Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1460 - Capítulo 1460: Trinket (Part 2)

Almost nothing remained of the pink heart after a few minutes had passed. Adam and Silvana finished the final two pieces at the exact same moment.

Despite the dessert's adorable appearance, its size was substantial enough to satisfy a group of four. This was no obstacle for the pair, however; Adam in particular found himself unable to stop until he had consumed more than half of the treat.

“Thank you…” Silvana whispered, a deep crimson flushing her cheeks. “Back when I was merely an academy student, I firmly held the belief that genuine attention outweighed mere wealth. It proves a person is willing to sacrifice their most precious resource—their time.”

Adam gave a small nod in response. In his heart, he had anticipated such a sentiment.

Indeed, had they not been a Phantom and an Operator, financial status might have served as a different metric for devotion, as every individual's circumstances vary. But for the two of them, money had ceased to be a scarce or valuable resource a long time ago.

“I am pleased it was to your liking. To be honest, the result was far more intricate and successful than I first imagined. I received guidance and help with this cake from several people I encountered during the process.”

Curiosity sparked in Silvana's eyes as she turned toward him.

“What was the name of the establishment where you commissioned this?”

“Rose & Sugar,” Adam answered, dismissing the question with a light gesture.

She nodded thoughtfully.

“I see. We must pay them a visit later; their craftsmanship is impressive. On that note… it isn't a dessert, but I have a gift for you as well. I couldn't possibly arrive empty-handed.”

While Adam speculated on the nature of the gift, Silvana retrieved a modest-looking trinket from her pocket. The charm was fashioned into the likeness of a ball of yarn with a needle pierced through the center.

Adam studied the object closely, one eyebrow arched in surprise.

“Wait… this texture isn't plastic, it feels like…”

“Silver,” Silvana interrupted, confirming his suspicion. “I felt it was more fitting, given the nature of your abilities.”

A smile played on Adam’s lips as he gripped the small token firmly.

“I assume items like this aren't found on a standard store shelf?”

“Certainly not. It was a custom commission. I never realized there were so many varieties of silver. Let’s just say I did my own research and, much like you, I played a part in the creation of this gift.”

“Oh? In what way?”

Silvana toyed with a lock of her hair, looking slightly bashful.

“Well… blacksmithing isn't a skill one can master as rapidly as mixing cream, even though I had more time to work with. However, I contributed to the design. It can be fastened to your keys, your NEP, or even worn as an earring—though I doubt that suits you. Unless there is a side to you I haven't discovered yet?”

Adam held the trinket up to the light of the setting sun, watching as the rays danced across hundreds of woven silver strands.

“Hah, who can say? Although I suspect my NEP or my belt would be the most suitable place for it.”

Silvana let out a long, relieved breath.

The charm was tiny compared to the massive cake, yet it was a masterpiece of detail, reflecting the immense labor poured into every single metallic thread.

“Thank you. It truly is a gift befitting a Phantom like myself.”

Before Silvana could respond, Adam tilted her chin up and pressed his lips to hers. The suddenness of the gesture caught her off guard, as she hadn't expected him to be so bold in this setting, but she did not pull away.

Her longing far exceeded his own.

While his weeks and months were consumed by rigorous training or the grueling recovery from bloody conflicts, she was the one left in solitude, counting the moments until his safe return.

It was undeniable that Silvana felt his absence more sharply, simply because her vigil lasted so much longer.

When they finally pulled apart, Silvana’s gaze shimmered with the intensity of a predator who had finally cornered its prize.

“You know, isn't it a bit inconvenient that a K4-Phantom like you still resides with his parents?”

“What makes you say that?”

Silvana ran her fingers through his dark, thick hair.

“Because I am ready to devour you this very instant, but I’m not bold enough to do so here, not with your sister and parents just inside.”

Adam took her meaning immediately, though he didn't view it as a significant hurdle. He had barely spent time in his new First Ring residence, as he was usually deployed on missions or opting for hotels to avoid disturbing his family.

“If that’s the case, is it really such a problem?” Adam shrugged with an easy grin. “We could go to your place, or simply book a hotel suite.”

Silvana bit her lip, her eyes drifting toward the towering glass spires at the heart of the First Ring.

“I believe we can afford to indulge ourselves tonight, don't you?”

Adam’s grin widened.

“Which one? I hope there are still a few suites left with a decent view.”

Silvana nodded emphatically.

“Of course. It couldn't be any other way. I know for a fact they keep several suites reserved exclusively for Phantoms. It’s about time you made use of your status!”

While money might not be the ultimate priority, it remained a vital resource that was always better to possess in abundance.

Wealth not only eliminated daily stress and provided a safety net for medical emergencies, but it also served as a gateway to life's finer experiences.

From basic necessities to grander luxuries like estates and vehicles, many things remained out of reach without sufficient capital.

The same held true for high-end hotel suites perched atop skyscrapers, offering a panoramic view of the First Ring and the Citadel.

This was the very vista that met Adam’s eyes when he slowly woke the following morning.

With Silvana lying by his side, a genuine smile of contentment crossed his face. For the first time in a long while, his happiness didn't stem from surviving a life-or-death struggle, but from the simple, quiet joys of life.