Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1624: Time to get home
Previously on Endless Evolution: Last Star...
Beyond a quick assist in the clash involving Merra and the pair of Lords, Adam stayed out of the conflict afterward.
He couldn't allow Merra to perish, so he exerted all his efforts, yet he realized that without Keranda's timely arrival, doom would have struck them both.
Indeed, Adam desired for the outcome to rely entirely on his own strength and abilities, but at this moment, he was forced to merely observe.
This wasn't a frequent activity for him, yet observing fighters much more powerful than himself in combat and dissecting their moves proved to be a highly beneficial training.
"That beast, Morok," Adam gestured toward the pit and the bloody mark. "He possessed considerable might, didn't he? After all, both he and Liliane led their squads, but as far as I can tell, they operate on vastly different tiers."
Keranda shot a look at Zargos. He merely lifted his shoulders.
"Yes." She affirmed with a nod. "The creatures assaulting Goen belonged to the Crown Squad, whereas Morok's group hailed from the Sword Squad. All of them report to highly powerful beings within the Befallen Crown."
A dark expression clouded her features.
"To tell you the truth, if even one of those showed up, we'd stand no chance. The same fate awaits if they dispatch a member from the elite top three squads to pursue you. Zargos and I might flee, but winning would be impossible."
Adam inclined his head in agreement. He grasped that neither Morok nor Liliane occupied the pinnacle of the Befallen Crown's power structure. Nevertheless, in a way, he felt relieved by the events, as they brought him nearer to the summit—though currently, only through gained insights.
"Suppose Goen and one such creature were present? Who would emerge victorious?"
Keranda swallowed hard, a rare display from her.
"Adam... You might not fully grasp the implications of what you're asking. Should a confrontation of such epic scale erupt in our domain, my sole focus would be evacuating this place at top speed."
Adam held back further inquiries. He had no idea how much time it would require for him to match the prowess of Zargos and Keranda.
’Even so, I must discover a method to achieve it. To halt the World Wipe, I need to exceed both of them and align with figures like Goen among the humans.’ He balled his hands into fists, pondering his journey thus far. ’One and a half years have elapsed. Six and a half more years remain. There's ample time at my disposal.’
Clap!
Zargos struck his palms together.
"Hey! What's gotten into you all? Victory is ours, so no more dour expressions! Time to celebrate!"
"But... Zargos, shouldn't you be worn out?" Keranda arched a brow.
He bobbed his head and flashed a mischievous smile at Merra.
"Absolutely. I'm utterly drained. I poured my all into securing this triumph. However, fresh fruit, a dip in the pool, cocktails, and Merra in swimwear will revive me in no time!"
Merra's cheeks turned red.
"S-Sir!"
She averted her gaze, flustered.
"If that's your wish, I'm fine with it... though not with your sister watching."
Keranda rolled her eyes.
"Ugh, why must my brother be such a lech? You realize you're an idiot, don't you?"
Zargos extended his arms broadly and showed off his bulging muscles with a cocky smirk.
"Feast your eyes on these! Haha, I've grown stronger than you, sis!"
She examined his energy and scowled.
"Oh? Care for a spar right here and now?"
Abruptly, chuckles erupted from nearby:
"Hahahahaha! So you two truly are siblings, huh?"
Keranda huffed while folding her arms across her bosom.
"Obviously, and you... Didn't you mention having a little sister?"
He dipped his chin.
"Whether it's a blessing or a curse, she lacks abilities like mine."
Keranda gave a nonchalant shrug.
"Believe me, it's a good thing. This ensures your sister's safety at the Citadel—no harm will come to her. I get your concerns over the World Wipe, but..."
Her eyes intensified in depth.
"Avoid any reckless actions. Her odds of attaining K4-Level are slim to none. Venturing into the Dead Lands would mean death for her, just like it does for nearly all Phantoms."
"Understood. I'm aware."
Tap.
Zargos placed his hands on their shoulders.
"Alright! Drop the heavy discussion! Relaxation awaits! Merra, okay, skip the swimsuit for now, but bring on the fruit and cocktails!"
Merra bounced with excitement in place.
"Y-Yes! Consider it handled, sir!"
...
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
Positioned at the table, Adam savored honey-coated nuts alongside a crisp, tangy cocktail. Across from him sat Keranda, enjoying the identical treats.
Meanwhile, Zargos splashed about in the pool alongside Merra. True to form, despite his claims, he'd convinced her to don the swimsuit anyway.
"Today's been quite the ordeal for you, right?" Keranda remarked, her tone laced with fatigue.
Adam lifted his shoulders and drew a sip from his drink.
"True, yet these recent days have yielded real progress. I've not just boosted my power but gathered valuable knowledge too. Honestly though, I'm uncertain when the urge to revisit the Primal Lands will strike again."
"Hah, should you choose to return someday, seek us out—but head to our primary outpost, not this spot. The Flaming Eye Clan ranks among the Primal Lands' most dominant powers."
Adam lifted a brow.
"Still, you're not mightier than the Old Light, are you?"
She denied it with a shake of her head.
"No. They're a compact guild where each individual holds a unique purpose. Without their efforts, the Befallen Crown would have dominated the Primal Lands ages ago. Our clan and the rest couldn't have held the line against them."
"Understood."
Keranda gazed at the descending sun before shifting her attention back to Adam.
"Prepared to head home?"
He offered a wry smile.
"Naturally. I'm eager for it. Time to press forward."
Keranda let out a light laugh.
"Yeah... You're spot on there."