Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1628 1628: Training Plans

Sip.

Adam sipped his soda—marking his third glass—as a heap of burger wrappers accumulated in front of him from the ones he had devoured.

Silvana, positioned opposite him, offered a subtle smile while she repeatedly dipped a shrimp into the sauce, relishing the satisfying crunch of its coating with each mouthful.

These two individuals, whose professions granted them sufficient funds to dine at any eatery—including the grandest ones—had chosen this spot: a standard outlet of the Citadel's most favored fast-food chain—Sharky's Bite.

Actually, in contrast to Adam, Silvana had frequented this place multiple times before. She typically aimed to prepare her own meals or select nutritious options, yet during her days at the Operator Academy, the allure occasionally proved irresistible, leading her to drop in for a plate of shrimp or crunchy fries.

"You know, when you suggested this place, I was ready to strangle you with my own hands," Silvana remarked, casting a relaxed look around. "But I have to admit, everything turned out way better than I thought."

"Hah, I told you so. The food here is delicious, they cook fast, and their restaurants are always in the most convenient locations! No need to drive anywhere for hours!"

Silvana agreed with a nod and examined her own attire, her straightforward, everyday garments. There was no obligation to don a restrictive dress, adornments, or arrange a professional hairstyle complete with intricate cosmetics and uncomfortable heels.

Visiting a venue like this proved far simpler and more comfortable, and whenever the desire struck, the cuisine hit the spot perfectly: oily, savory, and crisp.

"Well, this date turned out way better than I thought. But next time we have to go to a restaurant, have a romantic evening—otherwise, after two outings like this, we'll be like old people."

Adam gave a casual shrug.

"Sure. To be honest, I just didn't know a good place. All those fancy restaurants... They're always nothing but trouble."

"Hah, that's true. I was worried I didn't have a suitable dress and where I'd find one. In the end, it didn't turn out so bad."

Perhaps it lacked a deeply romantic vibe, but romance wasn't the primary aim for Silvana or Adam anyway.

Though Adam had ventured into the Dead Lands, Silvana had endured every ordeal alongside him.

Both craved a respite, an uncomplicated and serene night where the greatest hazard was a burger overseasoned with salt, rather than another Lord plotting Adam's demise.

It felt invigorating.

Adam grappled with his personal issues, much as Silvana did. No matter her efforts, she couldn't erase the memory of Goen activating his Nexus, of Arika's emergence.

"The Manifest Nexus…" Silvana whispered inwardly while observing Adam polish off his seventh burger. "One day, will I become his weapon too? We… Will we always be together, no matter the distance?"

As these reflections filled her mind, a surge of feelings overwhelmed Silvana. Excitement mingled with fear and even a spark of arousal within her. It was an otherworldly sensation, one that seemed unattainable, yet now she understood that such Phantoms and Operators truly existed.

Furthermore, another thought inevitably crept in:

"Goen, he's a Second Rank Phantom. I don't know his precise strength, but even so, he's not unique. What about Damien and Beth? Can they achieve this as well, or do Goen and Arika tread a distinct path?"

Questions abounded, yet answers remained scarce. As usual.

Blink.

Silvana blinked, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Agh?"

In some inexplicable way, Adam had disappeared. He was no longer at the table, and his burger sat there half-consumed, as though snatched mid-bite during her momentary distraction.

Tap.

A light touch grazed her shoulder, prompting her to whirl around.

A bouquet of blue and white blooms materialized in front of her, emitting a gentle, appealing aroma.

Though Adam attempted to conceal it, his breaths came labored. He had moved with utmost haste.

"You… Did you prepare all this in advance?" Silvana questioned, utterly astonished.

Adam rubbed his cheek sheepishly.

"Well, I won't lie—at first I was only thinking about food, but then I realized that would be too simple. So, while you were thinking about your order, I ordered the flowers. They'd been waiting at the entrance for a while. I was waiting for you to go to the bathroom, but you gave me another chance."

"I see." A sweet smile graced her lips as she took the bouquet. "Thank you. These are beautiful flowers. I just... I was thinking about what happened at the Primal Lands."

Adam arched an eyebrow.

"Is something bothering you?"

"Not exactly. As always, I have questions, but there aren't any. That's our common problem."

Suddenly, her expression grew intense as she jabbed Adam's shoulder.

"This bouquet—I'll definitely prepare something equally impressive, you hear me?"

Adam refrained from debating. Resistance was futile, so he opened his arms broadly.

"Sure, as you wish."

He headed back to the table, where they completed their meals. Prior to departing, Adam turned to Silvana.

He harbored one query:

"Hey, you said you'd already arranged something with someone about my training. Is that true?"

She affirmed with a nod.

"It's Tron. Tron and Riska, to be exact."

"Huh? Tron? Wasn't he recently at the K3 level?" Adam cocked his head, puzzled.

Silvana denied it with a shake of her head.

"A lot of time has passed since then. You're not the only one making rapid progress, Adam. Don't forget, Damien sent you to Tron for your training for a reason. Also, it was Tron who helped you get out of prison."

"Sure, you're progressing even faster, but Tron was originally a level above you. He's a strong and talented Phantom with strong convictions."

"Hmm…"

Adam propped his head on his hand.

"What level is he at now?"

A spark lit up in Silvana's eyes.

"The limit of the K4 Level. That's exactly why he knows how to use the Ancient and Dark energy. That's what Phantoms of his level go through."

"Hah, Tron and Riska… Their relationship has always been more strict and formal."

She lifted her shoulders indifferently.

"It suits them."

"Yeah, I guess so."

He shot her a look.

"When are they ready to start?"

"Tomorrow."

"Good. The sooner I fulfill the remaining two conditions, the better."