Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1490: The Strongest and Dinner

Aside from his own family, Adam had only anticipated the arrival of Louis and Alexia. However, fate intervened, bringing two additional guests to his celebration—individuals whom even the high-ranking leaders of the Befallen Crown would find impossible to turn away.

Should Damien and Beth desire to attend a royal banquet in the capital of the Befallen Crown, the monsters there would provide specialized seating and gourmet dishes to suit their tastes, despite centuries of mutual hatred.

They belonged to that elite circle of people who could act as they pleased without ever fearing the repercussions.

Naturally, this level of influence was only possible because of the immense power Damien and Beth possessed as a top-tier Operator and eternal partner duo.

Tap.

Setting his wine glass down, Damien gave a profound nod of approval.

“Damn, this wine is fantastic! Louis, you must pass on my personal thanks to your father!”

Sitting across from him, Louis nodded deeply in return. His heart hammered against his ribs simply from sharing a table with Damien, yet he fought to maintain a composed mask.

“Thank you. I am certain he will be honored to hear that.”

However, the most shocked individuals were not Adam, Alexia, Silvana, or Louis, but rather Adam’s own family.

While Leona, Gary, and Trici had no direct ties to the Dead Lands, they had slowly gathered knowledge over the last eighteen months since their son became a Phantom. Most of their information came from Silvana’s explanations or their own curiosity, though Adam occasionally shared details regarding his missions.

Like nearly every inhabitant of the Citadel, save for a few exceptions, they were well aware of who Damien was.

He was hailed as the strongest Phantom in the Citadel, a man capable of crushing any monster and shielding the walls from certain doom. He was one of the primary reasons the Citadel remained standing instead of being reduced to rubble by the monstrous hordes.

At least, that was the image of Damien held by the public.

For a common citizen, meeting Damien by accident was virtually impossible. Yet, in reality, such chance encounters did happen.

Damien followed his own whims, and no force could compel him to act against his will.

He might choose to stroll through a public park or grace an exclusive gala filled with billionaires.

Everything was dictated by his personal mood and current desires.

Now, upon discovering that Adam had unlocked the Third Grand Star—and knowing that Alexia, who shared a similar circumstance, was present—he simply could not resist stopping by.

“Mr. Damien…” Leona started, her voice trailing off as she prepared to ask a question.

He dismissed the formality with a wave of his hand.

“Just Damien. I am aware of my rank, but feel free to use my name. After all, the Citadel and I are in your debt; you and your husband gave us a Phantom as talented as Adam.”

Leona trembled slightly as she tried to process this; in person, Damien was a far cry from the figure she had constructed in her mind.

Gary and Trici were experiencing the same internal conflict. Gary’s knowledge of Damien mirrored Leona’s, while Trici had consumed countless videos and fan edits made from his interviews and news articles.

With a child’s simple logic, she had reached a single conclusion: Damien was incredibly cool. That realization alone made her eyes shimmer like a star-studded night sky.

To them, Damien was a fierce, merciless combatant dedicated to annihilating any beast that threatened the Citadel. He was the ultimate guardian of the human race.

Yet, the man sitting before them was casually snacking and chatting with people he had just met—ordinary people who had only recently escaped the clutches of poverty because a Phantom was born into their bloodline.

“I understand.” Leona nodded slowly. “Then… what brought you here? I was under the impression that Adam wasn't expecting you today.”

“Well, I’ve always enjoyed surprises. Though, to be fair, it was my Operator’s suggestion.”

Sitting beside him, Beth lifted an eyebrow, her green eyes as sharp as blades.

“Oh? I merely shared the information I found. You were the one who insisted we come.”

Damien gestured dismissively.

“Pay her no mind. She’s just being modest.”

Beth rolled her eyes and reached for her fork, eyeing a dish of shrimp with pineapple and cream sauce.

“This is quite good. Who is the chef?”

Silvana raised her hand with a touch of hesitation.

“I prepared it. It’s just a basic recipe I found on a cooking site.”

“It’s impressive.”

“Beth…” Silvana spoke up. “How did you find out about Adam’s breakthrough or this party? Those were private messages between us.”

Beth glanced at her as if the answer should have been self-evident.

“I hacked your devices. It’s that simple. Don’t look so shocked; with my capabilities, I can break into almost any hardware in the Citadel.”

She took another bite, a brief flash of satisfaction crossing her features.

“Sigh… I initially regretted telling Damien. I’m not fond of social gatherings, but this has turned out better than I anticipated.”

“Pffft!” Alexia let out a snort. “You two just crashed the party! Where are your manners?”

Louis shot her a panicked look. He was horrified that she would speak to Damien and Beth with such bluntness.

Damien, however, was unfazed.

“Hahahahah! Don’t get worked up, Alexia. I didn’t just drop in for no reason; I gave you and Adam a lesson in flight!”

Alexia continued to pout regardless.

“Tsk. I could have managed that on my own. Mostly. Besides, that’s not the point! You showed up empty-handed without even bringing a bottle to share!”

Leona, Gary, and Trici exchanged looks of utter confusion.

“Wait? Adam and Alexia can actually fly?” Leona asked in disbelief.

Damien paused for a heartbeat before a wide grin spread across his face.

“They can. And Alexia is right; I really should have brought something to drink.”

He leaned in closer to the group.

“So, who wants to fly to the store with me?”

Leona swallowed hard. The prospect was terrifying, yet she found herself strangely tempted.