Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1649 1649: Blood Gift (Part 2)

Silvana shifted her attention toward Gladius, who waited in silence nearby. He had refrained from involving himself in their discourse, for as a Phantom, this was strictly an affair between two Operators.

"Gladius, are you implying that you encountered Xyrea within the Dead Lands, proceeded to pulverize her, and ultimately compelled her to become your Operator?" she inquired, clearly struggling to accept the absurdity of the claim.

Gladius merely flicked his hand with an indifferent gesture.

"I wouldn't frame it quite like that, but in essence, yes, that is precisely what transpired. You cannot convince a monster to submit without first demonstrating a clear superiority in power.

"It is not merely that beasts respect strength alone; humans operate under the same fundamental principles. Selecting an Operator is a momentous choice. Xyrea needed to be entirely certain of my capability. Furthermore, this dynamic is hardly exclusive to Xyrea—you find yourself in an identical position, do you not?"

Silvana took a half-step back, her expression clouded with confusion.

"What are you talking about? I am no monster, that much I am certain of!"

"True enough. Yet, Adam had to prove his reliability to you time and again—ensuring you could depend on him regardless of the circumstances, particularly during the early stages of your path. Xyrea’s experience mirrors your own. Every Operator must be confident in their decision, trusting that by surrendering their all to a Phantom, they will receive equal loyalty in return."

Silvana started to retort, but her words died in her throat. As peculiar as it seemed, there was an undeniable truth to every point Gladius had raised.

"You may ponder this or reject it as you please, but the distinctions between our respective situations are minimal. Whether you, Riska, or Xyrea, your histories matter less than the reality that you are all Operators now."

As Silvana turned these revelations over in her mind, a fresh query struck Adam.

"Tsk. I shall not bother asking how they permitted this, but... surely you aren't the only one harborng an Operator of this nature?"

Gladius answered only with a cryptic smirk.

"Who can say? In any case, you have already witnessed enough. It is inconsequential whether one is a monster, a human, or a Phantom; anyone possessing that desire can become an Operator."

Adam offered a dry, joyless smile.

"Hah, so it seems they alone are granted the freedom of choice?"

"These rules were not of my making. I merely seek to observe the most profound and rare wonders our world possesses. With such a philosophy, I could hardly overlook a monster Operator. However..." His blue eyes deepened in intensity. "I believe our time is being squandered on this discourse."

Adam’s posture tensed, his caution flaring.

"What is your intention? You brought Queen Elisa's blood here. If you imagine you can maneuver me into accepting your terms for this essence, you are mistaken!"

Gladius’s face remained an unreadable mask.

"I am no adversary to you, Adam. I brought this blood simply because it shall empower your cultivation, nothing more. I ask nothing in exchange—no currency, no favors, no artifacts."

Silvana’s heart hammered against her ribs, her palm pressed firmly to her chest.

"But it cannot possibly be that straightforward, can it? You and Xyrea did not journey here merely to satisfy our curiosities. Furthermore..." She cast her gaze toward the small vial. "I am unconvinced that it is safe for Adam to ingest the Blood of God in this environment."

Suddenly, the composure radiating from Gladius shattered; a sharp glint entered his eyes, replaced by a predatory smirk.

"You possess a keen mind, Silvana. Regardless, this event was destined to occur."

Tap.

Gladius retrieved the vial, his gaze fixed on the dark, ruby-red liquid swirling within.

"This, Adam, is my offering to you, and I expect your acceptance. We are both keenly aware of the weight this carries for your future growth. It marks the subsequent threshold of your journey."

Step. Step. Step.

The rhythmic thud of his footsteps echoed through the chamber until he stood directly before Adam.

"Take it." Gladius gripped Adam’s wrist, forcing his fingers to seal around the glass. "Clench it firmly. This power shall be your salvation."

A frigid sensation crawled down Adam’s spine. The ominous subtext of the words did not escape him.

"Salvation? What... what exactly do you mean? We are currently in the heart of the Citadel. There is scarcely a more secure location in existence."

Gladius surveyed him, his eyes glowing with an eerie luminescence in the gloom.

"Adam, I have never once been untruthful to you. Every word spoken is a genuine reflection of my intent."

He then cast a nod in Xyrea’s direction.

In a split second, Adam turned to Silvana, desperate to seize her hand and flee, yet... his fingers remained locked around the vial.

But… it was already too late.

Xyrea lifted her hand, her expression entirely devoid of hesitation. She possessed total faith in Gladius’s judgment.

Tap. Tap.

Two brief strikes to their necks rendered their eyes vacant and lifeless.

Adam and Silvana dropped like stones to the floor. Gladius merely glanced at the vial still clutched in Adam’s hand, a smirk gracing his lips.

"Excellent. Xyrea, proceed as planned."

She inclined her head and hefted Adam’s limp form onto her shoulder.

"Gladius, is this truly necessary?" she questioned, her tone placid. "We could achieve a similar outcome by dispatching him to a less perilous location. This path carries significant risk."

Gladius traced his chin thoughtfully.

"Hmm? That is the entire design, Xyrea. I intend for him to fully experience the trials ahead. Do not fret; he will certainly endure, and not merely because we believe in the potential of Adam Vinter. Aiden would never have consented to this scheme had he lacked faith in him."

"Understood." Xyrea nodded. "Winning his trust back after this will prove difficult. I was under the impression your goals lay elsewhere."

A sly, knowing smile lit up Gladius’s face.

"Oh, you are mistaken, Xyrea."

"How so?"

"When Adam returns, he shall offer me his gratitude. You wait and see. Now, depart; I shall remain here until your return."

Xyrea, though perplexed by the statement, offered no further resistance.

"As you command."

A moment later, Xyrea’s silhouette flickered and evaporated into nothingness, leaving Gladius alone with the silence.