Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1669 1669: Sarka

Despite the hurdles, Adam grasped exactly what actions to take and the layout of the Hollow Lands.

Kaerno revealed all that caught Adam's curiosity and beyond, holding back solely the vital secret...

Regardless of Adam's persistent probes, the Frenzied Shards stayed shrouded—their power's origin, their birthplace, and the enigmas they veiled eluded him completely. He questioned whether his present might allowed him to unearth such truths.

Step.

Adam strode beneath the lofty arch, emerging from the blade pillar through its gateway.

He might have lingered far longer here, gearing up thoroughly for the trek to the Pit. Kaerno had granted him free rein to dwell in the pillar indefinitely.

Yet he remained oblivious to Adam's constrained timeline.

'I can't pinpoint when, but without mastering the absorption of Queen Elisa's blood, dire consequences await. Still, all's stable now. This blood affords me ample buffer.'

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Minutes ticked by before frantic steps resounded from the rear, reverberating across the pillar's base level.

Simultaneously, a diminutive form burst from the gloom, alighting at Adam's right side.

His gaze settled on a girl boasting white spiked locks and enormous blue orbs. Her beaming smile, baring razor fangs, conjured visions of a piranha or pint-sized fiend.

"Hey! I finally got to meet you!"

She cried out with delight, then proffered her hand toward him.

"My name is Sarka! Nice to meet you!"

Adam grinned, clasping her hand in greeting. "Adam. Adam Vinter, to be exact."

"Master Kaerno said we're heading to the Pit. Do you want to find a Frenzied Shard?"

"Yes." Adam nodded firmly. "As I understand it, this is the only way to take part in the battle. I won't be able to get the Hollow Mark, but a trace of the Frenzied Shard will remain in my aura, right?"

"Ughum."

He pivoted northward, absently rubbing his nape.

"I could say I'm worried, but it seems you're one of the strongest in this pillar, aren't you?" Adam recalled Kaerno mentioning Sarka.

Curiously, rather than embracing the flattery, Sarka shook her head furiously back and forth.

"No! No! No!" She folded her arms. "There are several Thorns in our pillar. I don't stand a chance against them! Also, Master Kaerno is very strong! It even annoys me that I can't do anything to him!!!"

Adam rubbed his temples. In certain respects, Sarka evoked memories of Alexia, leaving him unsure whether that spelled fortune or misfortune.

"Agh, Sarka, of course I don't mean the Lords. Among the other Elders and Fangs, like Larth, you're pretty strong, aren't you?"

"Hah! Yes! I'm very strong!" She positioned herself in front of Adam, eyeing him top to bottom. "If it weren't for Master Kaerno's order, I would've attacked you long ago! I'm so eager to find out what else you're capable of and…"

Abruptly, she dropped to her knees by his waist, grasping his hand and caressing his digits.

"H-Hey…" Her tone quivered, hunger gleaming in her eyes. "Before we set off, can I eat your finger? Pretty please? Just your pinky would be enough for me!"

Adam reeled from Sarka's stare, those massive round eyes fixed expectantly on his verdict.

'Shit, this isn't a silly joke, does she actually want to do this?'

"No," Adam snapped back, yanking his hand free. "My fingers aren't a snack. Looks like I should've asked Kaerno for a different partner who doesn't have issues with her head."

"Oh, come on." Sarka nibbled her finger. "We both know you wouldn't do that."

Adam arched a brow.

"Why?"

"Because you'd be bored. If Valleyn were here, you'd march in silence straight to the Pit, like two soldiers."

Adam smirked. "Yeah, that sounds boring as hell, but at least it's safe. Right?"

She flicked her hand dismissively, springing to her feet.

"Pfffft, you've let me down. Next time you want to eat my finger, don't expect me to agree."

Ere Adam could retort, she whirled about and jabbed a finger northward.

"We'll run ahead, follow me. Don't react to other monsters or the Gray Watchers. They might be watching us from other pillars, especially the dome ones, they love that, but it's unlikely anyone will attack us."

"Got it," Adam's face hardened. "Will all the trouble start at the Pit?"

Sarka flashed a cunning wink.

"You'll see for yourself."

With a parting nod, their silhouettes shimmered before blinking out, surging north in dual streaks. It looked like they charged into nothingness, chasing the murky horizon at the world's brim, though the Pit proved nearer than it appeared.

Whooooooooosh.

A mighty wind roared across the blade pillar, gaining fury amid the spires before encircling the solitary spire thrusting skyward at its heart.

Kaerno perched at his pillar's rim, peering afar as breezes tousled the ebony ends of his locks.

"Master."

A steady, icy voice arose behind him. The woman, cloaked in obscurity, hovered close to their tower's sovereign, the lone Finger among them.

"Are you sure about this? Considering who sent him here... We could have made an exception. We could have sent him straight into battle at the Hail Passage or even guided him through the barrier."

Kaerno curved a faint smile, his tranquil eyes tracking Adam and Sarka's dash. Not even a full minute had elapsed since they kicked off their contest.

"Are you afraid of Gladius's wrath?"

The woman swallowed hard. "Y-Yes, but it's not just about him. You know who this demon works with… I would never want to face Gladius in battle."

Thorn though she was, her words wavered. Terror clutched her soul at the prospect of such a clash.

"I see. I don't blame you for that. But he chose this place for a reason. If they believe in this young man so much, who am I to deny myself the show?"

His gaze deepened into shadow.

"I'm curious to see what happens to him next and what secret he's hiding. What about you?"