Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1712 1712: Single Fighter (Part 2)

The unavoidable outcome of conflict among unranked monsters with formidable power in the Hollow Lands became evident to those knowledgeable, as Kaerno had indicated to Adam.

Both Batar and Narha were such monsters, each possessing the strength to vanquish Fangs like Sarka, Loargh, and Vyora, even without holding an official rank.

While other matters occupied their attention, the participation of a Phantom in the Grim Court was an event neither could dismiss. Instead, it became the catalyst that compelled them to reconsider their priorities and reveal their true capabilities.

However, before either could step into the arena before the eyes of countless spectators, Thorns, and Fingers, a decision had to be made between them regarding who deserved the opportunity.

"Narha," Batar's resonant voice boomed as he worked his shoulder. "You must understand that I will not yield this fight to you. My training has been extensive, dedicating significant time. I cannot possibly forfeit the chance to measure my skills against Adam Vinter."

Narha's expression remained impassive. In stark contrast to Batar, she exuded a chilling aura, akin to an ancient glacier. Her gaze, stance, and chosen weapon conveyed a powerful, unspoken message.

"In that case, Batar, we have no alternative but to engage in battle. However, I do have a single stipulation."

"Oh?" Batar inquired, crossing his formidable arms over his chest. "You initiated the conflict and nearly claimed my life, yet you choose this moment to present terms?"

He gestured dismissively with his hand.

"Very well, proceed."

Narha turned to address the woman in white attire, who had remained on the sidelines, before continuing.

"I trust our duel will not be an inconvenience and that you will refrain from intervening?"

The woman responded with a shake of her head.

"Do not concern yourself, Narha. This is a personal matter, and you are entirely justified. Furthermore, even if I were inclined to assist, a Finger from your designated pillar would present too significant a challenge for me to overcome."

Despite lacking formal ranks, both Batar and Narha, like all monsters, were aligned with a specific pillar. The woman who had delivered the message to Batar was a Finger associated with his pillar, while Narha shared the same overseer as Sarka and Vyora.

Narha inclined her head in a deep nod and then faced Batar once more.

"The victor must enter the Grim Court in a mere five hours. We cannot afford to sustain significant injuries, as the Bone Lakes will prove insufficient for a complete recovery."

Batar affirmed with a nod, finding the logic sound.

"What course of action do you propose, then?"

Narha quickly stated her terms: "We shall refrain from utilizing our Hollow Marks. Additionally, victory will be awarded to whoever can force their opponent to the ground or render them incapacitated."

With a deliberate step forward, Narha moved, her form tensing.

In the blink of an eye, she was positioned behind Batar, her katana held in a reverse grip, its gleaming white blade positioned menacingly at Batar's throat.

Yet, his expression betrayed neither apprehension nor astonishment. He simply nodded a few times, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

"I understand. When shall we commence?"

Narha cast a quick glance over her shoulder.

"Immediately."

Without any hesitation, Narha pivoted, raising one leg and balancing on the other. With astonishing speed, like a tempest, she brought her katana down towards Batar, aiming directly for his neck, mirroring their initial exchange but with dramatically increased velocity and lethality.

Previously, Batar had managed to evade the strike, but this time, evasion was beyond his reach.

A spray of crimson erupted as the bone katana met resistance, drawing a line of blood.

However, Batar's head remained affixed to his neck, a look of smug satisfaction gracing his features.

A faint tremor ran through Narha's blade as it became ensnared in Batar's unyielding grasp. Crimson fluid dripped along the pristine white edge, yet the blade could not sever his hand.

"Now, Narha, the advantage shifts to me!!!"

Batar declared, inhaling deeply and coiling his fist for a powerful blow.

His chest expanded noticeably, and a luminous golden energy coalesced around his fist, the sheer force of its power causing the very air to tremble.

Narha's eyes narrowed as the effulgent golden light enveloped her form in anticipation of Batar's impending strike.

A concussive detonation resounded, unleashing a shockwave that surged forward, obliterating the steel columns and devastating a wide, conical area of the ground before Batar.

Everything within the blast's immediate vicinity was annihilated, leaving only the charred remnants of the columns at ground level.

Fortunately for Narha, she managed to evade the brunt of the impact just in time, positioning herself a few meters clear of the blast's trajectory. Unwavering, she held her ground. If Batar represented raw strength and resilience, Narha embodied swift, lethal precision.

Nevertheless, a portion of her attire bore the scorch marks of Batar's destructive radiance, a near miss that had grazed her at the final instant.

"Well, that served as an adequate warm-up, but I believe it's time we escalated matters. What are your thoughts?"

With a sharp clap, Batar brought his hands together, planting his feet firmly upon the ground as he leaned forward.

A palpable tremor began to emanate from the surroundings.

A radiance, potent and luminous like the sun, erupted from his very being. It appeared as though a golden inferno could readily consume Narha, yet for reasons unknown, it maintained a considerable distance from her.

Her own presence was far less ostentatious; the darkness that enveloped her mirrored her serene composure, preventing the scorching radiance from encroaching too closely.

A woman observing from the sidelines narrowed her eyes. She was among the rare few creatures unperturbed by their potent auras at such proximity, but her thoughts were elsewhere in that moment.

'These two possess the potential to reach the arena, yet... irrespective of who emerges victorious, can they truly contend should she elect to join the fray?'

…

Concurrently, atop one of the towering pillars, a spacious chamber lay shrouded in heavy chains. These were not instruments of restraint for malefactors, but rather served the purpose of rigorous training.

Suspended from a solitary chain was a young girl, her hair styled in twin pigtails, her face adorned with an expansive, mirthful smile.

'Those two have already commenced. I was certain they'd relish a confrontation. Hehehe, it's regrettable, but I shall have to thwart both their aspirations! '