Endless Evolution: Last Star

Chapter 1241: Chart with ?

Whether Adam wanted it or not, only one person changed his destiny so much that no one else could, not his parents, not Lone Blaze, not the Evolution Tree, and not even Silvana.

It was Aiden Henk, and his role in Adam’s life changed time and time again depending on what stage Adam was at on his journey. At first, it was pure anger and a desire for revenge filled with hatred, then confusion and a desire to find out what was behind Aiden’s actions.

Naturally, his conversation with Wilfred had a big impact on this, but even someone as influential as him couldn’t give Adam all the answers, because he didn’t have them.

It’s unknown how many people in the world knew what Aiden Henk was doing and what he wanted to achieve. Well, one of them was definitely Gladius, but Adam didn’t even know they worked together.

The only way to find out was to meet Aiden in person. Adam had wanted to do this for a long time, but every time he tried, obstacles appeared in his way.

“Maybe I should do it right now? I’m already a K4-Phantom!”

Adam exclaimed inwardly with determination.

“He’s a scientist, a special one, but he’s still human, right? No matter who’s covering him, I should be able to get something out of him!”

Step.

Adam took a step forward, toward the Morton Observatory, but something stopped him after only a few steps.

It wasn’t that he was unsure, no, as soon as his gaze fell on it, a strange aura directed itself toward him, as if warning him not to approach.

This aura was unlike any Adam had ever felt before. It wasn’t that he didn’t know the owner of the aura, but its essence, unlike any monster, human, or even hybrid.

“What is that…?” Adam gulped, watching the almost imperceptible golden glow emanating from the white dome at the top of the Morton Observatory.

Darkness permeated the golden energy, which soon disappeared. It was only a warning.

“Shit…” Adam stamped his foot, gritting his teeth. “What happened that day? What are you doing, Aiden?!”

…

At the same time, a man with white hair and amber eyes, wise and deep enough to outshine even the mighty Lord, took a sip of black coffee.

For a moment, he looked ahead, straight at the bare wall, where Adam stood several dozen kilometers away.

Adam had no idea who or what was the source of the golden aura. He assumed it might be a Phantom protecting the Morton Observatory from unwanted eyes, but that was not the case.

If it had actually been a Phantom, the aura would have been purple, emanating from Gladius.

“I’m sorry, Adam Vinter, but if you come to me now, you’ll ruin everything.” Aiden sighed slightly as he turned to the 3D chart hovering above the desk.

He waved his hand, and dozens of names and photos flashed before his eyes, most of them of young people.

The chart was divided into several categories, taking into account the strengths and achievements of each of the pretenders. The chart also contained a lot of other information, but the level of strength, origin, and battles fought were the basis.

Among them were several people Adam knew. For example, Alexia and Katrin were at the chart as well.

Katrin had been added to the chart relatively recently, because until she made some serious changes to her path, she was not worthy of being in Aiden Henk’s chart.

Sure, none of them knew about it. Unlike Adam, who from time to time returned to thoughts of Aiden Henk, Katrin knew practically nothing about him. Neither did Alexia.

What about Fromund and Nessa?

They weren’t on the list.

It wasn’t that they weren’t strong or talented enough, no, Aiden wasn’t just hunting for strength, his criteria were specific in nature, and some Phantoms simply didn’t fit the bill.

Whoooosh.

Aiden waved his hand as the chart scrolled down, skipping dozens of photos until the blue light changed to gray.

It was nothing more than a graveyard.

Sip.

Aiden took a sip, looking at the hundreds of dead Phantoms in the chart who had never been able to climb higher. All these people had failed, and that was just in the last 100 years.

Every “pretender” had a position in the chart, and only Adam didn’t have an N# next to his name.

Instead of N#, there was only a ‘?’.

The reason for this was simple: Aiden either wanted to add all the other Phantoms to the chart but couldn’t for some reason, or something changed, as happened with Katrin, or they were his target from the beginning.

Some performed very well, like Alexia, while others failed to achieve results, like Lana Tiates, who was the only one to get a Spark during the test. It was with this test that Adam’s journey began.

He became a Phantom because of Aiden’s mistake.

This happened extremely rarely. Aiden didn’t allow himself to make mistakes because he understood what was at stake; any mistakes were unacceptable to him.

But, unfortunately, sometimes it happened. Everyone made mistakes, monsters, robots, and humans alike.

Still, Lana Tiates and Alexia were on the list, even though Aiden knew that Lana would never reach the same level as Alexia or Katrin. She would die seven years later in the World Wipe.

“When the time comes, we will meet again, Adam. No need to worry.”

Aiden glanced at Adam’s photo because he had a special category. He was the only one whose progress exceeded all of Aiden’s expectations, considering that Aiden didn’t even see the potential in Adam.

The fact that Lana Tiates had the Spark was nothing special to Aiden.

Many people on the list were originally ordinary people whom Aiden had turned into the Natural Phantoms. They didn’t know that Aiden had arranged everything, that it was part of his plan and carried out by his subordinates, but that was the truth.

However, everything that happened to Adam was a series of coincidences. He should have died dozens of times, both at the beginning and during his journey, but each time he exceeded Aiden’s expectations.

“K4-Level and the First Grand Star, right?” Aiden muttered. “Well, that means we won’t have to wait too long. I’m sure you want to know what my goal is. You’ll be surprised, I can guarantee that, but for now you’re too weak, and who knows, maybe others will overtake you, or death will finally punish you for your recklessness.”

Then, he waved his hand and removed the chart. A bitter smile spread across his face.

“Hah, history repeats itself, and maybe I’ll finally change it…”