Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 958: Crusader of the Lost Light

At the same time, Adam, Risha, and the Inferno Serpent were floating on the lava river, heading forward in an almost straight line.

In a strange way, the splashes of lava and the warm wind currents hitting their faces created a soothing atmosphere.

Adam could breathe a sigh of relief, recovering from the long battle, it was a minor part, but he already felt better.

”So...” he muttered, caressing the Inferno Serpent on his scales. ”Weʼre on our way, a few minutes of complete silence. Donʼt you think itʼs time to tell me everything?”

The Inferno Serpent nodded deeply. He realized that the time came, it had to be done and it was better to happen before they arrived at the Fallen Ring Castle.

”I think I should start by introducing myself to you again. In front of you both since Risha has found the courage to embark on a dark journey...” the Inferno Serpent muttered.

Risha tilted her head in a baffled manner. ”Hmm? I donʼt mean to be rude, but we know a lot about your kind and specifically you thanks to our Operators.”

”Sure, Iʼm aware of that,” the Inferno Serpent nodded, parting the lava streams with his nose. ”However, thatʼs not what Iʼm talking about. Unlike you, Adam understood what I meant, didnʼt he?”

In response, Adam nodded deeply. ”Yeah... Youʼre not the first monster in my history to start this topic this way. I know what youʼre going to do next. Go ahead. Speak up, Iʼll be glad to find out.”

The Inferno Serpent smiled bitterly.

”My name is Vorx. Thatʼs how my folk address me and now I want you to use that name instead of my title in your databases... Considering how far things went, that would be more appropriate.”

Risha gasped. Unlike Adam who had once heard the monsterʼs real name, for her, it was the first time. When she was a K2-Phantom, she never encountered anyone as strong as the Crimson Monarch. At the K3 level, her limit was S3 monsters. They werenʼt powerful enough to develop the ability to speak and have their own name.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

With a slight smile on his face, Adam patted Vorxʼs head.

”Good to know.”

Risha nodded. ”Ghm... Me too...”

”So, Vorx...” Adam began. ”Tell me what happened to your folk, who your master is, and why the place weʼre going is called the Fallen Ring Castle? Iʼm sorry, but my Operator already informed me that the name has been changed. It used to be just Ring Castle, didnʼt it?”

”Hah, you humans...” Vorx stammered. ”You always find out what you need to know even when youʼre not asked. Although I have to admit, sometimes it makes things a lot easier. Iʼll start with my folk.”

Adam and Risha nodded. The long road and the silence, broken only by bursts of lava, was the perfect environment to immerse in the story of a new friend.

”The Ring Castle was something of a settlement for monsters of my kind. As far as I know, you generally refer to us as just serpents, or snakes, or even lizards, but for my kind, I prefer the Serpent Folk.”

”Hmm...” Adam rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ”Are you saying that at the Fallen Ring Castle, there are a lot of serpents like you?”

Vorx nodded slightly. ”Thatʼs right. I am not the only one, but one of the strongest. Thatʼs why our new master sent me out to find a Phantom worthy of battle.”

”Your master just wants to fight someone? Why not you?” Adam raised an eyebrow. ”And... If itʼs just that, you should have told me directly earlier. Iʼd hardly have said no.”

With a brief pause, Vorx continued. ”Adam, itʼs not that simple. My master is Arnoth, Crusader of the Lost Light, and is an S5 monster, Iʼve told you that before. His goal is to advance to the next level. Phantoms and monsters, we all want to evolve. However, with each stage, it becomes more and more difficult to do so. I think you both know what I mean.”

Sure, for Adam and Risha, it became a part of life. On their way to K3 level, they had to break their limits many times.

”Bottom line. I was obliged to test your strength before I told you the nature of the invitation. I noticed you back when you were fighting against the lizards. No offense, but out of the two of you, only Adam had a chance to make me tense up during the fight,” Vorx said as he glanced at Risha.

Risha puffed up her cheeks and crossed her arms over her chest, saying nothing.

”The Phantom wasnʼt meant to be weak, but neither is too strong.”

The last words stumped Adam. ”Too strong? Is such a thing possible? I mean, Arnoth, this S5 monster is one of the most dangerous opponents for K3-Phantoms.”

”Well, if a K4-Phantom were to descend to this level, I wouldnʼt risk calling it out. Not only because it would violate my masterʼs orders, but also because it would be tantamount to the death of my folk.”

”Hmm?”

Vorxʼs gaze grew darker. ”Either K4-Phantom would kill everyone, or Arnoth would. I doubt any K4-Phantom would decide to help me and listen to me like you did. To hope for that would be too naive.”

”Got it,” Adam nodded as he swung his arm. ”So I fit all the parameters as an opponent for Arnoth?”

”Wait!” Risha exclaimed, her aura intensifying. ”Vorx, despite your intentions... All of what youʼre saying right now sounds like a trap. Once we arrive at the Fallen Ring Castle then youʼll hand Adam over to Arnoth and his subordinates to be torn apart, wonʼt you?”

With a long pause, Vorx shook his head.

”That will not happen. If you donʼt believe me you can jump off me right now I wonʼt stop you.”

No one moved, but Risha maintained her suspicious expression. ”Then explain why this isnʼt a trap?”

”Sure. Arnoth wants to fight a Phantom who can give him a decent fight and in the end absorb the power of that Phantom to reach the next level.”

Vorxʼs gaze grew deeper, full of determination and hatred.

”This does not suit me or my folk, so we will proceed with my plan.

”Me and my folk will prepare Adam for battle - we need nothing but victory.”