Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 906: Five Days

Two days had passed since Erikʼs demonstration of the use of the Infusive Energy Control, practically, because now it was the evening of the fifth day.

Unlike last time, now neither Adam nor Reinz could quickly master the last type of Energy Control. None of them had succeeded.

Erik showed them how to use the Infusive Energy Control only once, and then he left them alone. He thought he demonstrated enough - all they had to do was to master the third type in the remaining time.

No one thought it would be easy, but Adam and Reinz were confident that they would do it in time.

Crackle.

Reinzʼs energy turned into electrical discharges covering his arms with gauntlets and his feet with tall boots woven from lightning. Like Adamʼs needle, it was his main ability that he used most often.

Time after time, Reinz tried to influence his ability with energy, to somehow alter or enhance the gauntlets, but he found only failure.

He wasnʼt about to give up, though. There was a look of frustration in his eyes, but it passed as quickly as it appeared.

”Another failure...” he muttered, glancing down at his hands.

”Hm... Weʼre doing something wrong, what do you think?” Reinz glanced at Adam who stood aside so as not to disturb each other.

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

Adam scratched the back of his head thoughtfully, his expression complicated.

”I donʼt know. Maybe Iʼm wrong but I donʼt think we have a problem with energy control, technically weʼre doing everything right. But, weʼre just missing the point. When it came to the Outer Energy Control, I knew immediately what needed to be done, but... now. Itʼs not so obvious.”

Then, Adam stretched his arm forward with ease creating a needle full of intense energy.

”Hmm...” he mumbled thoughtfully, ”Maybe itʼs about our desires?”

Reinz raised an eyebrow in confusion, ”Desires? Youʼre wrong. Iʼve tried changing my ability in every possible way, but it doesnʼt seem to work. Sure, maybe I didnʼt find what Iʼm looking for yet, but I doubt that in almost two days I havenʼt tried every option.”

Adam didnʼt seem to hear Reinz, for no emotion appeared on his face.

He stared blankly at his needle, thinking about his idea.

”Well... I meant it a little differently.”

Then, Adam turned and pointed the needle at Reinz.

”During a fight, you often think youʼre missing something, if you had what you were missing you would have won by now or at least gotten rid of the problem. Iʼm sure you know the feeling.

”What if weʼre not looking for what we want but what we need? Itʼs only when you lack something that you realize what you need, isnʼt it?”

Realizing what Adam was getting at, Reinz stepped back carefully.

”Wait, I donʼt think a battle is what we should do.” Reinz gulped.

”Hmm?” Adam tilted his head, ”Do you have any other options? We only have two days left, maybe even less if Erik demands results at the end of the week.”

There was no reply.

”I thought so.”

At the same moment, Adam lunged forward to face Reinz. In his eyes was only one desire - to fight.

Crackle. Crackle. Crackle.

Within a second, they exchanged two high-speed attacks. Sparks flew off to the sides with each collision of the lightning claws and silver needle. The speed and strength of the strikes were enough to send shockwaves through the trembling air.

Oddly enough, this was their first full-fledged clash.

Sure, they had a fight where Adam emerged victorious, but in the first part of their fight, Adam did almost nothing. Reinz ended up doing a lot of attacks without facing any resistance from the other side.

Then, after the path led them to the lake, there was no time and energy for long exchanges of blows.

Everything ended in one final attack.

It was important because Reinz felt that there was a significant difference in mastery between them.

ʼAgh...? Whatʼs going on?ʼ he internally muttered struggling to block Adamʼs slashes, ʼI can barely keep up with his movements, but he looks relaxed!ʼ

Soon, Adamʼs eyes became as cold as glaciers.

”I see, youʼre really going to need the Void Lake, or you wonʼt catch up with me.”

Reinzʼs eyes went wide in disbelief.

Bam.

In a heartbeat, Adamʼs foot plunged into his stomach. Reinz gasped, his pupils fluttering with pain, but no sooner had he recovered than Adamʼs knee crashed into his nose.

It didnʼt break him. Reinz stepped back quickly, but Adam was already in front of him. Their exchange of strikes continued, but now Adam was even faster.

ʼNo, this canʼt go on,ʼ he gulped, assessing his position, ʼMy hands are shaking, soon Iʼll make another mistake and miss a hit. Maybe I should use my legs? No... I donʼt have time for that.ʼ

Clash.

Another cascade of sparks was broken by Adamʼs fists crashing straight into Reinzʼs jaw.

The impact threw Reinz several meters aside, causing him to roll across the ground in the dust and leaving a bloody trail behind him.

Before the momentum came to an end, Adam appeared in front of him, going to attack in advance.

A shiver ran through Reinzʼs body, his eyes reflecting Adamʼs silhouette. His hands raised, gripping the needle tightly.

He intended to sever Reinz in two, it seemed there was no way to stop him from doing so.

Could Reinz use other abilities to change the course of the fight? Sure, but that wasnʼt what he was thinking.

There was only one thing missing for him to save himself and win.

ʼSpeed... I need speed...ʼ Reinz wheezed, remembering their clashes, ʼIʼm strong enough, I just need to get faster!!!ʼ

At the same moment, an array of energy headed towards Reinzʼs arms and legs, condensing on his gauntlets and boots.

Whooooooooooh.

Reinz turned into a lightning flash, ending up behind Adam.

Stunned, Adam jerked his head looking at his opponent over his shoulder.

Then, Reinzʼs foot slammed into his side, clearly breaking several ribs. Adam didnʼt have time to defend himself.

ʼYes! I did it!ʼ Reinz exclaimed inwardly, ʼNow itʼs your turn, Adam!ʼ