Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1455 1455: Love Is Not Forever

What Adam had intended to be a brief stop for coffee and a snack before retiring to his suite to clean up quickly evolved into a much longer stay.

This shift was due to the elderly man behind the counter, who appeared capable of teaching Adam more about romance, affection, and human connection than Adam could hope to grasp in several lifetimes.

"You know, Adam, I once had a woman I loved dearly," the old man remarked, leisurely brewing a fresh cup of coffee, though this one was for himself.

"Oh?" Adam replied, one eyebrow arching in curiosity. "Were you a married man?"

The old man gave a solemn nod.

"Indeed. Those were the finest decades I’ve ever experienced, though everything must conclude eventually."

His tone lacked any hint of grief or bitterness, yet Adam could read the entire story within his eyes.

"I understand... May I ask what happened to her?"

The old man let out a soft chuckle. "Luckily, it wasn't anything tragic. She enjoyed a full life and passed peacefully in her sleep. She was spared from sickness or a much darker end."

"I see. But haven't some individuals lived significantly longer than that?"

The old man simply shrugged.

"I'm content with what I was given. I have lived long enough to realize that, compared to certain monsters, a normal human's lifespan is incredibly fleeting. Hah, we are lucky to reach 80, 90, or perhaps 100 years. To some creatures, that's nothing more than a short break."

His assessment was accurate; anyone familiar with the longevity of powerful monsters knew the truth of it. While even the most minor monsters could endure for a long time, it varied greatly depending on their species.

"Agh, I get it. To be honest, I sometimes worry that I don't give her enough of my time."

Taking a slow sip of his coffee, the old man nodded understandingly.

"That is a natural concern. As a Phantom, your missions in the Dead Lands mean you aren't just hunting monsters—you are protecting every soul in the Citadel. Since she is your Operator, I am certain she recognizes that duty."

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

An awkward expression crossed Adam's face as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yeah, that’s true, but I was away for several months this time."

The old man looked genuinely surprised.

"Oh, that is quite a long stretch. I'm not sure what kind of mission would demand that much time, but you should never keep your woman waiting for so long!"

Leaning his head on his hand, Adam sighed. "Yeah... I'm aware. I’m actually feeling a bit anxious about seeing her. Does the old bartender have any words of wisdom?"

"Hey now, I’m not that ancient!" the old man teased.

"Hah, have you looked at your hair lately? All I see is gray!"

The old man dismissed the comment with a wave of his hand. "I’ve lost track of how many years it’s been since my hair turned this color. It’s no matter. However, regarding your dilemma, I do have one suggestion—you should get her a gift."

"Hmm?" Adam’s eyebrow twitched upward again. "A gift? Like a piece of jewelry, a necklace, or maybe a designer bag?"

To Adam's surprise, the old man shook his head with a knowing smile.

"Is that the limit of your creativity? No, you aren't trying to bribe her for your lack of presence with some expensive trinket. Only bankers and financiers with failing marriages do that, even if they and their wives pretend otherwise."

Adam paused, momentarily stunned. He realized the old man was right, particularly given his own circumstances. He had the means to buy Silvana the most extravagant purse, jewelry, or even a luxury vehicle. But what would it signify? What was the worth of such items when, for someone in his position, buying them was as trivial as picking up a snack at a convenience store?

"Then what's the move? Honestly, I hadn't given it much thought until this moment, but..." Adam stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I agree that giving her something is a good idea. I’m sure it would make her happy, but I need the right thing."

The old man nodded, sensing that Adam's heart was in the right place.

"I’m pleased to hear you say that. I don't have anything fitting here, but I believe I can point you in the right direction."

"Really?"

"Of course. Just give me a second."

The old man produced a plain scrap of paper and a pen, jotting down an address followed by his signature.

"Here. Visit this place once you've had some rest. It’s a boutique bakery that specializes in custom desserts. I’ll be honest, it’s pricey—incredibly so, hahaha—but what else would you expect from a shop run by a friend of mine? She creates masterpieces, and the flavor... it’s truly divine."

Accepting the paper, Adam gave a firm nod. He wasn't intimately familiar with the First Ring or much of the Citadel, but he recalled seeing this neighborhood on the map during his drive to the hotel.

"Got it. I appreciate the help."

Sip.

Adam drained the rest of his coffee and set the cup back on its saucer.

"Well then, I'll see you around!"

The old man nodded back.

"Certainly. I'll be happy to have you back. I hope everything goes well for you."

As Adam walked away, a bitter smile touched the old man's lips.

'Adam Vinter, is it? He is exactly as she described. He only recently discovered the existence of Hybrids, yet he has already returned to the Citadel after slaying several and seizing the Dark Heart?'

Without any rush, he gathered the used cup and moved to the sink, letting the water run.

'Well, let us see what he is truly capable of. I recall Damien hoping he might hit the K4-Level before the next World Wipe, but look at him... it took him a mere eighteen months, not fifty years. Damien will surely have to revise his plans now, won't he?'

Adam remained oblivious to these thoughts. He had been too focused on his chat with the bartender to notice the man and woman sitting in the hall, who had been casting occasional glances his way.

Much like the old man, they were well aware of his identity, but they chose not to intrude. There was no reason to.

Perhaps their paths would cross again in a few years, or maybe not for another two and a half centuries. Who can say how the threads of fate will weave?