Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1710: News About the Grim Court

Adam’s initial thoughts about the Grim Court suggested an easy victory. He questioned the strength of an unranked monster when he himself, a member of the Fangs, had conquered the Dark Knight. Though he hadn't accomplished this feat alone, being part of a trio that included Larth, Vyora, and Sarka, Adam was undoubtedly the strongest. He reasoned that any monster weaker than Larth would stand no chance against him.

However, Adam was unaware that monster rankings didn't always reflect true strength. A monster could possess immense power but remain unranked if it chose not to participate in the Grim Court for any reason.

"Kaerno, are there many potent monsters in the Hollow Lands who disregard the Grim Court?" Adam inquired, his expression serious.

Kaerno responded, "Indeed, there are a few. Some are incredibly arrogant, while others dedicate themselves to their evolution, aiming for Lord Level. A portion simply sees no value in the system, deeming the rank system flawed."

Adam narrowed his eyes. "Regardless of their motives, you'll find unranked monsters here who have never even witnessed the Grim Court, yet possess the might to annihilate Sarka and Valleyn, even two against one."

Adam immediately turned to Sarka, trusting Kaerno's assessment but mindful of Sarka's expressive nature. Her emotions were often transparent.

Adam’s eyes widened in surprise. Sarka remained silent, puffing out her cheeks and looking down. Valleyn, too, was quiet. A sense of humiliation seemed to grip them. As proud Fangs of the Blade Pillar, they were taken aback that certain monsters in the Hollow Lands considered their ranks trivial, and worse, these monsters were superior in strength.

"I understand..." Adam murmured, another question forming in his mind. "If you had to choose, which poses a greater threat? Those striving to become Lords quickly, or-"

Kaerno grinned broadly before Adam could finish. "Without a doubt, the arrogant ones! Who else would it be?"

Adam chuckled. "Tsk. Were you one of them?"

Kaerno spread his arms wide with an innocent smile. "Adam, I am ancient. Throughout my long existence, I've encountered numerous situations. The truth is, arrogance fades when confronted with an insurmountable obstacle."

A predatory glint appeared in Adam's eyes. "That's a rather significant 'if', wouldn't you say?"

Kaerno simply grinned in response. "Understood. So, as a Phantom, I must prepare to face the most formidable unranked monster in the Hollow Lands. Given their disposition, my adversary will undoubtedly surpass most active Fangs in strength. Have I grasped this correctly?"

"Precisely. And one more thing: though you're likely accustomed to it, your battle will attract considerable attention. Phantoms seldom appear in our territories, let alone a K4-level Phantom seeking entry into the Grim Court."

Adam let out a wry chuckle. "Yes, I know that feeling well. And... given the circumstances, don't anticipate remaining anonymous as you did with me."

"Oh, certainly. Many, including myself, are already aware of you. We haven't officially announced your participation in the Grim Court, but your arrival at my pillar was an intriguing event that could not go unnoticed."

A moment of silence descended as Adam contemplated his next move. After a brief pause, he nodded and looked up. "Alright, what is our next course of action?"

Kaerno tilted his head back, closing his eyes. "Considering the effect of the Bone Lakes, will you be prepared to fight at dawn?"

Adam nodded without hesitation. "Yes."

The Bone Lakes proved remarkably effective, healing Adam's wounds more swiftly than anticipated. Within the hour of their conversation, a noticeable portion of his injuries had already mended.

"I see. In that case, I shall inform the others. Typically, a fighter must endure a waiting period for their application to be approved and the Grim Court to be prepared. To initiate a fight, one must secure an opponent, notify the arena judge of the designated battleground, and naturally, assemble spectators."

He rested his head on his fist. "However, for you, it will only take a few hours. I am confident we can gather spectators in less than a minute, and arranging matters with the judge of the Hail Passage will be effortless. After all, you wish to fight precisely where you awoke, do you not?"

Adam confirmed with a nod. He remained uncertain whether Gladius and Xyrea had chosen this location intentionally, but he felt it was fitting to conclude his journey in the Hollow Lands at the very place it began.

"Excellent. Then only one task remains – finding a suitable opponent for you."

Adam's gaze darkened for a fleeting moment. "That is a choice I must make myself, is it not?"

Strangely, Kaerno offered a shrug, as if uncertain of the answer himself.

"Generally, the approval of both combatants, a judge's verdict, and ideally, individuals from different factions are necessary. However, you will still fight if your aim is to return home and breach the barrier, and..."

Then, Kaerno's aura solidified with a terrifying intensity, darkness swallowing his form. Only his smirk and narrowed eyes, gleaming with shrewd fascination and a craving for a brutal display, remained visible.

"I fear, Adam, that you'll have no say in selecting your adversary.

Among the most formidable unranked monsters prepared to face you, only the absolute strongest will remain. Nevertheless, you needn't trouble yourself over that detail. They will resolve it amongst themselves."

A tremor coursed through Adam as he deeply inclined his head.

Kaerno gestured, issuing an instruction to Valleyn:

"Valleyn, convey a message to all Fingers of the adjacent pillars. Make it clear this is my direct command."

"Y-Yes!"

Without a moment's delay, she emerged from the water, poised to depart.

"Wait."

Abruptly, Adam's voice halted her movement. His eyes narrowed, fixing an intense gaze upon Kaerno.

"You old curmudgeon. Tell me, what are my odds of emerging victorious?"

Kaerno leaned forward, his smirk unwavering.

"Allow me to pose a question back to you, Adam Vinter."

He directed a pointed finger at Adam.

"Do you possess any reserve lives, and how many are you prepared to expend in pursuit of triumph?"