Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 386 First Key (Part 1)

The silver spoon dipped into the small cup, reaching the bottom. With a slight movement of the hand, the spoon began to swirl, mixing the coffee with a lot of sugar, way too much.

ʼHmm... What was that all about?ʼ Osana muttered looking through the sturdy glass at Adam, who was floating in the blue liquid inside the healing pod.

A few hours ago, Katrin was in the pod next to Adam, but her injuries werenʼt as serious as Adamʼs, so she had been released a little earlier.

Sure, she still had to heal her arm and for that, she would need to go to Miracle Observatory if she didnʼt want to waste much time. That posed some danger, but it was unlikely that Katrin wouldnʼt be able to handle some regenerative monster.

Osana underwent a quick treatment. Her artifact was able to bring her back from the world of the dead, but she still had serious, though non-lethal wounds. However, considering the condition of the others, her situation was favorable.

They were originally supposed to go to Fort Norton or rather the medical department next to it, but... they ended up at the Iron Observatory.

Refesa dealt with technology and weapons, but she had some unusual healing pods with her solution. Moreover, she had Magnus helping her, since Nessa was part of the healing process.

Considering who was in charge of their treatment, there wouldnʼt be a trace of their wounds very soon.

But, Osana wasnʼt thinking about Refesa, Magnus, or the fight against Plague Reaper, her thoughts were on Adam, specifically the moment he stepped out of the fighter.

Osana had excellent intuition, perhaps that was why she was still alive, so she sensed that Adam had somehow changed in the short time they were flying in XH-01.

ʼHe only took a few steps and collapsed from exhaustion. Nothing is surprising about that, but that woman was terrified, though neither Katrin nor Adam was obviously trying to scare her.ʼ Osana bit her lip, pondering.

Now, she wanted to see what Adam would do when he finally woke up, moreover... He still had to grant her three wishes, like her own personal genie.

Discover exclusive tales on empire

”Hey, I wouldnʼt frown so much if I were you, or youʼll get more wrinkles than you think.” Refesa said, sitting in the center of the room in front of a wide panel.

Osana cast a glance at her.

”Wrinkles? Youʼre considerably older than me, but you look like a little girl, as a doll... You surely know how to deal with that, donʼt you?”

Refesaʼs corners of her mouth went up.

”Yes, youʼre right. Come to me whenever you want to get younger, though... for now, thereʼs no need for you to do so.”

Osana smiled bitterly.

”If I get into missions like this a few more times, I wonʼt even make it to 30. I donʼt know how Adam survives each time, but if it werenʼt for my artifact and cold calculation, my body would still be there.”

Refesa looked at Adam, she narrowed her eyes and shifted her gaze to Osana with a slight nod.

”Youʼre lucky they pulled it off in the end. That Plague Reaper was stronger than most documented Plague Reapers. You can be proud of yourself.”

Osana didnʼt answer anything, she only took a sip of coffee sweet as syrup.

ʼProud of yourself, right...? What am I fucking proud of? Selling my mates, letting them die because I didnʼt think they could win even with my enhancement?ʼ

Then, Osana frowned heavily, clutching her cup tightly, the handle cracking.

ʼThe Mission Department has already labeled this mission as extremely successful, all just because we killed Plague Reaper. But... out of my squad, only one Phantom came home... How can that be a success!?ʼ

Refesa watched as Osanaʼs gaze gradually grew darker and her grimace harder.

ʼWell, well, even if sheʼs smart, cunning, and cold-blooded it doesnʼt mean sheʼs ready for all the blows that life can throw at us. It takes a life experience filled with pain or else...ʼ

Refesa shifted her gaze to Adam, floating serenely in the pod while his wounds were rapidly recovering.

ʼGotta be a monster...? Iʼm sure his mind isnʼt occupied right now with regrets for the fallen Phantoms.ʼ

...

Thanks to Refesaʼs help, by afternoon, Osana, Katrin, and Adam had already left Iron Observatory.

They departed at different times without crossing paths. Each of them had their tasks for the day, as did Adam who, a few minutes later, ended up in front of the metal door of a simple apartment in a high-rise building.

Crackle.

The door opened, revealing Silvana.

She was in a strict formal suit as always, greeting her Phantom and only partner with a slight smile on her face.

Her green eyes were full of desire to continue their journey together, while her black hair rippled slightly. Unlike her costume, her hair was loose rather than strict.

”Hey, itʼs been a while, hasnʼt it?” Silvana said with a slight smile on her face.

”Yeah... Itʼs only been one day, but... it feels like itʼs been much longer. I wouldnʼt say an eternity, but long enough for me to start missing the Citadel, home, and you.” Adam smiled weakly before stepping forward.

The door shut, Silvana wanted to say something but didnʼt have time, Adam stepped close to her, leaning down to her bare neck.

”Agh... What a nice aroma, calm and peaceful...”

Adam whispered softly, with his eyes closed.

Silvana said nothing, she only gulped, not understanding how she was supposed to react. Adam had caught her off guard with his strange actions.

”You know how good it is to smell something other than the scent of blood, flesh, and dust covering the Dead Lands wherever you go. Itʼs... refreshing...” Adam said in a prolonged voice before heading forward towards the kitchen.

”Letʼs get something to eat, Dead Lands has some serious problems with that too.”

Silvana nodded silently, staring at his back.

What was Silvana thinking then?

Well, there was an answer and a pretty accurate one at that.

ʼI need to remember which perfume I used today... I need to pick it out more often, much more often...ʼ

...

Silvana noticed that Adam was not behaving as usual. His state was sublime as if he was very exhausted or someone who had rested too much.

But, as soon as he tasted Silvanaʼs food prepared especially for him, Adam returned to normal.

”Damn! I finally feel alive! Fuck! This is so good!” Adam exclaimed like a child with a wide smile on his face.

He kept eating faster and faster, as if if he didnʼt hurry up the food would disappear.

Silvana only smiled, his appetite was the highest praise for her culinary skills.

”So...? Youʼre finally ready, arenʼt you?” Silvana asked, taking a cup of coffee in her hands.

Adam nodded.

”Yes. I have everything I need to create the First Key, Iʼm ready to do it right now! Only, I need to get the artifacts.”

Silvana sighed contentedly.

”Good. Letʼs go to the storage room, your new trophy isnʼt there yet, but everything will be in place soon. Then, weʼll head to Fort Norton.”

”Hmm? Why?” Adam tilted his head in confusion.

Silvana giggled.

”Hahaha, you werenʼt thinking of creating the Key here or somewhere in the city, were you? Not that itʼs impossible, but itʼs better to do that sort of thing in special places.”

...

Crackle.

The massive gate opened, letting Adam inside, into a spacious room with nothing but massive slabs of stone reinforcing the walls.

Silvana watched him from the side.

”Well... Letʼs get started.” Adam muttered glancing at the artifacts that were already here and closing his eyes immersing himself in the inner space.

Now he had everything, the genes, the artifacts, and the midnight crystal.

All that remained was to create the Key.