutralized, he turned to Alexia.

"Are you hurt?"

She gave a slow nod, her brow furrowed as she examined the carcasses.

"What the hell were those things?"

"I'm not sure, but it felt like an ambush. They likely sensed our presence or the vibrations from the barrier and converged here immediately."

Alexia stepped forward, scanning the dark environment.

"Do you think that’s all of them?"

The area was surrounded by several tunnels that looked like typical caves, save for the fact that they had nearly been killed within seconds of arriving at the Frost Oasis.

However, there was no need for debate on which path to take—the choice was glaringly obvious.

At the end of the central tunnel stood a massive stone gate, illuminated by the flickering glow of two blue torches.

"Is it wise to go in there?" Alexia asked, her voice laced with caution. "Who knows what's waiting behind those doors?"

Adam shook his head. "I doubt they'll open easily. Besides, look at the direction our energy is pulling us."

Alexia bit her lip. Adam was right. To fulfill their objectives, they had to discover what lay beyond the threshold.

"Come on. We need to investigate. We have to figure out the nature of this place."

Step. Step. Step.

Adam walked with a steady confidence, while Alexia remained vigilant, watching their surroundings.

For some reason, Adam felt certain that no further attacks would come—at least for the moment.

'Those two spiders were likely just scavengers waiting for an easy meal. But... where did they come from if the gates are shut? And what lies down those other paths?'

They soon reached the massive gates. As they drew near, the blue flames of the torches flared with sudden intensity.

Alexia recoiled, dropping into a combat stance, but Adam stood his ground. He watched as a tiny speck of blue light drifted up from the floor, looking like a wandering star or a small fairy.

"What is that?" Alexia whispered, her brow furrowed.

To her surprise, a response came:

[Phantoms, you have reached the Frost Oasis.]

The voice emanating from the light was strange and mechanical. Adam recognized the tone immediately. It was the same sound he had heard during his confrontation with Anelez and Erada in the Tarnished Lands.

'Is that... the ancient voice?'