Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1715: Final Choice and One Book

A profound silence cloaked the grand library, a sanctuary accessible to only a select few across the Hollow Lands.

This exclusivity wasn't due to Kaerno himself, but stemmed directly from his peculiar request.

Es’aha’s brow furrowed, her sharp gaze locked onto the nonchalant man standing before her.

"I believed that after all these years, I had come to grasp the workings of your mind, its intricate capabilities. This young man, Adam Vinter— I presumed you held him in some regard, or was I mistaken?"

Kaerno tilted his head, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

"What leads you to believe that?"

A frigid glint flickered within Es’aha’s eyes.

"Because that would be the sole justification for your desire to see him destroyed. I find no other logical reason for your request to make sense."

"Well, the judge will scarcely permit the combatants to eliminate one another, after all."

Es’aha gestured dismissively. "I never implied he would kill Adam Vinter. I chose a more fitting term. You intend to pit one prodigious talent against another? Very well, but why would you pit a talent against an abyss?"

Kaerno offered no reply to her inquiry. His decision was final, immutable.

"So..." Kaerno’s finger traced the spines of the books lining the shelf. "Will you attempt to converse with him? Should you let this opportunity slip by, who can say how many decades we must endure before another arises?"

He waved a hand with careless abandon, as if discussing the most trivial of matters.

"Who knows? Perhaps this confrontation will serve them both. Isn't that the very outcome you have long desired?"

Kaerno’s dark, profound eyes settled upon Es’aha.

"Neither your formidable intellect, nor your considerable strength, nor even your esteemed status holds any sway over him. You occupy a stratum far above, dwelling in disparate realms, lacking any common ground. However… Adam presents a distinctly different scenario."

Es’aha’s hands balled into tight fists. The weight of decision pressed heavily upon her. While initiating conflict between the factions would present no challenge if she so chose, her resolve was now wavering.

"Very well, I shall proceed."

Kaerno’s face lit up with satisfaction. "Excellent, that's pre..."

"But! I have a single condition!"

Whooosh!

Before Kaerno could respond, Es’aha hurled an object at him.

With effortless grace, Kaerno intercepted an aged, tattered book. In a sense, its worn appearance mirrored his own attire.

"You must read it," Es’aha stated, her voice firm.

Kaerno smirked, tucking the book under his arm as he turned toward the exit.

"I make no promises. You should hasten. Merely a few hours remain until the battle commences. The other unranked abominations must not surpass him if you wish for this contest to effect any meaningful change!"

Not long after Kaerno’s departure, Es’aha let out a profound sigh, gently massaging her temples.

"Tsk. I suppose this outcome was inevitable. In truth... I had hoped this particular issue would resolve itself prior to the World Wipe, though it would be folly to dismiss such a possibility entirely."

Gathering her thoughts, Es’aha nodded and, with her characteristic majestic bearing, proceeded towards the stairs.

Swiftly, she left behind her towering pillar, the one adorned with the loftiest spires and the grandest tower, along with her entire domain.

Across the entirety of the Hollow Lands, no blade pillar stood larger or more imposing than hers.

Schl.

With a soft rustle, Kaerno turned to the subsequent page, lifting his gaze. He was seated at the precipice of a cliff, not far from Es’aha’s pillar, observing her retreating form.

"My apologies, Adam, but this will prove to be no ordinary battle, far from it. Nevertheless, regardless of victory or defeat, you shall find your way home."

A cunning grin then spread across his face.

"Although it is evident to all that you desire victory, I am uncertain whether your adversary will possess the same inclination. That is a circumstance that requires rectification."

...

Bam. Bam. Bam.

Batar and Narha’s combat raged unabated, a relentless exchange of blows.

"Excellent!" Batar exclaimed with evident enthusiasm. "This shall serve as a superb warm-up before the true engagement!"

Narha’s eyes narrowed as her body quivered.

Several shadowy phantoms materialized around Batar as Narha, accompanied by her illusory duplicates, unleashed a simultaneous barrage of five strikes upon him.

His robust physique and agile reflexes would typically allow him to parry or evade her bone katana, but this time was different. She assailed him from every conceivable angle.

Yet, no trace of apprehension surfaced in Batar’s eyes; instead, a wide smile stretched across his face as he eagerly anticipated the next phase of their clash.

"RGGGHHH!!!" he bellowed, crossing his massive arms over his chest.

His incandescent golden flames surged, engulfing his colossal form and solidifying into a dense, protective armor.

Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut!

The five swift slashes descended upon him, drawing forth a spray of blood that arced past Narha’s impassive azure eyes.

Had any other creature been in Batar’s stead, this onslaught would have reduced it to finely minced fragments with surgical precision.

"Agh?" Narha’s hand faltered.

However, Batar remained unscathed by any grievous wounds, causing Narha’s eyes to widen in sheer astonishment.

"Hah," Batar grinned as the four spectral apparitions dissolved, revealing the solitary, true Narha standing before him.