Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1727: Everyone in Place (Part 2)

The Grim Court was imminent, yet Adam was certain he could reach the northern Hail Passage within three minutes. After all, Kaerno was by his side and would never permit the battle to be canceled or postponed.

Though Adam himself was the one most invested in its occurrence.

He had spent the preceding hours at the Bone Lakes, tending to his injuries. Queen Elisa’s blood remained within his internal space, its stability diminishing with each passing moment.

The blood’s flow was destined to follow a path, either into Adam’s Evolution Tree or to the furthest reaches of his inner sanctum, a scenario that promised severe harm at best, and disintegration from within at worst.

Adam was fully aware of these perils, but healing and preparing for the fight left him no other recourse.

Now, the appointed time had arrived.

Whooooooosh!

Adam's body was swathed in ragged garments that draped loosely from his shoulders, a stark contrast to the coats and shirts he typically favored.

The lengthy tatters adorning his frame resembled an ancient, worn cloak, not quite as extreme as Kaerno's attire, but approaching his level.

"Gah? What is this?" Adam questioned, turning his head from side to side. "I can't say it's uncomfortable, but it feels like I've been draped in a blanket!"

Kaexa adjusted her spectacles.

"This is an ensemble personally selected by Master Kaerno for you. I suggest expressing gratitude for such an honor." Her voice was deep, her expression stern.

Due to Adam being an outsider, he was unaccustomed to their customs. However, few possessed the privilege of interacting with Kaerno as casually as he did.

Even though Kaexa was one of the Thorns, considerably more powerful than Adam, she was insignificant compared to Kaerno. He served as her leader, but also as a veritable monster capable of snapping her neck in an instant.

Kaerno gestured with a slight smile. "No need for such severity, Kaexa. However, Adam, your attire is not yet complete."

"What do you mean?" Adam inquired, raising an eyebrow and extending his arms wide. "Do you intend to add more? I believe this is more than sufficient."

Kaerno affirmed with a nod. "Indeed, I concur. I would even venture to say you are currently clad in superfluous layers."

He pointed towards Adam's boots.

"Gah?"

Click.

Before Adam could react, Kaerno snapped his fingers, and his boots disintegrated into shreds, leaving his feet exposed.

Evidently, Kaerno enacted this change so Adam would find himself in a similar state. Now, both were adorned in rather loose, tattered clothing and were shoeless.

"What in the blazes?!" Adam exclaimed, his brow furrowed deeply.

It was evident that Adam was displeased with this alteration.

Kaerno offered a shrug.

"Attempt a battle in this manner just once. I am confident this style will suit you. Now, nothing impedes you, and you will perceive not only your own Qi and your opponent's strikes, but also the very ground beneath your feet."

Had Adam been the sole decision-maker, he would have promptly stripped off these garments and donned more appropriate attire. Yet, he found himself unable to dispute Kaerno’s decree.

"Tsk." Adam let out a huff, lowering his gaze.

He could sense a faint warmth emanating from the stone slabs beneath him, but he recognized that circumstances would be entirely different within the arena.

"Very well, shall we proceed?"

Kaerno clasped his hands behind his back, nodding profoundly.

"Kaexa will escort you directly to the judge. You are required to meet prior to the commencement of the fight, after which you will proceed to your designated chamber. However, given the limited time remaining, you will be directed to the arena almost immediately."

He then glanced towards Sarka, who remained by the lake.

"Do not concern yourself. Sarka and I shall already be in our seats when the combatants are called to the arena."

Step.

Without hesitation, Kaexa advanced, positioning herself before Adam. Kaerno had issued an instruction, and she was determined to execute it with utmost speed and efficacy.

"We must not delay any further. Take my hand." Kaexa extended her hand.

Adam nodded and grasped her hand firmly, their fingers interlocking.

In that instant, Kaexa’s aura surged, and the surrounding temperature plummeted dramatically. Even the Qi-infused water of the lake began to form a thin sheet of ice around Sarka.

"We shall reach the northern Hail Passage in three minutes."

Step.

With their next stride, Kaexa’s form trembled as she and Adam vanished in a frosty blur, traversing at an extraordinary velocity.

She was not running upon the ground nor soaring through the air. Instead, a solid ice path materialized beneath her, enabling her to glide effortlessly.

Kaerno exhaled, turning his attention to Sarka, who gently touched an ice crystal that had formed beside her.

"Are you prepared to journey to the arena?"

Tap.

The ice crystal shattered as Sarka met Kaerno's gaze.

"Boss, I informed Adam about Zin. Judging by that sly smile of yours, he’s going to be Adam's opponent, isn’t he?"

Although Kaerno had presented a facade of calm for several minutes, it shattered, revealing a glint in his eyes and a wide smirk. He had no reason to conceal anything from Sarka, as she was prepared to accept any response.

"Yes. You know, Sarka, you can be a remarkably intelligent girl at times."

"Pffft! I'm *always* intelligent! If I ever do something foolish, it's simply because it was part of a larger, intricate plan!"

Kaerno looked away, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Of course, of course. Everything is precisely as you state."

He had anticipated an even more audacious retort, but Sarka's gaze instead grew somber.

"Boss..." Her voice, tinged with sadness, echoed.

"Hmm?"

"If it’s Zin… do you believe Adam will be victorious?"

Kaerno tilted his head, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue as he regarded her.

"Why? Has this young man already captured your interest?"

Sarka vehemently shook her head, her large eyes locking with his. For a fleeting moment, her gaze was filled with a cruel, unyielding determination.

"I wish to witness his defeat. I want him to comprehend the precise feelings each of us has endured."

Kaerno acknowledged her sentiment with a nod.

"In that case, young lady, I bring you favourable tidings."