Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1707: Bone Lakes (Part 2)

Although the Hollow Lands appeared desolate, this was far from the truth.

Adam was already aware of the Pit, the various pillars, and the Hail Passages, yet these landmarks were only a fraction of what the Hollow Lands contained. The Bone Lakes, another area Adam had only recently discovered, were now his destination, accompanied by Kaerno and a visibly thrilled Sarka.

"Let's hurry! We're nearly there!" Sarka exclaimed, her steps quickening down the spiraling descent.

Kaerno remained composed. For him, the urgency was unnecessary. Sarka possessed the freedom to visit the Bone Lakes anytime as one of the Fangs. However, her desire was to experience it alongside Kaerno, her superior, a rare occasion given his infrequent decisions to partake in leisure activities.

Step. Step. Step.

Adam still felt a glimmer of confusion. 'Kaerno mentioned this place would evoke memories of the Citadel, but how? What did he mean by that?'

Shifting to a lower level, they soon arrived at a corridor culminating in a set of massive gates.

"Wait... Are the Bone Lakes concealed behind these gates?" Adam inquired, gesturing towards the silver portals that stood in sharp contrast to the darkened passageway. Ethereal, bone-like white branches with a grayish hue were intricately entwined around the gates' edges.

"Indeed," Kaerno confirmed with a solemn nod. "As I mentioned, it's an ideal sanctuary for recuperation and strategizing before the subsequent conflict. In fact, it's the preeminent, and indeed the sole, location for such purposes within the Hollow Lands."

Sarka gracefully moved aside, creating an unobstructed path for Kaerno. He gently placed his palm upon the gates.

Tap.

With a delicate touch, the gates swung open, releasing a refreshing breeze that wafted towards them.

"Follow us, Adam. Adjacent to our pillar, several bodies of water, both lakes and ponds, are situated. We shall select an unoccupied one."

Adam stepped forward, his gaze falling upon the expanse of the Bone Lakes.

A vast panorama unfolded beneath the surface of the Hollow Lands, stretching for countless kilometers in every direction. This subterranean realm seemed as boundless as the Hollow Lands themselves.

Unlike the surface, which was blanketed by a dense layer of ashen sand, this lower region was traversed by numerous pathways of polished stone, with only scattered sharp rocks discernible in the far distance.

In areas untouched by these stone routes, magnificent, leafless bone trees grew. Ethereal white particles swirled around their trunks and skeletal branches. Despite their osseous composition, these trees exuded an aura not of menace, but of profound tranquility and peace.

Yet, the defining features were neither the pathways nor the bone trees, but the numerous lakes and ponds dotting the remaining open spaces.

The water within these lakes possessed a striking clarity, only faintly clouded. A luminous sheen emanated from the surface, reflecting the brilliant light from the floating white particles that danced between the bone trees.

The ponds, however, were filled with a milky, viscous liquid, a result of the bone roots extending from the nearby trees into the water.

In the distance, several colossal stone columns pierced upwards, forming bridges between the lower and upper strata. At the base of each column, gates served as entry points to the Bone Lakes associated with other pillars.

"Wait... Are they...?" Adam's eyes drifted towards a particular lake where over a dozen figures were gathered. They reclined by the water's edge, engaged in conversation with expressions of relaxed contentment.

"Hah," Adam chuckled, a smile spreading across his face. "Now I grasp your meaning. This place... it's akin to a hot spring, isn't it?"

Kaerno glanced back at him. "Precisely. I wished to preserve the element of surprise; I wouldn't have witnessed your reaction otherwise. You understand, discovering someone unaware of the Bone Lakes is a rarity."

Adam shrugged. "I can see that. If I were in the position of those figures, I'd make this my regular destination after every battle and training session."

"I'm pleased to hear it. Compliments from an outsider are always appreciated. Your astonishment is palpably genuine."

Kaerno then thoughtfully stroked his chin, commencing his search for a suitable spot for them.

At that very moment, Sarka's gaze caught something, and her eyes widened in surprise.

"Hey! Look! It's... It's her! She's here too!" Sarka exclaimed, her voice filled with unadulterated joy.

Before Kaerno and Adam could fully process her outburst, Sarka sprinted towards a lake where only a single individual was present.

Step. Step. Step.

Sarka halted abruptly at the lake's margin as footsteps echoed behind her. Adam and Kaerno, drawn by curiosity about her excited reaction, followed close behind.

"Huh?"

Peering into the lake's shallows, Adam observed a woman with short, chin-length black hair. Her eyes were closed, and her hands rested lightly on the lake's edge.

Adam recognized the woman instantly.

During their initial visit to the Blade Pillar alongside Kaerno and Larth, he detected a potent bloodlust radiating from Sarka. At that time, his perception registered not only Sarka but also this woman, whose presence exuded an aura as formidable and tranquil as Sarka's. However, this was insignificant when contrasted with Kaerno's might.

With a gradual movement, the woman opened her eyes, her gaze falling upon the three figures standing before her.

For a fleeting instant, her expression shifted in surprise. This was not the sight she had anticipated upon awakening from a brief rest.

"Boss." Valleyn offered a smile. "I didn't expect to encounter you here. Did something significant occur?"

Without uttering a single word, Kaerno directed his attention towards Adam.

Sarka leaped to her feet with evident delight.

"Valleyn! It's wonderful to see you! I have so much to share! We were at the Pit, and Adam managed to absorb a massive Frenzied Shard."

A quick glance at Kaerno allowed Valleyn to comprehend the situation immediately.

"Boss, he is... is that right?"

Kaerno offered a confirming nod.

"He will soon be participating in the Grim Court. It is his desire, and he now possesses the qualifications to do so. I believe you can perceive it clearly within his aura."

Valleyn scrutinized Adam's aura for a moment, her pupils widening in astonishment.

"Incredible, he actually achieved it."

Tap. Tap.

Kaerno placed a hand on Adam's and Sarka's shoulders, his grip tightening on the hem of his robe.

"Very well, no more lingering here. Let us enjoy this water."

Sarka wasted no time.

"Yes!"

She stripped off her clothing completely and plunged into the water's center, sending a surge that splashed onto Valleyn, who instinctively raised her hand to shield herself.

Adam let out a small smile.

"Hah, Kaerno really came through. This is an excellent spot for some relaxation."