Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1762: The World Sound (Part 1)

Tap.

Es’aha set her teacup aside, a look of contentment gracing her features.

Leerna, seated opposite her, took note of this obvious shift.

"It appears someone is in an exceptionally good mood today?"

A gentle smile touched Es’aha’s lips. "Indeed, I shall not conceal it. Today is undeniably a fortunate day."

Leerna gazed into her cup for a moment before posing her question. "May I ask why? I had anticipated a vastly different reaction from you. Zin has been defeated, and not by just any creature, but by a Phantom."

"That is not the crux of the matter. Initially, I shared your sentiment, but now, several hours following the Grim Court, I comprehend the reality. It was imperative to me that Zin return to the Hollow Lands, that he rediscover the significance of evolution and establish a new objective for himself. It is thanks to Adam that this has come to pass."

After a brief pause, Leerna let out a chuckle and subsequently raised an eyebrow.

"So, you are expressing gratitude towards a Phantom who inexplicably appeared on our territory and subdued Zin?"

Es’aha lowered her gaze, her expression remaining soft.

"While I would not phrase it quite so directly, in essence, yes. Had it not been for Adam, I doubt I could have persuaded Zin to return to the Hollow Lands, let alone participate in the Grim Court. His presence here was instrumental in facilitating this outcome."

Leerna was on the verge of responding when, unexpectedly, a shiver coursed through her body, causing her eyes to widen in surprise.

Es’aha registered the sensation as well, as did hundreds of other monsters in the vicinity.

"Hold on... This sensation..." Leerna murmured, turning her head towards the origin of the surging energy.

Es’aha inhaled sharply. "Is someone on the cusp of achieving Lord status?"

"Affirmative, it would appear so." Leerna nodded, her expression growing grave. "Do you have any idea who it might be? Perhaps one of your monsters, or Kaerno’s? My pillar houses several capable Fangs, though they have not yet reached the necessary stage to ascend to Lordship."

"Wait..." Es’aha froze, her eyes wide. "That aura, I recognize it!"

Whoooooosh!

Her form trembled, and in the span of a heartbeat, she materialized atop Leerna’s dome pillar. In the distance, several dozen kilometers away, stood Kaerno’s pillar.

That was precisely where the potent energy surge originated.

With intense concentration, Es’aha could discern the events unfolding there despite the considerable distance, yet for an unknown reason, her heart began to pound erratically.

’I must confirm this!’

Without uttering another word, Es’aha propelled herself forward, generating powerful gusts of wind.

"Wait!"

Leerna exclaimed, her voice tinged with alarm as she observed Es’aha’s rapidly receding figure.

"Damn it!" Leerna clenched her fists tightly before launching herself in pursuit of Es’aha.

Though less dramatic, a similar ripple of astonishment spread among the numerous monsters who sensed the immense burst of power.

Even though monsters found it considerably easier to advance to the Second Circle compared to Phantoms, it remained a monumental achievement that invariably attracted keen attention.

Consequently, most monsters of Black Threat Level sought out secluded locations or enlisted the protection of a trusted Lord to oversee their evolution.

Zin, however, had no such requirement.

He was unconcerned about others witnessing his ascent to a new tier of power. Unlike other monsters of his standing, he understood that failure was not a genuine threat to him.

While other monsters might struggle to break through their limitations, in Zin’s case, the barrier had been poised for collapse for a considerable duration, yet Zin had refrained from taking action.

A smile played on Zin’s lips.

"It is time to alter that, is it not?"

He closed his eyes, finding himself transported to his inner consciousness.

Simultaneously, an increasing number of monsters began to manifest in the aerial space surrounding Kaerno’s pillar.

Among the first to arrive were Es’aha and Leerna, their disbelief palpable.

"Z-Zin?!" Es’aha gasped, rushing forward impetuously.

Tap.

She appeared at Kaerno’s pillar, with Leerna close behind.

"Kaerno! What in the blazes is transpiring here?!" Es’aha demanded, her brow deeply furrowed, though the concern in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Does it not seem obvious?" Kaerno smirked, gesturing towards Zin. "Adam has departed from the Hollow Lands. He is presently en route to the barrier. Therefore, Zin has resolved not to postpone any further and intends to become one of the Lords right here, right now."

Leerna stood momentarily speechless, while Es’aha let out a sharp intake of breath.

A single glance at Zin was sufficient for them to ascertain the truth of Kaerno’s statement. Monsters of their caliber had witnessed countless ascensions across the divide between the First and Second Circles.

Nevertheless, the abruptness of Zin’s decision sent a wave of shock through all who had gathered.

Merely a minute later, over a dozen Thorns, a multitude of Fangs, and even a few Fingers materialized in the air, drawn to witness the evolution of one of the most promising monsters within their domain.

"R-Right..." Es’aha stammered, cautiously approaching the precipice. "Zin, you are finally going to join our ranks. You will experience the splendor of the world inhabited by the powerful."

Kaerno clicked his tongue dismissively. "So, that is your perspective? Perhaps for the initial few hundred years, that holds true, but subsequently, it grows progressively less captivating."

"It makes no difference," Es’aha replied, placing her hand over her chest. "For these past few years, he's only ever gazed upon the Frenzied Core. Even our mundane existence would be superior for Zin compared to this, and at the very outset, a plethora of prospects will unfold before him."

"You know, that's quite amusing," Kaerno remarked, directing his gaze toward Es'aha. A sneering smile flickered across his features. Es'aha instinctively took a step back.

"W-What? What are you implying?"

"He returned to the Hollow Lands and chose to become a Lord, not for your sake, Es'aha, but because of Adam Vinter, a Phantom who happened to materialize here by sheer coincidence."

"HEY!" Leerna bellowed. "You scoundrel, do you possess even a sliver of honor within your heart?!"

Es'aha let out a small cough. "That does sting, I won't deny it, but I came to terms with it ages ago. Zin doesn't perceive in me what I see in him. He doesn't have to; it is his prerogative. I am simply content that someone emerged who spurred Zin to advance. That is all."

Kaerno dismissed her words with a wave of his hand.

"Such profound wisdom. In that case, do not let a single moment slip by. Zin is about to act. I can feel it."

Step!

Zin strode into the encroaching darkness and, with a composed demeanor, lightly touched his barrier. The translucent shield fractured into countless fragments, illuminating the gloom with brilliant light.

Simultaneously, his eyes snapped open as the resonance of his shattered barrier, akin to a powerful shockwave, radiated outward from his person, extending far beyond the colossal pillars and even the entirety of the Hollow Lands.

Zin desired the entire world to bear witness to this sound, ensuring that Adam could not possibly remain unaware.