After Adam had recounted all the most important events that had happened to him in the Hollow Lands, they began discussing the details, joking around, and thinking about the future.
But they both knew they were waiting for one more important event, the return of Gladius and Xyrea.
Perhaps they had tricked Silvana, and instead of going to the store, they had simply returned to their base. Adam and Silvana didnât believe that. If Gladius had wanted to trick them, he would have done it more elegantly.
Cling!
At that very moment, a soft chime sounded as the elevator doors to their penthouse at the top of the skyscraper opened.
Adam and Silvana looked in the same direction as faint smiles spread across their faces.
Gladius and Xyrea had returned, and in their hands were bags full of groceries. They knew Silvana and Adam would need some time alone, so they decided not to rush in.
"Well, well." Gladius smiled, stepping forward. "Look whoâs back from the dangerous Hollow Lands. Did you enjoy your journey to the north of our world?"
Adam touched his temples with a heavy sigh.
"Agh, I canât believe Iâm saying this, but I have to agree with you. It was an amazing journey, albeit an unexpected one. We have a lot to talk about, but first and foremost, I want to know which one of you transported me to the Hollow Lands?"
Gladius didnât hesitate with his answer. He simply pointed over his shoulder at Xyrea, who was standing behind him.
"She did it, quickly and professionally. As far as I understand, not even the Gray Watchers noticed you, right?"
Adam shrugged.
"What can I say? I woke up in the middle of an unknown cave. I had to go through a few encounters before I started to figure out where Iâd ended up. But, Xyrea, how did you do that?"
Adam waved his hand. He was confused and actually wanted to know.
"Thereâs a barrier in front of the Hollow Lands. Only after I absorbed the Frenzied Shard and got stronger was I able to get through it."
Step.
Xyrea stepped forward. Her black eyes looked at Adam for a moment before she set the bag on the table, slowly unpacking the groceries.
"I have my ways. Gladius told me to do this, and I followed the plan. Though I have to admit, it wasnât easy."
She placed a bottle of beer on the table next to a stack of tomatoes.
"I could have left you in the middle of the Hollow Lands on the surface or in some Hail Passage far from the pillars, but in that case, we wouldnât have been able to achieve our goal."
"Hmm?" Adam raised an eyebrow. "And what was your and Gladiusâs goal?"
Xyrea glared at him. Her aura of a powerful monster was palpable even during a casual conversation.
"To make you stronger, Adam Vinter. Now youâre one step closer to the Second Circle, arenât you?"
Before Adam could answer, Gladius stepped forward, pulling a pack of mint candies from his pocket.
"I disagree."
Rustle.
Gladius popped a candy into his mouth before holding up two fingers.
"Adam took two steps forward. He not only fulfilled one of the conditions but also consumed a Frenzied Shard. Thatâs worth a lot. When you reach the limit of the First Circle, youâll remember my words."
For Adam, this wasnât a revelation.
"I figured as much. A Phantom is supposed to obtain the Dark Energy at the very end of the First Circle. For me, it happened a little earlier. The Primal Energy is also mandatory, and now the Frenzied Shard."
Click.
Gladius snapped his fingers. "Bingo! These energy types and auras will be necessary for you to advance to the Second Circle. Youâll learn more about this soon."
"Yeah, but not right now, right?"
In response, Gladius shrugged.
"As far as I know, you have to fulfill one more condition. Any ideas about that?"
Adam waved his hand. "None. To be honest, I didnât know where Iâd be able to find the Blood of God. But then you showed up with Queen Elisaâs blood, and the Hollow Lands began. I doubt itâll be that simple this time."
For a moment, Gladius and Xyrea exchanged glances as if they were making some kind of decision. Silvana noticed this while Adam looked thoughtfully at the bag of groceries.
"Hmm, if you tell us what this condition is, maybe we can help you, you know?" Gladius glared at him before sitting down in the chair across from him.
Before answering, Adam stared at Gladius for a long time, his gaze growing dark.
"Answer me honestly. Did you really just want to help me, or is this all part of Aiden Henkâs plan?"
Gladius interlaced his fingers.
"Adam, Iâve already told you everything. It was my initiative, but since the vial containing Queen Elisaâs blood was in Aidenâs storage, it made sense that I needed his permission for this.
"I wanted to see how youâd grow stronger, Adam, and what you could achieve. I still want to know what kind of Phantom youâll become when you reach your peak."
Before finishing, Gladius paused for a long moment:
"And... Queen Elisaâs blood isnât just a resource. Itâs a true treasure with a limited supply."
"Agh...?"
Adam blinked several times.
"What does that mean?"
Gladius smirked.
"Exactly what I said. After I gave you this vial, there are only two vials of Queen Elisaâs blood left in the entire world. And, as you understand, obtaining new ones is simply impossible due to our Queenâs unique condition."
Silence.
Silence fell over the room as Adam and Silvana were left speechless.
"But, donât worry about it." Gladius waved his hand dismissively. "Aiden and I knew what we were doing when we made that decision. If it helps create another Second Rank Phantom, itâll be worth every bit of it."
"Thatâs..." Adam muttered, shocked. "That was unexpected."
Gladius touched his cheek.
"So, whatâs your next condition?"
Adam didnât try to hide anything.
"Bottomless Void. Any ideas?"
"No."
Gladius replied sharply.
"But, I know someone who can help us."
"Agh?"
A devious smirk spread across his face.
"How about meeting with Aiden and asking him about it? Youâve wanted to do that for a long time, havenât you?"