Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1727: Everyone in Place (Part 2)

The Grim Court was about to begin, but Adam knew it would take him no more than three minutes to reach the northern Hail Passage. After all, Kaerno was with him, and he wouldn’t allow this battle to be canceled or postponed.

Although Adam was the one most interested in it.

He had spent the last few hours at the Bone Lakes healing his wounds. Queen Elisa’s blood was still inside his inner space, and with every passing minute, it was becoming less stable.

The blood flow would have to find its way, either into Adam’s Evolution Tree or into the far reaches of his inner space, which at best would lead to serious injuries and, more likely, tear him apart from the inside.

Adam knew all these risks, but he had no choice but to heal and prepare for battle.

Now, the moment had come.

Whooooooosh!

The tattered clothes covered Adam’s body, hanging off his shoulders. His current outfit differed from the coats and shirts he usually preferred. It was much looser.

The long rags covering his frame resembled a very old, tattered cloak. It still wasn’t as bad as Kaerno’s, but it was pretty close to his level.

"Agh? What is this?" Adam was confused, turning left and right. "I can’t say it’s uncomfortable, but it feels like I’ve been thrown a blanket!"

Kaexa adjusted her glasses.

"This is an outfit Master Kaerno personally chose for you. I advise you to be grateful for such an honor." Her voice was deep and her gaze serious.

Because Adam was a foreigner, he wasn’t used to their customs, but few could afford to interact with Kaerno as casually as he did.

Even though Kaexa was one of the Thorns and significantly stronger than Adam, she was nothing in front of Kaerno. He was her leader, but also a monster who could snap her neck in the blink of an eye.

Kaerno waved his hand with a slight smile. "No need to be so strict, Kaexa. However, Adam, your outfit isn’t finished yet."

"What do you mean?" Adam raised an eyebrow, spreading his arms wide. "Do you want to add something else? I think this is more than enough."

Kaerno nodded. "Yes, I agree with you. I’d even say you’re wearing too many unnecessary things right now."

He pointed at Adam’s boots.

"Agh?"

Click.

Before Adam could react, Kaerno snapped his fingers as Adam’s boots were torn to shreds, exposing his feet.

Apparently, Kaerno did this so that Adam was now in the same situation as he was. Now, they were both wearing fairly loose, tattered clothes and had no shoes.

"What the hell?!" Adam exclaimed with a deep frown.

Adam was clearly not happy with this change.

Kaerno shrugged.

"Try fighting like this once. I’m sure this style will suit you. Now, nothing is holding you back, and you’ll feel not only your own energy and your opponent’s blows but the ground beneath your feet."

If Adam were making the final decision, he would have ripped these clothes off right now and put on something more suitable, but he simply couldn’t argue with Kaerno.

"Tsk." Adam snorted, lowering his gaze.

He felt a slight warmth coming from the stone slabs beneath his feet, but things would be completely different in the arena. He understood that.

"Alright, can we go now?"

Kaerno folded his arms behind his back and nodded deeply.

"Kaexa will take you straight to the judge. You need to meet before the fight starts, then you’ll go to your chamber. But, considering how little time is left, you’ll have to go out to the arena almost immediately."

Then, he looked at Sarka, who was still in the lake.

"Don’t worry. Sarka and I will already be in our seats when it’s time for the fighters to enter."

Step.

Without hesitation, Kaexa stepped forward, stopping in front of Adam. Kaerno had given her an order, so she would carry it out as quickly and well as possible.

"We mustn’t waste any more time. Take my hand." Kaexa held out her hand.

Adam nodded and took her hand firmly, their fingers intertwining.

At the same moment, Kaexa’s aura intensified as the temperature around them dropped significantly. Even the water in the lake, filled with energy, began to be covered by a thin layer of ice surrounding Sarka.

"We’ll be at the northern Hail Passage in three minutes."

Step.

With the next step, Kaexa’s body trembled as she and Adam vanished in a frosty flash, moving at tremendous speed.

She wasn’t running on the ground or flying. No, a solid layer of ice formed beneath her, allowing her to glide.

Kaerno sighed, turning to Sarka, who gently touched the ice crystal frozen beside her.

"Are you ready to go to the arena?"

Tap.

The ice crystal shattered as Sarka looked at Kaerno.

"Boss, I told Adam about Zin. Judging by your sly grin, he’s going to be Adam’s opponent, isn’t he?"

For the past few minutes, Kaerno had looked quite calm and composed, but now his facade cracked, revealing a gleam in his eyes and a broad smirk. He had nothing to hide from Sarka, after all. She was ready to accept any answer.

"Yes. You know, Sarka, sometimes you can be a very smart girl."

"Pffft! I’m always smart! If I do something stupid, it just means it was all part of my plan!"

Kaerno glanced aside with a slight smile. "Sure, sure. Everything’s exactly as you say."

He’d expected to hear an even bolder reply, but instead Sarka’s gaze grew darker.

"Boss..." Her sad voice rang out.

"Hmm?"

"If it’s Zin... Do you think Adam will be able to win?"

Kaerno tilted his head, looking at her with narrowed eyes full of curiosity.

"Why? Has this young man already become special to you?"

Sarka shook her head as her large eyes met his. For a moment, only cruel determination filled her gaze.

"I want to see him lose. I want him to understand exactly what each of us has felt."

Kaerno nodded.

"In that case, young lady, I have good news for you."