Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1481: House on Top (Part 2)

Residing within a skyscraper presents a unique set of advantages and drawbacks. The most prominent benefit is undoubtedly the location; such structures are almost exclusively situated in the vibrant hearts of metropolitan centers and bustling commercial hubs.

For a resident of these towers, every necessity is within reach, often housed within the very same building where they sleep.

Conversely, the disadvantages are quite clear: the costs are astronomical, and one is still living in an apartment rather than a detached residence. To many, owning a private home is essential for the sake of possessing their own land and ensuring neighbors cannot intrude upon their peace.

However, skyscrapers offer a specific solution to mitigate these issues—the penthouse. These unique residences occupy the highest floors and are far more expansive than standard units.

By living at the absolute summit of a skyscraper, a person effectively eliminates neighbors on almost every side; there is no one to the left, the right, or above, only those living below. While this doesn't perfectly replicate the experience of a ground-level estate, no private house can boast the breathtaking urban panoramas that a penthouse provides!

In short, skyscrapers—and penthouses specifically—provide unparalleled convenience, elite infrastructure, and high-end construction materials, paired with sweeping views of countless streets and buildings, all for a price that most find impossible to pay.

Yet, regardless of how steep the valuation of a property might be, a buyer always eventually emerges. It may take a significant amount of time, but there will always be individuals eager to claim the peak of a skyscraper for themselves.

Today, it was Adam and Silvana’s moment to join the ranks of those finalizing transactions worth tens of millions of credits.

“Hah, when I think about it,” Adam remarked, scanning his surroundings as he trailed behind Silvana and their guide. “The residence my family occupies is likely worth more than any unit here, isn't it? Though in their district, wealth isn't the only factor. You have to possess a certain status to even secure a home there.”

Indeed, many of those residing in the same neighborhood as Adam’s kin were high-ranking members of the Gamma Division. It was an elite enclave, but its primary draw was the guarantee that this zone, along with the rest of the First Ring, would remain untouched by the World Wipe. Everything beyond it would be erased.

“Wow!” Silvana cried out, rushing toward the floor-to-ceiling windows. “Adam, come see this!”

Joining her, Adam let his eyes wander toward the core of the First Ring. From their vantage point, dozens of avenues, hundreds of pedestrians, and a stream of vehicles appeared like clockwork below.

The penthouse’s interior design was of the highest caliber: marble, glass, steel, timber, and white stone were woven together seamlessly according to a sophisticated vision.

The atmosphere was one of cleanliness, space, and immense wealth. Every corner didn't need to be draped in gold or silver; there was no necessity for such gaudiness.

A single square meter of this property held more value than any precious metal of the same dimensions.

“Yeah, it’s quite something.” Adam gave a firm nod. “But we should inspect the kitchen, the sleeping quarters, and the rest of the layout.”

“Ahem. There is far more to see than just that.” The woman cleared her throat while scrolling through her tablet. “Beyond the standard living areas, you might find the expansive storage vault, the sauna, the pool, and the terrace overlooking the far side of the city particularly interesting.”

Adam and Silvana traded a look, small smiles playing on their lips. The features sounded promising to both of them.

Silvana’s background was more affluent than Adam’s, though her parents weren't obscenely wealthy like Louis’. It was simply that Adam’s family had struggled at the very bottom until their fortunes shifted.

Step. Step. Step.

Over the next ten minutes, they toured every room, bathroom, storage area, and kitchen. The sheer quantity of halls and chambers was excessive for just two people, but that was precisely the appeal.

They were investing a fortune in a massive home, and in exchange, they were buying vast amounts of personal space.

“What are your thoughts?” the woman inquired. Noting the lack of immediate excitement in their expressions, she sensed they hadn't reached a verdict yet.

Adam looked over at her.

“Well, you and Silvana curated several options, right? It would be a waste not to evaluate all of them.”

“Excellent. Follow me then—we’re heading to the next skyscraper!”

She led the way with a confident stride, leaving Adam and Silvana to linger for a moment.

Tug.

Silvana caught Adam’s sleeve.

“If you had to rate this place, what would you give it?”

“On a scale of ten?”

“Out of a hundred.”

“Hmm…” Adam hummed, taking one final look around to burn the details into his memory. “Given the 25 million credit price tag, I’d give it a 70 out of 100.”

Silvana gave a small, knowing smile.

“Huh, you’re actually more generous than I am. I was thinking 60 out of 100.”

“Oh?” Adam was caught off guard. “Judging by your reaction, I assumed you’d be the one with the higher score.”

“Well, we are about to spend an enormous sum. We should be prudent with our resources, shouldn't we?”

Adam chuckled, draping an arm over Silvana’s shoulder and pulling her closer.

“Yeah, you’ve got a point. It’s probably for the best, considering I don’t even know the exact balance of my own account. Hahaha!”

“Pffft, yet you can recall every single monster you’ve slain on the front lines.”

Adam gave a casual shrug. “Just call it a professional habit.”

...

The pair spent the rest of the day touring various penthouses across different towers. It was a luxury only the ultra-rich could afford, yet the process was draining nonetheless.

“Damn!” Adam groaned, collapsing into a chair at a cafe located at the base of their latest stop. “I’m wiped out...”

Silvana rested her head on the table, her cheek pressed against the cool surface, looking utterly spent.

“Yeah... all those suites and hallways are starting to blur together. But... because we rated each one, we actually have a shortlist to work from.”

“Can we decide tomorrow?” Adam asked, peeking at her with hopeful eyes.

Silvana let out a long sigh.

“Of course. I don’t have an ounce of energy left. Agh, if picking a house is this exhausting, how will you manage when you go back to the Dead Lands?”

“Hah, that will be much simpler, I promise you.”