Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1608 1608: First Star's Wish

Previously on Endless Evolution: Last Star...
Adam reflected on his past survival at the Dark Shore, where he survived the black flash and conversed with Wilfred, now realizing it unlocked access to Dark Energy within him. In his discussion with Zargos, who had saved him from pursuing Lords, Adam learned he could tap into this power early, though it posed risks at his level. Zargos proposed absorbing some of Adam's Dark Energy to gain strength, promising only exhaustion in return, to edge out his sister Keranda in their clan's leadership race without taking on the role himself. Adam agreed despite the dangers, and Zargos suggested unwinding with fruit and cocktails after the ordeal.

During Adam's initial journey into the Primal Lands, one thing he knew without doubt was their true nature as chaotic realms, a label far more fitting than the one they bore.

Within a mere two days, Adam faced an endless chain of incidents, over which he held scarcely any sway. Everything kicked off with an unexpected disturbance, beasts lurking in the woods, and Vaarh, wrapping up with Goen, Ramilo, along with a horde of Lords from the Befallen Crown chasing after him relentlessly.

Yet... despite all the chaos he'd endured, Adam remained utterly unprepared for what came next:

Crunch.

A chunk of juicy fruit, much like a pineapple, cracked under his teeth. The tangy sweet nectar burst forth as Adam gulped it down.

"Hey! Didn't I say taking a break wouldn't do any harm?" Zargos gave a playful wink while lounging in the deck chair across from Adam.

Just like Adam, Zargos clutched a cocktail, dense and crimson, crafted from veggies akin to tomatoes.

Differing from the Frost Ridge, no chill lingered in this place; instead, gentle warm winds, scorching atmosphere, and the fierce sun pounded relentlessly to the rhythm of the surrounding jungle.

Clad only in shorts, Adam and Zargos unwound before a stunning bamboo-lined pool.

'Damn, looks like Goen isn't the sole one craving luxury in the Primal Lands, but...' Adam recalled Norax, who decked out his tower and even hauled in a gaming console. 'With resources at hand, why let them go to waste, eh?'

A two-level structure loomed behind them, evoking a serene resort cabin, idyllic and tranquil. It embodied the ideal escape for anyone seeking respite after grueling labor.

Nevertheless, a single element continued to baffle Adam completely.

Step. Step. Step.

Footfalls echoed nearby, sharp black heels clicking against the stone flooring. A young woman with ebony hair pulled into a ponytail and striking blue eyes drew near.

Attired in a crisp black-and-white outfit, she balanced a tray in her left hand bearing assorted treats, chiefly fruits, plus an array of cocktails.

"Mr. Zargos, I've brought your refreshments and bites," the woman announced with deference.

She evoked memories of Narica, the one who attended to Norax.

"Oh, Merra! Perfect timing!" Zargos exclaimed with delight, flashing a sly, hungry grin. "Care to join us? Your swimsuit lineup is quite the sight."

Curiously, Merra stayed composed.

"Of course, but..." Her gaze shifted to Adam. "I wouldn't want to make our visitor uncomfortable. Plus, don't you have weightier matters than lounging poolside?"

Zargos gave a casual shrug.

"Yeah, fair point."

Next, he faced Adam.

"Apologies, pal, fun's done."

"Huh?"

BAM!

Adam had no chance to respond before Merra's hand pressed against his brow, a dark shroud descending over his vision.

Upon reopening his eyes, Adam stood before a solitary Evolution Tree that had lingered in anticipation for him.

Merra had thrust him into the inner realm against his will, though to an odd variant—a shadowy void where the sole illumination stemmed from his tree.

"What do I do next...?"

This confined area lacked the Path Construct or any other facets of its might. The Evolution Tree alone appeared somewhat altered.

Its usual vibrant, vitality-packed bark had dimmed. The borders showed faint shallowness with shadows lurking within, while merely the contours clung to their glow.

Furthermore, right at the Evolution Tree's foundation, where mighty roots ought to sprawl, a portal awaited.

Crafted from murky glass with jagged fractures along the rims, the portal emitted pure white essence, intent solely on drawing Adam inward. This force guided him toward untapped strength.

"Was it Merra who dispatched me here?" Adam glanced at his palm. "How on earth did she manage that?"

Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought.

"No, that's not for me to dwell on at the moment."

Gazing upward at the Evolution Tree, Adam sensed its familiarity despite the changed visage—this was his personal domain and his cherished tree.

"Got nothing to share with me?"

Adam's brow furrowed.

"All along, I've held a mighty power at my fingertips, and you never once gave a clue? Danger be damned. I'm geared up for whatever challenge, even straight from the First Star!"

Silence met his words. The Evolution Tree disregarded Adam entirely, save for a single quiver from the shadowy portal.

"Got it... So a fragment of the First Star has resided here the whole time? Buried deep at the Evolution Tree's core?"

With a deep exhale, Adam advanced.

The First Star's essence appeared in various items, yet vast disparities existed among them. Take the Twilight Crystals, for instance—their power differed greatly from the residue left by the black surge.

Twilight Crystals served as mere shards of the First Star, whereas the black surge carried its intent. Adam's arrival at the Dark Shore stemmed from the First Star's design, not some fluke mishap.

Hence, past the portal lay not simply a mass of absorbable energy yielding Dark Energy with ease, but a test orchestrated by the First Star.

Step.

Halting before the portal, Adam reached toward its glassy brink.

[Sorry...]

Abruptly, the Evolution Tree uttered.

"Huh?"

[I never meant to conceal this, yet even today you're scarcely prepared for the ordeal... Stuck at K3-Level... Upon departing the Dark Shore, your fate was sealed—collapse and demise.]

Adam dipped his head in firm agreement, resolve shining in his gaze.

"You think I'm set to claim the Dark Energy now?"

Following an extended hush, the Evolution Tree answered:

[I trust in you... however... No guarantees there. That fool from the clan... He should've zipped it.]

That sufficed for Adam.

The mere mention of Dark Energy had solidified his determination.

"Alright, let's proceed immediately."

As Adam parted the portal, an inky void welcomed him within. The Evolution Tree's form faded into boundless nothingness.

Even so, amid the void hovered a mass of ebony inferno, so profound that the blackest evening paled in comparison.

Yet another sight sent shivers through Adam, ice creeping along his back.

"W-What?"

His gaze mirrored a known figure positioned beyond the blaze, locking eyes with him in serene intensity.

"S-Silvana?"