Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1600 1600: Flaming Eye Clan

Just as Ramilo had pointed out, the Ice Path offered a swift and practical way to travel for all in the Primal Lands and much farther away, yet it remained anything but secure.

To a figure like Goen, dangers were nonexistent, since scarcely anyone around matched his power or held some grudge against him. The situation differed sharply for Adam and Alexia, however, despite Ramilo's presence among them.

Yet this stranger simply materialized from thin air at the distant rear of the earthworm.

The earthworm pressed on with its journey regardless of the unexpected visitor. An entire army aboard wouldn't halt it, as traversing the tunnels defined its sole purpose.

Step. Step. Step.

The stranger advanced gradually toward them. He uttered no words, yet none were required. His attire, the sharp glint in his gaze, the faint sly grin, along with his ghostly pale complexion offset by dark locks, revealed his motives clearly.

Adam tensed up immediately. He sensed zero presence from the figure ahead, as though this beast carried no aura at all. Alexia creased her brow. She grasped the implication right away.

The man halted, locking eyes on Adam briefly before shifting to Ramilo.

"Ramilo, it's been a long time, hasn't it?"

Ramilo merely propped his head on his hand, wearing an expression of utter boredom.

"Yeah... I'd be thrilled if our paths never crossed again for that long."

"Huh, you're as unchanging as always. Though I notice you've got two companions with you..." His gaze swept over Alexia with clear contempt. "Just one merits any real notice."

Fury washed over Alexia's features. No one had ever dared to regard her so dismissively.

"You! Piece of—!"

Ramilo cut her off before she could complete the outburst:

"Zargos, what brings you here? I don't recall any beef with the Flaming Eye Clan."

Adam's eyes sharpened. 'The Flaming Eye Clan? Of course, Goen and Ramilo mentioned them. Beyond the Old Light, the Primal Lands host various clans too. So... this guy's part of one?'

This development spelled trouble, revealing Zargos as more than a mere brawler seeking trouble. His connections granted him boldness.

"Oh, my clan isn't involved in this mess. They probably have no clue about it yet, and that's ideal."

Zargos started strolling back and forth, waving his hand emphatically as he talked.

"The commotion at Frost Ridge drew my interest. Picture my shock upon spotting Adam Vinter clashing with a foe way above his strength."

Ramilo's eyes tightened.

"That's when you thought to strike at him, only for Goen to intervene? Sounds pretty pathetic, to be honest."

Still, Zargos showed no irritation, merely letting his lips curl upward.

"Oh, hardly. Even without Goen there, I wouldn't have touched him. I vow it on my clan's honor."

Suddenly, Ramilo's expression grew grave. Regardless of his feelings toward Zargos, such an oath meant the claim held truth.

"Instead, I intended to make my acquaintance with him—I'd even readied myself—but..." A shadow of regret clouded Zargos's eyes. "Goen's arrival forced me to shelve my intentions and hold back."

"Arh?" Alexia snarled in frustration. "If you had no plans to assault Adam, then why trail after us?"

Zargos dismissed the question with a casual flick of his wrist.

"Mere curiosity. In these territories, witnessing a fighter of Goen's caliber in action is rare. But when the Befallen Crown targeted you, my excitement exploded!"

He rose theatrically, fists gripping the empty air.

"Not just did I behold the First Knight in combat, but I saw my opening. An opportunity to claim a genuine prize."

Zargos whirled around abruptly, jabbing a finger at Adam.

"You, Adam Vinter! I can't ignore how the Befallen Crown fixates on you! They require you—breathing!"

"Hey! What about me!" Alexia burst out, jabbing a thumb at her chest. "I'm no slouch either! I could take Adam down if I felt like it!"

Zargos brushed her aside with a scornful wave, as if shooing a pesky insect.

"Nah, you miss that fire. A single bout reveals all about you. Your talent shines, but your follow-through flops. Give it a century or two, and perhaps you'll ignite the same drive as Adam."

Ramilo fixed Zargos with a steady stare.

"So... you're here to seize Adam Vinter?"

Zargos dipped his head in quiet affirmation.

"Why? You're a sly one, but no way would the Befallen Crown sway you like a puppet."

"It's straightforward gain." Zargos flung his arms wide. "Snatching Adam Vinter hands me their prize, while they provide mine. Unlike those dim-witted Lords in the Crown Squad, I follow my own agenda, not commands, and..."

His gaze intensified.

"I'm far mightier than any of those fools."

Adam scowled.

"Yet you bided your time until Goen departed and only emerged now. Doesn't that make you no better than those Lords?"

"Pffft!" Zargos scoffed. "They label me cocky, but I know power gaps well. Nearly all in this place fall short of Goen, and that imbalance demands correction—be it today or a millennium from now, irrelevant. This pact with the Befallen Crown, trading for you, marks a key stride forward."

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Ramilo rose to his feet and brushed the dust from his knees.

"I get it. Then, no alternatives remain. I'll take you on. Should I prevail, you'll steer clear of these two. You wouldn't dodge a clean duel, right?"

Zargos tilted his head upward proudly.

"Fine by me, but that girl holds no appeal. I had no intention of harming her regardless."

"Fair enough, but Adam's off-limits to you."

"I see."

Ramilo held up a single digit.

"One more stipulation: no special powers, only raw energy and physical might. I won't risk damaging the Ice Path or this earthworm in our clash."

Curiously, Zargos agreed to the terms without protest.

"Ready?"

Blazing fire enveloped Zargos's fists, sending shivers racing along Adam and Alexia's backs.

Ramilo flashed a broad, toothy grin.

"How could I not be?"