Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1573 1573: The Hunter

Fleeing the ice wyverns wasn't the triumphant follow-up to besting Vaarh that Adam had pictured, yet reality paid no heed to his expectations.

In truth, without the mysterious stranger who materialized from thin air, both he and Alexia would have met their end. They lacked the power to fight back at all.

However, once his frantic dash concluded, only tranquility and quiet greeted him.

Adam blinked repeatedly, struggling to accept the scene before his eyes.

In the Primal Lands, close to Frost Ridge—site of a fierce clash and brutal slaughter moments ago—lay a serene valley featuring a lake that cascaded into a waterfall, alongside a snug dwelling by the water's edge.

Adam shook his head to clear it, dusting snow from his shoulders before rising from the earth.

The figure clad in white winter garb removed his fur-lined hood, exposing silver locks with pointed tips and intense green eyes. He pivoted toward Adam gradually, Alexia still secured on his back.

"That was a splendid battle, young one, but hasn't anyone shown you to consider the fallout? Any beast will turn scavenger and strike at the battered and weary if it boosts its might. That's fundamental knowledge."

Adam swallowed hard.

The stranger wasn't scolding or instructing like a stern mentor, but voicing thoughts as a seasoned expert baffled by how a gifted beginner overlooked even the simplest principles.

"Hey!" Alexia balled her hand into a fist. "LET ME DOWN!"

She pounded her fist against his back with full force.

Alexia's eyes bulged as her hand reddened from hitting something unyieldingly tough and agonizing.

"ARRRHH! Damn! What's concealed beneath your attire!" She huffed on her hand. "Some metal armor?"

The man shot her a brief look.

"Ah, so you're the noisy type? You're both worn out. Rest is what you require."

"Hmm...?" Alexia arched a brow as the man extended his hand toward her.

Terror flashed across her features.

"Hold on, hold on, hold on, what in the world are you—!"

Tap.

The man pressed the nape of her neck, sending a gentle surge of energy.

Alexia's gaze stiffened briefly before she slumped into unconsciousness, sinking into profound slumber.

This sight startled Adam unavoidably, yet he soon grasped that Alexia faced no threat. Besides... though the man's cultivation level escaped him, Adam knew resistance was futile.

"You don't have to put me under..." Adam gripped his fists tightly. "I can walk to your home myself."

The man simply inclined his head in acknowledgment.

"Fine. I've got plenty on my plate already without adding you. Follow me; the soup ought to be simmering nicely by now."

'S-Soup?' Adam whispered inwardly as the man strode ahead.

Upon clearing the cliff's shadow, they trod onto a tidy trail of carefully placed stones.

This served as more evidence to Adam that the man dominated the whole region. It formed his private territory, one where ice wyverns feared to intrude.

"Huh, once Alexia stirs, she'll likely explode in rage." Adam smirked and gazed skyward. "The wyverns... They've truly departed. Tsk, Alexia's spot on. I'll track down that leader and end it. They spoiled my triumph against Vaarh."

The man swung open the sturdy wooden entrance, releasing waves of warm air laced with scents of diverse herbs.

Maybe due to his fatigue and emptiness in the stomach, Adam's hunger surged immediately. This aroma held an unusual allure, though he couldn't pinpoint why.

Trailing the man inside, they reached a chamber centered around a blazing fire and a bubbling pot, with vapors from the embers venting through the flue.

The man settled Alexia onto the couch.

"Settle in, I'll return shortly."

Adam swallowed again, eyeing the walls adorned with pelts from assorted beasts, their skulls and tusks displayed as conquests.

These weren't typical prey like wolves, deer, or bears from a common tracker, but fearsome ancient creatures brimming with dread might.

Yet at present... they merely served as ornaments in this hunter's abode.

"Silvana, any clue on our location?" Adam inquired, taking a seat across from the dozing Alexia.

She merely shook her head in reply.

"None whatsoever. This guy's identity eludes us, and his nature... human or beast? He rescued you, but stay wary. His motives remain unknown."

Truthfully, Adam questioned any malice from the man, given he could have abandoned them to the ice wyvern's pursuit.

Still, Silvana spoke wisely. His knowledge of this stranger was scant.

Step. Step. Step.

Footfalls echoed nearby as Adam glanced over, spotting the man bearing wooden bowls and utensils.

His insulating winter layer was shed, unveiling a toned, battle-hardened frame etched with numerous scars.

The man lacked massive size, his build not swollen with bulk, but compact and unyielding like coiled iron bars.

'Damn. Hate to say it, but I've got a tough road ahead. How many years and labors shaped that physique?'

Silently, the man set the bowls on the surface while inquiring:

"Spicy suit your taste?"

Adam found the offhand query surprising, but nodded promptly.

"Yeah, I believe it does."

"Alright. Then no whining afterward." The man retrieved a container brimming with crimson, desiccated chilies from a compartment.

Even from afar, Adam's nostrils flared at the intense blaze promised by those scarlet flecks.

Before long, their vessels brimmed with hearty stew of flesh and produce. It resembled no gourmet feast from an elite eatery, but suited Adam's rugged needs perfectly.

At this juncture, he craved a savory, sustaining dish to quell his appetite and soothe his nerves.

"Dig in, give it a taste. Feedback's welcome, though don't expect alterations," the man remarked, spooning the initial bite.

"Understood." Adam squinted slightly before lifting the spoon to his lips.

First came the scalding liquid infused with the peppers' fire and produce flavors, followed by succulent meat dissolving on his tongue.

He scarcely registered scooping the subsequent spoonfuls—one after another—until the bowl stood vacant.

"That hit the spot, truly outstanding..." Adam murmured, astonished by its excellence.

He eyed the man expectantly.

"Seconds possible?"

The man gestured toward the pot.

"Serve yourself. Oh, and..." His gaze sharpened. "I overlooked one thing."

"What?"

The man departed briefly and came back with a partially stale bread loaf. He split it evenly and paired it with the broth.

No words passed between them. The meal unfolded in utter quiet until multiple bowls lay drained and a portion of the vast pot's contents vanished.

Adam desired nothing further, yet he could delay the pressing matter no more:

"You..." He fixed his stare on the man. "Human or monster?"

The man's expression remained impassive.

"Human. Monsters lack the drive for what I handle here."

"And... Why aid us?"

"Isn't it clear?"

The man regarded Adam steadily.

"Without my help, those wyverns would've shredded you both. It would've been just." He nodded at Alexia. "You two erred. But such a foolish end and waste to humanity? Unacceptable, right?"

"Hah, quite the detached reply."

The man lifted his shoulders indifferently.

"I'm Adam." He indicated himself. "That's Alexia. Yours? If human, surely you bear a name."

"Naturally. Skip the ceremony; I'm no noble."

He dismissed it with a lax wave.

"Call me Goen."

'Perhaps he's onto something. Time to ease up on the gravity. He's like us, a comrade.'

"So..." Adam surveyed the space. "From what I gather, you're not on some assignment like ours; this is your home, yeah?"

"Yep, and you're curious why, I bet."

Adam dipped his head. It was the core puzzle nagging him.

"Because I prefer this existence far over penthouse luxury in the Citadel or royal halls."

Goen reclined against the couch.

"No sense concealing it. My strength could secure top comforts in the Citadel, but... could I savor stew from Primal Lands game and greens there, with ice wyverns soaring past my roof?"

He grinned.

"No way, and that's precisely why."

Adam felt stunned.

"No regrets over your choice? Ever?"

"Well... Only that I didn't switch earlier."

Goen faced Adam directly.

"I wasted ages in a life that didn't suit me. Ponder it—you might be trapped similarly. Change is still within reach."