Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1737 1737: Silent Void

Anyone who witnessed Zin engage seriously knew he always kept a red apple present.

On the surface, it was merely a fruit, identical in shape, color, scent, and the crisp sound it made when bitten to any apple found in a common store.

Yet, it was widely understood that a portion of Zin's formidable power resided within this very apple. Each bite he took heralded a significant event, often proving crucial to his victory.

The emerald clock continued its relentless count from the battle's commencement, but an unprecedented hush descended upon the arena for the first time during their intense clash.

No further wagers could be placed. While many desired to bet, none dared to risk Leerna's retribution. She and her aides adamantly refused any additional bets. Now, like any other arena, spectators could only observe the unfolding battle.

"Hmm? What is that?" a spectator murmured, clearly bewildered.

His companion leaned forward, eyes fixed on Zin. "Is that… is that an apple in his hand?"

"Yeah, it appears so. Wait, has he had that apple all along? In his coat? But… why?"

Confused, the onlookers exchanged questioning glances. Only a select few possessed the knowledge to answer that.

Kaerno, it seemed, was among them.

"Well, well, it appears the *real* fight is about to begin, wouldn't you say?"

"Huh?" Sarka tilted her head in confusion. "Boss, what's with the apple?"

Kaerno let out a smirk. "Oh, you're unaware? I had assumed you'd seen Zin fight a few times before."

She puffed out her cheeks.

"Yes, but those bouts concluded swiftly! I never realized he could bellow so loudly! Now he's brought out some sort of apple! What’s he planning to do with it, eat it?"

Remarkably, Sarka had accurately answered her own question.

Tap. Tap.

Adam tilted his head from side to side, attempting to dislodge the residual blood still lingering in his ears.

His hearing was slowly returning but had not yet normalized.

"You may rejoin me now," Adam silently commanded as the two dark arcs enveloping his ears quivered, reshaping into his signature black needles.

"I don't mind, but Adam…" the Silver Weaver cautioned. "That won't be sufficient. You'll need to employ something more if you intend to maintain your winning streak. There’s something peculiar about that apple."

Adam gave a slight nod.

"I am aware. Considering his abilities, I'm surprised he possesses such an item. If this is his chosen weapon, wouldn't a violin, a flute, or perhaps a harp be more fitting? What purpose does this apple serve?"

Step.

Zin advanced, the apple held firmly in his grasp.

"Are you prepared to continue, Adam?" Zin inquired, his voice filled with vitality.

"Huh, looks like someone finally came to," Adam retorted, gesturing to his chest and shoulder. "It took two serious injuries for that to happen. I thought you'd start taking our battle seriously much earlier."

Zin offered a casual shrug, casting a glance over his shoulder at Es'aha.

"I now have additional motivations to secure victory. Someone significant has placed a substantial wager on my success. You understand, I simply cannot afford to disappoint her."

Adam managed a wry smile. "But your own objectives remain paramount, don't they?"

Zin nodded affirmatively.

"Naturally. Indeed, it was precisely to achieve those very goals that I consented to participate in the Grim Court for the initial time."

"Do you perhaps wish to divulge these objectives to me?"

"I do."

To his surprise, Adam had not anticipated this response.

Zin then released a heavy sigh.

"However, I am unable to. You may perhaps ascertain my intentions independently in due course. After all, they are, to a degree, connected to you, Adam."

Zin blinked, gazing at the apple in his hand, observing his distorted reflection on its smooth, crimson surface.

"But that is not the immediate concern. Our fight must persist. This is our shared desire, and it mirrors the wishes of everyone who gathered to witness our duel."

At that precise moment, Zin raised the red apple towards his mouth.

Adam tensed, tightening his grip on his needle.

"What will transpire next? Could this signal the onset of a transformation?"

Slowly, Zin parted his lips and took a significant bite of the apple.

Crunch!

The instant the loud, distinct crunch resonated through the air, an absolute silence enveloped the arena.

It wasn't merely the spectators who fell silent; no, all sound ceased entirely, even the faintest whisper of breath.

Adam, positioned closest to Zin, experienced a sensation of profound strangeness.

"It feels as though I've been cast into an abyss… How silent, no… It’s excessively quiet."

He lowered his gaze to his chest, perceiving the strong, resonant beat of his own heart. Even within a perfectly soundproofed chamber, such auditory clarity would be unattainable. Special, scientifically engineered environments would be required.

"ADAM!" The Silver Weaver's voice boomed within his mind, but it was already too late.

"Agh?"

Adam gasped, the realization dawning that Zin had completely disappeared.

Tremble!

A tremor shook the very air as a black streak materialized to his right, revealing Zin, who took a bite from a red apple.

"What? Are you unaccustomed to silence? Come now, Adam, what could possibly be better than quiet?" Zin inquired calmly before his leg blurred into motion.

CRASH!

With incredible speed, Zin's foot shot out, aiming directly for Adam's jaw. Yet, this was no ordinary physical strike.

Violet ripples coursed along Zin's foot, manifesting as potent sound waves that amplified the danger of his kick exponentially.

CRASH!

The force of the impact sent Adam hurtling sideways, the released shockwave utterly tearing through the void that dominated the arena.

However, before Adam's body could make contact with either the wall or the floor, Zin took another bite of his apple.

Once more, all auditory input ceased for Adam.

All he could perceive was Zin's form, which, in the very next instant, vanished before his very eyes.

"Where did he go?!" Adam internally cried out, his gaze involuntarily snapping upwards.

First, his eyes caught the emerald clock, and then, a silhouette obscured the verdant light descending from above.

Clutch.

Zin clenched his fist, the accumulated sound waves flowing along it, concentrating all the power from the sounds he had absorbed.

"Let's see if you can withstand this punch, Adam."