Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1757: Irony and the Glass Wall (Part 1)

Adam, clad in a black robe, had strands of his hair still clinging to his skin with lingering dampness.

Kaexa, maintaining her etiquette despite her distinguished standing, waited patiently at the periphery. An order from her master had been issued, and she was bound to see it through.

"Are they both present now?" Adam inquired, meticulously adjusting the hem of his garment.

She responded with a deep nod. "Indeed. We are currently situated atop this pillar, with Master Kaerno and Zin awaiting you at the absolute peak. It is my charge to escort you there."

"Very well. One can only hope this encounter marks my final conversation within these confines."

Kaexa adjusted her spectacles, which sat squarely on her nose.

"That outcome rests entirely with you. Following your triumph at the Grim Court, you have now been officially recognized as one of the Fangs. The consensus is undeniable, as every creature in the Hollow Lands is aware of your hard-won victory."

A wry smile touched Adam's lips in response, his expression adopting a relaxed demeanor.

"You comprehend, there exist considerable deficiencies within your ranking methodology. Zin, for instance, is among the most formidable Black Threat monsters, and judging by his performance during that conflict, he may very well be the preeminent among the Fangs."

Kaexa's eyes widened momentarily, yet she refrained from offering a rebuttal. The majority of monsters would undoubtedly concur with Adam's assessment.

"Nevertheless, I, a Phantom, attained the status of a Fang, while he did not. It presents a rather ironic and simultaneously poignant situation, does it not?" Adam gestured dismissively.

"While your observations hold a measure of truth, Zin's situation is merely an anomaly that reinforces the general principle. Most monsters occupy the positions they rightly deserve. However, when extraordinary individuals like Zin, or other potent unranked monsters, emerge, their unique characteristics invariably become known to all."

Her gaze sharpened, fixing intently upon Adam.

"I am certain that parallel circumstances are not uncommon within the Citadel, are they?"

"Hmm?" Adam tilted his head, a look of bewilderment crossing his features. "Whatever are you referring to? A Phantom cannot ascend to the subsequent level solely through the acquisition of victories in combat. Advancement hinges entirely upon their current stage of evolution."

"Is that genuinely the case?" Kaexa tilted her chin upwards, gazing down upon Adam.

"Agh?"

A sharp glint flickered within her azure eyes.

"To my understanding, observing you participate in the arena is a rare occurrence, whether within the Dead Lands or the Citadel. Yet, you are not so detached from reality as to be unaware that you have consistently ranked among the most potent individuals at your respective tier, have you?"

Adam found himself in an unusual state. Kaexa seemed to be offering both praise and subtle criticism simultaneously. Despite this, he could not refute the accuracy of her words.

"Well, setting aside such infrequent occurrences, the battles within the arena ultimately prove to be of limited significance. They serve merely as training exercises between two seasoned combatants – nothing more."

Kaexa offered a nod in agreement. "In that particular regard, you and Zin bear a greater resemblance to one another than might have been initially apparent."

"And what of yourself?"

"Hmm?"

Adam narrowed his eyes, a focused intensity settling upon his features.

"How did you manage to secure a position among the Thorns? Furthermore, you must have achieved Fang status prior to that, correct?"

"Certainly. There is no arcane secret involved. I engaged in combat at the Grim Court and emerged victorious through a fair contest. However, I shall be candid. None of my confrontations were as remarkably decisive as yours. I cannot recall a time when a judge was unable to intervene and halt the engagement in a timely fashion. Such an event is indeed a rarity."

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

Adam absently scratched the back of his head before turning towards the exit.

"We must depart. It would be imprudent to keep Kaerno and Zin waiting any longer."

"Of course, but prior to our departure, I have a query for you – a personal one."

"Agh?" Adam directed a questioning glance her way.

Kaexa's fingers brushed against the doorknob, but she did not immediately turn it.

"What are your future aspirations, Adam Vinter? Is there any conceivable scenario wherein we might find ourselves on opposing sides someday?"

In an instant, the surrounding atmosphere underwent a palpable shift as Adam's gaze darkened, while Kaexa's eyes seemed to ignite with a subtle intensity.

"It all hinges upon your desires concerning the First Star and the Last Star," Adam replied with unwavering confidence. "Nothing else holds consequence. The impending World Wipe draws near. We have but six years remaining."

Kaexa's outward expression remained immutable, yet a profound resonance within her gaze acknowledged his assertion.

"I understand. It is reassuring to hear, young Phantom."

Crack.

She opened the door, and together they proceeded towards the summit of the blade-like pillar.

Before long, this particular phase of their journey would reach its conclusion. Kaexa, much like the other creatures, would revert to her prescribed duties, while Adam, embodying both Phantom and human, would hasten back to the Citadel.

He yearned to behold Silvana once more. Never before had such an extended period elapsed without their meeting.

In truth, a remarkably brief duration had transpired since Adam awakened within the northern Hail Passage. His urgent need to act, precipitated by the presence of Queen Elisa's blood within his internal domain, meant his entire expedition had consumed little more than two days.

However, the significance lay not in the passage of time, but in the sheer magnitude of events that had unfolded.

Initially, he had been entirely unaware of his displacement to unfamiliar territories. Now, he had ascended to the ranks of the Fangs, a remarkable accomplishment for any monster residing in this realm.