Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1627 1627: Clean Lake?

Adam possessed numerous chances to go back to the past, back to the moment everything started.

The key incident occurred on Hollow Spire Island, the spot where he acquired the Desire of Beyond, leading to the Silver Weaver turning into his partner.

After gaining the Dark Energy, he now saw that matters weren't quite as straightforward as he'd believed at that time, yet the core idea stayed unchanged—he had gone back to the past, even though it was merely a vision.

Step.

Adam moved ahead, drawing near the tar lake.

This location sat only a short distance of a few kilometers from the Citadel. Few people ever visited it, as it served basically as Aiden's private waste area.

All items he considered pointless or worthless got dumped directly into it.

Adam visited this spot because he simply couldn't overlook it.

Though it was nothing more than a rubbish heap, this was the site where he had slain his initial monster and transformed into a Phantom.

"Hah, while others gain their abilities during the exam. They're assisted in defeating their first monster, but… I wound up in this place, didn't I?"

Silvana gave a nod. To her, the gravity matched what Adam felt, yet she knew she couldn't relive that instant like he could.

"It proved challenging, yet it brought some benefits. Becoming a Natural Phantom aided you in numerous fights."

Adam rubbed the rear of his neck.

"Yeah, but what's next? It's been ages since I heard those words used. Seems like once you hit a particular stage, they lose relevance."

'Indeed, we face different focuses and issues these days, that's correct. Head home, Adam, I'm eager for your return…' She whispered gently.

He prepared to depart. Lingering in the Dead Lands near the Citadel held no purpose for him, yet an object drew his attention.

It wasn't any beast or a distressed Phantom requiring aid; instead, it was the tar lake itself.

"Hold on…" Adam blinked, gazing fixedly at the tar lake. "Am I imagining it, or does it appear much tidier than when I last came?"

'Hmm? How so?'

Adam stroked his chin in contemplation.

"I mean, that was some time back, and I was in a frenzy then, but I'm certain the area was once buried in garbage. Weren't there heaps of metal bits, rubble, and cans around? Aiden… That's his method for discarding excess stuff."

Initially, Silvana intended to claim it only appeared so to him, but upon closer inspection, her eyes grew wide.

'Damn, Adam, you're spot on. It seems as if somebody arrived and tidied up, or…'

"The waste simply ceased arriving here." Adam completed her sentence.

He swiveled his gaze, focusing sharply on the Morton Observatory situated at the distant edge of the Citadel.

"But why though? Merely a year and a half has passed since then. Why would he choose to halt his trials at this point? Did a major event unfold in recent months? Has he finally discovered what he'd sought for so long?"

From his talk with Wilfred, Adam learned that Aiden performed his experiments not out of madness or cruelty, but driven by an objective. He aimed to uncover something, yet hadn't succeeded even then.

Given Aiden's sharp mind, vast knowledge, and skills, across many years, he might have bolstered all of humankind—regular folks and Phantoms alike—through boosting the count of Natural Phantoms.

However, such pursuits held no appeal for him.

"Answers elude us for now, Adam, but I'm confident we'll uncover them eventually."

Adam scowled while gripping his fist firmly.

"Yeah, but how much more time must pass? Once I master the Ancient and Dark energy, I'll confront him. He must receive me—just a single talk… I demand answers!"

At present, he grasped that it wasn't feasible. Other matters demanded his focus, though that confrontation loomed nearer than before.

With a final look at the tar lake, Adam proceeded toward the entrance gates.

Along the route, various Phantoms and troops spotted him, yet none disturbed him. Adam's expression remained stern, immersed in profound reflection.

Not until the clamor of urban avenues hit his hearing did he snap back to reality, surveying his surroundings.

"Agh…"

Adam drew in a profound breath, savoring the aroma of coffee and newly baked loaves drifting from the adjacent café.

Such fragrances eluded him everywhere in the Dead Lands, even in a beastly hub like Izardo.

"Silvana," Adam whispered, staring at the heavens. "Any thoughts on who could assist with my practice?"

She inclined her head.

"Certainly, I've pinpointed several options already. You're familiar with one particularly. I'm certain he'd be willing to lend a hand."

"I see." He grinned. "Then, let's head out on a date."

Silvana blinked, taken aback.

'Agh?'

Indeed, they formed a pair—not merely lovers, but a Phantom and an Operator. However, given their heavy workload and the hurdles ahead, romance clearly lacked in their bond.

This arrangement fit them perfectly. They recognized it as the reality for those tied to the Dead Lands. They stood ready for it.

Nevertheless, Silvana felt her cheeks warm when Adam abruptly proposed it.

'You, idiot. Do you even own a proper suit?'

Adam beamed.

"And you? Got a dress?"

She wrapped a lock of hair around her digit.

'Well… I can don anything you prefer, you know. And… Got any notions for the spot?"

Adam pondered briefly. He aimed to recall what he'd craved recently, what the Dead Lands couldn't provide.

Alongside Goen, he'd sampled meats, starters, and seafood; with Zargos, he'd enjoyed rare fruits and mixed drinks.

Yet one item demanded true society. A thing constantly featured in news for its dangers and ills to health, but secretly adored by all.

Tap.

Adam smacked his fist into his palm as inspiration hit.

"Fast food!"