Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1744 1744: Strange Helmet (Part 2)

Clearly, Zin's "Sound Order" tactic was ineffective against Adam. This particular maneuver, designed for lesser adversaries, functioned as an area-of-effect assault, allowing Zin to swiftly neutralize any mere annoyances.

However, on this occasion, his utilization of "Sound Order" served a distinct purpose.

He sought to gauge his own capabilities.

Zin seldom engaged in combat, and even more rarely did he fight at full power with a definitive victory in mind. Since attaining the Black Threat Level and electing to spend the majority of his time at the Pit, his encounters have been few, most concluding within mere minutes.

He couldn't recall the last time he had activated his Hollow Mark, nor donned his golden headphones, enabling his voice to command legions of monsters to their knees.

Yet, observing the prostrate monsters offered him no satisfaction; they were merely a rudimentary test.

Now, a singular individual commanded his complete focus.

"What say you, Adam? Are you primed for the final bout? I perceived your earlier expression—did you truly believe I was contemplating self-annihilation?"

Adam offered a wry smile, his hand raking through his hair.

"What can I possibly say? I've never witnessed anything remotely like this. You understand, headphones are quite commonplace at the Citadel, correct?"

Unlike the bewildered monsters, Zin gave a slight nod.

"Indeed, I am aware of what you term them. Whether by chance or design, that is precisely the appearance of my Hollow Mark."

Abruptly, Adam's demeanor shifted, his gaze hardening considerably.

"Despite all this, you have not yet achieved your ultimate objective, have you?"

Zin responded with a shake of his head.

"No. I fear there is no path for retreat. My decision was irrevocably made the moment I entered the arena, and I have now unveiled my full capabilities to you."

Tremble.

Without a moment's hesitation, ethereal blades materialized within Adam's grasp. Two translucent blades quivered in his hands, their forms defined solely by shimmering purple outlines.

Remaining silent, Adam directed one of the spectral blades towards Zin.

"I comprehend. In that case, the time has arrived to conclude this confrontation, has it not?"

Concurrently, the space overhead began to distort as multiple phantom blades materialized instantaneously. Their sharp points converged upon Zin, who, with a faint smile, appeared perfectly poised to receive them.

At Adam's silent command, the four spectral blades initiated a blindingly fast rotation before descending upon Zin, cleaving through the very air.

The assembled spectators held their breath, their attention fixed on Zin's impending reaction. However, despite the imminent danger, he remained steadfast in his position, his gaze locked upon Adam.

THUD!

Rather than piercing Zin, the phantom blades halted abruptly in mid-air, inexplicably unable to make contact. Some unseen force, a layered defense of pulsating sound waves, prevented them from reaching him.

Adam's brow furrowed as he channeled greater power through his blade, intensifying his assault.

The four spectral blades advanced incrementally, yet the surrounding sound waves intensified in response, once again repelling them.

The proximity of the sonic barrier to Zin dictated its density; the closer it was, the more formidable it became. Consequently, even if Adam were to expend double the energy, it would prove insufficient to inflict even a scratch upon Zin.

Zin, in turn, closed his eyes, a look of profound satisfaction gracing his features.

"So, this is another of the abilities you had yet to reveal?"

Step.

Zin advanced a single step, raising his hand.

"Had you deployed these blades from the outset, I might have faced considerable difficulty. However, at this juncture..."

Tap.

Zin extended a finger to touch the tip of a phantom blade.

"They are utterly incapable of reaching me, regardless of their intent."

A subtle vibration emanated from Zin's fingertip as a sonic pulse violently repelled the spectral blade, sending it careening backward.

Crack!

The blade impacted the ceiling, obliterating the emerald clockwork with such force that it fragmented like shattered glass.

The remaining phantom blades met an identical fate.

Click.

With a mere snap of his fingers, Zin unleashed a dozen resonant sound waves that radiated outwards. These waves permeated the spectral blades, eroding them with each pulse until not a trace remained.

Adam's jaw tightened. He could manifest additional phantom blades, even dozens more, but to what end?

Step. Step. Step.

Zin proceeded forward at an unhurried pace. Following the activation of his Hollow Mark, a newfound lightness infused his gaze, an attribute previously absent.

"You see, Adam, my knowledge of the Phantoms is rather extensive. By my estimation, you should have already exhibited all your primary abilities. Perhaps one or two concealed tricks remain, but no more than that. And had they been particularly significant, you would have employed them by now."

A shadow of darkness clouded Adam's eyes.

"What precisely do you imply by that?"

In response, Zin offered a gentle smile, leaned forward, and with a casual snap of his fingers, as if catching Adam completely unaware:

"Your Nexus? Where might it be?"

Adam's pupils constricted, an involuntary reaction that only served to solidify Zin's conjecture.

"So my initial thought was correct after all. I had presumed that needle was your Nexus, but I was mistaken. It turned out to be one of your abilities, much like everything else you have demonstrated to me."

A few moments later, Zin inquired:

"Why? Why have you refrained from utilizing your Nexus until this point?"

No reply was given. For Zin, this silence was sufficiently telling.

"I comprehend. You possess your own hidden depths, just as I do, correct? Very well, you will either be compelled to reveal what you are concealing, or you will face defeat, for I am determined to win, and that is the absolute outcome!"

Adam became watchful. He prepared himself for an assault, anticipating another bellow, a clap, or some similar action, but to his astonishment, Zin remained stationary.

He lifted his single right arm high above him. Previously, he had been holding his apple in that hand, but now, his entire focus could be dedicated to his power.

Ripple. Ripple. Ripple.

A vibration emanated through the air, distorting the very fabric of space with countless sound waves directed toward his open palm.

Before long, the sheer quantity of sound waves became so immense that, due to their concentrated density, a translucent purple blade materialized, extending from Zin's hand and reaching towards the zenith of the arena.

Crack.

The emerald clock, meticulously crafted by Leerna, ceased its function the moment the sonic blade sliced through its third segment.

"Our need for time has passed. Am I not correct, Adam?"

His eyes blazed with intensity as his palm descended, channeling the full might of the sound blade.

"We shall determine our own sufficiency!"