Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1567: Light in the Eyes

Vaarch's annoyance toward Adam's decision made perfect sense. He was well aware that for Phantoms, the energy from monsters acted like a destructive force.

Of course, regular humans could consume monster meat without issue, and Phantoms even more so, yet these scenarios differed greatly.

When a normal human or Phantom consumed monster meat, it had been hours or even days since the creature's death. By then, no active energy remained in the flesh.

Besides, during such times, a Phantom typically operated at full strength, so a bit of outside energy wouldn't cause harm, though it also wouldn't boost their power, just like with Vaarch.

For Adam, however, it resembled swallowing a lethal toxin.

His body was drained and teetering on the edge of collapse. In his grasp, the black wolf's heart pulsed steadily, brimming with fresh, potent energy.

So, the instant he devoured the monster's heart, its full force surged into his core, rushing straight to his Evolution Tree.

This poison threatened not just his physical form but the very foundation of his power as well.

Within moments, less than a full minute, the monster's energy would start to taint his Evolution Tree, corroding its structure like a venom gnawing at wood and disrupting the vital energy streams.

However... Vaarch had overlooked a key detail.

Without this desperate act, Adam would have perished regardless.

At least now, a slim opportunity existed to alter the outcome.

Why was that?

The oversight belonged to Vaarch himself, though he remained oblivious for the moment.

"Hey... Vaarch, what do you think of this error?"

Adam's raspy voice echoed out while he kept his gaze fixed downward, avoiding Vaarch's eyes.

A look of bewilderment spread across Vaarch's features.

"That barrier you set at the entrance... Heh, it gave me an idea."

Understanding dawned on Vaarch shortly after.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Bursts of black-and-white energy erupted from Adam with explosive might, as though fueled by an infernal blaze.

Vaarch's complexion drained of color upon grasping Adam's strategy at last.

"You... You're expelling energy from your Evolution Tree to create space for the monster's power?"

Through this method, Adam seized the urgent strength he craved, essentially sacrificing his own reserves by burning them away. Meanwhile, the incoming monster energy filled the emptied areas without immediately ravaging his Evolution Tree.

'But what's the purpose?' Vaarch pondered. 'He's become a live explosive. Sure, he might fight now, but ultimately, his Evolution Tree will drain completely, and the overwhelming monster energy will tear him apart from the inside!'

"Hah, guess why I pulled that off?"

Adam lifted his head briefly, his gaze gleaming with a striking golden hue.

"Because that brief window will let me slay one overconfident dragon right here."

Terror surged through Vaarch as his punch rocketed toward Adam.

Whoooooosh.

Adam disappeared in a blur, materializing mid-air to Vaarch's right side.

Excitement and raw thrill from the fight filled his eyes, with ongoing waves of energy radiating from him.

Only about a minute remained before his Evolution Tree hit empty.

"Hey, I'm right here."

Vaarch whirled around at the voice, facing Adam's incoming kick aimed at his head. Purple energy trailed the strike, revealing the infusion of ancient power.

Though the azure eye caught every detail, Vaarch lacked the speed to respond. His wandering mind had cost him dearly.

BAM!

Adam's kick collided with Vaarch's raised arm, sending him skidding backward.

Yet, as Vaarch tried to recover his guard, the azure eye widened at Adam's ancient-energy-charged fist closing in.

"GHA!" Vaarch cried out in agony as the blow hammered his midsection.

Splattered drops of blood landed on Adam's features, but the delight in his stare intensified.

His following punch targeted Vaarch without pause, who dodged with a sudden twist.

'I never imagined it'd escalate like this, but I've got no alternatives!' Vaarch thought urgently, setting his sights on yet another monster.

Before Adam could close the distance, Vaarch ripped into the snow bull with brutal force and sucked dry its heart, flooding himself with fresh vitality he urgently required.

"What will you do next?!" Vaarch bellowed, unleashing a storm of strikes against Adam.

Every punch struck true, carving bloody welts across Adam's torso and arms.

No words were necessary from him.

His response came through deeds alone.

Crack.

Another monster fell to Adam's savage assault. He consumed its heart once more, welcoming another surge of monster energy.

If the toxin didn't claim him first, he could harness it to his advantage.

Vaarch's eyes bulged in realization. He now saw the game's brutal rules.

In this frenzy, both served as predators, with the surrounding monsters reduced to mere resources for gaining the upper hand.

Alexia, slumped against the icy cliff, felt the deepest shock of anyone.

Words failed her. Her eyes stayed locked wide as Adam and Vaarch collided repeatedly.

Upon suffering grave injuries, they turned on the beasts, claiming their essences through unique means to heal and empower themselves.

The creatures attempted flight, sensing the peril of remaining. To Adam and Vaarch, they amounted to little more than livestock awaiting the knife.

Escape proved impossible for any.

Having ascended to such formidable levels, Adam and Vaarch dashed at blinding velocities, shattering frozen spires in their wake and trailing paths of mangled remains, shredded forms, and crimson pools.

The snowy field had transformed into a gruesome arena of carnage.

"But..." Alexia nibbled her lip. "Something feels off..."

As Vaarch's scowl deepened with every exchange, Adam's expression shone ever more vibrantly, a smug grin etched on his face.

Maybe it stemmed from the rush nearing his end, or maybe another factor played in.

Click.

Suddenly, the Path Construct activated as golden brilliance flared in Adam's eyes.

One of the dual requirements neared fulfillment.