Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 796: Dark Silhouettes (Part 1)

Silvana was usually quick to understand the situation because she analyzed everything. Her job as an Operator also affected this since it was part of her duties.

However, Lone Blazeʼs actions put her in a daze, she didnʼt understand what was going on here and the fact that Evolution Tree was involved made the situation more complex.

Lona Blaze tilted her head, the slight kind smile contrasting strongly with her cruel, devious expression earlier.

”Hey, cutie, we donʼt have much time. Pretty soon the Crimson Monarch will realize that Adam has no way to heal his arm. Heʼll just fly into the fortress and knock Adam out, then take him away. We could lose Adam.”

Silvana gulped, emphasizing Lone Blazeʼs last words.

”We...? Youʼre not going to disappear after the pact is over?”

In response, Lone Blaze stepped forward, dissipating in a fiery flash only to appear right in front of Silvana.

”I see... Looks like I gave you quite a scare, but... even in theory, I couldnʼt replace you.”

”W-Why...?” Silvanaʼs voice trembled, she was still afraid that Lone Blaze would try to take my place.

Lone Blaze rested one hand on her hips as she took a deep breath.

”I wonʼt hide it. What I was talking about is possible. One factor aside, in theory, I can replace you, even a monster can replace you no matter how strange it sounds.”

”One factor?”

Lone Blaze nodded, then she pointed to the Evolution Seed.

”You were chosen by Adam. Thereʼs no way heʼd change you for anyone or anything. Iʼm sure if heʼd heard what I was saying a minute ago, I wouldnʼt be here now.”

A bitter smile appeared on her face, with a slight regret that it was true.

”He would have immediately broken the pact, thrown me out of his inner space, and destroyed me.”

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Silvanaʼs heart began to beat faster, the thud that she could barely hear, was loud enough for Lone Blaze:

”Oh, poor girl... Well, thatʼs not what this is about right now.”

”No! Youʼve got it all wrong!”

Lone Blaze waved her hand nonchalantly, she shrugged.

”Sure, sure. So... What do you say about my offer? Are you willing to take Adamʼs wound on yourself?”

A shiver ran through Silvanaʼs body, her mind conjured up Adamʼs contorted face in pain and his mangled hand.

She was an Operator, not a Phantom or military, she had rarely fought except for a few sparring sessions at the academy.

Her worst wound was getting cut while cooking or breaking a nail, it hurt but it was nothing compared to what Adam went through.

”Y-Yes...” her voice shook, fear filling her eyes, ”However...I donʼt know what you mean at all. How can I take over his wound? Why am I hearing about this from you?”

”Because it was my plan. The Evolution Tree approved it, so I sprang into action. I need Adam to win. For me, unlike him, itʼs a matter of life and death. And... you and I have a lot of work ahead.”

Silvana narrowed her eyes, eyeing Lone Blaze suspiciously. She no longer felt threatened by her, but... she didnʼt like being in the role of the unaware.

”About your question. As with Adam, there are some things you shouldnʼt know ahead of time. Especially you, miss Operator.

The confusion in Silvanaʼs eyes became clearer, yet she realized that neither Lone Blaze nor the Evolution Tree was going to tell her anything right now.

”But, this is an emergency right now. We all understand that.”

Then, Lone Blaze took a step back and pointed at the Evolution Seed.

”Come over to it, and youʼll figure it out for yourself. Iʼll help you with energy if you need it.”

However, instead of immediately springing into action, Silvana frowned. One thing remained unknown to her.

”Couldnʼt I have done this before? I mean, without your intervention and your performance that made me cry?”

”Hah, donʼt judge me harshly for that. That part of the plan is on Evolution Tree, not on me.”

Lone Blaze looked away, her eyes growing deeper, thinking about Silvanaʼs reaction.

”Heʼs as lucky as you...” she muttered before pointing at the Evolution Seed again, ”Even if you somehow came here and touched it, the Evolution Tree wouldnʼt let you do anything.”

”I see... Even though itʼs a seed gift to me, the Evolution Tree still has complete control over all spaces.”

Lone Blaze nodded approvingly.

”Yeah, something like that. Well, thereʼs no more time to waste - go ahead.”

With a slight hesitation, Silvana clenched her fists and headed towards the Evolution Seed.

She didnʼt know what to expect, but if it could help Adam, then she would do it, at any cost.

Her green eyes reflected a tiny star floating in the darkness, seemingly unaware of the events around her.

It was still a great mystery to her what the Evolution Seed was capable of. She didnʼt believe that one day she would have an Evolution Tree of her own, it was impossible, but... she wanted to believe that as an Operator her journey was not yet complete.

”Well... Letʼs see what youʼre hiding.”

Tap.

Silvana touched the seed with her fingertip, a bright flash engulfed her in an instant.

The next moment Silvana blinked, only able to see dozens of silhouettes surrounding her in the vast darkness.

Without breaking the silence, Silvana took a frightened step back. She didnʼt know the nature of the silhouettes, cautiously looking around.

She didnʼt notice as she approached one of them.

Whoosh.

Silvana abruptly turned back to see a shadow slowly falling from the silhouette, revealing a familiar figure to her.

”Adam...?”

Her Phantom stood before her, but... something was wrong.

Adamʼs eyes were blank, lacking any hint of their deep blue color. Moreover, Adam was covered in wounds, with several cuts on his hands, and bruises in his abdomen area.

Then, the darkness left one silhouette after another, each had different wounds, but none of the cuts or scratches looked random.

”What the hell...?”

Before Silvana could realize anything, a red star appeared in the distance, the distinct smell of blood filling the unfamiliar space.