Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1770: Questions for Him (Part 2)

After Adam recounted all the pivotal moments from his time in the Hollow Lands, the conversation shifted to details, lighthearted banter, and contemplations of the future. Yet, a shared understanding existed between them; they were anticipating one more crucial event: the return of Gladius and Xyrea. They mused whether Gladius and Xyrea might have deceived Silvana, perhaps returning to their base instead of going to a store as planned. However, both Adam and Silvana dismissed this notion, believing that if Gladius intended deceit, his execution would have been far more subtle.

Cling!

Precisely at that instant, a gentle chime announced the opening of the elevator doors leading to their penthouse atop the towering skyscraper. Adam and Silvana turned their gazes in unison, faint smiles gracing their features as Gladius and Xyrea reappeared, their hands laden with grocery bags. Recognizing the need for Adam and Silvana to have some private time, they had opted for a unhurried entry.

"Well, well," Gladius greeted with a smile, stepping forward. "Look who has returned from the perilous Hollow Lands. Did your expedition to the northern reaches of our world prove enjoyable?"

Adam massaged his temples with a weary sigh. "Agh, it pains me to admit this, but I must concur with you. It was an extraordinary journey, albeit entirely unexpected. We have much to discuss, but first and foremost, I need to know who among you is responsible for transporting me to the Hollow Lands?"

Without hesitation, Gladius gestured over his shoulder towards Xyrea, who stood behind him. "She accomplished it, swiftly and with professional precision. From what I understand, not even the Gray Watchers detected your presence, correct?"

Adam offered a shrug. "What can I say? I awoke in the midst of an unfamiliar cave. I navigated through several encounters before I began to grasp my predicament. But, Xyrea, how did you manage it?" Adam gestured with his hand, genuine curiosity and confusion evident in his expression. "There exists a barrier surrounding the Hollow Lands. It was only after I absorbed the Frenzied Shard and augmented my strength that I was able to breach it."

Step.

Xyrea advanced. Her dark eyes briefly met Adam's before she placed her bag on the table, commencing the unpacking of groceries. "I have my methods. Gladius instructed me, and I executed the plan. I must confess, however, that it was not without its challenges." She set a bottle of beer on the table, adjacent to a pile of tomatoes. "I could have left you stranded in the Hollow Lands' surface or within a remote Hail Passage, far from the pillars. But in doing so, we would not have achieved our objective."

"Hmm?" Adam raised an eyebrow. "And what precisely was your and Gladius's objective?"

Xyrea fixed him with a piercing gaze. Her formidable aura, that of a powerful monster, was palpable even amidst casual conversation. "To enhance your strength, Adam Vinter. Are you not now one step closer to the Second Circle?"

Before Adam could formulate a response, Gladius stepped forward, retrieving a pack of mint candies from his pocket. "I beg to differ." Rustle.

Gladius popped a candy into his mouth, then held up two fingers. "Adam has taken two significant steps forward. He not only met one of the requirements but also ingested a Frenzied Shard, the value of which is immense. When you reach the culmination of the First Circle, you will recall my words."

This revelation held no surprise for Adam. "I had surmised as much. A Phantom is intended to acquire the Dark Energy upon completion of the First Circle. For me, this occurred slightly ahead of schedule. The Primal Energy is also a necessity, and now, the Frenzied Shard."

Click.

Gladius snapped his fingers. "Precisely! These energy types and auras will be indispensable for your advancement to the Second Circle. You will learn more about this in due time."

"Yes, but not immediately, correct?"

In response, Gladius simply shrugged. "As far as I am aware, you must fulfill one final condition. Any thoughts on that?"

Adam gestured dismissively. "None whatsoever. To be perfectly candid, I had no idea where to procure the Blood of God. Then, you appeared with Queen Elisa’s blood, and the Hollow Lands sequence commenced. I doubt the next step will be quite so straightforward."

For a fleeting moment, Gladius and Xyrea exchanged glances, as if conferring over a crucial decision. Silvana observed this silent communication while Adam contemplated the grocery bag. "Hmm, if you were to share this final condition with us, perhaps we could offer some assistance, you know?" Gladius said, fixing Adam with a look before settling into the chair opposite him.

Before revealing his thoughts, Adam regarded Gladius intently for a prolonged period, his gaze darkening. "Answer me truthfully. Was your sole motivation to aid me, or is this entire endeavor merely a component of Aiden Henk’s larger scheme?"

Gladius laced his fingers together. "Adam, I have already disclosed all pertinent information. While it was my undertaking, the vial containing Queen Elisa’s blood was housed within Aiden’s vault, making his consent a necessity for proceeding."

"My aim was to witness your progression, Adam, to see what heights you could reach. I'm still curious about the kind of Phantom you'll evolve into at your zenith."

Gladius paused, a thoughtful expression on his face, before continuing.

"Furthermore... Queen Elisa's blood is far more than a mere resource; it's an exceptional treasure, and its supply is finite."

"Huh...?"

Adam’s eyes widened as he processed the statement.

"What do you mean by that?"

A sly grin played on Gladius's lips.

"Just as I stated. Following the distribution of this vial to you, only two remain in existence globally. And, as you surely grasp, acquiring more is simply not feasible given our Queen's unique circumstances."

An unnerving silence descended.

The room grew quiet, leaving Adam and Silvana utterly stunned.

"However, you needn't concern yourself with it," Gladius declared, making a dismissive gesture. "Aiden and I were fully aware of the implications when we made that choice. If it facilitates the creation of another Second Rank Phantom, then every last drop will have been worth it."

"That's..." Adam stammered, a wave of surprise washing over him. "I certainly didn't see that coming."

Gladius lightly tapped his own cheekbone.

"So, what is your next stipulation?"

Adam made no attempt to conceal his intentions.

"Bottomless Void. Do you have any insights?"

"No," Gladius responded curtly.

"But I do know someone who might be able to assist us."

"Huh?"

A cunning, mischievous smile began to form on his face.

"Perhaps you should meet with Aiden and inquire directly. You've harbored that desire for quite some time, haven't you?"