Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1732 1732: Beginning of the Risks and a Scheme from Above

Adam moved first, but it was him who ended up taking a blow, not Zin. The strike to his abdomen caused significant pain, and a minor laceration appeared on his left ear.

Adam was only beginning to grasp how fortunate he was that the Silver Weaver had issued a timely warning, enabling him to evade the attack.

In various territories, ordinary items like stones and trees possessed distinct durability levels. This variance was directly tied to the energy density, often serving as a precise indicator of an area's inherent danger.

Consequently, the humble pebble Adam held in his hand proved to be one of the most resilient objects he had ever encountered.

"I can't even make it chip!" Adam thought to himself, turning to inspect the wall's damage again. "Yet, it only took him a single flick to cause this!"

Had Zin's sonic projectile struck Adam directly in the head, neck, or heart, their confrontation would have concluded immediately.

While it appeared to be a complete setback for Adam, the reality was somewhat different.

Kaerno chuckled, placing a hand on his hip.

"Ha, so that's the game he decided to play."

He then lifted his arm, and his energy coalesced into three translucent cubes.

"I'm wagering three land cubes on Adam Vinter's victory!" Kaerno announced, his voice reverberating throughout the arena.

A hush fell over the crowd.

Following a brief silence, Leerna's primary assistant, the young woman beside her, gave a slight nod and inscribed his name onto the record by making swift strokes on the stone tablet.

"W-What? He's betting on that Phantom?" the young man exclaimed, visibly surprised.

The woman seated next to him smirked. "Hmph, he has far too much faith in him! Though, I don't mind one bit; it's a splendid opportunity to gain more land!"

She raised her hand, and a white cube, identical to Kaerno's, materialized above her, though it was just one. For Kaerno, even three land cubes held little significance, being a Finger. Others often lacked his extensive resources.

"I'm placing one land cube on Zin's victory, the Silence of the Abyss!"

"I second that!"

"Me as well! Two land cubes on Zin!"

"Don't overlook me! I'm betting my land cube on the second combatant!"

Leerna, presiding as the judge, observed these proceedings with a subtle smile gracing her lips. Her assistants diligently recorded the bets on the stone boards, noting down the names of every participant placing a wager.

The emerald clock indicated that the spectators had just three minutes remaining to finalize their bets.

'Well, well,' Leerna mused silently, directing her gaze toward Zin. 'It appears the first round favors your opponent, doesn't it?'

Kaerno and a significant number of others shared this sentiment.

Indeed, Adam had sustained two injuries – a missed strike and a superficial cut – but the current concern transcended mere wounds.

Zin harbored a desire for exclusive profit from their match, whereas Adam held a divergent view. He was indifferent to others' gains as long as his own objective was met; specifically, securing a portion of land within the Hollow Lands for himself.

Influenced by Kaerno's initial wager, the others perceived this as their chance to secure substantial financial returns.

They chose to bet on Zin, opting for a calculated risk rather than placing faith in Adam's potential victory. While this decision might seem rash and illogical, being the inaugural encounter between the fighters, if their gamble paid off, Kaerno's land cubes, along with numerous others from subsequent bets, would be theirs.

As their name suggested, the land cubes represented parcels of land, each a cubic meter in size, and could be situated anywhere – adjacent to the pillar, within the Bone Lakes, or even inside the pillar itself.

Once all bets were settled, the judge's assistants, along with the triumphant and defeated parties, would determine the specific territories awarded. For the present, the wagers were solely on the allocation of space. This system facilitated swift, adaptable betting and helped preempt conflicts during the fight, considering the spectators' limited five-minute window while the match was underway.

These were unconventional wagers, yet the rules themselves deviated from the norm. At the Citadel, bets were consistently placed prior to the commencement of any fight – a standard regulation. However, the Grim Court operated under a different set of protocols.

Kaerno narrowed his eyes, closely observing Zin's expression. Though Zin attempted to mask it, the tension in his facial muscles betrayed his internal irritation.

'Everything unfolded precisely as Adam intended, though not necessarily as he executed. Still, that wasn't enough to destabilize Zin's composure.'

For a fleeting moment, Kaerno's smirk transformed into an expansive grin.

'Ultimately, he will be compelled to engage in a brutal, bloody confrontation if he wishes to hear the blood of Queen Elisa spill!'

Es'aha also perceived Zin's demeanor, and Kaerno's reaction sent a shiver of apprehension through her.

'Y-You scoundrel! Why the devil is your grin so wide? Zin is one of us! You should be celebrating him, not that human!'

Es'aha tightly gripped the material of her robe, but she refrained from placing any wager.

"Ghah."

Abruptly, a deep rumble originated from a few rows behind her, prompting her to turn her head.

The individual with fiery red hair set aside his beverage container and proceeded to wipe his mouth using the back of his hand.

Despite being clad only in a loose-fitting black shirt and brown trousers, he occupied the substantial stone seat designated for the 'Fingers.' Unlike Kaerno and Sarka, who had shifted their positions, he remained precisely where he belonged.

"Very well, I believe I have grasped the situation at hand," the man declared, raising his hand as a brilliant flash of light bathed his section.

The six luminous white cubes ascended above him as his voice resonated:

"I place a wager of six 'land cubes' on Adam Vinter emerging victorious. Kindly record my bet."

The primary assistant offered a slight nod, continuing her duties without a sound.

"GARZO!!!"

Es'aha cried out, standing abruptly.

"What on earth are you doing? How could you possibly stake such a substantial sum on that... on that fighter!!!"

In reply, Garzo leaned forward, his amber irises gleaming intensely.

"What do you mean? I am simply following his lead."

His gaze shifted towards Adam, who met his stare across the vast expanse of the arena.

"I am going to triumph. Is that not correct, Adam?"