Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1487: Ancient Ice

Adam’s family arrived at his residence approximately fifteen minutes after Louis and Alexia had already settled in.

Gary, Leona, and Trici were well aware that their son and brother had acquired a penthouse atop a massive skyscraper, yet the physical reality of the luxury apartment left them in a state of disbelief.

…

“Brother!” Trici shouted, sprinting from a second-floor room toward the expansive terrace. “Is there seriously a swimming pool on the roof of this tower? That is incredible!”

Leona, seated at the dining table and meticulously slicing her steak, cleared her throat and gave a stern look. “Trici, please sit down. Try not to make your brother feel awkward.”

“But Mom! This place is amazing!”

Though Leona remained silent, the intensity of her stare forced Trici to shrink back and head toward the stairs.

Before the girl could reach her seat, Adam called out to her:

“Heads up!”

Trici glanced up just in time to see a soda can arcing through the air. In a flash of movement, her instincts kicked in; her hands shot out automatically, snatching the beverage right out of the sky before she even fully processed what it was.

A look of pure delight immediately transformed her face. She gripped the simple can as if it were a priceless artifact.

Ultimately, the definition of a treasure varies from person to person.

It was certainly more wholesome for a young girl to find joy in a rare soda than to obsess over gold bars or expensive jewelry.

“Whoa! Big brother, where did you manage to find this?!” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Adam gestured toward Louis in response.

“Louis is the one you should thank. I’m starting to believe he can track down anything if he puts his mind to it!”

“Louis…?” Trici whispered, staring at the remarkably handsome young man. “Thank you so much! This is the best!”

Louis took a refined sip of his wine and gave a small nod. “Finding it was a bit more challenging than I anticipated, but I eventually located a source where they could still be sourced.”

As a woman with the sharp intuition of a mother and wife, Leona couldn't help but observe the unique dynamic between Alexia and Louis. Her curiosity was piqued by the pair.

“Louis, you mentioned earlier that you come from a family of significant wealth, correct?” she inquired.

“That is true. I won’t deny that a life of privilege has its burdens, but the benefits are far greater. One truly begins to value such a position after seeing how others are forced to live.”

Leona cleared her throat awkwardly. This resonated deeply with her family, considering they had transitioned from the poverty of the slums to the luxury of the First Ring in just a single year.

“If you don't mind me asking, what is your father's profession?”

“He is a shareholder now, though he began his career as a journalist. He eventually became a reporter, started his own firm, sold it for a profit, and made several sharp investments. Since then, he has focused solely on growing his capital.”

“Pffft!” Alexia let out a scoff. “Who cares about all that? Why bother with investments? There are literal walking sacks of gold roaming the Dead Lands.

You just have to go out there and slaughter them.”

Louis’s expression darkened. “Alexia, there is a child present, and—!”

“Hold on!” Trici shouted, slamming her hands onto the table. “I want to hear this! My brother never tells me anything about the Dead Lands. Tell me all about the monsters!”

Had it been any different Phantom, Louis and Leona might have been able to de-escalate the conversation, but the mischievous grin on Alexia’s face proved they had already lost control of the situation.

“You want the truth about the Dead Lands? Fine, I’ll tell you everything, but don't come crying to me later.”

…

The following hours were quite lively, particularly for Trici and Alexia. Despite the age gap, Alexia took on a role similar to an older sister, and the two found it incredibly easy to bond.

Meanwhile, Adam, Gary, Leona, Silvana, and Louis formed their own circle while Alexia fielded Trici’s relentless barrage of questions.

“Are you certain this is wise?” Gary asked, scratching his head with a look of uncertainty as he watched his daughter.

“Well…” Adam paused for a moment. “I’m not sure if it’s wise or not, but Trici was bound to learn the truth eventually. Think of it as a rare opportunity for her to learn directly from a K4-Phantom.”

Leona waved off the concern, grabbing Gary and Silvana by their hands to lead them toward the kitchen.

“Enough of that. You two are coming with me to have a drink!”

Silvana glanced back at Adam, but he gave her a reassuring nod to show everything was fine.

Once Adam and Louis were finally alone, Louis’s demeanor shifted, his gaze becoming focused and serious.

“So, Adam. Judging by the pressure of your aura, I assume you’ve recently unlocked your next Grand Star?” he asked quietly.

Adam nodded firmly.

“Correct. The Third Grand Star. What about Alexia? Where does she stand?”

“The same. Honestly, she would have headed back to the Dead Lands to complete the requirements long ago. However, the wedding, the honeymoon, and this break took longer than we planned. Not that I’m complaining, but it’s been a while since Alexia spent this much time away from the Citadel.”

“Hah,” Adam laughed softly. “It seems our situations are more alike than I realized.”

Louis let out a long sigh.

“I take it your conditions aren't exactly simple either?”

“No, nothing is straightforward. Silvana and I have some leads on one of the three requirements, but the rest remain a mystery.”

“It’s the same for us.”

Louis turned his attention fully to Adam.

“Have you picked your next objective? When do you plan on returning to the Dead Lands?”

Adam shook his head in response.

“Not just yet. We intend to consult with Damien first. He was instrumental in helping me figure out the requirements for my Second Grand Star last time.”

“Understood. Would you have any objections if we tagged along?” Louis asked, a trace of hope in his voice.

Adam shrugged indifferently.

“Sure, why not. It might actually be beneficial if we collaborated. Which requirement is Alexia focusing on first?”

“Hmm… It’s referred to as the Ancient Ice. That’s the name of one of her conditions.”

“Hah. Just as cryptic as mine, though it certainly fits her nature and her abilities as a Phantom.”

Louis cleared his throat.

“If you don’t mind me asking, which of your conditions do you think will be the hardest? What is it called?”

Adam stared at Louis for a beat, weighing whether or not to disclose the information.

“That’s exactly what’s bothering me, Louis.”

“Oh?”

“I’m not even sure if it’s the most difficult, but the name is 'Blood of God.' And I haven't the slightest clue where to find such a thing.”