Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1665 1665: Public Defeat

Larth felt absolutely sure that releasing the complete might of his Hollow Mark would, even without securing instant victory, at the very least fill Adam with awe.

He yearned to witness terror and respect in Adam's gaze, ensuring this Phantom from far-off realms would genuinely recognize his strength and that of monsters like himself.

Yet Adam's response proved utterly contrary to his hopes, and inexplicably, it ignited fury within him.

Countless queries swirled through Larth's thoughts. He couldn't grasp what Adam meant.

What had provoked Adam's rage? Why did Adam claim he was imitating him? What did it all signify?

Larth might have uncovered the truths, yet time escaped him for such pursuits.

The instant black mist started seeping from Adam's form, Larth's complexion drained to ghostly white.

"What the…" Larth muttered, utterly stunned.

Not only he reacted thus, but nearly all monsters by the blade pillar did too. Even Kaerno arched a brow, brimming with real intrigue.

"Hah, Dark Energy at this stage?"

A faint grin crept across his features.

"How fascinating. It's been ages since I've witnessed something like this, truly ages."

Sarka, who earlier craved battle with Adam and resented Larth, now... now her resolve burned fiercer than ever.

"V-V-Valleyn! Do you see this?" Sarka clutched the railing hard, her eyes devouring the black mist cloaking Adam with ravenous intensity.

In stark contrast to the fervent Sarka, Valleyn responded with far greater wariness and composure. Briefly, dread flickered in her eyes.

"How does a Phantom of his caliber wield such might? Hold on… I recall hearing of this. There's just one explanation for it and—"

Valleyn's words halted as icy dread coursed through her, with Adam gearing up to strike.

Step.

He retreated a step, disregarding the gash in his torso, while every shadow rushed to his grasp.

In an instant, the black spear formed in his hold. Slender and erratic, it resembled haphazard clumps of energy fused together.

Initially, various monsters traded looks. They sensed betrayal. No clue why this power terrified them when the spear appeared utterly harmless.

Quickly, opinions shifted.

"You know, I've only used this ability once before."

Adam's grip tightened. The crimson eyes upon his gloves flared wide as a light beam locked onto Larth, singling him out for Adam's power.

"You're out of luck. I've learned a thing or two since then."

Larth failed to comprehend Adam's words when abruptly the black spear quivered, expanding massively until it matched a longsword's span.

Crimson flames wreathed its form, distorting and shaking the surrounding space.

Two eye seals emerged at the spear's end. Their pupils whipped wildly side to side before locking onto Larth, who finally grasped the horror facing him.

"RUN!!!" Valleyn cried out, flinging her arm. Among the first to see Larth couldn't endure this onslaught.

Heeding her and his gut, Larth lifted his foot to evade. Sadly for him, the moment had passed.

Adam thrust ahead as his body blurred forward at supersonic velocity in a heartbeat.

What Larth glimpsed next was the crimson blaze that swallowed his entire view.

Not even Tron reacted in time to Adam's assault, leaving Larth utterly helpless.

Before awareness dawned, the black spear would obliterate him, and the crimson flames would incinerate every trace.

'N-No… This can't be!'

Suddenly, another figure appeared left of the spear. Red eyes first, then razor fangs and mighty jaws that snapped shut around the black spear.

CLASP!

Surpassing the spear's velocity, the jaws consumed it wholly, erasing every wisp of darkness.

Then, the jaws grinned slyly and dissolved into nothing.

"What… What was that?"

Adam fixed his stare on one spot briefly as shadow crossed his eyes.

Tap.

Something brushed Larth's shoulder, spinning him around in jittery panic. His pulse thundered with terror. He knew Adam's strike could have ended him.

"Calm down. That fearsome spear is gone completely," Kaerno stated with intense eyes.

Next, he grinned, facing Adam.

"Well done, boy. I confess, I never anticipated a Phantom like you wielding Dark Energy. Such rarity. But now I see why HE dispatched you here."

Larth swallowed hard. "M-Master Kaerno… I…"

"Don't. Your final strike was your finest display yet. You performed admirably. Regrettably, the bout was uneven from the outset. Sorry, but Dark Energy overwhelms you utterly at present."

Larth balled his fists, dropping his somber stare. "Y-Yes. I understand."

"Hey, Adam. Answer honestly," Kaerno gestured. "Could Larth have endured your strike without my aid?"

Adam's eyes narrowed. "Does he possess some defense skill, or perhaps an artifact? A contingency?"

Larth shook his head in reply.

"No. My powers emphasize velocity and offense. Yet that spear… proved too swift for me!"

"I see." Adam shrugged. "Then he'd have perished. No question."

"B-But!" Larth's tone quavered. "If I'd moved a tad quicker, I could've evaded it!"

"No."

Adam's curt retort silenced Larth.

"Even fivefold your speed wouldn't save you. My spear would hunt you to the world's edge."

Larth's jaw dropped, words failing him. Adam's earnest look confirmed his truth.

Clap.

Kaerno slapped his palms together.

"Alright, that's enough."

Adam scowled.

"What now?"

Kaerno pivoted, striding to his pillar.

"Now I'm set to host you as my visitor. You may linger here outdoors, though I advise against it."

He peered back.

"You wish to uncover more about that cave, right?"