Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1740: Inevitable Gaze (Part 2)

~4 minute read · 1,113 words
Previously on Endless Evolution: Last Star...
Zin, having used a powerful trump card against Adam and sustained some injuries, finds himself in a better position. Adam has depleted his ancient energy, while Zin still has resources to spare. However, Adam's hands become enveloped in a chilling dark energy, a power few monsters can wield. This revelation shocks the spectators, with only a few understanding its origin and implications. Es'aha is particularly disturbed, realizing Kaerno knew about Adam's Dark Energy. As the tension mounts, Zin calmly analyzes the dark energy, finding a peculiar resonance with something he's been searching for. Adam, unfazed and empowered by the Dark Energy, transforms it into a formidable weapon, preparing to strike Zin.

Adam possessed only two abilities that had been modified, each serving as a trump card capable of altering the course of any battle.

With his Dark Energy reserves running critically low, Adam understood he could not unleash these two powers consecutively. Until he achieved greater strength, a difficult choice loomed before him.

This time, his decision was to summon his spear.

Certainly, his 'Path' ability was likely a more devastating and potent skill. After all, its power was not solely dependent on Adam but also on the Silver Weaver, the very foundation of his Dark Energy.

However, Adam harbored a certainty that Zin would manage to evade 'Path'. Zin's speed, augmented by his mastery of ambient sounds, was extraordinary. In essence, any element within their surroundings presented Zin with an avenue for escape from the area of effect.

"But you won't be able to dodge this." Adam's gaze intensified, locking onto Zin with the unwavering focus of a judge delivering a death sentence.

Zin felt the oppressive weight of that gaze descend upon him. While he couldn't pinpoint the exact nature of Adam's intent, he knew it boded ill for him.

'This strike is imbued with dark energy. No! His ability originates from it! I must do everything in my power to evade this spear!'

Alas for Zin, the truth remained hidden from him: evasion was simply not an option, not for someone possessing his current level of power.

Click.

The Eye sigils materialized, and crimson beams of light descended, Zin being their sole intended target.

Simultaneously, Adam arched his body backward.

"This spear..." a voice murmured, eyes fixed on the weapon in Adam's grip, "Isn’t it rather weak?"

"Indeed, it looks as though it will dissipate any second now!"

A young man observing from the sidelines scoffed with arrogance.

"Ha! He's overestimated his own might! He simply lacks the requisite Dark Energy to unleash its full potential! This is the best he can manage!"

Two spectators exchanged a look. One of them idly rubbed his cheek. "Perhaps I made the correct decision by not placing my bet on Adam Vinter?"

Before his companion could respond, the self-assured young man let out a confident chuckle.

"You should have bet on Zin the moment he stepped into the arena! He is the victor! Once this Phantom exhausts his Dark Energy, nothing will stand in Zin's path!"

Indeed, a considerable number of onlookers shared this sentiment. Most of the monsters present still favored Zin, even after Adam had inflicted two wounds upon him.

Further wagers were impossible, yet for them, the triumph of a monster, one of their own kind, over a Phantom was paramount.

However—Zin found himself unable to concur with their assessment.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

His heart pounded as Adam coiled his body and hurled the spear.

In an instant, the obsidian spear shot across the arena, hurtling towards Zin with astonishing velocity.

Initially, Zin intended to intercept the black spear, but its sheer speed compelled him to abandon that plan.

'Damn it!' he cursed internally, flinging his arm outward.

With wide eyes, Zin snapped his fingers as he shifted to the side.

Whoooooosh!

The black spear zipped past his left flank, leaving him completely unharmed.

'Agh? Is it over?' Zin's disbelief was palpable. 'All I had to do was avoid his attack?'

Naturally, Zin couldn't fathom such a simple solution, so his gaze followed the black spear as it continued its trajectory towards the arena wall.

Blink.

Zin's eyes widened in shock as the black spear vanished.

"What the...?"

Acting purely on instinct, Zin spun around, only to find the black spear hurtling back towards him from the opposite direction.

Click!

Zin snapped his fingers once more to evade the returning spear, but this time, it moved with greater swiftness than he anticipated. The spear's energy merely grazed him, inflicting a shallow cut on his side.

"Tsk."

Click! Click! Click!

Repeatedly, Zin snapped his fingers, evading the black spear, which seemed to accelerate with each subsequent pass.

"No! I can't sustain this! I need to get rid of this spear!"

Zin cast a glance at his apple, biting his lip. He couldn't utilize it to generate a shockwave; its power would be insufficient.

'Right, he's already used his special move, so now it's my turn!'

Having reached a decision, Zin snapped his fingers once more, repositioning himself to the far edge of the arena, directly opposite Adam.

The black spear instantly altered its course to pursue him, but this time, Zin was prepared.

'I should have done this from the very start. Dodging wasn't necessary. I simply need to destroy this spear!'

Tremble! Tremble!

His aura surged to its zenith as violet energy coursed through his limbs, converging at his palms. These emanations were not mere sound waves but an ancient power, discernible by their flaming semblance.

"He's using it!" someone in the crowd exclaimed.

"Hah! Yes! Zin, show this Phantom your true strength!"

Zin paid them no heed. His entire focus was now concentrated on the colossal spear streaking directly towards him.

'It has become not only faster but also more potent, hasn't it? In that case, I cannot afford to hold back! I must commit all my power!'

The violet flames erupted outwards the moment Zin spread his arms wide.

A few among the spectators, realizing the imminent nature of his action, hastily covered their ears in anticipation.

With a sharp gasp, Zin pressed his palms together.

CLAP!

A thunderous noise erupted, imbued with all the ancient Qi Zin wielded, annihilating everything in its trajectory. The very earth fractured, sending debris soaring as the sonic blast ripped through the air. Cracks on the distant walls expanded with alarming speed. The arena itself trembled under the assault of the purple sound wave, which surged directly towards the black spear and Adam, positioned in a direct line from Zin.

“You cannot evade this!” Zin declared in his mind.

“Huh?”

In an instant, Zin’s fierce expression morphed into one of utter disbelief. Adam and the black spear had simply vanished from his sight, quicker than a blink. Tap. Simultaneously, a figure materialized above the arena, bathed in the verdant glow of the emerald clock. Meeting Zin’s terrified stare, Adam tightened his grip on his spear, now towering over him. The weapon vibrated, wreathed in crimson energy amidst a swirling, dark vortex.

“Your sounds are useless against me, Zin.”

Adam’s voice echoed through the space before he moved with startling speed, bringing his immense spear down directly upon Zin.