Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1581 1581: End of Rest (Part 2)
Previously on Endless Evolution: Last Star...
All that Adam hoped was avoiding any self-harming actions to attain the Bottomless Void.
Failure, despair, or merely a heartbreaking event came to mind when he considered this requirement. These remained his sole notions, and throughout that period, neither Adam nor Silvana had devised a superior alternative.
"Well, our idea regarding the Highest Bliss proved largely accurate. I hope this time we're mistaken." Adam gave a shrug before departing his inner realm.
...
The night concluded with a serene meal.
The serpent was fully consumed, and the piranha Adam had snagged was prepared as well. Alexia tried her utmost to demonstrate the awful flavor of Adam's catch, yet she kept devouring it and requested seconds.
Thump. Thump.
Not yet healed, Adam and Alexia slumped onto the couch and promptly drifted off to sleep beneath Goen's steady watch.
He entered a different chamber, retrieved an aged bourbon bottle from the cabinet, and filled a glass to the brim for himself.
A robust herbal fragrance swiftly permeated the space while he propped his feet on the desk and shut his eyes, savoring the aroma.
"Agh... Guests truly annoy me. But these pair aren't the poorest choices, right?"
A short while later, a grin appeared on his face as he grabbed the bottle and gulped the bourbon directly.
Having resided here for so long, he had progressed from preserving meats and produce to brewing his personal spirits.
Admittedly, factory-grade machinery was absent, but superior resources, components, and ample leisure were at his disposal.
The outcome exceeded expectations.
"Alright, in a few more days they'll recover completely, and I'll resume my dull schedule."
...
Regardless of Goen's might, he remained unaware that a unit from the Befallen Crown was approaching his dwelling, accompanied by one of the region's most formidable beasts.
Years had passed since his last intense confrontation, much less one threatening his life.
No creature in the vicinity posed a real challenge to him. Vaarh himself wouldn't endure beyond two minutes against Goen.
It boiled down to nothing more than sheer disparity in strength.
Twitch. Twitch. Twitch.
Adam's eyelids fluttered as he gradually awoke. A recognizable odor reached his senses.
In any other location, this fragrance wouldn't strike him as odd, but not amid the heart of the Primal Lands.
He stepped out, spotting Goen seated near the flames, warming a dark beverage in a tiny cauldron.
"Hmm? Coffee?"
Adam could hardly trust what he saw.
"Look, tea and berry preserves are fine, but how in the world did you obtain coffee out here?"
Goen flashed a grin.
"Hah, the Primal Lands hold surprises everywhere. True, it's not the brew from the Citadel, but this herb closely resembles it. I confess, upon discovering it first, my expression mirrored your bewildered one now."
Alexia appeared far off. She perched on a boulder beside the water, gripping a fishing pole and cradling a mug of coffee.
Her goal was to hook a specimen far larger than Adam's piranha.
"Aren't you worried she'll deplete every fish in your lake once finished?"
Goen smirked.
"Don't be absurd. She'd empty the lake of fish and creatures in under a year. But I grasp your point."
He glanced toward Alexia.
"She vowed to outdo you, so even I couldn't halt her. We settled on her releasing all caught fish back until she eclipses your tally."
Adam rubbed the nape of his neck. He couldn't fathom Alexia's obsession with it, yet he chose not to meddle.
"Well, then, I'd appreciate a cup as well."
Goen shrugged.
"Naturally. I figured that scent would prove irresistible to you."
Shortly after, Adam savored his initial taste, relishing the well-known bitterness while memories of Primal Lands occurrences raced through his thoughts.
As though detecting it, Goen inquired:
"When do you intend to head back to the Citadel?"
"Have we already worn out our welcome?" Adam's mouth turned up in a smile.
"Hah, what can I say? Solitude suits me best. Visitors are scarce, so I'm unaccustomed to company."
Adam nodded.
"I understand. What if we extend for three additional days? Can you spare that?"
Goen pondered briefly before directing his eyes to his mug.
"Yeah, that should work. But consider this a heads-up: linger beyond, and my temper might sour."
"Understood."
Adam engaged Goen in conversation, eager to glean further insights on the Primal Lands and energy. Meanwhile, Alexia exerted herself to master fishing to the fullest.
Having endured a perilous clash, they merited a brief interlude of tranquility.
This served as their respite.
Regrettably, the break wouldn't stretch as far as desired.
...
Whooooooosh!
Slicing across the dawn heavens, Liliane along with the remaining six from the fifth squad advanced to their target.
They departed Befallen Crown territory prior to daybreak, under cover of darkness, yet the Primal Lands spanned immense expanses. Even beings of their caliber required hours to traverse such vastness.
Instant relocation to the foe's den wasn't feasible.
"Hah, two K4-Phantoms and some mystery hunter." The youth laughed derisively. "That's the reason we're dispatched?"
Liliane nodded.
"I get your frustration, but our fighters erred before. Adam Vinter invariably endures."
The axe wielder scowled.
"This hunter's identity and power remain unknown."
The hammer bearer stroked his facial hair.
"Yeah... They're rare, but perhaps a Second Rank Phantom?"
Liliane dismissed with a gesture.
"It's irrelevant. Our might suffices to crush all adversaries."
Her gaze sharpened.
"Today marks the end for Adam Vinter!"