Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 2049: Dark Flame

Silvana stared at the Silver Weaver, whose avatar had been summoned by the Lost Sun.

He knew not only about Adam and Silvana, but also about the Silver Weaver. The reason for this was his ability to see others’ talents and their flames.

The Silver Weaver, as a being, possessed enough talent for the Lost Sun to notice him and know what he was capable of.

“He… Is he more suited to be Adam’s weapon than I am? But how is that possible?” Silvana was confused. She didn’t understand how the Lost Sun could say such a thing.

The Lost Sun merely nodded.

“You must understand me correctly, Silvana. I’m not saying that the Silver Weaver will be Adam’s Nexus. I doubt that’s what he wants, and Adam certainly won’t let that happen. But right now, you’re not the main source of Adam’s powers.”

A few moments later, the Lost Sun’s eyes flashed as he turned to Silvana.

“If you want to gain the confidence you lack, then you must ignite the flame within yourself. Your talent must awaken, if it exists, or… even if you have no talent, you can create it out of nothing, like a spark that might accidentally appear amid the darkness.”

The Lost Sun pointed at the Silver Weaver.

“His will and desires are much closer to Adam’s than yours are, of that I am certain, and I think you understand this as well. However, you can still surpass him, or at least stand on equal footing with him. In that case, when you become Adam’s Manifest Nexus, you, too, will take the lead.”

Silvana said nothing as her eyes darted between the Silver Weaver and the Lost Sun, before determination finally appeared in her gaze.

“I see… Look, I didn’t come here so you could compare me to others. I know I’m Adam’s Operator. No one can take that role away from me, and all I want is to get better and pass whatever test you prepare for me. That’s it.”

Strangely enough, the Lost Sun smiled.

“Good. You’ve finally stopped overanalyzing and worrying and have instead set progress as your goal. That’s exactly what Adam always did, and his flame grew brighter and brighter. But there’s one more thing Adam did to achieve success.”

Silvana held her breath, waiting for the Lost Sun to say it.

But at that moment, another voice spoke up.

“Win.”

Gladius stepped into the flaming orb.

“Adam wins constantly, and in his case, those victories are fuel for his flame. Every time he survives a deadly battle, his talent grows, because his will, desires, and instincts are honed like a sharp blade.”

Step. Step. Step.

With a relaxed stride, he moved forward while the clouds trembled beneath his boots.

“Hey, long time no see.” Gladius waved to the Lost Sun.

The Lost Sun’s expression didn’t change as he merely nodded.

“So much time has passed, and you’re still the same… Your flame, it’s only become more terrifying, Gladius.”

Silvana turned around.

“What is the Lost Sun talking about? What’s wrong with your flame?”

Gladius shrugged as he walked over to the pond.

“Well, instead of explaining, it’d be better to show you.”

Gladius glanced at the Lost Sun.

“Come on, show her. We’re here at her request, so she should be prepared for anything.”

The Lost Sun just shrugged before waving his hand.

Instead of the bright flame emanating from Adam and the Silver Weaver’s avatars, a stream of purple fire burst forth from Gladius’s reflection – dark and gloomy, almost black, as if coming from purgatory.

That flame was several times stronger than Adam’s, and what mattered wasn’t just that, but the aura it gave off.

“Why…? Why are their flames so different?”

Gladius shook his head.

“It’s not that simple, Silvana. Adam isn’t here, so the Lost Sun can only show you the standard version of their flame, not the real one. If he had created my avatar, I would also be emitting the standard flame, not the purple one.

“So, until Adam comes here, we won’t be able to see the true color and essence of his flame. But there’s no need for that, it would only satisfy your curiosity. What’s important is that you don’t have a flame at all. With that talent level, it’s impossible to reach the Second Circle.”

Silvana blinked, confused.

“Wait… Are you saying that even if Adam activates the Frenzied Flame, he still won’t be able to destroy the Grand Barrier?”

Her voice trembled. She didn’t want that to be true.

But… Gladius nodded with a sly smile on his face.

“Indeed. The Path Construct requires not only Adam’s powers, but yours as well. Sure, among Second Rank Phantoms there are unusual cases, such as myself, you know the real me, and Xyrea. There’s no point in hiding it anymore.”

He waved his hand.

“However, there are no Second Rank Phantoms that have reached this level without an Operator. But there are many K4 Phantoms that have remained at this level for decades or even centuries and are unlikely to ever reach the Second Circle.”

Gladius’s blue eyes grew deeper as he stood before Silvana.

“The difficulty lies not only in the multitude of trials and the fundamental difference between humans and monsters, but also in the fact that destroying the Grand Barrier requires the strength of two people, not just one individual.”

Silvana gulped.

She wanted to become stronger so that her contribution to the battles would be greater, but she hadn’t expected that whether Adam would become a Second Rank Phantom or not might depend on her weakness.

“You…”

Silvana’s fingers stopped trembling as she clenched her fist tightly and struck Gladius in the chest. He didn’t even budge from his spot.

“Enough talk, just tell me what I’m supposed to do!”

In response, Gladius pointed at the moon. He knew it wouldn’t all end with just the sun.

“The answer is right in front of you, young lady. Go on, your rendezvous with the moon awaits.”