Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1597: An Unusual Train

Adam had crossed paths with worm-shaped creatures more than once before. Prior to their arrival at the Frost Oasis, an assault from a comparable beast called the ice worm had struck them, and during the confrontation with Vaarh, an ice worm emerged as the initial foe he summoned to the fray.

However, this particular worm before them showed no hostility toward anyone. It resembled a loyal companion far more than a dreadful beast that could wipe out a band of frail Phantoms in mere moments.

Goen, Arika, and Ramilo displayed no caution. It wasn't due to any vast superiority over the earth worm on their part, but simply because no conflict would erupt between them.

"Hold on, hold on, hold on!" Alexia cried out, gesturing wildly with her hand. "Are you saying we're heading back to the Citadel on top of this worm?!"

Ramilo gave a firm nod.

"That's the gist of it, sure. You could try chasing us down the tunnel on foot, but good luck keeping pace. These earthworms move at quite the speed! Hahaha!"

"Wonderful." Goen flicked his hand dismissively. "Then I'll entrust you to Ramilo. With him around, you'll be perfectly safe."

Adam met his gaze steadily.

"Thanks a lot. Without your help, those Lords would've finished us off. I truly mean that."

Alexia found herself in agreement as well.

"Yeah, he's spot on..." She whispered, a bit embarrassed. "Those Lords were way beyond what we could handle."

"No need to fret." Goen lifted his shoulders casually. "Rescuing folks is my thing—or at least it used to be ages ago. For now, I just hope fortune favors you. I'm betting you'll both rise to Second Rank Phantoms someday."

Both Adam and Alexia broke into smiles. They weren't the type to get overly emotional, yet words of approval from a figure like Goen carried real weight.

Regrettably, becoming his followers and gaining his level of might via extended guidance under him wasn't possible. Power in this realm didn't operate that way, though each clash among mighty entities served as a vital teaching in its own right.

Arika offered a warm smile. "Here's hoping our paths cross again, preferably in calmer times. We should head out now."

With that, Goen gave a final wave before he and Arika departed. They ascended the steps without haste or employing their powers, moving as if they were mere mortals. No urgency drove them, unlike their companions.

Ramilo rubbed at his whiskers, eyeing their forms fade into the shadows.

"Eh, he's a solid guy, but nobody craves solitude and serenity quite like him. Without Arika, he'd be that classic lone wolf type. Mark my words."

"Brrrh!" The earthworm issued a low, subdued rumble.

Ramilo spun toward it.

"Right you are, time to move. Okay, Adam, Alexia, stick with me. I'll fill you in during the journey!"

Left with no alternatives, moments later the trio mounted the earthworm's head. Its massive frame bore layers of sturdy stone segments, which shielded the creature and aided its subterranean travel, while also proving surprisingly cozy for seating.

"Pick whatever spot suits you!" Ramilo chuckled, claiming a stone segment smack in the center of the worm's head.

"So we're just gonna perch here and let the worm carry us to where we need to be?" Adam cocked his head.

Ramilo folded his arms across his torso.

"Exactly. But I'd suggest gripping the sides firmly at the start. These worms might seem bulky and awkward, yet if they were, nobody'd rely on them for getting around!"

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Ramilo rapped the earthworm's head a few times.

Alexia opened her mouth to speak, but the earthworm lurched into motion before she could.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Within the seemingly tight confines, the earthworm pivoted smoothly, directing itself into the gloom.

Yet, oddly enough, once turned, the earthworm came to a halt.

"Huh? What's keeping it from going?"

Ramilo lifted his shoulders.

"It requires a moment to get set. Things are pitch black up front. Oh, and decide on your drop-off point."

Adam shot him a look. "What choices do we have?"

"You know, the standards: straight to the Citadel or the closest spire linked by the Ice Path."

Alexia brushed her lip, puzzled. "Do you give this ride to just anybody? Including monsters?"

"Hahaha! Not hardly! Monsters rarely head to the Citadel, after all. I've got separate routes for them, but you're aiming for home, right?"

Alexia dipped her head, though Ramilo's words caused Adam's eyes to bulge.

'Usually? What in the world is he implying?'

"Well? What's your pick?" Ramilo arched a brow, observing Adam closely.

"The Citadel!" Alexia declared with assurance. "I want to get home! I'm done with this freeze, the wyverns, and those smug dragons!"

"Huh?" Adam eyed her critically. "Isn't that spot just right for someone like you? Forgot how to use your powers?"

"Pfffft!" She huffed. "I don't belong with the Primal Lands or dragons. Plenty of fighters out there wield ice powers besides me."

"Fair point." Ramilo inclined his head. "Citadel it is, then."

Tap. Tap. Tap.

He struck the earthworm once more as its head quivered.

The eight eyes ringing its head flared open, gleaming like gems and casting beams of intense illumination akin to potent beacons.

The obscurity forward lightened up, revealing sights over a hundred meters away, from far-off tunnels to jagged stones jutting along the sides.

"Brace yourselves—the trip's gonna be a lengthy one."

"Eh?" Alexia creased her brow. "Didn't you claim this worm was super quick and—!"

The earthworm surged ahead, forcing Alexia to cling desperately.

The once-still cavern walls blurred into streaks around them, much like scenery whipping past a bullet train's window.

Unlike riding within the train, though, they sat atop it. A normal human would've perished from the force, but for Ramilo, it felt no fiercer than a stiff breeze.

'Whoa, this ride's bound to be thrilling.'

Adam smirked, clutching the stone plate securely.