Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1488: Two Guests (Part 1)

The circumstances surrounding the Third Grand Star were undeniably grave, yet that didn't prevent the celebration from being a resounding success.

Concluding their discussion, Adam and Louis reached an agreement to cooperate, hoping to complete at least one of their evolution conditions through a shared objective.

A strategy similar to the one Adam and Fromund had previously employed was suggested. However, Adam had inadvertently satisfied one requirement already, and following the staggering revelations about the World Wipe, he desperately needed this mission to stabilize his progress.

Their current goal was to determine if their specific requirements could be met within a single location. They hoped the mission department might offer a suitable contract; otherwise, they would be forced to split up and pursue their goals individually as they usually did.

Louis was already aware of Alexia’s specific conditions, and Silvana found herself in a comparable predicament. Even so, he couldn't shake the feeling that the Blood of God sounded far more formidable than the Ancient Frost, though he remained uncertain which of the two items was truly more elusive.

Inside, Leona and Silvana were occupied with a conversation in the kitchen over glasses of wine. Meanwhile, Gary, Trici, Louis, and Alexia were engaged in a two-on-two board game. Although Alexia struggled to grasp the rules, Louis was secretly ensuring Trici tasted victory more often than not.

True to her nature, Alexia blamed her poor performance on external factors, completely oblivious to the fact that a double agent was sitting right beside her.

“Damn it! My luck is always the worst!” Alexia shouted, pushing herself away from the table. “I’m done! My patience has run out, I need some air!”

Adam, watching from the side, caught her subtle signal. Louis also noted the interaction as she gave a small nod before redirecting her attention to Trici and Gary.

“Apologies, Alexia just hates losing. I know a game for three players where it’s every man for himself. Want to try?”

“Absolutely!” Trici chirped, convinced that her winning streak was a result of her own skill.

Gary, seeing right through Louis’s maneuver, let out a chuckle.

“Hahaha, Trici, your spirit is impressive. Sure thing, Louis, let’s keep going.”

With a smile, Adam set his drink down and walked toward the balcony.

He had coordinated extensively with Louis, but no definitive plan could be forged without consulting Alexia. Much like Fromund, she shared many traits with Adam, yet they remained distinct individuals.

Step. Step. Step.

Heavy, deliberate footsteps echoed behind her as Alexia turned around.

Chilly gusts of wind swept past, tossing her blue hair. From the expansive balcony, the view of the First Ring and the surrounding skyline was entirely unobstructed.

For anyone who appreciated an urban landscape, this was arguably the finest vantage point in the entire Citadel.

“Well, well, it looks like I’m not the only one cursed with difficult conditions, right?”

“Did Louis fill you in on everything?” Adam asked with a smirk, coming to a halt at her side.

He leaned against the glass railing, struck by the sheer magnificence of the scenery. Below them, the city lights bled together into a glowing tapestry, mimicking the vast fields of stars in the heavens.

Actual stars still hung in the sky, of course... but the most radiant among them had long since abandoned its post, focused solely on the cyclical destruction of the world.

Alexia let out a dismissive snort.

“Obviously. You didn't think I'd miss you two whispering? Also, your sister is quite the character. Her fascination with the Dead Lands is something else.”

“Hah, she’s just too young to realize that place is anything but a playground.”

Alexia arched a brow, her eyes glinting with mockery.

“Look who’s talking. I bet there’s nothing you enjoy more than bleeding out while brawling with some freakish monster!”

“Gha! You’re the last person on earth who should be judging me for that!”

Alexia’s expression shifted, becoming more focused as she shook her head.

“Blood of God, for real?” She scowled. “What even is that?”

Adam responded with a simple shrug.

“If I had the answer, I’d tell you. What about your end? Ancient Frost? It might not sound as flashy as mine, but I doubt it’s easy to find. Any leads?”

“Yeah. Louis and I talked it over. He suspects the Ancient Frost might be hidden in some high-tier frozen region or a deep frost zone. Those are just guesses, though; we need some expert advice.”

Adam gave a nod of agreement.

He had already touched upon these points with Louis. The plan was for him, Silvana, Alexia, and Louis to consult with—!

Whoooooooooosh.

A sudden, violent rush of air cast a massive shadow over Adam and Alexia. The abruptness of it left them stunned, unable to comprehend the sudden shift.

When they looked up, their faces froze in shock.

Perched on the glass railing was a man with piercing green eyes and a thick mane of black hair. A faint smirk played on his lips. Peering over his shoulder was a girl with identical green eyes and long brown hair, her expression radiating haughtiness. She clearly felt that as long as she was with him, she could look down on anyone, anywhere.

“Damien…?” Adam’s voice wavered.

Alexia stood there, her mouth hanging open in total silence. Despite her usual brazen attitude, an entrance this dramatic had caught her completely off guard.

“Hi!” Damien said with a casual wave. “Beth received the message from Silvana.

She was planning to arrange a meeting in a few days, but once I heard you were throwing a housewarming party in a new penthouse, our schedule opened up.”

Damien scanned the surroundings and let out a long whistle.

“Damn, Beth, check this out! We’re visiting a real high-roller!”

Beth ignored Damien’s theatrics, her gaze fixed intently on Adam.

“Hey, you. Is there any soda in this place?”

Adam could only offer a slow nod.

“Y-Yes…”

“Good. Maybe this trip wasn't a total waste of time then.”

Tap.

With Beth still clinging to his back, Damien hopped down from the ledge. He extended a hand toward Adam.

“Alright, jokes aside. It’s been a while, hasn't it?”

Adam rubbed the back of his neck, a smile forming as he reached out to shake the hand.

“It has, it’s been a long time and…”

Before Adam could finish his thought, Damien’s grip tightened. With a sudden flick of his wrist, he hurled Adam over the edge of the skyscraper, sending him plummeting into the void.

“Agh…?”

This was certainly not the way he expected the evening to unfold.