Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1625 1625: Plans

Adam lingered patiently, not departing from the Primal Lands until dawn broke the next day.

After all, Keranda had to head back to her clan, as she was destined to be the upcoming leader—everyone was aware that Zargos would refuse that position outright. To him, it represented excessive pointless labor, even if he conceded that, should he desire it, he'd easily gather numerous backers within the Flaming Eye Clan.

Thus, Merra and Zargos departed alongside Adam.

Nothing unexpected occurred, similar to Ramilo's journey; they made their way to the Ice Path and called forth an earthworm.

This task wasn't exclusive to Old Light members alone. The key requirement was prior experience from the individual who had performed it before.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

The ground quivered faintly as the earthworm neared the Citadel. Several hours earlier, they had exited the Primal Lands and covered the majority of the Dead Lands already.

"Hey, Adam, why the gloomy expression?" Zargos smirked, propping himself up on one hand.

He lounged atop the enormous worm like it was a sunny shore.

"Shouldn't you be thrilled to finally head back home?"

Adam rubbed his cheek.

"Yeah, I suppose that's fair, but… the impending trials keep swirling in my mind. I arrived in the Primal Lands to meet a single requirement, yet ended up with something entirely unexpected plus two additional energy forms."

Merra shifted to face him.

"The ultimate choice belongs to you, but in your position, I'd avoid hasty moves. Unknown challenges await ahead. You've undoubtedly perfected your existing skills, yet Ancient Energy and Dark Energy present entirely new challenges. Time is essential to grasp this force."

Zargos clicked his fingers sharply.

"Yep, she's spot on. I'm unaware of your next destination, but it sounds perilous—strength only grows through such perils. Preparation must be thorough on your part."

"Sure. I'll heed your words."

Next, Zargos scanned the surroundings while shutting his eyes briefly. His aura expanded outward, a subtle barrier stretching across dozens of kilometers nearby.

"We're nearing it, Adam. We could let you down close to a White Threat Nest, or proceed directly to the Citadel," Zargos proposed.

Adam peered behind him. "Which choice do you suggest?"

"The first one." Zargos stretched with a yawn. "Neither path brings issues, but halting directly beneath the Citadel invites inevitable inquiries and examinations. Sure, I'll likely remain composed at the Citadel. Phantoms of immense might dwell here."

Merra gave a quiet nod.

Relations between numerous monsters and Phantoms were solid, or at minimum functional. Still, that didn't equate to close camaraderie.

Should a formidable monster near the Citadel, a thorough check was bound to happen.

Clearly, Zargos sought to avoid such complications.

"Understood. Then, let me out by a cave entrance. Perhaps aid will be required by someone there."

"Hah! I figured you'd choose wisely!" Zargos cheered with delight, slapping the earthworm thrice. "Hear that, pal? Route change incoming!"

Tremble.

The earthworm shook and veered abruptly into a narrow tunnel.

Merely ten minutes passed before the earthworm halted before a fissure. This marked the entry to a basic cave within the Monster Nest. It might host Phantoms on assignments at present, or they could arrive shortly.

"Have we arrived?" Adam inquired.

Zargos affirmed with a gentle grin.

"Yeah. I'd prefer if you stuck around longer, but I get that progression calls. Everyone handles their duties separately. Until we meet again."

"Thanks. Upon my return from the Primal Lands, your clan won't slip my mind." He turned to Merra. "Gratitude to you as well. Without your intervention, those two Lords likely would have ended me."

She placed a hand on her chest.

"You shielded me too, during my direst moment. Stay safe."

Adam inclined his head and leaped off.

Shortly after, the earthworm quivered and retreated via the Ice Path. Hours later, Zargos and Merra reentered the Primal Lands.

"Hah…" Adam laughed lightly, gazing skyward. "So, during my Citadel missions, mighty monsters traversed beneath me on those colossal creatures? Tsk, no way I'd have trusted such a tale back then."

As Adam's power grew, his comprehension deepened regarding the world's immense scale and the intricate links binding its elements.

"Well, perhaps my next assignment should loop back to the Tarnished Lands?" Adam grumbled, rubbing his nape. "The Primal Lands, and the Dark Shore in particular… they're beyond my current strength. Your thoughts?"

Silvana flickered her eyes.

'I believe heading home first is best, then we'll talk it over. Regrettably, fulfilling either leftover condition won't be simple.'

Adam lifted his shoulders.

"Yeah, that's accurate."

Step. Step. Step.

Adam navigated the split, ascending the tight cave passage. At last, upon attaining the summit, a huge boulder confronted him, obstructing the forward route.

Rather than a mere stone, it served as a concealed doorway.

"I get it, so others have utilized this route before me? Naturally, that's anticipated—I must proceed correctly."

Crack.

Adam shoved the boulder away, passed through, and sealed the entry after himself. This spot was the cave's remote terminus, shrouded in shadows.

Without knowledge of the boulder's secret, discovering the hidden tunnel beneath proved impossible.

"Hah, it'd be troublesome if the underground secrets got revealed prematurely."

Silvana gave a sly grin.

'Oh, so we're now the ones concealing vital details from the rest?'

He raised his shoulders.

"What to say? Knowledge brings complications."

He surveyed the area, spotting dim amber glows afar.

"Anyway. Just where are we?"