Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 801: Strong and weak are not equal

Katrinʼs heart clenched with fear. She saw how fast the Crimson Monarchʼs attack was. She didnʼt have time to dodge his thrust, but... at the last moment, a tall silhouette appeared between them.

Unlike her coat, Adamʼs one was torn in many places, the monster thread regenerating too slowly to cover all of Adamʼs wounds from battles.

Yet, his posture appeared much sturdier than hers. The corners of Katrinʼs lips turned upward - he came to save her.

Then, came Adamʼs voice:

”Ten seconds - your time is up.”

It was the only reason Adam entered the fray, shattering Katrinʼs joyful expression into pieces.

ʼWhat...? Ten seconds? Are you shitting on me?!ʼ

Bam.

Adamʼs fist smashed into the Crimson Monarchʼs face. Unlike Katrin who flew away from the impact, the Crimson Monarch didnʼt even take a step back.

With a thud, the Crimson Monarch took Adamʼs punch, not moving for a while, only the snake resting on his shoulder hissed irritably.

Then, he slowly pulled back, ignoring Katrin.

A single trickle of blood came out of his nose, his nose was broken, but regeneration was already returning the crooked bones to their original position.

”What a shame...”

The Crimson Monarch turned his gaze to Katrin, disgust on his face.

”I couldnʼt deal with her in ten seconds. I wonʼt ask for a second chance, it was just a way to save my time anyway.”

Adam raised an eyebrow, his eyes wide open.

”Hah? You shouldnʼt underestimate her. The fact that she lasted ten seconds already says a lot.”

The Crimson Monarchʼs eyebrow twitched; he didnʼt want to believe Adam was serious.

But, before he could say anything, Adamʼs right hand turned into a flash.

Crackle.

With a loud crunch, Adamʼs fist smashed into the Crimson Monarchʼs jaw from below like a steel hammer.

A wave of shivers ran through the ground, particles of snow surged up, but the Crimson Monarch didnʼt budge, taking the full force of the blow.

”I see...”

The Crimson Monarch muttered as he watched the disk of light floating in the middle of the night sky.

”So this isnʼt the first time youʼve fought alongside this maiden. Is that love...? No... Youʼre not interested in her as a woman. Well... then youʼre hoping for her development as a fighter. What naive foolishness...”

In an instant, Katrinʼs face turned red, her heart racing as she wanted to scream to refute the Crimson Monarchʼs words.

Unlike her, Adam didnʼt show any vivid emotion.

”I donʼt believe it. I know she can - she did it once, just stopped. Iʼm sure itʼs a temporary hardship, sheʼll prove it.”

The Crimson Monarch lowered his gaze, Adamʼs fist still at his chin.

”She will ruin you Adam Vinter. There is nothing wrong with helping the weak, to protect them, but...”

For a few seconds, his gaze stopped on Katrin.

”The strong ones should not assume that the weak are equal to them. It will only lead to negative consequences, especially for the weak side. Though... naivety is inherent in young and eager souls.”

Adam shook his head, he took a deep breath.

”Tsk. As I said earlier - youʼre not the first to be crushed by pride, even justified one.”

Then, Adam leaped to the side, finding himself behind the Crimson Monarch.

In a heartbeat, the Crimson Monarch went into battle mode, blocking Adamʼs next punch.

Even though Adamʼs rings were in crimson form, his hits couldnʼt throw the Crimson Monarch aside or damage his opponentʼs arms.

They were on equal footing.

For every one of Adamʼs punches, the Crimson Monarch managed to block in time, but he was in the same situation.

Whoooooosh.

A lighting ray flew out of the dense orb, Adam jerked his head sharply, missing the deadly attack by a few centimeters.

Then, he lifted his leg up, turning sharply to build up momentum. Before the Crimson Monarch could counterattack, Adamʼs foot aimed at the monsterʼs chest like a spear.

Electric shocks ran through the Crimson Monarchʼs eyes, his body moving automatically obeying instincts honed by hundreds of fights.

With a gust of wind, Adamʼs foot swept next to the Crimson Monarchʼs, grazing his cheek. But, no sooner had the drops of blood rushed from the cut than they froze in mid-air, quickly returning to their owner.

With a tiny delay, they glanced over continuing their endless exchange of blows.

All the while, Katrin watched them. They were fighting a few meters away from her, she could clearly see every move, feeling useless.

ʼNo... Itʼs just their physical strength. No one is using abilities. They hit each other and the ground shakes, the regeneration wonʼt allow any of them to win even if they are severely wounded.ʼ

Then, Alanʼs words rang out in her mind.

ʼKatrin, go ahead. Thereʼs no point in listening to what the monster is saying, but Adam is another matter. Heʼs right - if youʼve survived ten seconds then you can be in their fight. Isnʼt that why youʼve been waiting for this moment?ʼ

Alan clenched his fists, gathering his strength for one last speech. He knew that for Katrin this was the most dangerous fight in her history.

ʼHelp him, you can defeat a deadly enemy again - you can get stronger. This is your best chance!ʼ

Like a soulless puppet, Katrin nodded slightly as her fingers gripped the hilt of her swords tightly.

Whooooooooosh.

In a heartbeat, she darted forward, finding herself behind the Crimson Monarch.

He noticed it, he didnʼt need to look in her direction to feel her aura.

”Pffft, what a poorly executed attack. That girl is a disaster, not a fighter.ʼʼ

Without saying a word, the Crimson Monarch took a step to the side, two black blades whizzing by his side.

Then, he leaned back, passing Adamʼs kick over his chest.

Katrinʼs lips trembled, her pupils narrowed. She couldnʼt stop thinking about past events. From the Plague Reaper, the Blind Sinner, to the Crimson Monarchʼs scornful treatment.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Following her will, the black coat trembled, the edges turning into blades heading towards the Crimson Monarch under Katrinʼs fiery scream:

”Donʼt you dare underestimate me! Monster!”

Thrust.

The blades pierced the Crimson Monarchʼs chest, reminding him how vivid the pain could be.