Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1566: Blood and Fool

Vaarch's declaration wasn't made without purpose.

He invariably showed respect toward his adversaries. Adam received the same courtesy, which is why Vaarch referred to him by his given name.

However, at this moment... he merely labeled him as a mere human.

'Damn, he's spot on.' Adam's fists tightened as he comprehended the intent hidden in Vaarch's statement.

In contrast to Vaarch, absorbing the essence from a slain creature wasn't something he could achieve just by taking its life. Certainly, the beast's energy that Vaarch claimed didn't bring him back to his maximum power, yet it offered significant support amid his dire circumstances.

Thanks to her fresh power, Alexia had slain roughly a hundred beasts, but an equal number managed to evade that doom and were liberated from their frozen prisons by Vaarch.

The area teemed with enough creatures for Vaarch to pull off this maneuver repeatedly.

Eventually, the beasts might sense the danger and flee, regardless of the temptation from the potent energies of the two Phantoms or the Frost Oasis, but such awareness was still far off.

Truth be told, this single move—Vaarch's ability to directly draw essence from a monster's core—essentially sealed the outcome of their clash.

Adam had exhausted all his strategies.

His sole remaining chance rested on fulfilling one of the criteria for the Third Grand Star, since the Winding Fragment's power still lingered unresolved.

Yet, he lacked any hints or support from others. Alexia and Silvana had exhausted their efforts, while Vaarch pressed on with ruthless tactics to claim triumph.

Step.

Vaarch advanced, his fists enveloped in swirling gray energy.

"Quit overthinking, Adam."

That command snapped Adam's eyes wide, yanking him from his reverie into the harsh present.

"When you're in a desperate spot and still can't devise a plan, it shows you've already given it your all. Embrace your destiny and battle until your last breath like a true fighter!"

Crack.

Ice shattered beneath Vaarch's heavy footfall as he charged ahead.

Adam raised his arms defensively just as Vaarch's punch collided dead center, hurling him backward.

To escape Vaarch's pursuit, Adam seized an icy spire and veered sharply rightward.

But...

BAM!

Vaarch had anticipated it, his fist already waiting to smash squarely into Adam's face.

Blood gushed from Adam's nostrils while his vision swam from the devastating impact, eyelids threatening to shut.

Before crashing down, his gaze sharpened again, only to find Vaarch looming overhead.

Those fists, gripped tight, descended like iron mallets upon him.

Tap.

Adam's hands struck the surface as he flipped backward, narrowly dodging Vaarch's assault.

A burst of snow erupted while a shockwave exploded outward.

Screech!

Adam skidded over the frozen ground, halting beside another spire. His stare locked onto Vaarch, who casually shook snow from his hands and approached with deliberate steps.

'What's my next move?'

That question dominated Adam's thoughts.

'Do I just evade his blows indefinitely? And... what if I slip up? How long until my stamina fades? One solid hit from those fists will shatter me.'

Adam's vision blurred as shadows crept in from the sides with a blink.

Exhaustion was closing in. A couple more strikes from Vaarch, and it would all end for him—brutally.

"GRH!"

A snarl from nearby forced his head to swivel.

The dark wolf, far deadlier and stronger than its pale counterparts, poised itself to consume Adam. Once Vaarch wrapped things up, it would seize its share.

When lesser hunters acted so boldly, it merely underscored how dire Adam's position had become.

"I get it..."

His raspy tone echoed as he turned from Vaarch to the black wolf, which lingered at a distance, teeth exposed. It waited eagerly to clamp down on Adam's throat at the first chance.

"Heh, it's either I consume you, or you consume me, isn't it?"

The wolf's gaze flickered briefly, as though sensing the grim undertone in Adam's words.

Thrust.

Blood sprayed as Adam's hand plunged into the black wolf's torso.

The creature barely had time to respond before Adam yanked his arm free, ripping out its pulsing heart.

"Gr-Gh!"

The black wolf struggled feebly, caught off guard by Adam's audacity. Phantoms weren't meant to resort to such savagery.

Thump.

The wolf crumpled lifelessly, its heart still throbbing in Adam's grasp.

"You... IDIOT!"

Vaarch's roar boomed like thunder over the frozen wastes.

"What in the world are you thinking?! You're a Phantom, not some beast! Devouring that core will only worsen your plight. Its essence will destroy you and—!"

Adam cut him off:

"Rob you of your win? Relax, don't get so narrow-minded."

Adam lifted the wolf's heart toward his lips.

"What else would you have me do, anyway? Drag out our brawl, burn through my reserves in a few exchanges, just to hand you that precious victory? On top of that, you ought to feel honored by me."

"Huh?"

Vaarch looked baffled.

"I'm taking your own counsel, you jerk. I'll go to any lengths to crush my foe!"

Crunch!

His teeth tore into the wolf's heart, and unlike Vaarch's seamless absorption from living sources, Adam faced a far messier and fiercer ordeal.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

He kept gnawing and shredding chunks from the massive organ, crimson liquid trickling from his lips, devouring every last bit until nothing remained.

Thump!

All at once, Adam gripped his chest as agony seized his own heart.

"Tch. Moron." Vaarch scoffed, striding closer.

He loomed above Adam, glaring down with a mix of fury and disdain.

Vaarch opened his mouth for a lecture, but an unexpected shift widened his eyes in sheer terror.

He wasn't alone in his readiness to sacrifice all for the sake of winning.