Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1628 1628: Training Plans

Gulp.

A stack of burger wrappers piled up in front of Adam while he sipped his soda—his third glass by now.

Sitting opposite him, Silvana offered a soft smile as she kept dipping shrimps into the sauce, bite by bite, relishing the satisfying crunch of the fried coating.

These two individuals, whose professions provided them with ample funds to dine at any eatery, including the finest ones, ended up at this spot: a typical branch of the Citadel's hottest fast-food outlet—Sharky's Bite.

Actually, Silvana had visited here multiple times before, unlike Adam. She usually preferred preparing her own meals or opting for nutritious options, yet during her days at the Operator Academy, the allure proved irresistible at times, leading her to grab some shrimp or crunchy fries.

"You know, when you picked this spot, I felt like wringing your neck myself," Silvana remarked, casting a casual look around. "But I'll concede, it ended up far superior to what I expected."

"Hah, told you. The grub here's tasty, they whip it up quick, and the spots are super handy—no long drives required!"

Silvana gave a nod and peered at her own outfit, the plain and relaxed attire. No restrictive gown, no accessories, no salon-styled hair, no fancy cosmetics, no uncomfortable stilettos for her.

Visiting such a venue felt far simpler and more laid-back, and when the craving hit, the grub hit the spot: oily, savory, and crisp.

"Well, this outing exceeded my expectations by a lot. But next time, we gotta hit a proper restaurant for a romantic night—else after a couple of these, we'll act like retirees."

Adam gave a shrug.

"Sure thing. Honestly, I had no clue about a decent spot. Those upscale places... they're just a hassle every time."

"Hah, spot on. I fretted over lacking the right outfit and hunting one down. Ultimately, it worked out fine."

Perhaps it lacked deep romance, yet neither Silvana nor Adam sought that anyway.

Though Adam braved the Dead Lands himself, Silvana endured every ordeal alongside him.

Both craved respite, an uncomplicated, serene night where the worst risk was a too-salty patty, not some Lord plotting Adam's demise.

It proved invigorating.

Adam carried his burdens, much as Silvana did. Despite her efforts, that instant lingered in her mind: Goen calling forth his Nexus, Arika's arrival.

'The Manifest Nexus…' Silvana whispered inwardly while eyeing Adam devouring his seventh burger. 'One day, might I serve as his weapon as well? We… Shall we remain bound forever, regardless of separation?'

While pondering this, a surge of feelings overwhelmed Silvana. Excitement, fear, and a touch of desire mingled within her. Such a bizarre sensation, defying logic, yet she now understood Phantoms and Operators like that truly existed.

Additionally, another thought nagged at her:

'Goen ranks as a Second Rank Phantom. His precise strength eludes me, yet he's far from alone. And Damien with Beth? Can they achieve this, or do Goen and Arika tread a unique route?'

Questions abounded, answers scarce. As per usual.

Blink.

Her eyes widened as Silvana blinked.

"Agh?"

In some manner, Adam had disappeared. The seat stood empty, his burger abandoned midway, like it got yanked mid-bite during her reverie.

Tap.

A touch grazed her shoulder, prompting her to whirl about.

Before her materialized a bunch of blue-and-white blooms, exuding a gentle, appealing scent.

Though Adam hid it well, his breaths came labored. He'd moved with all possible speed.

"You… Did you set this up beforehand?" Silvana stared in astonishment.

Adam rubbed his cheek.

"Well, no fibs—I started with just eats in mind, but figured it'd be too basic. So, as you mulled your choice, I got the flowers. They'd sat by the door awhile. I hoped you'd hit the restroom, but your distraction handed me the moment."

"I see." A sweet smile graced her as she took the bouquet. "Thanks. Lovely blooms. I was just... mulling over the Primal Lands events."

An eyebrow arched on Adam.

"Something troubling you?"

"Not quite. Like ever, questions plague me, but answers don't. That's our shared woe."

Suddenly, her stare intensified as she jabbed his shoulder.

"This bouquet—I'll counter with something just as grand, got it?"

Adam saw no point in debate, so he opened his arms broadly.

"Sure, whatever you want."

Back at the table he went, both polishing off their meals. Prior to departure, Adam eyed Silvana.

One query burned in him:

"Hey, you mentioned setting up training with someone. That real?"

A nod came from her.

"Tron. Precisely, Tron and Riska."

"Huh? Tron? Wasn't he at K3 lately?" Adam cocked his head, puzzled.

Silvana shook her head.

"Plenty of time's elapsed since. Progress isn't solely yours, Adam. Recall, Damien directed you to Tron for training purposefully. Plus, Tron aided your prison escape.

"Sure, your advances outpace others, but Tron began a tier higher. He's a potent, gifted Phantom driven by firm beliefs."

"Hmm…"

His hand propped up Adam's chin.

"What's his current rank?"

A spark lit Silvana's gaze.

"K4's peak. Precisely why he masters Ancient and Dark energy. That's the trial for Phantoms at his stage."

"Hah, Tron and Riska… Their bond's always been rigid and official."

She shrugged.

"Fits them perfectly."

"Yeah, suppose it does."

He shot her a look.

"When do they kick off?"

"Tomorrow."

"Great. The quicker I tackle the last two requirements, the better."