Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1463: Rest and Reward

Following Adam’s return from a grueling mission in the Dead Lands, he and Silvana made sure to spend every possible moment together. Although it had been his most prolonged assignment yet, the time apart had only served to intensify their mutual longing.

While Adam was away navigating the dangers of the Dead Lands, Silvana had spent countless hours in her office, often finding herself lost in thought about their future and the life they would build once he made it back.

"Do you want us to buy a house?" Adam inquired, casually lifting a strip of bacon to his mouth.

Silvana gave a firm nod, her expression turning more serious than usual.

"Look, maybe I’m rushing into this, but... Adam, we are an Operator & Phantom pair, not to mention boyfriend and girlfriend. Ahem, while it might be too soon to discuss bigger things like children, doesn’t it bother you that we’re still living like students?"

"Hmm?" Adam arched an eyebrow, looking genuinely confused. "You do realize I never actually attended a school or academy, right?"

Silvana couldn't help but roll her eyes at his response.

"That’s not the point! You still live with your family, even if you’re rarely home. As for me, my apartment was just something assigned to me when I started my career as an Operator. It's nothing more than a few drab, gray rooms, and I’ve turned the biggest one into my office."

She propped her head up with her hand, sighing.

"What I’m trying to get at is that it feels like a workplace, not a real home. Don't get me wrong, this hotel suite is spectacular. It has a stunning view, great service, and a plush bed... but we need something that belongs to us!"

As she spoke, Adam pulled a bowl of ice cream toward himself, Methodically enjoying it one small spoonful at a time.

"Are you even listening to me?!" Silvana demanded, her hand striking the table with a sharp thud.

Adam gave an easygoing nod, his face relaxed.

"Look, I’m on board, but don’t you remember that you were the one who helped me when I bought a house for my family? I honestly have no idea what the current market looks like or what we should be looking for. Though..."

He cast his eyes downward for a moment.

"I’ll admit, the idea of returning from the Dead Lands to a home shared with you sounds much better than checking into a hotel, no matter how luxury it is."

"Exactly! And for the sake of convenience, I think we should start by looking for a place in one of the skyscrapers."

Adam tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed her words.

"To start with?" He took another slow bite of ice cream. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

A flush quickly crept up Silvana’s neck as she began to mumble.

"Well... maybe later on, it would be better to have a large estate in the private sector... you know... for when our family grows..."

It was rare for the typically composed and stoic Silvana to voice such embarrassing sentiments aloud.

To her relief, Adam simply offered a smile and a nod.

"Alright, I get what you're saying. So, shall we begin our search with a skyscraper apartment?" Adam glanced around the room with a grin. "Since this is just a hotel, we’ll obviously have to look elsewhere."

Silvana’s eyes lit up, clearly pleased by his agreement.

Then, a playful, slightly mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"There are plenty of skyscrapers in the First Ring for us to browse, but since we’re already here, why don't we have a little fun first?"

"Hmm?" Adam glanced at the remnants of their meal. "Did you want to order more breakfast?"

Silvana shook her head.

"No, I’m full, and food is easy to find anywhere in the First Ring. That’s not what I meant. How about something a bit more daring? You enjoy taking risks, don't you?"

"Agh?"

...

Adam remained confused until they descended to the third floor of the skyscraper, where his eyes widened in surprise.

The ceiling was a sea of shimmering lights. Crowds of people were gathered around various tables and slot machines, while staff moved through the throng, delivering snacks and drinks to the patrons.

Silvana hadn't led him to a theater or a cafe; she had brought him straight into a casino.

"Hey... you do realize that casinos are designed for people to lose, right?" Adam remarked, his voice dripping with skepticism. "I prefer winning over losing."

Ignoring his protest, she leaned against his arm and gestured toward the reception counter.

"Come on, when was the last time you actually spent money just to enjoy yourself? Doing it once won't hurt!"

In truth, Silvana was just as unsure of what to expect as Adam was. Having never stepped foot in a casino, she simply hoped the novelty would be entertaining. She figured it would be a perfect way to break the monotony of her office routine and Adam’s endless cycle of combat, eating, and sleeping.

Naturally, if someone entered a casino with the intent to profit, they were almost certainly headed for disappointment and financial ruin.

However, if one viewed the establishment as a source of entertainment rather than a source of income, the perspective shifted.

The secret was being prepared to lose a set amount and having the discipline not to go over it.

Step. Step. Step.

The couple walked toward the counter, where they were met by a woman with long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders.

"Welcome to our establishment. Is this your first visit?" she asked, wearing the kind of practiced, radiant smile unique to casino staff.

Adam surveyed the room once more, noticing the contrast between the ecstatic winners and the frustrated men slamming their fists against the machines after a loss.

The hostess continued with a nod.

"Indeed. Our casino provides complimentary beverages and snacks, though you will need chips to participate in the games."

Adam nodded, having expected as much.

"So, what’s the entry fee?"

"A minimum purchase of 10,000 credits is required, which we provide back to you in an equal value of chips. Our only requirement is that you play and have a good time!"

Adam let out a silent sigh of resignation.

‘Well, I have a feeling I’m about to lose a lot of money. I hate this damn casino already!’