Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1090: How about a date? (Part 2)

Ivar and Osmer were the strongest monsters at the Sacrificial Waterfalls, even though they were only Elders. It was a very high rank, they were comparable to Valdris at the Soaring Chain Islands, but it wasnʼt enough to own a large territory at the Dark Shore.

The reason was that the Sacrificial Waterfalls had a Lord like almost any region at the Dark Shore, but Ivar and Osmerʼs situation was unusual.

While they and their apprentices reported directly to the Befallen Crown, their Lord remained inactive most of the time and did not participate in their lives. The Lord of the Sacrificial Waterfalls was more like a landlord than a ruler.

Gladius killed all the monsters, but it didnʼt bother the Lord of the Sacrificial Waterfalls in any way.

But... What if Gladius wanted to take over the land?

It was rare, but as the Second Rank Phantom, especially of his level, he had that option.

Well, that could not be allowed to happen. There was an urgent need for intervention.

What about Osmer, Rosana, Ivar, and the others who died?

It wasnʼt that important. There would always be new regenerative monsters that would want to fill the Sacrificial Waterfalls, agreeing to terms just to reap the benefits of this place.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

The surface of the river trembled, drawing Gladiusʼs attention.

A pillar of blood rushed upwards, dark streams swirling in an active vortex, slowly revealing someoneʼs silhouette.

Gladiusʼs eyes went wide for a moment as the corners of his lips curved upward.

Step.

A small foot touched the cold ground as a red cloth dangled above the ankle.

A girl of medium height with pale skin and very long fangs protruding slightly from her mouth directed her gaze at Gladius. Her scarlet hair swept down in waves just below her bare shoulders, while her dress covered her lean frame.

Her eyes were large and colorful like blood rubies, with round, human pupils.

”How strange...” the girl muttered, running her gaze over Gladius. ”Such a strong Phantom, yet we donʼt know each other. Whatʼs your name?”

Gladius blinked a few times. He was surprised at the girlʼs calm reaction.

She could easily see his real power, his aura, even though he was hiding it. Regardless, no new emotion appeared on her face. It seemed that even Gladiusʼs true power could not make her tremble in fear.

Even among the Lords, that was rare.

Naturally, it only piqued Gladiusʼs curiosity.

He put his palm to his chest and bowed theatrically.

”Gladius, my name is Gladius, young lady.”

”Hmm? Oh, perhaps I should have been more precise. I want to hear your full name given to you by the Dark Shore,” the girl uttered, Gladiusʼs antics not working on her. ”Thereʼs no way a Phantom of your power doesnʼt have a title. Whatʼs more... Apparently, youʼre a frequent visitor at the Dark Shore.”

A predatory gleam ran across Gladiusʼs eyes as he straightened.

”Hah, with all due respect, but what makes you think you have the right to hear my title? Just because youʼre a Lord and could see my aura doesnʼt mean anything.”

Without saying anything, the girl raised her hand slightly.

At the same moment, out of the void formed a wide blade that headed towards Gladius, cleaving everything in its path.

With a whistling wind, Gladius easily dodged it.

”Decided to attack without warning? Well, that only proved my point. If you couldnʼt get me now, then weʼre not equal.”

Once again, the girl silently pointed to the ground.

Gladiusʼs eyes went wide, reflecting the few black hairs that fell from his bangs.

Xyrea licked her lips. ʼShe got you.ʼ

”Damn, looks like it.”

Step.

The girl stepped forward, raising her gaze upward due to the large difference in their height.

”In that case, Iʼll start first. My name is Menis, the Scarlet Bloom.”

There was no response, only confusion.

”Hah, looks like youʼre a real hermit, right?” Gladius scratched the back of his head. ”Itʼs one thing that you donʼt know me, but... a strong Lord Iʼve never heard of? Thatʼs very rare.”

Menis tilted her head.

”If I surprise you, in that case, youʼll introduce yourself properly.”

ʼCome on!ʼ Xyrea rolled her eyes. ʼSome girl completely outplayed you! Accept defeat with honor!ʼ

Gladius tried to maintain his sly expression, but Xyreaʼs words made his brow twitch.

Tremble.

With a light shudder, in Gladiusʼs hand appeared a purple knife of energy as darkness engulfed his figure, leaving only his blue eyes visible.

”As you wish, Menis. My name is Gladius, Chef of the Devil. Are there any other wishes?”

”Yes.” Menis nodded weakly as she glanced at the dozens of corpses off to the side. ”Are you going to take over these lands?”

”No.”

Menisʼs lips parted. ”Do you plan to stay here for long?”

”No. If you hadnʼt shown up, I would have left by now.”

”I see.”

Menis nodded deeply before asking her final question.

”Do you want to fight? Honestly, Iʼd rather go back to sleep. From what Iʼve found out, we have no reason to.”

Once again, a quick reply followed.

”No.”

”Good.”

Menis turned around, about to disappear into the bloody river from which she came. The fate of the monsters that died at Gladiusʼs hand did not concern her.

”Wait. Iʼd like to ask one question before you leave, as well.” Gladiusʼs low voice came from behind.

Like a robot, Menis turned around.

”Iʼm listening to you.”

Gladiusʼs eyes sparkled. ”Letʼs go on a date. I know a few good places, but if you want, you can pick one yourself.”

ʼHey! What the fuck?!ʼ Xyreaʼs scream echoed through his mind, but Gladius ignored her.

”No,” Menis replied dryly. ”I like obedient men. Things are easier with them.”

”Oh, how straightforward. If need be, I can be very obedient,” Gladius purred.

Menisʼs eyes narrowed. The first emotion on her face.

”Thatʼs unlikely. Taming you wonʼt just be difficult, itʼs...” she stumped as she saw much more than was hidden behind Gladiusʼs aura.

A multitude of demons with cruel smirks peered out of his darkness, their eyes narrowed into slits and someone chuckled predatorily, capable of sending shivers down almost any Lordʼs spine.

”Impossible.”