Endless Evolution: Last Star Chapter 1604 1604: Border of the Primal Lands
Previously on Endless Evolution: Last Star...
The events 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 racing along her back as she struggled to grasp the events. "He really abducted ADAM?!"
Goen had faith in Ramilo, relying on his power, 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 forcefully, startling the earthworm.
"Why didn't you continue the battle?" Alexia glared at Ramilo furiously. "Aren't you incredibly powerful? You ought to have unleashed your powers and crushed that conceited fool!"
All of 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 cross-legged, rubbing the rear of his head while letting out a broad yawn:
"Mhhhaaa! No need to fret. Adam is okay, probably safer than in this spot."
"Agh? What on earth do you mean?!" 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. Soon enough, you'll get it all. It'll surprise me as well, but such is existence."
Alexia prepared to dispute him more, but Louis soothed her. Despite her urge to chase Zargos and rescue Adam, it proved unfeasible. She lacked knowledge of Zargos's whereabouts, and even if aware, she couldn't overtake him, much less overcome him.
Alexia recognized that Ramilo possessed the capability. Should he deploy his skills, the outcome would shift.
Nevertheless, Ramilo took no action, merely biding his time as the earthworm pressed onward.
Crack. Crack. Crack.
Chunks of stone scattered aside while the passageway suddenly widened into an enormous cavern. This marked the edge of the Primal Lands, the terrestrial realm.
Multiple passages converged here, allowing voyagers to proceed to various sections of the Dead Lands, whether a haphazard tower, a certain domain, or the Citadel itself.
Beneath stretched a broad area adorned with uncommon glowing gems and icy rivulets of water coursing close by.
The area provided ample room for multiple earthworms to navigate simultaneously and enter distinct passages.
Typically, the site stood empty. Upon arrival, an earthworm would swiftly depart, yet this time, inexplicably, it halted.
The cause revealed itself right away — five beasts blocked the primary passage, the gateway from the Primal Lands directly into the Dead Lands.
Confusion gripped Alexia, but a single beast's glance toward her sent ice through her veins.
Terror wrapped around her, rendering even basic inhalation a strenuous effort.
Tap.
Ramilo placed a hand on Alexia's shoulder, his aura flowing like a cooling gust, enabling her to exhale in relief.
"Relax, all is well. I won't permit them to harm you." Ramilo comforted Alexia, who remained puzzled by the unfolding scene.
Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.
Amidst a deep groan, the earthworm pivoted, coming to a halt before the five beasts. It understood that exiting the conduit was necessary to advance.
"Who... Who are they?" Alexia inquired warily, eyeing the group of beasts.
Positioned centrally, a bit in front, was a figure boasting dense black locks resembling a lion's mane and a somber look. His brawny, inked limbs folded across his torso, and his presence, even in repose, imposed a formidable force upon the surroundings.
The other beasts' looks also indicated they surpassed ordinary Lords, not to mention Black Threat Monsters. Yet, what truly terrified Alexia was another matter.
"They... Their presences dwarf that girl's and her whole group's." Alexia swallowed hard, dread starting to cloud her gaze.
Oddly, Ramilo's features eased further. Somehow, anxiety eluded him.
"Hey, what a shock!" Ramilo raised his hand, drawing the beasts' focus, despite their prior fixation on him.
Step.
The figure advanced, his gaze sharpening.
"I'm Morok, but I suspect you've encountered my name, Ramilo. You're part of the Old Light, after all."
Ramilo grinned.
"Naturally. Few mighty fighters exist in this realm. I recall 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 feelings.
Yet, the dynamic shifted shortly.
"Boss, he's not visible here," observed the female at his side. Her vision swept the cavern, fixating sharply on the earthworm, Ramilo, and Alexia.
The remaining trio concurred with nods.
"Yes. Where is he?"
Morok fixed his stare on Ramilo, spotting the scorches on his form.
"Where's Adam Vinter? He traveled with you toward the Citadel along this route, correct?"
Alexia's eyes expanded as comprehension dawned; these beasts had a purpose for being present.
"Yeah, but, as evident." Ramilo indicated his injuries. "The Befallen Crown aren't alone in valuing Adam Vinter."
"What?"
Morok's eyes tightened.
"You're claiming an assault occurred, and Adam Vinter was taken?" A scowl marred his features. "Do you expect me to accept that?!"
Ramilo merely lifted his shoulders in reply.
"I'm merely recounting the incident. I vowed to Goen I'd escort these two back home. Can you fathom my embarrassment over misplacing Adam Vinter?"
Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.
Morok's presence intensified. Though an attack on Ramilo might have transpired, he doubted any foe could overpower him so readily in single combat.
"So... What course do you propose, Ramilo?"
Ramilo propped his chin upon his palm.
"Well, perhaps pursue the captor of Adam Vinter and retrieve him. Since they dispatched you, the matter holds great weight. As for her and myself..."
Ramilo indicated Alexia.
"We're proceeding. I must honor my pledge to Goen, or..."
A dark presence radiated from Ramilo.
"You can challenge the prowess of this veteran feline."