Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1622 1622: Failed Escape (Part 1)

"Is it over already?" Adam inquired, perched on one of the highest trees.

From this vantage point, both he and Merra observed much of the battle. He felt amazed at the speed with which Keranda had handled the burly man and woman.

'She's not just a person, but a true killing machine. Damn, even in slaughterhouses, animals get better treatment than what she inflicted on those two. Though...' Memories of Goen's fighting style came to him. 'That's an even higher tier of savagery, yet it doesn't appear unique to her.'

Merra gave a nod.

"Even in a 5 vs. 2 scenario, like it was meant to start out, Keranda and Zargos would have triumphed, particularly since Zargos has evolved."

A smile crossed her face.

"Thank you. With your Dark Energy, sir, he grew much stronger. I realize it wasn't simple, so I'm truly thankful."

"Hah, no need. Zargos didn't just save me—he rescued my friend too. She... she'd have been in serious danger. So, you could call it settling the score for his help. Besides, after his story, I'd have sought out the Dark Energy regardless."

With curiosity, he looked at Merra. Her eyes sparkled intensely. She seemed overjoyed by Zargos's advancement above all else.

"Zargos means a great deal to you, doesn't he?"

Merra nodded once more.

"Yes. Unlike most monsters at his rank, he avoids flaunting his importance, seriousness, or grandeur. He often behaves like a fool, and serving someone like that feels refreshingly different."

Adam chose not to probe into how she came to serve him. Gradually, he realized that many monsters, much like humans, had their own followers and aides. It varied based on their rank and habits.

A figure like Goen could attract devotees ready to do his bidding, yet he favored solitude, not always even keeping his Operator nearby.

"I get it. Then, let's watch how this concludes—I need to head back home. The Primal Lands... Hah, I enjoyed this realm far more than anticipated, but it's overwhelming for me right now."

Merra's smile grew radiant. "Uh-huh. They'll beat him shortly, and we'll assist you in returning!"

Step.

Keranda advanced, her stare drilling into Morok.

"You two... One day, regret will hit you hard. The Befallen Crown will pour its fury on you!"

His hand slipped behind his back, summoning the dark emblem into his hold. It bore the image of a skeletal arm ripping through the heavens. Its aura alone revealed it as the mark of a formidable and influential being.

This was an item rare even for a creature of Morok's stature to acquire.

For the first time in ages, emotion flickered in Keranda's eyes—they widened.

"You bastard!"

Morok smirked while pivoting to hurl the emblem ahead.

One surge of energy triggered its activation.

Dark lightning danced along its borders, while fissures spiderwebbed across the void like shattered glass.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Four massive bone arms erupted, tearing open a portal. The Primal Lands' world and energy strove to seal it shut, yet the artifact's might overpowered these forces, if only briefly.

Though just mere seconds, that duration sufficed for Morok to flee the field and rejoin the Befallen Crown.

No matter Keranda and Zargos's strength, few monsters in this realm outmatched them—but exceptions loomed.

"Shit!" Keranda's eyes bulged.

Swift action was essential.

"You won't escape, you bastard!"

The air quivered as a purple whip materialized in her grip, linked to the serpent bracelet encircling her wrist.

Similar to Morok, she possessed potent artifacts of her own.

Morok grinned before stepping into the portal. He dashed into the shadows, twisting back with a sneer.

"Too late, bitch!"

As Keranda flung it, the purple whip morphed into a savage dragon's maw, brimming with thunderous power.

In typical circumstances, it would snatch Morok and bind him tight. Moments later, Keranda's punch would crash against his features.

Yet fear absented Morok's gaze. Safety enveloped him now.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The bone arms shook while numerous axes emerged from the gloom. Like an executioner's blade, they descended upon the purple dragon, slicing it apart.

Stunned, Keranda stared at the dissipating energy remnants—the sole traces of her tool.

"Hahaha! What? Was your artifact worthless against mine? Stay in your lane, clan beast!"

The bone arms quivered again as the dark portal started to seal.

Keranda longed to charge and seize Morok, but danger held her back.

Luckily, a bolder soul than hers was present.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Zargos bounced on the spot, channeling all his energy into a sleek sheath over his form.

"Wait!" Keranda cried out, grasping his intent. "Don't try it! That darkness will trap you!"

"No worries." He offered a faint smile. "Since our last encounter, I've grown way stronger, and... a close ally inspired this move. Just observe!"

Ere Keranda could protest further, Zargos's outline blurred, and he disappeared.

"Agh?" Confusion gripped Morok. He doubted its reality.

At supersonic velocity, Zargos streaked ahead in a direct burst like blazing light.

Fearlessly, he plunged into the rift; the bone arms lunged to bar him, but he outpaced them. Ultimately, he poured every ounce of power into that sprint.

Keranda spoke true. With Zargos inside, the rift would deposit him and Morok straight into the foe's stronghold.

Fortuitously, he harbored a backup scheme.

"Now, Adam," he grinned at the terrified Morok. "Let's witness the might of the Dark Energy!"