Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1477 - Capítulo 1477: House in the Center (Part 2)

A significant amount of time had passed since Adam's initial arrival at Heaven Island, his encounter with Queen Elisa, and his transformation into a K3-Phantom. His journey had eventually led him to the Twilight Palace, a destination Douglas had steered him toward under false pretenses.

Despite the grand scale and opulent facade of the Twilight Palace, its true purpose was serving as a specialized training ground for the gifted scions of the Twelve Branches. It represented the pinnacle of elite development for those youths who possessed a naturally higher potential for becoming a Phantom. These individuals were armed with every conceivable resource and a burning ambition to climb the ladder of power.

Adam, of course, lacked any noble lineage; by financial metrics, he didn't even qualify as middle-class. Nevertheless, his raw strength and innate talent were formidable enough to not only secure a spot at the Twilight Palace but to challenge Reinz Alderran. By the standards of the aristocracy, Reinz was more than just talented—he was a true prodigy.

Reinz wasn't the only gifted soul there, but on that specific day at the Twilight Palace, he stood unrivaled. That was, until Adam made his appearance, for it was Adam who ultimately handed Reinz his defeat.

Because their clash wasn't a simple sparring match but a spectacle observed by high-ranking nobles who had wagered heavily on the outcome, Adam was granted the right to claim almost any reward for his victory.

It had been an impulsive choice at the time, but he requested a mansion situated in the absolute heart of the First Ring, specifically within the first wing on government-controlled land.

The First Ring served as the core of the entire Citadel, the point where the riches, talent, and resources of millions were funneled.

Yet, even within the First Ring, certain zones existed where these assets were even more concentrated. This was the first wing—the most prosperous and dominant of all nine sectors. Unlike its counterparts, the first wing was governed by four distinct families from the Twelve Branches, with the Alderran Family holding the most sway.

Adam was well aware that even a luxury penthouse atop a skyscraper in the First Ring's center couldn't match the value of a mansion located on Alderran soil.

He understood the weight of his request then, which is why he specifically asked for a residence on government territory. In essence, this was land overseen by the Gamma Division.

For a common citizen, purchasing or even leasing a property here was nearly impossible. The vast majority of this area was utilized by the government and the Gamma Division to facilitate the administration of the Citadel.

Still, vacancies occasionally appeared or properties went up for sale. The primary hurdle was possessing the necessary influence to even gain access to such real estate.

Given the status of the patrons who backed Adam and witnessed his triumph over Reinz, the mansion was granted. Or, to be more precise, it was granted to his family.

Many trials had unfolded since that duel with Reinz. Adam had traveled with his rival to train at Erik’s estate, then descended into the Lower Ring before reaching the Dark Shore, where he finally ascended to the rank of K4-Phantom.

From there, he had methodically met the requirements to grow even stronger, a path that eventually led him to the Tarnished Lands and his current predicament.

“Damn…” Adam whispered as he stood before the solemn, black gates.

The three-story residence, designed with a modern aesthetic, was concealed behind a tall brick wall and meticulously manicured hedges.

Being so close to the Citadel's epicenter meant there was no space for the sprawling palaces found on the edges of the First Ring or within the Second Ring.

To a casual observer, the mansion before Adam looked no different than a large home in the Second Ring, yet its market value was dozens, perhaps hundreds of times higher.

It offered immense convenience for its inhabitants. Every necessity, from high-end grocers to legal firms and banks, was just a short distance away.

Furthermore, the area was quieter and more secure than any other location not directly owned by a high noble family.

For a typical family, living here was an unreachable dream.

However, from the moment Adam became a Phantom—and particularly after he reached K4—his family had long since ceased to be typical.

Step.

The gates swung open as Adam moved forward.

His family had been expecting him today. Though he was running behind schedule, they had remained prepared for his arrival.

Constructed from premium materials, the mansion was also outfitted with cutting-edge technology, ranging from standard appliances like ovens and refrigerators to advanced security features like electronic locks and facial recognition scanners.

A swimming pool sat to the left of the structure, while a terrace leading to a small garden was visible as Adam walked toward the heavy wooden front door.

Click.

The door unlatched as he approached, and the inviting scent of brewed tea and aromatic candles drifted toward him.

“Huh, I knew Mom and Dad were still awake, but I didn’t think they would prepare anything,” Adam mused, making his way toward the kitchen.

Even before reaching the room, the glow of lights on the right side of the ground floor guided his path.

Step.

Adam paused as he entered the kitchen, his eyes widening slightly. Just as he suspected, his family was waiting. His mother, Leona, was placing a pie on the table, while his father, Gary, stood by the stove filling cups with green tea.

Several scented candles were lit on the table; the mere aroma seemed enough to instill a sense of tranquility.

“Hey, I’m back…” Adam spoke up, his voice tinged with a hint of hesitation. It had been a very long time since he had last seen them.

Leona and Gary didn't rush their movements. Having seen him on the security monitors, they knew he was coming. While it removed the element of surprise, it ensured they wouldn't be caught off guard at the wrong moment.

Leona, with a mother’s instinct, was the first to walk over and give his shoulder a firm pat.

“Hah, my boy is all grown up. Darling, what do you think?” She glanced back at Gary, who had just set the tea down. “I feel like I haven’t seen him in years, not months!”

Gary gave a solemn nod and pulled Adam into a hug, patting his back. He had always been the gentler counterpart to Leona’s spirited personality.

“Glad to see you. I’ve heard a lot about you lately. Your job is more dangerous than ever, right?”

Adam nodded in agreement, glancing around the room.

“I take it Trici is already asleep?”

The parents shared a look and nodded.

“She said she would wait for you no matter what, but…” Leona gave a small, sad smile. “She fell asleep right on the couch.”

“Hah, classic.”