Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1766: New Lord (Part 2)

THWACK!

Zin’s hands collided, unleashing a powerful shockwave that surged through the man multiple times. The concussive sound sent the opponent hurtling back, digging gouges in the sandy ground as he crashed down.

SNAP!

With a mere flick of his fingers, Zin reappeared on the surface, positioned right beside the man who was scrambling to his feet, aided by bolts of lightning. A mixture of dread and utter bewilderment flickered across the man’s face; he couldn’t comprehend the sheer magnitude of Zin’s strength.

‘He just achieved Baron rank! How can his speed be this immense?! What kind of energy level is this?!’ the man silently bellowed, channeling power for his next assault. Losing to Zin without even landing a scratch would shatter his reputation. He absolutely could not permit such humiliation, especially not with dozens of other Lords bearing witness! However, he had little room to maneuver.

RUMBLE. RUMBLE. RUMBLE.

Zin’s fist vibrated subtly, the nascent sound waves coalescing into discernible circles. A total of three such rings now shimmered above his hand.

WHAM!

His fist slammed into the man, the three sonic circles merging into one, unleashing their accumulated force in a devastating impact.

"GAAH!"

A torrent of blood erupted from the man’s mouth, drenching the ground as Zin drew his fist back once more.

POW! POW! POW!

With each subsequent punch, Zin employed the sound circles to dramatically amplify his blows. Again and again, his fist connected with the Baron, who found himself utterly defenseless against the relentless barrage. Astonishingly, Zin wasn’t even fighting at his maximum Black Threat Level speed. Yet, his strikes were brutally heavy, pinning the man down and fracturing his bones. These weren’t mere punches or sharp weapons; they were like hammers, concentrating immense power onto a single point.

Kaerno shifted forward, resting his chin in his palm.

"Hmm, how intriguing. So he first accumulates sound around himself, morphs it into circles, and then discharges all the energy simultaneously? Each of his strikes is like a miniature explosion. A formidable ability," Kaerno mused, his assessment remarkably precise.

Es’aha, however, observed the unfolding combat from a distinct vantage point.

"His techniques… he wields them with far greater ferocity."

TAP.

Leerna’s hand settled on her shoulder. "What are your thoughts? Does this present a challenge for you?"

Before responding, Es’aha’s gaze swept over Zin, lingering on his cold eyes just before he delivered another punishing blow that sent blood splattering across the man’s face.

"No. Aside from that encounter with the Phantom, Zin has never truly exerted himself. There was simply no necessity. He could overcome any opponent, and he was well aware of it. Perhaps that’s why he found the Grim County insignificant. But now…"

BAM!

As Zin landed another impactful punch, the corners of Es’aha’s lips upturned, revealing a rare expression of pure delight on her usually stoic face. She found immense satisfaction in witnessing Zin assert his dominance, showcasing his power and solidifying his position within the hierarchy.

WHACK!

That final, decisive punch landed as Zin raised his fist. Crimson liquid dripped from his knuckles as he surveyed the man’s face, utterly broken from the onslaught. Neither combatant had deployed many special abilities or summoned their weapons, yet it proved unnecessary. If Zin's fists alone were sufficient to subdue his adversary, the disparity in their strength was abundantly clear.

"So, that was merely a Baron?" Zin questioned aloud, his gaze then sweeping across his surroundings.

Among the assembled onlookers, other monsters of at least Baron rank watched. Two regarded him with apprehension, but the rest exhibited no discernible fear, viewing Zin as inconsequential. That observation was precisely the answer he sought.

‘I see. I still have a considerable distance to traverse before reaching the Viscount rank. I can overcome some Barons, but the more formidable ones will certainly prove more challenging. Well, at least I am not the weakest, despite my current standing. That is something to consider.’

STEP.

Zin walked past the man, who lay on the ground, barely conscious but alive. At the Lord Level, these monstrous beings possessed exceptionally robust physiques. Even without specialized defensive or restorative abilities, their resilience was remarkable. Certainly, recovery would require time, but within the environment of the Bone Lakes, this was hardly a significant obstacle.

Under the scrutinizing eyes of many Lords, Zin executed a powerful leap, landing gracefully atop Kaerno’s towering pillar. His left arm was miraculously restored to its proper place. The surge of energy from his evolution to the Lord Level had been potent enough to mend virtually any injury.

Before him now stood three figures of the Fingers, yet his attention was fixed solely on one. He looked towards Es’aha, and a subtle smile gradually graced his features.

"Hey, is there space on your pillar for another Lord?"

Es’aha’s eyes widened, a pleasant warmth spreading through her chest.

"Of course…" She beamed, her joy evident. "You will become an integral part of my pillar. I am confident the day will arrive when you command your own.">

Zin offered a slight shrug.

"Well, it's not quite that straightforward. Reaching this stage took considerable effort. But who knows? Perhaps such a day will indeed come?"

Es’aha offered a silent nod, her eyes radiating pure happiness.

Kaerno let out a smirk as he turned his head.

"Oh, how delightful. Zin, congratulations, you are now one of us."

Leerna, positioned behind Es'aha, gave a solemn nod and advanced.

"Indeed. Today, within the Hollow Lands, a new Lord is born!"

Kaerno shifted his gaze away. He understood that even for Zin, a celebratory feast was inevitable. It was, after all, a significant occasion, despite its unconventional inception through battle.

Yet, something else piqued his curiosity.

'Adam, you sensed it as well, did you not? You are aware that Zin has ascended to Lordship. Hehehe, I am quite eager to know your reaction. For you, that particular journey will undoubtedly prove far more arduous than Zin's.'

...

Concurrently, Adam found himself standing before the barrier, accompanied by Daar'ax. He was meant to proceed, but his gaze remained fixed on the distant horizon, as if perceiving all the occurrences unfolding at Kaerno's pillar.

"Zin, you actually managed it..."

Adam shook his head and then directed his attention toward the barrier.

"This implies I must also move forward. I am falling behind once more. My objective is to forge the Third Grand Star with all haste!"