Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1490: The Strongest and Dinner

Aside from his own family, Adam had only anticipated the arrival of Louis and Alexia. However, fate intervened, bringing two additional guests to his celebration—individuals whom even the highest authorities of the Befallen Crown would find impossible to turn away.

Should Damien and Beth desire to attend a royal banquet in the heart of the Befallen Crown, the monsters there would provide specialized seating and gourmet dishes tailored to their tastes, despite centuries of deep-seated hatred. They belonged to that elite circle of people who could act on a whim without ever fearing the repercussions.

Naturally, such influence was only possible due to the overwhelming power Damien and Beth possessed as his Operator and eternal partner.

Tap.

Setting his wine glass down, Damien gave a profound nod of approval.

“Truly, this wine is magnificent! Louis, you must pass along my personal thanks to your father!”

Sitting across from him, Louis nodded back deeply. Although he fought to maintain a composed mask, his heart drummed against his ribs simply because Damien was sharing a table with him.

“Thank you, sir. I am certain he will be honored to hear that.”

The sense of shock, however, was greatest not among Adam, Alexia, Silvana, or Louis, but within Adam’s own family.

While Leona, Gary, and Trici had no direct ties to the Dead Lands, they had slowly gathered knowledge over the last year and a half since their son ascended to the rank of Phantom. Most of their information came from Silvana or their own curiosity, though Adam occasionally shared details of his missions with them.

Like nearly every inhabitant of the Citadel, they were well aware of who Damien was.

He was hailed as the Citadel’s mightiest Phantom, a man capable of toppling any beast and shielding the walls from certain doom. Public opinion held him as one of the primary reasons the Citadel remained standing rather than being reduced to rubble by monsters.

For an average citizen, crossing paths with Damien was a near impossibility, though such encounters did happen by pure coincidence.

Damien followed his own compass; no one possessed the authority to command him. Whether he chose to stroll through a public park or attend a gala for the billionaire elite depended entirely on his current whim.

Upon discovering that Adam had unlocked the Third Grand Star—and that Alexia, who shared a similar circumstance, was present—he simply could not resist making an appearance.

“Mr. Damien…” Leona began, her voice trailing off as she prepared a question.

He dismissed the formality with a wave of his hand.

“Just Damien, please. I am aware of my rank, but you may use my name. After all, the Citadel and I are indebted to you and your husband for raising a Phantom like Adam.”

Leona trembled slightly as she tried to process this; the real Damien was a far cry from the figure she had constructed in her mind.

Gary and Trici were equally stunned. Gary’s knowledge of the man matched Leona’s, while Trici had consumed countless videos and articles featuring the legendary figure. To her youthful mind, Damien was the definition of "cool," causing her eyes to shimmer like a star-studded sky.

Their mental image of him was that of a ruthless, unstoppable guardian of humanity, a warrior dedicated to crushing any monster that dared threaten the peace.

Yet, here sat the real Damien, casually snacking and chatting with people he had just met—ordinary people who had only recently escaped the clutches of poverty thanks to their son’s success.

“I understand,” Leona nodded. “In that case… what brought you here? Adam didn't mention he was expecting you.”

“I have a fondness for surprises, though the suggestion actually came from my Operator.”

Beth, seated beside him, narrowed her sharp, dagger-like green eyes and raised an eyebrow.

“Oh? I merely shared the information I uncovered. It was you who insisted we come.”

Damien gestured dismissively.

“Pay her no mind. She’s just being modest.”

Beth rolled her eyes, turning her attention to her plate as she skewered a shrimp drenched in cream sauce and pineapple.

“This is quite good. Who is the chef?”

Silvana raised her hand with a touch of hesitation.

“That was me. It’s just a basic recipe I found online.”

“It’s impressive.”

“Beth…” Silvana ventured. “How did you learn about Adam’s breakthrough or this party? Those were private messages between us.”

Beth gave her a look that suggested the answer should have been obvious.

“I hacked your devices. It’s that simple. You shouldn't be shocked; with my capabilities, I can tap into nearly any piece of tech in the Citadel.”

She took another bite, a brief flash of enjoyment crossing her face.

“Sigh… I initially regretted mentioning it to Damien. Parties aren't usually my thing, but this is proving to be better than I anticipated.”

“Pffft!” Alexia scoffed. “You just crashed the party! Where are your manners?”

Louis shot her a panicked look, stunned that she would speak so boldly to Damien and Beth.

Damien, however, let out a boisterous laugh.

“Hahahaha! Don't get upset, Alexia. I didn't just show up for the food; I taught you and Adam how to fly!”

Alexia remained stubborn, her cheeks puffed out.

“Tsk. I would have figured it out eventually. Mostly. Regardless, you showed up empty-handed without even bringing a drink!”

Leona, Gary, and Trici exchanged confused glances.

“Wait… Adam and Alexia can fly?” Leona asked in disbelief.

Damien paused for a beat before a wide grin spread across his face.

“Indeed they can. And I suppose Alexia is right—I really should have brought something to drink.”

He leaned forward toward the group.

“So, who wants to fly to the store with me?”

Leona swallowed hard. The prospect was terrifying, yet she felt a spark of undeniable curiosity.