Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1707: Bone Lakes (Part 2)

Despite how empty the Hollow Lands seemed, that wasn’t the case.

Adam already knew about the Pit, the pillars, and the Hail Passages, but even that wasn’t all the Hollow Lands had to offer.

The Bone Lakes was yet another area Adam had only recently learned about, and he was already heading straight for it, along with Kaerno and Sarka, who was clearly delighted by the opportunity.

"Let’s go! We’re almost there!" Sarka chanted, striding down the spiral staircase.

Kaerno remained calm.

For him, it wasn’t something requiring attention. In fact, Sarka could go to the Bone Lakes whenever she wanted. She was one of the Fangs and had that privilege.

But what she wanted was to go there with Kaerno, her boss, which was a rare occurrence since he didn’t often decide to take time to relax.

Step. Step. Step.

Adam was still a little puzzled.

’Kaerno said this place would remind me of the Citadel, but in what way? What does that mean?’

Soon enough, they reached the lower level, where a long passageway with gates at the very end lay ahead of them.

"Hmm? Are the Bone Lakes behind those gates?"

Adam asked, pointing at the silver gates that stood in stark contrast to the dark passageway. White branches with a grayish tint, resembling bones, grew along the edges of the gates.

"Yes." Kaerno nodded deeply. "As I said, this is a good place to rest and prepare for the next battle. Though it’s probably the best place for that in the Hollow Lands, since it’s the only one."

Sarka stepped aside, clearing the way for Kaerno, who placed his palm against the gates.

Tap.

With a light tap, he opened the gate as a refreshing gust of wind swept toward them.

"Follow us, Adam. Near our pillar, there are several lakes and ponds. We’ll take the one that’s free right now."

Adam stepped forward as the Bone Lakes came into view.

The vast expanse beneath the surface of the Hollow Lands stretched for tens of kilometers in every direction. There was no end in sight to this land, just as there was none to the Hollow Lands.

Unlike the surface, where a thick layer of gray sand covered everything, here there were countless paths of smooth stone, with only the occasional sharp rock in distant places.

In places where no paths passed, majestic bone trees grew, devoid of foliage, but with white particles surrounding their trunks and bare branches. Although they were made of bone, the trees did not evoke a menacing aura. On the contrary, they inspired only calm and peace in the soul.

But the main feature was neither the paths nor even the bone trees, but the lakes and ponds spread out across the remaining open spaces.

The water in the lakes was clear, only slightly murky, but with a bright light reflecting off the surface due to the floating white particles drifting from one bone tree to another.

The ponds were filled with thick white water, which was that way because of the bone roots sprouting from the trees near the ponds.

In the distance, several stone columns could be seen, connecting the lower and upper levels. At the base of each such column was a gate, these were passages leading to the Bone Lakes of the other pillars.

"Wait... They are...?" Adam glanced at one lake where there were more than a dozen monsters. They were lying by the lake, chatting about something with relaxed smiles on their faces.

"Hah," Adam smirked. "Now I get what you were talking about. This place... It’s like hot springs, right?"

Kaerno glanced at him over his shoulder.

"Yes. I didn’t want to spoil the surprise, I wouldn’t have seen your reaction. You know, finding someone who doesn’t know about the Bone Lakes is a difficult task."

Adam shrugged. "I get that. If I were in your monsters’ shoes, I’d come here after every fight and training session."

"Glad to hear it. It’s always nice to hear praise from a foreigner. Your reaction is genuine. There’s no doubt about that."

Then, Kaerno thoughtfully touched his chin, choosing a suitable spot for them.

At the same moment, Sarka noticed something as her eyes widened.

"Hey! Look! It’s... It’s her! She’s here too!" Sarka exclaimed with a joyful expression.

Before Kaerno and Adam could react, Sarka dashed forward toward one of the lakes where there was currently only one person.

Step. Step. Step.

Sarka stopped abruptly at the edge of the lake as footsteps sounded behind her. Adam and Kaerno followed her. They were both curious to find out what had caused her to react that way.

"Agh?"

Glancing at the lake, Adam saw a woman with short black hair that reached her chin. Her eyes were closed, and her hands rested on the edge of the lake.

Adam recognized this woman.

When he first visited the Blade Pillar with Kaerno and Larth, he felt a strong thirst for blood emanating from Sarka. At that time, he saw not only Sarka, but also this woman, who possessed an aura no less powerful and serene than Sarka’s own. However, that was nothing compared to Kaerno.

Slowly, the woman opened her eyes to see three figures before her.

For a moment, her face froze. This was not what she had expected to see after a short nap.

"Boss." Valleyn smiled. "I didn’t think I’d run into you here. Has something special happened?"

Without saying a word, Kaerno pointed at Adam.

Sarka jumped up with joy.

"Valleyn! I’m so glad to see you! I have so much to tell you! We were at the Pit, and Adam absorbed a huge Frenzied Shard."

Instantly, Valleyn understood everything as she looked at Kaerno.

"Boss, is he...?"

Kaerno nodded.

"Soon, he will participate in the Grim Court. It is his wish, and now he has the right to do so. I think you can see it all for yourself in his aura."

For a moment, Valleyn studied Adam’s aura as her pupils dilated.

"Unbelievable, he actually did it."

Tap. Tap.

Kaerno patted Adam and Sarka on the shoulder as he grabbed the hem of his robe.

"Alright, enough standing around here, let’s enjoy this water."

Sarka didn’t wait.

"Yes!"

She ripped off all her clothes and jumped right into the center, as a wave of water washed over Valleyn, who had to cover herself with her hand.

Adam smiled.

’Hah, Kaerno didn’t mess up. This is a great place to relax.’