Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1629: Farm and Apple pie

As Adam and Silvana readied themselves for the rendezvous with Tron and Riska in a secluded section of the Citadel, another individual caught sight of his arrival.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The rubber ball rebounded from the wall, heading back toward the man, who then tossed it again. This simple action served as a mere routine for someone feeling idle or immersed in reflection.

"He’s returned, once more."

Gladius grinned slyly, sprawled across iron crates that seemed more at home in a lab than in a standard warehouse.

"You’re aware of his demands, right? What’s your plan for handling them?"

The fellow across the room occupied a basic table, savoring steaming black coffee. His amber gaze remained profoundly intense, brimming with insight, detachment, and sharp assessment.

"Are you hinting at an idea? From my view, he’s managing well enough on his own without our involvement."

Gladius lifted his shoulders nonchalantly while snatching the ball.

"True, yet... How long until he advances to the next stage? Another five years? Perhaps a decade? He’s certain he’ll hit Second Rank in no time, but will it unfold that swiftly as he hopes?"

Moments later, a cunning smile spread over his face.

"The earlier he confronts the unbreakable barrier ahead, the quicker he’ll discover a way to shatter it. We’ve each faced that challenge before."

Letting out a heavy breath, Aiden shook his head.

"Proceed as you see fit, but ensure you’re not pushing him toward doom."

Gladius twisted around, his gaze sharpening.

"Would you truly hold a grudge if he perishes? Ha, in this cycle, you’ve chosen to stake it all on the surviving players, correct?"

Oddly, Aiden merely denied it with a head shake.

"No. I’d simply begin anew, as is my custom. Even so, I can’t recall the previous occasion when the odds looked this favorable."

A spark ignited in Gladius’s eyes.

"Doesn’t the possibility alarm you that this could mark our final opportunity? Eventually... their tolerance will wane. Action will be demanded from everyone, and we won’t escape it either."

Aiden placed the cup down.

"I refuse to base decisions on such reasoning, or else there’d be no reason to commence at all. Our only recourse is to give it our all."

Gladius flung the ball against the wall once more.

"Excellent. So you won’t object if I proceed? After all, this touches on something you truly value."

"If it boosts our prospects and you’re convinced, then follow your judgment."

Shadows enveloped Gladius, highlighting just his vivid blue eyes.

"That’s exactly what I hoped to hear."

…

The morning after their outing, Adam and Silvana departed the First Ring, making directly for the Second Ring.

Their path didn’t lead to any official structure or the Dark Order’s bases. Instead, they aimed for the most commonplace location—a farmstead.

Truth be told, Adam had never set foot on a farm. Space for such places was absent in the slums. The bulk of farms resided in the Second Ring, given its expansive territory; the Third Ring lacked sufficient ground for viable farming, much less the cramped First Ring.

Certainly, tech had integrated into every farm long ago, aiding in the maximal production of veggies, fruits, berries, and animals. Yet, human labor and robust equipment stayed essential, much like rich earth.

"A farm?" Adam arched a brow, gazing at the vast fields rolling by the window. "What made Tron direct us here in particular?"

Silvana gave a casual shrug.

"I haven’t a clue, but he insisted it’s the ideal spot. Perhaps there’s a hidden aspect we’re unaware of?"

Adam offered a wry grin.

"Ha, back when I was merely mortal, I imagined that becoming a Phantom would unveil every mystery of this realm. However... even now at our current strength, full knowledge eludes us, and unforeseen elements continue to emerge. It’s frightening in one way, yet captivating in another."

Shortly after, they arrived before a modest two-level dwelling that signaled the farm’s start. Beyond stretched crop fields of diverse kinds, plus barns and enclosures for assorted animals.

"We’ve arrived," the driver announced flatly. "Mr. Tron awaits you downstairs."

Adam and Silvana acknowledged with nods and stepped from the vehicle. The driver lingered briefly before speeding away, keen to head back to the First Ring without delay.

"Perhaps we ought to get our own vehicle?" Adam proposed.

Silvana shot him a puzzled look.

"Hm? Why does that spring to mind first upon reaching the farm?"

"I’m not sure. It’s that we’re always ferried to places. Wouldn’t owning a car prove handy?"

"Wait, we don’t even possess licenses to drive!" She huffed.

Adam lifted an eyebrow.

"Eh? You believe mastering a car exceeds battling beasts? I’d pick it up in just a few days!"

She dismissed it with a gesture.

"Fine, whatever. Aren’t there pressing matters ahead? Let’s go—we shouldn’t leave Tron and Riska hanging."

"Alright."

Farther off, Adam spotted a basic enclosure holding cows, with a comparable setup for pigs nearby, and elsewhere an apple grove. The trees stood in precise, orderly lines to optimize yields.

"Ha, the rugged hunter existence like Goen’s might not suit me, but this farm life appears more serene, doesn’t it?" he mused.

Crackle.

Silvana pushed the door ajar, letting the aroma of ripe berries and fresh herbs waft over them.

Within, just as anticipated, sat Tron and Riska.

Tron occupied a chair by the table, filling glasses with juice. He sported only a plain white shirt and relaxed trousers. Strands of his gray hair draped over his striking amethyst eyes.

He observed their entrance but held his tongue, since Riska spoke first:

"Ah, you’ve made it at last! Don’t hesitate, sit down—the apple pie’s nearly done!"

She slipped on mitts and bent toward the oven.

Adam grinned.

"Ha, juice and pie? Perfect way to kick off the day!"