Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1668 1668: Frenzied Shards (Part 2)

From Kaerno, Adam had gained extensive knowledge about the Hollow Lands and their ruling hierarchy. The situation revealed itself to be far more intricate and tangled than he had ever anticipated.

These days, evaluating his foe meant looking beyond mere power levels—he also had to inspect its aura carefully. Did it carry any hint of the Frenzied Shard in that aura? Did his opponent possess a Hollow Mark?

However, the crucial query persisted: what rank did his opponent hold?

True, Adam had only triumphed over Larth after the latter unleashed his Hollow Mark, yet that hardly proved he outmatched every Fang or creature in this realm.

"So, if heading to the Pit is required to obtain Frenzied Shards, where exactly is that spot?"

Kaerno replied by pointing backward over his shoulder.

"Northward. It's essentially the remotest region of the Hollow Lands. The Pit sprawls as an enormous area far below the Hollow Lands' level, mostly serving as a vast refuse heap that echoes the Tarnished Lands, right here."

"Huh… Perfect, both my cherished domains combined in one spot."

Kaerno lifted his wine glass with a derisive grin. "Delighted you're so fond of this place."

Adam rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right. I gotta say, though, everything here's much more intricate than in the Primal Lands, even if this is basically a desolate, barren expanse next to them."

"That's how it works."

Adam heaved a deep sigh while locking eyes with Kaerno.

"Fine, I'll venture to the Pit for a Frenzied Shard. Lacking it means no entry to the arena, and no escape from here either—I've pieced that together already. But… what exactly are these Frenzied Shards?"

He leaned in closer, clasping his hands together.

"If it's not merely another energy form, yet its effects powerfully warp your aura and bestow fresh abilities, then it has to be extraordinary. Plus, from the name alone, it seems like merely a fragment of a grander whole, right?"

Kaerno paid close attention to Adam's speculations, a flicker of interest igniting in his gaze.

Tap.

He placed his glass down.

"I'm sorry, but I can't reveal details on that. Just grasp this: secure a Frenzied Shard and endure its might. That alone grants you passage down the Hail Passage, directly to the arena."

Adam gazed at Kaerno for a prolonged moment, as though probing for deeper insights, before finally relenting.

"Agh… Got it. What about your proposal? Want me handling something for you in the Pit?"

"Huh, fascinating how you interpreted it that way," Kaerno laughed lightly. "No, Adam, nothing's required from you. In the Hollow Lands, no challenge exists that I couldn't tackle solo, let alone need your aid for."

The edges of his lips curved up.

"You're off to the Pit without knowing its precise location or the appearance of Frenzied Shards."

Adam's eyes expanded as the implication dawned on him.

"You seek a short-term ally—someone matching your strength evenly, familiar with a perilous zone like the Pit."

"Pffft," Adam scoffed, propping his fist under his chin irritably. "And, by sheer coincidence, you've got the ideal match handy?"

"Naturally!" Kaerno gestured broadly. "Actually, you've encountered her before. Sarka—she's the one. Bet you haven't forgotten."

"Hah," Adam grinned. "Forget her? Everyone else eyed me, a Phantom, with intrigue, but to her, I was prime meat ready to devour."

Kaerno arched a brow. "Does that bother you?"

"Nah. She won't actually attempt to strike me, will she?"

Oddly, Kaerno hesitated before responding.

"Well…"

He swayed his hand side to side, hunting for words without a perfect fit.

"She might, or maybe not. Depends on her whim. Better stay vigilant around her. Drop your guard, turn aside, and suddenly your arm's clamped in her jaws!"

Scratch.

Adam rubbed his cheek, feeling an odd discomfort.

"You're pairing me with the biggest headache? Just how powerful is she? Won't she stir up issues?"

"No concerns needed there. You know she's a Fang, correct?"

Adam nodded.

"Compared to Larth… Good he's absent." Kaerno's face turned grave. "Sarka could crush him single-handedly, and I'm doubtful she'd hold back from finishing him off, friends or not."

Kaerno's account painted Sarka as a genuine maniac to accompany Adam.

Who was he to refuse?

"Fine by me. Larth was dull anyway. This might spice things up."

Kaerno beamed with satisfaction.

"Excellent. Any last questions before departure?"

Adam pondered briefly, reviewing all he'd witnessed in the Hollow Lands. Curiously, Kaerno had shared nearly everything bar a handful of mysteries.

"Yeah, you caught my fight with that bull right at the start, didn't you?"

"Of course. The Gray Watcher observed it, so I saw through him. Why bring it up?"

"The mask. Is that typical for such beasts, or does strangeness mark everyone here? Some get Hollow Marks, weaker ones settle for bone masks?"

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Kaerno drummed his fingers a few times prior to replying.

"The energy saturating these territories, stemming from Frenzied Shards whose reach stretches well past the Pit, transformed us. It birthed Hollow Marks and compelled lesser monsters to evolve."

His eyes swept over the maids, lingering on the feeblest aura among them.

"Shattering its mask awakens a monster here. Like all else, core principles hold, though we have unique twists."

Adam nodded thoughtfully.

'This realm... The Hollow Lands surely conceal profound secrets.'