Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1574 1574: From Beast to Hunter

Just like nearly every other person, Adam embarked on his path beginning from nothing. Of course, being born in the Third Ring or Second Ring rather than the slums might have eased his early life, yet he now grasped that in the end, it would have changed hardly anything at all.

Every regular individual, aside from perhaps those hailing from elite noble lineages, would fear whatever lurked beyond the Citadel's barriers.

They were aware that out there, within the Dead Lands, lurked terrifying beasts capable of slaughtering hundreds in an instant. Naturally, nobody desired death or such peril. It made perfect sense and was entirely reasonable.

Then again... how might a typical person respond upon discovering someone in this realm who deliberately opted to dwell in the Dead Lands, right amid those deadly creatures?

Furthermore, this wasn't some secure zone close to the Citadel, always watched by mighty Phantoms; it lay in the heart of the Primal Lands, far beyond even Frida's reach.

Probably, they wouldn't accept it as true or would declare the fellow mad, completely out of his senses.

Adam held a different view.

After coming back from Izardo, he had gotten plenty of rest inside the Citadel, but in this place, he sensed himself as a warrior who, following an epic clash alongside his allies, now lounged by the flames, content with nothing more.

This broth ranked among the tastiest he'd ever savored, surpassing anything from even the grandest inn in the First Ring.

"I'm not certain I wish to remain here indefinitely as you do, but I won't conceal that I've enjoyed it all up to now."

Adam turned his gaze toward Goen.

"How many years have you resided here? Did you construct this dwelling on your own?"

Goen gave a nod.

"Each rock, timber, and item in this spot was crafted by these very hands of mine. What more is there? Shaping a wooden ladle to the proper hollow proved tougher than slaying a beast at first, but only initially. Eventually, I gained the knack."

"What's your plan after this?"

Goen lifted his shoulders.

"I must collect some fuel for the fire. I'd ask you to join, but—"

Goen hadn't even finished speaking when Adam's eyelids drooped, and he slumped onto the couch. Sleep had already claimed him.

"Yes, that's precisely the point I was making. Rest is what you both require."

He cast a look at Alexia prior to rising and heading out.

Goen felt no concern that intruders might slip inside and assault Adam and Alexia during his absence. He planned to stay close, and no surrounding creature would dare attempt it anyway.

No animal craved the fury he could unleash.

When a tracker not only endured amid hordes of beasts but erected a shelter in their territory, it revealed the immense strength he possessed.

...

Thump! Thump! Thump!

A heavy thud repeated relentlessly, resounding through Alexia's mind and slowly rousing her from slumber.

Her brow furrowed as her eyes snapped open, irritation clear on her face.

The initial sight that met her was a cauldron of soup now half-drained, a few cleared bowls, and Adam deep in sleep.

Yet she didn't have to wonder about the happenings, for Louis swiftly explained it all, given Silvana's vigilant oversight of their circumstances.

"The tracker dwelling in the Primal Lands who served Adam that broth?" Alexia's forehead creased. "If he goes by Goen, then surely you've uncovered details on him, haven't you?"

Still, Louis shook his head.

'Nothing at all, neither on him nor his strength's extent. Though based on observations, he seems likely a Second Rank Phantom. That didn't shock me, however. Perhaps details truly don't exist, or access is blocked for me. Another issue nags at me.'

"Hmm?"

Louis's expression grew graver than before.

'Where's his Operator?'

Alexia's eyes fluttered a few times.

The chaos following Vaarh's downfall stemmed from the wyverns' assault, yet she'd managed a brief glance at Goen prior to his energy surge rendering her unconscious.

She'd clung to his back without hearing him speak to another soul, nor spotting anyone else in proximity. What's more, neither Adam, Louis, nor Silvana detected any other presence in Goen's abode apart from himself.

"Huh, that hadn't crossed my mind. Probably she's lurking nearby or bases at the Citadel."

Louis cocked his head in bewilderment.

'You reckon they rendezvous at the Citadel every few months? Some sort of distant bond?'

Alexia let out a deep breath.

"I haven't a clue. Still, we ought to dig deeper into this, and..."

Thump! Thump! Thump!

"What in blazes is that racket?!"

For all her outburst, Adam slumbered on without a stir. His power had surged upon attaining Highest Bliss, but battling Vaarh had drained every last reserve.

A thorough recovery was essential. The broth tasted superb, yet it fell short of sufficing.

"Tsk. He picks now to doze off?" Alexia clenched her jaw while her eyes landed on some planks against the wall. One suited her intent perfectly.

Crack.

The door swung open with a groan as Alexia ventured forth, the plank serving as an improvised support.

Certainly, she could bounce along on a single foot like some hare, but that struck her as far clumsier, and Alexia refused to appear foolish.

The moment she emerged, the source of the clamor became obvious.

Far off, Goen hefted his axe repeatedly, landing mighty blows at the identical point, steadily slicing into the robust tree stem.

'He's merely felling timber, and it's shaking the whole region? Ugh, at least this beats staring at Adam snoring.'

With some effort, Alexia drew near to Goen.

"Hmm?"

Mid-swing, he halted and eyed Alexia.

"What? Was the soup not to your taste?"

Alexia huffed. "I'm not hungry."

"Liar." He brought the axe down on the tree. "I'll wrap up shortly."

"Then what?"

His features stayed composed.

"We'll share a meal around the flames. Ever sampled fish from a monster?"

Alexia's eyes widened in repeated blinks of astonishment.

"Agh?"