Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 811 811: The Last Wish (Part 2)

People accepted defeat in different ways. Some were raged and angry, some were in despair or humility, and some were even glad that their story came to an end. For some, it was an opportunity to escape from suffering, and for others, it was just one of the many steps on the path to power.

But... dying at an old age? Adam never faced such a thing, until now.

Adamʼs blue eyes lowered, ignoring the beautiful beginning of dawn. To the others, it was a sign of their salvation, but Adam saw greater meaning in something else.

”Still... I managed to win the battle of attrition.”

The Crimson Monarch breathed slowly, all of his skin wrinkled and even cracked ready to crumble into sand at any moment.

His clothes became too big for him, and his hair lost its density and color, becoming sparse and gray like an old manʼs, barely covering the wrinkles on his forehead.

Only two things had not changed - his crimson eyes and the purple snake that still rested obediently on his shoulder, but... the anxiety in its amber eyes was boundless. The snake sensed that its master, its faithful partner, was dying.

Soon an intermittent, heavy laughter rang out:

”Hahaha... Yeah... Youʼre right Adam...”

The hoarse voice struggled to come out of his throat in a heavy grunt, his dry lips cracked devoid of even a drop of blood.

”In that last attack, I spent everything I had... but... I realized too late that it wasnʼt about strength and energy...”

Adam nodded slightly, not daring to show his opponent any disrespect.

”You know what you had to do to beat me? I... It was my last hope of winning.”

The Crimson Monarch smiled bitterly as he slowly turned around, wanting to savor the dawn one last time.

”How ironic... I threatened you people that none of you would see the dawn... but... in the end, it was me who was the victim of my own prediction.”

There wasnʼt a sound from the other side.

”Are you waiting for my answer...? Good... I have one.”

Adam grew more serious, afraid to miss the Crimson Monarchʼs words, quite possibly they were his final ones.

”You...” the Crimson Monarch muttered as he continued to watch the dawn, ”You created something special... something that gave you the choice to die or live... It all depended on whether it was a success or a failure...”

After a few seconds, he continued:

”I didnʼt, though... at one point I had that thought... Hah... Iʼm sure you want to say that I lost because of pride... but I donʼt agree with that...”

He closed his eyes for a while, feeling his moments:

”I lost because I wasnʼt willing to go all the way... I didnʼt want to stray from my plan and beliefs...”

”Isnʼt that pride?”

Adam asked with a calm look.

”No... Itʼs foolishness. Iʼm a fool, Adam.”

Silence.

Silence fell over the serpent lands, only the active wind currents could be heard especially at the top of the spire.

Soon, the Crimson Monarchʼs lips came into motion as he said something Adam didnʼt expect to hear at all.

”Kyros...”

Adamʼs eyes went wide in disbelief.

”Thatʼs my name... Iʼm ashamed I didnʼt introduce myself properly, here... I can be blamed for my pride...”

Adam nodded slightly.

”Thatʼs a decent name. Iʼll remember it, forever.”

”Yeah... Good to hear...”

Then, they both looked up at the rising dawn. Adam prepared himself for a long hush, waiting for the monster to die, but... for some reason, the Crimson Monarch grabbed his wrist.

The grip was so weak and slow that Adam didnʼt even think to dodge.

”Adam... Before I disappear... I know itʼs insolent, but... I want you to fulfill one request of mine...”

Curiosity lit up in Adamʼs gaze. He had no idea what the Crimson Monarch could ask of him at a time like this.

Clearly, their fight was over. The winner was decided, no one was trying to sneak another blow.

”My time is nearing its end... I lost and I accept all the consequences, but... she is not to blame for my weakness...”

ʼShe...?ʼ Adam muttered internally.

His eyes instinctively traveled down towards the purple snake. He realized who Kyros was talking about.

Soon, the snake realized it as well.

SHIIIIISH!!!

With a mighty hiss, the snake hid behind Kyrosʼs shoulder, staring intently at Adam as its main enemy.

Tap.

Kyrosʼs palm fell on the snakeʼs head, gently stroking it not as a pet, but as its loyal companion.

”Moira... Thereʼs no need to be so aggressive... He will make a worthy owner for you...”

Not wanting to even listen to him, Moira opened her jaw wide, sharply sinking her fangs into Kyrosʼs hand.

Yet, not even a hint of pain appeared on his face, only a short laugh.

”Ha-ha-ha... Donʼt try to make me angry. You wonʼt succeed... Iʼve already made up my mind...”

However, Moira didnʼt listen to him, she continued to bite his hand roughly, but... the tears pouring from her amber eyes gave away the snakeʼs true feelings.

”Adam... I dare not demand your consent, but I would appreciate it... Moira is the dearest thing I have.”

In a heartbeat, Adamʼs face turned serious; he wasnʼt going to take his opponentʼs request lightly.

”How am I going to do that? I canʼt just take the monster with me to the Citadel. Moira will be killed, without my knowledge.”

Kyros shook his head, bits of his skin beginning to fall away like an old page of a forgotten book.

”Donʼt worry about that. I just need your consent... Iʼll take care of the rest,” he looked down at his feet, ”as long as Iʼm not completely gone yet.”

With a short pause, Adam nodded deeply.

”I agree. Do what is necessary.”

Then, Kyros turned Moira towards him, looking at each other, their very different fates awaiting them.

Deep inside Adam, a strange feeling appeared. Kyros and Moira though they were monsters reminded him a lot of Phantom and Operator.

Kyros smiled bitterly, directing the last bits of his energy towards the snake.

”Goodbye, Moira... You and I have a good history, but itʼs time for one of us to rest.”

If the snake had been able to speak there would be an immediate desperate cry, yet even without words or sounds Adam could sense everything from Moiraʼs eyes.

The Crimson Monarchʼs body crumbled faster and faster, while an invisible energy made Moiraʼs frame shudder.

In a heartbeat, the snake turned into a flash disappearing into Adamʼs chest.

The Crimson Monarchʼs smile was the brightest thing Adam saw that day, even despite the rising dawn.

”Thank you...stellar talent...”