Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1783: Reward in the form of power (Part 1)

It came as a surprise to Adam to learn about the Gray Sea, but to his and Silvana’s surprise, they now had a goal.

Moreover, even though Adam and Aiden had a complicated relationship, Aiden’s influence and knowledge were impeccable.

If he decided that Adam needed to go to the Gray Sea to find the Bottomless Void, then that was exactly what Adam had to do.

"Tarnished Lands?" Adam smiled bitterly as he looked at the map. "Huh, I knew I’d have to go back there someday. But this time, I’ll have to go all the way to the farthest part of those lands, won’t I?"

Aiden nodded deeply.

"Yes. Last time you ended up at Hollow Spire Island, but even if you take that same path, you won’t be able to get from that island to another."

Gladius waved his hand. "The Gray Sea is a dangerous place, Adam. Just like everywhere else, there are monsters there, most of which live underwater. But that’s not the only thing you should worry about, am I right, Xyrea?"

Xyrea, who had been standing quietly to his right and had barely spoken, took a step forward.

"Given how vast the Gray Sea is, you must understand that not all islands are the same. On one island, you might find only a single tree. On another, a group of Black Threat Monsters might be waiting for you, which you can easily defeat. But on a third island, you might encounter a Lord."

It sounded logical, until Adam questioned one detail.

"Agh? I can understand why there might be monsters on the islands and why there are so many in the water, but what are the Lords doing there? What’s the point of a Lord going there and taking over some empty island?"

Aiden frowned.

"Is that really so hard to understand? You’re starting to annoy me, Adam Vinter."

Before Adam could reply, Aiden continued:

"It’s the most remote place in our world. If you have enemies and want to hide, you go to the Gray Sea. If you want solitude and to quietly build up your energy for a few years, you go to the Gray Sea because the energy density there is one of the highest in our world. If you want to hunt rare, ancient beasts, you go there as well."

Adam gulped. He had nothing to say because Aiden was right. If Adam had thought about it for a while, he would have come to the same conclusions.

Gladius raised his hand with a lecturing look.

"Aiden hasn’t even mentioned yet that the Gray Sea has the largest number of Hollow Artifacts. Sure, part of it is because of how vast the Gray Sea is, but it attracts many powerful monsters, even now, when there are only six years left until the next World Wipe!"

Adam had lived in this world for only two decades, so it was hard for him to grasp just how short a six-year span was for powerful monsters.

Those who have lived for several hundred years perceive time very differently from Adam.

That is precisely why, despite his fame at the Citadel and across all four lands, there are still countless monsters in the world that don’t even know he exists.

Adam reached his current level from scratch in just two years. If a monster had lived 700–800 years, then for that monster, Adam’s entire journey would be comparable to a single month for a human, and his entire life would be like 2–3 years.

Many monsters could spend five years quietly gathering energy without even opening their eyes, but from time to time, they all emerged from their slumber. For that, they simply needed a compelling reason.

The approach of the next World Wipe was that reason.

"Tsk." Adam clenched his fists tightly. "So, the Gray Sea is a place for dangerous criminal fugitives, almost like a prison, for hunters of beasts and rare artifacts, as well as just plain strong bastards who want to accumulate as much energy as possible? It’s the worst place in the world!"

"Hahahahahah!"

Gladius laughed, clutching his stomach.

Adam turned, raising an eyebrow with a frown on his face.

"What’s so funny?"

Gladius shook his head, struggling to calm his laughter.

"Sorry, but Adam, I can assure you, this isn’t the worst place in the world, since I’ve been to the worst place in the world, and the Gray Sea is definitely not it."

For a moment, Adam’s irritation intensified, but when the meaning of Gladius’s words sank in, a chill ran down his spine.

’He’s been to the worst place in the world? What kind of place is that...?’

"Khm." Silvana coughed before turning to Aiden. "Mr. Aiden, despite the dangers of the Gray Sea, you’re confident that Adam will be able to survive there and handle the task, aren’t you?"

"Ah, you again?" He shot her a dark look. "You talk too much, Operator. But, yes, I’m confident in Adam. Otherwise, I would have marked his photo with a yellow triangle long ago, and neither he nor you would be here right now."

A glint flashed across Aiden’s eyes as he looked them up and down.

"My time is valuable. If I’ve decided to spend it on you, it means you’re worth it. If Adam wants to become stronger, he must go to the Gray Sea and be prepared for whatever awaits him there."

Adam stepped forward, placing his hand on his chest.

"Which path should I take? I’ve never gone far enough into the Tarnished Lands to reach the Gray Sea."

Aiden waved his hand.

"I’ll take care of that. I’ll map out a route for you, since it would take you too long to do it yourself, and that’s something we don’t have. However, before that, I want to make sure you’re ready."

Confusion clouded Adam’s face.

"Hmm? What does that mean? Are you aware that just a few minutes ago you were praising my abilities and my strength?"

Aiden shoved his hands into his pockets. "Those weren’t compliments. They were facts. You defeated Zin, it happened. There’s no point in denying it."

Then, he pointed to the side and said.

"Before we move on to making a plan, I want you to fight them."

"Agh?"

Adam turned over his shoulder only to see Sano and Natta smiling.

"We won’t let you down, Adam." Sano licked her lips as a sadistic flame flashed in her eyes.