Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1549: The old body

Unknown dangers lurked ahead for them, possibly the ice worms or various beasts eager to uncover the secrets of the Frost Oasis. At this point, no barriers or golems could hold them back.

Yet, all those issues paled in comparison to the events unfolding within the final cave, right beside the pond.

Crack.

The shadowy eggshell shattered off to one side, unveiling a lengthy limb ending in brief but razor-edged claws.

Beneath the stunned stares of Adam and Alexia, that limb reached for the egg's surface, its digits plunging straight into the shell.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The limb demolished the egg's upper portion, and before Adam and Alexia could respond, another limb emerged.

At that moment, both limbs seized the opening's borders, gradually forcing the egg to split wider.

It resembled a lizard or serpent attempting an early escape from its egg, a feat only the mightiest could achieve.

Alexia’s eyes constricted as the limbs ripped the egg open, unleashing a frosty vapor.

A towering silhouette hid within the haze, which soon advanced, gradually stepping free from the shroud.

What struck them first was his stature. The figure before them lacked the massive bulk of stone demons or golems; he bore a human shape, yet still measured two meters high, easily looming above Adam and Alexia.

His frame appeared lean and toned, free of bulging muscles, but brimming with raw strength in a formidable physique.

His lengthy azure locks cascaded to his waist, while his brilliant blue eyes surpassed those of Adam and Alexia in intensity—a hue beyond their current grasp.

The figure possessed no tail, no wings, nor any other draconic traits marking him as a dragon beast. Only scattered azure scales adorned his chest and wrists.

With a serene yet faintly arrogant demeanor, his piercing gaze settled on his angular features, more fitting for a shadowy prince than a subterranean dragon.

Step. Step. Step.

Silent as ever, the figure strode from the now-vacant pond, the ground yielding beneath each deliberate and forceful step.

A shiver raced along Adam and Alexia’s backs.

Both witnessed and pondered the identical thought. This figure clearly held the makings of a Lord, or perhaps he already was one, merely diminished in strength?

Moments later, as the figure ascended from the pond, he pivoted unhurriedly, his eyes shifting first to Alexia, then to Adam.

For reasons unclear, his focus lingered on Adam, despite Alexia surpassing him in strength at present. She had met one requirement by locating the Ancient Frost, while he still needed to fulfill it.

"You..." His voice, rough from recent awakening, echoed forth. "You’re both so youthful... Not even thirty years old, yet wielding such might."

The statement rang true, but despite its tone, it hardly felt like commendation from their foe.

It appeared the figure merely weighed whether exposing himself now and dismantling the barriers had been wise.

"Now, beholding you, it was no error at all. You attained this strength by the World Wipe’s close. I’ll concede, that’s remarkable."

Step.

Alexia advanced, her fist balled in tension.

"Who the hell are you? Tell me! Did you orchestrate all these trials?!"

The figure inclined his head solemnly, a hand to his chest in reply.

"Indeed. I am Vaarh, the Azure Eye. I forged a pact with the Ancient Voice, binding all who entered my realm as the counterpart. Surely you’ve grasped that much by now, haven’t you?"

Alexia’s lips curled in a sneer.

"The Azure Eye? What a ridiculous moniker. Did you pick it because your eye color struck you as your standout feature?"

She gestured dismissively toward the distant gate.

"We conquered every trial of yours and shattered your constraints! Whatever your scheme, you should’ve acted before I claimed my enhanced abilities!"

"No."

His steady yet cutting retort left Alexia breathless.

"You didn’t shatter the rules. I unveiled the gate once I saw the Ancient Voice couldn’t halt you. That proved fortunate for me."

Alexia found herself at a loss for words, though Adam harbored inquiries too.

"Vaarh, is it?"

Vaarh simply dipped his head in affirmation. Despite his intimidating presence, he conducted himself like a tolerant conversationalist.

"If you governed this domain’s laws, then why permit the tree’s destruction? Why does our greater progress benefit you?"

"Such queries are naive," Vaarh replied icily. "Still, I’ll provide answers."

With that, he gestured toward the spot where the azure tree once stood.

"Had you perished like the rest in the trials, that tree would have devoured you, thereby saturating the barrier and pond with vitality. True, it would bolster me, but only as a mere trickle in a vast sea."

Alexia’s complexion drained of color.

"Hold on... So that tree was merely—!"

Vaarh affirmed with a nod.

"The barrier’s seal. Regardless of your prowess, the tree’s operation rendered the barrier indestructible."

Adam’s face grew graver. He now comprehended why Vaarh had confronted them directly rather than hiding behind the barrier.

‘He wagered that subduing us would suffice for his evolution. A gamble, losing the pond and tree in the process. Yet he’s correct—if we’d fallen, he’d have claimed but a sliver of our essence.’

The scenario started to clarify.

Still, Adam clutched one final query, likely the weightiest:

"This." Adam indicated the dragon’s head. "What in blazes is it?"

Vaarh rotated gradually.

"Oh, isn’t it plain? That’s my true form, the body I once inhabited."