Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1966: The Bar Under the Island

Whoooooosh!

Adam made up his mind, so instead of looking for another island, he headed straight for Island A165.

Perhaps this was how it was meant to be all along, since he couldn’t have flown past this island without noticing it. Especially now that he was busy looking for Breydar.

“I don’t know if that person planted those flowers that way or not, but if it was him, then he wants his island to attract attention. At the very least, he’s unlikely to attack me the way Prasyx did.”

Even though Adam and Prasyx had eventually developed a good relationship, he still remembered the power Prasyx had possessed when he attacked Adam. Moreover, Adam realized that Prasyx hadn’t fought at full strength.

“Huh, I hope that on an island as remote as this one, there’ll be a more formidable owner,” Adam smirked as he entered the island’s territory.

Luckily for him, no one attacked him.

Only gusts of wind swept along the rocky peak and the foot of the hill, looking menacing against the backdrop of amber flowers.

“Okay, I’m here, but… Where should I go?” Adam looked around, and very soon he found the answer to his question.

On a rock in the distance hung a wooden sign that glowed brightly because of the crystals surrounding it.

Adam didn’t realize it right away, but this sign was an advertising sign.

Written in glowing paint on the sign were the words: Amber Halo.

Adam blinked several times, unable to believe it, but soon a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

‘Seriously? Is the bar right here? Huh, this probably isn’t a great spot for business, but it’s definitely one of the most unusual!’

After Adam had met people like Norax, Goen, and Prasyx, he was no longer surprised by things like this.

Even Ergander and Blafor, to some extent, had their own spots in the Grand Abyss where they could relax or even live for extended periods.

“Alright, it’s good to know where to go. It turned out to be pretty difficult to travel in the Gray Sea without a detailed map.”

Step. Step. Step.

Adam headed toward the cliffs. Next to the board was a descent leading downward. It was no different from the descents to the underground bars at the Citadel, with the sole exception that here there was no modern renovation, and the passage had been carved directly into the rock.

For Adam, this was more good news than bad.

There were thousands of bars at the Citadel, but far fewer like this one. Perhaps this one was the only one at the Gray Sea. He wasn’t sure.

Step. Step. Step.

Adam descended for a long time. The bar was more than twenty meters deep beneath Island A165. At this level, Adam could no longer hear the gusts of wind from above or the endless crashing of the waves of the Gray Sea, to which he had already grown accustomed.

And soon, something else surprised him: music.

“What? Where could music be coming from here?” Adam was puzzled.

He wouldn’t have been surprised if that monster were playing something, but Adam could still see the monster’s aura and realized it was busy with the same task and certainly wasn’t playing the violin or anything like that.

After a few more steps, he came upon a simple wooden door with frosted glass panels through which a subdued light shone.

Adam reached for the doorknob, slowly opening it.

The first thing he saw was red brick walls, several lamps hanging from the ceiling, and wooden tables and chairs arranged on the right side of the room.

He took a step forward and looked to the left.

Just as Adam had expected, he was greeted by a bar counter, just like the ones in most bars, except that on the back panel, there were many different bottles of alcohol that looked strange and unfamiliar to him.

“Right… I’m in Monster Lands after all. Their food and drinks are strange, but they have quite a variety, and I have to admit that some of it is actually pretty tasty.”

Then, his gaze fell on the source of the music, causing his eyes to widen.

It was an old record player, currently playing one of many vinyl records.

Adam had only one question:

‘Is this record player from the Citadel or from here…?’

Finally, his gaze fell on the man who was still standing with his back to him.

The man wore a green jacket, a white shirt, and loose-fitting brown pants. He had a broad, muscular back, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows as he washed glasses in the sink.

It wasn’t until nearly a minute later that the man set the glasses aside, wiped his hands with a rag, and turned to face Adam.

He was a tall man with a thick brown beard and hair combed back. He had powerful, arched eyebrows, which, together with his amber eyes, gave him an intense and even menacing gaze.

“Well, well…”

The man’s voice was low and deep, but his surprise was still palpable.

“I was curious about this inexperienced newcomer who’d shown up near my island and decided to test me through his aura. But now everything is clear.”

He pointed at Adam.

“You’re a Phantom, aren’t you, young man?”

Adam gulped.

‘So he noticed me right then and there?’

“Yes. My name is Adam Vinter.”

“Oh…” The man sighed. “Yeah, I’ve heard of you. Good job, defeating a Viscount at your level? That’s an achievement you can be proud of.”

Adam blinked.

‘Damn, even he knows about this already? That means someone was here just a short while ago, right?’ he thought.

Then, Adam stepped forward.

“Yes. Sorry about the aura thing, I was just testing my limits. I didn’t know there was a bar in the middle of the Gray Sea.”

The man nodded.

“Sure. Only those who’ve gone beyond Island A150 know about this place. It’s sort of a test to see if a person is worthy of being here. Though, as you can imagine, most of my guests are monsters.”

After that, the man set the cloth aside and extended his powerful hand to Adam.

“My name is Haworg. I’m the owner of this bar. “

Adam returned his handshake.

“Nice to meet you.”

“So… I take it you have some questions for me?”

Adam nodded. He didn’t try to hide it.

“Yes. In fact, I need your help.”

“Oh?” Haworg raised an eyebrow. “Good. I’m ready.”