Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1542 1542: Azure Tree

Right from the start, the energy guided Adam and Alexia to this spot—the Frost Oasis, holding the upcoming requirements for the Third Grand Star that lay in wait for them.

Prior to the second trial, Adam had managed a quick look at this region, yet now both of them gazed upon the Frost Oasis, the very place the Head Golem had cautioned them about from the outset.

Step. Step. Step.

Alexia moved ahead, positioning herself beside Adam while they crossed the gate. Deep down below, a compact yet intensely radiant pond came into view, as though the world's entire energy gathered there.

For an instant, it appeared to them that this tiny pond held even greater energy than Heaven Island, home to Queen Elisa herself.

"Is this the Frost Oasis...?" Alexia whispered, her eyes locked onto one spot, ignoring everything else around.

Adam stayed silent, yet he shared the sensation. Whether it was merely a dense energy mass or the Ancient Frost Alexia sought, he sensed himself surrounded by a vault of riches.

Yet shortly after, something different caught their attention.

"What the...?" Alexia exclaimed, staring at the massive lizard-like head.

Not quite a lizard or a wyvern, it turned out to be a genuine dragon's head. Its rugged hide, adorned with countless blue scales, clung tightly to the skull's framework, revealing the beast was either long deceased or utterly spent.

Those were Alexia's initial impressions, until Adam highlighted another aspect.

"Look, his tale ended ages ago." Adam gestured toward the dragon's head, guiding Alexia's sight to the protruding bones that formed its neck.

The dragon lacked a body, no concealment possible, with its head embedded directly beneath the stone and its bare neck plainly exposed.

Adam scanned the surroundings, considering if the dragon's remains might lie hidden close by, perhaps tied to some sinister ceremony, but such worries proved unfounded.

To the cave's left stood a solitary tree boasting a snowy-white trunk brimming with energy and a crown of blue. It remained a frail young shoot, far from majestic maturity.

But...

Quickly, the enchanting scene in Adam's view crumbled upon spotting a key detail.

Remains of monsters and humans alike—bones and limbs—littered the soil beside the blue tree, while its pale roots snaked over the earth, drawing sustenance from their vitality and essence.

"Huh, this tree seems angelic, yet it thrives on others' demise?" Adam's tone shook. Such a twist from this location had caught him off guard.

Alexia cocked her head slightly.

"So..." She brushed her lips. "What's our move? I had no clue what awaited, and while I'm not let down, there's no foes or the Ancient Frost I seek in sight."

Tap.

Louis materialized behind her, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"We're nearly there. Just channel your energy like earlier. The Winding Fragments, correct? That ought to guide you to what you need!"

This suggestion applied to them equally.

Adam and Alexia shut their eyes, envisioning once more the frost portal that had transported them from the Citadel directly to this place.

But... the impact differed for each now.

For Alexia, the energy directed her precisely to the shimmering pond, suggesting the Ancient Frost dwelled there or served as her initial stride toward fresh strength.

"Agh?" Adam blinked repeatedly, bewilderment etching his features.

"Something wrong?" Alexia arched a brow while gesturing ahead. "I have to head to that pond, exactly as I figured initially. Hey, bet it's pointing you toward the dragon's head, huh?"

Rather than replying, she caught only Adam's puzzled look. His destination eluded him.

"Is that how it works...?" His words wavered. "The energy pulls me onward like the Frost Oasis overflows with the Blood of God, yet nothing specific shows. Why does yours pinpoint the route while mine stays vague?"

Adam scowled as he advanced a step. He anticipated clearer direction upon nearing.

Still, no shift occurred.

"W-Why?"

Adam halted in the cave's center, surveying the area. Though vast, the energy signaled this as the Blood of God's location. It formed a key piece for the Third Grand Star.

Bam!

All at once, Alexia's hand smacked his back with immense power, the noise resounding through the cavern.

"Argh!"

Adam groaned from the sting. It burned like a scorching lash across his back, far from a mere girl's touch.

"What the fuck?!" He clenched his jaw in fury.

Alexia flashed a pleased grin.

"Huh, you're not the first, yet you're griping already? Come on, we'll grab the Ancient Frost first, then sort your issue. Bet it ties to the dragon's head! I'm always spot on!"

Twitch. Twitch. Twitch.

Adam's brow jerked. The urge to throttle her surged, but he couldn't deny her logic.

Though his energy scattered unpredictably now, with the Blood of God's spot unclear, tackling things step by step would surely reveal answers soon enough.

"Alright, let's secure the Ancient Frost and proceed."

"Huh, such spirit!" Alexia beamed widely and strode forth.

Without pausing, she aimed to leap from the ledge toward the Frost Oasis, but...

THUMP!

She collided with an unseen barrier.

"Damn it!" Alexia clutched her sore forehead as Adam's face grew grave.

Runes flickered in the air, unveiling a dome that shielded both the Frost Oasis and the dragon's head, excluding the blue tree.

[The last trial begins!]

Suddenly, the Ancient Voice echoed once more while the gates sealed shut behind them with a thunderous clash.

[Destroy all enemies if you want to survive!]

They exchanged a quick look just as a surge of energy erupted from the blue tree and the earth trembled.

Their foes had arrived well ahead, lurking in wait.