Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1596: Ramilo

If Adam had no idea of his location and weren't a Phantom, just a regular person, he'd believe himself to be inside an incomplete subway terminal.

The power systems, lights, and furnishings remained absent, yet the tunnel had been excavated and the area readied.

Admittedly, no locomotives operated along the Ice Path, but regarding their purpose, the two setups shared notable resemblances.

Adam had braced himself for various surprises, yet he never anticipated encountering a massive blue feline lounging on a seat here, poised like a typical commuter awaiting the upcoming train.

Gradually, Ramilo pivoted, his amber gaze featuring greenish hues at the rims fully expanded, while his slit-like pupils constricted.

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

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

Tap.

The hefty feline, tipping the scales at over 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 authentic hooves, Ramilo appeared in his complete shape, albeit humanoid in style.

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

He seemed ready to embrace Goen, but abruptly halted for an unknown reason.

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

"Arika, is that truly you?" he questioned, his voice laced with astonishment.

Arika placed her palm against her heart.

"Naturally. Who else would it be?"

"Hahaha! It's been ages since I last saw you both in one place. Seems like a major event has unfolded and..."

Ramilo suddenly faced Adam and Alexia, causing them to recoil slightly.

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 figure nearby quits labeling me a kid?"

Ramilo let out a hearty laugh.

"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, you ought to have. This is Adam Vinter."

A brief look of shock crossed Ramilo’s expression.

"Ah, you're correct. I've encountered his name. So, the skirmish above was on their account?"

Goen inclined his head.

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

"Oh, I get it!" Ramilo slapped his palms together. "Perfect that you guided them here! The Ice Path suits this ideal!"

He directed his words to Alexia, whose face still bore puffed cheeks.

"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 options: grow immensely powerful or age considerably. That said, you could follow Goen's and my path and achieve both! Hahaha!"

Adam spoke to him.

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

Rather than Ramilo, Goen answered:

"Adam, by now you ought to grasp that as levels rise, Phantoms increasingly collaborate with monsters. Eventually, divisions shift from species to alliances, groups, or mere partnerships."

He nodded. During his time at Izardo, this became even clearer. Interactions with Awakened Monsters mirrored those with people—some offered treats like a savory pastry with meat and cheese, whereas others pursued hunts and fierce battles.

"In the Primal Lands, factions differ from those in the Tarnished Lands or the Dark Shore, but several mighty clans and one guild exist."

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

Ramilo lifted his paw.

"Closer to a union of trainers. In essence, each guild member must prove their worth and shoulder duties. Without it, the Primal Lands descend into total disorder and savage conflicts, though I suspect you realize that already."

Arika chimed in: "Moreover, remember that various regions might feature a lead monster or more than one. Plenty of prized areas lie here, drawing those eager to dominate them."

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

Ramilo thumped his own chest.

"The Old Light! Should you cross paths with any during 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, he's already winning me over!" Ramilo clapped Adam on the back.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Despite Ramilo's paws appearing plush and feline rather than human hands, every strike jolted through Adam's frame. He barely managed to stay upright against the force.

'Damn! Just how much power does he possess? He resembles a bundle of soft, plump fur on the surface!'

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 afterward, based on their needs, but they must return home. I explained to them that the Ice Path offers the optimal route given their circumstances."

"Ha!" Ramilo burst out. "You're spot on!"

With a snap, a compact dark staff edged in blue materialized in Ramilo’s grasp, evoking a mix between a war horn and a basic flute.

Drawing a deep breath, Ramilo blasted the instrument with full force.

WHISTLE!

A shrill blast rang out nearby, prompting Adam and Alexia to clap hands over their ears. The noise lacked extreme volume, yet it could propagate to the remotest sections of the Ice Path.

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

Adam's eyes grew wide as the subterranean passage trembled.

Something approached them, and shortly, eight glowing blue orbs and a ring of jagged teeth emerged from the shadows.

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

"Delighted to present the worm train to you all!"