Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1704: Gray Stones

The Frenzied Shard had been entirely consumed. For Adam, this absorption process differed from the typical monster encounters. While monsters like Loarh, Vyora, and Sarka, along with others from the Hollow Lands, underwent a distinct transformation, Adam's situation was hardly ordinary.

They were mere monsters, whereas he was a Phantom. In reality, it wasn't Adam himself who had absorbed the Frenzied Shard; it was the Blood of God, specifically the essence of Queen Elisa's blood, that accomplished the task on his behalf.

Regardless of the method, the objective was achieved, and it was time to proceed.

Blink.

Adam reappeared in the real world with a simple blink.

The immediate sight that greeted him was a scattering of dull gray stones, completely devoid of power and any form of energy, lying at his feet.

Loargh swallowed audibly. "Unbelievable. That was one of the most potent Frenzied Shards I have ever witnessed, yet you still managed to absorb it!"

He was not alone in his astonishment; Vyora gnawed on her lip, her expression a mixture of awe and frustration.

"Damn it. My Frenzied Shard was a mere fraction of that size, and it certainly didn't boast such formidable servants. Still... I nearly met my end absorbing it!" she grumbled, clearly displeased.

"Well..." Adam offered a shrug, scooping up a gray shard from the ground. "The only thing that truly matters is that you completed the task and obtained your Hollow Mark, correct?"

"Yes, but..." Vyora awkwardly rubbed her cheek, hesitant about voicing her thoughts further.

"HA!"

Sarka confidently stepped forward, pointing a finger at both of them.

"My shard was undeniably larger than theirs. I just know it!"

Adam raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"So... you're suggesting that bigger is inherently better?"

Sarka nodded smugly, projecting an air of victory.

"You only get a single opportunity to absorb a Frenzied Shard. Naturally, one should strive to find the most powerful and perilous one available, just as you did!"

Vyora's brow furrowed, her fists clenching.

"What in the world do you mean by that? If you go around giving such reckless advice to newcomers, they'll all perish! Regardless of the circumstances, successfully absorbing a Frenzied Shard is a monumental achievement in itself!"

However, Sarka dismissed her concerns with a scoff.

"Pffffft! That precisely explains why I am stronger than you and my Frenzied Shard is far more impressive!"

Sarka crossed her arms defiantly, a cunning glint appearing in her eyes.

"You should have accompanied me to the blade pillar when you had the chance." She tossed her head back with arrogance. "Perhaps then you wouldn't be such a pushover!"

Vyora's patience had evaporated. Her fists clenched tighter, her teeth grinding in sheer rage.

"You are-!"

With a furious roar, she lunged at Sarka, seizing her by the hair and violently shaking her.

Adam, observing from the periphery, simply let out a low whistle.

*'Damn, they're acting like toddlers in a sandbox. How are they even still alive?'*

Step.

Loargh positioned himself beside Adam, the wind playfully ruffling his long hair. The sounds of Sarka and Vyora's escalating struggle continued behind them, yet he remained utterly unfazed. He simply lacked the energy for such theatrics.

"Is this it?" Adam inquired, gesturing with the dull gray stone. "Will there be any repercussions if we simply leave it here?"

Loargh responded with a shake of his head.

"You have successfully absorbed the Frenzied Shard, which signifies that it will never regenerate nor summon any new servants. Thus, this particular location's story has reached its definitive conclusion."

Adam tossed the stone aside, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"However, it is only a matter of time before others exploit this situation, leading to the emergence of new shards, isn't that correct?"

"Hah," Loargh chuckled, a dry sound. "Indeed. The Pit is a perpetual crucible, a battleground where the primary combatants are not monsters or Phantoms, but the shards themselves."

Adam's gaze deepened, taking on a more serious intensity.

"Speaking of which, now that this is settled, I should be able to proceed to the Hail Passage, shouldn't I?"

For a brief moment, Loargh froze, momentarily confused by Adam's abrupt shift in topic.

Then, comprehension dawned, and he nodded.

"I understand; so that was your ultimate objective. Yes, no one can impede your progress now, though Master Kaerno will undoubtedly provide further details."

Loargh made to intervene in Sarka and Vyora's ongoing squabble, as it was time for them to return, but Adam's hand landed firmly on his shoulder.

"Hm? Is something the matter?"

"Just a fleeting curiosity. Kaerno mentioned a significant conflict occurring down there. Is there a possibility I might find myself facing either you or Vyora?"

Loargh shook his head, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

"Under any other conceivable circumstance, that outcome would be plausible. However, in this particular instance, it is not. Master Kaerno will illuminate you further on this matter."

Tap. Tap.

Loargh clapped Adam reassuringly on the shoulder.

"That was a truly commendable fight, and I would relish the opportunity to face you someday. It would serve as an excellent test of strength prior to the World Wipe."

"Indeed, the sentiment is mutual."

With that, Loargh turned his attention to Sarka and Vyora, still entangled in their dispute, rolled his eyes, and went to separate them.

Concurrently, Adam's gaze drifted into the distance, fixing upon one of the colossal swords, its blade stained with blood.

*'If you were going to simply vanish, you could have at least bothered to tell me your name. Tsk.'* Adam touched his neck. *'That was a painful blow, you bastard.'*

---

After several agonizing minutes, Loargh finally managed to separate Vyora and Sarka, preventing them from tearing each other to shreds.

They then departed the sword field, leaving behind only shattered fragments and a few blood-soaked blades where the mighty Frenzied Shard had once stood.

Sarka and Vyora continued their bickering, positioned on opposite sides of Loargh, while he and Adam remained indifferent, discussing the Hollow Lands and the Pit.

From this exchange, Adam gleaned that the Hail Passage held something far more significant than a mere monster or a mundane skirmish.

Nevertheless, Adam had been prepared for such eventualities from the very outset.

‘I am uncertain if Gladius and Xyrea orchestrated this, but the Frenzied Shard proved beneficial for my Blood of God. Could the Hail Passage also have been part of their grand design?’

Step. Step. Step.

Before long, the four of them exited the Pit, returning to the vast expanse of the Hollow Lands.

For reasons unknown, Adam couldn't suppress a faint smile as his gaze swept across the largely desolate plains blanketed in gray sand.

"Alright, that settles it." Loargh extended a hand, placing it on Vyora's shoulder. "See you soon; I have a feeling it will be sooner than you anticipate."

"Huh?"

Before Adam could voice a reply, Loargh vanished at an incredible speed, heading towards the pillar alongside Vyora.

"Whoa." Adam rubbed the back of his head, a sense of bewilderment washing over him.

He, in turn, turned his attention towards the distant blade pillar. This location had, for a period, become his sanctuary.

"Well, let us make our way back."

Sarka responded with an enthusiastic nod and a beaming smile.

"Yes! I’m eager to recount your epic battle to everyone! Hahaha! Larth will be green with envy!"