Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1594: Ice Path (Part 1)

Crackle. Crackle. Crackle.

Flames crackled wildly in the massive bonfire, captivating the gazes of four individuals, including two youthful ones who had witnessed astonishing events that very day.

The succulent ribs coated in zesty sauce, paired with crisp veggies and a mug of ale, proved irresistible to everyone present.

Arika proved no different.

Though she carried an air of grace, her devouring of the food matched the voracious pace of the bold Alexia, as if an unspoken rivalry had sparked between the pair to out-eat one another.

Once Goen disclosed the entity behind the squad's control, the World End, their discussion came to a sudden halt.

Both Arika and Goen exerted all efforts to convince Adam and Alexia that no further details would be shared on the matter.

That Adam and Alexia possessed such knowledge at their current stage already sparked worries.

Reasons existed for why Phantoms uncovered the truths of this world step by step, with certain mysteries off-limits until higher levels were reached.

This might explain why Adam and Alexia refrained from probing deeper. As K4-Phantoms, they had encountered numerous secrets during their journey that would have shattered them in earlier times.

’Hmm, curiosity burns in me to uncover more, yet I get where Arika stands,’ Adam mused inwardly while ripping a chunk of flesh from the bone. ’Right from the start, the idea of being eternally tied to your Operator can stun anyone. Imagine then the shock of the World Wipe and beyond?’

Indeed, Adam’s thirst for knowledge burned as fiercely as before, yet he recognized the need to hold back.

’The King?’ Adam shut his eyes briefly. ’So he truly lives on and exists. Your thoughts?’

Silvana let out a deep sigh.

’Earlier, we speculated on the King’s possible existence. Now it’s confirmed, though... he could be trapped like Queen Elisa.’

’Hmm?’ Adam’s brow arched. ’You believe the King’s sealed in a crystal too? That feels overly tyrannical. But supposing that’s true, why so?’

Silvana’s gaze sharpened.

’What are you getting at?’

’What I mean is, we grasp Queen Elisa’s role. I’m no fan of our Queen serving basically as a barrier against the World Wipe, but options are slim. Thus... if the King shares her fate, what duty does he fulfill?’

Silvana offered no reply, just as Adam lacked one.

’We could speculate forever,’ Silvana whispered. ’Perhaps the King dwells in a crystal, or lives ordinarily at the Citadel, or hides in a hidden realm.

’Regardless, for K4-Phantoms such as us, it remains an enigma forever out of grasp.’

Adam gave a solemn nod.

Silvana spoke truth.

Despite their utmost efforts, some secrets stayed veiled until sufficient strength was gained. Even glimpsing so much prematurely granted no deeper insight.

Adam’s sole path lay ahead: advancing, securing the last two requirements, and forging the Third Grand Star.

"So, what’s our next move?" Adam inquired, fixing his eyes on Goen.

"Well, isn’t it clear? You and Alexia head back to the Citadel. I’ll remain here, savoring my quiet life free from the Lords of the Befallen Crown meddling in my affairs."

Alexia polished off her ribs and turned toward Arika.

Confusion washed over her as a realization dawned.

"Hold on! Why are you here now?"

Arika shot her a quick look.

"Agh? What’s that supposed to mean?"

"We were with Goen for two full days before those beasts ambushed us, and you never appeared once! So why pop up only after the battle when you could’ve been absent earlier?"

Arika blinked repeatedly, slow to grasp Alexia’s irritation.

"Oh, I get it—you’re wondering why I only materialized during the clash, despite my ability to enter the real world at will?"

"Exactly!" Alexia burst out, gesturing emphatically. "If Louis could join me in the flesh, not just as a ghost, I’d stick by him every moment!"

Oddly, Adam nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, I feel the same. Mental chats are fine, and Silvana showing up beside me helps, but a ghostly presence and distant voice can’t match true, tangible contact."

He eyed Goen, who munched on without a care, choosing to let his Operator handle the exchange.

"Well, certain details stay off-limits, but mainly, Goen and I have shared countless years together—centuries upon centuries."

Arika leaned in closer, her eyes locked on the dancing firelight.

"No matter the depth of your bond or the intensity of your affection, everyone craves occasional solitude. Surviving a thousand fights side by side doesn’t demand constant proximity."

"Yeah..." Goen flung a stripped bone away and grabbed another. "But there’s more to it, right? Go on, spill it. After all they’ve witnessed and grasped, it won’t shock them."

Adam and Alexia faced Arika, steeling themselves for a revelation rivaling the Manifest Nexus, the World End, or the King.

"It’s straightforward."

Arika’s eyes tightened.

"I despise distance from urban comforts and facilities."

Adam and Alexia’s mouths hung open in disbelief. They had braced for anything except such a trivial explanation.

"Out here in the Primal Lands, it suits relaxation if viewed that way, but not for settling down long-term. Foraging, angling, grilling over flames, felling trees, and the like... Goen thrives on that far more."

Alexia blinked in stunned silence, struggling to accept her ears, but Adam...

"Hahahahah! Makes perfect sense."

He chuckled, shaking his head while glancing at Goen.

"Somehow, that response fits. You’re distinct individuals with varying passions, after all."

Goen shrugged nonchalantly.

"That’s just how it is."

Adam’s face grew grave in an instant.

"Alright. How do we make our way back?"

Goen’s piercing stare settled on him.

"Options abound. What about the Ice Path?"

Adam recoiled in surprise.

"The Ice Path?"