Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1658: Kaerno

Since Adam started exploring territories far beyond the Dead Lands, he had from time to time faced beasts that overwhelmingly outmatched his power.

Yet the creature looming in front of him differed entirely from Goen, Ramilo, or even Zargos.

Kaerno wasn't his companion—at least not yet—and the overwhelming force of his aura pressed down on Adam, causing his knees to buckle.

"Young man..." Kaerno rasped. "I asked you a question. Or does a quick death appeal to you more than these lands?"

Adam had no moment to ponder, no alternatives. Survival meant yielding to Kaerno’s command.

"Adam Vinter—that’s my name. Regarding your second question... The last one I spoke with was Gladius, then his monster Operator struck me unconscious, and I awoke here!"

Larth showed only bewilderment on his face when he first caught Adam’s name.

But at this revelation, his eyes bulged in shock, and tremors coursed through him.

Unlike Adam, who had stepped into this world as a Phantom less than two years prior, Gladius had lingered far longer.

Every sufficiently mighty monster, regardless of distance, knew of the Second Rank Phantoms. They could materialize close by anytime and ravage a territory to ashes if provoked.

"W-What? How could that be?" Larth stammered hoarsely.

Kaerno, unlike Larth, stayed relatively composed, though Adam’s words prompted a blink.

"Hmm, you don’t appear to be lying, Adam Vinter. Regrettably, your name is unknown to me. Tales of rising stars seldom arrive in these parts, particularly now. All are bracing for the World Wipe, yet your journey has barely started. How ironic indeed."

Adam swallowed hard. He had recounted events truthfully. Deception seemed pointless against a beast like Kaerno. He omitted only Queen Elisa’s blood.

"What now?"

Kaerno scanned the surroundings before replying. His gaze stayed calm. These territories felt like home to him, unlike to the young Phantom before him.

"Tell me, Adam Vinter. Are you aware of your location? Did Gladius or Xyrea inform you of your destination?"

Adam shook his head.

"No. If you know Gladius, he’s not one to answer every query. He acted on his own terms."

Kaerno nodded.

"You said it perfectly. I sense your aura, Adam. It feels unsteady. Are you gearing up for evolution soon? Ready to advance further toward greater strength?"

"Y-Yes." Adam swallowed. He dreaded Kaerno detecting Queen Elisa’s blood in his inner space.

"I see. Then it makes sense why Gladius chose this place for you, risky as it was—I’ll admit that. You must grow stronger here, Adam Vinter, or... escape will prove impossible."

"Agh? Can’t I leave? What’s that supposed to mean?"

Kaerno halted the talk. He turned and eyed Larth, still kneeling. Fear of offending Kaerno kept him down.

"Larth, Adam Vinter is our guest now. He’ll stay in our pillar for now."

Surprise flickered on his face, but Larth wouldn’t challenge Kaerno’s directive.

Step.

Kaerno shot Adam a stern look over his shoulder.

"How swift are you?"

Adam rubbed his neck’s back. "Quite fast with my energy."

"Good. Keep up. I’ll allow you in my domain, but don’t expect me to watch over you."

Tremble.

Kaerno’s body shuddered before he disappeared instantly. In a flash, he surged over ten meters ahead, accelerating further.

For Larth too, matching this pace was tough, wounds slowing him. He clenched his teeth, pushing to trail Kaerno.

’Hey, doesn’t anyone want to talk this over with me?’

Adam grumbled inwardly before sprinting, slowly overtaking Larth.

’Without Silvana, it’s like I’m totally isolated.’

Oddly, a sharp, haughty voice rang in his mind right away:

’Argh? What’s that supposed to mean? You almost got killed, yet instead of plotting, you’re complaining about loneliness?’ True to form, the Silver Weaver cut straight through.

Soon after, another voice chimed in Adam’s head:

"Don’t be so harsh. Adam’s in a tough spot. I sense vibrations in the Evolution Vein. Silvana must be enduring far worse," Lone Blaze murmured.

Adam gave a slight smile. This was precisely the support he craved now.

’What’s your take? Gladius must’ve known instant death wasn’t my fate here. But... I still don’t grasp my purpose.’

The Silver Weaver assented.

"That beast, Kaerno, spoke of the Pit. Priority one: learn about it, plus those airborne monsters with huge amber eyes. Probably one of them alerted Kaerno or delivered the news."

Lone Blaze rubbed her chin pensively.

’His statement worries me. He implied Adam can’t depart unless stronger, hinting at deeper layers.’

The Silver Weaver agreed once more.

’Right, it’s not mere strength or a blocker monster barring the Citadel path. Something more intricate lurks.’

Moments later, Adam drew a deep breath, reviewing the recent chaos.

The aerial beast, the bone-masked bull, the serpent, and monsters so fixated on the looming trial they ignored him entirely.

’So many unfamiliar sights here. No option but to press on, huh?’

The Silver Weaver and Lone Blaze grinned.

’Yeah, push ahead till victory.’