Endless Evolution: Last Star - Chapter 711

Chapter 711: The Pact

During the battle against the Plague Reaper, Adam saw the External Artifact for the first time, but he didn’t get a chance to interact with it, instead, the Plague Reaper did so.

Adam remembered it as if it happened yesterday – the Plague Reaper suppressed the Fume Throne with his power, gaining not only the stored energy but also full control over the Fume Cathedral.

It didn’t matter that the Plague Reaper didn’t use any of it, the point was that interacting with External Artifacts was possible.

And, now Adam was experiencing it for himself.

In some ways were the External Artifacts like people or monsters? Each of them needed a different approach.

Some recognized only power as the Fume Throne, while others wished to start with a conversation.

Adam blinked a few times in confusion looking at the nameless External Artifact.

“Your name…? Wait… Can you talk?”

Only one of the two questions was answered:

[Yes… My name is…]

But, they weren’t the only ones here who could talk:

[Hahaha! Adam… Stop stalling in answering… Can’t you see that it only makes it more afraid!]

Adam didn’t know how, but he completely understood what the Evolution Tree was talking about, just a glance at the red crystal was enough for him to understand.

Even though it was neither human nor a monsters, he could easily sense its emotions and desires, although he couldn’t do the same with his Evolution Tree.

It was like how an adult and experienced person understood everything just by looking at the expression on a child’s face: joy, sadness, lies, or resentment, everything became clear at once because one had experience and the other had not yet learned to lie and hide emotions.

Sure, the External Artifact had no face, it was not a living being of flesh and blood at all, but there was a superior substitute – energy.

Whether it was because the External Artifact moved into Adam’s inner space or Adam’s experience was unknown, he felt as if he knew everything about this object.

Soon, Adam nodded deeply and clenched his fists tightly, directing his confident gaze at the crystal.

“Sure, speak up, no one will hurt you here.”

At that moment, if the Evolution Tree could, it would have grinned widely, for a multitude of reasons.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

With a slight shiver, as if embarrassed, the Outer Artifact replied:

[My name… or my title… is the Lone Blaze of the Fallen Serpent…].

Adam raised an eyebrow. He was expecting to hear a real name like humans, but soon he just shrugged.

“Well, so Lone Blaze it is, fine.”

[No… That’s not my full name!]

However, Adam did not accept this protest and waved his hand nonchalantly.

“It doesn’t matter. Why are you in my inner space? Why are you so afraid? What do you want from me…?”

The Evolution Tree uttered:

[Adam… I think it’s worth clarifying first… that we won’t eliminate Lone Blaze.]

The Evolution Tree’s tone was such that Adam would agree with its opinion.

“Hmm?”

Adam rubbed his chin with a confused expression.

“What makes you think that? I don’t mind getting something of value or simple energy. If that requires destroying the External Artifact then I’m ready.”

Without hesitation, Adam stepped forward, stretching his right shoulder as if he were about to fight against Lone Blaze.

[No! No! No! Please stop…!]

Yet, it didn’t help, Adam’s gaze grew colder, he was completely serious, or at least doing his best to appear so.

The Evolution Tree didn’t know how to react but slowly began to guess what Adam’s plan was.

Soon, Lone Blaze muttered in a sad voice:

[Although… Who cares… It would happen soon without your involvement… Make it quick…]

Lone Blaze was about to leave Adam’s inner space, until at the last moment he shouted:

“Stop!”

[Agh…?]

“You’re afraid of what’s in the depths of the fortress, aren’t you?”

Lone Blaze said nothing but slightly bobbed up and down like a man nodding his head.

“Good, that’s where I need to go. In fact, it wasn’t part of my plans to meet you, though I won’t deny it’s a curious experience.”

Lone Blaze remained silent, but Adam could sense that External Artifact was pleased when it heard his last words.

Adam waved his hand blithely.

“Look, I’ve seen that External Artifacts can offer something in return if you pass their test or something. I’d like to do similar stuff with you.”

Then, before Lone Blaze could respond, Adam’s gaze changed and his eyes became as cold as cruel blades.

“But, if you refuse, that’s fine. In that case, I’ll just destroy you for all the hardships you put me through with these fucking Commander, statues, and runes!”

[Eeeeek!]

A startled squeak spread around as Lone Blaze spun from side to side bouncing across the darkness, trying to think of something that could convince Adam to work together.

Adam furrowed his eyebrows heavily, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Hmm? Do I have to wait a long time? Or don’t you have an answer?”

The Evolution Tree watched silently, enjoying the scene. It thought Adam would need help, but he was doing fine on his own.

[Wait! I’ve got something….!]

Lone Blaze exclaimed, hoping Adam would listen to it.

[I was hoping we’d have a simple separation but… I guess I have no other choice…]

Then, Lona Blaze muttered like a displeased girl with cheeks puffed up in resentment:

[We can make a pact… The monsters in the fortress won’t touch you anymore and I’ll help you destroy what lurks in the depths… what I’m so afraid of…]

Adam listened attentively. He acted confidently, but he was a complete novice in this matter.

[Then… If we both stay alive… then upon completion of the pact, you will receive…]

At that moment, the Evolution Tree abruptly entered the conversation.

[That’s enough, he doesn’t need to know more for now…]

Whoooooooosh.

One of the snow-white roots headed forward pointing at the First Wall, this explained to Lone Blaze the situation.

[I see…]

After a few seconds, Lone Blaze turned to Adam.

[So… Are you ready to make a pact with me…?]