Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1592 1592: Old Coward

In battles, the concluding strike frequently proves to be the decisive moment, particularly when pitting formidable foes against each other.

The clash involving Goen and the Old Horn followed this pattern precisely. Aware that the Old Horn's endurance was fading fast, Goen channeled extra force into his ultimate blow, gripping the weapon with both hands rather than a single one.

Yet the Old Horn vanished abruptly. He fled by activating yet another artifact.

Maybe if Goen had anticipated such a move or if the confrontation had turned lethal, a response might have been possible, though not on this occasion.

White particles whisked by his features while he gradually brought down his blade.

To confirm the Old Horn's complete departure, he scanned the surroundings. Though Goen detected the presence of distant entities, the Old Horn showed no sign of lingering close by.

"Huh..."

A faint smile crossed Goen's lips.

"Hahahahahahahaha!"

Goen's boisterous laughter erupted uncontrollably, his joy rippling through the air like an ancient dragon's thunderous bellow or a colossal being's earth-shaking strides.

"He pulled it off once more! Fleeing consecutively for the second instance! Hahaha, such a spineless fool!"

Next, his attention shifted to the sword in his grasp.

"You were aware of that extra artifact, weren't you?"

A sly grin played on Arika's face.

"Naturally. Did you honestly believe a trick like that would slip past my watchful eyes? I chose to grant him one more opportunity, much like granting you this moment of amusement."

Goen felt no irritation toward her. There was simply no cause for it.

With a nod, he sheathed his sword and cast a profound glance over the chaotic battlefield.

His eyes took in the crimson stains, mangled corpses, and scattered armaments.

For years, Goen hadn't engaged in combat of this intensity. Although Liliane and her group lacked the strength to force his maximum effort, the encounter had been sufficiently demanding.

"Fine, we're nearly finished here. Only one final matter remains, then we return to normalcy."

Propelling himself in a mighty bound, Goen reentered his domain, touching down before Adam and Alexia.

A casual flick of his hand caused the fume barrier to shatter, leaving them secure at last. No dangers loomed over them now.

Goen's gaze settled on Adam and Alexia, profound and still holding that striking crystalline hue.

"As you might guess, this deviation wasn't in my intentions, and clearly, questions abound for you."

Adam gave a quiet nod.

"Ask away. I'll share what I'm able, though don't anticipate revelations of every worldly mystery. Certain truths remain beyond your current grasp."

He glanced back at the battlefield. Hours would pass before gusts or a snowstorm buried the gory remnants under heavy white drifts.

"Caution is essential in the Primal Lands, and doubly so along the Dark Shore. The Befallen Crown seeks your demise, Adam, with particular fervor aimed at you."

Adam and Alexia shared a look. The Befallen Crown's peril was ever-present in their minds, yet right then, a single topic dominated their thoughts.

In unison, they directed their fingers toward Goen's sword:

"What exactly is that?" Adam inquired.

"Could that be your Nexus? Who was the girl? Where did she go?" Alexia burst out, her gaze alight with intense wonder.

Goen rubbed his brow with an exhausted expression. He had foreseen their curiosity, despite his reluctance to explain.

"Alright, it appears avoidance isn't possible this time around."

Tremble.

The blade quivered before vanishing, with Arika materializing beside Goen.

Her appearance matched the prior one, save for the blood now staining her black dress's sleeves, mirroring the post-combat sheen on a sword's edges.

"Hello, I'm Arika. Correct, I'm Goen's Operator."

Adam's eyes fluttered in rapid blinks, stunned.

"B-But... How is this possible?" His tone quavered. "Are you truly physical? You're nothing like Silvana in Spectral Form or typical Phantoms. What sets you apart?"

"Exactly!" Alexia cried. "And that sword of his! Do you actually command his armament?"

Arika held off on replying immediately. She strolled to the brink instead, savored the chilly gust, then drew near to them.

Beneath their astonished stares, she clasped their hands, causing their eyes to grow even wider.

"Do you sense it?"

Adam swallowed hard. The warmth from Arika's hands felt genuine, tangible. She stood there in the flesh, or so it seemed...?

Before uncertainty could settle, Arika raised her hand to her lips and nipped her finger.

A crimson droplet emerged, trickling gradually along her skin.

This served as the ultimate confirmation: they faced a living individual, not some advanced hologram or marionette.

"With your doubts erased about my humanity, I'll address your query." Arika turned to Alexia.

A subtle smile graced her features.

"I don't manipulate Goen's weapon—I embody it, serving as his Nexus."

Indeed, Adam and Alexia had pondered this possibility. Suspicion had crossed their minds, but confirmation straight from Arika's lips carried a unique weight.

"We can reveal further details, can't we?" She queried Goen, her focus still on them.

Goen rubbed the nape of his neck.

"I suppose that's fine. Should the Citadel's folk wish to hold us accountable, they ought to have guarded themselves better. Circumstances left us no alternative."

Arika inclined her head.

"Though you're quite youthful, you've already wielded immense strength and progressed far. Your powers have advanced, and the same holds for your Nexus. Isn't that so?"

"True, yet..." Adam averted his eyes. "This feels distinct. My Nexus has forever been my tool, Silvana my companion. What we share stems from our vitality and resolve, not an icy edge."

SLAP!

In an instant, Arika's hand struck Adam's face, jerking his head aside.

This turn of events had plainly caught him off guard.

"Never utter such words again." Arika's tone stayed gentle. "Regardless of the journey ahead, all your capabilities matter deeply—whether raw vitality, a relic, your Evolution Tree, or above all, your Operator. You're intertwined, for your vital forces have merged long ago."

Adam's gaze intensified as he fixed it on Arika.

"From basic military gear, to the Nexus, the Stellar Nexus, and... How do you name your own armament?"

Arika gave a nod.

She prepared to elaborate.

"The form you witnessed represents the zenith of a certain route, the synergy of Phantom and Operator."

Her tone softened further.

"That's the Manifest Nexus."