Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1771: The List

To a certain degree, Adam's entire existence and his life as a Phantom were initiated by Aiden Henk.

Aiden was a man devoted to achieving perfection, undertaking countless experiments in pursuit of his enigmatic objective. Yet, ironically, it was Adam who emerged as one of Aiden's rare miscalculations – and, crucially, a successful one.

Ever since that initial day in the laboratory, when a dozen youths underwent testing for the Spark, Adam had only heard of Aiden Henk but harbored a deep desire to meet him.

Initially, his driving force was solely the ambition for vengeance regarding Aiden's actions. However, as time passed, Adam's perspective on those events underwent a transformation.

Although the odds were slim, he had an opportunity to avert the World Wipe and preserve his family. Furthermore, had he not become a Phantom, he would never have encountered Silvana, nor would he have possessed the ability to defend himself when danger loomed.

As a consequence of Adam's transformation into a Phantom, both his family and he were lifted from destitution. For several months now, he hadn't even bothered to tally the funds in his accounts; such matters were no longer significant for a Phantom of his caliber.

If one were to overlook the sheer terror and the brush with mortality experienced on that inaugural day, Aiden's error and his subsequent composure had proven to be a genuine boon for Adam.

"This..."

Adam's voice wavered as he leaned forward. "Are you telling me the truth? Are you suggesting I should meet with Aiden Henk?"

Gladius propped his cheek on his hand, offering a slight nod. "Naturally. Have I ever misled you? While I may have omitted certain details, I have never outright lied. However, Aiden is not yet aware that your meeting will occur quite soon."

Adam fixed his gaze upon Xyrea, who stood serenely to the side, diligently unpacking groceries. The preparations for the forthcoming dinner held greater importance for her than their current discussion.

"What about you? What are your thoughts on this?" Adam inquired, his brow furrowed. "You are Gladius's Operator, which is rather peculiar given your monstrous nature. You're acquainted with Aiden Henk, aren't you?"

Xyrea paused, her movement slow as she turned towards him. "Indeed. However, I cannot claim our relationship is amicable. My acquaintance with Aiden Henk is neither as lengthy nor as intimate as Gladius'. All I can state with certainty is that he holds an interest in you, much like your own interest in him."

Before Adam could respond, Xyrea added: "It is exceedingly difficult to capture this man's attention, Adam. He possesses knowledge and has witnessed far more than you can comprehend; you can be assured of that."

Gladius chimed in with an affirming nod.

"I believe the time has come for you to meet him. I am certain this is something you have desired for a considerable duration. Aiden, much like numerous other Phantoms and myself, wishes for another Second Rank Phantom to join the Citadel. Currently, you are among the foremost candidates."

A flicker of interest ignited in Adam's eyes.

"Are you implying that you are aware of the other candidates as well?"

"Huh, of course," Gladius chuckled. "That information is hardly a secret. Should you gain access to the upper echelons of the mission department, you can uncover a wealth of intriguing data. There are several Phantoms whose prospects of reaching the Second Rank before the next World Wipe stand at over fifty percent."

"Agh?"

Adam's eyes widened in bewilderment. "Only fifty percent? I had assumed the mission department had already identified the individuals destined to become Second Rank Phantoms in the foreseeable future."

"Nah," Gladius countered, shaking his head. "There are quite a number of K4-Phantoms throughout the Citadel who have encountered an insurmountable obstacle and are unlikely to ever overcome it. The very fact that we have Phantoms with a fifty percent chance of achieving Second Rank status within the next six years is, in itself, positive news."

Silvana observed Gladius with intense focus. "I presume that even an Operator like myself lacks access to such information, correct?"

Gladius smirked. "Precisely. But?"

"But..." Silvana bit her lip. "Could you at least name one individual on that list besides Adam?"

"No," Gladius responded curtly, causing Silvana to frown. She had been hoping for at least a subtle hint.

"Do not misunderstand me. Even if I were to disclose every single name, it would pose no issue for me. However, I prefer not to diminish the anticipation for either of us. Who knows how Adam's perspective might shift if he were to see the entire roster? When you begin watching a film, you do not wish to know the ultimate fate of the characters, do you?"

It was true that both Adam and Silvana would have preferred to see the complete list, yet they understood the futility of attempting to compel Gladius. Moreover...

'Tsk.' Silvana inwardly scoffed. 'I hate to admit it, but there's a degree of logic to his words. Who can say who else is on that list? It would be best for both Adam and myself to concentrate on the challenges that lie ahead. Once we attain the Second Circle, we will be able to ascertain all the details ourselves.'

Click.

Gladius snapped his fingers, recapturing their attention.

"Hehehe, you didn't imagine that was the extent of it, did you?"

Adam and Silvana's eyes brightened. There were indeed advantages to conversing with a cunning individual like Gladius."Among those on the list, Adam has crossed paths and collaborated with at least one individual. There might be more or fewer; that's all I'll disclose for now. Ultimately, you would have reached this deduction eventually," the speaker conveyed. Upon hearing this, Adam's gaze intensified as countless names flooded his consciousness. The immediate individuals he recalled were Alexia and Fromund. He had recently undertaken a mission alongside each of them, yet his memory extended beyond just those two. 'Katrin and... perhaps even Nessa? She possesses the capability to reach the Second Circle as well, correct? While she isn't a Phantom, this distinction might grant her a superior advantage over the rest of us. What about Osana? Could it be someone from the noble lineages?' *Tap.* A sharp flick across his forehead jolted Adam from his musings. "Agh?" Adam exclaimed, startled. Gladius met his surprised gaze. "Cease dwelling on that. A new assignment awaits us. We will all be journeying to the Morton Observatory collectively in the near future." He flashed a grin. "That is, unless you harbor any objections, Adam."