Medical Center.
Adam watched the NYPD officers muttering outside the Operating Room.
Thinking of how the man inside had first acted bravely in defense of justice and gotten shot, only to nearly find no medical staff willing to save him afterward, Adam felt an overwhelming sense of absurdity.
Amid those emotions, Adam suddenly detached from reality.
At that moment, time seemed to have been put on fast-forward. Adam stood there as countless scenes flashed around him.
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.
Time sped past.
The scenes were not confined to the Medical Center.
Space and time shifted around him. Only Adam remained unchanged, silently watching.
It was very similar to the scene in Lucy where Black Widow became a god.
As time approached 2007, it began to slow.
Especially when several scenes flashed past—if they were played out, even ordinary eyes would have been able to follow them.
2006.
Christmas.
"Godfather!"
"Godfather!"
"Godfather!"
One exquisitely adorable child after another ran to Adam's side, calling to him either affectionately or timidly.
"Don't fall!"
Monica, Rachel, and the others followed close behind, but could only call out reminders from the rear.
Seeing Adam talking with the children, they exchanged knowing smiles.
Then, as they drew closer, they stopped and looked him over.
"God, Adam is so young. Time really hasn't left a single mark on him."
Rachel touched her face and murmured absentmindedly.
"Yes. He's still young, while we've all grown old."
Monica could not help touching her own face as well, sighing deeply.
Fifteen years ago.
Adam had just entered college, while they had only recently graduated and started working.
One was twenty-four.
The other was twenty-six.
Back then, Adam had been a little young for them, but his looks had been enough to make them abandon their principles and