Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1454: Bitter Coffee (Part 2)

Step. Step. Step.

Ascending the stone stairs with measured steps, Adam pushed open the heavy wooden doors.

Instead of a sleek, modern hotel lobby, he entered a space defined by its antique charm. Carpet lined the floor, while various ornaments and paintings adorned the walls. Standing behind the reception desk was a middle-aged woman whose black hair was streaked with gray, her face marked by subtle wrinkles.

"Mr. Adam, we were quite surprised to hear you chose our modest establishment after being away for so long. We are truly honored," she said, offering a polite bow.

Adam scanned the room, his eyes lingering on the massive crystal chandelier that hung from the center of the domed ceiling.

"Hah, a modest place, you say? I suspect these prices are steep even for those living in the First Ring."

The woman met his comment with a smile.

"I must admit, that is true. We prioritize the quality of our guests over their quantity, focusing on providing peace and comfort. Given your current situation, I believe that is exactly what you seek, which is why you’ve come to us."

Shrugging, Adam replied, "Yeah, that’s fair."

"Furthermore..." She narrowed her gaze, studying Adam intently. "For a Phantom of your caliber, surely money has long since become a secondary concern?"

"Well, even if that’s true, I’m sure money remains quite important to you, doesn't it?"

She didn't offer a verbal reply, simply responding with a small nod.

"Alright, I'll be straightforward. I need a quiet room equipped with a shower. After spending months in the monster lands, one tends to forget the importance of hygiene. I won't deny it."

"Certainly, we have a suite ready for you. However, I have a feeling there is something else you'd like to do first. Am I correct?"

Adam's lips curled into a grin as he leaned against the desk.

"Hah, I might be powerful, but your years of experience and intuition are something else entirely. Yeah, I want something. A cup of coffee—a good one."

"Excellent. In that case, please follow this way."

The woman gestured toward an archway leading into a separate hall.

"Most hotels feature restaurants on their ground floors, but we host a coffee shop. While you can order meals and desserts, coffee is our true specialty."

Adam grinned, taking the keys and turning toward the shop.

'Damn, they use electronic cards everywhere else, yet they have physical keys here?' He mused, glancing at the green trinket in his hand. 'Hah, this place really commits to its old-fashioned vibe. I wonder who the owner is?'

The coffee shop was filled with tables, yet only a few were occupied. Just as the woman had mentioned, the hotel had few guests, but those present were there with a specific purpose.

In the distance, a middle-aged man was absorbed in a book, while a woman in the corner sat quietly reading a document.

Behind the bar stood an old man, his dignity apparent despite his slicked-back gray hair and thick mustache. He possessed broad shoulders and eyes that flickered with both fire and wisdom; his wrinkles only served to enhance his distinguished look.

He was slowly polishing a glass, seemingly oblivious to the newcomer, though he was well aware of Adam’s presence.

Tap.

As Adam took a seat, the old man set the glass aside.

"Good afternoon. I must say, it isn't often we see young people in this establishment." The warmth in the old man's voice brought a smile to Adam's face.

"Hah, if not for certain circumstances, I probably would have picked somewhere else. No offense, but I feel like I’ve arrived here thirty years too early." Adam shrugged.

The old man nodded in understanding.

"I know. Being the famous Phantom carries its own burdens. Still, since you are my guest, what can I serve you, Adam Vinter?"

Adam wasn't shocked that his name was known; it simply proved that the man before him was more than just a simple bartender, despite his appearance.

"Coffee. Black, no sugar."

The old man moved toward a shelf to retrieve a bag of coffee. He performed every step of the process manually—from grinding the beans to pressing them—to produce a small cup brimming with a potent aroma and a bitter edge.

"Would you like a dessert? Perhaps a cheesecake or a light éclair? I'm confident the taste will stay with you for a long time."

Adam's first instinct was to decline. He had planned to finish his coffee and head straight to his suite to clean up before his meeting with Silvana.

Yet, the old man's offer was far too enticing to pass up.

"Sure, I hope this éclair lives up to the hype."

"Of course. I give you my word that you won't be disappointed. Provided you have a sweet tooth, that is—otherwise, it wouldn't be a fair test. Hahaha."

Minutes later, Adam was presented with a cup of black coffee and a modest-looking éclair filled with smooth cream.

This wasn't a high-end restaurant with flashy presentation or a trendy cafe where aesthetics mattered more than flavor. People came here for the purity of the taste and the simple quality of the food.

Crunch!

A satisfying crunch echoed as Adam took his first bite. The sweetness of the cream coated his palate, causing his eyes to widen momentarily.

In truth, desserts in the Tarnished Lands weren't bad. Misty was a master of the craft and could brew a high-level cup of coffee as well.

However...

Sip.

Adam took a drink and inhaled deeply.

'Damn, Misty is good, but she’s still miles away from this level of quality. This is delicious!'

He felt the urge to finish the dessert in one go, but the quiet atmosphere of the shop encouraged a slower pace. He ate leisurely while the old man cleaned the coffee pot.

"It might not be my place to ask, but my curiosity is getting the better of me today. What are your plans after this?" the old man inquired.

Adam gave a nod.

"I'm meeting my Operator. Her name is Silvana."

"Oh?" The old man arched an eyebrow. "Is she merely your Operator, or something more?"

Adam smiled, catching the old man's drift.

"She holds a very special place in my heart. If not for her, I wouldn't be standing here today, enjoying this coffee and dessert."

The old man nodded.

"I see. It is heartening to hear that. I hope your future remains just as bright."