Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1487: Ancient Ice

Adam’s family arrived at his residence approximately fifteen minutes after Louis and Alexia had made their appearance.

Gary, Leona, and Trici were well aware that they were visiting their son and brother at his new skyscraper penthouse. However, the sheer reality of the luxury left them in a state of disbelief once they stepped inside.

…

“Big brother!” Trici shouted, rushing from the second-floor room toward the balcony. “Is that actually a pool on the roof? That is incredible!”

“Ahem.” Leona, seated at the dining table while meticulously slicing her steak, gave a stern look. “Trici, sit back down. Do not make a scene and embarrass your brother.”

“But look at this place! It’s amazing!”

Leona didn't say another word, but her sharp expression was enough to make Trici recoil and start heading back down the stairs.

Just before she reached the table, Adam called out:

“Heads up!”

Trici glanced up to see a soda can arcing through the air. In a flash of movement, her hands shot out instinctively, snatching the can right out of the sky before she even fully processed what it was.

A look of pure delight instantly washed over her face. She gripped the simple beverage as if it were a priceless relic.

To different people, "treasure" meant different things.

For a young girl, finding joy in a rare soda was far healthier than obsessing over gold ingots or expensive timepieces.

“Whoa! Bro, where did you find this?!” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Adam nodded toward Louis in response.

“Give your thanks to Louis. I’m starting to think he can track down anything if he puts his mind to it!”

“Louis…?” Trici whispered, staring at the impressively handsome young man. “Thank you so much! This is the best!”

Louis took a refined sip of his wine and gave a small nod. “It proved more challenging than I anticipated, but I managed to locate a single source where they could still be acquired.”

As an observant mother and wife, Leona couldn't help but study the unique dynamic between Louis and Alexia. Her curiosity was naturally piqued by the pair.

“Louis, you mentioned previously that you were raised in a family of means, correct?” she inquired.

“Indeed. I won't deny that a life of wealth has its complications, but the perks certainly outweigh the downsides. One truly begins to value their status when observing the hardships of others.”

Leona cleared her throat. That sentiment hit home for their family, considering they had transitioned from the slums to the First Ring in just over a year.

“If you don't mind me asking, what is your father's profession?”

“He is a shareholder now, though his career began in journalism. He worked as a reporter before establishing his own firm, which he later sold. Through several lucrative investments, he has continued to grow his wealth ever since.”

“Pfft!” Alexia let out a scoff. “Who cares about all that? Investments? There are literal walking piles of gold roaming the Dead Lands.

All you have to do is go out there and slaughter them.”

Louis knit his brows. “Alexia, there is a child present, and—!”

“Wait!” Trici interrupted, slamming her hands onto the table. “I want to hear it! My brother never talks about the Dead Lands. Tell me all about the monsters!”

Had it been any other Phantom, Louis and Leona might have been able to de-escalate the situation. However, the mischievous grin on Alexia’s face told them they had already lost.

“You want the truth about the Dead Lands? Fine, I’ll tell you, but don't come crying to me later.”

…

The following hours were quite lively—at least for Trici and Alexia. Despite the age gap, Alexia acted like a rebellious older sister, and the two found common ground almost instantly.

Meanwhile, Adam, Silvana, Louis, Gary, and Leona formed their own separate circle while Alexia fielded Trici’s relentless stream of questions.

“Hey, are we sure this is alright?” Gary asked, scratching his head with a look of concern as he watched Trici.

“Well…” Adam paused. “I’m not certain if it’s a good idea, but Trici was bound to learn the truth eventually. Think of it as a rare opportunity for her to learn directly from a K4-Phantom.”

Leona waved off the concern, grabbing Gary and Silvana by their hands and pulling them toward the kitchen.

“Enough of that. You two are coming with me to have a drink!”

Silvana glanced back at Adam, but he gave her a reassuring nod.

Once Adam and Louis were finally alone, Louis’s expression shifted, his gaze turning sharp and serious.

“So, Adam. Judging by your aura, I assume you’ve recently unlocked your next Grand Star?” he asked quietly.

Adam gave a firm nod.

“That’s right. The Third Grand Star. What about Alexia?”

“She is at the same stage. To be honest, she would have headed back to the Dead Lands to meet the requirements long ago. However, between the wedding, the honeymoon, and our time off, things took longer than planned. I’m not complaining, but it’s been a while since Alexia has spent this much time away from the Citadel.”

“Hah.” Adam laughed softly. “It sounds like we’re in very similar boats.”

Louis let out a heavy sigh.

“I take it your conditions aren't exactly simple either?”

“Yeah, it’s all up in the air. Silvana and I have some leads on one of the three requirements, but the rest are still a mystery.”

“I'm in the same position.”

Louis turned his focus directly to him.

“Have you picked your next mission yet? When do you plan on heading back to the Dead Lands?”

Adam shook his head in response.

“Not just yet. First, we need to consult with Damien. He was the one who helped me figure out the path for my Second Grand Star conditions last time.”

“Understood. Would you mind if we tagged along?” Louis asked, a spark of hope in his eyes.

Adam shrugged.

“Sure. Why not? It would actually be beneficial to coordinate. Which requirement is Alexia tackling first?”

“Hmm… It’s titled 'Ancient Ice.' That is the name of one of her conditions.”

“Hah. Typical. Just as cryptic as mine, though it certainly fits her nature and her abilities as a Phantom.”

Louis cleared his throat.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what do you consider to be your most daunting condition? What is it called?”

Adam hesitated for a moment, weighing whether or not to disclose it.

“That is my biggest hurdle, Louis.”

“Oh?”

“I can’t even tell if it’s the hardest, but to answer your question: it’s the 'Blood of God.' And I haven't the slightest clue where to find such a thing.”