Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1729 1729: Rules and Five Minutes

An obligatory meeting with the judge was standard procedure for every fighter before a match commenced, and Adam was no exception to this rule.

With deliberate movements, Leerna turned, her emerald eyes fixing upon Adam from across the space.

Step. Step. Step.

Her approach was marked by a confident stride as she assessed him with an intense scrutiny.

"Are you Adam Vinter?"

"Yes."

Her gaze swept over his worn-out attire, noting the striking resemblance of his robe to Kaerno's.

"Interesting. He truly intended to channel his will through you. It would be a considerable waste if you were to lose."

"What are you..."

Before Adam could complete his question, Leerna extended her hand, her expression hardening.

"As you are an outsider, I shall personally reiterate the fundamental regulations for your benefit. Combat will only commence upon my signal. This is not a fight to the death. You may inflict severe injuries upon each other, but the moment I perceive that the subsequent blow could be fatal to either participant, the engagement will be immediately halted."

Adam's eyes narrowed.

"And in such a scenario, what transpires? Who ultimately determines the victor?"

A smirk touched Leerna's lips. "Attempting to be shrewd, are we? Typically, the winner is quite apparent, but should a complex situation arise, my assistants and I will render a collective decision."

Adam's gaze flickered towards the two young women standing behind her before returning to Leerna.

"Understood. Is there anything further?"

"Indeed. While it does not directly pertain to you, the initial five minutes of combat hold a unique significance. It is the sole period during which spectators are permitted to place wagers on the outcome."

"Huh?" Adam expressed his bewilderment. "Why is it structured this way? Wouldn't it be more logical to place bets prior to the fight's commencement?"

Leerna's grin widened.

"Because the inherent risk, and consequently the potential reward, is significantly amplified. There is substantial information available regarding you, but your current level of strength remains largely unknown. The events of the past two months are a mystery, even to individuals of my standing. Someone has been exceptionally diligent in maintaining secrecy.

"Thus, if spectators were to place bets before the fight begins, it would essentially be a gamble based on mere chance. This holds true for your bout with Zin and numerous other contests. However, the situation changes dramatically within the first five minutes."

Leerna leaned forward, a flash of golden avarice glinting in her eyes.

"That dynamic makes things considerably more intriguing. Some will opt to bet immediately, while others will wait a minute, perhaps observing one fighter gaining an advantage. Yet, in a mere ten seconds, the tides of fortune can completely turn! Those who possess the keenest analytical skills will not merely double their stakes; they stand to gain tenfold or even twentyfold! Of course, a stroke of sheer luck is also a possibility."

Despite her explanation, Adam did not share her evident excitement; the entire arrangement struck him as peculiar.

"Are you suggesting the use of currency? For what purpose? I haven't observed any commercial establishments in this vicinity."

Leerna glanced towards Kaexa, gesturing for her to provide the answer.

Kaexa cleared her throat. "Within the Hollow Lands, the currency from the Citadel is not utilized. However, a form of exchange does exist. Those who engage in betting do so not for the acquisition of sustenance, but to secure territory and the vital water sources found at the Bone Lakes."

"I comprehend. In that case, I have but one final inquiry."

"Yes?" Leerna inquired, raising an eyebrow with curiosity.

"What awaits me as the victor?"

She offered a wry smile, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Is it not self-evident? As the presiding judge, I shall bestow upon you the designation of Fang status. Subsequently, you will possess the autonomy to conduct yourself as you see fit. For the indigenous monsters, this represents a significant advancement in their hierarchical structure, and for you, it shall serve as your passage to liberation."

Leerna moistened her lips.

"Although... considering Kaerno orchestrated this entire affair, it's plausible you might be concealing something further, young man."

Adam swallowed audibly.

He had no desire for anyone to discover the presence of Queen Elisa's blood within his inner sanctum, certain it would precipitate considerable complications.

Little did he know, three formidable beings were already privy to this secret. While Adam attempted to maintain his concealment, his efforts were ultimately futile against Kaerno's discerning perception.

Leerna made a dismissive gesture with her hand.

"Regardless, proceed to your designated chamber. Kaexa will provide escort. The confrontation is imminent, commencing in mere moments. Upon hearing my voice, you are to enter the arena. Your adversary awaits your arrival."

Step. Step. Step.

Leerna moved forward, the other two following in her wake.

Adam, meanwhile, lowered his gaze.

'Zin… He arrived significantly earlier, despite having faced off against the three most formidable unranked monsters here? This is not an advantageous development.'

Tap.

Kaexa's touch on his shoulder prompted him to turn.

"We must depart."

"Yes, you are correct."

…

A minute later, Adam found himself within a spartan chamber, furnished only with a table and a solitary chair situated in a corner. A lengthy passageway extended from this space, leading directly to the arena.

Fighters were expected to await their summons to the arena in such austere accommodations, rendering elaborate comforts unnecessary.

Kaexa did not enter, offering a nod before turning to depart.

"Wait."

"Hmm?" She glanced back over her shoulder. "Is there an issue?"

Adam was seated, his fingers intertwined before him.

"Yes. Did Kaerno mention anything about me? What are my prospects for winning?"

"I cannot provide an answer as I possess no knowledge of it. Master Kaerno did not share his thoughts regarding your bout with me."

A bitter smile touched Adam's lips.

"I see. But what about your perspective? As one of the Thorns, you must be far more informed about this place than Sarka. Do I stand a chance against Zin?"

Kaexa was under no obligation to respond. She could have easily departed, yet she chose to speak:

"You are on a comparable tier. You are a K4-Phantom, and he is a monster marked as Black Threat Level. This is not akin to facing a Lord Level entity. Any K4-Phantom possesses the potential to defeat a monster of that classification."

Adam shifted his attention to her.

"That is quite an evasive response."

"Ghm," she cleared her throat. "If I were making a wager before the match began, and if it held personal significance, I would not place my bet on your triumph."

"Huh," Adam let out a dark chuckle. "I appreciate your candidness."

Kaexa gave a slight nod and turned to leave, Adam's gaze now fixed upon the shadowed corridor that led directly to the arena.

The confrontation would commence the moment Leerna occupied her throne, and less than a minute remained until that moment.

'Very well, show me your true capabilities, Zin.'