Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1911: The Free Stone

“Huh… You’re right, there aren’t that many options.” Adam smiled bitterly when Ergander told him about the Vibrating Stones.

He looked down, mulling over his words.

“You know, it might be easier for me to defeat a Lord if it were a Baron.”

After that, Adam chuckled.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but not long ago I thought the Lords were invincible opponents and that I simply didn’t stand a chance against them.”

Ergander gave him a long look before nodding deeply.

“There’s nothing strange about that. The Befallen Crown wants to get rid of you for a reason, Adam. Not all K4-Phantoms are strong enough to fight a Lord on equal terms, especially ones like you who haven’t reached the barrier yet.”

Adam shrugged.

“Yeah, I’ve heard that before, but I’m not talking about how others react, I’m talking about how I feel inside. I’m still a long way from your level, but I don’t think I’ll ever run away from weak Lords again. At least, not as long as they’re Barons.”

In fact, Ergander could do nothing but agree with Adam.

“That’s true, but you mustn’t forget that you’re not the only one like that in this world.”

“Hmm? What do you mean?” Adam was confused.

Ergander narrowed his eyes as a glint flashed across them.

“Not all K4-Phantoms are equal, and the same goes for the Barons. Who knows which Baron will be your opponent? Maybe it’ll be a genius who, a hundred years from now, will become the new True Lord?”

He crossed his arms over his chest.

“If you run into a fighter like that, you won’t stand much of a chance. Sure, it’s unlikely to happen, but if I were you, I wouldn’t take any chances.”

“So, are you suggesting we try to find an available Vibrating Stone first?”

Ergnader nodded.

“Yes. That would be best, trust me. That’s my advice to you. In fact, I know of one suitable place, but it’s quite far from here.”

Adam thought for a moment as he tapped on the table.

“Well… I think you’re right. What kind of place is it?”

Ergnader pointed into the distance.

“The Fallen Amber Sun. You’ll understand everything once you get to that place. A great battle once took place there between two True Lords, which is why everything that was there before was destroyed.”

Adam raised an eyebrow. “Are you suggesting I look for a Vibrating Stone under a layer of ash?”

Ergander shook his head.

“No, of course not. The battle took place, but this place didn’t become a wasteland. The energy left over from their fight is uniform, so over time, it reshaped the terrain to suit itself. As a result, only one type of plant grows there now, as well as the energy crystals.

“I’m saying this because many monsters simply aren’t interested in this place. There’s nothing useful for them there, and it’s unlikely anyone will need those plants or crystals right when you get there.”

Adam scratched his cheek.

“I see. But you’re saying there’s a Vibrating Stone there? Doesn’t that mean someone must be there to guard it?”

In response, Ergander waved his hand.

“Because of the energy left over after the battle, there’s no point in staying there for long. Monsters that want to evolve by absorbing energy will only slow down their progress if they absorb that energy, and as I said earlier, there aren’t any valuable resources there.”

Adam narrowed his eyes.

“Are you saying that if anyone goes there, it’s only to use a Vibrating Stone and then leave?”

“Something like that. After all, you’re going to do the same thing, aren’t you?”

Ergander glanced aside with a warm smile.

“This will be your best chance, since there aren’t many places like this. Sure, maybe the condition you’re looking for is too far from the Fallen Amber Sun, and you won’t find anything, but… it’s better than nothing, right?”

Adam leaned forward, staring at his half-empty cup of tea.

“Hmm, and is that the direct route?” he asked.

“Yes. That way, you’ll minimize the chances of running into members of the Befallen Crown. If everything goes well, you’ll get there, activate a Vibrating Stone, and figure out where your last condition is.” Ergander waved his hand.

Adam sighed heavily as he leaned back in his chair.

“But that’s the best-case scenario, isn’t it? Things could be much worse, in a whole bunch of ways at once.”

In response, Ergander spread his arms wide with an innocent expression.

“Same as always. You could be in a safe area in front of the Citadel or in the most dangerous part of the Grand Abyss, and luck will always be the deciding factor at certain moments.”

“Huh, you’re right, everything depends on luck, but the weaker you are, the more important it is for you. If you’re strong, even with a major setback, you can still achieve what you want.”

This time, Ergander said nothing. He just nodded in agreement with Adam’s words.

They were silent for a while. Adam was mulling over his plan of action, while Ergander was simply enjoying the company.

He didn’t know when he’d have another opportunity like this. Besides, he had no reason to rush. For a monster like him, rushing had long since become unnecessary.

“Alright.” Adam nodded, breaking the silence. “I guess in that case, I’m ready to go. Thanks for the tea and for telling me so much about the Grand Abyss. Without you, it would have been much harder for me here.”

Ergander waved his hand casually.

“No need to thank me. It’s my duty to help the younger generation when necessary. I hope you’ll be able to achieve what you came here for, young man.”

Adam cast one last glance at the table, the golden tree atop the mountain, and the waterfall.

After that, he nodded deeply, and his body trembled.

The next time Ergander blinked, Adam was no longer at the table, his shadow was already down below, at the foot of the waterfall.

“Well, well…”

Ergander’s eyes followed the shadow as it leaped among the golden trees, moving forward.

“Who would have thought that such an encounter awaited me today? I hope we’ll meet again, Adam. Unfortunately, the chances of that aren’t all that great.”

He knew better than anyone how dangerous the Grand Abyss was and that unpredictable things happened there all the time.