Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1718 1718: Silence of the Abyss

Sarka offered no denial nor justification, simply freezing as though a specter had materialized before her or a ghastly memory had resurfaced. In essence, this was precisely the case.

"It seems you've overlooked the most perilous unranked monster?" Adam’s gaze fixed upon Sarka.

After a brief interval, she managed a headshake, slowly regaining her composure.

"No, that's not quite it. I... I completely overlooked him. It's not that I doubt his strength or intended to withhold information from you, it's just..."

Adam's eyebrow arched, taken aback by the pronounced uncertainty in Sarka's voice when discussing this particular combatant.

"It's just that I can't fathom the slightest possibility of him engaging in combat, especially not at the Grim Court. I can scarcely recall the last instance of hearing about him. All I'm aware of is his absence from the Hollow Lands for several months, perhaps even longer..."

A reflexive stroke along her shoulder sent a shiver down her spine.

"He frequents the Pit, spending days, even weeks there. He shows no inclination to return to his designated pillar, despite it being the most formidable blade pillar within the entirety of the Hollow Lands!"

Adam's eyes narrowed.

"You mentioned it was him. What compels him to remain at the Pit?"

Sarka, however, only offered an apologetic shake of her head.

"My apologies, but I possess no knowledge regarding that matter. Truly, you shouldn't trouble yourself over it. He has never demonstrated any interest in conventional battles or the Grim Court. This news will not entice him to return and alter his decision. It will not hold the same sway over him as it does for Batar, Narha, Kelya, and the others."

'I comprehend,' Adam mused inwardly. 'She harbors apprehension towards him. Yet, Sarka herself is a formidable monster, considerably more powerful than Larth, even though both are classified as Fangs. While Batar, Narha, and Kelya rank above them, she speaks of them as formidable warriors, whereas her voice trembles when referring to that one monster.'

Adam leaned forward, his expression imbued with unwavering seriousness.

"Thank you, Sarka. You have been of great assistance."

"Have I?"

Adam offered a profound nod.

"Indeed. But before we conclude, I require one more piece of information."

"Yes?"

"What is his name?"

Sarka swallowed audibly.

"R-Right... Of course! I shall tell you!"

Casting furtive glances around, as if fearing eavesdroppers, she leaned closer and imparted in a hushed tone:

"His name - it is..."

...

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Within, the core vibrated intensely, bathed in the amber flame, while tendrils pulsed through the dark roots.

Typically, no sentient being would dare venture this deep into the Pit, particularly into the expanses veiled by suffocating dark mists. These were designated forbidden zones, situated too remotely, with pathways to them fraught with peril.

Yet, at this very moment, two entities occupied this forsaken area, beings of vastly disparate power levels, though only one harbored a vested interest in this confrontation.

One living presence was already an overabundance for this locale; two represented an unprecedented anomaly.

With measured grace, Es'aha alighted upon the ground. The atmospheric currents surrounding her quivered, responsive to the sheer force of her aura.

Upon her feet meeting the earth, she directed her attention toward the core, her gaze momentarily hardening with resolve.

'It remains stable, as anticipated, yet the inherent danger is immense. These zones are cordoned off for valid reasons! No one ought to be present here! Ever! Until the appointed time for action arrives!'

In stark contrast to the unburdened Kaerno, Es'aha embodied the archetype of a resolute leader. She firmly believed that the preservation of their lands, their very home, necessitated strict adherence to established protocols. This principle guided her actions and was what she expected from all others.

Her insistence on this was not rooted in a fear that rule-breakers could directly imperil their territories; rather, it stemmed from the presence of exceptionally dangerous and potentially destructive secrets harbored within their domain.

Her eyes remained fixed upon the core, her fists clenched with palpable intensity.

'Even I, even I can sense its insidious attempts to infiltrate my mind! How it endeavors to corrupt my thoughts!'

Indeed, if a Fang or even a Thorn were to find themselves in this predicament, their immediate instinct would be to extricate themselves from this place with utmost haste. They would engage in a desperate struggle, not with physical armaments or their bodies, but with their very minds, and with each passing moment spent here, their chances of survival would dwindle exponentially.

Only beings of immense power, such as Es'aha, Kaerno, and the other Fingers, possessed the fortitude to remain in close proximity to the cores without succumbing to their corrupting influence.

Despite this, the young man had been seated upon a flat rock for a considerable duration, his focus fixated upon a singular object – the crimson apple.

He had neither succumbed to madness nor met his end. Perhaps, at this very moment, his mind and spirit were in a state of greater tranquility than Es'aha's.

Although... that assessment might be inaccurate. Es'aha possessed the capacity to obliterate this young man with a mere gesture. In terms of raw power, their respective levels were worlds apart.

However, she harbored no intention of doing so. She was prepared to exert any effort necessary to persuade this young man to rejoin her pillar, but she understood she could not compel him against his will.

Es'aha had tried. Repeatedly, she devised new strategies, only to eventually relinquish her efforts, resigned to accepting this peculiar predicament for what it was.

Maybe... Maybe Kaerno speaks the truth. This opportunity, it's the only one I have, no... it's the absolute best path I can take!

Step. Step. Step.

Her regal bearing restored and confidence surging, she advanced towards the young man, coming to a halt at his right side.

"Zin, I need to speak with you." Es'aha's voice cut through the silence.

Besides the faint tremor of a core, the cracking roots, and the occasional gust of wind, no other sound had been heard for several long hours.

Slowly, the young man turned his head towards her. His unusual amethyst eyes reflected her image. While her gaze could instill terror in most beasts dwelling in this world, Zin regarded her with an unreadable expression.

He cast a brief glance behind her, then his attention returned to the crimson apple.

"Leave me be. I have no reason to return home, not at this moment."

His voice was mild, devoid of any malice or anger. Within this desolate locale, he found a sense of peace.

Es'aha had anticipated such a reply, yet this time, she was resolute in her refusal to retreat.

"I bring news. Please, converse with me."

He remained fixated on the red apple.

Fists clenched, Es'aha resolved to seize this moment, taking a calculated risk:

"Zin, heir to the Silence of the Abyss! A Phantom named Adam Vinter issues a formal challenge to a duel at the Grim Court!"

Remarkably, he turned his head, his expression as composed as before. However, a subtle shift occurred within his eyes – a flicker that rekindled Es'aha's hope.