Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1616 1616: Attention from the Outside

Morok's group was convinced that Adam Vinter remained somewhere in this region. Although the planned rendezvous at the border had fallen through, they were certain he hadn't departed from the Primal Lands.

"Boss, what do you reckon? Who might have gone after Ramilo?" The burly man muttered in a hushed tone. He lounged beside a boulder, appearing listless while smashing rocks one by one like simple nutshells.

The youth who had forfeited his right arm during the confrontation with Ramilo stared at the flickering campfire, his brow slightly furrowed. He harbored no resentment toward his leader or even Ramilo; his frustration aimed at another party.

"What on earth were they thinking? Did they actually suppose that this wench, Liliane, along with the fifth team, could abduct Adam Vinter? Regardless of his location or circumstances."

The lady seated to his right, puffing on her smoke, blinked languidly.

"It's clear as day. While we view him as a danger, humans regard him as the emerging beacon. He's not unique in that regard, but I can't recall when a stellar Phantom advanced so swiftly last."

The young woman, the final member of their unit, nibbled her lower lip.

"Probably, they expect he'll ascend to a Second Rank Phantom prior to the upcoming World Wipe. That's audacious, exceedingly audacious, yet considering the current state of affairs, I wouldn't call it mere fantasy."

Morok, perched on a sturdy log with arms crossed, gave a profound nod.

"They absolutely hold that belief. I have no clue why SHE chose the fifth team for this job, but that's precisely why we're deployed here. Our strength far surpasses theirs, and we'll fulfill our objective. As for Ramilo..."

Morok paused briefly.

"He spoke truth, but only in part. An assault did occur on him, yet he surrendered Adam Vinter voluntarily. It seems he was caught off guard himself, but the scheme proved too enticing to refuse."

Even though Morok's crew had journeyed straight from the Befallen Crown, pinpointing Adam's position eluded them. The Primal Lands sprawled enormously, not just in landmass but also teeming with fearsome beasts.

Each formidable creature exuded an equally formidable presence. Countless such presences intertwined, hundreds or thousands strong, rendering the detection of Adam's faint aura amid the chaos nearly impossible.

Thus, they bided their time, anticipating any anomaly.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

They anticipated its arrival.

A shudder coursed through the Primal Lands as Morok snapped his gaze around.

Far off, a column of shadow pierced the sky, trailed by an intense crimson energy akin to infernal flames from the abyss's scorching core.

The woman cast a sidelong look, flicking away the ash.

"Well, well, somehow I figured it was him right from the start."

The young man's eyes bulged in astonishment.

"The First Star's power? So intense and untainted? But... Is there truly just one origin for it in this place?"

The burly man inclined his head.

"Indeed. That's Adam Vinter in person. It looks like he recently took in the Dark Energy from that black surge."

"Hmm?" The girl fluttered her eyelids a few times. "Won't that prove lethally hazardous at his stage?"

Morok rose to his feet, dusting off his trousers. His towering stature and robust build overshadowed the girl.

"Correct. Adam Vinter had a solitary chance to pull it off; the First Star would deem failure unacceptable. For him, that equates to demise. Nevertheless..." Morok balled his hands into fists, his pale gloves quivering. "He not only endured but bestowed that fool with strength. The deeper my knowledge of that rogue grows, the clearer our elders' urge to eliminate him becomes."

With a fierce scowl, Morok lifted his arm, and a sweeping motion caused the four beasts to vanish into obscurity. Moments later, he followed suit.

...

Step. Step. Step.

Morok and his crew were distant from Zargos's dwelling and the surrounding woods, yet with their formidable abilities, arrival at the site would take mere minutes.

Merra grasped this reality.

"Quick, Adam! Time is slipping away!" She urged as they halted before the stone portals.

Tap.

Her hand pressed against the entrance, channeling her power while the barrier on it shimmered vividly, granting them passage.

Adam scanned his surroundings, intrigued by the lofty stone barriers illuminated solely by sparse crimson gems. Elaborate symbols adorned the surfaces from base to summit.

No openings, hidden passages, or similar features existed.

Rumble!

Once the portals sealed with a thunderous boom, escape became impossible.

"What sort of location is this?"

Merra faced him.

"Zargos employs this underground chamber for energy storage or training sessions. Hence, the barriers here possess exceptional durability. Even a Lord would struggle to breach them."

Yet Adam's gaze only intensified in shadow.

"That barrier won't halt those creatures, will it?"

Merra denied with a shake of her head.

"Even so, it'll grant us a delay. Keep to my rear. I'm no match for Zargos's might, but I can shield you."

Adam refrained from debate, retreating to press against the barrier. His hand touched the symbols, sensing the power currents weaving through the masonry.

"Ha, this isn't some mere cellar; it's a genuine fortress against blasts. I ponder what level of beastly might it would require to shatter this with one strike?"

...

Whooooooosh.

A gentle gust sweeping across the woods brushed Zargos, tousling his dark locks.

He positioned himself in an open expanse, a hundred meters ahead of his residence. His presence flared openly, revealing his full potency.

Zargos orchestrated this display intentionally. He couldn't allow Morok and his allies to breach his home unchecked. Otherwise, safeguarding Adam would prove far tougher.

Shortly, a grin tugged at his lips, crafting a pleased sneer.

His strategy had succeeded.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Five silhouettes materialized in his path as Morok, enveloped in dense gloom, advanced, his heavy footfalls quaking the earth.

"It truly is you, Zargos..." He rasped. Morok felt no delight at their adversary's identity.

Zargos lifted his shoulders nonchalantly.

"Folks, you seem off course? This is my turf, so unless you fancy a beating, scram while my temper holds!"

Morok spat disdainfully.

"Damn fool."