Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1954: Difference in Barriers and a Safe Passage

Blink.

Adam closed his eyes as he saw the amber field in the distance, while a gust of wind swept past him, ruffling the black tips of his hair.

The golden tree beside him shone brightly, bathing him in warm rays.

“Blafor wasn’t lying. This really was the perfect place to encounter the Grand Barrier for the first time.”

He turned toward the house on the hill as a smile spread across his face.

Ergander, Blafor, and Kalyso were still seated at the table. At that moment, Kalyso and Blafor were arguing about something, like a strict teacher and a student who was convinced he knew everything better than anyone else, while Ergander stood aside and silently watched what was happening.

Adam got up from the ground and joined them, causing Blafor and Kalyso to finally put an end to their endless argument.

“Looks like you didn’t miss me, huh?” Adam smirked, returning to his seat.

“Oh! You’re back!” Kalyso exclaimed joyfully. “Did you see it? Did you see the Grand Barrier?”

Blafor narrowed his red eyes. “I have the same question.”

Ergander just smiled and raised his cup of tea in greeting.

“Yes.” Adam nodded deeply. “I think I can say I saw pretty much what I expected, but… so far I have no idea how to destroy it.”

“Damn it.” Kalyso rested his chin on his hand, puffing out his cheeks. “If I were a Phantom, I could give you a hint.”

Blafor sighed heavily.

“Indeed. For us monsters, the transition from the First Circle to the Second Circle happens differently. Like the Phantoms, we also face the barrier, but for us it’s much simpler, or rather, more straightforward.”

“Hmm?” Adam gave him a questioning look.

Blafor waved his hand.

“If you were a monster, all you’d need to do is accumulate enough energy so that your body is ready to advance to the next level. Sure, you’d have to transform your energy, but many manage to do that in a few decades.

“Well, I’m talking specifically about those who originally had the potential to reach the Second Circle and become a Lord, not about ordinary monsters.”

Adam nodded, gazing thoughtfully into the distance.

“Well, I have a few ideas, but I won’t be able to try them out until later. For now, I’ve decided to stop my attempts and recover my strength.”

“That’s the right decision!” Ergander said energetically and poured Adam some tea. “Here, don’t deny yourself. I understand you’re planning to leave soon, right?”

“Yes,” Adam replied, taking a sip of tea. “But before that, there’s something I’d like to find out.”

“Hmm?”

Adam looked at Blafor and Ergander.

“When I first arrived at the Grand Abyss, I saw the two of you fighting. Then… you greeted me like old friends. What happened back then? Is this somehow connected to the Pearls?”

At that moment, Adam had only caught snippets of their conversation. He didn’t have the full story about that event.

Ergander waved his hand.

“Don’t worry about it. These are our personal issues. You have more important tasks ahead of you than getting involved in squabbles between old Lords.”

Before Adam could say anything, Ergander continued:

“Besides, even if you wanted to help us or get involved in the conflict somehow, you wouldn’t be able to.”

Adam’s gaze grew more intense as he realized what Ergander was talking about.

“I’m too weak, aren’t I?”

Blafor crossed his arms over his chest.

“Yes.” He was used to speaking bluntly. “Ergander and I are the Ascended Lords. Our allies and enemies are on the same level.”

He glared at Adam.

“You defeated Midgar, and no one would argue that it’s a great achievement. But if we were enemies, I would have killed you with a single punch. I think you should understand that.”

Adam just shrugged. He knew that was simply the reality of the situation and nothing more.

“Sure, I’m in the same situation with monsters that are a few levels weaker than me. In that case, I wish you luck. It looks like you’ve got a serious conflict on your hands.”

Suddenly, Ergander laughed:

“Hahaha! Yeah, you’re right about that. But Blafor and I have already settled our differences!”

He patted Blafor on the shoulder.

“If only you knew how many times we’ve quarreled and made up over the course of our long friendship! Sometimes I feel like he actually enjoys it.”

“Pfffh!” Kalyso’s cheeks puffed out as he tried with all his might not to laugh right there.

Blafor grimaced heavily.

“There were reasons every time. You know that.”

“Sure, sure.” Ergander nodded with a slight smile.

Adam shook his head before taking a final sip of tea and grabbing a few cookies from the table.

“Alright, in that case, it’s time for me to head back to the Gray Sea. Can I take the same passage?”

Ergander nodded in confirmation.

“Sure. You can use any of the safe ones. Let me show you where they are, it’ll be better and faster that way. You’re going to meet up with Prasyx, aren’t you?”

“Safe passages?”

“Yes. Follow me.”

Thus, Ergander set his cup down on the table and soared over the hill.

Blafor nodded deeply. “Good luck. I hope we meet again, Adam Vinter.”

“Yeah!” Kalyso exclaimed in turn. “Don’t forget that as soon as I get stronger, we’ll fight again!”

“Sure. I’ll be waiting for that,” Adam replied before joining Ergander.

Adam took one last look at the golden tree and the amber fields, and the two of them flew off in opposite directions.

When they had traveled a few kilometers, Ergander said:

“The safe passages are located near the most famous Vibrating Stones. Basically, every safe passage is controlled by some powerful group. So, no hunter can hide there and lie in wait for you.”

“Hmm?” Adam was confused. “Doesn’t that mean we need permission from those groups?”

“Nah.”

Ergander shook his head.

“If you don’t cause any trouble and just need to use the passage, you can do so at any time. But if they decide you’re here for another purpose, you might run into trouble.”

Adam’s expression grew more serious.

“I see. Then we should do this quickly, right?”

“Correct.”

‘Alright,’ Adam thought. ‘There’s not much left now. One more step and I’ll become a Second Rank Phantom. I’ll be one of them!’