Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1457: Cream

Although Adam had organized gifts for Silvana in the past, he had never found himself commissioning a custom-made dessert until now.

Luckily, the proprietor of Rose & Sugar was willing to provide her personal assistance.

“So, you were away on a lengthy mission for several months, were you?” The woman tapped the tabletop, processing the information he had shared.

Adam gave her a brief account of his journey and the events that had transpired in the Tarnished Lands. Initially, he had been reluctant to speak, knowing even a condensed version would be time-consuming, but she had been insistent, and he couldn't simply ignore her previous help.

“Well, strangely enough, my advice is to give her something modest—something you can partake in together without it consuming too much time,” she recommended.

“Eh?” Adam lifted an eyebrow in confusion, casting a look toward the display counter. “I was considering one of the cakes; your selection is quite vast. Perhaps a sampler with twelve different slices? That way, we could experience many flavors simultaneously.”

The woman’s expression soured.

“Are you paying attention to a word I say? Is your goal to reunite and enjoy her company, or to spend two hours focused on eating cake?”

“Pffft!” Adam snorted, crossing his arms over his chest. “Two hours? I can finish a cake in ten minutes if necessary. You’re underestimating me!”

She merely shook her head at his outburst.

‘Goodness, he doesn't even grasp why his logic is flawed. The youth of this era truly don't understand the essence of a gift.’

After a brief silence, she inhaled deeply and locked her gaze onto his.

“Listen, Adam, the vital element isn't the price tag or the object itself; it is the attention and the labor you invest.”

Adam conceded that point. It was the reason he had chosen a bakery over a high-end boutique selling expensive handbags. However, he remained lost regarding her specific meaning.

A smile tugged at the woman’s lips, a spark in her eyes signaling a new plan.

“I’ve got it. I will handle the form, the ingredients, and the overall recipe, but… the cream will be your responsibility!”

“What…?” Adam gestured to himself as if she had made a mistake. “Are you being serious?”

She gave a satisfied nod.

“Look, I might be able to handle lethal monsters, but I am well aware that confectionery is the most grueling part of cooking. Furthermore, I am the patron, not the cook! I came to purchase a cake, not to bake one!”

The woman rolled her eyes at him.

“Well, if laziness is your choice, I can simply take the order and provide a cake soon enough. But if I were Silvana, I would find it disappointing.”

Adam scowled.

“Don't try to manipulate me with those games! You aren't going to force me into making cream! I refuse to do it!”

…

Thirty minutes later:

“Dammit!” Adam slammed the spoon down. “It’s gritty between my teeth. Is it supposed to feel like this?!”

“Certainly not!” The woman shook her head, rubbing her temple in frustration. “Your mixing was inadequate! How is it that you can triumph over monsters but fail to master cream?”

She gestured toward the nine bowls cluttering the workspace.

“This is attempt number ten! Follow my instructions exactly.”

“Tsk, that’s easy for you to say after doing this thousands of times. Like I told you, it’s harder than it looks. Even with the recipe and your guidance, a single slip-up means the cream isn't perfect!”

The woman started to retort but stopped short when Adam moved directly in front of her. Suddenly, his aura flared around him like an invisible, space-warping flame, and his eyes grew intense and profound.

“One more try. This will be the final attempt. I will put everything I have into creating the finest cream, but you must incorporate my next idea into the final recipe.”

Sensing the raw determination in his gaze, she gave a firm nod.

“Fine. Then pay close attention and do not repeat the mistake of forgetting the eggs like you just did!”

“Understood.”

…

It was rare for Phantoms to engage in cooking or domestic chores, at least for those who had reached Adam's standing.

Even at the K2 level, a Phantom possessed sufficient wealth to dine at elite restaurants and hire staff. Such costs were trivial to them, and the same held even truer for those at the K3 and K4 levels.

While nothing stopped a Phantom from searing a steak or chopping vegetables, they usually only did so if they genuinely enjoyed the craft.

However, the precision of baking was far more grueling than grilling meat, even when it came to something as simple as cake frosting.

For the following minutes, the woman watched Adam execute her directions, flickering through the kitchen like a shadow. He channeled as much focus into the task as if he were engaged in a life-or-death struggle with a beast.

The result was a snow-white cream, resembling a cloud drifting through a serene sky.

Thump.

Adam collapsed into a chair, letting out a heavy breath.

‘Curse it… I’d rather go another round with Menax. At least I know how to fight. This cream has drained my very soul!’

The woman arched an eyebrow in approval before taking a taste.

Her eyes brightened as a content smile appeared.

“Good. You’ve completed that portion.”

“Hah…” Adam exhaled, sounding incredulous. “It’s finally over. What’s next?”

She walked toward a cupboard to don a long white apron.

“Now, I take over the rest. Rest assured, the final dessert will be magnificent. I am certain Silvana will appreciate our joint effort.”

Suddenly, a realization struck Adam, and his eyes widened.

“Hold on! If the cream is perfect, doesn't that mean it’s indistinguishable from your usual work? What was the point of all that?”

She offered him a mocking grin in return.

“I never claimed your cream was perfect. I only said you finally managed to get it right. That is all.”

Adam’s eyebrow gave a sharp twitch.

“You… you really aren't afraid of anything, are you?”