Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1676 1676: Meteor and Rules

Upon hitting K4-Level, Adam became instantly recognizable to nearly every monster or Phantom, no matter his location.

His fame didn't stem from raw power, but from his identity. The lightning-fast pace of his growth, the countless deadly fights he'd triumphed in, and the First Star's focused gaze on him had spread his name far and wide.

Adam felt real shock that Larth hadn't known him. Kaerno hadn't even heard his name before, while Gladius's name sparked instant recognition from both.

Meanwhile, Vyora and Loargh were fully aware of Adam's appearance and reputation, despite hailing from the same regions.

"Do you know who I am?" Adam jabbed a thumb at his chest.

Vyora flung her arms upward.

"Of course! Hah! I heard about what happened to you in the Primal Lands! You made even Goen himself act! Holy shit! I wish I could have seen that!"

Sarka's expression shifted sharply as she faced Adam.

"G-Goen? That very Goen? The First Knight of the World End?" Her voice shook with awe.

Plenty of monsters recognized Adam, sure, but Goen operated on a whole other plane. Far surpassing Adam in might, he also boasted ages of experience.

"Yes." Adam nodded firmly. "It caught me off guard just like it did you. In the Primal Lands… Let's say I faced a ton of trouble."

Loargh stroked his chin, mulling over all he recalled about Adam.

"Yet you survived, despite the Befallen Crown chasing you. That alone is a massive feat. Most Phantoms marked by them drop dead the instant they exit the Dead Lands."

Adam's fists tightened.

'Yeah... Everything hinges on Frida? Step past that boundary, and her backing vanishes. Tsk, how many more clashes until I match her power?'

He shook off the thought. Not the time for that now.

Adam eyed Loargh and Vyora.

"Why'd you attack us? Who the hell are you people?"

But Sarka spoke up first.

"Pfft!" She scoffed. "These are the exact assholes I warned you about! From the dome pillar! The one nearest to ours, no less! Damn them! They're forever blocking my path, that bitch especially!"

Sarka glared at Vyora. In certain ways, they mirrored each other strikingly.

Loargh motioned casually aside.

"We targeted you and that massive beast behind us too. From what we gathered, it was the second servant of the Frenzied Shard you're after."

Adam's brow furrowed. He realized not every monster saw Frenzied Shards as a ticket to the Hollow Mark or Fang rank. For those already there, they served as potent energy boosters.

"So after we chat, it's kill-or-be-killed?"

Without pausing for reply, Adam whipped his needle through the raging winds.

He braced for Loargh or Vyora to gear up for combat or strike first.

Yet they only shared uneasy looks. Even Sarka, usually itching for a brawl, rubbed her neck awkwardly.

"Agh?"

Adam blinked in bewilderment at their response.

Then Sarka addressed him. "Adam, you've misunderstood us and our territory."

Loargh agreed with a nod.

"Master Kaerno or other monsters must've explained it already. In the Hollow Lands, just two factions exist: Blade Eclipse and Dome Eclipse. We clash often, but as rivals above all, not mortal foes. We vie against each other. No one aims for savage slaughter."

"B-But…" Adam stuttered. "I need that Frenzied Shard! It belongs to us! If you crave it too, we've got no choice but to fight!"

Vyora rolled her eyes and flicked her hand dismissively.

"We'll sort it out there, not here. That so tough to grasp? We've handled two servants already, probably just one remains. Once it falls, it's 2 vs. 2, winner claims the Frenzied Shard. Simple rules, yeah?"

Adam stood mute. He had no retort—Vyora's idea was ideal here. United, they'd crush the third servant, however fierce.

"Basically, a quick tournament for Frenzied Shard rights?"

Loargh shrugged.

"Might seem odd to you, but that's how we handle most disputes around here. It works, and that suffices."

Adam grinned, staring afar. No clue why, but post-Primal Lands—where death or defense loomed every second—this battlefield truce felt perfect.

"Great." He glanced at Sarka. "We're in on these terms?"

"Of course." She gestured lazily. "But first, one condition—or I slaughter you both on the spot!"

Her threat barely fazed Loargh, who smirked expectantly.

"Hmm? Spill it, what's your demand? I'm all ears."

Sarka jabbed at Vyora.

"I fight that bitch! Gonna grind her smug face into the dirt!"

Vyora's eyes bulged in fury, veins throbbing on her face.

"You! You piece of-!"

Loargh cut her off with a wave.

"Sarka, it's one 2-on-2 match, not separate duels. Want Vyora? Beat me first and convince Adam to sit it out. Deal?"

"Agh." She groaned deeply. "Fine, agreed."

Adam arched a brow.

'Hold up… Couldn't she have pushed that initially? Zero difference!'

"Good." Loargh nodded. "Then let's push forward and…"

RRRGGGGGSSSSSHHHOOOOO!!!!

A thunderous bellow erupted suddenly, fierce winds blasting away the dust shroud over the meteorite crater.

The second servant hadn't fallen yet, its charred half-body regenerating furiously.

"Oh."

Loargh pivoted around.

"Seems we've got loose ends. But for four of us, no sweat, right?"