Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1724 1724: Unhappy Judge

SLAP!

Kelya's palm struck Batar's broad back with force, propelling him forward.

"Hey! What in the world are you doing! I'm injured and carrying Narha, must you always be so unbearable?" Batar questioned menacingly, a warm smile still gracing his lips.

In response, Kelya kicked a nearby rock. She remained seething over their defeat at the hands of Zin.

"Do you genuinely believe we should be content with this outcome? Damn it! We're supposed to be enemies, yet we were forced to ally ourselves because that scoundrel is exceedingly powerful!"

Batar smirked, glancing upwards.

"Well, we are alive, aren't we? That's the most crucial aspect. And… perhaps it's for the best."

"Argh? What on earth are you rambling about!" Kelya retorted, shaking her fist. "What could possibly be good about losing?!"

Suddenly, Batar's expression underwent a transformation, shifting from its playful demeanor to one of profound seriousness.

"Because Zin wouldn't have eliminated us under any conceivable circumstance. Even if we had harbored the intent to kill him, he would have devised a method to wear us down and dispatch us. However, at the Grim Court, circumstances will undoubtedly be different."

"What exactly are you referring to?" Kelya inquired, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "At the Grim Court, the act of killing is strictly prohibited. The judge would simply not permit such an occurrence."

Batar turned slowly, his verdant eyes meeting her amber gaze.

"Is that truly the case? To my understanding, the judge possesses the capability to readily alter their verdict if the assembled spectators express a demand for it."

Kelya gulped audibly.

Within the Hollow Lands, numerous rules were in place, yet no singular authority existed to enforce them.

The factions known as Dome Eclipse and Blade Eclipse were established as equals, wielding comparable strength and influence. The disparity between them was minimal, fluctuating only slightly over time.

Should the collective majority of the monsters deem the demise of one of the combatants acceptable within the context of the ongoing battle, then such an outcome would inevitably transpire.

"Do you suspect that Zin or Adam Vinter might meet their end?" Kelya questioned, a sense of wariness creeping into her tone.

Nevertheless, Batar simply waved his hand dismissively.

"Do not overthink the possibilities. These are merely my personal conjectures. I am certain that some individuals will harbor a desire to eliminate that Phantom, and others will share the same sentiment towards Zin due to his unconventional nature, but… It is highly improbable that my theory will ever materialize."

Batar paused, his gaze fixed upon an unseen point, a contemplative expression settling upon his features.

"You are aware of Zin's appointed leader, are you not?"

Kelya nodded affirmatively. "Indeed, it is Ms. Es'aha."

"And what of Adam Vinter?"

Kelya possessed the answer. She intended to speak rapidly, but her words faltered midway.

"K-Kaerno… That Phantom's advance halted at Kaerno's designated pillar."

"Precisely," Batar affirmed with a nod. "Considering that these two prominent figures are backing Zin and Adam Vinter respectively, it is exceedingly unlikely that any harm will befall them. As for my earlier statement…"

Batar offered a bitter smile. "It would be preferable to suffer a defeat here, at the hands of Zin, rather than at the Grim Court against a Phantom. Such an outcome would constitute a profound disgrace, would it not?"

"Pfffft! What compels you to assume I would falter against him?" Kelya scoffed.

With a knowing glint in his eyes, Batar shrugged.

"Because Es'aha and Kaerno orchestrated this very situation. They alone possessed the authority to compel Zin into participating in the Grim Court. Their decision to proceed indicates their confidence that Adam is capable of providing Zin with a formidable contest."

Kelya stared at Batar, her eyes wide.

"Tsk, have you consistently possessed such a keen intellect? One wouldn't surmise it simply by observing you."

"Hahaha, my gratitude!" Batar chuckled heartily before falling silent.

A few moments later, he sighed, his gaze drifting towards the northern Hail Passage.

"The confrontation is scheduled to commence in approximately one hour and thirty minutes. Would you care to secure a viewing spot?"

Kelya swept her hand through her hair with an air of haughtiness. "If that is your desire, then you may proceed."

"Excellent. In that case, we shall observe the impending battle together. A single defeat in a day is sufficient for me. I am not prepared to endure any further setbacks."

Kelya offered no verbal response, yet her expression clearly conveyed a mixture of anticipation for the upcoming spectacle and a tinge of regret at the prospect of being a mere spectator rather than an active participant.

'Perhaps the next opportunity will prove more favorable? Agh… I suppose the boss was correct. My immediate objective must be to engage in more battles and ascend to the status of a Lord as swiftly as possible. That undoubtedly represents the most direct path to acquiring significant power.'

…

And thus, all assembled in their designated positions. Zin advanced calmly towards the northern Hail Passage, much like the multitude of spectators eagerly anticipating the appearance of the Phantom.

Unbeknownst to them, even the appointed judge of this arena had yet to ascertain the identity of Adam's adversary.

Tap.

A woman with short, light-colored hair placed a cup of coffee upon the table. Wisps of hot steam curled upwards before her eyes.

She was adorned in a long, white robe distinguished by peculiar blue pointed accents on her shoulders that extended upwards dramatically. This attire deviated from the standard robes typically worn by members of the Fingers within their respective pillars; it was the prescribed uniform for executing their official duties as judges.

Directly opposite the woman, reflected within her deep green eyes, sat Es'aha.

"You've traveled a great distance from the Pit's depths to return here, haven't you?" the woman inquired, a touch of arrogance coloring her tone.

"Leerna, please. You know it was my only path to bring Zin back. I had no other recourse."

A cold flicker crossed Es'aha's eyes.

"I was compelled to seize that opportunity; no other option was available."

Leerna propped herself on her hand, a mocking expression on her face.

"Oh, really? Perhaps you should have disregarded Kaerno? I'm unsure how he orchestrates it each time, but he planned this entire affair, and now you've all become a burden on me."

Es'aha offered a shrug before taking a sip of her coffee.

"The decision wasn't mine to make. Adam Vinter, as the primary combatant, holds the authority to designate the venue for the Grim Court's Hail Passage. He selected your arena. It was merely a coincidence."

Adam was an outsider; his knowledge of the Hail Passages was likely limited. Therefore, his choice appearing random was entirely plausible.

Nonetheless, Leerna found herself disbelieving this, though she couldn't pinpoint the exact reason.

"Ugh, regardless, the proceedings will commence shortly." She turned away.

Through the expansive, crimson-tinted panoramic windows, the arena and its spectator tiers were revealed. The Grim Court presented itself as a subterranean colosseum, breathtakingly immense and grand.

"However, despite the spectators already gathering, I've yet to encounter a single fighter."

Step.

At that precise moment, a soft footfall echoed from the corridor, drawing the attention of both Es'aha and Leerna.

Their eyes widened in surprise as Zin appeared, having somehow already arrived.

"I am prepared to participate in the Grim Court."

He declared with composure, causing their hearts to pound with burgeoning anticipation.