Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1610 1610: Her Weapon

As Adam endured the trial of the First Star, the outside world pressed on with its everyday rhythm.

"Sir, are you certain this was wise?" Merra questioned hesitantly, her eyes fixed on Zargos.

Zargos dismissed her concern with a wave. He appeared just as at ease as ever, yet his subdued voice revealed his deeper feelings.

He shot Merra a stern look.

"Don't you trust me?"

Merra denied it with a shake of her head.

"Of course I trust you, but... He's still not at the border of the First Circle. Getting the Dark Energy at such an early stage, cases where everything went well are critically few."

Silence followed. Zargos set his cocktail down and rose from the lounger.

His shadow fell across Adam, who thrashed his head side to side with a constant scowl, as though trapped in a nightmare—and that wasn't far off.

"Yeah, if it were any other K4-Phantom, I wouldn't take the risk. You're right, if Adam Vinter dies because of my actions, my ambitions, then I'll be in serious trouble, but..."

Tap.

Zargos hoisted Adam onto his shoulder while making his way toward the house.

"He'll be fine. Still, we have to be prepared for the worst. There's no telling what will happen when he wakes up. If he wakes up..."

Merra swallowed hard and, with a quick nod, trailed after Zargos.

"Y-Yes!"

In their duo, she had always stayed composed and dutiful, Zargos's devoted aide, since he tended to be impulsive and playful. Yet when even he grew grave, it signaled the trouble was far from simple.

...

As Merra and Zargos readied themselves for whatever came after Adam's evolution, he plunged into what might be the most bewildering challenge on his journey.

He had first clashed with Silvana, or more precisely, her dark clone. He took it on knowing it wasn't the true Silvana, merely the First Star's intent, but... the latest twist caught him off guard.

Step. Step. Step.

Every ponderous footfall resounded across the infinite emptiness until a towering figure, one Adam knew well, emerged from the shroud of shadows.

It was the Silver Weaver, not some copy or warped version, but the genuine article, his steadfast companion since Adam claimed the Desire of Beyond.

"You..." Adam's words stumbled. "What are you doing here?"

The Silver Weaver glanced at Dark Silvana, at the black flame, then faced Adam.

"Well, this is a little awkward. Let's say I was never supposed to exist. The fact that I am here is a result of a series of events that occurred, the chances of which were negligible. Still, you brought each of them together."

The Silver Weaver advanced slowly toward Dark Silvana, weaving his tale onward.

"Didn't you ever find it strange that one of the conditions for the Grand Stars not only gave you new power, but also took on a special form? Before that, this only happened to Lone Blaze, but her situation is different. She had a mind from the beginning. It was her own doing."

The Silver Weaver halted, pivoting toward Adam.

"Also, the Evolution Tree never hid your power from you. The old tree simply didn't tell you the whole truth."

Adam swallowed heavily.

"W-What? What the hell are you talking about?"

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

The black flame quivered while the mass surged directly into the Silver Weaver, piercing his chest.

His flowing white robe blackened in an instant, and his hair extended a bit further. His skin stayed ghostly pale, nails dark, eyes emerald with knowing, rounded pupils. Yet the biggest shift hit his aura.

It wasn't a full overhaul, but a step-up to a level that had seemed out of reach before.

"Adam."

The Silver Weaver's voice echoed.

"It was the Dark Energy that allowed your memories and emotions from your first battle, from your victory for your life, to take shape with your mind and ambitions. If it weren't for the black flash, I would never have existed, Adam."

Adam tensed up, his face hardening with focus. The Silver Weaver's aura far outstripped that of Dark Silvana.

"So, what now? Are you my enemy now?"

The Silver Weaver denied it with a shake.

"I will always be your ally, as long as you live. But, since you still don't have control over all the Dark Energy, I am forced to obey the First Star's will. You can think of it as a trial, in which there are prizes and penalties."

The Silver Weaver fixed his gaze on him.

"And remember, none of us has a choice anymore, not after you passed through the glass gates."

"Rewards?" Adam inquired. "What will I get if I defeat you?"

"Isn't it obvious? Complete control over the Dark Energy. Only a tiny fraction of it was used when I was born. The Path Construct intervened so that it was unnoticeable and painless for you. But as long as the Dark Energy is here, the will of the First Star's will be more important than yours. You must change that."

Adam arched a brow.

"What if I lose?"

The Silver Weaver averted his eyes, sorrow clouding them.

"Then we will all disappear. First me, then the Evolution Tree, and finally you yourself."

He glanced at Dark Silvana.

"Only she will remain, the real one."

A shiver raced along Adam's back.

"But I won't lose, right? I'm strong!"

The Silver Weaver offered a wry smile.

"I hope so. Either way, my time has come to an end, it's time to act. The First Star won't wait any longer. The only thing I can tell you is this: remember the power that only you possess."

With that, the Silver Weaver's flame shuddered as he dissolved into a rush of black flame.

"Agh?"

The flame rushed toward Dark Silvana, who had readied herself for battle.

The Silver Weaver shaped into an arm of dark glass, which mended Dark Silvana's injury from Adam's energy surge entirely.

However, her healed arm posed the smallest threat to Adam.

The massive dark needle, broad-bladed, now rested in Dark Silvana's hand—the very weapon beyond his reach at present, now wielded by his foe.

"S-Shit... How am I supposed to defeat an improved version of myself?"