Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1627 1627: Clean Lake?

Adam possessed countless chances to journey back to the past, right to the instant when everything kicked off.

The pivotal happening unfolded on Hollow Spire Island, the location where he seized the Desire of Beyond and consequently turned the Silver Weaver into his companion.

With the Dark Energy now under his control, he grasped that events weren't nearly as straightforward as he'd imagined in those days, yet the fundamental truth stayed intact—he had revisited the past, though it was merely a mirage.

Step.

Adam advanced, drawing near to the tar lake.

This spot sat merely a handful of kilometers from the Citadel. Seldom did visitors appear, for it basically functioned as Aiden's private refuse area.

Any item he viewed as superfluous or worthless got dispatched right to this site.

Adam visited because bypassing this location proved impossible for him.

Though it amounted to little more than a junk pile, here lay the place where he'd slain his initial monster and transformed into a Phantom.

"Hah, others gain their powers during the test. They're aided in killing their first monster, but… I wound up here, right?"

Silvana nodded. The gravity hit her just as hard as it did Adam, though she recognized she couldn't relive that instant in the same manner he had.

"It was rough, but it brought specific benefits. Becoming a Natural Phantom aided you across numerous fights."

Adam rubbed the back of his head.

"Yeah, but what about now? I haven't heard those phrases in ages. It seems like once you hit a certain point, they cease to count."

'Well, our current focus lies on other issues and challenges, that's accurate. Head home, Adam, I'm eager for your return…' She whispered gently.

He prepared to depart. Lingering in the Dead Lands so near the Citadel served no purpose, yet a certain sight snagged his attention.

It wasn't some beast or a distressed Phantom, no, rather it was the tar lake itself.

"Hold on…" Adam blinked, fixing his gaze on the tar lake. "Am I imagining it, or does this place look way cleaner than the last time I came?"

'Hmm? What are you getting at?'

Adam stroked his chin in contemplation.

"I mean, that was some time back, and I was in a frenzy then, but I'm positive nearly the whole area used to drown in garbage. Weren't there heaps of metal bits, rubble, and barrels? Aiden… That's his method for disposing of rejects."

Initially, Silvana intended to dismiss it as his imagination, but upon closer inspection, her eyes grew wide.

'Damn, Adam, spot on. It's like somebody showed up and tidied things, or…'

"The waste just halted its flow here." Adam completed her sentence.

He swiveled his head, locking eyes on the distant Morton Observatory in the Citadel's remote section.

"But why? Only a year and a half has passed since then. Why choose to halt his trials at this juncture? Has a major event unfolded in recent months? Did he finally uncover the object of his long pursuit?"

Through his exchange with Wilfred, Adam learned that Aiden pursued his experiments not out of madness or cruelty, but driven by a particular aim. He sought something elusive, which even he failed to grasp.

Given Aiden's sharp mind, vast knowledge, and skills, across many years he might have bolstered all of humankind—regular folks and Phantoms alike—by boosting Natural Phantom numbers.

Nevertheless, such pursuits never captured his interest.

"We lack the solutions, Adam, but I'm confident we'll uncover them eventually."

Adam scowled while gripping his fist firm.

"Yeah, but how much more waiting? The moment I master the Ancient and Dark energy, I'll confront him. He must take me in—just a single talk… I demand answers!"

At present, he knew that remained unfeasible. Other matters took precedence, but that encounter loomed nearer than before.

After one final look at the tar lake, Adam proceeded toward the gates.

Along the path, various Phantoms and troops spotted him, yet none disturbed him. Adam's expression stayed stern, immersed in contemplation.

Just as the clamor of urban avenues hit his ears did he snap back to the present, surveying his surroundings.

"Agh…"

Adam drew in a profound breath, savoring the aroma of coffee and newly baked bread drifting from the adjacent café.

Nothing comparable existed in the Dead Lands, not even in a creature hub like Izardo.

"Silvana," Adam murmured, tilting his gaze skyward. "Any thoughts on who could assist with my practice?"

She nodded.

"Of course, I've pinpointed several options. You're familiar with one; I bet he'd gladly lend a hand."

"Got it." He grinned. "Then let's head out on a date."

Silvana blinked, stunned.

'Agh?'

Indeed, they formed a pair—not merely lovers, but a Phantom and an Operator. However, given their heavy workload and the hurdles ahead, romance clearly lacked in their bond.

That arrangement fit them fine. They accepted the realities of life tied to the Dead Lands. They braced for it.

Even so, Silvana felt a flush when Adam abruptly proposed that.

'You idiot. Got a decent suit ready?'

Adam smirked.

"And you? Own a dress?"

She wound a lock of hair around her finger.

'Well… I can don anything you like, you know. And… Got a spot in mind?"

Adam pondered briefly. He aimed to recall what he'd craved recently, what the Dead Lands failed to offer.

With Goen, he'd sampled meats, starters, and seafood; with Zargos, exotic produce and mixed drinks.

Yet one indulgence demanded true society. An item constantly blasted in news for its dangers and ills to health, though secretly adored by all.

Tap.

Adam smacked his fist into his palm as inspiration hit.

"Fast food!"