Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1725 1725: The Decision After the Fight

The Grim Court, by its very nature, required only three individuals to commence: the two combatants and the officiating judge.

Even if the judge was already acquainted with the participants, a formal meeting was still a mandatory step to uphold the established procedures.

Only once the judge had formally acknowledged both fighters and understood their intentions could the Grim Court officially get underway.

Typically, the judge would convene with the fighters several days, or even weeks, prior to the Grim Court's commencement. Following this, an official announcement would be disseminated, prompting any monsters interested in witnessing the bout to make their way to the designated arena at the appointed hour.

Of course, there were instances where events transpired at a significantly accelerated pace.

Given mutual consent from both combatants and no objection from the judge, the Grim Court could, in fact, be initiated as early as the following day. When a duel promised to be particularly captivating, drawing an audience on such short notice presented no substantial difficulties.

However... to arrange the Grim Court within a mere span of a few hours?

Such a feat represented an extraordinary rush and an considerable inconvenience. In nearly every conceivable scenario, the judge would invariably decline involvement, compelling the fighters to endure a waiting period of at least one to three days.

Indeed, it was not an unusual occurrence for two fighters to express a strong desire to engage in combat as swiftly as possible. Driven by a significant conflict, their immediate impulse was to resolve it then and there. With this urgent mindset, they would approach the judge, yet no judge ever demonstrated a willingness to alter their established schedule for the sake of two impassioned combatants.

The fighters were permitted to voice their arguments and express their frustrations without limitation. However, they possessed absolutely no leverage to influence the judge's ultimate decision, as all judges were, in fact, 'Fingers' themselves.

Despite the usual protocols, Leerna's arena was already beginning to fill with eager spectators, a situation that, only a few hours prior, she had not even remotely anticipated having to manage.

Under any other conceivable circumstance, she would have predictably refused, much like all the other judges. Yet, when Es'aha approached her, coupled with the message delivered by Kaerno's envoys, Leerna found her available options severely curtailed.

In reality, even the combined pressure exerted by these two powerful figures did not constitute an outright command for Leerna. After all, she, just like them, held the esteemed position of a 'Finger,' wielding considerable power and influence in her own right.

The primary complicating factor for Leerna stemmed from the undeniable fact that one of the combatants was none other than Adam Vinter, a 'Phantom,' a being of extreme rarity within the desolate expanse of the Hollow Lands.

This unusual occurrence had successfully drawn the attention of hundreds of monsters, with dozens promptly making their way toward her 'Hail Passage' to secure prime seating arrangements.

Consequently, she now found herself under duress, not solely from the demands of Kaerno and Es'aha, but also from the collective anticipation of the assembled spectators.

Leerna was presented with no viable alternative, despite her personal reservations regarding the situation.

While certain judges relished their responsibilities, eagerly holding bouts in their arenas day after day, Leerna did not share this particular enthusiasm.

She could not relinquish her position as the overseer of her 'Hail Passage.' This inherent privilege, which in her specific case served as a considerable burden, was automatically bestowed upon her concurrently with her 'Finger' status.

Unfortunately for Leerna, who had harbored aspirations of a tranquil day accompanied by a comforting cup of coffee, this unfolding situation was far from reaching its conclusion, as a second combatant now made their timely appearance.

Step. Step. Step.

Zin advanced with a deliberate slowness, exuding an aura of unwavering confidence and profound ease in the distinguished presence of two 'Fingers.'

"Will you be presiding over my inaugural fight?" he inquired, his gaze fixed directly upon Leerna's eyes.

'Damn it, it truly is him,' Leerna mused inwardly. 'Kaerno, you cunning old fox. At what precise moment did you conceive the notion of bringing this formidable entity here?'

"Yes," Leerna confirmed with a nod. "I presume your decision is immutable?"

"Certainly. I shall not depart until I achieve my objective, and that outcome is intrinsically linked to a confrontation with Adam Vinter."

Zin's gaze shifted backward, his eyes drifting towards the expansive window.

They were presently situated within an chamber meticulously carved directly into the living rock, affording a commanding vista of the arena situated below – Leerna's 'Hail Passage,' which, consistent with all others of its kind, was located deep within the subterranean depths.

If the Bone Lakes represented the initial subterranean stratum, then the 'Hail Passages,' and more specifically, the arenas designated for the Grim Courts, constituted a level situated even further below.

"I do not perceive his presence." Zin's eyes narrowed perceptibly. "Has my adversary, Adam Vinter, not yet arrived?"

Leerna responded with a shake of her head.

"No, but do not concern yourself unduly. If Kaerno is indeed involved in orchestrating this, Adam will undoubtedly materialize sooner or later."

She subtly glanced at him over her shoulder.

"Should you so desire, you are welcome to remain here with us, or you may proceed towards the arena gates. I shall summon you once the commencement of the fight is imminent."

Zin offered a slight nod in acknowledgement.

"I have no wish to impede your proceedings. I have already endured a considerable wait, and I am prepared to extend that period a little further."

Without uttering another word, Zin proceeded towards the exit, his retreating form soon vanishing into the encompassing darkness.

"Wait!" Es'aha exclaimed, abruptly rising from her seat.

"Hmm?" Zin paused his departure, turning back towards her with a look of mild confusion.

Es'aha released a deep, resonant sigh, placing a hand gently over her chest.

"Zin… Following the conclusion of the bout, might you perhaps consider remaining within my 'pillar' once more? Much like in the past? At least for a brief duration?"

Leerna, who had been observing the exchange from a discreet distance, proceeded to take a quiet, deliberate sip of her coffee.

'Poor girl, she's trying so hard to bring him home. She must realize that Zin isn't interested, though…' Leerna's gaze flickered towards him. 'What on earth is he interested in? He gives me the creeps even though he's at the Elder Level. What will he become when he reaches Lord Level?'

Reaching the Lord Level was a far easier endeavor than becoming a Second Rank Phantom. Still, it was a monumental achievement, and only a select few monsters possessed the capability to attain such power.

Yet, when it concerned monsters like Zin, no one harbored any doubt that this inevitable outcome would surely transpire.

In truth, Leerna and the others were convinced of the contrary:

'If he hadn't diverted so much time to his personal affairs, who knows what he's been up to, he would have already attained the Lord Level. Ugh, when you possess that kind of innate talent, nothing else truly matters to you anymore, right?'

While Leerna inwardly grumbled, Zin gave thought to his response for Es'aha.

'I do not know.'

Es'aha's breath hitched.

'I journeyed here for combat. I have no imperative to remain within your pillar.'

Es'aha found herself without further words.

'I comprehend…' She lowered her head, her eyes quickly welling with sorrow.

Step.

Zin advanced, his voice resonating once more:

'Out of deference to you, I shall render my decision subsequent to the conclusion of the battle.'

Leerna gave a sly smirk, initiating another sip.

'Well, well, even glaciers are beginning to thaw, aren't they?'