Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1730 1730: The Judge’s Voice and the Emerald Clock

Every spectator seat at the northern Hail Passage was already filled. This was entirely expected, given the caliber of fighters scheduled and the fact that the match was moments away from commencement.

As the clamor subsided, the gates creaked open. Leerna led the way, with the two girls trailing behind her.

"Well, well, looks like we've finally arrived, hmm?" Kaerno remarked, resting on his hand with one leg casually crossed over the other.

Curiously, he occupied a standard seat, while Sarka sat beside him in a lavish, comfortable chair exclusively reserved for the Fingers.

He found no issue with this arrangement. His sole purpose for being here was to witness the fight, and any seat that offered comfort would suffice.

"Whoa! Is that the judge?" Sarka's eyes widened, shimmering with astonishment.

"Hmm?" Kaexa, seated to her left, arched an eyebrow. "This isn't your inaugural visit to this Hail Passage, is it?"

Sarka sat up straighter.

"No, but… She looks so incredibly cool! I want to be a judge too! Darn it! I want my own arena!"

"Hah, you know precisely what you must achieve for that. Ascend to become one of the Fingers, and your very own Hail Passage will be bestowed upon you."

Sarka pouted, her cheeks puffing out. "It's not exactly that simple!"

"Hmph, and therein lies your predicament."

Step. Step. Step.

Leerna's footsteps resonated as she settled onto her stone throne. Immediately following her, her assistants occupied the positions to her right and left.

Presently, at the northern Hail Passage, a formidable assembly of powerful monsters had convened, yet only Leerna and her two companions possessed the authority to influence the unfolding battle.

"I am certain this revelation has come as a surprise to each of you, just as it has to me."

Leerna's voice commanded attention, silencing even the slightest whisper. It was understood by all that upon the conclusion of her address, the combatants would be presented.

"However, many among you are aware that this outcome was rather foreseeable. For today, within my arena, at the Grim Court, Adam Vinter shall contend! You are all familiar with the exceptional talent he possesses, having journeyed here directly from the Citadel! He has assimilated the Frenzied Shard and now stands prepared to battle and achieve victory, thereby earning his place among the Fangs!"

Leerna extended her hand forward, unleashing a surge of emerald energy that coalesced into a colossal clock suspended above the arena.

"The first combatant – Adam Vinter! Enter the arena!"

Her decree reverberated throughout the Hail Passage, its reach extending far beyond the confines of the hall.

Though Adam was situated at a considerable distance, he perceived every word with perfect clarity.

'This is far from my initial experience in the arena. It conjures memories of my confrontation with Fromund. Yet, this time, my adversary is undoubtedly of a superior caliber, wouldn't you agree?' Adam mused before rising and making his way towards the tunnel.

He proceeded without haste, maintaining his own measured pace. Without his presence, the bout could not commence.

Step. Step. Step.

Presently, the faint sound of bare footsteps emanated from the western gate as Adam's silhouette materialized from the shadows.

All gazes immediately gravitated towards him.

Indeed, the majority of the monsters were acquainted with his appearance; however, as Leerna had stated, that information was two months dated.

Adam's current aspect was altered, imbued with newfound strength, and even his attire diverged from expectations for a Phantom.

Es'aha, positioned on the opposing side of the arena, emitted a snort and cast a sidelong glance towards Kaerno's vicinity.

"I simply cannot fathom his actions. What in the blazes is that? It's as though he's not a Phantom, but rather his progeny!"

Kaerno merely offered a subtle smirk. He derived satisfaction from the fact that Adam's new robe had captured everyone's attention.

Adam, in turn, surveyed his surroundings and tilted his head upward.

The spectator stands held little fascination for him. In the Colosseum at the Citadel, the scale was far more immense, though it featured ordinary humans rather than potent monsters.

‘Is that a clock?’

Leerna inclined her head, continuing her proceedings. Adam's sole directive at this juncture was to enter the arena and nothing more.

"The initial combatant has entered the arena; therefore, I summon the second! Reveal yourself!"

This time, her proclamation elicited murmurs of confusion amongst the assembled spectators.

"Huh? Wasn't she supposed to announce the second fighter's name?" a bewildered voice inquired.

"Indeed, did she perhaps overlook that detail?"

"No, it is highly improbable that the judge would commit such an error. Perhaps it signifies..."

Step. Step. Step.

Distinct footsteps echoed from the eastern flank, effectively silencing all whispered speculation.

Kaerno's grin widened considerably, as he belonged to the select few privy to the identity of the individual about to make an appearance.

Much like Adam, Zin ambled forward without haste. He was clad in his customary black coat and boots, a stark contrast to Adam's bare-footed presence.

‘Could that be him...?’ Adam murmured inwardly, his gaze fixed upon Zin's peculiar amethyst eyes.

Notably, Zin's hand did not cradle his typical red apple, prompting a chuckle from Kaerno.

‘Does he deem Adam unworthy of a serious confrontation, or does he intend to test him initially? Ah, perhaps his hubris will ultimately prove to be his undoing.’

Silence.

For a brief interval, an encompassing silence settled over the arena.

It was common knowledge that Adam would face an unranked monster, as per the regulations. The spectators engaged in speculation, with some predicting Batar, others wagering on Kelya, and a few even mentioning Narha.

However, the notion of Zin's name even being considered was quickly dismissed as absurd. It was simply unthinkable!

"No fucking way…" The man with crimson hair leaned forward, his expression one of utter disbelief. "It's Zin, it really is him!"

"Unbelievable!" someone shouted, springing to their feet in astonishment.

"Zin… the Silence of the Abyss! Is he truly going to fight in the arena?!"

"This is unprecedented! What makes this Phantom so special?"

Adam, observing the sheer delirium erupting in the stands, could only offer a wry smile.

This wasn't his first experience with such a fervent reaction.

"Any insights?" Adam inquired, his gaze fixed intently on Zin.

Regrettably, he remained unable to establish contact with Silvana, yet he was not entirely without support.

'Indeed…' The Silver Weaver's irate voice echoed. 'I detect no aura from him, but judging by their collective response… Well, the situation appears quite dire.'

'I understand.'

"SILENCE!" Leerna's commanding voice resonated throughout the arena, instantly quelling the uproar.

She rose to her feet, gesturing towards the emerald clock.

"Your objective is victory. The last combatant standing within this arena will achieve the Fang rank!"

Click.

Leerna snapped her fingers, and the emerald clock whirred to life.

"Begin!"