Chapter 2059: Home for Artifacts

It took Silvana a while to recover from what had happened in the memories.

After all, she had been fighting powerful monsters for more than twelve hours straight, and in the end, her opponent turned out to be Relana herself, someone Silvana knew nothing about.

“The test…” Silvana muttered and looked at Gladius. “Did I pass it?”

Gladius was so exhausted that he didn’t even bother getting up from the ground. He just waved his hand.

“Well, I’m not the one who should answer that question.”

Silvana looked at the Lost Sun and the Lost Moon, but before she could say anything, Gladius added:

“Their words don’t matter either, though, their judgment is more important than mine. The only thing that matters is what you yourself think. Did you pass your test, and what exactly was your test?”

This made Silvana reflect as dozens of battles flashed through her mind. She remembered everything, but because the battle against Relana had been a unique experience for her, it had affected her in a special way.

It was precisely while fighting Relana that Silvana felt the same thing Adam had, and just like him, she had to make a choice: to keep fighting or to accept defeat.

Silvana touched her chest and smiled gently.

“I think I’ve got this. When I stand on the battlefield alongside Adam, I won’t be afraid. Sure, I’ll never possess the same strength as him, but that’s more than enough for me.”

Gladius smirked.

“Good. Now, you can hear what these two have to say. I’m sure they have something to share.”

Silvana looked at the Lost Sun and the Lost Moon.

The Lost Sun spoke first. His face was as pale as Gladius’s, and it would be quite some time before he recovered.

“The flame, I don’t see a powerful fire within you, but during the last battle, you definitely found your spark. I do not doubt that.” The Lost Sun’s voice was steadfast.

The Lost Moon nodded in agreement.

“You still have fears, but that’s normal for everyone, even for us or Gladius. However, your main fear is gone, and in its place has come the bright spark that my brother sees.”

A happy smile spread across Silvana’s face. It was the best thing she could have heard after everything she’d been through.

“I see. In that case, I’m ready to return to the atelier. Considering that I had to fight Relana, her battle against Adam must have ended some time ago.”

Gladius shrugged, still lying on the clouds.

“Yeah, I think you’re right.”

With obvious reluctance, Gladius got up from the ground and yawned widely.

“Damn, it’s been a long time since I’ve been this tired. If it were up to me, I’d go right now and sleep for thirty hours, but we’ve got important business ahead of us.”

He looked at the Lost Moon and the Lost Sun.

“Thanks for your help. It was good to see you.”

The Lost Sun smiled.

“I knew that if it was you, there’d be something interesting. You didn’t disappoint once again. It looks like, in this World Wipe, the Citadel will become even stronger.”

The Lost Moon nodded in agreement.

“Indeed. In the last World Wipe, there were no Phantoms that progressed so quickly toward the end of the period. Soon we may gain another Second Rank Phantom, and that’s worth a lot.”

Gladius smiled as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“He’ll become a Second Rank Phantom, I’m certain of it now.”

His gaze turned to Silvana.

“You won’t let him fail at the most crucial moment, will you?”

Silvana’s expression instantly grew more serious.

“Of course. Now, I’m sure of it. Before the next World Wipe, Adam will destroy the Grand Barrier, and if he needs my help, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Gladius smirked.

“Good. Now you look like a Second Rank Phantom Operator. All that’s left is the Radiant Branch and one more visit to the Hollow Lands, right?”

Silvana nodded.

“Although…” Gladius touched his chin thoughtfully. “No, there’s something else before that.”

“Hmm?” Silvana was confused.

Gladius shrugged.

“We need to pick out suitable outfits for you and Adam. I’m sure they’ve already started. So, I have a question for you. What color did you choose as your main one?”

Silvana froze for a few moments.

Then, she glanced to the side and nodded once.

“Most likely purple.”

“Glad to hear it. We can’t let them get ahead of us, right?”

“Ah? What are you talking about?”

Gladius patted the Lost Sun and Lost Moon on the shoulder before saying:

“We’re leaving. I don’t know when we’ll meet again, but I’ll be waiting for it.”

“Sure.”

“Indeed.”

Gladius headed toward Silvana as she held out her arm.

“Wait…! Before we go, I want to ask one question!”

“Hmm? I can answer all your questions along the way.”

Silvana shook her head.

“No, this question is for the Lost Moon and the Lost Sun.”

She looked at the two artifacts.

“I’m grateful for your help, but why did you help me? If it weren’t for Gladius, I wouldn’t even have known about the two of you.”

The Lost Moon and Lost Sun exchanged glances as they said in unison:

“We want to make the Citadel stronger because it’s our home.”

The Lost Moon pointed at Silvana.

“You’re not the first Operator or Phantom we’ve helped. It’s our duty, after all, just like you, we’ve lived here for a very long time.”

The Lost Sun nodded.

“Don’t read too much into it. We’re allies, and that should be enough. Besides, it’s always nice to see a spark ignite in another person.”

“Or fears fade away.”

Silvana nodded cautiously.

She sensed no lies in their words, and Silvana was sure she knew what she was talking about.

“Good, now I feel better.”

She glared at Gladius.

“I’m ready to leave.”

“Great.

Tap.

He touched her shoulder as their figures, like shadows, faded into the distance.