Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1479: Little Sister

Naturally, Leona was well aware of the bond between Adam and Silvana. Being his mother, she couldn't help but notice the nature of their relationship.

While the intricacies of the work at the Dead Lands escaped her, she possessed far more experience in romance than Adam and Silvana combined, having navigated every milestone from dating to marriage and raising two wonderful children.

“Mom, this…” Adam mumbled, casting his gaze downward in embarrassment. “That hasn’t really been on my mind lately. Our relationship only became official a short while ago, so… I don’t think either of us is ready for marriage.”

Unbeknownst to Leona, the topic felt especially sharp because Adam and Silvana had recently run into Alexia and Louis at the casino. Miraculously, that pair had already tied the knot, and their life together was flourishing.

“Well, sometimes things happen when you least expect them, and other times…” Leona directed a pointed look toward Gary. “You are forced to wait for an eternity!”

“What?” Gary cried out in protest. “We had only been together for six months back then! Most of that time was spent trying to scrape together enough credits for a ring!”

Leona let out a soft purr, playfully pinching his cheek as if he were a toddler.

“Hah, I know, I’m only teasing. But… it was written in your eyes. I could tell what you were planning months before you actually did it. In those situations, the waiting is always the hardest part, and patience has never been my strongest suit.”

Gary let out a snort. ” Oh, you’re telling me? I’m more aware of that than anyone!”

Leona shifted her attention back to Adam.

“I realize it's still early, but you must be certain when the moment arrives. People often assume they have an infinite amount of time, failing to realize that every single year is precious. It is truly better to act in the here and now.”

A pained smile touched Adam's lips. His mother had no way of knowing the true weight behind her advice.

‘Yeah, you’re right,’ Adam mused silently. ‘You have no idea how little time we have… All of us.’

…

Because Adam had arrived home late and spent hours in deep conversation, the first light of dawn was already appearing by the time they finally retired for the night.

Consequently, Adam fell into a deep, prolonged slumber. He occupied a room in the house—his own personal space—that had remained untouched until now. The moment he collapsed onto the fresh linens of the plush mattress, sleep claimed him instantly.

It was past midday when Adam finally woke up, feeling completely rejuvenated.

In truth, nearly all of his objectives had been met. The only major task remaining was to go house hunting with Silvana.

“Huh…” Adam let out a quiet laugh. “Since when did buying a home become as casual for me as picking up groceries? I need to head back to the Dead Lands before I get the itch to gamble away my fortune like Alexia did. But…”

He pressed his face back into the pillow.

“Before I do that, I’m going to enjoy some real rest.”

Adam was determined not to rush. His most significant breakthroughs in strength usually followed several days of preparation and recovery. He understood the value of being well-rested.

By taking this time now, he could ensure he returned to the Dead Lands at the peak of his power.

Thump.

Adam tossed and turned across the bed until he eventually rolled right off the edge and hit the floor.

“Shit… I guess the universe wants me awake now, doesn't it?”

Struggling to his feet, a groggy Adam made his way toward the kitchen.

The first person he encountered wasn't Gary or Leona, but a young girl. Now eight years old, she had grown taller and her hair had reached a new length.

The moment she spun around and caught sight of Adam, her eyes sparkled like twin stars.

“Brother!” Trici shouted, charging at him with full force.

Despite Adam being a K4-Phantom, Trici’s impact felt like a mountain colliding with him. He had to brace himself firmly to keep from being knocked over by her hug.

“Hey… I got back pretty late last night, you were already in bed.”

Trici puffed out her cheeks, looking annoyed. “I stayed up all evening and half the night waiting! What is there even to do in the city at night?!”

‘Actually, quite a lot,’ Adam thought while observing his sister. ‘But she’s far too young to be told about casinos and the like, which is probably for the best!’

“Hah, well, I was just spending time with my… my girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend?” Trici gave him a mischievous smirk. “I didn’t realize my big brother was such a womanizer!”

“Agh…?” Adam was left momentarily speechless.

Trici stepped back with a casual wave of her hand.

“It’s Silvana, isn’t it? Pffft, she’s so stiff, like an academy teacher! She really needs to learn how to let loose and have fun!”

Adam rubbed his cheek, wondering where on earth Trici was picking up such ideas.

‘What exactly are children doing on the internet and those VR games these days? Brrrr, maybe I’m better off not knowing.’

Step.

The sound of footsteps echoed behind them as Leona walked into the kitchen, carrying a heavy bag of flour.

“Oh, both of you are here. Perfect, you can help me with the cooking!”

Adam was happy to comply, but Trici had a different plan. The moment she heard the request, she spun around and attempted to bolt from the room.

However…

“Ouch!”

Escape was impossible. Leona caught her by the hair, cutting her flight short.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Leona asked, her eyes burning with a fiery intensity. “You spend all your time stuck in those games, but today you’re going to help me bake a cake for your brother and father. Do you understand?”

Trici swallowed hard.

“Y-Yes?”

Adam offered a wry smile and started looking through the cupboards.

“I’ll give you a hand.”

“Excellent!” Leona beamed. “Trici, why don't you follow your brother’s example!”

Adam sighed inwardly. He had plenty of his own matters to attend to without getting caught in their crossfire. Leona’s temper could be quite fierce, making her a strict parent at times, but there was no doubt she was a wonderful mother.

“Adam, what kind of filling should we use?” Leona inquired.

“Hmm? What are our options?” he asked.

Leona gave him a wide grin.

“Hah, look at where we are. We have everything!”