Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1592 1592: Old Coward

The final attack often became the most important one in a fight, especially between two strong opponents.

The fight between Goen and the Old Horn was no exception. Goen knew that the Old Hornʼs time was running out, so all he could do was put more power into his last strike and use both hands instead of one.

But the Old Horn just disappeared. He escaped using another artifact.

Perhaps if Goen had been prepared for this or if it had been a deadly battle, he would have been able to react, but not this time.

The white particles flew past his face as he slowly lowered his sword.

He looked around to make sure that the Old Horn was really gone. Goen could sense the aura of other beings at a great distance, but he did not see the Old Horn anywhere nearby.

”Huh...”

Goen smiled faintly.

”Hahahahahahahaha!”

Goen laughed out loud, unable to contain his emotions. His laughter shook the space like the roar of an ancient dragon or the footsteps of a giant.

”He did it again! He ran away for the second time in a row! Hahaha, what a coward!”

Then, he looked at his sword.

”You knew about the second artifact, didnʼt you?”

Arika smiled slyly.

”Of course. Do you really think something like that could escape my gaze? I decided he deserved another chance, just as you deserve a good laugh.”

Goen wasnʼt angry with her. He had no reason to be.

He nodded, lowered his sword, and surveyed the battlefield with his deep gaze.

He looked at the bloodstains, torn bodies, and lost weapons.

It had been many years since Goen had to fight at this level. Sure, Liliane and her team werenʼt strong enough to make him fight at full power, but it was more than enough.

”Alright, weʼre almost done. Just one more thing to take care of, and we can get back to our routine.”

In a single leap, Goen returned to his territory, landing in front of Adam and Alexia.

With a wave of his hand, the fume dome disintegrated as they were finally safe. Nothing threatened them anymore.

Goen looked at Adam and Alexia, his eyes deep, retaining their unusual crystal-clear color.

”As you can imagine, this was not part of my plan, and you obviously have many questions.”

Adam nodded silently.

”Go ahead. Iʼm ready to answer what I can, but donʼt expect me to tell you all the secrets of this world. Youʼre not ready for some things yet.”

He turned to the battlefield. It would be several hours before a blizzard or wind covered all the bloody traces with a thick layer of snow.

”You need to be careful when youʼre in the Primal Lands, and even more so on the Dark Shore. The Befallen Crown wants you dead, and thatʼs especially true for you, Adam.”

Adam and Alexia exchanged glances. They knew that the threat from the Befallen Crown was constant, but at the moment, they could only think of one thing.

At the same time, they pointed at Goenʼs sword:

”What is that?” Adam asked.

”Is that your Nexus? Who was that girl? Where is she?” Alexia exclaimed, her eyes burning with curiosity.

Goen touched his forehead with a weary look. He knew they would ask about it, even though he didnʼt want to answer.

”Well, it seems we have no other choice, not this time.”

Tremble.

The sword trembled and disappeared as Arika appeared next to Goen.

She looked the same as before, except that the sleeves of her black dress were now covered in blood, as if reflecting the blades of the sword after battle.

”Hi, my name is Arika. Youʼre right, Iʼm Goenʼs Operator.”

Adam blinked several times, shocked.

”B-But... How?” His voice trembled. ”Are you real? I mean, youʼre not like when Silvana takes on the Spectral Form or other Phantoms. Why are you different?”

”Yes!” Alexia exclaimed. ”And his sword! Do you really control his weapon?”

Arika didnʼt answer right away. Instead, she walked to the edge, enjoyed the cold breeze, and approached them.

Under their surprised gazes, she took their hands as their eyes widened.

”Can you feel that?”

Adam gulped. Arikaʼs palms were warm, real. She was actually here, or...?

Before he could have any doubts, Arika brought her hand to her mouth and bit her finger.

A drop of blood appeared, slowly dripping down her hand.

It was the final proof that they were looking at a real person and not a high-quality illusion or puppet.

”Now that youʼre convinced Iʼm human, Iʼll answer your question.” Arika looked at Alexia.

She smiled faintly.

”I donʼt control Goenʼs weapon, I am his weapon, his Nexus.”

Sure, Adam and Alexia had thought about this. They had suspected that this might be the case, but hearing it directly from Arika was different.

”We can tell them more, right?” She asked Goen, continuing to look at them.

Goen scratched the back of his head.

”I guess so. If anyone in the Citadel wants to blame us, they should have been more careful about their safety. We had no other choice.”

Arika nodded.

”You are still very young, but you already possess great power and have come a long way. You have seen your abilities evolve, and your Nexus is no exception. Am I right?”

”Yes, but...” Adam lowered his gaze. ”Itʼs different. My Nexus has always been my weapon, and Silvana was my partner. Our shared abilities are our energy and will, not a cold blade.”

SLAP!

Suddenly, Arikaʼs palm slammed into Adamʼs cheek as his face snapped.

He clearly hadnʼt expected that.

”Donʼt say that, ever.” Arikaʼs voice remained soft. ”No matter what path lies ahead of you, every ability you have is important, be it simple energy, an artifact, your Evolution Tree, or especially your Operator. You depend on each other, because your energy has long since become one.”

Adamʼs eyes deepened as he stared at Arika.

”A simple weapon from the army, the Nexus, the Stellar Nexus, and... What is your weapon called?”

Arika nodded.

She was ready to answer.

”What you saw was the peak of one path, the power between Phantom and Operator.”

Her voice grew lower.

”Itʼs the Manifest Nexus.”