Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1630: Sky Beneath the Ground

Riska, as usual, managed every household duty and proved herself a superb chef. Her emerald eyes kept that tender gleam, and her flowing brown tresses now draped in soft curls across her shoulders.

Her stature and the subtle hints of muscle beneath her skin evoked memories of her history—she had once served as a Phantom but chose to embrace a new purpose.

Actually, Adam's thoughts weren't dwelling on any of that just then. What caught his attention was the steaming apple pie, the vibrant juice squeezed from ripe farm fruits, and the batch of cookies waiting as treats.

“Did you arrive without any issues?”

Riska inquired, setting the apple pie at the table's center.

“This spot lies quite distant, particularly from the First Ring. The journey must have been lengthy.” She removed her oven mitts and grasped a hefty knife from the tabletop.

Whether by design or chance, she bent forward over Tron, her hair brushing near his composed expression.

“Which portion would you like?”

Tron merely lifted his shoulders in response.

“Divide the pie into quarters. Still, I doubt it'll satisfy this voracious kid.” He glanced toward Adam.

Adam rubbed his cheek sheepishly.

“Come on, if the grub's tasty, I'll devour whatever I can. Is that wrong?”

Silvana sipped some juice, biding her moment.

Her features contorted briefly, only for a pleased grin to spread. The drink burst with freshness—tangy at first, yet followed by a delightful sugary note.

“You realize the reason for our visit, right?” she questioned.

Tron gave a nod.

“Naturally. This isn't my first time aiding your growth.” He faced Adam. “Word is, you snagged a lavish estate atop a towering skyscraper. With wealth like that, perhaps I ought to start billing for these lessons?”

Adam's eyes bulged in protest:

“Hey! It wasn't solely my plan. Plus, you're teetering on the edge of K4-Level! You're wealthier and more powerful than I am!”

Tron offered a wry smile.

“True, at the moment. But given your rapid advances, next encounter, you'll surpass me.”

Adam's expression turned grave.

“Huh? By our next meeting, shouldn't I be where you are now, while you've ascended to the Second Circle? You doubt becoming a Second Rank Phantom?”

Riska halted, fixing her gaze on Tron. His reply mattered—to each of them.

“Like any Phantom aiming for the pinnacle, I'll spare no effort. Yet, attaining this stage has shown me the sheer number of rivals like myself out there.”

His violet eyes darkened further, a gloom shadowing his features.

“A few will undoubtedly advance and gain more strength, though that's just a tiny portion. I stay grounded, Adam. I get that not all can claim millionaire status, striking looks, or the might of a Second Rank Phantom. Still, we'll persist in our pursuits until victory claims us.”

“Understood.” Adam inclined his head thoughtfully. “Then, I wish for us both to attain the Second Circle someday.”

Oddly, Tron flashed a broad smile.

He turned to Riska.

“That prospect thrills me. Juice won't cut it—we require something stouter. Fetch the wine.”

Riska beamed softly.

“Of course.”

...

The juice, wine, and pie above all tasted divine, yet Adam and Silvana's purpose wasn't mere indulgence.

“So, regarding our session?” Adam pressed. “When Silvana mentioned it, I figured we'd head to the Dead Lands. Sure, it's a sprawling farmstead, but this is the Citadel. Too risky here, no?”

Tron denied it with a shake of his head.

“No need for concern. You'll grasp the purpose of this place shortly. Actually, the session occurs not on the farm itself, but in a far better venue.”

“Oh?”

Tron rose and moved toward the door.

“Let's go—trail after me. Time to reveal the Sky Cubes.”

Adam and Silvana shared a look.

“Sky Cubes?”

Upon exiting the dwelling, their eyes shot skyward at once. They anticipated floating isles or edifices aloft, akin to Heaven Island housing Queen Elisa.

Yet, strain as they might, nothing appeared. At their current strength, such a feat eluded them.

That pointed to a single conclusion...

Tap.

Riska nudged Adam's shoulder.

“Folks, wrong angle. The Sky Cubes aren't truly sky-bound, despite the title.”

“What? Then why the lofty name?” Adam cocked his head.

She lifted her shoulders casually.

“Beats me. Wasn't my invention.”

Step. Step. Step.

Venturing from the farm into the woods, they paused before a modest shed beside a grand, ancient oak.

A solitary stone trail guided to the shed, lit by just one lantern for evening hours.

As they stepped inside, Tron produced a metal key.

Click!

The entrance sealed after them, and Adam's eyes grew round.

The left held ordinary farm implements and gear, nothing out of place—but the right featured a sleek console and a lift plunging far below ground.

“Down this way.” Tron indicated the elevator.

Silvana scanned the area.

“Did they construct this apart from the main farm?”

He affirmed with a nod.

“Not the sole Sky Cube around. They're dotted across the Second Ring, functioning as elite training zones for advanced Phantoms. You'll witness it all momentarily.”

Tap.

Tron pressed his hand to the console, and the lift hummed to life, plunging deep into the earth. It mimicked a descent from a megatower's peak to its base.

Doors parted upon arrival, and they advanced into the shadowy passage.

“What in the world...?”

Adam's mouth nearly dropped as radiance bathed their visages. Not artificial glow, but genuine sunlight—or so it appeared to him.

Despite the subterranean depths, a azure vault stretched overhead with drifting clouds. The atmosphere felt pure and invigorating, like mountain peaks.

Beneath lay verdant turf, boulders, and woodland.

Tron rested his hands akimbo.

“Enter Sky Cube No. 3.”