Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1604 1604: Border of the Primal Lands

The sequence began with Vaarh, then shifted to Goen and Liliane alongside the fifth team, yet the conclusion was far from what Alexia had anticipated.

"W-What…?" Her lips quivered, a cold shiver coursing through her as she struggled to grasp the events. "He really abducted ADAM?!"

Goen placed his faith in Ramilo, confident in his prowess, which assured him that Adam and Alexia would remain safe.

However, Zargos's sudden appearance altered everything.

"SHIT!"

Alexia pounded her fist against the ground furiously, making the earthworm recoil slightly.

"Why didn't you continue the battle?" Alexia glared at Ramilo with fury. "Aren't you supposed to be powerful? You should've unleashed your powers and crushed that smug jerk!"

Alexia’s words rang true, yet Ramilo had no intention of offering apologies. Furthermore, his expression showed no signs of loss or alarm.

He positioned himself in a cross-legged stance, rubbing the back of his head while letting out a broad yawn:

"Mhhhaaa! No need to fret. Adam's alright, probably safer than in this spot anyway."

"Agh? What on earth are you saying?!" Alexia snarled, though Ramilo stayed unmoved. He kept his composure, acting as though no disaster had struck.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

He gestured to the spot beside him.

"Come, take a seat. You'll get it all in just a bit. It'll catch me off guard too, but such is the way of things."

Alexia itched to press her argument, but Louis soothed her temper. Despite her urge to chase Zargos and rescue Adam, it was out of the question. She had no clue where Zargos had fled, and even with that knowledge, she couldn't hope to pursue him, much less overcome him.

Alexia was certain Ramilo possessed the capability. Should he deploy his skills, the outcome would shift dramatically.

Nevertheless, Ramilo took no action, simply biding his time as the earthworm pressed onward.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

Chunks of stone scattered aside while the passage suddenly widened into an enormous cavern. This marked the edge of the Primal Lands, the terrestrial domain.

Here, multiple passages converged, allowing voyagers to proceed to various regions of the Dead Lands, whether a haphazard spire, a particular area, or the Citadel itself.

Beneath stretched a broad area dotted with uncommon glowing crystals and icy rivulets of water trickling close by.

The area provided ample room for multiple earthworms to navigate simultaneously and enter separate paths.

Normally, the place stood empty. Upon arriving, an earthworm would promptly continue, but this time, inexplicably, it halted.

The cause revealed itself at once — five creatures blocked the primary passage, the gateway from the Primal Lands directly into the Dead Lands.

Alexia felt bewildered, but as one creature cast a look her way, a icy dread surged through her.

Terror gripped her tightly, rendering even basic respiration a strenuous effort.

Tap.

Ramilo placed a hand on Alexia's shoulder, his aura flowing like a soothing gust, enabling her to exhale in relief.

"Relax, it's all good. They won't harm you on my watch." Ramilo comforted Alexia, who remained puzzled by the unfolding scene.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Amid a deep rumble, the earthworm pivoted, coming to a stop before the five beings. It understood that without clearing the route, progress was impossible.

"Who... Who might they be?" Alexia inquired warily, eyeing the group of monsters.

Positioned centrally, a bit forward, was a figure with dense black locks resembling a lion's mane and a somber look. His brawny, tattooed limbs folded across his torso, and his presence, even in repose, imposed a formidable force on the surroundings.

The looks of the remaining monsters indicated they surpassed mere Lords by a wide margin, not to mention Black Threat Monsters. Yet, Alexia's true dread stemmed from another source.

"They... Their presences dwarf that girl's and her whole group's by far." Alexia swallowed hard, dread starting to cloud her gaze.

Oddly, Ramilo's demeanor grew even more at ease. He showed no signs of concern for an unknown reason.

"Hey, this is unexpected!" Ramilo raised his hand in greeting, drawing the creatures' focus, despite their eyes already fixed on him.

Step.

The figure advanced, his gaze sharpening.

"I'm Morok, but I suspect you've come across my name, Ramilo. You're part of the Old Light, after all."

Ramilo grinned.

"Naturally. Few mighty fighters exist in this realm. I know them all, but... I'd hesitate to count you among the elite."

Morok showed no response. In contrast to Zargos, he resembled a frozen barrier, apparently lacking any feelings.

Yet, the atmosphere shifted shortly after.

"Boss, he's not with them," the female beside him on the right observed. Her gaze swept the cavern, fixating sharply on the earthworm, Ramilo, and Alexia.

The remaining trio concurred with nods.

"Yes. Where's he at?"

Morok fixed his stare on Ramilo, spotting the scorch marks on his frame.

"Where's Adam Vinter? He traveled with you toward the Citadel along this route, right?"

Alexia's eyes bulged as comprehension dawned; these beings had a purpose here.

"Yeah, but as you notice." Ramilo indicated his injuries. "The Befallen Crown isn't the sole group valuing Adam Vinter."

"What?"

Morok's eyes tightened.

"You're claiming an assault occurred, and someone took Adam Vinter?" A scowl marred his features. "Do you expect me to swallow that?!"

Ramilo merely lifted his shoulders in reply.

"I'm merely recounting the facts. I gave Goen my vow to escort these two back home. Can you imagine my embarrassment over failing to protect Adam Vinter?"

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Morok's presence intensified. Though an attack might have happened, he doubted anyone could overpower Ramilo so effortlessly in single combat.

"So... What's your advice for me, Ramilo?"

Ramilo propped his chin in his palm.

"Well, perhaps search for Adam Vinter's captors and retrieve him. If dispatched you were, it's clearly crucial. As for her and myself..."

Ramilo indicated Alexia.

"We'll proceed. I must honor my promise to Goen, or..."

A dark energy radiated from Ramilo.

"Feel free to see what this veteran feline can unleash."