Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1597: An Unusual Train

Adam had faced worm-like creatures more than once before. Prior to their arrival at the Frost Oasis, an assault from a comparable beast known as the ice worm had struck them, and during the confrontation with Vaarh, an ice worm emerged as the initial monster he summoned to the scene.

However, the worm standing before them behaved differently from those. Instead of launching an assault on anyone, it came across more as a tame companion rather than a terrifying beast that could wipe out a team of fragile Phantoms in mere moments.

Goen, Arika, and Ramilo showed no signs of caution. Their strength surpassed that of the earth worm by a wide margin, yet the real reason lay in their lack of intent to clash with one another.

"Hold on, hold on, hold on!" Alexia cried out, gesturing wildly with her hand. "Are you saying we'll return to the Citadel by riding on this worm?!"

Ramilo gave a firm nod.

"That's the gist of it, yes. You could try chasing us down the tunnel on foot, but I doubt you'd keep pace. These earthworms move incredibly quick! 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 directly.

"Thanks. Without your help, those Lords would have finished us off. I truly mean that."

Alexia found herself in agreement as well.

"Yeah, he's correct..." She whispered, her voice tinged with embarrassment. "We stood no chance against those Lords."

"No need to fret." Goen lifted his shoulders casually. "Rescuing folks is my thing, or at least it was back in the day. For now, I just hope luck finds you. I'm confident you'll rise to Second Rank Phantoms someday."

Smiles crossed the faces of Adam and Alexia. Sentimental types they weren't, but words of approval from a figure like Goen carried real weight.

Regrettably, becoming his followers and gaining his level of might through extended guidance under him remained impossible. Power in this realm didn't operate that way, though each showdown among the mighty 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 at a leisurely pace, relying on no special powers, much like regular people would. Urgency drove only Adam and his group.

Ramilo rubbed at his whiskers, his eyes fixed on their forms fading into the shadows.

"Ah, he's a solid fellow, but I've never met anyone who craves tranquility quite like him. Without Arika, he'd be that isolated, defiant lone wolf. Mark my words."

"Brrrh!" A low, subdued rumble escaped the earthworm.

Ramilo spun to face it.

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

Lacking alternatives, moments later the trio mounted the earthworm's head. Its massive frame bore layers of stone armor, which shielded it during subterranean travel and offered surprisingly cozy spots to perch upon.

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

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

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, but if they were, nobody would rely on them for getting around!"

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Ramilo rapped lightly on the earthworm's head a few times.

Alexia opened her mouth to speak, yet before words formed, the earthworm lurched into motion.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

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

Yet, oddly enough, once facing that way, the earthworm came to a halt.

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

Ramilo lifted his shoulders.

"It requires a moment to get set. The path ahead is pitch black. Oh, and decide on your drop-off point."

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

"Nothing fancy: the Citadel or the closest spire connected by the Ice Path."

Alexia brushed her lip thoughtfully, puzzled. "You provide this service to all? Including monsters?"

"Hahaha! Not at all! Monsters rarely head to the Citadel. I keep different routes for them, but surely you two aim to return home, right?"

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

'Usually? What on earth is he implying?'

"Well? Your decision?" Ramilo arched a brow, eyeing Adam's surprise.

"The Citadel!" Alexia declared with assurance. "I want to go back home! I'm done with this freezing hell, wyverns, and haughty dragons!"

"Huh?" Adam eyed her with a critical stare. "Wouldn't that suit you ideally? Forgot how to handle your powers?"

"Pffft!" She huffed derisively. "I share no ties with the Primal Lands or dragons. Plenty of fighters wield ice powers in this world 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 light akin to mighty torches.

No longer so impenetrable, the shadows forward revealed details for over a hundred meters, from branching tunnels afar to jagged stones jutting at the sides.

"Brace yourselves—the trip ahead stretches on."

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

The earthworm surged forward, forcing Alexia to cling desperately.

The once-still cavern walls blurred into streaks now, resembling scenery whipping past a bullet train's window.

The key distinction: they rode atop it, not within. A normal human would perish from the force alone, yet for Ramilo, it felt no harsher than a stiff breeze.

'Whoa, this ride's bound to thrill.'

Adam flashed a grin, clutching the stone plate firmly.