Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1585 1585: Eighth member

Though the seven Lords appeared more than capable of handling a single mysterious hunter with ease, the woman who had commanded Liliane's squad to seize Adam Vinter held a different view entirely.

This prompted her to reach out to the Old Horn. She was well aware that Adam Vinter would inevitably have a guardian watching over him. Whether it was Frida or another figure, protection was guaranteed.

Admittedly, this enigmatic hunter might have proven to be nothing more than a feeble opponent, yet... At this moment, it was crystal clear to all that summoning the Old Horn had been a wise choice indeed.

The ice wyverns probably wouldn't manage to rip the red-haired girl apart completely, yet they were bound to inflict several injuries that would edge her team nearer to collapse.

Goen had relied solely on his fundamental energy so far, and victory was already within his grasp.

Tap.

The Old Horn clamped down on the red-haired girl's shoulder with a vise-like grip, nearly causing her real discomfort.

"You know, maybe we don't need a weakling like you. What do you think?"

She swallowed hard, terror surging into her gaze. Though she had no idea who this beastly figure was, his tone and sheer intimidation were sufficient to set her teeth rattling.

Gradually, the Old Horn lifted his hand, then gave her shoulder a companionable pat.

"Hahaha! Don't pull that expression! I'm only joking! You see, just attempting to bond with the fresh squad!" The Old Horn burst into laughter.

Whooooooosh.

In one swift stride, Liliane positioned herself before her. This move deviated from her strategy, but she understood that Adam and Alexia weren't escaping. Victory would come either through Goen or their efforts.

"Who the hell are you?" Liliane directed her rapier toward the Old Horn.

Before a response could come from him, the young man's voice echoed:

"Hey, lady, I wouldn't recommend aiming your weapon at him."

"Hah!" The Old Horn chuckled. "The boy's spot on. I arrived because your miss specifically requested my aid. She anticipated that Adam Vinter would have a defender, much like before."

Liliane's brow furrowed. Her Miss dispatching reinforcements implied a lack of faith in their own capabilities.

"Come on, she was correct." The Old Horn gestured dismissively while his eyes shifted to Goen. "That hunter. Hah, you're fortunate it wasn't the person I suspected. Even so, for you youngsters, he's overwhelmingly powerful, right?"

Tap.

Liliane prodded the Old Horn's chest with her rapier's point.

"Agh?"

"Since it was her call, I'll provisionally add you to my fifth team. However, I'm the captain, so you will follow my commands."

Oddly, the Old Horn simply grinned widely. The spirited determination in Liliane's eyes appealed to him.

"Alright, but I'm accustomed to charging ahead and fighting boldly. Got a spot for me in your setup, lady captain?"

Liliane gave a nod.

"Yes. You'll strike beside me. If Miss deems you essential for triumph, then you must wield tremendous strength."

The Old Horn flashed a sly grin as his aura expanded manifold.

The ice wyverns wheeling overhead halted abruptly, then retreated from the Old Horn to the greatest distance they could manage.

Proximity to such a perilous entity was a risk they dared not take.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

A massive axe, featuring an extended handle and keen edge, materialized from the thick blue energy gathered in his grasp. Such a weapon demanded a mighty fighter who could barely manage it with both hands, yet the Old Horn wielded it effortlessly with just one.

In truth, he had assumed his complete form now. In contrast to the rest, he required no human guise to attain the peak agility and velocity his physique allowed.

Clutch.

The Old Horn seized his axe firmly, frost thinly encasing his digits, as the surrounding chill plunged sharply, remarkable even amid the Primal Lands.

Liliane's exhalation turned frosty while her stare intensified. Having witnessed the Old Horn's Arc, she felt assured that its might would secure their success.

"Hey, have I been waiting long?"

All eyes turned downward to Goen, who idly scratched at his ear with nonchalance.

"I need to prepare dinner shortly. You know, I handle my own cooking without any servants. So, shall we finally start?"

Liliane flourished her rapier, fixing a piercing look on Goen.

"Ready?"

The Old Horn ran his tongue over his lips.

"Of course. Proceed, demonstrate your skills, captain of the fifth team."

Upon her cue, the seven launched their assault in unison. The young man alone stayed back, observing Goen from his elevated vantage.

The smoke barrier stood robust and brimming with power, thus none targeted Adam and Alexia. They comprehended that reaching them required overcoming Goen beforehand.

Step. Step. Step.

Goen advanced steadily, positioning himself at the lake's center with a blank expression. His footfalls were so composed that the water remained utterly still.

Within an instant, Liliane materialized on his left flank, the Old Horn on his right. Their white rapier and icy axe descended upon him at the same moment.

"Now, you won't escape our joint strike!" Liliane thought triumphantly, watching her rapier close in on Goen.

But...

Goen ignored her completely. He pivoted, baring his back, as his arm extended toward the Old Horn.

With his bare hand, he halted the Old Horn's axe, the resulting shockwave encasing the lake's heart in ice.

'What is he doing...?' Liliane puzzled, thick vapor mirroring in her astonished eyes the instant it appeared.

Her rapier, the armament of a Lord, failed to pierce the shield formed merely by Goen's energy alone.

"W-What? That's impossible!" Liliane cried out, gearing up for another blow.

Goen glanced back at her from over his shoulder.

"Hmm? Does it bother you so much to realize you're far inferior to another?"

WHooooooooosh.

Before understanding dawned, Goen seized her wrist and hurled her directly at the ashen-skinned man who had sneaked up from behind, thwarting his stealthy assault.

Adam swallowed nervously while observing the action play out.

This was precisely the sort of might he yearned to claim for himself.