Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 644 Offer and Determination

Tap.

Douglas set aside his cup of coffee, quickly looked at the paperwork, and shifted his gaze to Silvana, she sat across from him with a calm face.

This was the first time they had met, but not for Adam. He looked at Douglas with slight surprise.

ʼDamn, itʼs been over five years since that day, but he hasnʼt changed at all. Not that Iʼve seen him very often, but... I feel like Iʼll look completely different in five years.ʼ Adam thought for a moment.

”So...”

Douglas started first.

”You were sent to me by Ceska? She warned me that she wanted me to meet someone she knew, but... I didnʼt think it would be a 14-year-old girl.”

His eyebrow rose, he expected Silvana to respond or at least have some sort of reaction, only silence. Discover hidden stories at

”Kmh.” Douglas coughed, ”From the looks of it, you want to ask me for something. In that case, Iʼll warn myself right away, Iʼm a military man, not a wizard. I donʼt grant wishes, but I can listen to your request and maybe I can do something about it.”

”I know.”

Silvana said slowly in a deep voice.

”My request is very simple - I want your help to enroll me in Operator Academy. Iʼm 14 years old, the academic year hasnʼt started yet, Iʼm eligible. Also, I have the money to pay for the first year, but... thatʼs my limit.”

Even an experienced military man like Douglas who mostly worked at the Citadel didnʼt often encounter this kind of request.

”I see...”

Douglas hummed, crossed his arms over his chest, and with closed eyes was silent for a few moments.

Then, nodding slightly a few times, Douglas glanced at Silvana.

”Why? Answer my question and Iʼll give you the answer as well.”

”Phantoms... I feel sorry for them...” Silvana sincerely said with a cold, emotionless expression.

She bit her lip as her gaze grew darker.

”Itʼs unlikely Iʼll become a Phantom, I realize the chances of that are too slim and... I donʼt want to. I donʼt think Iʼd be a good monster killer, but I could be a great assistant. Thatʼs for sure.”

Douglas was silent, he was listening intently to Silvana, the speech of a 14-year-old girl who was saying things that most adults didnʼt understand.

”A few days ago, I wasnʼt 100% sure, but... when I found myself on the verge of rejection due to financial constraints, I realized this is what I needed.”

Clenching her fists tightly, Silvana raised her head staring intently at Douglas, her green eyes growing deeper:

”To protect the Phantoms and help them kill monsters.”

Douglas smiled widely as he chuckled loudly:

”Hahaha, Protect the Phantoms?” Douglas shook his head, ”Girl, do you even realize how strong they are and what theyʼre capable of? Especially some of them...”

Yet, Douglasʼs remark didnʼt change Silvanaʼs stare in any way.

”Monsters are strong too. Monsters donʼt have supporters, but they donʼt need them since theyʼre simply hundreds of times more numerous.”

”Yes, thatʼs true.”

Douglas put his fingertips together, stomping slowly.

”Fine, Iʼll think about what I can do. Come back here at the same time in three days. Then youʼll know if you can become an Operator or if you should focus on something else.”

”Thank you.” Silvana bowed low before heading for the exit.

As she touched the doorknob, Douglasʼs heavy voice sounded behind her.

”And, one more thing. Operators, theyʼre not assistants or support. Theyʼre partners and to some Phantoms in the fullest sense of the word...”

In a heartbeat, Silvana blushed, she was already old enough and smart enough to understand the meaning of Douglasʼs words.

Before leaving to follow Silvana, Adam turned around glaring at Douglas.

”Damn... So he influenced both of our paths? I became a Phantom without him, but... heʼs the one who helped me become part of the system.”

...

The next meeting with Douglas, Silvana was looking forward more than anything. It was her last chance, as her money was limited, and asking for help from Ceska and Evor was no longer an option.

Thus, as she walked down the corridor three days after their conversation, her legs shook slightly and her heart beat rapidly.

The military and employees passing her by paid no attention. If she was here it was because she needed to be, no matter that she wasnʼt military and was a teenager.

Slowly, with a creak the door opened letting Silvana into Douglasʼs office. Unlike her, he was relaxed, sorting through the paperwork.

”Oh, Silvana.” Douglas noticed her as he glanced at his watch, ”Right on time! Great start, this is what an Operator should be like!”

Slightly unsure, Silvana sat down in the chair, her knees folded together.

”Right, letʼs get straight to the point. Anyway, Iʼve got it all sorted out.” Douglas waved his hand nonchalantly.

”What... What does that mean? Iʼd like a more affirmative answer...” Silvana gulped.

Douglas nodded with a short laugh.

”Anyway, the deal is as follows - in return for my favor, Ceska and Evor will do one difficult mission, more than usual. Evor doesnʼt like to overwork, but considering how much Ceska asked him to do it... he just couldnʼt say no.”

With a slight wave of his hand, Douglas continued:

”You will pay your first yearʼs tuition as initially intended. Then, you must always be in the top 3 of your group and excel in all exams. In that case, all other years of training will be free of charge.”

Silvanaʼs eyes went wide, shining brightly.

”Then, after four years of training and the final exam, youʼll do your internship and after that, youʼll go here at the Fort Norton and work in my department as a full-time Operator. When you gain experience, youʼll get into the free Operators.”

Bafflement was visible on Silvanaʼs face.

”Free Operators?”

Douglas nodded deeply and leaned forward.

”Yes. That means you can be chosen by some Phantom, perhaps someone strong, talented, and... special. The one with whom you Silvana Desio, will become partners, perhaps for life.”

Silvana gasped, she knew that someday she would have her own Phantom since she was going to be an Operator, but hearing it from another person was different.

”What do you say? Do you agree?” Douglasʼs eyes narrowed, ”I donʼt accept failure, but I can understand rejection.”

All Douglas saw was Silvanaʼs calm, already fully grown-up gaze.

”There will be no rejection - just a direct route to Operator work.”