Endless Evolution: Last Star - Chapter 1741: Golden Rod (Part 1)

The main threat of the black spear was not that it was impossible to dodge, only to block or destroy, but that the opponent could not immediately grasp the essence of Adam’s ability.

Any fighter, experienced or not, upon seeing the black spear filled with Dark Energy, would try to dodge it at any cost. That was the logical and correct decision.

Zin was no exception to this rule. Moreover, thanks to his abilities, he could do so easily and effectively.

However, that was precisely the trap he had fallen into.

Every time the black spear failed to reach its target, it became faster and stronger. The crimson energy, emanating directly from Adam’s ability, was added to the Dark Energy.

Unfortunately for Zin, he didn’t realize this until the very last moment. By the time he decided to destroy the black spear with his clap, amplified by his Ancient Energy, it was already too late for him.

“Gh!” The spectators covered their ears, barely able to withstand the deafening clap.

Even those in the spectator seats behind Zin felt a deafening crack that sent a sharp pain through their ears. In the end, his clap severely damaged the arena, which was the sturdiest place Adam had ever fought in. Every stone here was stronger than the steel walls at the Citadel.

They hadn’t even had time to recover from the deafening clap when they were about to witness the next phase of the battle.

“Agh…?” The young man looked up at the shadow beneath the emerald clock. “How did he get there so fast?”

The next thing Zin and the spectators saw was Adam hurling the black spear, which, in a crimson flash, crashed straight down on Zin.

Zin’s fingers twitched, but it all happened too fast for him to do anything.

He stretched out his left arm, as if trying to catch the spear.

BLAST!

A shudder ran through the arena as a pillar of dust rose up, engulfing the epicenter as well as Adam and even the emerald clock hovering at the very top of the arena.

For a few moments, all the spectators could see was a tall pillar of dust and a scattered green light at the very top.

Whoooooosh!

Adam broke through the smoke screen, returning to his spot closer to the center of the arena.

He didn’t know what had happened to Zin after his attack, but one thing was clear to him – it was a direct hit.

The black gloves on his hands disintegrated into particles, and his red eyes closed. Their job was done: the target had been defeated by the most powerful attack Adam could unleash with this ability.

Unlike Zin, Adam didn’t have hearing sharp enough to detect his breathing or heartbeat. Thus, he had no idea what condition his opponent was in now.

Adam wasn’t alone in this. Like him, the spectators could only wait. Their battle might have ended right there, and they would receive their winnings.

“Well, well…” Kaerno muttered, narrowing his eyes. “These two are quite similar, right?”

“Hmm?” Sarka, who was sitting in her seat, tilted her head. “Boss, what are you talking about? They have completely different abilities!”

Kaerno nodded.

“Yeah, that’s true, but that’s not what I’m talking about. They both have dangerous attacks in their arsenal. They’re fast, agile, and strong. However, neither Zin nor Adam has any way to defend themselves against attacks of that power.”

Sarka blinked a few times. She was just the same.

“Pfffft!” She snorted. “Why do you need defense if you have such great firepower?”

Kaerno leaned on his hand. “I agree with you, because I’m just like you, like most monsters and Phantoms are. However, not having defensive abilities is still a significant disadvantage.”

Many spectators were afraid to see Zin defeated because of their bets. Others were already ready to celebrate Adam’s victory, while the rest were curious to see what would happen next.

After all, it was unknown when they would be able to see a fight like this again. Perhaps this would be the only time Zin fought at the Grim Court.

The only one who was actually worried about Zin was Es’aha.

Her fists were clenched tightly, she bit her lip almost until it bled, and her eyes were wide with a mix of panic and anger.

If this weren’t a battle in the arena under the rules of the Grim Court, she would have pounced on Adam long ago and killed him.

“Zin!” she cried inwardly. ’Please, be okay! I beg you!’

The worst thing that could happen to Es’aha would be if, instead of improving Zin’s situation, this fight only made things worse. If that happened, she would blame herself.

Gradually, the smoke veil dissipated, revealing the figure behind it.

For a moment, Adam’s eyes widened when he saw Zin.

A collective gasp spread through the spectator stands. None of the spectators had expected to see this.

“Gha… Gha… Gha…” Zin was breathing heavily, while blood trickled down his chest.

The left side of his torso was covered in blood. The ground around him was devastated as he stood in the middle of a crater. His coat was torn to shreds, but none of that mattered compared to the other consequence of Adam’s attack.

Zin’s left arm was gone. All that remained was a gruesome wound on his shoulder.

“I see. He sacrificed his left arm to survive?” Adam nodded slightly. “Still, that was hardly enough. Most likely, he expended a lot of energy to strengthen his arm at the last moment, right? Even so, he still couldn’t avoid that terrible wound.”

“Wait…” The man narrowed his eyes, leaning forward. “Why…? Why is that thing still in his hand?”

Hundreds of spectators turned their gaze to a single point: Zin’s red apple, which was still in his grip despite the wound he had sustained.

A wave of confusion crossed their faces as soon as Zin looked up and met Adam’s gaze.

“You are a formidable opponent…” His hoarse voice rang out as he raised his apple before him. “That is why I will show you this!”

Clutch!

He gripped the red apple tightly as a vibrant light burst forth.

Now, he was ready to show everything he had for the sake of victory.