Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 2081: Fighting for Oneself

Strangely enough, the third head of the Twelve Branches had already approached their table. This time, it was the head of the Lorenzo Family. Their distinguishing feature was their blue hair and eyes.

Sure, ordinary people sometimes had those colors too, Louis was living proof of that, and so was Alexia. Her eyes were green, but her hair was blue.

However, it was precisely the shade and depth that set this man’s hair and eyes apart from the rest.

“Are you asking us if we’re ready to fight?” Adam narrowed his eyes, staring intently at the smiling man.

Without hesitation, Adam clenched his fists tightly.

“Of course we’re ready. We’ve done this many times before, and the Zero War won’t be any different. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I don’t want to hide in other lands and hope that powerful monsters will protect me.”

The man wanted to say something, but the fire in Adam’s eyes only grew brighter as he continued:

“Sure, this is the Befallen Crown and not some random lord, but I’ve already defeated some of them, and I’m ready to keep doing it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Star, a K1-Phantom, or a regular person, if you want to live, you have to be strong enough. That’s it.”

The others exchanged glances. They knew Adam loved to fight, well, they’d all been through countless battles, but now he’d responded not as a Phantom or a fighter, but as a warrior.

The man touched his chin with a satisfied smile.

“Good answer. Most of us have come to the same conclusion. The decision hasn’t been made yet, but we’ll most likely abandon the idea of hiding the Stars at the Citadel or in other lands. The effect will be the same. But if we repel their attack, the situation in the world might change.”

Before saying anything else, the man touched his chest and bowed elegantly.

Unlike the intimidating Karso and the strange Layra, he looked and acted like a true high noble, at least at that moment.

“My name is Carsian Lorenzo. As you may have guessed, I am the head of the Lorenzo Family. You see, there’s a bit of irony here, because in some ways I’m similar to our beloved Joarxa.”

Carsian stood up as a dangerous glint flashed across his eyes.

Silvana was confused.

“Hmm? What does that mean?”

Alexia’s eyes widened.

“I know! He’s an alcoholic too, right?!” she exclaimed, completely certain she’d guessed correctly.

“Hahahahaha!” Carsian laughed, his deep, melodious voice echoing through the banquet hall.

Then, he shook his head.

“No, not exactly. Sure, I can appreciate a fine beverage or a bottle of wine, especially if it’s one of those rare bottles from the monster lands, but I’m still a long way from Joarx’s level. Even Douglas can’t outdrink her, so I don’t stand a chance.”

In the blink of an eye, Carsian’s aura shifted as his friendly smile suddenly turned menacing.

The blue flame engulfed everything around them, causing the banquet guests standing nearby to look back in surprise.

“My family is considered one of the most peaceful among the Twelve Branches. The Lorenzo Family is known for always trying to resolve conflicts without resorting to combat, and, just like the Pereit Family, their manners are impeccable. But…”

Carsian leaned forward, his eyes slowly narrowing.

“I hate all of this. I don’t like negotiating with enemies, it’s a waste of time. It’s much easier to kill your opponent and resolve all current and future problems at once. What do you say, Adam Vinter? Something tells me you feel the same way I do.”

The corners of Adam’s mouth turned up.

Unexpectedly, he immediately took a liking to Carsian.

“Yeah, you’re not wrong. Though, there’s one thing you’ve got wrong.”

“Hmm? What’s that?”

Adam ran his hand across their table.

“Everyone here agrees with you. I haven’t been following their latest battles. I’ve been busy, but I’m sure Fromund and Alexia can fight the Lesser Lords of the Befallen Crown and win. I do not doubt that.”

Fromund smiled contentedly. He and Adam had been rivals at the Moon Colosseum, but never enemies. Though they had competed against each other, they had also fought alongside one another on several occasions.

He was glad that they were roughly on the same level and that Adam recognized his worth.

Alexia was in the same situation.

“Pffft! I just got back from a mission where I had to fight a Baron! Yeah, he wasn’t from the Befallen Crown, but still! Just imagine what kind of opponents I’ll be able to defeat once I reach the Second Circle!”

Fromund, in turn, waved his hand with a sweet smile.

“I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve also fought a Baron twice, and I won. Though one of the fights was much harder than the other, since the second Baron was from some big clan.”

Then, Fromund, Alexia, Arayna, and Louis looked at Adam.

They were waiting for his list.

Adam scratched his cheek.

“Well… What can I say? I’ve killed three Viscounts, one Baron, and fought another, but that was a friendly match. Something like that.”

Silence.

Silence hung over their table.

Layra slapped her lap.

“Hahaha! He’s still a K4-Phantom, and he’s already reached this level! Yeah, Karos, Carsian, this time we actually have a chance!”

Silvana turned to Carsian.

“What exactly is Layra talking about? Is there some kind of battle plan against the Befallen Crown?”

“Yes.”

Karos was the one who answered as all attention turned to him. Meanwhile, Carsian quietly pulled up a chair from another table and found a spot for himself.

“As you already know, the plan to hide at the Citadel is a failure, and leaving the Citadel isn’t an option either, that would only hasten your deaths. So, your only chance of survival is to fight and win.”

He pressed his fingertips together.

“Every battle needs an arena, and in this case, it will be the Citadel. We’ll have to turn our home into a battlefield to give you a chance to survive, but whether or not you see the next dawn after the Zero War depends entirely on you.”