Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1649 1649: Blood Gift (Part 2)

Silvana turned to Gladius, who was waiting patiently off to the side. He hadn't 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 wouldn't put it that way, but pretty much yeah, that's exactly how it happened. You can't make a monster do something like that without first showing which one of you is stronger.

"It's 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 isn't unique to Xyrea, you're the same, aren't you?"

Silvana was confused as she took a step back.

"What do you mean? I'm not a monster, I'm sure of that!"

"Yeah, that's 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 they've made the right choice, that by giving their all to a Phantom, he'll 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 aren't that many differences between our situation and yours. You, Riska, and Xyrea, your past matters, but now you're all Operators."

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

"Tsk. I won't even ask how they allowed this, but… you're not the only one with an Operator like this, right?"

However, Gladius merely smirked.

"Who knows? As far as I'm concerned, you've already seen enough. It doesn't 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 didn't make these rules. I'm just trying to see the rarest and most interesting things our world has to offer. With that mindset, I simply couldn't pass up a monster Operator. But…" His blue eyes grew deeper. "I think we're wasting too much time on this."

Adam grew wary.

"What are you planning to do? You brought Queen Elisa's blood here. If you think you can dictate terms to me for this blood, you're wrong!"

Not a single emotion crossed Gladius's face.

"I'm not your enemy, Adam. I brought you this blood because it will help you become stronger, that's it. I have no demands of you for this blood. I'm not asking for anything in return, no money, no favors, no artifacts."

Silvana's heart was still beating fast as she pressed her palm to her chest.

"But it can't be that simple, right? You and Xyrea didn't come here just to answer our questions and see our reaction. More than that…" Her gaze fell on the vial. "I'm not sure it's safe for Adam to consume the Blood of God here."

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

"You're 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. It's the next step in your journey."

Step. Step. Step.

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

"Here." Gladius grabbed Adam's wrist, forcing him to take the vial into his hands. "Hold it tight and don't lose it. This power will help you survive."

A chill ran down Adam's spine. He didn't like the hidden meaning in Gladius's words at all.

"Survive? What… What do you mean? We're right in the heart of the Citadel. There's hardly a safer place in the whole world."

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

"Adam, I don't recall ever lying to you. Everything I've 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 didn't doubt Gladius's decisions.

Tap. Tap.

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

Adam and Silvana collapsed to the ground at Gladius's feet. All he did was look at the vial in Adam's 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? That's the whole point, Xyrea. I want to give him the full experience and nothing else. Don't worry, he'll be fine, not just because he's Adam Vinter and that's what you and I think. Aiden wouldn't have agreed to this if he weren't confident in him."

"I see." Xyrea nodded. "It'll be hard for you to regain his trust after this. I thought your goal was something else."

Gladius's eyes flashed with a sly smile on his face.

"Oh, you're wrong, Xyrea."

"Hmm? How so?"

"When Adam returns, he'll thank me. You'll see. Now, go, I'll be waiting for you here."

Xyrea was puzzled by his response but didn't argue.

"As you wish."

The next moment, Xyrea's form flickered as she vanished, leaving Gladius and Silvana alone.