Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1702: Lack of Power

Adam found himself taken aback by the absorption process of the Frenzied Shard. He wasn't sure what to anticipate, but he certainly didn't imagine it would be akin to any other resource he had encountered. After all, he wasn't a monster and thus couldn't obtain the Hollow Mark. However, the Blood of God possessed a different perspective. While the Hollow Mark remained beyond Adam's reach, the energy from the Frenzied Shard could still prove beneficial. Perhaps, he mused, he could now absorb the Blood of God and satisfy the second requirement for the Third Grand Star.

"What? The Blood of God will compel the Evolution Tree to accept it?" Adam questioned, bewildered. "What does that imply?" Soon, an answer began to reveal itself.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble. The amber-colored blood swirling within the bubble accelerated its movement, coalescing into a singular, potent vortex. It resembled the sharpness of a spearhead or the relentless edge of a drill. The bubble quivered as the vortex emitted a brilliant glow and impacted the Evolution Tree with full force.

RUMBLE! A resonating rumble echoed through the inner space as the first amber-hued cracks spiderwebbed across the white bark of the Evolution Tree. Typically, any harm inflicted upon the Evolution Tree was felt instantly by Adam. As the core of his power, even a minor scratch would register as a pang of pain within his very being. Yet, this time, there was an absence of such sensation. All Adam perceived was a surge of exhilaration.

"When the Blood of God manifested here, the Path Construct indicated it was too potent. But now, with the energy of the frenzied shard, my Evolution Tree is capable of receiving this power, correct?" Adam remained uncertain about the origin of the Frenzied Shards and the source of their formidable power. However, he possessed a clear understanding of how Hollow Marks functioned. These marks enabled monsters to wield power that was not yet accessible to them, offering a glimpse into their future potential.

"Hah, if only I were stronger, absorbing the Blood of God would present no issues. Now, by means of the frenzied shard, I've achieved a comparable outcome, haven't I?" The vortex continued its relentless spin. With each tremble of the blood bubble, the vortex struck the Evolution Tree, striving to splinter its bark. With every impact, more cracks formed, sending shockwaves outward and agitating the inner space. Gradually, however, the vortex began to subside, breaking apart into the flows of blood that, as before, circulated within the bubble.

[The Blood of God lacks sufficient power to merge with the Evolution Tree.][The issue originates from an external factor.][The Blood of God requires a sharp pulse for the final surge. This must be executed while the Blood of God remains relatively stable.] The dispassionate, mechanical voice of the Path Construct reverberated, causing Adam's moment of joy to darken into a grim expression.

"Agh? What does that mean?" He cast his gaze toward the Evolution Tree. "I hope it's not you, is it?"

[No.] Now, the Evolution Tree addressed him directly. The Path Construct had fulfilled its function.[You should have anticipated this, Adam. I offered no resistance. The impediment lies not with me, but with you.]

"W-What?!" Adam clenched his fist, his expression hardening ominously. "First, the Blood of God was too potent, and now it's insufficiently powerful. How am I involved in this?"

[Well... Perhaps my explanation lacked clarity. The crucial point is that I cannot absorb the Blood of God without your assistance. Neither I nor this blood possesses adequate power on its own.] Adam folded his arms across his chest.

"Rgh? What do you expect me to do? Perhaps I should strike you along with this vortex? How does that proposition strike you?"

[Hah. You are welcome to try, but I doubt that is the precise course of action that will aid you. You must do as you did when confronting that knight.]

"Hmm?" Adam tilted his head, a furrow in his brow. "What do you mean?" His confrontation with the Dark Knight had been arduous, yet he recalled no discernible changes within the inner space.

[The longer your struggle persisted, the more intense the pain grew, and as the stakes escalated, the faster the currents flowed within this bubble. I am certain that without this battle, a single Frenzied Shard would not have been sufficient to reach this juncture.] Adam’s gaze drifted to the amber cracks marring the white bark. They remained, as the Evolution Tree had no intention of erasing them.

[Regardless. Everything proceeds according to the plan.]

"Plan...?" Adam offered him a look of inquiry.

[Yes, I believe Gladius and Xyrea foresaw something of this nature. I mean, the circumstances align perfectly. At the Hail Passage, another trial awaits you, a contest for the right to become one of the Fangs and, ultimately, to secure your escape from the Hollow Lands.] For a fleeting moment, Adam stood frozen. Then, a spark ignited in his eyes, and a cunning smirk graced his features.

"You overestimate them. Even with all their accumulated knowledge, they could not possibly have predicted my arrival at this specific Frenzied Shard. However, I do appreciate your line of reasoning. So, one more battle, and I shall attain everything at once? Power, freedom, and the rank of a Fang?"

[I hadn't considered it from that angle, but you're likely correct.]

Abruptly, the Evolution Tree's demeanor shifted to a more somber one.

[However, Adam, you should accelerate your efforts. Your focus on exploring the Hollow Lands and battling in the Pit has obscured your perception, but this blood… it poses a significant threat, akin to a ticking time bomb, and your window of opportunity is rapidly closing, particularly at this juncture.]

Adam directed his gaze toward the blood bubble, observing the agitated flames enveloping the swirling currents within.

"Understood." He affirmed with a nod. "Are you suggesting that by assimilating the Frenzied Shard, I inadvertently ignited this explosive device?"

[That appears to be the case. However… this is not your inaugural encounter with such a predicament, is it?]

"Tsk. Regrettably, your assessment is accurate."

With a final glance directed towards the summit of the Evolution Tree and his Initial Gene, Adam offered his gratitude to the Silver Weaver and Lone Blaze for their assistance before making his departure. He then transitioned back to the physical realm.

The moment had arrived to retrace his steps to the Hail Passage, the very location where his odyssey within the Hollow Lands had originally commenced.