Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1649 1649: Blood Gift (Part 2)

Silvana turned to Gladius, who was waiting patiently off to the side. He hadnʼt interfered in their conversation. He was a Phantom, and this was a matter between two Operators.

”Gladius, are you saying you just saw Xyrea in the Dead Lands, beat the crap out of her, and forced her to become your Operator?” she asked, still not believing what she was saying.

Strangely enough, Gladius just waved his hand.

”I wouldnʼt put it that way, but pretty much yeah, thatʼs exactly how it happened. You canʼt make a monster do something like that without first showing which one of you is stronger.

”Itʼs not just that monsters only recognize strength. Humans are the same at the end of the day. Becoming an Operator is a big decision. Xyrea had to be sure of me. But this situation isnʼt unique to Xyrea, youʼre the same, arenʼt you?”

Silvana was confused as she took a step back.

”What do you mean? Iʼm not a monster, Iʼm sure of that!”

”Yeah, thatʼs correct. But Adam had to prove to you several times that no matter what happens, you can count on him, especially at the very beginning of your journey. It was the same with Xyrea. Operators must be certain theyʼve made the right choice, that by giving their all to a Phantom, heʼll do the same in return.”

Silvana wanted to say something, but she stopped mid-sentence. Strange as it may seem, Gladius was right about everything he said.

”You can think about it as much as you want or even deny it, but there arenʼt that many differences between our situation and yours. You, Riska, and Xyrea, your past matters, but now youʼre all Operators.”

While Silvana was pondering this, a new question came to Adam.

”Tsk. I wonʼt even ask how they allowed this, but… youʼre not the only one with an Operator like this, right?”

However, Gladius merely smirked.

”Who knows? As far as Iʼm concerned, youʼve already seen enough. It doesnʼt matter, monster, human, or Phantom, anyone can become an Operator if they so desire.”

Adam smiled bitterly.

”Hah, so it seems only they have a free choice?”

”I didnʼt make these rules. Iʼm just trying to see the rarest and most interesting things our world has to offer. With that mindset, I simply couldnʼt pass up a monster Operator. But…” His blue eyes grew deeper. ”I think weʼre wasting too much time on this.”

Adam grew wary.

”What are you planning to do? You brought Queen Elisaʼs blood here. If you think you can dictate terms to me for this blood, youʼre wrong!”

Not a single emotion crossed Gladiusʼs face.

”Iʼm not your enemy, Adam. I brought you this blood because it will help you become stronger, thatʼs it. I have no demands of you for this blood. Iʼm not asking for anything in return, no money, no favors, no artifacts.”

Silvanaʼs heart was still beating fast as she pressed her palm to her chest.

”But it canʼt be that simple, right? You and Xyrea didnʼt come here just to answer our questions and see our reaction. More than that…” Her gaze fell on the vial. ”Iʼm not sure itʼs safe for Adam to consume the Blood of God here.”

Suddenly, Gladiusʼs calm expression vanished, a gleam flashed in his eyes, and a smirk spread across his face.

”Youʼre smart, Silvana. Anyway, it would have happened either way.”

Tap.

Gladius took the vial in his hands, looking at the dark, crimson blood inside.

”This blood, Adam, is my gift to you, and I want you to accept it. We both know how important this is to you. Itʼs the next step in your journey.”

Step. Step. Step.

With each of Gladiusʼs steps, an echo reverberated through the room as he stopped in front of Adam.

”Here.” Gladius grabbed Adamʼs wrist, forcing him to take the vial into his hands. ”Hold it tight and donʼt lose it. This power will help you survive.”

A chill ran down Adamʼs spine. He didnʼt like the hidden meaning in Gladiusʼs words at all.

”Survive? What… What do you mean? Weʼre right in the heart of the Citadel. Thereʼs hardly a safer place in the whole world.”

Gladius looked him up and down, his eyes glowing in the darkness.

”Adam, I donʼt recall ever lying to you. Everything Iʼve said is a true reflection of my intentions.”

Then, he turned to Xyrea and nodded.

In a heartbeat, Adam glanced at Silvana. He tried to take her hand, to run away from here, yet… his grip was tight around the vial.

But… it was already too late.

Xyrea raised her hand, not a hint of doubt in her gaze. She didnʼt doubt Gladiusʼs decisions.

Tap. Tap.

Two quick taps on their necks caused their eyes to go blank.

Adam and Silvana collapsed to the ground at Gladiusʼs feet. All he did was look at the vial in Adamʼs hand and smirk.

”Good. Xyrea, you know what to do.”

She nodded and hoisted Adam onto her shoulder.

”Gladius, are you sure about this?” she asked with a calm expression. ”We can achieve almost the same effect if we send him to another, less dangerous place. This is definitely a high risk.”

In response, Gladius touched his chin.

”Hmm? Thatʼs the whole point, Xyrea. I want to give him the full experience and nothing else. Donʼt worry, heʼll be fine, not just because heʼs Adam Vinter and thatʼs what you and I think. Aiden wouldnʼt have agreed to this if he werenʼt confident in him.”

”I see.” Xyrea nodded. ”Itʼll be hard for you to regain his trust after this. I thought your goal was something else.”

Gladiusʼs eyes flashed with a sly smile on his face.

”Oh, youʼre wrong, Xyrea.”

”Hmm? How so?”

”When Adam returns, heʼll thank me. Youʼll see. Now, go, Iʼll be waiting for you here.”

Xyrea was puzzled by his response but didnʼt argue.

”As you wish.”

The next moment, Xyreaʼs form flickered as she vanished, leaving Gladius and Silvana alone.