Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1488: Two Guests (Part 1)

The gravity of the Third Grand Star and its requirements was undeniable, yet the weight of the topic didn't hinder the party's success in the slightest.

Concluding their discussion, Adam and Louis struck a deal to cooperate, hoping to tackle one of their specific conditions through a collaborative mission.

Louis had proposed replicating the strategy Adam and Fromund previously utilized. However, Adam had already stumbled into fulfilling one requirement by chance. Following the grim revelations of the World Wipe, he desperately needed this upcoming mission to realign his path.

Their current objective was to determine if their individual conditions could be met within a single location. They hoped the mission department could provide a suitable assignment; otherwise, they would be forced to settle for their usual independent operations.

Louis was well aware of Alexia’s objectives, and Silvana found herself in a comparable position. Even so, he couldn't shake the feeling that securing the Blood of God was a more daunting task than finding Ancient Frost, despite being unsure which truly posed the greater challenge.

Nearby, Leona and Silvana were immersed in conversation in the kitchen over glasses of wine. Meanwhile, Gary and Trici were locked in a two-on-two board game against Louis and Alexia. Alexia was struggling to grasp the mechanics, mostly because Louis was secretly ensuring Trici's victory outweighed her losses.

Clueless that a saboteur sat right beside her, Alexia directed her frustration at everything but the true cause of her defeat.

“Blast it! My luck is consistently abysmal!” Alexia shouted, pushing back from the table. “I’m done! My patience has evaporated; I need to breathe some outside air!”

Sitting nearby, Adam caught her subtle signal. Louis also noted the shift as she gave a slight nod before redirecting her attention to Trici and Gary.

“Apologies, Alexia simply handles losing poorly. I know a three-player game where it’s every man for himself. Are you in?”

“Absolutely!” Trici chirped, convinced her streak of good fortune would persist.

Recognizing Louis’s diversionary tactic, Gary let out a hearty laugh.

“Haha, Trici, your spirit is boundless. Lead the way, Louis, let’s keep the game going.”

With a faint smile, Adam set his glass down and made his way toward the balcony.

Though he had coordinated extensively with Louis, forming a concrete plan required a private word with Alexia. Much like Fromund, she shared many traits with Adam, yet her individuality remained distinct.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed behind Alexia as she turned to face the newcomer.

Chilly gusts of wind whipped past, tossing her azure hair. The expansive balcony provided a panoramic, sweeping view of the First Ring and the towering skyscrapers that defined the skyline.

For those enamored with a high-tech urban aesthetic, this was arguably the most spectacular vantage point in the entire Citadel.

“Well, it seems I’m not the only one cursed with difficult conditions, right?”

“Did Louis spill everything?” Adam asked with a smirk, coming to a halt at her side.

He leaned his weight against the glass railing, admiring the undeniable beauty of the vista. Below them, the city lights and bustling streets blurred into a glowing tapestry, mimicking the stars scattered across the heavens.

Actual stars still dotted the firmament, of course… but the most brilliant among them had abandoned its post long ago, intent on the cyclical ruin of the world.

Alexia let out a scoff.

“Naturally. Did you think your little chat went unnoticed? On another note, your sister is quite the character. Her fascination with the Dead Lands is rather striking.”

“Hah, she’s still at an age where she doesn’t realize just how dangerous that place truly is.”

Alexia arched an eyebrow, her expression flickering with mockery.

“Look who’s talking. I bet there’s nothing you find more entertaining than a life-or-death struggle against some deranged beast!”

“Gha! You are the very last person who should be making that accusation!”

Alexia’s face hardened as her tone turned somber.

“Blood of God? Seriously?” She knit her brows in confusion. “What on earth is that supposed to be?”

Adam could only offer a shrug.

“I’d tell you if I had a clue. What about your end? Ancient Frost? It might not sound as flashy as mine, but I doubt it’s easy to find. Any leads?”

“Some. Louis and I talked it over. He suspects the Ancient Frost might be hidden in a deep, glacial region. It’s just guesswork for now; we need to consult someone with more expertise.”

Adam nodded in agreement.

He had already touched on these points with Louis. It was only when he, Silvana, Alexia, and Louis could finally speak with—!

Whooooooooosh.

A sudden, violent rush of air cast a massive shadow over Adam and Alexia. The abruptness of the arrival left them stunned and confused.

Looking up, their eyes widened in total shock.

Perched on the edge of the glass railing was a man with emerald eyes and a mane of thick black hair. A playful smirk danced on his lips. Peering from behind his shoulder was a girl with identical green eyes and long brown hair, her gaze radiating a haughty confidence. She clearly felt secure enough in her position to look down on anyone they encountered.

“Damien…?” Adam’s voice wavered with uncertainty.

Alexia’s mouth hung open in disbelief. Despite her usual composed and reckless attitude, a surprise of this magnitude was enough to rattle her.

“Hey there!” Damien said, waving casually. “Beth received Silvana’s message.

She intended to arrange a meeting in a few days, but once I heard you were hosting a housewarming party at a new penthouse, we decided to escalate the schedule.”

Damien scanned his surroundings and let out a sharp whistle of approval.

“Wow, Beth, check this out! We’re visiting a real high-roller!”

Unmoved by Damien’s dramatics, Beth kept her eyes fixed on Adam.

“Hey. Do you have any soda in this place?”

Adam gave a slow, mechanical nod.

“Y-Yes…”

“Excellent. Perhaps this trip wasn't a total waste of time then.”

Tap.

Damien leaped down from the railing, Beth still clinging to his back. He extended his hand toward Adam.

“Alright, jokes aside. It’s been a while, hasn't it?”

Adam rubbed the back of his head, a smile forming as he reached out to shake the offered hand.

“It has. It’s been a very long time and—”

Before the thought could finish, Damien’s hand moved with a blur, tossing Adam right off the edge of the skyscraper and into a terrifying free fall.

“Agh…?”

This was certainly not the way Adam expected the evening to unfold.