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

Just as Ramilo had pointed out, the Ice Path offered a swift and practical means of travel for all those in the Primal Lands and even farther afield, yet it remained anything but secure.

A figure like Goen faced zero dangers, given how rare it was to find someone matching his power level who also harbored some grudge against him. The situation differed sharply for Adam and Alexia, however, regardless of Ramilo's presence alongside them.

Yet this stranger materialized abruptly at the distant rear of the earthworm.

The earthworm pressed on with its journey undeterred by the unexpected visitor. An entire battalion atop its body wouldn't halt its progress, since traversing the tunnels defined its sole purpose.

Step. Step. Step.

The stranger advanced at a leisurely pace. Words weren't necessary from him; his attire, the sharp glint in his gaze, that faint sly grin, along with his ghostly pale complexion framed by jet-black locks, all revealed his motives clearly.

Adam tensed up immediately. The figure before him emitted no sensation at all, as though this beast lacked any detectable aura. Alexia creased her brow. She grasped the implications right away.

The man halted, locking eyes on Adam for several moments before shifting his attention to Ramilo.

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

Ramilo responded by propping his head on his hand, his expression one of utter boredom.

"Yeah... I'd prefer if our next meeting waited even longer than that."

"Huh, you're as unchanging as always. Though I notice you've got two companions with you..." His glance toward Alexia dripped with contempt. "Just one merits any real notice."

Fury washed over Alexia's features. Nobody had ever regarded her in such a manner.

"You! You piece of—!"

Ramilo cut her off before she could complete the outburst:

"Zargos, what brings you here? I don't recall any disputes between me and the Flaming Eye Clan."

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

This development spelled trouble, revealing that Zargos wasn't some aimless brute seeking brawls. He wielded real authority, which fueled his boldness.

"Oh, this has nothing to do with my clan. They're probably still in the dark about all this, and that's how it should stay."

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

"That 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.

"So you chose to strike at him then, only for Goen to intervene? That's downright pathetic, if you ask me."

Zargos didn't scowl, though; instead, his lips curved upward just a bit more.

"Oh, hardly. Even without Goen around, I wouldn't have laid a finger on him. I vow it on my clan's honor."

Ramilo's expression grew grave in that instant. Whatever his personal feelings toward Zargos, such a declaration meant it rang true.

"Quite the opposite—I intended to make my acquaintance with him, had even readied myself for it, but..." A shadow of regret clouded Zargos's gaze. "Goen's arrival forced me to shelve the idea and hold back."

"Arh?" Alexia grumbled in irritation. "If attacking Adam wasn't your goal, then why trail after us?"

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

"Nothing but sheer intrigue. In these territories, witnessing a fighter on Goen's caliber in action doesn't happen every day. But when the Befallen Crown targeted you, my excitement soared!"

He rose theatrically, fists gripping at nothing.

"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 toward Adam.

"You there, Adam Vinter! The Befallen Crown's fixation on you is impossible to ignore! They require you—breathing and whole!"

"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 look, shooing her like a pesky insect.

"Nah, you've got no real drive. A single bout reveals it all about you. Your talent's impressive, but your follow-through stinks. Give it a century or two, and perhaps you'll cultivate the same fierce ambition as Adam."

Ramilo fixed Zargos with a steady stare.

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

Zargos gave a quiet nod.

"Why? You're a sly one, but you're not the sort to let the Befallen Crown pull your strings."

"It's purely business." Zargos flung his arms wide. "Snatching Adam Vinter gives me leverage over what they crave, while they possess what I desire. Unlike those dim-witted Lords in the Crown Squad, I follow my own agenda, not commands, and..."

His gaze intensified.

"I'm far more powerful than any of those fools."

Adam's brow furrowed.

"Yet you held off until Goen departed and only approached now. Doesn't that make you no better than those Lords?"

"Pffft!" Zargos scoffed. "They label me cocky, but I know power gaps when I see them. Nearly everyone around here falls short of Goen's might, and that's a problem to address—whether today or a millennium from now, it makes no difference. This arrangement with the Befallen Crown, trading for you, marks a key move in fixing that."

Tap. Tap. Tap.

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

"I get it. That leaves us no option then. I'll take you on. Win or lose, if I come out on top, you'll leave these two alone. You wouldn't back out of a straight-up duel, right?"

Zargos tilted his head back proudly.

"Fine by me, but that girl holds no appeal. I had no plans to touch her regardless."

"Fair enough, but Adam's off-limits all the same."

"Understood."

Ramilo held up a single digit.

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

Curiously, Zargos agreed to the stipulation without a fuss.

"Set?"

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

Ramilo flashed a broad, toothy grin.

"Would I have it any other way?"