Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1606 1606: What do you need?

Whoosh.

Morok along with his companions departed from the Primal Lands' edge. They chose not to head back to the Befallen Crown, holding onto the hope of locating Adam despite having no clue where to begin the search.

No more were they in the frozen territories where Adam battled Vaarh and Goen resided. Instead, a thick woodland sprawled before them, featuring steep rock faces and massive trees bearing enormous fruits on their limbs.

Here lay the untamed heart of the jungle, the dominant landscape across much of the Primal Lands, beyond merely the chilling zones teeming with terrifying creatures.

Morok scanned the surroundings once more prior to signaling the group to advance toward their makeshift camp.

Rustle! Rustle! Rustle!

A faint rustling noise emanated from the summit of the loftiest tree, blending seamlessly with a mere breeze.

"What do you think?" Zargos inquired.

Adam swallowed hard.

"So... Those jerks were after me? Damn, they proved sharper than that other crew."

Zargos gave a shrug.

"That crew belongs to another unit, operating at a superior rank. Liliane would've seized you and followed the directive, but Morok... He would've executed the command too, yet he wouldn't hesitate to sever your limbs if it kept you breathing."

He flicked his hand.

"Quite savage, huh?"

Just moments following Morok's departure, Adam finally exhaled in relief.

"Hey, did you orchestrate this whole thing right from the start, or did things shift midway?"

Zargos waved dismissively.

"Meh, a mix of both, I'd call it. I was eager to witness Ramilo's fighting mode, leading me to strike at you. Plus, Ramilo showed up burned in front of Morok, making the story more believable—though Morok doesn't appear convinced. They've lingered in the Primal Lands; that's clear to me."

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

Adam rubbed his cheek, totally baffled.

During Zargos's victory over Ramilo and his abduction, Adam and Silvana truly began to freak out.

Such an event had never occurred previously. Somehow, Adam invariably emerged victorious or received aid. Without that, he'd have perished ages ago, just like countless weaker or unluckier Phantoms.

Yet this time, genuine fear gripped Adam.

Nevertheless, the instant Zargos exited the Ice Path and ascended the tree's peak, he unbound the chains and revealed the full truth to Adam.

Starting then, they observed from above, anticipating the arrival of Morok and his group.

"Look, you ended up rescuing me, didn't you?"

Zargos affirmed with a nod.

"Yeah. Don't misunderstand. In nine out of ten scenarios, Ramilo would've prevented them from touching you, but... a risk existed that they might snatch you away. I opted against gambling on it."

He pivoted gradually, a sly spark igniting in his gaze.

"But don't imagine shaking me off that simply. My interest in you isn't the sole motive for seeking you out."

Adam's face grew grave. He'd foreseen the discussion veering this direction eventually.

"I see. No surprise there, is it?"

Zargos nodded.

"But... Zargos, what on earth could you want from me? I'm certain that whatever I'd toil for, you could obtain effortlessly with your strength."

Zargos responded by gesturing casually.

"Oh, no need to fret. What I seek is already in your possession. The First Star transported you to the Dark Shore, correct?"

"Hmm?" Adam failed to grasp Zargos's reason for mentioning it. "Yeah... That happened months back. I managed to escape the Dark Shore successfully. How's that relevant?"

Tap.

Zargos clasped Adam's shoulder, avarice stirring in his eyes. At last, confirmation came straight from Adam's mouth.

"Great! I require that energy!"

Adam's eyes bulged.

"Wait, wait, wait!" He scrambled backward. "What do you mean? What energy? What's this all about?"

"Agh?"

Zargos blinked repeatedly. Strangely, his bewilderment surpassed Adam's.

"Agh? You're telling me you endured the black flash—a rare occurrence among Phantoms—yet haven't tapped into its strength?"

"W-What? Did I miss out on acquiring some ability from the black flash?" Adam remained clueless about Zargos's words.

"Naturally! Damn! How come no one informed you? Typically, Phantoms unlock this ability nearing the K4-Level cap, but yours is an exceptional situation, yeah?"

He flashed a smirk.

"You tapped into the First Star's energy way sooner, during K3-Level. I'm aware of your Dark Shore breakout and the epic clash fought to shield you."

Suddenly, Zargos fell silent upon a realization. He stroked his beard in contemplation, eyeing Adam with evaluation.

"I get it; nobody meddled in your advancement, and that's proper. Still, it's odd your Evolution Tree overlooked this. In certain fights, such strength could tip the scales decisively."

Though questions lingered for Adam, he now possessed fragments of explanation.

"So, you're claiming I've held onto this ability in my Evolution Tree all along, unaware and uninformed? Since my return from the Dark Shore?"

Zargos shrugged indifferently.

"Yeah, essentially. As I mentioned, you gained entry to it far ahead of the average. That said... perhaps withholding it was wise. It could shatter you unprepared. But hey, you're Adam Vinter! I've got faith in you!"

He fiddled with his nails.

"Anyway, why dwell on dangers when victory's assured?"

Adam swallowed nervously. Unclear why, but Zargos's words carried a chilling recklessness.

"And... What exactly is this power?"

Zargos beamed widely.

"The Dark Energy."