Endless Evolution: Last Star

Due to the nature of Adam's work, or more precisely, the fact that he was a Phantom, he spent much more time with Silvana, his Operator, than with his family. This was the case even before he and Silvana officially started dating.

His family couldn't help him with his work in any way. They were ordinary people and had no connection to the Dead Lands, but Adam understood that family was important. To some extent, they were the main reason why Adam decided to go all the way and stop the World Wipe at any cost.

He, Silvana, Alexia, Louis, Fromund, his Operator Arayna, Katrin, and many others, equally powerful Phantoms, would survive the World Wipe and continue to live.

In a few decades, the Citadel would be rebuilt, and when the two stars collided again, everything would repeat itself.

But... Their families and friends would disappear.

Adam's mother, father, and younger sister were not strong enough to survive the shockwave from the World Wipe, even under Queen Elisa's protective barrier.

Adam did not consider the option of turning them into Phantoms or Touched Humans. That would be tantamount to signing their death warrant, right here and now, rather than in six and a half years.

Tap.

Adam set his cup aside as he took another bite of apple pie. The crunch of the crust echoed through the room as Adam paused for a moment to savor the sweet and sour taste and the syrup-soaked dough.

"Damn, this is delicious!"

Leona smiled contentedly. After all, it was her recipe.

"You know, since we have access to your bank account, all of us, especially Trici, were tempted to eat only delivery food. Huh, we even did that for a few days, but I quickly realized that nothing can replace home cooking."

Adam grinned.

"Hah, Silvana helped you with that, right?"

Gary nodded deeply. "You're very lucky with that girl, son. Not only does she help us when we have questions or problems, such as how to spend money effectively at the First Ring, but she also helped Trici get into the academy!"

Then, Adam's face froze as he realized something important.

"Oh... Mom, Dad, I missed everything, right?"

Leona and Gary exchanged glances but said nothing.

Adam's expression darkened.

"Not only her admission to the academy, but her birthday and... Damn, I missed my birthday as well..."

Tap.

Leona leaned forward and touched his hand.

"Look, this is the most active moment in your career. Silvana told us why you were on a mission for so long this time. You were busy and completely involved in the process, it doesn't mean that other things aren't important to you, you just focused on the current goal, and that's all."

Gary nodded.

"Yes, your mother is right, Adam. You have your whole life ahead of you, many birthdays, holidays, and important dates. But, I think next time it would be better if you were home for at least someone's birthday."

Leona chuckled. "Hah, Gary, just imagine. Our son's birthday was spent at the Dead Lands. Were you at least able to find a piece of cake there to celebrate?"

"Well... Come to think of it..." Adam scratched his cheek. "I completely forgot about my birthday, but there was cake and even something like a feast."

Adam remembered the feast after the battle against Ureyn at the Forgotten Mills. Moreover, at Izardo, he also had a good time and tried some interesting things. However, Misty's coffee and desserts were what he was willing to return to the Forgotten Mills for again, he did not doubt that.

"Hmm?" Leona raised an eyebrow. "You ate cake among monsters?"

Gary was also puzzled.

Silvana tried to keep them informed when Adam went on missions, but she didn't tell them absolutely everything. She preferred to keep some details to herself.

Adam glanced at Leona and Gary before nodding deeply.

"Yeah, Silvana decided it would shock you, but I think I can tell you more about the Dead Lands than ordinary people and even Phantoms know. Listen carefully and don't you dare tell Trici!"

They just nodded as their eyes lit up with curiosity.

For the next few hours, Adam told Gary and Leona everything that had happened to him in the Tarnished Lands. Sure, like Silvana, he simplified or omitted some of the bloodiest and most gruesome details, but in general, he didn't hide anything from his father and mother.

They learned everything, from his mission, the Forgotten Mills, a distant island in a frightening sea, and the monster city of Izardo. He didn't mention that monsters had hunted him after his return to the Citadel.

In his simplified version, he simply left Izardo and soon found himself at the spire, where he teleported home.

When Adam finished, Leona and Gary were silent for a while. They had long suspected that at the Dead Lands, things were not as simple as they had heard on the news or read in articles. Not all monsters were bloodthirsty, insane beasts.

Now, their son had told them what only the Phantoms and the Gamma Division members were supposed to know.

"Hah, monster city...?" Leona muttered.

"Izardo? What an unusual name." Gary rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If I had the chance, I'd like to visit there."

Adam looked surprised. "Agh?"

Leona nodded deeply. "Yeah, me too. I'm sure it sounds strange, but everything we've heard so far is pretty strange."

Gary shrugged.

"Talking monsters? A powerful monster who plays video games at the top of his tower?

A monster who is passionate about baking and bakes cakes while making delicious coffee? If I heard this from anyone other than my son, I would call that person crazy!"

"Hah, I agree." Leona grinned and threw her arm around Gary's shoulder.

Adam didn't know what to say. His parents' reaction was surprisingly good.

Then, Leona leaned forward as a predatory gleam flashed across her eyes.

"Adam, I have one question."

"Hmm?"

She narrowed her eyes.

"Silvana is a girl. When is the wedding?"

"WHAT?!"