Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1629: Farm and Apple pie

As Adam and Silvana got ready to link up with Tron and Riska in a secluded spot within the Citadel, another person caught wind of his comeback.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The rubber ball smacked against the wall before bouncing right back to the man, who promptly hurled it again. This was merely a habit for an individual feeling bored or lost in contemplation.

“He’s returned, once more.”

Gladius grinned, sprawled across iron crates that seemed more at home in a lab than in an everyday warehouse.

“You’re aware of his demands, right? So, what’s your plan?”

Across the room, the man occupied a plain table, taking sips of steaming black coffee. His amber gaze remained as profound as always, brimming with insight, chill, and shrewdness.

“Are you hinting at something? From my view, he’s managing quite well on his own.”

Gladius gave a casual shrug while snagging the ball.

“True, but... How long until he hits the next stage? Five years? Perhaps a decade? He’s optimistic about advancing to the Second Rank in no time, but will it unfold that swiftly?”

Moments later, a cunning smile crept over his face.

“The faster he grasps that he’s up against an impossible barrier, the quicker he’ll discover a way to shatter it. We’ve all faced that hurdle before.”

Letting out a heavy sigh, Aiden shook his head.

“Go ahead and do as you please, but ensure you’re not leading him straight to doom.”

Gladius pivoted, his eyes squinting.

“Would you truly be furious if he perishes? Ha, in this cycle, you’ve pinned all your hopes on the surviving players, haven’t you?”

Oddly, Aiden merely shook his head.

“No. I’d simply begin anew, as usual. Yet, I can’t recall the last time an opportunity felt this promising.”

A spark ignited in Gladius’s eyes.

“Don’t you worry this could be our final shot? Eventually... their tolerance will wear thin. We’ll all need to make our moves, and we won’t escape that fate.”

Aiden placed the cup down.

“I can’t operate on such reasoning, or there’d be no reason to even try. Our only option is to give it everything we’ve got.”

Gladius flung the ball once more at the wall.

“Fine. Then you won’t object if I proceed? After all, it’s something that counts a lot for you.”

“If it boosts our odds and you’re certain, then follow your judgment.”

Shadows cloaked Gladius, leaving just his vivid blue eyes shining through.

“That’s precisely what I hoped to hear.”

...

The morning after their outing, Adam and Silvana departed the First Ring, making a beeline for the Second Ring.

Their target wasn’t any official structure or Dark Order site. Instead, they aimed for the most mundane location imaginable — a farm.

Truth be told, Adam had never set foot on a farm. Space for them was nonexistent in the slums. Farms mostly dotted the Second Ring, since its expanse allowed for such operations, while the Third Ring lacked sufficient ground, and the First Ring even less so.

Certainly, tech had integrated into every farm long ago, aiding in the maximal production of veggies, fruits, berries, and animals. Still, human labor and robust equipment stayed essential, much like rich earth.

“A farm?” Adam arched a brow, gazing at the vast fields rolling by the window. “What made Tron pick this spot for us?”

Silvana lifted her shoulders.

“No idea, but he insisted it’s ideal. Perhaps there’s a hidden reason we’re unaware of?”

Adam offered a wry smile.

“Ha, yeah, perhaps. Back when I was merely human, I figured becoming a Phantom would unlock every mystery of this realm. Yet... even now at this stage, mysteries persist, and unimaginable elements keep emerging. It’s frightening in one way, but captivating in another.”

Shortly after, they pulled up to a basic two-story dwelling that signaled the farm’s start. Beyond stretched crop fields of all kinds, plus barns and enclosures for assorted livestock.

“Here we are,” the driver stated flatly. “Mr. Tron awaits you downstairs.”

Adam and Silvana acknowledged with nods and stepped from the vehicle. The driver wasted no time, speeding away to get back to the First Ring promptly.

“Should we get ourselves a car?” Adam proposed.

Silvana shot him a puzzled look.

“Huh? Why’s that your immediate thought upon arriving at a farm?”

“Not sure. It’s just that we’re always chauffeured everywhere. Wouldn’t owning our own ride be handy?”

“Pfft, we don’t even possess driver’s licenses!” She chuckled.

Adam lifted an eyebrow.

“What? You believe mastering a car is tougher than battling beasts? I’d pick it up in a few days flat!”

She dismissed it with a wave.

“Fine, whatever. Aren’t there bigger priorities at hand? Let’s head in and not leave Tron and Riska hanging.”

“Alright.”

Off in the distance, Adam spotted a straightforward enclosure for cows, another nearby for pigs, and elsewhere an apple grove. The trees stood in precise lines, arranged deliberately to optimize yields.

“Man, while a wild hunter’s existence like Goen’s might not suit me, this farm life seems more peaceful, doesn’t it?” he mused.

Crackle.

Silvana pushed the door open, and aromas of ripe berries and fresh herbs wafted over them.

Within, just as anticipated, sat Tron and Riska.

Tron occupied a chair by the table, filling glasses with juice. He sported only a plain white shirt and relaxed pants. Strands of his gray hair draped over his striking amethyst eyes.

He spotted them yet stayed silent, as Riska spoke first:

“Ah, you’ve made it at last! Come on in, take a seat — the apple pie’s nearly done!”

She slipped on mitts and bent toward the oven.

Adam grinned.

“Ha, juice and pie? Perfect way to kick off the day!”