Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 2021: Radiant Branch

After Adam absorbed the energy of the white crystals, he was full of motivation to keep going.

Just one attack gave him more than 100% at the sphere!

Sure, the process had slowed down again, but Adam was confident that very soon he would have enough energy to create the Fifth Anchor.

The others understood this as well.

"Silvana." Frida’s calm yet powerful voice rang out.

"Y-Yes?" Silvana turned around.

Frida continued to watch Adam.

"Once Adam obtains the Nova Blast, you’re planning to head to the Hollow Lands, aren’t you?"

Silvana nodded, placing her hand on her chest.

"Yes. With the Nova Blast, Adam will have all five Anchors. But the Frenzied Flame hasn’t been activated yet, so that’s what we need to focus on next."

Frida’s expression didn’t change.

"I see. When you activate the Frenzied Flame, Adam will actually have all five Anchors. That’s good. Right after that, Adam will start trying to destroy the Grand Barrier, right?"

Silvana nodded again.

"Is something wrong?"

"Not exactly, but I’d like you and Adam to stay at the Citadel for a week."

Silvana was confused.

"We can do that, but... why? I mean, Adam doesn’t like to linger for no reason. If nothing important happens in a week, I won’t be able to convince Adam to stay here."

"Sure, I understand that, but there’s no need to worry about it. In a week, something very important will actually happen - for the entire Citadel."

A look of wariness appeared in Silvana’s eyes. Frida spoke in such a tone that every word she said had to be taken very seriously.

"Don’t be so scared, nothing bad will happen. On the contrary, in a week, or more precisely, in eight days - the Radiant Branch will take place."

"The Radiant Branch? Is that somehow connected to the Twelve Branches and the nobles?" Silvana asked.

The last time she and Adam had dealt with the nobles was over a year ago, when Adam fought in the Moon Colosseum to defeat The Rule of Power, as that was Osana’s wish in return for her saving his life.

However, on yet another occasion, once again against his will, Adam found himself at the Twilight Palace, a special place where the most talented nobles of the Twelve Branches gathered, sorted by their level.

Back then, everything turned out well for Adam, but only because he was saved by Erik Wurhen, the strongest Phantom of the Wurhen Family. Erik later helped him get into the Lower Ring.

Overall, Adam wasn’t hostile toward the nobles, but if there was a chance to avoid interacting with them, he’d prefer to take it.

"Yes," Frida confirmed her assumption. "The Radiant Branch takes place once every five years. This will be the last Radiant Branch in these 250 years, since it’s not customary to hold such events in the final year before the World Wipe."

Silvana bit her lip.

’Right... There are only six years left until the World Wipe, actually, even less than that. Although, Adam has made great progress in the time we’ve had since we learned about the World Wipe from Wilfred. After all, more than a year has already passed.’

Frida glanced at Silvana before continuing.

"All the heads of the Twelve Branches will gather at Radiant Branch, and many Second-Rank Phantoms will be present as well, though not all of them. For example, Damien and I will be there."

Silvana nodded cautiously.

"Hmm, I see... But that’s still not enough. I mean, I understand that this is a high-level event, but what exactly are Adam’s reasons for being there? What awaits him at Radiant Branch, and what’s the point of this event?"

She paused for a moment before continuing.

"If it’s just a banquet with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a lot of important people, Adam probably won’t be interested. Although, no, he definitely wouldn’t want to go there in that case."

Frida turned to her, staring at Silvana for a long time.

"So if Adam’s against it, even an invitation from me personally wouldn’t be enough for you to go?"

Silvana’s eyes darted toward Adam as she shook her head apologetically.

"No, I’m afraid not. Adam’s decision takes precedence over everything else. Whatever he says goes."

"Whoa, take it easy." Kamora whistled with a wide grin on her face. "Though, I like it when Operators are so loyal, it’s so sweet."

Lamor nodded.

"Of course you like that - you’ll never experience anything like that yourself."

Twitch.

Kamora’s eyebrow twitched as her fiery gaze turned toward Lamor. He, in turn, stood unflappable with a kind smile on his face. He knew exactly what he was doing. Who else but him would tease Kamora? Someone had to do it.

"You... If I didn’t know that was nonsense, I’d slap you, got it?"

"Sure, sure."

Frida didn’t linger with them for long and turned to Silvana.

"Still, that’s commendable loyalty, Silvana - I agree with them on that."

Silvana gulped.

"T-Thank you."

"We’re heading back to the Radiant Branch. Yes, there’ll be plenty of important people, snacks, and drinks there, but every guest can enjoy a delicious meal at home, there’s no need to go out of your way to create a big event just for that."

Frida folded her arms behind her back, watching Adam’s progress. He was getting closer and closer, at 500%, to creating the Nova Blast.

"Adam will soon become a Second-Rank Phantom. Many consider him the leading candidate, so it’ll be useful for him to mingle with the most influential people at the Citadel. I understand that this isn’t as interesting to him as activating the Frenzied Flame, but still, the Radiant Branch is the best opportunity for that."

"But..." Silvana muttered. "That’s not all, is it?"

Frida nodded.

"Yes. That alone wouldn’t be enough to pique Adam’s interest, or that of other guests like him. The Star Rail is also taking place at the Radiant Branch."

"S-Star Rail?" Silvana had never heard of it before.

Frida turned as her azure eyes grew deep and bright.

"It’s an event during which all factions and noble families present the Phantoms who have the potential to become the next Second Rank Phantom within the next 250 years."

"And..."

"It seems Adam isn’t one of them, is he?"