Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1593 1593: Manifest Nexus

"Manifest Nexus...?" Adam whispered, his voice laced with astonishment.

Arika gave a firm nod.

"It's an ability that both Goen and I hold. Normally, though, you wouldn't be aware of it yet. You were meant to discover this Nexus variant only after advancing through three or four stages."

Goen lifted his shoulders in a casual shrug.

"We didn't have any alternatives. Those foes came fully armed and ready. Even with just a sliver of my strength, I couldn't overpower them."

"Exactly." Adam swallowed hard. "You didn't unleash a single skill. And those rings with the glowing stars within—what were they?"

Alexia bobbed her head repeatedly. She shared the same curiosity about this. For Adam, this marked the second occasion he'd witnessed monsters wielding such a force.

Arika and Goen shared a quick look.

They understood that the pair of K4-Phantoms before them possessed far too much knowledge.

"I'm sorry, but we can't reveal that to you," Arika said, shaking her head. "You'll need to uncover it on your own, much like the Manifest Nexus. Learning these terms prematurely isn't ideal. It might derail your journey, so for now, we'll keep the core of these abilities concealed from you."

Indeed, Adam and Alexia yearned to grasp every detail. Yet they recognized that such knowledge could prove more detrimental than beneficial.

In typical scenarios, K4-Phantoms like them shouldn't have glimpsed or understood what transpired. This revelation occurred solely because the Befallen Crown sought to eliminate Adam, preventing him from emerging as a genuine danger even to the mightiest beasts.

"I get it... So you're advising us to recall this fight but shift our attention elsewhere, correct?" Adam inquired.

Arika offered a gentle smile.

"Precisely. Listen, youngsters, even if we gathered here and shared all our insights on this realm and its powers, you couldn't wield them yet. It's futile to dive into advanced theories when you're mastering the basics."

They creased their brows while Arika let out a light laugh.

"Naturally, that's an overstatement, but you grasp the idea. You face other challenges at present, including making your way back to the Citadel."

"Hold on!" Alexia burst out. "Alright, no need to explain these odd powers or the Nexus, but how is this possible? Why have you shown up in your true form instead of as a ghost-like presence?"

Arika turned to Goen this time, seeking his approval. He merely extended his arms broadly. He anticipated these inquiries and was ready to address them.

"Alright, it's tied to energy," Arika started. "As you've observed, Goen wields immense power. As a Second Rank Phantom, his energy sets him apart from yours or any First Circle Phantom."

She lifted her hand, and a misty vapor hovered over her palm.

"Your energy resembles paint. It lets you craft illusions, yet it can't forge true existence. Paint belongs to the world; it's not something you invent from nothing. But at the Second Circle, that shifts entirely. There, energy isn't just a tool—you become its maker and absolute master."

Adam looked puzzled.

"Paint? Does that mean our energy lacks authenticity? My aura and skills feel utterly real against the monsters I battle."

Arika's mouth curved into a slight grin.

"All things have boundaries. Like the earlier matters, you shouldn't dwell on this now. There's no basis for your Operators to evolve from spectral states into more advanced, superior forms."

She signaled plainly that further probing was pointless. Arika intended to disclose only what she considered essential. Her aim wasn't mere secrecy but safeguarding the promising young Phantoms standing there from potential damage.

"Understood, then, one last favor." Adam fixed his eyes on Goen. "What's that title?"

"Eh?"

"First Knight of the World End." Adam paused briefly. "If you're the First Knight, surely others exist, don't they?"

Goen rubbed his cheek, looking uneasy. He hadn't foreseen Adam noticing that particular element. Arika pressed a hand to her brow. She bore some responsibility, having voiced Goen's title in the monsters' presence.

"You're correct," Goen responded abruptly, prompting Arika to whirl toward him.

"Goen! That's—!"

He silenced her with a motion, advancing a pace.

"Other knights do exist, but don't anticipate details on their identities, numbers, or locations. Truthfully, you weren't meant to learn of me at all. What unfolded here was a chain of coincidences. Yet, this is our reality."

Adam inclined his head solemnly. He sought nothing beyond this. Arika wouldn't divulge even that much.

"The World End—is it like a group, similar to the Free End?"

"No, it's far grander. The closest term is a unit. But that's the extent of what I'll share."

Still, Adam refused to relent. He harbored one final query, compelled to ask. For reasons unclear, he sensed Goen wouldn't brush him off.

"If it's a unit with unique titles, that implies you're answerable to a leader, yes?"

Arika's eyes grew wide. Her stare implored Goen to stay silent, yet he disagreed.

"Yes, spot on. We haven't followed directives or united in ages. Our collective might was last required years back. Then, we functioned as a proper unit under a leader. It served all of humanity's needs. These days, we're merely scattered elite fighters, pursuing individual paths."

Goen eyed his dwelling, the lake, then lifted his sight to the heavens.

"You're posing this, but deep down, you sense the response, or at least a portion of it, right?"

Adam remained quiet as Goen's steady gaze settled upon him.

"You believe we serve the Queen, and you're not mistaken. However, at present, our true leader differs."

His tone grew grave.

"The King."