Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 713 That Phantom is a Coward!

Katrin always wanted to be strong and lead people, and a few months ago she got that opportunity and used it to the fullest.

However, like most, she wasnʼt used to and didnʼt want to see the Phantoms die, especially such brutal, quick, and most importantly senseless deaths.

Katrin gulped, her fingertips trembling.

Yet, it wasnʼt the first time Katrin saw something like that. One deep breath and a sharp jerk of her head were enough for her to regain her serious, collected expression.

Her cold black eyes stared intently at the archer, then at the bloodstains on the black sand quickly disappearing under the waves.

”Alan, who are those bastards on the towers? The way I see it thereʼs only four of them, right?”

Making a few clicks, Alan nodded with a frustrated face:

ʼYes, thatʼs the One-Eyed Serpent Archers, theyʼre very rare Mid-Yellow Monsters, but from the looks of it they strictly follow the fortressʼs rules and External Artifactʼs.ʼ

Before Katrin could say anything, Alan continued:

ʼOddly enough, this is new information since no one has come here in a very long time, this is the Red Zone after all.ʼ

Katrinʼs eyebrow went up.

”Hmm? Before Eclipse, someone had a mission in the Fortress of the Lone Serpent? When was that?”

She hadnʼt counted on this Phantom still being inside, but the latest information about the dangerous Stronghold could save them a lot of lives, it was essential to Eclipseʼs successful survival.

For some reason, Alan was delayed in answering. Katrin realized that normally this didnʼt happen.

”Is something wrong?” Katrin was puzzled.

ʼHmm...ʼ

Alan furrowed his eyebrows heavily, scrutinizing the information available to him.

ʼThe problem is that I see that the data on the fortress has been updated in detail several times. That means that as recently as an hour ago, a Phantom was inside and did a lot of work, but... I canʼt find a mission with the right conditions...ʼʼ

Then, Alanʼs eyes went wide as he logged into the Department of Missions and Military roster.

ʼWait... The information on this mission is classified. I donʼt know what kind of Phantom it was or what its purpose was, but... thereʼs no record of the mission having been completed.ʼ

Katrin bit her lip.

”I see... So that means that this Phantom is still inside, right? Thatʼs good, it must be someone strong if it decided to go to Red Zone alone.”

However, there was no confirmation of her words from Alan.

It was worth realizing that Alan had seen that such a mission existed, but instead of details and the Phantomʼs name, he only saw [Unknown] or random characters blocking the information.

ʼKatrin...ʼ

Alan muttered as his large, always bright eyes grew darker.

ʼThis Phantom, a few minutes ago denied the militaryʼs request to join you, to join other Phantoms to defend the fortress. I have no further information.ʼ

In a heartbeat, Katrinʼs face contorted in wild anger, her veins swelling hard and her eyes bloodshot.

Soon, out of Katrinʼs throat came a sound more like the growl of a frenzied beast.

”What did you say...? That bastard is strong enough to go solo to the Red Zone, but refused to help us? FUCK IT! Itʼs just a fucking coward!” Stay connected through

Alan didnʼt say anything, it was dangerous when Katrin was in this state.

”Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!”

Furious, Katrin stomped the ground, kicking up dark dust, her coat shaking, sharing her emotions until... she was distracted by footsteps coming from outside:

Step. Step. Step.

The second squad, reached the bridge, they were the first since the first squad was lost...

”Hey!”

A tall man with short spiky black hair and green eyes stepped forward. His clothes were covered in wide pieces of cloth suitable for locations with strong winds and sandstorms, and a red mask dangled from his chin.

”My name is Viron, I am the leader of the second squad. We have been informed that you are K2W1-Phantom, is that correct?”

Viron didnʼt know what had made Katrin so angry, neither did the rest of his squad, but they had to act quickly and clearly, ignoring such things.

Realizing that she had a responsibility for the others, that this was her opportunity to prove herself in a real crisis, Katrin paused for a few moments.

Then, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Soon, everyone saw her calm as watery black eyes, serene crystals hiding cruelty and strength.

”Yes, thatʼs right. I am Katrin Graeme, I had a solo mission, but as in your case, the sudden Eclipse changed my plans.”

Without slowing her pace, Katrin pointed towards the south wall, where the first squad had died.

”There are four deadly monsters on the walls, according to my Operator they wonʼt touch us if we enter through the bridge. This is verified information.”

Several Phantoms got pale faces looking at the remains of the first squad. The realization that only one monster did it in a single shot sent chills down their spines.

But, Viron was more resilient than his squad members, he simply nodded.

”Sure, right now, the latest information is flowing through all the squads heading here. However, even if we can be sure that the rules are working thanks to the unknown Phantom...”

Vironʼs expression became sad for a moment as he clenched his fists tightly. He, like many, wished that this Phantom was with them instead of hiding inside the fortress for unknown reasons.

”What do we do with the Blinding Sylphyre? Do we wait for the others and attack together?”

In response, Katrin stopped him with her hand and stepped forward, her black coat surging upwards, actively shivering in anticipation.

”Donʼt worry about that. I want you to help the others get here safely, the waves of monsters havenʼt come yet, but there are more and more enemies around.”

Clutch.

Katrin gripped the hilt of her sword tightly confidently stepping onto the bridge, provoking the first guard.

”Iʼll deal with the Blinding Sylphyre. Right after that, weʼll burst through the gate and wait for dawn!”

...

At the same moment, in the depths of the fortress, equally important events were taking place.

Adam, his hand touching Lone Blaze, while the flames slowly enveloped him.

Very soon, their Pact would be concluded.