Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1478 - Capítulo 1478: Lost Birthdays

Because of Adam’s profession—or more specifically, his existence as a Phantom—the time he spent with his Operator, Silvana, far outweighed the time he spent with his family. This dynamic had been established long before their relationship became official.

His family was comprised of ordinary people with zero ties to the Dead Lands, meaning they were unable to assist him in his duties. Nevertheless, Adam understood the vital importance of family. In truth, they served as his primary motivation for resolving to halt the World Wipe at any cost.

Powerful Phantoms like himself, Silvana, Alexia, Louis, Fromund, Arayna, Katrin, and many others would undoubtedly survive the World Wipe and endure.

The Citadel would eventually be reconstructed in a few decades, and the cycle would repeat when the two stars once again collided.

However… their friends and families would be lost to time.

Adam’s father, mother, and sister lacked the strength required to withstand the devastating shockwave of the World Wipe, even if they were sheltered by Queen Elisa’s protective barrier.

The idea of transforming them into Touched Humans or Phantoms never crossed Adam’s mind. To do so would be to sign their death warrants immediately, rather than allowing them the six and a half years they had left.

Tap.

Setting his cup down, Adam took another mouthful of apple pie. The crisp sound of the crust breaking filled the quiet room as he paused, enjoying the harmony of the syrupy dough and the sweet-and-sour filling.

“Damn, this is delicious!”

Leona beamed with pride; the recipe was her own creation.

“You know, since we all have access to your bank account, we were tempted to just live off delivery food—especially Trici. We actually did that for a few days, but I realized pretty quickly that home cooking is irreplaceable.”

Adam let out a grin.

“Hah, I bet Silvana had a hand in that, didn’t she?”

Gary gave a solemn nod. “Son, you’re incredibly lucky to have that girl. She doesn’t just help us when we have problems or questions about spending money wisely here in the First Ring; she even helped Trici secure her spot in the academy!”

Suddenly, Adam’s expression stiffened as a realization hit him.

“Oh… Mom, Dad, I missed everything, didn’t I?”

Gary and Leona traded a silent look but remained quiet.

Adam’s face clouded over.

“Not just her getting into the academy, but her birthday too… and damn, I even missed my own birthday…”

Tap.

Leona reached across the table, placing a comforting hand on his.

“Listen, you are at the most demanding peak of your career. Silvana explained why this mission kept you away for so long. You were completely immersed in your work; it doesn't mean your family isn't a priority. You were simply focused on the objective at hand.”

Gary nodded in agreement.

“Your mother is right, Adam. You have a long life ahead of you with plenty of holidays, birthdays, and milestones to share. However, I do think it would be best if you could make it home for at least one of our birthdays next time.”

Leona let out a small laugh. “Hah, Gary, just think about it. Our son spent his birthday in the Dead Lands. Were you even able to find a slice of cake out there to mark the occasion?”

“Well… now that I think about it…” Adam rubbed his cheek. “I totally forgot it was my birthday, but there actually was cake and something resembling a feast.”

He thought back to the celebration following the clash with Ureyn at the Forgotten Mills. He had also enjoyed himself at Izardo and sampled some unique delicacies. Still, it was Misty’s desserts and coffee that truly made him want to return to the Forgotten Mills; of that, he was certain.

“Hmm?” Leona’s eyebrow shot up. “You actually ate cake while surrounded by monsters?”

Gary looked equally bewildered.

While Silvana kept them updated during Adam’s deployments, she didn't reveal every specific detail. She preferred to keep certain aspects of his missions private.

Adam looked at Gary and Leona before giving a firm nod.

“Yeah, Silvana thought it might shock you, but I think I can tell you more about the Dead Lands than what the public or even most Phantoms know. Listen closely, and don’t you dare tell Trici!”

Their eyes danced with curiosity as they nodded eagerly.

For the hours that followed, Adam recounted his experiences in the Tarnished Lands to Leona and Gary. Just as Silvana had done, he omitted or softened the most violent and grisly parts, but he remained largely honest with his parents.

He shared everything: the mission itself, the Forgotten Mills, the eerie island in the terrifying sea, and the monster metropolis known as Izardo. He kept the detail about monsters hunting him after his return to the Citadel to himself.

In his edited version, he simply departed from Izardo and reached the spire shortly after, where he teleported back home.

When Adam finally stopped talking, Gary and Leona sat in silence for a moment. They had suspected for a long time that the Dead Lands weren't as simple as the news reports suggested. Not every monster was a mindless, bloodthirsty predator.

Now, their son had confirmed secrets that were supposed to be reserved for the Gamma Division and the Phantoms.

“Hah, a city of monsters…?” Leona whispered.

“Izardo? That’s a strange name.” Gary stroked his chin, lost in thought. “If the opportunity ever arose, I think I’d like to see it for myself.”

Adam blinked in surprise. “Agh?”

Leona nodded in agreement. “Yeah, me too. I know it sounds bizarre, but everything we’ve heard today is pretty strange.”

Gary shrugged his shoulders.

“Monsters that talk? A high-ranking monster who plays video games at the peak of a tower? A monster who loves baking cakes and brewing gourmet coffee? If anyone but my son told me this, I’d think they were insane!”

“Hah, I agree.” Leona laughed, draping an arm over Gary’s shoulder.

Adam was speechless. He hadn't expected his parents to take the news so well.

Then, Leona leaned in closer, a mischievous, predatory glint appearing in her eyes.

“Adam, I have just one more question.”

“Hmm?”

She narrowed her gaze at him.

“Silvana is a wonderful girl. When is the wedding?”

“WHAT?!”