Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1755: The Last Condition (Part 1)

Regardless of how significant or unique this Grim Court may be, the intense battle had officially concluded. The onlookers present would undoubtedly etch this day into their memories for a considerable time, and news of the fight would soon spread like wildfire among every monster who hadn't witnessed it firsthand, shared by their friends and allies. This was, after all, the Grim Court where a Phantom had faced off against Zin – an event that might never be witnessed again. While Zin held a special standing, every fighter, regardless of their status, only gets one first battle.

Both Zin and Adam emerged from the grueling fight severely injured, their strength utterly depleted. Though their attacks had the power to level mountains, by the battle's end, they could barely remain standing. They lacked the very energy to return to their designated pillars. As the majority of the spectators dispersed from the arena, Adam and Zin finally succumbed to their exhaustion, collapsing onto the ground, unconscious.

No doubt, they had much to reflect upon, much like Kaerno, Es’aha, and Leerna were doing amongst themselves. For these three, the clash had also presented novel experiences. Even for those within the esteemed Fingers, moments of genuine intrigue occasionally arose in the world.

...

Twitch. Twitch. Twitch.

Several hours later, Adam's facial muscles gave a small tremor as his eyes slowly fluttered open. "Ahg... Where on earth am I?" he mumbled, his gaze sweeping across his surroundings. He found himself not in the arena, nor even in a bed, but submerged in a square marble tub. It was filled with a milky white liquid, reminiscent of the water found at the Bone Lakes, though its concentration was significantly higher.

A dull ache and a persistent burning sensation still coursed through Adam's weary muscles. Yet, to his astonishment, he realized that every one of his injuries had completely healed. Even the grievous gashes on his shoulder and chest were nowhere to be seen, leaving no trace behind.

"Well, that was to be expected, right?" Adam lifted his hand, observing the droplets cascade down his arm. "I've only managed to restore about 30% of my energy. That should be more than enough for any task besides combat. So... no more than six hours have passed?" At that very moment, Adam was utterly stunned. It wasn't just the astonishing speed of his recovery that shocked him, but the incredible efficacy of the peculiar white liquid.

Casting a glance to the side, Adam easily discerned his location: the far reaches of Kaerno's pillar, not the familiar expanse of the Bone Lakes. A wide aperture, a stark cut through the western wall, served as a window, offering a panoramic view of the desolate Hollow Lands. Adjacent to the square bathtub stood a simple nightstand and a basic chair, upon which Adam's discarded clothes were neatly placed – the very robe he had been wearing before Kaerno had suggested he don something more appropriate for the impending combat.

The resplendent crimson coat, conjured by his gloves, maintained its imposing form only so long as Adam actively channeled his Nexus. He wouldn't need to shed his attire with each battle, as he had been forced to do in the arena. Instead, the blood could simply coat his existing clothes like a second skin, temporarily transforming their appearance.

Soon, Adam's gaze drifted towards a plain, iron-wrought door. Unlike many structures, its pillars were not adorned with elaborate decorations. Numerous passageways and grand halls remained perpetually open, their arches standing as empty invitations for any monster to wander freely. Doors or gates were rendered superfluous, as a monster would instinctively refrain from entering any area beyond its permitted access.

With Adam now conscious, his logical next step should have been to exit the bathroom and seek out Kaerno, or at the very least, someone familiar. However, he felt no urge to hurry. "Ha... It’s not so bad here after all. Who would have thought that in such an empty wasteland, there exist so many havens for relaxation?" The water remained pleasantly warm, tendrils of steam gently caressed his face, and the profound silence of the Hollow Lands provided the perfect ambiance for his recuperation.

Before advancing further, he had one lingering matter to attend to. With a deep, resonant sigh, Adam closed his eyes, deliberately withdrawing into his inner sanctum.

His attention turned towards the Divine Touch, focusing on the two crimson gloves that now occupied their designated sockets, situated precisely at the heart of the Evolution Tree, subtly altering the very bark surrounding them. With a deliberate step, Adam moved forward, finding himself standing before the Divine Touch. At his mental command, intricate runes flared to life before him.

[Divine Touch. Your Nexus, your ultimate weapon, has journeyed alongside you, and it has now absorbed the potent blood of a being many are reverently inclined to call their God. Your weapon has been reset to the nascent stage of your journey, yet it now possesses a formidable new power, previously unattainable. Wield the crimson threads and divine blood to forge incisions, craft formidable armaments, and carve destructive rivers that shall annihilate all impediments in your path. Every touch you bestow now carries a divine menace, should you so choose.]

Such a description was sure to elicit a smile from Adam. In the nascent stages of his journey, he had distinctly recalled the disembodied voice of the Evolution Tree meticulously elucidating the intricacies of his abilities. Now, this role had been assumed by the Path Construct, though it remained merely a somewhat mechanical voice that intermittently registered in his mind.

‘I wonder if the Path Construct will ever evolve beyond its current function as a mere tool for my advancement?’ Adam mused, a faint smile gracing his lips as he gazed upon the towering Evolution Tree.

Whether an answer would ever come remained uncertain, yet it was evident to him that any progress would likely bring him closer to the Second Rank. At present, his strength was insufficient for such a feat.

"Still, I've accomplished a significant amount, haven't I?"

Adam's eyes widened as he materialized directly before the Path Construct.

Two brilliant stars welcomed him, accompanied by several lesser celestial bodies, but his gaze remained fixed upon the third, a star yet to be illuminated.

One final condition remained to be met before the Third Grand Star could be solidified.

*Tap.*

Reaching out, Adam brushed against the emptiness, causing a ripple through the obscurity. Then, special, radiant runes, suffused with his own energy, materialized before him.

[Third Grand Star (Star #5)Highest Bliss: 1/1Blood of God: 1/1Bottomless Void: 0/1]