Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1726: Everyone in Place (Part 1)

"Hehehe, did you notice that?" a man with long, crimson hair styled like a spiky mane let out a wide grin. He occupied one of the elite seats designated for the Fingers, affording him a prime vantage point of the arena below.

Beside him, on a less ostentatious seat, sat a young woman with sharp, spiky black hair cascading down. Her complexion was pale, marked by prominent dark circles beneath her eyes.

"Mmm... I sensed it too, boss. One of the combatants has reached the arena. He or she... just conferred with the judge."

"Indeed, he elected to proceed to the arena chamber. Well, that works out. We shall learn all when the moment is right."

The young man positioned to his left consulted his timepiece. "On that note, a mere half-hour remains. All parties are accounted for."

His attention then shifted towards the arena itself.

Over ninety percent of the seating was already occupied, encompassing spots for common monsters as well as more esteemed factions like the Fangs, Thorns, and Fingers. The remaining seats were rapidly filling; within ten to fifteen minutes, not a single spot would be available, forcing latecomers to stand at the rear. However, this was not a dire situation, as the view of the contest remained unobstructed.

The man folded his arms across his chest, his gaze fixed upon the imposing stone throne that overlooked all spectator seating. Adjacent to this throne were two additional chairs, more modest in design, yet distinguished from the rest.

These were designated for the judge and their two assistants. Typically, this function was fulfilled by two individuals from the Thorns, affiliated with the Finger’s lineage. These assistants seldom directly participated in the combat or made binding judgments. Their role was that of observers vested with heightened authority, tasked with ensuring the integrity of the battle and adherence to the established regulations.

Tap.

Leerna, with a knowing smile, placed an empty coffee cup aside, her gaze meeting Es’aha’s. Despite Es’aha’s considerable standing, she now appeared subdued, her fingers tracing patterns as warmth flickered in her eyes.

"My, my, all it takes to make the esteemed Finger blush is the prospect of her beloved’s return."

Es’aha’s countenance flared crimson as she brought her hand down on the table with palpable indignation.

"Silence! I regard him as... as a son! You have no conception of how desperately I wish for him to remain within my pillar, as he once did! Do you even comprehend where he seeks his respite?!"

Leerna chuckled.

"Yes, to the cores, I presume?"

Es’aha swallowed hard; even for the Fingers, this was a matter not to be taken lightly. Unlike the Frenzied Shards, which were predominantly viewed as a resource for gifted monsters, the cores presented a significantly greater peril intrinsically linked to the very nature of the Hollow Lands.

"Agh... His incredible power renders him virtually impervious to their influence. He does not succumb to madness from those unsettling cries; rather, he finds solace within them."

"Regardless, there is naught you can do. If he chooses to frequent the Pit, your efforts to dissuade him will be in vain. I understand your hope for his return to your pillar, or at the very least, his continued presence within the Hollow Lands. However, I cannot fathom what circumstances during the battle would sway Zin’s resolve."

Es’aha bit her lip, finding no retort as she acknowledged the truth in Leerna’s assessment.

"Very well, time is nearly exhausted; I must prepare. Do not neglect your own readiness…" Leerna turned towards the window. "Ah, you are welcome to observe the contest from here if you so desire. I wouldn’t object."

Es’aha drew a deep breath, supporting her head with one hand.

’Leerna speaks the truth. I ought to appreciate the spectacle and accept that following this, Zin will retreat to his desolate, silent domains. At the very least, I shall witness his combat prowess and glean insight into his recent advancements. That, in itself, is something.’

...

A mere twenty minutes remained until the commencement of the duel. Yet, even as the judge took her position, the second combatant remained in the exact location they had occupied five hours prior.

Adam’s eyes were shut, his state akin to slumber, registering only a faint vibration coursing through the ground beneath him as a fresh wave of formidable Qi surged towards the Bone Lakes.

Sarka had remained by Adam's side throughout this period, though they had passed over an hour in shared silence. She did not find it bothersome; she understood Adam’s necessity to be at his absolute peak to overcome his adversary. Moreover, she wished to savor every remaining moment within the environs of the Bone Lakes.

Step. Step. Step.

The soft echo of approaching footsteps from the side caused Adam to slowly open his eyes.

"How much longer shall you repose here? The engagement is imminent! All participants have convened in the arena; the sole absentee is you, the primary contender." Kaerno sneered, directing his gaze at Adam.

However, Adam’s attention was not on Kaerno but on the woman standing nearby. In contrast to Kaerno’s attire of simple, loose, and torn garments, she was clad in a form-fitting black robe, secured by five large buttons. Her long blue hair was fashioned into a ponytail, and behind her rounded spectacles, large blue eyes were visible.

"What is that?" Adam gestured towards the woman, his focus drawn to the garment hanger she held aloft. A collection of clothing was suspended from it.

"Ah, Adam, pointing is impolite. Allow me to introduce Kaexa; she serves as my assistant and is one of the Thorns of my pillar."

Adam knitted his brows. "You understand I wasn’t referring to her directly, correct?"

Just then, Sarka spotted them. However, before Sarka could utter a word, Kaexa shot her a formidable glare. The intensity of Kaexa’s gaze caused Sarka to recoil, and she silently moved away towards the water’s edge.

Kaerno offered a slight shrug and indicated the hanger. Even in its folded state, it was evident that these were not the simple, unadorned clothes of Kaexa, but rather garments fashioned in a style akin to Kaerno’s own robe.

"You are slated to compete in the arena, therefore, a fitting attire is required. I am confident you will find it pleasing."

Adam responded with a raised eyebrow.

"Is refusal an option?"

Kaerno glanced from Kaexa to Adam.

"No."

"Agh… I comprehend. Well, I trust your judgment in style is impeccable."

"You must."

With only fifteen minutes remaining until the bout, the time had arrived for Adam to retrace his steps to the Hail Passage, the very place where his arduous expedition through the Hollow Lands had commenced.