Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 850: All fights later

Adam narrowed his eyes - he didnʼt want to face the nobles again. Not because he was afraid of them or did anything bad, but because they always gave him a lot of trouble.

”So...” Adam stretched out scratching the back of his head, ”This is where the nobles go to see who is more talented and stronger. Whoever collects five coins gets not only freedom but recognition in the noblesʼ society, which to them is worth more than any treasure.”

Without pausing, Adam finished with a heavy sigh:

”And... None of them will want to lose, for itʼs a disgrace to them and their family. Also, you can only forfeit a coin if you lose a fight, you canʼt just throw it away.”

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Andreasʼs measured clapping sounded from the side.

”You got it right. There are other Phantoms here at the Twilight Palace who are not nobles, but they are quite a few.”

Adam raised an eyebrow, he was curious to know the reason why.

”Why?”

He understood that there were a lot of Phantoms among the nobles due to their strong bloodline, especially among the Twelve Branches, but there were a lot more ordinary people, so that should even the odds.

”Well, the higher the level, the more you start to meet nobles. Thanks to their familiesʼ extensive resources, bloodline, and connections with instructors, nobles are just less likely to die on missions - thatʼs just the way it is.”

With a slight wave of his hand, Andreas continued:

”At K0-Level the percentage difference is monstrous, it seems like nobles donʼt exist, but at K3 and K4 levels itʼs a completely different situation. Moreover, those nobles who are motivated to become the best are willing to do a lot to gain power.”

However, Andreasʼs speech did not impress Adam at all. He only rolled his eyes with a snort.

”Pfffft, Iʼve seen what a Marzo Family nobleman can do.”

A sly glint traveled across Andreasʼs eyes as the corners of his mouth went up.

”Oh, youʼre talking about Nirosh Marzo? Heh, Iʼve seen that fight.”

”Hmm?” Adam flicked a glance at Andreas, ”Were you at the Moon Colosseum that day?”

Andreas shook his head.

”No, but I got an invitation from a mutual acquaintance of ours.”

Adam didnʼt understand who Andreas was talking about, but it was obvious to Silvana:

ʼGladius... Heʼs talking about the demonic auctioneer, isnʼt he? I still donʼt know how he did it, but he had access to the personal contacts of the most powerful people and nobles... I wonder if it was all done by his Operator and... who is his Operator?ʼ

Andreas waved his hand not wanting to dwell on this topic for too long:

”Nirosh Marzo was trash. He was a nobleman first, not a Phantom, and thatʼs what ruined him. Most Phantoms who have reached K3-Level are different from him.”

In a heartbeat, Andreasʼs voice grew harsher and darkness seemed to begin to gather around him.

”If Nirosh Marzo hadnʼt undergone a global change that affected his personality, he would never have destroyed the Two Walls and filled the Star Seal. He couldnʼt accomplish that by forever remaining in the confinement of his limits as K2-Phantom.”

”But...” Andreasʼs voice wheezed, ”The nobles here, who came for victories and recognition are different. Not all K3-Level nobles are like this, there are scum like Nirosh Marzo, but there are far fewer of them.”

A chill ran down Silvanaʼs back. She wasnʼt stupid and realized that Andreas was no ordinary man, both in status and in nature. She felt it as well as the Operator. However, his words were unnecessarily harsh, especially towards one of the higher nobles who died at Adamʼs hands.

”So, Mr. Adam.” Andreas stared at him, ”You shouldnʼt think that the nobles at the Twilight Palace are the same as the Nirosh Marzo, especially from the First Four Great Families, of which there are most, since the First Wing is their home.”

Adam turned away with a bored look. Andreasʼs eyes went wide for a moment, he hadnʼt expected such a reaction from Adam.

”If youʼre trying to scare me with nobles, it wonʼt work. Iʼve seen Damien fight, Iʼve seen what Gladiusʼs aura can do. It doesnʼt matter if youʼre a nobleman or a commoner, all that counts is how strong you are as a Phantom.”

Before Andreas could say anything, Adamʼs cold eyes met his.

”Damien doesnʼt come from a noble family does he?”

For the first time in their long conversation, Andreas was confused which was evident in his frozen face.

”Mr. Adam... I donʼt think itʼs appropriate to discuss Mr. Damien. After all, you have another task at hand.”

”ʼYouʼre avoiding an answer?” Adam muttered, ”Fine, youʼve mentioned these four families so much that even I got curious.”

Without delay, Adam added:

”Tell me about them, from the looks of it they are the ones I will meet at the Twilight Palace. However, I donʼt understand one thing. Why are there four of them? Shouldnʼt there be one great family in each wing?”

Andreas chuckled, his hands disappearing behind his back.

”The First Ring is divided into nine wings, meanwhile there are twelve great families. From the second to the ninth wing there is one family each, and four families are located at the First Wing. They all compete with each other for the right to be considered first among the Twelve Branches.”

”Hah.” Adam grinned, ”What about Kogen Noukx? He rules at the ninth wing and Iʼm sure he doesnʼt give a fuck what happens elsewhere. For him, there are no hierarchy rules between the higher nobles.”

Andreas nodded deeply.

”Well... I wonʼt argue, this time. However, Kogen Noukx is a special case, he is dangerous and spectacular. All Iʼm saying is that the offspring of the first four great families face tremendous pressure from their parents, society, and environment their entire lives.”

A hint of darkness reflected in Andreasʼs eyes as he continued:

”They seek approval and achievement. Their only way to feel that they have succeeded is to become the strongest and rise above the other nobles. Obviously, you will be an easy target for them.”

”And...?” Adam shrugged nonchalantly, ”I donʼt know what you or Douglas expect of me, but Iʼm not going to linger here or take the initiative.”

Without waiting for Andreasʼs response, Adam stepped forward, heading towards the entrance of the Twilight Palace.

”Iʼll rest and get out of here. Iʼm not interested in the other stuff.”

Before Andreas could react, Adam was already at the door, about to leave the passage.

Silvana looked at Andreas and Adam, not knowing what she should do.

Realizing that the conversation was over, Andreas smiled bitterly and walked over to Silvana, holding out his right hand to her.

Under her eyes, he opened his palm offering three Twilight Coins.

”Ms. Silvana, you must take the three coins from me or we will be in trouble. I donʼt know what Adam will do, but I suggest you keep an eye on him. He needs to rest for starters. Heʼs spent a lot of time under the queenʼs influence, much more than expected.”

With a serious expression full of desire to fulfill her role as Operator and loyal partner, Silvana nodded deeply before taking the three twilight coins.

”Sure, Iʼll do my best, but... Mr. Andreas.”

”Hmm?” Andreas raised an eyebrow meeting her determined gaze.

”I doubt many nobles came to the Red Zone and walked out with a victory over the Overlord Type monster, destroying their walls and filling the Star Seal. At the same time - Adam did it.”

Andreas didnʼt have much to say. He smiled kindly like an old man, took a step back, and bowed slightly as expected of a butler.

”Good luck to you. Who knows how soon youʼll be leaving the Twilight Palace and how many coins youʼll have by then, five or zero?”

A hint of arrogance reflected in Silvanaʼs eyes, but she was too modest to let that feeling play out.

Crackle.

Soon, the creak of the door reached Andreasʼs ears, signifying that Adam and Silvana left.

Casting a glance towards the iron door leading to the platform, Andreas pondered.

ʼDouglas... Youʼre a sly fox as always. You know that, unlike Adam, the nobles care about him. After all, he killed one of them and won at The Rule of Power.ʼ

Slowly, imperceptibly to Andreas, a sinister smirk grew on his face.

ʼThese young arrogant bastards dream to get such a meaningful victory, to show their dominance and achieve triumph at the Moon Colosseum. But... it means nothing to Adam. If it werenʼt for Osanaʼs cunning plan, he would never be involved.ʼ

Then, Andreas walked to the wall, put his palm to a specific spot. A hidden passageway opened a second later, allowing him to escape to a place inaccessible to Adam or any other visitor of the Twilight Palace, be it north for the Phantoms or south for the rest of the common people.

...

At the same time, Adam and Silvana closed the door behind them, finding themselves in the middle of a spacious passage with high ceilings, luxurious chandeliers, and seemingly endless hallways with no end.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

At the same moment, an alert came through on Adamʼs NEP and Silvanaʼs phone.

Adam quickly opened it as a detailed map of the hotel appeared before his eyes, a veritable guide to the entire Twilight Palace, for getting around this place blindly was a long, even torturous task.

They glanced around, looking at the doors in the distance.

”Hmm... What should we do first.” Adam muttered thoughtfully.

He noticed Silvanaʼs gaze on his hair.

Then, the corners of his lips went up.

”Well, itʼs time for a style change.” Adam waved a gesture, slipping his hand into pocket, ”Come on Silvana, after all this place is a grand hotel. This place should have everything!”