Chapter 54 Change of Plans

Chapter 54 Change of Plans

Two days later, early in the morning, Adam was on his way to the virtual zone. He wanted to take a walk because he was tired of constantly seeing four walls around him - his room and the virtual chamber. During this time, he had already fought quite a few monsters of blue threat level. Silvana had chosen monsters of different builds and abilities so that Adam could fully realize the range of his powers.

Adam wanted to cross the road, but as soon as he stepped forward, a dark car abruptly appeared from around the corner and stopped right in front of him, blocking the road.

'What the fuck...?' Adam frowned, 'Can't you drive properly?'

The car door opened as out stepped the driver, a man in a free military uniform with red fabric lines barely visible as he moved. The man looked at Adam, nodded respectfully, and opened the passenger door.

Puzzled, Adam saw only elegant crossed legs in red stockings, as well as smelled a pleasant aroma.

"Come on in. Don't worry. We've already alerted your Operator. You can make sure of that, just make it quick." A calm female voice sounded.

Adam glanced at his NEP, nodded, and got into the car. Silvana's messages didn't say anything specific, but she said it was best he didn't refuse.

Stepping inside, Adam was greeted by a girl with short shoulder-length crimson hair and sharp amber eyes. She was dressed in a tight oriental red dress and long leather gloves covering her soft skin.

Adam knew immediately from the bracelet on her arm that she was also a Phantom, but there was no need for NEP.

Adam had been able to sense the auras of other Phantoms before, but after he'd opened Lock, it had been taken to a new level. He could practically see a semi-transparent layer of scarlet aura around the girl, shivering and changing rapidly.

The car moved, and the girl smirked.

"Adam Vinter, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Zera Cryen, and I have come here to Third Ring on behalf of Crimson Path." Zera said majestically.

Adam raised an eyebrow.

"I take it this has to do with my fight against Oscar?" Adam suggested. There was no other reason for Zera to appear.

Zera nodded, satisfied.

Zera continued staring intently into Adam's calm blue eyes, "We believe that a Crown Type monster is a specific indicator for a Phantom with strong genes, after all, only the worthy one can have such dangerous opponents, right?"

Zera was silent for a while, then she closed her eyes and headed towards Adam's lips.

Adam's eyes went wide as he jerked sharply to the right and without hesitation threw Zera away from him. She had definitely crossed the line.

"Oh... Looks like I've been rejected. That's a shame. I heard about your girlfriend, her name is Jena, I believe, isn't it?" Zera's eyes narrowed.

Adam didn't answer anything.

"I don't want to pry into your personal affairs, but if I were you, I'd make her a lover, nothing more. I have some cute boys too, but they're not Phantoms, and they're not fit to breed with me." Zera said calmly as if it was something natural. Adam frowned.

"It's been interesting learning more about Crimson Path, really, but you better tell me what you want from me, or I'll leave."

Zera nodded.

"Fine, I've had enough fun, but I want to remind you that I'm currently single. I don't mind carrying your child in the future unless, of course, you die in a year." Zera bit her lip.

A shiver ran through Adam's body at Zera's forthrightness. Compared to Jena, this was a whole other level, for Zera spoke the language of nature and evolution - the strongest survived, meaning they were the ones who bred.

"I want to help you. No strings attached, just good memories of Crimson Path and the artifacts you so desperately need." Zera offered.

"What...? Artifacts?" Adam asked, remembering that his main goal was to create the first Key, and artifacts were one of the necessary materials.

Zera nodded.

"Tomorrow, my squad is going on a special mission, the Cluster Mission. In the Rusty Ruins, right in the cluster of abnormal zones that appeared a few days ago. On behalf of Crimson Path and myself, I invite you to join me this time. I'm sure you'll be able to collect quite a few artifacts."

Zera smirked, she knew Adam wouldn't refuse, for it was too profitable.