Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1823: Grand Abyss

Even though this was the lower level of Varreyn, that didn’t mean only the poorest or weakest monsters lived here. It wasn’t the slums. It was simply one of three areas that was significantly inferior only to the upper level.

However, even here there were many important buildings and people.

Step.

Adam stopped in front of the dark tower, looking at the banners.

“This isn’t just an ordinary building, is it?”

Laroza nodded.

“This building belongs to the Mist Owl. They’re the main faction here in Varreyn. They deal in trade and control over territories.”

Adam fell deep in thought, staring fixedly at a single point.

‘Huh, how curious. Even though just three Renegades could take control of this city, they have no intention of doing so. Moreover, they don’t interfere unless necessary, and they give the monsters in their territories complete freedom of action.’

Sure, Adam had long known that the main power in the Tarnished Lands was the Renegades, but the way they operated differed from that of the Befallen Crown or the Blade Eclipse and Dome Eclipse in the Hollow Lands.

The Renegades controlled everything and nothing at the same time. They could capture any city, or even all of them, but all they really had were the bases where their members stayed. At the same time, no one was going to challenge their authority.

“And… Who is this man, Krador?”

Tap.

Laroza draped her arm over Adam’s shoulder.

“He’s a good friend of mine and also one of the leaders of the Mist Owl.”

“Hmm? One of?”

Laroza nodded. “They don’t have a single leader. They operate like a company at the Citadel, where there isn’t just one owner, but several. The situation with the Mist Owl is roughly the same. Some have more influence, some have less, sure, but everyone’s voice is taken into account, that’s for sure.”

“Got it.”

Thanks to Laroza’s status, they had no trouble entering the tower as they made their way to the very top.

On the top floor, a hall resembling a luxurious hotel suite awaited them. In the center stood sofas with purple cushions. Four white columns lined the edges, and a bright, crystal chandelier full of light crystals hung from the ceiling.

Beyond that was a spacious balcony offering a view of Varreyn, the park, and the main square, as well as the entrance to the mid-level.

On the balcony, with his back to them, stood a man in a long black and purple robe that fluttered in the breeze. He had shoulder-length purple hair and fair skin that contrasted with his sharp facial features.

“I didn’t expect to see you today, Laroza.” Krador’s voice rang out as he continued to gaze at the park.

Without hesitation, Laroza stepped forward, grabbing an apple from the table and immediately taking a big bite.

Crunch.

“Yeah, a few days ago I didn’t even know I’d end up with a job like this, but no one can predict the future, can they?”

“That’s true.”

Slowly, Krador turned. His eyes were gray, but so clear they resembled two transparent crystals capable of seeing into their souls.

His gaze fell on Adam, who, for some reason, flinched. He didn’t sense any threat from Krador, but his gaze was piercing.

“And you, young man, you must be Adam Vinter.”

“You know about me?” Adam was caught off guard. Although many monsters on the streets glanced at him because he was a Phantom, none of them had ever shouted his name, it was unlikely that any of them had recognized Adam.

Krador nodded.

“Of course, knowing these things is my job. You’re one of the most talented Phantoms of the last 100 years, and indeed, of this entire World Wipe. Also, you’re one of the candidates to become the next Second Rank Phantom, a stellar Phantom, as they say.”

Adam blinked as Krador vanished. He spun around abruptly, only to see Krador already sitting on the couch across from Laroza.

“Since you’ve come to see me, you must want to know something too. So, let’s not waste any time.”

Laroza nodded.

“Come here, tell him the same thing you told me. He can be trusted.”

“Alright.”

Adam felt uneasy because he hadn’t seen Krador’s movements, but he had come here on business.

“I came here, to the Tarnished Lands, to become stronger and find my final condition, the Bottomless Void,” he stated.

Krador leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.

“Oh, so you’re asking me to help you take the penultimate step before the Second Circle? I’m flattered. As I understand it, you’re hoping to find the Bottomless Void at the Gray Sea, isn’t that right?”

Adam nodded deeply.

“Yes. However, this is my first time visiting the Gray Sea. I know nothing about this great place except the basics.”

Strangely enough, Krador just waved his hand.

“That’s more than enough. It doesn’t matter whether you’re familiar with the territory or not. The only thing that matters is whether you’ll be able to survive there or not. That depends on your strength and nothing else.”

Laroza waved her hand.

“Stop intimidating him. Can you help us or not?”

Krador didn’t answer right away. He thought for a moment before nodding deeply.

“Yes. As far as I know, Adam, you have some of the most complex conditions ever seen among the Phantoms, don’t you?”

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

Adam scratched the back of his head, confused.

“Well… I know a little about what the conditions are for other Phantoms, but yeah, I think that’s right. I doubt most Phantoms have the same conditions as I do.”

True, the fact that one of Adam’s conditions was the blood of Queen Elisa was enough to draw that conclusion. The Highest Bliss wasn’t easy to obtain either, and the same was true for the First Grand Star and Second Grand Star.

If other K4-Phantoms had the same conditions, more than 90% of them would have died or failed to fulfill even a single one.

“I see.” Krador crossed one leg over the other.

He smiled as he had an answer.

“You should head to the Grand Abyss.”