Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1739 1739: Inevitable Gaze (Part 1)

Moments prior, Zin had faced dire peril, compelled to inflict substantial damage upon his apple artifact to repel Adam.

Yet, despite the preceding events and the necessity of deploying one of his hidden strengths, Zin's present circumstances were considerably more favorable than Adam's.

With the exception of two rather significant injuries, Zin maintained full command of the situation. He could still employ his apple artifact a few more times before it required a recharge period.

It was evident that this was no ordinary apple but Zin's personal armament, demanding ample time and substantial Qi to replenish its power, a feat utterly impossible in the midst of combat.

Adam, of course, would grant him no respite, not even thirty seconds, let alone a longer interval.

Zin could continue the engagement, particularly since Adam had depleted his ancient energy reserves, while Zin still possessed abundant resources at his disposal, including his own ancient energy.

However, a hush fell over the onlookers as a shroud of darkness began to enshroud Adam's hands.

The two spectators exchanged bewildered glances.

"Is that his Qi?"

"Yes, it appears so. Perhaps it's a unique ability? But… even if that's the case…" He voiced, shrugging his shoulders, his teeth audibly chattering. "Why do I feel so unnerved by this chill?"

A similar reaction rippled through many of the Black Threat Level monsters, encompassing both unranked entities and those known as Fangs.

As is typical across all territories, only a select fraction of Black Threat Level monsters possessed the capacity to wield Dark Energy. For creatures akin to the K4-Phantoms, reaching the threshold of the First Circle—that is, being on the cusp of Lord Level, or the Second Rank for Phantoms specifically—was a prerequisite.

Unlike the K4-Phantoms, the monsters present here were already cognizant of Dark Energy, thus no one questioned the nature of the power radiating from Adam's hands.

Nevertheless, the origin of Adam's Dark Energy remained an enigma to all.

Only Sarka, Loargh, and Vyora, the monsters who had accompanied Adam to the Pit, possessed this knowledge. To a degree, it was this very power that had enabled their survival against the Dark Knight; had Adam faltered, a quiet demise would have surely awaited them all.

"The Dark Energy…" the female monster murmured, her complexion paling considerably.

The young man standing beside her knitted his brows, his face flushing with indignation.

"Damn it! Why did he choose to reveal this power only now? I cannot afford to take any further risks!!!"

It wasn't merely the common monsters who were taken aback; even an individual of Es'aha's standing was visibly shaken.

With a look of stunned disbelief, she slowly turned her head towards Kaerno, who was already observing her with a smug grin, anticipating her reaction.

‘He was aware… He knew that Adam Vinter possessed Dark Energy. But from where? How did he manage it? I gleaned nothing substantial about him after his venture into the Primal Lands!’

Even Es'aha had found it challenging to gather comprehensive information on Adam. Indeed, within the Primal Lands, he had encountered an individual of profound significance, someone who cherished tranquility and solitude above all else.

‘Blast it!’ she cursed inwardly. ‘So that’s the source of his unwavering confidence in victory? No, it cannot be that straightforward! Even with Adam Vinter wielding Dark Energy, Zin has not yet conceded defeat. Kaerno is too astute to place his faith in victory solely on the strength of that single trump card!’

Suddenly, boisterous laughter, akin to a low rumble, erupted from behind.

"Hahahahahah! Now this presents an unexpected turn of events!" Garzo exclaimed, striking his knee with his palm.

Es'aha whirled around abruptly, a scowl marring her features.

"What do you find so amusing, Garzo?"

In response, he leaned forward, propping his chin on his hand.

"Nothing in particular. But are you not intrigued to witness Zin's response to this development? Observe, unlike everyone else, he displays no fear. It has been an considerable duration since I last observed such a reaction from him."

Curiosity piqued, wanting to comprehend Garzo's meaning, she redirected her gaze towards the arena, focusing on Zin.

Zin swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on the swirling currents of darkness emanating from Adam.

"So, this signifies that the First Star, despite your nature as a Phantom…"

Step.

Zin advanced a few paces, not with the intent to attack, but to better discern the resonance of the Dark Energy.

Certainly, it was not Zin's first encounter with Dark Energy. Within the Hollow Lands, a considerable number of monsters existed just below the barrier separating them from Lord Level.

However, he had never before witnessed a K4-Phantom, particularly one like Adam who had not yet reached the culmination of his evolution, wielding such power.

As if momentarily detached from the ongoing battle, Zin closed his eyes, channeling his focus towards the surrounding auditory stimuli.

He systematically filtered out all extraneous sounds until only Adam's heartbeat and a subtle, ethereal undulation originating from the dark flows remained audible.

A faint smile graced Zin's lips. This particular sound bore a striking resemblance to what he had been diligently seeking within the cores located in the remote depths of the Pit.

‘Excellent. This is an unforeseen discovery, yet I have never before heard this specific sound…’ he mused internally, absorbing every minute detail. ‘These currents are remarkably placid, yet unyielding. What else could one anticipate from the First Star, indeed? Ah… How I yearn to stand before it, before the true First Star…’

Alas, the most formidable individuals in this realm would have struggled to grant Zin's deepest desire.

'Very well, that was not my purpose for coming here.'

Clutching his apple with a firmer grip, Zin gradually opened his eyes. He set his gaze upon Adam's chest, focusing on the heart that, at this very moment, presumably held the blood of Queen Elisa.

"Hey, Zin." Adam's resonant voice echoed, drawing Zin's attention upward. "It appears the Dark Energy wasn't what you sought, though it proved to be a rather fortunate discovery for you, wouldn't you say?"

A wry smile touched Zin's lips in reply.

"I shall not conceal it from you. You perceive correctly. However, as I mentioned previously, revealing my objective is something I cannot do."

"I understand."

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Adam's imposing aura intensified, the Dark Energy coalescing into formidable gloves that encased his hands. Each glove bore the symbol of a red eye, now fixed intensely upon Zin.

"From the very outset of our engagement, I was your sole focus. It is only equitable, therefore, that I reciprocate this attention."

Clutch.

Adam balled his fist, and a long, obsidian spear, crackling with unstable energy, materialized in his grip. The crimson eyes adorning his gloves flared with an ominous, terrifying luminescence.