Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1760: The Ancient Pet

Monsters and Phantoms alike could dedicate years, even decades, to progressing through ranks or merely taking a single step to a new stage within a level.

This was not an absolute decree, however, but a generalized pattern. The greater a monster or Phantom's strength, the more arduous its subsequent evolution became. Phantoms faced increasingly perilous conditions, while monsters encountered colossal and formidable energy barriers.

This trend appeared unending, stretching towards an infinite horizon.

Perhaps the ultimate destination was the immense energy unleashed by the collision of the First Star and the Last Star, though this remained purely theoretical.

Consequently, when individuals of the human or monster races achieved considerable longevity and a respectable power level, only a select few continued to pursue strength acquisition with the same aggressive momentum as before.

The majority relinquished the pursuit.

Numerous Phantoms remained indefinitely at the K3 or K4 Levels, deterred by the risk of demise while attempting to meet specific, daunting prerequisites, or simply finding themselves incapable of fulfilling them.

The same predicament afflicted monsters; many might struggle for over a century to breach their existing barriers, all without success.

Nevertheless, Adam, Zin, and other combatants like them were not the sole exceptions. They were merely among those who persistently pushed forward.

If Adam's assessment was accurate, he was only two steps away from ascending to the status of a Second Rank Phantom, a pinnacle of power he previously could only imagine.

Before that crucial milestone, however, his return to the Citadel was imperative. Only within its confines could he discern his future path.

The Bottomless Void—upon meeting this condition, he would forge the Third Grand Star.

Step!

Adam sidestepped, preparing to depart from the blade pillar and the desolate Hollow Lands.

"Wait."

Kaerno's voice halted him, compelling him to turn back.

"You don't intend to trek all the way to the Citadel, do you?"

Adam's eyebrow arched. "Hmm? And how exactly do you propose I accomplish that? I mean, I can fly, like everyone else, but that won't significantly alter the journey."

The corners of Zin's lips curved into a whimsical smile, yet he remained silent.

"Well, I placed a substantial wager on you during the fight, Adam. Thanks to your efforts, I acquired a considerable amount of land cubes, allowing me to offer this repayment. Consider it my token of appreciation."

Adam watched, perplexed, as Kaerno placed his palm upon the smooth, white surface of the pillar's apex.

Whoooooosh!

A surge of purple energy, akin to an electrical discharge, coursed through the pillar and into the earth, penetrating even deeper than the expanse of the Bone Lakes.

Though unaware of Kaerno's actions, Adam's gaze betrayed his evident curiosity.

Tremble! Tremble! Tremble!

The ground shuddered as, moments later, adjacent to the blade pillar, an immense form erupted from the soil. A colossal shadow ascended, the sheer magnitude of its body causing the very space to vibrate, until its head loomed above the pillar.

Reflected in Adam's widened eyes was a magnificent black serpent, radiating the formidable aura of a primeval beast.

The serpent's amber irises fixed upon the three figures positioned at the pillar's edge, while the obsidian scales adorning its body quivered subtly with each minute movement.

Two lengthy horns, curving downwards from its neck like petrified lightning bolts, lent the creature its imposing, tranquil visage, demanding deference from any who dared meet its penetrating stare.

Zin looked up, a faint spark igniting within his eyes, while Adam's expression turned to one of stunned disbelief.

Kaerno inclined his head towards the serpent.

"Meet Daar'ax. I rarely disturb him, but this occasion warrants it."

Adam swallowed hard. "Daar'ax...? More of these peculiar names. And what connection does this monstrous entity have with you?"

Kaerno offered a wry smile.

"Isn't it self-evident?"

He leaned casually on one hand, a look of contentment on his face.

"He is my companion."

"Grh," Daar'ax rumbled, leaning forward. A shadow fell across the pillar as his head shifted. "That old man never ceases his jests. But alas, it holds a kernel of truth. What is it you require, Kaerno?"

Kaerno rolled his eyes.

"Did you hear that? This ancient serpent refers to the old man as me! But enough pleasantries, let us address the matter at hand. Daar'ax, as you can observe, we have an unusual guest." Kaerno gestured towards Adam.

Daar'ax nodded.

"Indeed... I perceived his aura from the very first moments he manifested within the Hollow Land. However, there is something peculiar..." Daar'ax paused, his mind replaying the events of the preceding days. "I cannot pinpoint precisely when or how he arrived. It is quite curious."

Maintaining his smirk, Kaerno waved his hand dismissively. "No need for excessive contemplation. Since you are aware of this young man's presence, I wish for you to facilitate his return to the Citadel."

Daar'ax's pupils contracted as he fixed an intense gaze upon Adam.

"Do you desire a direct passage to the Citadel, or would an alternative destination suffice?"

Adam ran a hand through his hair, a look of awkwardness spreading across his face. While he was thankful for Kaerno's assistance, the thought of riding a monster like Daar’ax felt distinctly uncomfortable.

"Hah... I suspect that if a serpent like you were to appear directly before the Citadel, it would undoubtedly stir up trouble. If you could manage to convey me to the nearest spire, your help would be greatly appreciated."

"I understand..." Daar’ax hissed. "Very well, let us proceed then. It shall serve us both. You know, Kaerno, this young human might possess a sharper wit than yourself."

Kaerno’s brow furrowed; he found the serpent's words hard to believe.

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

Suddenly, Zin erupted in laughter, his voice and accompanying energy, due to his unique abilities, echoing across the surrounding pillars. At times, controlling his output proved challenging.

"Come now, Kaerno, did you summon that serpent to aid Adam, or so that your own pet could mock you?"

Kaerno feigned ignorance, idly picking at his fingernails.

"Indeed, I find myself pondering that very question whenever I collaborate with this perpetually sour snake!"

Then, Kaerno’s expression shifted as his gaze settled upon Adam.

"Best of luck to you. While Daar’ax may lack a sense of humor, you will soon find yourself at the very walls of the Citadel."

Adam acknowledged this with a nod before turning his attention back to Daar’ax.

"Pleased to hear it. In that case, perhaps we should embark?"

Daar’ax let out a low chuckle.

"Hmph, certainly. The sooner we commence, the sooner we shall conclude. Ascend to my head, mortal."