Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1741: Golden Rod (Part 1)

The true menace of the black spear wasn't its unblockable, undodgeable nature, but rather the uncertainty Adam's power presented to his opponents.

Any fighter, regardless of experience, seeing the Dark Energy-infused black spear would instinctively attempt to evade it – a logical, correct response.

Zin was no different, possessing the agility to execute such a maneuver with ease.

Yet, this predictability was precisely Adam's gambit.

Each time the black spear missed its mark, it gained momentum and potency, its crimson energy, an extension of Adam's own ability, augmenting the Dark Energy.

This critical detail eluded Zin until the direst moment. By the time he chose to counter the spear with a clap amplified by his Ancient Energy, it was already too late.

"Gh!" A wave of sound, barely endurable, washed over the spectators as they instinctively covered their ears.

Even those seated far behind Zin felt the concussive force, a sharp pain piercing their hearing. The immense power of his clap left a significant scar on the arena, a structure more robust than any Adam had previously encountered, its stones dwarfing the Citadel's steel fortifications.

Before they could fully process the sonic assault, the next, decisive phase of the battle unfolded.

"Agh...?" The young man cast his gaze upward, towards the looming shadow beneath the emerald clock. "How did he arrive there so swiftly?"

In the next instant, both Zin and the onlookers witnessed Adam unleash the black spear, a crimson streak descending directly upon Zin.

Zin's fingers spasmed, but the speed of the attack rendered any reaction futile.

He extended his left arm, a desperate, instinctual gesture as if to grasp the incoming spear.

BLAST!

The arena convulsed, sending a plume of dust skyward, obscuring the impact zone, Adam, and even the hovering emerald clock at the zenith.

For a breathless interval, only a towering dust column and a faint, scattered emerald glow from above were visible.

Whoooooosh!

Adam emerged from the dust shroud, returning to a position nearer the arena's center.

He remained unaware of Zin's fate post-impact, yet one certainty remained: the attack had connected squarely.

The black gloves adorning his hands dematerialized into motes of energy, and his crimson eyes dimmed, their purpose fulfilled. The target had been vanquished by the apex of Adam's offensive capability.

Unlike Zin, Adam lacked the acute auditory senses to detect a heartbeat or breath, leaving him uncertain of his opponent's current state.

Adam was not alone in his uncertainty; the spectators, too, could only wait. The battle might have concluded, their wagers settled.

"Well, well..." Kaerno murmured, his eyes narrowing. "These two share a striking resemblance, wouldn't you agree?"

"Hmm?" Sarka, seated nearby, tilted her head. "Boss, what do you mean? Their abilities are worlds apart!"

Kaerno offered a slow nod.

"Indeed, but that's not my point. Each wields a devastating attack, possessing speed, agility, and formidable strength. Yet, neither Zin nor Adam possesses any countermeasure against an attack of such magnitude."

Sarka blinked, a flicker of understanding crossing her features. She found herself agreeing.

"Pfffft!" she scoffed. "Why bother with defense when one wields such overwhelming offense?"

Kaerno leaned on his hand, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I see your point, Sarka, as do most monsters and Phantoms. However, the absence of defensive capabilities remains a considerable vulnerability."

A palpable tension held the spectators. Some feared losing their bets with Zin's potential defeat, while others eagerly anticipated celebrating Adam's triumph. A significant portion, however, simply yearned to witness the continuation of this extraordinary duel.

After all, encounters of this caliber were rare, perhaps a singular event within the Grim Court's tenure.

The sole individual consumed by genuine concern for Zin was Es'aha.

Her fists were clenched, her lip bitten close to bleeding, her eyes wide with a frantic blend of fear and fury.

Had this not been a sanctioned arena bout under the Grim Court's strictures, she would have already launched herself at Adam, intent on his demise.

"Zin!" she silently implored. ’Please, be alright! I beseech you!’

The ultimate tragedy for Es'aha would be if this confrontation, meant to improve Zin's standing, instead led to his ruin. Such an outcome would be a burden she'd carry eternally.

Slowly, the obscuring dust began to recede, revealing the figure within.

Adam's eyes widened momentarily as he beheld Zin's form.

A collective, stunned gasp rippled through the audience. This outcome defied all expectations.

"Gha... Gha... Gha..." Zin drew ragged breaths, crimson staining his chest.

Blood stained Zin's left torso, and the earth around him lay shattered, forming a deep crater where he stood. Though his coat was in tatters, these damages paled in comparison to the other, more severe consequence of Adam’s relentless assault.

Zin’s left arm had been severed, leaving only a horrific wound on his shoulder.

"I see. He gave up his left arm to survive?" Adam mused, his head tilting slightly. "Still, that barely sufficed. He likely poured a significant amount of Qi to bolster his arm in that final moment, am I right? Yet, even with that effort, the grievous injury was unavoidable."

"Hold on..." The man's gaze sharpened, his body leaning forward with intense scrutiny. "Why...? Why does he still have that thing in his hand?"

Hundreds of onlookers shifted their focus to a single point: the red apple Zin clutched firmly, its presence undiminished despite the brutal wound he had endured.

A ripple of bewilderment swept through the crowd as Zin’s gaze lifted, meeting Adam's directly.

"You are a formidable opponent..." His voice, hoarse and strained, echoed through the air as he raised the apple before him. "For that reason, I shall reveal this to you!"

Clutch!

He tightened his grip on the red apple, and a dazzling radiance erupted outwards. Now, with everything on the line, he was prepared to unleash his ultimate power in pursuit of victory.