Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1825: True Plans and the Crown’s Failed Attempt

The longer Adam’s journey lasted, the stronger he became. It made sense, but despite that, his troubles showed no signs of ending.

Just as the mission department had assigned him tasks two years ago, he now had to accept assignments to get what he wanted.

“Several thousand monsters?” Adam frowned as he gripped the balcony railing tightly.

Krador smiled.

“Yes, you might have to cause a little carnage. I don’t think that’ll be a problem for you.”

“If they were weak monsters, maybe I’d agree to it, but as far as I understand, the monsters at Silent Hills are stronger than the ones at Tooth Lake, aren’t they?” Adam didn’t like the terms.

Even if he needed a compass, he wasn’t going to die or put himself in danger. After all, he had more difficult trials ahead of him, the Grand Abyss and the hunt for Breydar at the Gray Sea.

In response, Krador rested his elbow on the railing, glancing toward the hills.

“I know what you’re capable of, Adam. I know it for real, unlike many monsters who’ve only heard your name. And I assure you, trading the Glass Root for the compass you need is an excellent deal.

“The terms are so strict not because I’m greedy and trying to get the most out of you, but because your request warrants it. I’m not going to give you any freebies, Adam, and anything less valuable than the Glass Root, I can’t call anything other than a gift in exchange for the compass.”

For a moment, Adam stared at Krador, but in the end, he sighed heavily.

“Alright, I don’t have any other choice anyway, as always.”

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Krador patted him on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry about it too much. You’re not the only one. We all have to do things we don’t want to do sometimes to get what we want in the end. That’s life, you know.”

Adam rolled his eyes. He wasn’t impressed by his speech.

“That’s easy for you to say. You’ll be sitting here, most likely drinking tea, while I go off in search of some root.”

Krador shrugged as he headed back to the hall.

“Everyone has different roles every day. You’re no exception. You can set out at any time. You don’t need a guide to get to the Silent Hills. You can see that area from here.”

Adam glanced at the hills before turning to Laroza.

She caught his gaze.

“I can’t help you here. If you want that compass, you’ll have to bring him the Glass Root.”

“And, as I understand it, even if I do everything right, I have no guarantee that I’ll find the Bottomless Void at the Grand Abyss, am I right?”

Krador sat down on the couch, crossing one leg over the other.

“No. But when it comes to evolution, there are no guarantees. You do what you have to do.”

Adam narrowed his eyes and snorted.

“Can you at least give me something so the guards won’t bother me? I’m sure someone like you has that kind of privilege.”

Krador smirked before waving his hand.

At that very moment, Adam caught a dark emblem with purple wings.

“Show this to the guards, and they’ll know who you work for. Either way, you can head to Silent Hills later.”

In response, Adam shook his head.

“Nah, I’ve got nothing to do here, for now.”

Step.

Adam placed his foot on the railing before jumping off the balcony.

Like a shadow, he darted across the rooftops, heading toward one of the eight gates. It would take him some time to reach the Silent Hills, but he could make it in less than half an hour if he hurried.

Crunch.

A loud crunch rang out as Laroza bit off a large chunk of a ripe pear, staring at Krador with an empty expression.

“You know…” Krador narrowed his eyes with a dangerous glint. “I should start charging you for all the food you eat. With your appetite, that amount could build another city.”

Laroza waved her hand as she took another bite.

“We can discuss this if you want, but something tells me you have more interesting topics on your mind.”

Krador nodded. He did not attempt to hide his intentions.

“I didn’t expect to run into Adam Vinter today. He might become the next Second Rank Phantom, but… how are you connected to this? Why are you helping him? You can’t possibly know each other.”

A shadow fell over Krador, leaving his bright gray eyes gleaming.

“The last time you were in the Dead Lands, his parents hadn’t even been born yet, let alone him.”

Laroza tossed the half-eaten pear aside before picking up an orange from the table, or rather, a fruit that looked very much like one.

“Because that was his request.”

“Hmm? Whose request?” Krador leaned forward. “Since when have you been carrying out orders from anyone other than your leader?”

Laroza rested her chin on her fist, her eyes half-closed.

“Ever since Aiden Henk contacted me.”

Krador’s expression froze as soon as he heard that name.

“When a man like that wants something from you, you’d better do everything you can to fulfill his request. I can say no to a lot of people, sure. Being one of the Renegades has its perks, but he clearly isn’t on that list.”

Krador was silent for a while. The new information forced him to rethink everything that had happened here.

“Aiden Henk wants this young man to become stronger? But… Why now? He should have started right after the World Wipe. That would have been more effective.”

“Who knows?” Laroza replied casually. “You know that once, the Befallen Crown tried to uncover his true plans. They’re afraid his intentions might destroy the fragile peace we have now.”

Krador’s expression darkened.

Of course he knew that.

“That day… How many Lords died for this?”

Laroza chuckled.

“More than anyone is willing to admit. Several hundred, at least.”

Krador bit his lip, staring at a single point. His mind was trying to figure out how he could use this situation to his advantage.

‘Fine, Adam Vinter, let’s see if you survive to begin with.’