Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1700: A Shiver in the Blood

Crack!

Deep within a remote corner of the world, a wounded knight emerged from the shadows, collapsing onto a desolate gray expanse dusted with fine particles.

His sole possessions were a tattered cape, his dependable sword, fragmented pieces of armor clinging to his legs, and a sliver of flesh from the formidable Phantom he had recently confronted.

"Grh!" the Dark Knight grunted, his hand clamped to a wounded shoulder as he propped himself up with an elbow on the dusty earth.

He fought desperately to cling to consciousness, while the crimson fluid from his injuries seeped into the ground below.

His vision threatened to fade, to surrender to the encroaching darkness, yet he clenched his fist with fierce determination, refusing to yield to slumber.

"Rgh, it's far too soon!"

BAM!

With a forceful slam of his fist against the ground, the Dark Knight's gaze fixated upon the piece of flesh clutched in his hand.

Adam's blood, a potent elixir, seeped through the Dark Knight's fingers, coaxing a faint smile onto his lips.

"So, my suspicions were correct? I can sense it now. It is her blood. The Queen's blood! Hahaha! No longer do I merely perceive it; I feel its essence! It's no wonder he was dispatched here; only a Phantom of his caliber could be entrusted with such a vital task!"

The Dark Knight's initial doubts began to surface when Adam unleashed his ultimate assault, propelled by his formidable wings.

The velocity he achieved at that critical juncture surpassed the Dark Knight's wildest expectations.

"Initially, I attributed it solely to his fervent desire to secure victory, but... not only was he astonishingly swift, but the very passage of time itself seemed to decelerate—for me, at least."

Had the Dark Knight not fully unleashed his power, that singular strike would have spelled his doom. Adam's piercing attack would have severed his head, as no crimson veil of darkness would have been present to shield him.

Observing Adam's veins throb and his blood pooling on the earth, the Dark Knight's reservations began to dissipate.

It was in that precise moment he resolved to take the gamble. This was his solitary opportunity, an chance he could not afford to squander.

"Huh..."

As if it were a sacred relic, the Dark Knight raised the fragment of flesh towards the heavens. This crimson morsel provided the sole splash of vibrant color against the stark canvas of the desolate sky.

"I failed to obtain the second Hollow Mark and retreated from the battlefield. My adversary survived, much like myself, but... does this signify a loss? Between the two of us, I am the one who secured the most invaluable prize. I will be able to advance, and that, in essence, means I have achieved victory!"

Clutch!

The Dark Knight tightened his grip on the piece of flesh, slowly bringing it towards his lips.

"Let us discover what can be achieved with a single step forward and an entire infinity at my command!"

He took his first bite, his eyes shutting tightly.

"Thank you, Adam. You have bestowed upon me that which I craved so desperately—time."

Thump!

In the immediate aftermath of this thought, the Dark Knight succumbed to the ground. Though his physical form and mind had reached their absolute exhaustion, the blood of Queen Elisa had already begun its integration within him.

...

"Kha... Kha... Kha!"

Loargh expelled blood with ragged coughs, struggling to regain his faculties. The world before his eyes swam in a blur, yet he remained alive, and that was the paramount concern.

Gradually, Vyora also stirred, and the four of them exchanged weary glances.

Sarka had awakened slightly before the others, having borne witness to the entirety of the preceding conflict.

"That knight..." Loargh rasped, his gaze flicking restlessly. "Where did he go?"

Step.

Sarka approached him, extending a helping hand.

"That coward fled! Adam emerged victorious!"

Loargh turned his attention towards Adam, who stood poised before the trembling Frenzied Shard.

Without uttering a word, Loargh pushed himself up from the ground, and together with Sarka, helped Vyora to her feet. All three were grievously wounded, as was Adam, but in comparison to the Dark Knight's ordeal, their injuries were minor.

Within a few days, their most severe wounds would mend, and they would soon regain their peak strength.

Indeed, their current movements were labored, marked by a pronounced limp, yet this was hardly an unprecedented situation for them.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

The Frenzied Shard quaked. It desperately sought any monster willing to defend it, but its pleas went unanswered. Not a single entity dared to approach.

Hearing footsteps approach from behind, Adam pivoted, his gaze meeting Loargh's.

"You mentioned that once we vanquish all the servants, we would contend for the privilege of absorbing this shard. A 2-on-2 engagement, was that not the agreement?"

Loargh responded with a rueful shake of his head, a bitter smile playing on his lips.

"You cannot possibly be serious."

He gestured with his hand, encompassing the ravaged battlefield.

"Had it not been for your intervention, Adam, he would have annihilated every one of us. Blast it all, I can barely remain upright. My legs are shaking uncontrollably, and my head feels as though it might split asunder."

Vyora, standing beside Loargh, nodded in solemn agreement, her expression etched with sorrow.

"He speaks the truth. That servant wielded a terrifying power. I have no desire to engage you in combat, Adam, and even if I were inclined to face you," she met his gaze, "what conceivable chance would I possibly possess against someone of your caliber?"

Adam offered a smile. This was precisely the response he had anticipated.

Following the intense conflict they had just concluded, he perceived neither adversaries nor rivals in the two individuals before him. Both Loargh and Vyora had shared extensive details with him regarding the Pit and the desolate Hollow Lands.

However... Adam absolutely could not forget the most significant danger lurking within their own contingent.

"Me!"

Sarka abruptly stood, her fists tightly clenched. "I'm prepared to face you! Come on! I'll best you with a single hand if necessary!"

Loargh and Vyora exchanged startled glances, their eyes wide with disbelief at the unfolding scene.

"Hey, Loargh," Adam addressed him, turning his attention.

"Y-Yes?"

Adam placed his hands on his hips. "Based on the established regulations, it's meant to be a clash between two distinct teams, not members from the same one, correct?"

Loargh paused momentarily, a speculative look crossing his face as he folded his arms. He then began to nod emphatically. "Indeed, that is accurate. A confrontation between the two of you would contravene the established rules."

Surprisingly, Sarka's reaction was immediate. "Damn it!" she exclaimed, stamping her foot. "What sort of ludicrous regulations are these?! Very well, Adam, you have rightfully earned this shard!"

Adam let out an internal sigh.

'I find it difficult to comprehend that individuals like her exist.'

He then shifted his gaze to the Frenzied Shard and advanced a step. "You shall serve as my initial stride toward consuming all blood, but before that, I shall consume you!"