Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1706: Bone Lakes (Part 1)

"The Hail Passage," Adam said, looking at Kaerno. "Will I need to go to the same passage where Gladius and Xyrea left me?"

In response, Kaerno shrugged.

"That’s entirely up to you, Adam. The Hail Passages, as the name suggests, are just passages."

"Passages to where?"

Kaerno smirked. "To the arena, or more precisely, to the Grim Court."

Tap.

He patted Adam on the shoulder before turning and heading toward the blade pillar.

"Come on, now that you’re back, you’re ready to learn more about this, and Sakra," he glanced at her, "you too. From the looks of it, you faced a truly powerful Frenzied Shard, didn’t you?"

Sakra nodded vigorously.

"Yeah, but the last servant - he got away! Damn it, that knight wanted to get a second Hollow Mark right away!"

Kaerno stopped.

Even for him, hearing something like that was rare.

"The method with two Hollow Marks? One on the weapon and the second on the body... He tore up the contract right in the middle of the battle, didn’t he?"

"Ughum. The shard tried to find new servants to protect itself, but it didn’t work out!" Sarka exclaimed as she proudly placed her hands on her hips. "We turned out to be too strong and cool! It didn’t stand a chance!"

Kaerno rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Adam..."

"Y-Yes?"

"How did that monster, no... that knight, leave the battlefield?"

Adam touched his neck.

"He suddenly bit me, even though before that he’d only used his hands and sword, and then he used his cape."

He sighed deeply.

"To be honest, it’s impossible to survive with wounds like that, but for some reason, I’m sure he found a way. I didn’t see despair or fear of death in his gaze. On the contrary, he looked as if he’d just hit the jackpot."

For a long moment, Kaerno stared at Adam’s neck, at the dried blood on the edges.

Then, the darkness vanished from his eyes as he turned.

"I see. In any case, your fight is over, but unfortunately, you need to prepare for the next one."

Kaerno didn’t know about the Blood of God or that Adam’s time was limited, but he had enough experience to understand that Adam wasn’t the most patient person.

Regardless of the situation, Adam would rush into the next fight if it would help him return home and become stronger.

"Speaking of which," Adam lowered his gaze, looking at his wounded body. "I’m not sure I have the right to ask this, but maybe you have something that could help me recover faster?"

Before Adam could answer, Sarka lunged forward and fell to her knees, tugging at the hem of Kaerno’s long, tattered robe.

"Boss! Please! I haven’t been there in so long! We went through such a tough battle! We deserve a break!"

Sarka looked up as her already large eyes grew even bigger, like those of a hungry kitten.

"Pretty please?"

Kaerno rolled his eyes as he waved his hand.

"Alright, you didn’t have to make such a scene. I was going to show this to Adam anyway, but fine, you can come with us."

"YES!!!"

Sarka exclaimed joyfully, jumping up and down with her arms thrown in the air.

"Thank you! You’re the best boss in the world!"

Adam, who was standing off to the side, didn’t understand what was going on. He expected a lot from Sarka, but not this.

"Kaerno, what is she talking about?"

Kaerno smirked.

"The Bone Lakes. You’ll like that place, I assure you. It might even remind you of the Citadel, in some ways."

"Agh?"

"Come on, follow us. If you want to be ready for the Grim Court as soon as possible."

Adam still didn’t really understand what they were talking about, but what choice did he have but to find out?

...

Step. Step. Step.

As soon as they entered the blade pillar, they immediately headed down. When Adam was here for the first time, he hadn’t noticed the spiral staircase leading to the lower level. All his attention was focused on the pillar itself and its upper parts.

"These Bone Lakes, do they exist at every pillar, or just yours?" Adam asked, following them.

Kaerno folded his arms behind his back. "The Bone Lakes are located beneath the Hollow Lands, one level below, so every pillar, whether it’s a blade pillar or a dome pillar, has access to this area. You’ll see for yourself soon."

"Wait, does that mean members of both factions are at the Bone Lakes at the same time?"

"Correct."

Adam was concerned. "Doesn’t that mean there must be constant conflict there?"

"Hah, I haven’t seen you fight against Loargh and Vyora just because they were from a different pillar, and the same goes for Sarka."

For a moment, Adam stopped, shocked.

Kaerno glanced over his shoulder.

"Don’t be so surprised. Of course, I know that. If the Gray Watchers weren’t useful, I wouldn’t waste my time feeding them. Though they’re too afraid to venture into the far reaches of the Pit."

He paused for a moment.

"That’s unfortunate. I’d like to see you fight."

Then, he shook his head and continued descending.

"As for your question, the Bone Lakes are a neutral zone. Even if conflicts arise, fighting is forbidden at the Bone Lakes. Anyone who breaks this rule will not only face severe punishment, but will also insult the Finger of the pillar in which they live, which is often a terrible punishment in itself."

Adam threw his head back, a gleam flashing in his eyes.

"What if two Fingers start fighting?"

Sarka spun around sharply as she twirled a finger by her temple. She looked at him as if he were mad.

Kaerno, in turn, let out a hearty laugh:

"Hahahahaha! What a silly question. Adam, if that ever happens..."

His voice grew lower.

"Then the only thing left for you to do is run, run as far away as you can."

Then, he waved his hand. "Alright, enough of that. Let’s not waste any more time."

"YES!" Sarka exclaimed joyfully and ran ahead with all her might.

Adam sighed, coming to a stop.

’Well, looks like I’m in for a little rest. Even if I don’t have much time, it’s better to go into battle at full strength than exhausted, right?’