Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1769: Questions for Him (Part 1)

After a considerable amount of time and numerous experiences, Adam and Silvana found themselves reunited.

However, Adam had anticipated not only her presence at his residence but also the company of two other individuals.

"Silvana." Adam's tone deepened. "Where have Gladius and Xyrea gone?"

She turned, her gaze directed towards the kitchen. Three coffee cups and several partially consumed chocolate cookies rested on the table, clear indicators of recent activity.

"I see..." Silvana's eyes flickered with surprise. "They mentioned heading to the store about half an hour ago. It seems they anticipated your imminent arrival."

Adam's brow furrowed. "Do you suspect they've departed? I have a multitude of questions for them, truly a great number."

Curiously, Silvana offered a negative shake of her head.

"No, during your absence, I've come to understand they are certainly not our adversaries. While I'm not yet prepared to label them allies, I doubt they would resort to such tactics to evade a discussion."

"Agh..." Adam let out a profound sigh, taking a step forward. "Very well, in that case, we shall await their return. While we wait, Silvana, I have much to share with you."

Meeting his deep, albeit weary, gaze, Silvana offered a warm smile.

"Certainly, I am eager to hear every detail. Based on your aura... wherever you have been these past few days, you must have endured a series of arduous trials."

"Hah, you have no comprehension of how accurate you are."

Silvana nodded, beginning to move toward the kitchen. From Adam's expression, she discerned that a cup of coffee accompanied by something sweet would be most welcome at this moment.

...

The ensuing two hours passed swiftly for Silvana and Adam. Adam meticulously detailed his experiences in the Hollow Lands, withholding no information.

Initially, Silvana felt a mixture of surprise and indignation towards Gladius and Xyrea for dispatching Adam to such a perilous locale.

Yet, as she absorbed the details of the Hollow Lands and the trials he had faced, she gradually recognized their beneficial impact on Adam.

It wasn't solely his enhanced strength and newfound ability, but also the exposure to a different facet of their world.

Concluding his narrative, Adam recounted his confrontation at the Grim Court with Zin and the pivotal moment when Zin chose to undergo an evolution, transforming into a Lord.

"Incredible..." Silvana murmured, her gaze fixed on her coffee cup. "All of this transpired within mere days. Hmm, the pillars, the distinctive ranking system, and the enigmatic Frenzied Shards. Quite remarkable, indeed."

A moment later, Silvana's expression stiffened as a realization dawned upon her.

"Wait, so there are significant territories situated on both sides of the Citadel?"

Adam affirmed with a nod, crossing his arms. This deduction had formed when Kaerno provided him with information regarding the Hollow Lands.

"Correct. The Hollow Lands lie to the north, although I cannot confirm its climate, as it possesses neither heat nor cold, nor is there any ice."

Silvana elaborated: "The Tarnished Lands to the west, though we have not ventured into its deeper reaches, and the Primal Lands to the south."

Transitioning to the final, perhaps most crucial territory, Adam's eyes grew somber.

"And the Dark Shore to the east. I harbor no desire to return, yet it appears inevitable that I must face it."

Beyond these four distinct regions, only the Dead Lands remained, with the Citadel situated at its very heart.

This comprised a world map accessible only to K4-Phantoms and those of higher standing, and even then, not universally. For the average individual, their knowledge concluded at the Dead Lands, or perhaps even at the boundaries of their immediate surroundings.

"Adam." Silvana gently touched his hand. "We still have much to glean from Gladius and Xyrea, but they bestowed upon you the Blood of God. It was indeed the genuine blood of Queen Elisa, was it not?"

"Indeed." Adam confirmed with a solemn nod. "There is no question. I witnessed it firsthand when Zin elected to perceive her blood's flow. It was peculiar... yet it served as irrefutable evidence."

Recalling their shared knowledge, Silvana bit her lip. "Gladius has often emphasized its immense value, a true treasure, and he is entirely correct. However, he also indicated that without Aiden Henk's consent, his actions would have been impossible."

Adam's frown deepened as he leaned forward.

"Discovering their collaboration was unexpected. Then again, it was somewhat predictable. It was evident from Gladius that he was not affiliated with any existing factions, and it's improbable someone of his nature would serve the government. If he were to align with anyone, Aiden was the most logical assumption."

"So, what is your next course of action? From my understanding, you believe you are merely two steps away from the Second Circle, correct?" Silvana inquired, her gaze holding a trace of apprehension.

She recognized the necessity of their progression to avert the World Wipe, but Adam's abrupt disappearance had deeply unsettled her. Her fervent hope was to prevent any recurrence of such an event.

"My guess is likely correct," Adam stated, his aura subtly intensifying. "I’ve nearly acquired three Grand Stars. For the final requirement, I still need Queen Elisa’s blood and to overcome a formidable Black Threat Level monster to activate it."

He gestured, outlining the possibilities.

"I have no idea what’s required for the Bottomless Void. Frankly, it unnerves me. Therefore, I can’t fathom how any Grand Stars could remain within my Path Construct. I’ve already pushed the First Circle to its practical maximum."

Silvana gazed intently at a fixed spot, lost in contemplation.

"So, you must locate the Bottomless Void and shatter the First Circle’s barrier. Only then can you ascend to become the next Second Rank Phantom."

Despite the positive outlook, Adam offered a wry smile, tipping his head back.

"Indeed... And yet, even that won’t wholly suffice for our ultimate objective. Nevertheless, we must press on. There is no alternative path."