Sip.
Adam was drinking soda — his third cup already — as a pile of wrappers from eaten burgers lay before him.
Silvana, sitting across from him, smiled faintly as she dipped a shrimp into the sauce, one after another, savoring the crunch of the batter with every bite.
Two people who, thanks to their jobs, had enough money to afford any restaurant — even the most luxurious one — found themselves here: at an ordinary location of one of the most popular fast-food chains in the Citadel — Sharky's Bite.
In fact, unlike Adam, Silvana had been here several tis. She always tried to cook for herself or at least order healthy food, but when she was studying at the Operator Academy, the temptation was sotis too great, and she'd stop by here for a serving of shrimp or crispy fries.
"You know, when you suggested this place, I was ready to strangle you with my own hands," Silvana said, lazily glancing around. "But I have to admit, everything turned out way better than I thought."
"Hah, I told you so. The food here is delicious, they cook fast, and their restaurants are always in the most convenient locations! No need to drive anywhere for hours!"
Silvana nodded and glanced down at herself, at her simple, almost casual clothes. She didn't have to wear a dress that was hard to move in, jewelry, or get her hair done by a stylist, along with elaborate makeup and high heels.
Coming to a place like this was much easier and more relaxed, and if they were in the mood for it, the food was exactly what they needed: greasy, salty, and crispy.
"Well, this date turned out way better than I thought. But next ti we have to go to a restaurant, have a romantic evening — otherwise, after two outings like this, we'll be like old people."
Adam shrugged.
"Sure. To be honest, I just didn't know a good place. All those fancy restaurants... They're always nothing but trouble."
"Hah, that's true. I was worried I didn't have a suitable dress and where I'd find one. In the end, it didn't turn out so bad."
Maybe it wasn't a particularly romantic evening, but that wasn't the goal for either Silvana or Adam.
Even though it was Adam who was in the Dead Lands, Silvana went through all the trials with him.
They both needed a break, a simple, quiet evening where the biggest threat was an oversalted burger, not yet another Lord wanting to kill Adam.
It was refreshing.
Adam had his own problems, just like Silvana. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get that mont out of her head when Goen summoned his Nexus, when Arika appeared.
'The Manifest Nexus…' Silvana muttered to herself as she looked at Adam, who was finishing his seventh burger. 'One day, will I beco his weapon too? We… Will we always be together, no matter the distance?'
As Silvana thought about this, a flood of emotions washed over her. She was simultaneously excited, scared, and even aroused. It was a surreal feeling, sothing that should be impossible, but now she knew that such Phantoms and Operators existed.
Moreover, she couldn't help but think about one more thing:
'Goen, he's a Second Rank Phantom. I don't know his exact power level, but still, he's not the only one. What about Damien and Beth? Are they capable of this too, or do Goen and Arika follow a different path?'
There were many questions, but not enough answers. Just like always.
Blink.
Silvana blinked as her eyes widened.
"Agh?"
Sohow, Adam had vanished. He wasn't at the table, and even his burger was left half-eaten, as if soone had snatched it away while she was lost in thought.
Tap.
Sothing touched her shoulder as she spun around.
A bouquet of blue and white flowers appeared before her, giving off a pleasant, light fragrance.
Adam tried not to show it, but his breathing was heavy. He tried to act as quickly as he could.
"You… Did you prepare all this in advance?" Silvana was in disbelief.
Adam scratched his cheek.
"Well, I won't lie—at first I was only thinking about food, but then I realized that would be too simple. So, while you were thinking about your order, I ordered the flowers. They'd been waiting at the entrance for a while. I was waiting for you to go to the bathroom, but you gave another chance."
"I see." She smiled sweetly, accepting the bouquet. "Thank you. These are beautiful flowers. I just... I was thinking about what happened at the Primal Lands."
Adam raised an eyebrow.
"Is sothing bothering you?"
"Not exactly. As always, I have questions, but there aren't any. That's our common problem."
Then, her gaze suddenly sharpened as she poked Adam in the shoulder.
"This bouquet—I'll definitely prepare sothing equally impressive, you hear ?"
Adam didn't argue. It was pointless, so he simply spread his arms wide.
"Sure, as you wish."
He returned to the table as they both finished their orders. Before leaving, Adam looked at Silvana.
He had one question:
"Hey, you said you'd already arranged sothing with soone about my training. Is that true?"
She nodded.
"It's Tron. Tron and Riska, to be exact."
"Huh? Tron? Wasn't he recently at the K3 level?" Adam tilted his head in confusion.
Silvana shook her head.
"A lot of ti has passed since then. You're not the only one making rapid progress, Adam. Don't forget, Damien sent you to Tron for your training for a reason. Also, it was Tron who helped you get out of prison.
"Sure, you're progressing even faster, but Tron was originally a level above you. He's a strong and talented Phantom with strong convictions."
"Hmm…"
Adam rested his head on his hand.
"What level is he at now?"
A gleam flashed in Silvana's eyes.
"The limit of the K4 Level. That's exactly why he knows how to use the Ancient and Dark energy. That's what Phantoms of his level go through."
"Hah, Tron and Riska… Their relationship has always been more strict and formal."
She shrugged.
"It suits them."
"Yeah, I guess so."
He glanced at her.
"When are they ready to start?"
"Tomorrow."
"Good. The sooner I fulfill the remaining two conditions, the better."
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