Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 711 The Pact

During the battle against the Plague Reaper, Adam saw the External Artifact for the first time, but he didnʼt get a chance to interact with it, instead, the Plague Reaper did so.

Adam remembered it as if it happened yesterday - the Plague Reaper suppressed the Fume Throne with his power, gaining not only the stored energy but also full control over the Fume Cathedral.

It didnʼt matter that the Plague Reaper didnʼt use any of it, the point was that interacting with External Artifacts was possible.

And, now Adam was experiencing it for himself.

In some ways were the External Artifacts like people or monsters? Each of them needed a different approach.

Some recognized only power as the Fume Throne, while others wished to start with a conversation.

Adam blinked a few times in confusion looking at the nameless External Artifact.

”Your name...? Wait... Can you talk?”

Only one of the two questions was answered:

[Yes... My name is...]

But, they werenʼt the only ones here who could talk:

[Hahaha! Adam... Stop stalling in answering... Canʼt you see that it only makes it more afraid!]

Adam didnʼt know how, but he completely understood what the Evolution Tree was talking about, just a glance at the red crystal was enough for him to understand.

Even though it was neither human nor a monsters, he could easily sense its emotions and desires, although he couldnʼt do the same with his Evolution Tree.

It was like how an adult and experienced person understood everything just by looking at the expression on a childʼs face: joy, sadness, lies, or resentment, everything became clear at once because one had experience and the other had not yet learned to lie and hide emotions.

Sure, the External Artifact had no face, it was not a living being of flesh and blood at all, but there was a superior substitute - energy.

Whether it was because the External Artifact moved into Adamʼs inner space or Adamʼs experience was unknown, he felt as if he knew everything about this object.

Soon, Adam nodded deeply and clenched his fists tightly, directing his confident gaze at the crystal.

”Sure, speak up, no one will hurt you here.”

At that moment, if the Evolution Tree could, it would have grinned widely, for a multitude of reasons.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

With a slight shiver, as if embarrassed, the Outer Artifact replied:

[My name... or my title... is the Lone Blaze of the Fallen Serpent...].

Adam raised an eyebrow. He was expecting to hear a real name like humans, but soon he just shrugged.

”Well, so Lone Blaze it is, fine.”

[No... Thatʼs not my full name!]

However, Adam did not accept this protest and waved his hand nonchalantly.

”It doesnʼt matter. Why are you in my inner space? Why are you so afraid? What do you want from me...?”

The Evolution Tree uttered:

[Adam... I think itʼs worth clarifying first... that we wonʼt eliminate Lone Blaze.]

The Evolution Treeʼs tone was such that Adam would agree with its opinion.

”Hmm?”

Adam rubbed his chin with a confused expression.

”What makes you think that? I donʼt mind getting something of value or simple energy. If that requires destroying the External Artifact then Iʼm ready.”

Your next chapter awaits on

Without hesitation, Adam stepped forward, stretching his right shoulder as if he were about to fight against Lone Blaze.

[No! No! No! Please stop...!]

Yet, it didnʼt help, Adamʼs gaze grew colder, he was completely serious, or at least doing his best to appear so.

The Evolution Tree didnʼt know how to react but slowly began to guess what Adamʼs plan was.

Soon, Lone Blaze muttered in a sad voice:

[Although... Who cares... It would happen soon without your involvement... Make it quick...]

Lone Blaze was about to leave Adamʼs inner space, until at the last moment he shouted:

”Stop!”

[Agh...?]

”Youʼre afraid of whatʼs in the depths of the fortress, arenʼt you?”

Lone Blaze said nothing but slightly bobbed up and down like a man nodding his head.

”Good, thatʼs where I need to go. In fact, it wasnʼt part of my plans to meet you, though I wonʼt deny itʼs a curious experience.”

Lone Blaze remained silent, but Adam could sense that External Artifact was pleased when it heard his last words.

Adam waved his hand blithely.

”Look, Iʼve seen that External Artifacts can offer something in return if you pass their test or something. Iʼd like to do similar stuff with you.”

Then, before Lone Blaze could respond, Adamʼs gaze changed and his eyes became as cold as cruel blades.

”But, if you refuse, thatʼs fine. In that case, Iʼll just destroy you for all the hardships you put me through with these fucking Commander, statues, and runes!”

[Eeeeek!]

A startled squeak spread around as Lone Blaze spun from side to side bouncing across the darkness, trying to think of something that could convince Adam to work together.

Adam furrowed his eyebrows heavily, crossing his arms over his chest.

”Hmm? Do I have to wait a long time? Or donʼt you have an answer?”

The Evolution Tree watched silently, enjoying the scene. It thought Adam would need help, but he was doing fine on his own.

[Wait! Iʼve got something....!]

Lone Blaze exclaimed, hoping Adam would listen to it.

[I was hoping weʼd have a simple separation but... I guess I have no other choice...]

Then, Lona Blaze muttered like a displeased girl with cheeks puffed up in resentment:

[We can make a pact... The monsters in the fortress wonʼt touch you anymore and Iʼll help you destroy what lurks in the depths... what Iʼm so afraid of...]

Adam listened attentively. He acted confidently, but he was a complete novice in this matter.

[Then... If we both stay alive... then upon completion of the pact, you will receive...]

At that moment, the Evolution Tree abruptly entered the conversation.

[Thatʼs enough, he doesnʼt need to know more for now...]

Whoooooooosh.

One of the snow-white roots headed forward pointing at the First Wall, this explained to Lone Blaze the situation.

[I see...]

After a few seconds, Lone Blaze turned to Adam.

[So... Are you ready to make a pact with me...?]