Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1733 1733: Catching the Sound (Part 1)

The initial five minutes of the combat presented a unique spectacle, as not only the combatants but also the gathered crowd actively participated in the unfolding battle.

Of course, no spectator was foolish enough to enter the arena and directly assault Adam or Zin. However, their presence and reactions could undeniably shape the perception of the fight.

Meanwhile, lower-ranking monsters, privy to Zin's formidable reputation and noting that he had drawn first blood, confidently threw their support behind his presumed victory.

Concurrently, Kaerno and Garzo, two of the esteemed Fingers, had placed substantial wagers on Adam, the unknown challenger who was currently at a disadvantage.

This situation, coupled with Es'aha's evident displeasure, left many onlookers in a state of indecision.

The majority of the spectators harbored a desire to place bets and profit from the match, but the recent turn of events left them uncertain about whom to back. Compounding their dilemma, only two and a half minutes remained for wager placement before Leerna's assistants ceased collecting bets.

However, the more astute individuals recognized that the decision window wasn't entirely closed. Nothing prevented them from making their final bets in the dying seconds.

A man with flowing dark hair, seated amidst the numerous tiers of spectators, offered a smile as his gaze settled upon Adam.

"What do you think, Vyora? Shall we place a gamble ourselves?" Loargh inquired, turning to the woman beside him.

Vyora let out a wry chuckle. "Who can say? I was prepared to stake a significant amount on Adam. Witnessing his performance at the Pit, I felt assured he could overcome any foe. But this is Zin, Loargh. No one achieves an easy victory against that scoundrel."

With a resigned sigh, Loargh conceded, "Indeed, you are correct. Still, Master Kaerno and Garzo appear quite confident in him."

"Pfft! Them?" Vyora raised a delicate eyebrow. "If they believe this spectacle warrants such confidence, they're willing to forfeit half their territories for mere amusement. I shall place my wager once Es'aha does. My trust in her judgment far surpasses my faith in theirs."

It was true, Es'aha, Garzo, and Kaerno were all Fingers, just as Leerna was, who was currently officiating as the judge.

Yet, despite their equal standing and comparable might, the lesser monsters held markedly different views of each of them.

Their reputations, forged over centuries, preceded them. Consequently, while many harbored a healthy fear of Garzo and Kaerno's raw power, they looked to Es'aha for wisdom and direction. To a great many, she served as an inspirational figure.

She was not a savage beast who had carved her ascent to the apex through a bloody, arduous struggle, but a beacon of proud strength, illuminating a path forward for all aspiring individuals.

Crunch.

Adam audibly cracked his neck, his eyes briefly flicking towards Garzo.

"I'm not sure who you are, grand fellow, but thank you. It's always a relief to discover one isn't the sole fool in the vicinity; there's company to be found."

"Hahahahahaha!"

Garzo's booming laughter, akin to rolling thunder, reverberated throughout the arena.

He gestured towards the opposite side of the combat stage, where Kaerno stood with a knowing, roguish grin fixed upon his features.

"In truth, there are at least two such individuals. And if we include yourself, that makes a trio."

Adam let out a soft chuckle.

"Ah, a true camaraderie. It's unfortunate, then, that I must face this alone."

Garzo offered a dismissive shrug, his arms crossing firmly over his broad chest.

"You'll have to contend with that reality on your own, youngster."

Adam acknowledged this with a nod before turning his attention back to Zin.

"Why?"

"Hmm?"

"Why do you stand there idly instead of attempting to strike me?"

Zin tilted his head slightly.

"Why? As more time elapses while we remain stationary, fewer opportunities arise for them to place their bets."

"I comprehend. So, your actions are still governed by self-interest. I understand that much, but there remains one further point of confusion."

Zin's gaze sharpened, his eyes narrowing.

"Indeed? Pray tell, what is it that you fail to grasp?"

Step.

Adam advanced, his formidable aura intensifying with each movement.

"Why is your focus more attuned to the spectators than to me, your actual opponent?"

"Is that not self-evident?"

Zin mirrored Adam's forward movement.

"I wish to deter them from placing their wagers, a feat I cannot directly accomplish. Thus, their deliberation, those initial five minutes, becomes my sole avenue of influence. You, conversely, are my adversary, and the direst outcome for me would be defeat at your hands. However..."

A profound stillness descended upon the arena for a fleeting moment as Zin's amethyst eyes blazed with heightened brilliance, suffused with his potent energy.

"Though my objective was not solely victory, I fail to perceive any conceivable scenario wherein I might succumb. Such an outcome is rendered impossible given the disparity in our strengths."

Adam's expression remained outwardly impassive, yet Zin's pronouncement struck a discernible chord within him.

This was not the first time an opponent had exuded such unshakeable confidence in their triumph, but Adam could discern the absolute sincerity behind Zin's words.

‘Tsk. It’s not as though he possesses absolute certainty of victory. It appears, for reasons yet unknown, he holds little regard for the outcome itself. Yet, he harbors no belief whatsoever in my potential to win. Damnation, I hadn't anticipated his perception would affect me so profoundly.’

There was nothing else Adam could do but take a deep breath and advance.

A slight tremor ran through him.

His body quivered, and in the very next moment, he found himself directly before Zin.

'I understand he'll attempt to sidestep and evade. But if I follow up with a swift kick immediately after, I should be able to strike him squarely on his flank!'

Adam's hand balled into a tight fist, his body's muscles coiling like taut springs.

He was poised to unleash a punch brimming with his full power.

CRACK!

Moving at the speed of sound, Zin's palm shot up from below, connecting squarely with Adam's jaw and forcing his head violently backward.

"W-What the hell...?"

Flecks of blood danced before Adam's vision as Zin executed a swift turn, a vortex of wind forming around his leg.

Adam instinctively lowered his arm, attempting to block the impending blow, but Zin's speed was simply overwhelming.

The impact, accompanied by a thunderous shockwave, sent Adam hurtling through the air. Zin's foot had squarely struck his solar plexus, stealing his very breath.

"GHA!" Adam coughed out a spray of blood as a verdant light emanated from the emerald clock, engulfing him. He found himself suspended more than ten meters above the arena floor.

A deliberate step.

Zin advanced, his gaze devoid of emotion, chillingly vacant.

"Your blood is all I require, you mere mortal."

With a decisive motion, Zin flung his arms outward before bringing his palms together in a sharp clap. The resulting force, directed straight at Adam, unleashed a sonic wave as keen as any blade.