Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1506: Snow Town

Upon reaching the Detached Mountains, Adam realized this location bore no resemblance to the desolate, forgotten ruins found within the Dead Lands.

Instead, the Gamma Division and the Phantoms had inhabited and reconstructed the Detached Mountains over an extensive period, transforming the landscape entirely.

In essence, it had become a small settlement. The majority of the permanent residents were Gamma Division personnel responsible for the site's management, while the Phantoms acted as transient guests.

The massive iron gates were rarely utilized for standard travel. Typically, they served merely as a trial for those making their debut visit to the mountain range.

Step. Step. Step.

Adam and Damien advanced, traversing a deep tunnel carved into the mountain's base. This passage connected the outer gate directly to the entrance of the central square.

Brightness soon enveloped them as a soft breeze drifted by. Unlike the brutal winds outside, this air was gentle, dusting their shoulders with light flakes of snow.

Tall iron torches, serving as decorative lamp posts, lined the stone-paved streets. Along these roads, transport trucks moved at a leisurely pace amidst the pedestrians.

The aesthetic here shifted away from the rigid military atmosphere of the Citadel. Members of the Gamma Division were dressed in heavy, insulating coats and jackets. The vehicles were painted in softer, neutral tones, equipped with dim headlights that didn't glare, and tires designed to roll quietly through the snow to maintain the peace.

The area surrounding the main square was filled with snack stalls, shops, and lounges. It felt more like a cozy winter festival than the high-end, sterile shopping districts of the First Ring.

Passersby could easily purchase waffles, hot dogs, or steaming cups of chocolate to ward off the cold. The entire environment radiated a festive, seasonal charm.

Had the buildings been adorned with more decorations, Adam might have mistaken the scene for a holiday commercial set.

The atmosphere was remarkably serene, quiet, and inviting.

“Wow… This is not what I expected,” Adam whispered, his voice reflecting his genuine surprise.

For some reason, he felt like a guest visiting a dear friend. It was as comfortable as being at home, but with the added excitement of a birthday celebration where everyone was preparing to feast and unwind.

Damien gave a knowing nod.

He had anticipated this reaction. Every Phantom arriving at the Detached Mountains for the first time experienced the same sense of wonder.

“Yeah, you can find everything here. There are coffee shops, dining halls, and even standard markets stocked with fresh produce, snacks, and soda. It’s basically a small village from the Second Ring, exclusively for the Phantoms and the Gamma Division,” Damien explained with a shrug.

The sight didn't phase him; as one of the architects of this community, his knowledge of the Detached Mountains was unparalleled.

“I see… Hah, there’s a significant crowd here, isn’t there?” Adam remarked with a light laugh, observing the many people going about their daily routines.

Damien made a dismissive gesture with his hand.

“Most of them work in the facilities embedded directly into the peaks. You probably noticed some of the entrances as we approached.”

Adam nodded in understanding.

“While many here belong to the Gamma Division, you’ll spot several Phantoms in the square right now. Some are just returning from their duties, while others are preparing to head out.”

“But… why build all this here? It’s a thirty-minute flight by fighter jet, and that’s excluding the time for takeoff and landing. This place is incredibly secluded. No K3-Phantom, or anyone of lower rank, would ever stumble upon these mountains.”

Damien rested his hands on his hips and stared into the distance.

“Well, the answer will be clear soon enough. Though, you should have guessed by now that it all revolves around anomalies.”

Tap.

He gave Adam a friendly pat on the shoulder.

“Move along. Alexia will be arriving shortly. We can wait for her at whichever coffee shop you prefer.”

Unsure of which spot was best, Adam simply pointed toward a building on the right side of the square. The cafe featured a wooden beam exterior and emitted a warm, amber glow from its windows. It sat on a corner at the very foot of one of the mountains.

Damien didn't say a word and simply led the way.

As they crossed the square—where pedestrians and trucks shared the open space—Adam gained a better perspective of the mountain complex.

He noticed iron bridges spanning the gaps between peaks and external elevators rising toward high-altitude corridors.

Adam couldn't tell how much the natural terrain had been modified, but it was clear that the interiors were fully utilized for living quarters, administrative offices, and storage.

“Hah, instead of constructing skyscrapers, they converted the mountains themselves? That’s quite a feat…”

A few bystanders glanced at Damien and Adam, but no one approached them.

The Phantoms and Gamma Division personnel knew better than to bother Damien without a pressing reason. Had he been walking through the First Ring like this, he would have been swarmed by reporters and fans within the hour, dominating the news cycle.

For a man of his stature, this anonymity was a rare luxury.

This level of respect was expected, considering the weakest individuals present were K4-Phantoms who had already achieved the Two Grand Stars.

Even Second Rank Phantoms, who were rare on a global scale, were a common sight in this hidden town.

Tap.

Two steaming coffees and a plate of waffles topped with cream and salted caramel were placed on their table.

“Please, enjoy!” the waitress said with a cheerful grin. Though she was a member of the Gamma Division, capable of battling monsters and managing the Citadel, she took pride in serving such elite Phantoms.

“So, what's your verdict on this place?”

Adam exhaled deeply.

“It’s truly incredible.”

Damien smirked.

“Hah, you haven't even seen the main attraction yet—the Anomaly Grid. That’s where we’re heading the moment Alexia gets here.”