Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1772: Last Meal

"Are we heading to the Morton Observatory on the double?" Adam inquired, his voice carrying a slight tremor.

Gladius offered a shrug before getting up from his seat.

"That decision rests with you. However, seeing as Xyrea and I dedicated over two hours to grocery shopping, wouldn't it be sensible to consume something before our important meeting? What do you reckon?"

Silvana arched an eyebrow. "You expect me to prepare a meal for you? Seriously?"

"Hah, don't feign that you'd refuse Adam if he made the same request."

She was poised to retort but quickly acknowledged the truth in Adam's presence.

"Pffft!" Silvana folded her arms across her chest, a pout forming on her lips. "Cooking for Adam and cooking for you and Xyrea are entirely separate matters. I'm still quite vexed with you two for keeping us separated for such an extended period!"

"Cease being so theatrical." Gladius waved a hand dismissively. "It's merely been two days. That's hardly a significant duration. There have been countless occasions when you've gone far longer without seeing each other."

Silvana winced. "Indeed, but I always knew Adam was well, either resting or recuperating from a formidable battle. Now, he vanished, and you were the one who took him."

"It wasn't my doing; it was Xyrea's." Gladius thrust his hands into his pockets, adopting an air of innocence.

"It makes no difference!" Silvana waved her hand emphatically. "The Hollow Lands? It's hardly the most secure location on the planet, you understand? Based on what Adam confided in me, I am utterly convinced you were gambling with his life!"

A cunning glint flashed in Gladius's eyes.

"True, but everything concluded favorably, did it not? And furthermore, let us cease this discussion."

Step. Step. Step.

Gladius advanced, moving past the table and making his way towards the kitchen.

"Agh...?" Silvana looked bewildered as Gladius rolled up his sleeves to his shoulders.

Without uttering a word of explanation, Gladius retrieved the newly purchased steaks from the table, slicing open their packaging with an effortless motion.

"When I proposed dinner, I never stipulated that either you or Xyrea should be the one to prepare it." He glanced back over his shoulder. "You realize, Silvana, that I am an exceptional cook."

Xyrea, who had been observing from the side, allowed a faint smirk to grace her features for a fleeting moment. Unlike Adam and Silvana, who had not witnessed the full extent of Gladius's capabilities, she perceived an underlying significance in his declaration. After all, his designation as a chef was part of his title, and it was a distinction held by only a select few humans, a rarity compared to monsters.

Silvana was rendered speechless, yet Adam found the unfolding situation rather amusing.

"Hahaha, I never once imagined I would witness a Second Rank Phantom engaged in culinary pursuits. To observe the outcome, I am quite content to wait a little while longer."

Whooooooosh.

Gladius deftly procured a knife from the block and twirled it in his hand.

"You shall not be let down. Xyrea is quite fond of my cooking, and her palate is notoriously difficult to please."

Xyrea offered a nod. "That is accurate. Apart from confections and coffee, I find little enjoyment in most human fare. Although, over the past several centuries, I have adapted to many things. Nevertheless, when Gladius prepares a meal, I find myself ready to consume virtually anything."

"Well, well." The corners of Adam's mouth curved upwards, his eyes alight with anticipation. "That is most intriguing. Proceed, then, and demonstrate your prowess."

Silvana remained silent, but her expression unmistakably conveyed her own curiosity.

"Very well, in that instance, I shall not prolong your wait."

With these words, Gladius fell silent, leaving only the perpetual smirk gracing his face.

Initially, he meticulously carved X-shaped incisions into the steaks. These cuts were not deep enough to compromise the meat's structural integrity but were sufficiently profound to facilitate the deeper penetration of spices throughout a greater volume of the meat than typically achieved.

Next, he retrieved a small skillet, into which he poured a measure of sesame oil. As the oil warmed, he crushed some peppercorns and introduced them into the oil, thereby releasing their aroma, followed by finely minced garlic and a sprig of rosemary.

Without a moment's delay, Gladius embarked on chopping vegetables for the accompanying salad and concurrently preparing its dressing. The weather outside was rather warm, prompting him to opt against preparing a heavy dish, instead favoring something light and refreshing, yet substantial enough to be satisfying.

In stark contrast to Adam and Silvana, who observed Gladius's culinary endeavors as if witnessing a performance, Xyrea's gaze was remarkably focused.

On numerous occasions, she had attempted to recreate the exact flavors of his dishes. She had meticulously followed his every step, yet consistently failed to reach his standard of excellence.

Xyrea served as Gladius's Operator, a role she had fully embraced, but her inherent monstrous nature persisted. Her ambition extended beyond mere service; she aspired to attain a similar level of power and skill. She was in a perpetual state of improvement, striving to become a truly equitable partner to Gladius.

Once the light salad, adorned with vegetables and olives, was deemed ready, Gladius proceeded to flip the steaks, immersing them in the sizzling oil. He withdrew a baguette from its packaging, sliced it, and proceeded to toast it within the oil, which had now been infused with a multitude of distinct flavors.

Finally, he extracted fresh butter from its container, blending it with herbs before expertly slicing it, signifying the dish's readiness for presentation.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Before long, a quartet of plates graced the table, causing Silvana to swallow with anticipation as her hunger intensified.

Each plate presented a perfectly cooked steak, adorned with herb-infused butter that was gradually melting from the steak's heat, augmenting its already profound flavor. Wisps of steam ascended from the steaks, mingling with the aroma of bread, generously layered with sauce and blanketed in a golden, melted cheese crust. Completing the meal were light summer salads, featuring crisp, fresh vegetables.

"I trust you will find it to your liking." Gladius offered a bow, punctuating his words with a flourish of his hand.

Even before Adam could reach for his cutlery, Gladius produced a bottle of wine, carefully setting out four glasses.

"Acquiring that particular vintage was quite the challenge at the First Ring, but fortunately, this area boasts several establishments with exclusive goods. Is there truly anything better than a fine wine to accompany exceptional meat?"

With the four glasses brimming with wine, Adam and the others took their inaugural bites.

Adam quietly relished the exquisite taste, while Silvana's eyes widened in sheer astonishment.

"Incredible! This is absolutely divine!" she declared with unrestrained joy.

Sip.

Gladius took a leisurely sip of his wine.

"I'm pleased you approve," he commented, then turned his attention to Xyrea. "And your thoughts?"

"Exquisite..." Her voice held a slight tremor. "As always."

Gladius offered a nonchalant shrug.

"Good to know. Adam, a dinner of this caliber, wouldn't you agree, is a most fitting prelude to your encounter with Aiden Henk?"

Adam nodded, his gaze becoming more profound.

"Indeed. My hope is that our discussion leaves me with an impression as favorable as this remarkable steak."

A smirk played on Gladius's lips.

"One can only hope."