Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1596: Ramilo

If Adam had no idea of his location and wasn't a Phantom, just a regular person, he'd probably believe he was inside an incomplete subway stop.

Power, lights, and ornaments were missing, yet the tunnel had been excavated and the area set up.

Of course, no actual trains operated on the Ice Path, but functionally speaking, the similarities between the two were striking.

Adam had braced himself for various surprises, yet he never anticipated a massive blue feline awaiting them, perched on a seat much like a commuter anticipating the arrival of the upcoming train.

Gradually, Ramilo pivoted, his amber gaze edged with green hues stretching wide, while his slit-like pupils constricted.

He fixed his stare on Goen as a wide smile exposing his razor-sharp teeth spread across his features.

"Goen! What an unexpected delight!" Ramilo declared, his resonant voice reverberating across the vacant chamber.

Tap.

The hefty feline, tipping the scales at no less than two hundred kilos, leaped from the seat and balanced on a single limb—or more precisely, his feline paw. Similar to the Old Horn with his genuine hooves, Ramilo appeared in his complete beastly shape, albeit retaining an anthropomorphic quality.

Like a whirlwind, Ramilo whirled on one leg and instantly positioned himself before them.

He seemed ready to embrace Goen, but inexplicably halted.

His eyes shifted to the stunned Adam and Alexia, then settled on Arika.

"Arika, is that truly you?" he questioned, filled with doubt.

Arika placed her palm against her heart.

"Naturally. Who else would it be?"

"Hahaha! It's been ages since I last saw you all united. Seems like a major event has unfolded and..."

Ramilo suddenly whipped around toward Adam and Alexia, causing them to startle.

He stroked his whiskers thoughtfully with his claws.

"This involves these two youngsters, doesn't it?"

"Hey!" Alexia brandished her fist. "How many more battles must I endure before every powerful brute in this place quits labeling me a kid?"

Ramilo let out a chuckle.

"That girl's got quite the spirited nature, huh? And what of him?" He gestured toward Adam.

Goen folded his arms across his torso.

"I figure you've come across his name before, as you ought to have. This is Adam Vinter."

A brief flicker of astonishment crossed Ramilo's countenance.

"Ah, you're correct. I've caught wind of him. So, that brawl above was on their account?"

Goen inclined his head.

"More or less. You know how I am—even if visitors are appreciated, I won't put up with them indefinitely. These two are resolute Phantoms with duties awaiting them elsewhere. Thus, they require a route back to the Citadel."

"Oh, got it!" Ramilo slapped his paws together. "Fortunate you guided them here! The Ice Path suits this perfectly!"

He faced Alexia, whose cheeks remained inflated in irritation.

"It's not regarding combat, lass—it's your youth and power level. If you wish to avoid being dubbed a kid by others, you've got just two paths. Either grow immensely powerful or age considerably. That said, you could follow Goen's and my example and achieve both! Hahaha!"

Adam spoke to him directly.

"Ramilo, you're a monster, and you recognize Goen? Do you belong to a certain faction?"

Rather than Ramilo, Goen answered:

"Adam, by now you must realize that as levels rise, Phantoms increasingly collaborate with monsters. Eventually, divisions shift from racial lines to factions, groups, or mere alliances."

He nodded. Back at Izardo, this dynamic felt even more pronounced. Interactions with Awakened Monsters mirrored those with people—some offered treats like a savory bun filled with meat and cheese, while others pursued hunts and fierce confrontations.

"In the Primal Lands, factions don't exist like in the Tarnished Lands or the Dark Shore, but powerful clans and a single guild do."

"The guild?" Adam shot him a curious glance. "Like a merchants' collective?"

Ramilo lifted his paw.

"Closer to an alliance of trainers. In essence, each guild member must prove their worth and shoulder duties. Without it, the Primal Lands descend into utter disorder and savage conflicts, though I suspect you're aware of that already."

Arika chimed in: "Also, remember that various territories might boast a leading monster or a few. Valuable zones abound here, always drawing those eager to dominate them."

"So, what's the name of this guild?"

Ramilo thumped his own chest.

"The Old Light! Should you encounter any on your subsequent trip to the Primal Lands, I'd recommend forging solid ties with them."

Adam grinned. "Well, I'm facing one at this very moment, so why not begin with you?"

"Hahaha! Goen, I already take a liking to him!" Ramilo clapped Adam on the back.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Despite Ramilo's paws appearing plush and feline rather than human hands, every strike rippled through Adam's frame. He barely managed to avoid staggering backward from the force.

'Damn it! Just how much power does he possess? Outwardly, he resembles a bundle of soft, plump fur!'

Suddenly, Ramilo's demeanor turned grave.

"You'd like me to escort them to the Citadel, correct?"

"Yes, along those lines. You'll decide the exact endpoint based on them later, but they must return home. I explained that the Ice Path offers the ideal solution for their circumstances."

"Ha!" Ramilo burst out. "Spot on!"

With a snap, a compact black rod featuring blue borders materialized in Ramilo's grasp, evoking a mix between a war horn and a basic whistle.

Filling his chest with breath, Ramilo blasted the whistle forcefully.

WHISTLE!

A shrill blast rang out nearby, prompting Adam and Alexia to clap hands over their ears. The noise wasn't overwhelmingly volume, but it could penetrate to the remotest sections of the Ice Path.

"Damn! A heads-up would have been nice!" Alexia stomped in frustration.

Adam's eyes bulged as the subterranean passage quivered.

Something approached them, and shortly, eight azure eyes paired with circularly arrayed teeth emerged from the shadows.

Ramilo beamed while eyeing the enormous worm that had halted precisely at the platform's brink.

"Delighted to present the worm train!"