Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1720 1720: The Unknown Sound (Part 2)

Zin harbored peculiar inclinations.

These stemmed entirely from his fascination with diverse auditory phenomena; his intellect and auditory senses were both his greatest boon and his most significant detriment.

It was precisely this unique disposition that led him to this desolate location. He was seated upon a flat stone, facing a pulsating core that possessed the power to madden even the mightiest Lords, yet it had no such effect on him.

He perceived the lamentations originating from the core. Unlike others, these sounds did not overwhelm him. Furthermore, instead of intensifying its impact, it produced the opposite effect, bestowing upon him tranquility and stillness amidst the barren expanse.

Still, this did not imply that Zin desired to spend his entire existence enveloped in silence or in the company of melodies that others found unsettling.

No, he was perpetually open to experiencing novel, unconventional sounds, but for many years, this had been a persistent dilemma he found insurmountable.

"I comprehend..." Zin massaged his temples. "This time, Es'aha, your assessment is correct. It is of no consequence whether Adam Vinter emerges victorious or defeated; subsequently, he will depart from the Hollow Lands, and the blood of Quin Elisa, the very essence that fuels his strength, will be depleted. This represents the sole advantageous outcome for him."

Though Zin might have appeared peculiar at first glance, he was, fundamentally, a formidable entity. It was not a difficult task for either him or Es'aha to ascertain Adam's true objective based on his actions.

Es'aha offered a slight nod.

"As you are aware, the confrontation with Adam Vinter has captured the attention of every unranked entity within the Hollow Lands. All understand that such a singular opportunity is unlikely to present itself again in the foreseeable future. However, none are cognizant of Queen Elisa's blood. They aspire to vanquish him simply because it would be an unparalleled feat, an achievement none other could replicate."

None of this held any significance for Zin, a fact clearly conveyed by his impassive demeanor. He felt no need to prove himself or defeat any adversary. That was not his ultimate goal.

Yet, if he desired knowledge regarding Queen Elisa's blood, he would inevitably have to confront Adam Vinter.

Following a brief interlude of charged silence, Zin inclined his head and addressed Es'aha:

"When is the engagement scheduled to commence?"

"Three o'clock."

She had invested a considerable amount of effort in preparation and in reaching this very location.

"In which Hail Passage will the conflict unfold?"

"The northern passage, situated in the central sector."

Without uttering another word, Zin gracefully rose from the flat rock, dislodging a fine layer of dust that cascaded from his trousers and the lower hems of his coat.

'Damn it,' Es'aha bit her lip. 'Did I succeed? Did I finally accomplish it? Ah... Zin, you are finally coming back home.'

"Do you require my assistance?" she inquired, striving to maintain the dignified composure befitting a sovereign. "You will need to traverse the entire Pit, a journey that will undoubtedly consume a significant amount of time.

I can provide aid."

Zin turned his gaze towards her over his shoulder.

"Hmm? It is unusual to hear such an offer from you. If you were a stranger, I would not be taken aback, but you are acutely aware, more so than anyone, that I possess the capability to navigate this challenge independently."

Step. Step. Step.

Undeterred by apprehension, Zin advanced directly towards the core.

Almost instinctively, Es'aha extended her hand, attempting to halt his progress.

'No.'

She did not proceed with her action.

'He will not be harmed. I am confident that the maddening resonance is nothing more than ambient noise to him.'

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

The dark tendrils quivered, encircling Zin but refraining from making contact. They harbored a distinct fear of him, stemming from his deliberate disregard of their presence.

Pausing directly before the core, Zin pivoted and retrieved a crimson apple from atop one of the sinuous roots.

He then stepped aside as the obscuring tendrils parted, creating an unobstructed passage for his egress.

"I shall cherish the memories of this place. However, the time has come for me to venture forth."

He paused, fixing his gaze upon Es'aha.

"Will you bear witness to the ensuing contest?"

In response, she placed her hand over her heart and offered a warm, radiant smile.

"Absolutely. To behold you in combat at the Grim Court. It is the realization of a long-held aspiration."

"Very well, that is entirely your prerogative."

Zin performed a dismissive shrug and raised the vibrant red apple to his lips.

CRUNCH!

With a resounding crack, he bit into the fruit.

Concurrently, his entire form vibrated as an absolute, profound silence descended upon the surroundings.

No, that was not the sensation Es'aha experienced. It was not mere silence enveloping her, but rather an utter void. All discernible sounds had ceased to exist, as if she had been plunged into the cosmic emptiness.

Blink.

She blinked, and Zin had vanished from her sight.

A few moments later, the symphony of sounds gradually returned, accompanied by powerful gusts of wind that swept past Es'aha, playfully rustling her scarlet tresses.

…

TREMBLE!

A solitary, almost imperceptible tremor pulsed through the entirety of the Hollow Lands. Yet, a man seated upon a rocky outcrop, engrossed in a book, allowed a knowing smirk to grace his lips.

"Well, well..." Kaerno hummed, his eyes alight with a glint of triumph. "So she managed it? She successfully convinced him? Hmm, I shall make it a point to express my gratitude to Gladius and Xyrea when next I encounter them. Were it not for their involvement, we would never have been graced with such an enthralling spectacle."

Clasp.

Kaerno closed his tome, marking his place on the tenth page, and gracefully rose to his feet, poised atop the sharp pinnacle of the rock.

"He's already here. Adam is unaware for now, though it's not something he needs to know; he will witness everything within the arena. However..."

Kaerno's words trailed off, a wide grin stretching across his face.

"This will be quite the unwelcome surprise for some." He gave a casual shrug. "There's nothing that can be done. The victor will be the strongest, naturally."

A smug smile playing on his lips, Kaerno disappeared, making his way towards the Hail Passage. The Grim Court proceedings were still hours away, but securing the prime vantage points beforehand was essential.

He and Es'aha were the sole individuals privy to the truly extraordinary nature of this impending battle.

…

Concurrently, the three principal figures vying for the Grim Court were engaged in a fierce confrontation.

Bam! Bam! Bam!

A relentless assault of strikes from Kelya bombarded Batar, who struggled to shield himself with his amassed power. It was a difficult defense, but he managed to hold his ground.

Just as they braced to resume their exchange, a glinting, sharp blade, intent on bisecting both combatants, flashed through their vision.

"Damn it!"

In unison, Kelya and Batar evaded Narha's blade, which sliced through empty air, only encountering the displaced wind.

"Tsk." Kelya scoffed. "Give it up! You have no chance against us."

Narha turned her gaze towards Kelya. "Defeat me first, then you can talk."

The next violent clash was imminent, but a sudden occurrence caused them all to freeze mid-motion.

Step.

A single, deliberate step was all it took for their attention to snap in the same direction, their eyes widening with a mixture of shock and apprehension.

Batar swallowed hard. "No... How could this possibly happen..."

Their stunned gazes fell upon Zin, who stood holding a flawless red apple, his expression one of complete composure.