Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1551 1551: Fake Arc

While Adam, Alexia, and Vaarh chatted right after his awakening, equally vital occurrences unfolded up on the surface.

Surprisingly, the Head Golem was the very first to detect it.

The barrier he had protected for countless years had vanished, just like the Ancient Voice that issued his commands over all that time.

All of it had disappeared now.

The Head Golem grasped the significance. The master of the Frost Oasis had stirred and advanced to the ultimate clash.

"I see..." The Head Golem's raspy voice echoed as he stared afar. "So they pulled it off and reached the finale? Among all who attempted it before, do they truly stand a shot at victory?"

The Head Golem recalled Adam's statements and Alexia's deeds. They appeared as two cocky Phantoms who had barely begun harnessing the Ancient Energy in this place, the bare minimum needed to cross the barrier.

Yet, they proved it wasn't mere talk; it was their aim, and they were on the verge of succeeding.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

The ground quaked as multiple ice worms emerged. Earlier, they avoided the abyss, aware the barrier blocked entry, but circumstances had shifted completely.

These creatures, along with hordes of savage beasts tumbling down from the peaks, were set to join the impending fight.

Indeed, en route to the abyss, plenty would clash among themselves, but that was precisely the intent.

Just the mightiest would endure, claiming every prize for itself.

Why had Vaarh set this in motion?

One might prefer avoiding danger by retaining the Ancient Voice and barriers, rather than thrusting himself into fresh combat.

Vaarh trusted his triumph over Adam and Alexia, with solid grounds for it, yet he wasn't a foolish, overweening fool blind to his own capabilities' bounds.

Long ago, he nearly perished but lived on by acting perfectly.

This time, he planned to repeat that success.

Post his showdown with Adam and Alexia, injuries were inevitable, minor or severe.

In that state, a swarm of monsters slain in mutual combat would serve as prime fuel for his recovery.

This offered him a swift boost, bypassing months or more of mending his hurts.

Thus, before time ran out, the Head Golem faced a choice. He could plunge into the abyss first and test his fate, or...

Thump.

The Head Golem advanced a step.

Then, once more and again.

In mere moments, he traversed to the heart of the frozen plain, eyes lifted to Frost Ridge's summit, ideal for surveying the lands and warzone.

Up ahead, a group of pale wolves charged his way, akin to the ones Adam felled for their final meal here by the barrier.

These wolves held enough power to challenge the Head Golem fiercely, yet...

Whoooosh. Whooosh. Whooosh.

They merely streaked by him like spectral blurs. No urge to battle showed in him, so he posed no threat.

At this point, the Head Golem—this stone-and-energy construct that had watched the barrier for decades—held a single purpose. He yearned to savor the scenery and experience existence freely, beyond duty.

...

'Adam,' Silvana's voice echoed in Adam's mind while Vaarh neared them. 'I believe I've figured out our path forward.'

'Huh? Tell me now!' Adam thought urgently, calling forth his needle. Alexia readied herself for the fray too.

Silvana pressed her lips, eyes locked on Vaarh's bare throat.

'I suspect the dragon's head holds no blood at all. To claim victory, you must draw his blood. It could be the Blood of God, fulfilling your requirement.'

Adam gave a firm nod. He sided with Silvana's view. No alternatives came to him.

'So, you're saying I need to extract his blood somehow?'

In that instant, Silvana's gaze darkened with ferocity.

'Exactly. Drive your fangs straight into his neck, like a feral creature. Use any means to secure the win!'

Silvana forever sought Adam's greatest good, but such fierce phrasing was new from her.

"Hah," Adam smirked. He approved. "Understood!"

Step.

Vaarh halted, extending his arm outward.

Power gathered in his hold, briefly shaping into a lengthy armament.

Adam and Alexia's eyes bulged. They recognized it—the Arc, emblem of the Lords. At this rank, beasts gained their signature tool, much like every Phantom started with one.

Though Nexus and Arc differed, at the Second Circle's heights, they mirrored each other.

Fear gripped Adam and Alexia's hearts. If Vaarh could manifest the Arc, his might surpassed theirs by far.

Abruptly, Vaarh's limb quivered, his pupils contracting.

The armament's form wavered, then broke apart into energy flows that whipped by his stunned gaze.

He failed to call his Arc. True bewilderment hit him. He'd forfeited a skill once summoned effortlessly.

Still, insight struck him soon.

"I see... Have I grown so frail?" Vaarh shook his head, then pivoted and shifted position.

Adam blinked as Vaarh materialized across the ruined pond.

He possessed an alternate method to arm himself.

Though present in the Frost Oasis, frost wasn't Vaarh's core strength. His talents delved further, carrying a keen edge.

Clutch.

Unwavering, Vaarh gripped the pupil of his old body's vast blue eye and thrust his hand within to grasp the eye's core.

The blue eye shook, then dimmed rapidly, contracting into a dull metallic lump. Its power formed a lengthy haft, while the eye's core turned into a crystalline point at his weapon's end.

Whoooooosh.

Vaarh swept his spear, hurling wind blasts at Adam and Alexia opposite him.

Now, he stood prepared for combat. His makeshift Arc was set.