Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 844: The New Gene

Adam didnʼt know what was behind the orbs, but he understood what their purpose was - each of the orbs would make him stronger, in one way or another. There was no other way to be.

With a loud crack, the Zero Orb shattered, revealing the bright flare lurking within.

Before Adam could look at it, the flash flew forward, heading towards the Evolution Tree like a collapsed star.

Adam turned around sharply, trying to keep track of the unknown object.

Soon, he got the opportunity, for the flash stopped midway, between the Crystal Gates and the Evolution Tree.

”Thatʼs...” Adam muttered, gazing into the layer of light.

The glass sphere floated amidst the darkness, white streams of energy raging inside in an endless cycle, each time taking on new, unique forms.

Adam did not know the purpose of the sphere, for some reason, it seemed familiar to him. He saw something similar many times, but not as majestic and free.

Then, Adamʼs eyes went wide when he got his first guess, a rather believable one.

”Wait... Is that a gene?”

As if waiting for Adam to guess everything, the Evolution Tree proclaimed:

[Yes, Adam... Itʼs a new gene, a special one...]

Not affected by their conversation, the sphere slowly headed forward, eager to take its place at the center of Adamʼs power.

[Iʼm sure I wouldnʼt be wrong... If I say itʼs the second most important gene after the initial one...]

Shock covered Adamʼs face as his eyes traveled to the gruesome sword below - his Power Gene.

ʼThe Evolution Tree isnʼt kidding?ʼ Adam doubted, ʼThe force of my Power Gene is hard to control, but itʼs worth it... Am I about to get something more serious?ʼ

Strangely enough, Adam was both right and wrong at the same time. He would soon find out, after all, the sphere was nearing the Evolution Tree.

[Remember Adam... This serene, seemingly harmless sphere... is your Global Gene.]

Before Adam could say anything, the Global Gene slammed into the Evolution Tree with all its might, effortlessly shattering the tough, energy-infused bark.

The splinters flew aside, following a bright flash that traveled far beyond the tree. The blinding light wanted to reach the very limits of darkness, to make even the void in Adamʼs inner space aware of the new player.

The effect was great enough to escape into the real world.

Only for a moment, but Adamʼs tightly closed eyes flashed tightly as if his eyelids were trying to hide two burning suns, unsuccessfully.

Silvana and Douglas glanced at each other. She wanted answers, and he could help her with that.

His heavy hand fell on her shoulder, while his smile grew wider.

”Donʼt worry. Adamʼs fine - he just got stronger, and... next time heʼll need your help.”

...

While Silvana tried to make sense of Douglasʼs words, Adam watched his new gene.

The Global Gene took a place higher than the Initial Gene, it wasnʼt brazen enough to try and take over the main cell, but the Global Gene understood its importance.

A mechanical voice echoed in Adamʼs head:

[The Zero Orb has been broken, the first trial of the Crystal Gates passed, the Global Gene has been obtained.]

Silence reigned afterward, leaving Adam and the Evolution Tree alone.

”And...” Adam gulped, ”Whatʼs the Global Gene doing? Why canʼt I feel anything?”

Every time Adam received a new gene, artifact, or nexus, he immediately knew what he was capable of. All the information he needed turned up within seconds.

If it was necessary, with the new knowledge, he could immediately rush into battle as it happened with his nexus.

However... Now, Adam felt nothing.

[Agh....]

The Evolution Tree grumbled, its heavy voice echoing to the borders of the world.

[Adam... Let me ask you something... What are abilities... What do you think?]

”Hmm?” Adam raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Taking his time to answer, he rubbed his chin thoughtfully before waving his hand in his assumption:

”Well... Itʼs energy that takes a certain form, with unique effects for each Phantom. I think thatʼs the correct answer.”

[Indeed... It is... But... Abilities have one global disadvantage - they are limited in quantity...]

Adam shrugged nonchalantly. He didnʼt see anything strange about it, because no one could have an infinite number of abilities, neither monsters nor Phantoms. It was a truth that Adam was used to.

[However... Adam, do monsters have such limitations?]

”Monsters? Where are you going with this?”

[The Crimson Monarch... Sure, he had abilities like you, but... as opposed to you, he was free to control thunder or blood. The same is true for the Blind Sinner or even the Plague Reaper.]

Adamʼs eyes went wide in realization.

ʼIf you think about it like that...ʼ he muttered inwardly, ʼThe Evolution Treeʼs words make sense. Even if itʼs a weak White Threat monster, a fire one, then it can use its flames freely to burn enemies.ʼ

ʼYou donʼt need abilities for something so simple, you just need to have the right energy - a power by birthright.ʼ

Then, Adam froze, remembering his fights and the battles of other Phantoms that he once watched.

ʼYou can have five ice abilities, it doesnʼt let you use frost the way you want to... I guess thatʼs one of the main differences in how Phantoms and monsters use their energy to fight.ʼ

Adamʼs deep thoughts, brought him back to the Evolution Tree while the puzzles in his mind were slowly coming together.

[So... Adam, I see youʼve realized something... Go ahead... Use your Global Gene... Try to do what is the essence of your Initial Gene.]

In a deep voice, the Evolution Tree finally said:

[After all, you are a weaver, you were one... Now... What is your attribute?]

”My attribute...?” Adam muttered, looking at his hands.

Though he had threads and the weaver gene he didnʼt use that power to connect anything - he only did one thing:

ʼI always cut...ʼ

As soon as that thought entered his mind, the Global Gene shuddered.

Then, Adamʼs eyes reflected a myriad of tiny stars - his energy floating before him and ready to be freely used, in the form he needed.