Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1761: I do it now

Swoooooooooosh!

In a sudden streak of darkness, Daar’ax departed Kaerno’s towering pillar, accelerating directly towards the barrier.

Adam was no stranger to using a mount; he had previously exited the Primal Lands in a similar fashion. However, Daar’ax’s capabilities far surpassed the worm that he, Ramilo, and Alexia had once ridden.

"Impressive," Adam murmured to himself as the surrounding Hollow Lands became an indistinguishable blur.

At such incredible velocity, the scenery collapsed into a single, cohesive image, much like the experience on a high-speed train. The only elements that remained distinct were the colossal, majestic pillars, too immense to merge with the landscape even at this speed.

"Daar’ax, approximately how long will it take us to reach the barrier?" Adam inquired.

He was seated cross-legged atop the serpent’s head. A gentle breeze and the constant energy radiating from Daar’ax made the high-speed journey remarkably smooth and almost imperceptible. Adam couldn't quite grasp that they were traversing kilometers in mere seconds, and it seemed Daar’ax wasn't even pushing his limits.

'Even the fastest trains back at the Citadel couldn't match this pace, let alone the fact we're in such a remote location. Daar’ax is truly clearing a path for me.'

Still, this realization sparked a question in Adam’s mind.

'But wait, even Daar’ax can't reach the barrier in mere seconds. So how did I end up here? How did Gladius and Xyrea transport me, and why did Kaerno and the other Fingers not detect my arrival?'

Adam shook his head, a faint smile touching his lips.

'Well, I'll uncover the answers soon enough. I have many questions for those two.'

With each passing moment, the density of pillars along their route diminished, signaling their approach to the exit from the Hollow Lands.

"Brace yourself, young one. I know you vanquished Zin and assimilated a Frenzied Shard, but being an outsider, passing the barrier for the first time won't be straightforward," Daar’ax cautioned. He typically preferred to remain silent and fulfill his duties.

Adam simply nodded.

"I'm aware. However, after enduring the trials of the Pit and the Grim Court, I doubt anything at the barrier could truly surprise me."

Daar’ax offered a slight nod in acknowledgment.

While traversing the barrier would have been nearly impossible for Adam previously, it would now be nothing more than a simple formality.

...

"And you?" Kaerno inquired, resting his weight on his hand.

Zin glanced at him. "What do you mean? Are you asking when I will ascend to Lordship?"

"Precisely. The transition to the Second Circle is a rare occurrence for any monster, but you are an exceptional case. If it's you, I must witness it. I wish to observe the event."

"Then you've come to the right place."

"Huh?"

Kaerno displayed a rare expression of confusion.

Gradually, Zin’s aura began to expand, escalating to unprecedented levels.

He turned towards Kaerno, his amethyst eyes blazing with an immense surge of power.

"It's quite simple. I deceived Adam. Had he chosen to remain here for a few more days, I would have waited out of respect. But since he decided to depart, there's no reason to delay any further."

Kaerno remained perplexed. Even with his cunning intellect, Zin’s actions seemed entirely uncharacteristic.

However, Kaerno soon witnessed something that dispelled all his doubts.

He peered into Zin’s eyes and found himself momentarily transported into his inner consciousness.

Tap.

Emerging from the darkness, Zin took a step forward, lifting his gaze. Before him, stretching into an infinite expanse, lay a formidable barrier considered an unbreakable, insurmountable obstacle for most monsters aspiring to Lordship.

Yet, what confronted Zin was not an impenetrable fortress, but a cracked glass panel, poised to shatter into countless fragments at the slightest touch.

This was a testament to Zin’s immense energy and the power he commanded. He had long been prepared for the advancement, but the barrier could only be broken by his own will.

Kaerno blinked, his vision snapping back to reality.

"I see. Are you intending to do this here?" Kaerno surveyed the surrounding peaks and the tower crowning his pillar.

Zin shook his head.

"Certainly not. It would be exceedingly impolite to damage your tower. I wished for you to be aware of this because I want it to be a surprise for her."

Kaerno’s eyes widened for a moment, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

"So Es’aha is unaware you're about to evolve? Excellent. Hahahahaha! If you aim to bring her joy, this is a splendid choice. It will be the finest gift for her."

Zin's gaze deepened as he nodded. "I'm pleased to hear that. In that case, I shall commence immediately. I must accomplish this before Adam departs the Hollow Lands."

Click.

With a snap of his fingers, Zin disappeared, leaving behind only random gusts of wind.

In the next moment, he reappeared beside Kaerno's pillar, settling cross-legged on a plain, flat rock.

Just like with the Phantoms, the evolution to the subsequent level manifested uniquely for every monster. However, it was invariably accompanied by a colossal surge of power, and the mightier the monster, the more destructive the energy eruption.

"Well, well, Zin," Kaerno chuckled, sensing that the anticipation would indeed be brief, "it appears your encounter with Adam Vinter has truly altered you, hasn't it?"

All that remained for Zin was to shatter his barrier. He had seen no reason for it previously, but now, if he desired to perceive novel sounds, progress was imperative.

'Very well.' Zin inhaled deeply, retreating into his inner consciousness. 'I hope you can hear this, Adam.'