Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 2013: Crystal Telescopes

Adam had been to Heaven Island several times, but never to Azure Island. He had only seen it from afar and knew that Frida had played a major role there. After all, it was her idea and her creation.

True, Azure Island was significantly smaller than Heaven Island, but its creation required a great deal of resources, especially for the engines that helped the island hover at a constant altitude for decades without losing stability.

Step.

Adam landed on Azure Island as he looked around.

Right in the center stood a large, white, square building. It was something like Frida’s private residence here, a place where she could rest and gather her thoughts before anyone needed her help.

In addition to this building, there were several others along the perimeter. They were smaller and mostly housed supplies, equipment, and rest areas for the other Phantoms working on Azure Island.

But it wasn’t the buildings that caught Adam’s attention, it was something else.

“Wait… Are those telescopes?” Adam pointed ahead.

Strangely enough, there were no telescopes on Azure Island, at least not the kind used for stargazing.

At the edges of Azure Island, spaced evenly apart, were eight crystals, each responsible for its own direction.

The crystals were flat and slightly curved forward like lenses, and in front of each crystal was a stone panel with purple glowing runes, resembling a console.

Frida nodded.

“Yes, you could put it that way – you wouldn’t be wrong. This island floats and operates not only thanks to engines and fuel, but also because of a single External Artifact that I brought here by force many years ago.”

She turned toward the nearest Crystal Telescope.

“Both the crystals and the stone altars are connected to the External Artifact. With the help of these crystals, we can see everything that’s happening in the Dead Lands, all the way to the very edge of the Wild Lands.”

Adam understood what was going on.

“I see… You don’t know what’s happening in the Lands, right?”

“Yes,” Frida confirmed. “We can look into the Primal Lands or the Tarnished Lands, but I still won’t be able to help any Phantoms who find themselves in trouble there. Even if I throw my spear over there, some True Lord will just stop it.”

Suddenly, Lamor’s voice rang out as he decided that an explanation from him was needed here.

“Every land has its own most powerful factions, but in this case, that’s not as important as the fact that Frida is a Phantom. Overall, monsters don’t want the Phantoms to interfere with events taking place on their territories, especially if it’s a Second-Rank Phantom residing at the Citadel.”

After a brief wave of his hand, he continued:

“Moreover, given your experience, you should already know that the Hollow Lands and the Dark Shore are protected by a barrier, and neither Frida nor anyone else can see what’s happening there directly from here.”

Frida shrugged.

“Lamor is right, but if a Phantom is strong enough to venture into the Primal Lands or another area of that level, they have to rely only on themselves, not on some miracle to save them.”

For some reason, this brought a bitter smile to Adam’s face as he awkwardly touched his neck.

“Hmm?” Frida gave him a sharp glare. “Is something wrong? Do you disagree with me, Adam Vinter?”

Adam shook his head.

“No, just… When I first ventured into the Primal Lands, I defeated my opponent, but I was so weak that other monsters would have definitely torn me to pieces. I was lucky Goen showed up. Though…”

He glanced at Kamora.

“Even back then, I realized that someone at my level wasn’t supposed to know about the World End and the Manifest Nexus.”

Kamora shrugged as she walked forward with a relaxed stride, her hands behind her head.

“Don’t worry about it. Sure, secrets exist for a reason, but someone like you would’ve found out about it sooner or later.”

Then, Kamora turned to Frida as her mood shifted abruptly.

“Hey, Frida, you still have your pool, don’t you?”

Frida touched her temples, realizing what would follow her reply.

“Yes, but you didn’t come here to relax!”

By the time Frida said that, Kamora had already vanished.

SPLASH!

From the direction of the white building came a sound as if someone had jumped into the water.

“Ah…” Frida sighed heavily. “Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten involved in this.”

“No, you did everything right.”

“Hmm?” Frida clearly hadn’t expected to hear that from Adam.

Then, Lamor stood beside him.

“I agree. Once Adam gets some rest, he’ll definitely receive the Fifth Anchor.”

At the same time, they gave her a thumbs-up with serious expressions.

Strange as it may seem, it made Frida smile. For someone as cold as she was, that was a rare occurrence.

“Hey!” Kamora’s voice rang out from afar. “Stop standing there! How long am I supposed to wait for you?!”

Frida rolled her eyes and walked forward. She had no other choice. She was being held hostage by Kamora on her own island.

…

About two hours later, Kamora’s boundless energy began to gradually fade, and Frida finally allowed herself to relax.

Frida sat on the edge of the pool, with only her feet in the water. Kamora was floating on her back with a broad smile on her face, while Lamor was preparing cocktails and appetizers in the small kitchen nearby.

Frida had never used that kitchen. It wasn’t a matter of her status, but rather that she was too busy and tired all the time.

Adam, like Frida, had only dipped his feet in the water because right now a girl was standing behind him with her arms outstretched.

A green glow emanated from her hands as she gradually healed and repaired Adam’s numerous wounds and cuts.

He was ready to head to Nova Hail even in this condition, but he was also ready to admit that Frida was right and he needed medical attention.

“Thanks. I’m feeling much better already.” Adam looked at the girl.

She smiled back.

“Sure, but the treatment isn’t over yet!”

Adam nodded as he looked at Kamora, then at Frida.

“So… will someone tell me what Nova Hail is? Is it just another island floating even higher up?”

“Nah.” Lamor shook his head as he turned around. “It’s better than that!”

He grinned as he carried the cocktails on a tray.

“It’s the frozen energy of the Last Star!”