Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1598: The Old Scar

The massive earthworm had traversed the Ice Path for roughly ten minutes, yet the surrounding walls maintained their unchanging hue. The travelers remained confined to this very section, and the Citadel lay far ahead, demanding much more time to reach.

Though Adam and Alexia required additional moments to adjust, they no longer needed to clench their jaws and cling desperately to the sides as though survival hung in the balance.

"Argh... Who could have imagined that these plump worms possess such incredible speed?" Alexia let out a deep sigh, her gaze fixed upward at the ceiling. She sprawled across the earthworm's back in a spread-eagled position to minimize the jolts she felt.

Ramilo gently caressed the earthworm's surface. His paw seemed minuscule against the creature's enormous frame, yet he was certain the beast sensed the touch.

"Don't speak ill of them. Without their tough hides and insulating fat layers, relying solely on lean muscles, the jagged underground stones would shred them apart like knives through flesh in a brutal churner. Trust me, it wouldn't be a sight for the faint-hearted."

Alexia offered no reply; instead, she shut her eyes, wishing the motion sickness would fade and that their journey to the Citadel would conclude without incident.

In truth, journeying alongside Ramilo and the earthworm proved not just swifter but far more secure. The pair remained ignorant of Ramilo's exact power level, though it was clear no feeble beast could maintain a positive bond with Goen.

"Ramilo," Adam uttered.

"Hmm? What is it?"

"How did you encounter Goen? Did he rescue you, just as he did for us?"

Ramilo shook his head in denial.

"Many years back, when my strength paled in comparison to what it is today, I launched an assault on Goen. I figured a Phantom of his caliber would make an ideal adversary, and triumphing over him would elevate my own power."

Adam managed a wry smile.

"I get it—at that time, his hair shimmered silver and his eyes glowed green, didn't they?"

"Hahaha! Exactly! I was convinced victory was within my grasp, until he unleashed his genuine might upon me!"

Ramilo halted briefly, twisting away from Adam.

He indicated his rear.

"Look right here, if you examine it carefully, you'll spot it."

Adam squinted and drew nearer.

Through the dense blue fur and ashen skin, a massive scar stretched prominently from Ramilo's shoulder down to his lower back.

"Shit..." Adam found himself at a loss for words.

Ramilo gave a solemn nod.

"It burned, it seared with agonizing fire. No other blow has inflicted such torment on me, despite the countless battles and losses I've endured throughout my existence!"

Alexia cracked her eyes open just a fraction.

"Hmm? Why not erase that mark? Surely, by channeling your energy there, your healing abilities could mend it completely."

A faint grin crossed Ramilo's face as he denied it with a head shake.

"It's more than a mere scar, young ones—it's a cherished reminder, one of profound significance. Beyond mere sentiment, it serves as a vital lesson. In moments when defeat loomed inevitable or demise felt imminent, recalling this wound reminded me that nothing could surpass its terror.

He gestured dismissively, facing forward once more.

"Reflections like these can ignite inner power precisely when it's most crucial."

"Ah?" Alexia appeared confused. "It caused you such agony, yet you regard Goen as a companion?"

"Absolutely. Haven't you ever witnessed a foe transform into a worthy competitor deserving of mutual respect, or perhaps a true ally?"

Alexia rubbed her cheek thoughtfully. Examples escaped her mind; the nearest instance was Adam himself. She had slain every monster in her path, while Phantoms she simply ignored after any interaction.

"I don't know..." Alexia whispered.

Ramilo acknowledged her words with an empathetic nod.

"Like I mentioned, you two are far too inexperienced. Strength isn't everything—your youth plays a key role too."

"I disagree."

Adam's firm tone drew the attention of both Ramilo and Alexia.

"What are you getting at?"

"I've lived through precisely what you described."

Adam drew his knees close to his torso, his gaze turning profoundly intense.

"The foes who evolved into rivals and even allies. The lasting wounds. The pivotal clashes that reshaped you through their might and your hard-won triumphs."

He fixed his stare on the swiftly passing tunnel walls before them.

"Age isn't the measure that counts—it's the depth of experiences carved into your path. This rings especially true now. Even a mighty monster might slumber in its lair for a century, merely hoarding energy, with no noteworthy events stirring its world.

"Yet for a regular human, a century marks the absolute ceiling. Scarcely anyone reaches it, and only with exceptional heritage and wealth for treatments. Meanwhile, one person might achieve a single milestone in that span, while another racks up innumerable feats."

Ramilo blinked repeatedly in surprise.

Despite his superior might and greater years compared to Adam, he found no counterargument, for Adam spoke undeniable truth.

"Huh, so wisdom doesn't demand a lengthy lifespan after all, does it?"

A subtle smile tugged at Adam's mouth.

"I'm no enlightened master, not by a long shot. I merely outlasted the rest where they perished—that's my story."

Ramilo gave a casual shrug while eyeing Alexia.

"We've all endured such trials, haven't we?"

She dipped her head in agreement.

"Yes! I possess great wisdom as well! Though I avoid Adam's gloomy outlook!"

"Arh?" Adam frowned deeply.

"Shall I recall your expression at the casino following ten straight defeats?"

"W-What? How is that relevant?! I simply hit a streak of bad fortune!"

"Tsk. Gambling amid constant losses, banking on a lucky break, hardly qualifies as sagacity!"

"Shut up! That won't repeat itself! I'll claim every prize next time!"

Ramilo chose to stay silent, intrigued by how the exchange might unfold.

"GGGGRRRRHHHH!!!"

Abruptly, the earthworm let out a fierce roar as the colossal beast came to a halt.

Caught off guard, Adam and Alexia were hurled ahead by the sudden inertia.

"Ouch!"

"Damn it!" Adam rose to his feet. "What's going on?"

Ramilo pivoted to discover a enormous ice barrier obstructing their path.

A feral smile spread across his features, a hungry spark igniting in his eyes.

"Seems it's time for your escort to truly earn his keep. Pay attention—this will be worth watching!"