THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC83: Sweeping Her Off Her Feet
The music intensified, and Klaus decided to push a little further. He lifted her slightly off the ground for a brief moment before setting her back down with grace. Lucy gasped softly, but she quickly recovered, her smile growing wider.
She looked up at him. "I didn't know you could dance like this," she said, her voice breathless but filled with admiration and something else.
Klaus chuckled, his grip on her waist tightening just a little as they moved together. "Neither did I," he admitted, his voice low. "But I'm glad it's working out."
It really is working out just fine, or perhaps, a little too fine. The fluidity of their movement was in sync making the moment just too right and lovely. However, while he was enjoying the dance, Lucy's mind was somewhere else.
'Isn't he holding my waist a little too much' She wondered, 'It feels nice though...Lucy what are you thinking, just focus on the dance' Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
They continued to dance, the tango now becoming second nature to them. Klaus led her into a series of quick steps, each one precise and perfectly timed. Lucy followed without hesitation, her trust in him unwavering.
The music slowed again, and Klaus took the opportunity to pull Lucy closer. Their faces were inches apart, their breaths mingling as they moved in perfect harmony. There was something electric in the air, something neither of them could explain.
Lucy's heart raced, but it wasn't from the dance. It was from the way Klaus looked at her, the way he made her feel like she was the only person in the room. She hadn't expected to feel this way, but she couldn't deny it.
The white-haired young warrior is full of surprises. He has shown he is not only all brute strength but also intelligent and thoughtful. All those qualities brought his reputation up a notch. Now, however, he will be known as the Master of Tango.
Klaus noticed the change in her expression, the softness in her eyes. He felt a similar pull, something unfamiliar but not unwelcome. For a moment, he wondered if she could feel it too—the strange connection that had formed between them.
Well, who is he kidding? Lucy is a disciple at one of the most prestigious cultivation academies in the world. She is someone with great influence and would soon be taking the final step to become an inner disciple, someone of her status wouldn't like someone like him.
Well, that was what he was thinking, a stark contrast to what Lucy was thinking.
Klaus knew that, but who is he if not the bane of every young prodigy? Only someone of his status will get this lucky. But since he is not comparing notes with anyone, he lets the moment be even more magical as he eases further into the dance making everyone look at him in a new light.
As the music neared its end, Klaus slowed their movements even more, guiding her into a gentle finish. He dipped her gracefully, holding her steady before pulling her back up to stand. Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, everything else disappeared.
The room erupted in applause, but Klaus and Lucy barely heard it. They were still caught in the moment, their gazes locked as they caught their breath. Slowly, reality began to return, and Klaus smiled down at her.
"Not bad for a country bumpkin huh," he teased lightly, his voice playful.
Lucy laughed softly, her cheeks still flushed from the dance. "You're full of surprises," she said, her eyes shining with warmth.
Klaus chuckled, releasing her gently from his hold but keeping her hand in his. "I guess we make a good team," he said.
Lucy nodded, still smiling as they stepped off the dance floor together. The crowd parted for them, offering nods of approval and admiration. Klaus could feel the stares, but for once, he didn't mind. He had done well, and he knew it.
As they made their way back to where Anna and Emily stood, Klaus caught Anna's eye. She smiled at him, and he returned the gesture, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. Everything had worked out better than he could have imagined.
Well, at least that was what it looked like...
Lucy squeezed his hand lightly, and he looked down at her, his smile widening. "Thank you," she said softly.
Klaus shook his head. "No, thank you," he replied. "You made me look good out there."
Lucy laughed again, a soft sound that made Klaus's heart feel lighter. For the first time in a long time, he felt truly at ease. His mother's teaching didn't fall on deaf ears. Well, he can't wait to brag and exaggerate things to his mother.
The night continued around them, but for Klaus, the best part had already happened. The dance had been unexpected, but it had left a mark. Something had changed between him and Lucy, and while he didn't fully understand it yet, he knew it was something special.
As they rejoined their friends, Klaus couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what was to come. The night wasn't over yet, and he had a feeling there were still more surprises in store.
As the evening progressed, Klaus continued mingling with his friends, the atmosphere lively and full of energy. They shared jokes, laughed, and enjoyed food and drinks.
A while later, some seniors from the Celestial Mountain Academy who came from the Eastern Region began to share some details with them.
It was the same things they knew, but hearing it from people who went through the trials was rather eye-opening and slightly tasking. Per the requirement, each city will only take 200 prodigies. Thousands will apply and take the test but only the top 200 will be selected.
Then at the Regional level, it gets even harsher. Out of over 12,000 from all over the cities within the Eastern Region, only 1000 will be selected. Harsh but necessary if humanity wants to look for the best from the best.
As they listened, Klaus could tell his friends started to despair, but he held back from saying anything encouraging. They needed to hear that if they wanted to grow stronger and become part of the prodigies that would be entering the academy.
For the Union Selection, only 2000 will be selected. It means from the five regions in the Northern Union, 3000 will be eliminated. Harsh but necessary.
"Finally," the senior said, "the world selection happens at the Academy. Out of 16,000 hopefuls from the eight Unions, only half—8,000—will be granted permanent positions at Celestial Mountain Academy."
Hearing this, Klaus couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. That is like seeing the fruit but you can't touch it. The numbers were staggering. Out of tens of thousands of hopefuls from all over the world, only 8,000 would make it. It was a harsh, unforgiving process, but it was also the only way forward for someone with dreams as big as his.
Around him, others began murmuring to one another, their voices tinged with anxiety. Klaus could sense the fear in the air.
Even he could feel the pressure mounting in his chest. But he pushed it down, reminding himself of what he had accomplished so far. He was no stranger to struggle. Life had been unforgiving to him from the start. Yet, he had survived and grown stronger. He would need that same strength now more than ever.
'It's cruel,' Klaus thought, shaking his head slightly. 'But this is the reality. If I want to make it, I can't afford to hesitate. I have to push myself beyond my limits.'
He glanced at his friends and gave them a look of assurance that everything would be alright. If they can't make it on their own, he will drill the will into them.
"It's just a test, all we can do is do our best and we can walk out smiling," Lily said quietly.
Anna smiled softly. "That's right. We can only do our best"
Klaus nodded. The road ahead would be brutal, but he wasn't alone. He had his friends with him, and that made all the difference. Together, they could push through the trials that awaited them. No matter what, they all wanted to make it true the trials and secure their spots within the 8,000 that will be making it to the registers of the Academy.
As the night wore on, the conversations returned to lighter topics. Laughter filled the air once again, and the tension began to ease. But the words of the seniors still lingered in the back of Klaus's mind. The road to Celestial Mountain Academy was long and perilous, but Klaus was ready to face it.
No matter how difficult the process, he vowed to give everything he had. His dreams and his future were on the line, and he wasn't about to let fear stop him. After a night of laughter and socialization, the night came to an end, but before everybody left, some friends left Klaus with a few words of wisdom-ish
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC84: Playing both hands
"Klaus, the next time we meet, I'll clip those wings of yours," Miguel spat, his eyes burning with anger. He had been glaring at Klaus the entire night, waiting for the moment to strike with his words. Well, he couldn't with his fist.
The ball had been nothing short of a disaster for Miguel. He had arrived with high hopes, and dreams of outshining everyone. But instead, Klaus had shattered those hopes, leaving him humiliated and broken. The defeat was personal, a wound that festered with hatred. This kind of anger was not something that would fade easily; it had taken root deep in his heart, like a heart devil.
Klaus met Miguel's gaze calmly. He wasn't surprised by his anger, he caused it after all. He had expected it. Rivals like Miguel always surfaced when someone started to rise. They couldn't stand seeing others succeed where they had failed.
The tension in the air was thick, but Klaus remained calm with an annoying smile on his face. "I'll be waiting," he said. There was no malice in his tone, only certainty.
Miguel clenched his fists, his knuckles white. "Don't think you're invincible just because you got lucky tonight. Everyone gets their turn, Klaus. You'll fall just like the rest."
Klaus nodded slightly, still unbothered by Miguel's threats. "Maybe," he replied. "But until then, you can crawl back to where you came from.
As Miguel stormed off, Klaus could feel the eyes of his friends on him. Emily sighed, her brow furrowed with concern. "He won't let this go, Klaus. Be careful."
Klaus shrugged, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Why would I have to be careful? If he wants to be my stepping stone, who am I to complain?" His tone was light, almost teasing.
Emily raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by his confidence. Klaus chuckled and added, "Sure, my good looks will take me far, but let's be honest—every now and then, I need to slap some arrogant bastards like him around just to blow off some steam."
Keen laughed, shaking his head. "You are one arrogant kid, Klaus, Just be careful you don't anger some powerful people" He knew his words were just air to Klaus. The white-haired youngster is full of troubles.
Klaus smirked, feeling invincible at that moment. Who wouldn't, having a beautiful damsel by you tends to make one blank out and do stupid things.
"Maybe. But until then, I'll keep enjoying the ride."
His friends laughed, clearly impressed by his demeanor. Klaus knew Miguel had powerful backing, but so did he now. He had invisible helpers, even if he wasn't fully aware of them yet. And beyond that, he had someone else—the War Goddess, who openly called him her brother. That alone gave him grounds to be a little arrogant.
At the very least, only people his age would dare challenge him. Their backers could only manipulate events from the shadows. None of them would be foolish enough to attack him outright. His own unofficial backer, the war goddess was far too unreasonable for them to take that risk.
After saying their goodbyes, Klaus and his friends headed back to Lily and Kilian's mansion. It's larger than Klaus's place. However, for some reasons unknown, there were not enough rooms for everyone, so some had to share a room. A rather unusual thing for such a grand and huge mansion.
Sensing something off, Klaus quickly picked Kilian as his roommate to avoid any awkwardness. But to his surprise, Kilian, usually so easygoing, rejected the offer with a sly grin. Before Klaus could rethink his plan, everyone had scattered, leaving him alone with Lucy.
He would forever remember the playful smirks on Lily and Anna's lips as they ran off, clearly enjoying his predicament. Once again, Klaus found himself in an awkward situation.
"My life is funny," Klaus thought to himself as he turned to Lucy, trying to keep his composure. "We should probably get some sleep," he said quickly, grabbing her hand before she could respond and leading her toward their shared room.
From across the hallway, Lily, Emily, Nia, Asha, and Anna watched the scene unfold with amusement.
"You four are evil," Emily said, shaking her head as she saw the mischievous grins on Lily and Anna's faces.
Lily chuckled softly. "Oh, come on. It's harmless fun."
"Fun for you," Emily replied with a sigh. "Poor Klaus."
Anna smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement. "He'll be fine. He's tougher and shameless than he looks. But I wouldn't worry about him. It's Sister Lucy we should be concerned about."
Emily raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh, and why is that? The Lucy I know is someone even the Legacies are chasing after at the academy."
Anna leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing a juicy secret gossip. "Well, Sister Lucy may be the perfect lady in many ways, but when it comes to dealing with boys… let's just say she's the true definition of shy." Anna's grin widened.
"In short, even though she's this elegant and wonderful lady, she's got no game. Like, zero game."
Emily blinked in surprise. "Seriously?"
Anna nodded, barely containing her laughter. "Yup. You'd think someone like her would have boys falling over themselves, and she does. But when it comes to actually talking to them or, heaven forbid, showing interest? She's completely clueless."
Emily couldn't help but chuckle at the image. "That's… kind of adorable, actually."
"Adorable, but also dangerous," Anna teased. "She's got Klaus in a room with her now, and she probably has no idea what to do. Poor Klaus might be trying to be the gentleman, and she'll be overthinking everything."
Nia joined in with a giggle. "This might be more entertaining than we thought."
Asha, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. "Well, maybe this will be good for her. Klaus seems like the kind of guy who'll put her at ease. And who knows? Maybe they'll surprise us all."
Anna smiled warmly. "Maybe. But either way, it'll be fun to see how it all plays out tomorrow morning. I just hope Lucy doesn't freeze up."
The group of girls exchanged amused glances, They had set the scene, and now they were eager to see what would unfold between their shy, yet beloved friend, Lucy, and the unexpectedly charming Klaus.
Back in the room, Klaus had no idea that he and Lucy were the subject of such scheming. But as he glanced over at Lucy, who seemed to be nervously fussing with her blanket, he couldn't help but feel like he was in for an interesting night.
Finally, Klaus broke the silence with a small laugh, trying to ease the tension. "Looks like it's just me and you now," he said, his voice lighthearted. He paused for a second before adding with a playful grin, "Scared?"
Lucy blinked, clearly startled by the question. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly shook her head, forcing a smile. "Me? Scared?" She let out a nervous laugh. "Of course not."
Klaus chuckled softly, noticing how her hands fidgeted with the edge of her blanket. He leaned back, trying to seem relaxed. "Good, because there's nothing to worry about. I don't bite."
Lucy smiled again, this time a bit more genuinely. "I know," she said softly, finally relaxing a little. "It's just… a bit unexpected, that's all."
Klaus nodded, understanding. "Yeah, it wasn't exactly part of the plan. But hey, at least we've got a nice room, right?" He glanced around, trying to keep the mood light.
Lucy let out a soft laugh. "I guess that's one way to look at it."
The tension between them started to fade as they continued talking, sharing small jokes and stories about their day. Slowly, the awkwardness melted away, replaced by a sense of ease. Though the situation was still a little unusual, Klaus could see that Lucy was starting to feel more comfortable.
As they finally settled down for the night, Klaus found himself grateful that things weren't as awkward as they could've been. He smiled to himself, realizing that maybe, just maybe, this little twist wasn't so bad after all.
Little did he know, Lucy was thinking the same thing. However, as they lay side by side on the bed, Klaus could sense her unease. Her body trembled slightly, the tension radiating off her. Though she tried to appear calm, it was obvious that the situation was making her nervous.
Klaus smiled softly, deciding to ease her discomfort. Gently, he reached over and took her hand in his. The moment their hands touched, Lucy stiffened, her entire body going rigid as if her blood had suddenly frozen.
"Are you alright?" Klaus asked quietly, his voice full of concern, yet a mischievous grin could be seen on his face.
Lucy swallowed hard, barely able to meet his gaze. "Y-Yeah," she stammered, though her voice betrayed her nerves. "I'm fine…"
Klaus noticed her hesitation and gently loosened his grip. "I can let go if you want," he offered softly, concern etched on his face.
For a moment, Lucy didn't respond. She glanced down at their hands, her heart racing. It wasn't the touch that made her uneasy—it was the unfamiliarity of the situation, the vulnerability.
"No," she finally whispered, shaking her head slightly. "It's okay."
Klaus smiled and continued to hold her hand. "Then let's stay like this for a while, if you're fine with that," he said softly. They lay side by side on the bed in comfortable silence. Klaus, at peace, slowly drifted off to sleep. But while he rested easily, Lucy's mind was far from calm.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she lay beside Klaus. This was all so new to her, and it was happening too quickly. She had never imagined herself in such a situation. True to what her sister Anna had said, Lucy felt completely out of her depth when it came to dealing with the opposite sex. It was as if her mind just stopped functioning in that area, leaving her confused and flustered.
Klaus, on the other hand, seemed effortlessly confident. His calm presence reassured her. Even though his life had been filled with hardships, his mother had always ensured that he never lost his self-assurance.
But what Lucy didn't know was that Klaus's confidence wasn't just from his mother's encouragement. It also came from his father, who had once instilled a natural charm and self-belief in him. The "Rizz" he was showing now reflected his father's influence, which Klaus carried with him wherever he went.
Soon she also drifted into a quiet sleep still holding each other's hand. The next day, they both woke up in rather peculiar settings.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC85: Waking Up Flustered
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. Klaus was still asleep, his arm wrapped comfortably over Lucy, touching things. They were cuddling closely, and for a moment, it felt like a perfect scene of serenity.
Lucy, however, was far from serene. As she slowly woke up, she realized the intimate position they were in. Her heart raced again, and she felt a flush of heat spread across her cheeks. Her mind was a chaotic mess of emotions.
She tried to gently shift away from Klaus, but his grip on her was firm. Every tiny movement seemed to make her more aware of how close they were. She could feel his breath on her neck, and it only made her blush deeper.
Lucy's thoughts were in overdrive. Suddenly, she felt something hard pressed against her backside when she tried to wiggle her way out of Klaus's arms. She gently reached out to push it back but it was then she realised she has made a big mistake.
'Oh no,' She thought immediately her hand touched Klaus's dragon which was as hard as it should be. Thankfully, Klaus was asleep, kinda so he didn't feel it. She immediately let go.
Desperately, she tried to think of a way to get up without disturbing Klaus. She slowly moved her arm, attempting to free it from under his. But as she did, Klaus shifted slightly, pulling her even closer.
'Oh no!' Lucy thought, her face turning a deeper shade of red. She could hardly believe how embarrassing this was. She hadn't planned for this, and she felt completely unprepared.
Klaus, still half-asleep, murmured something unintelligible and tightened his hold on her. Lucy's heart nearly skipped a beat. 'Why does this have to be so complicated?' she thought, trying to steady her breathing.
She took a deep breath and tried to gently pull away again. This time, she managed to free her arm, but Klaus's other arm was still wrapped around her. She could feel the warmth of his body against hers, making her cheeks burn even more.
As she tried to quietly get out of bed she succeded, but not for long. Just when she was sneakily making her way around the bed, she accidentally knocked over a small bedside lamp. It tumbled to the floor with a clatter, and Lucy froze in panic.
Klaus was wakened, his eyes fluttering open. He looked around, confused, and then his gaze settled on Lucy. He blinked, taking in the situation. "Good morning," he said sleepily, a smile tugging at his lips.
Lucy's face turned bright red. She stammered, "G-Good morning, Klaus. I, um, didn't mean to wake you." Her voice was barely a whisper, and she felt utterly flustered.
Klaus's smile grew wider. "It's okay. You're not bothering me at all," he said, maintaining his warm smile as his gaze stayed fixed on Lucy.
Her heart began to race as she looked at that smile. For some reason, she felt a strange sense of unease, but she couldn't quite figure out why.
Suddenly, something clicked and Lucy glanced down and noticed she was still in her panties. She had forgotten to put on her clothes after removing them earlier. Panic surged through her, and she jumped back into bed, trying to cover herself.
However, in her haste, Lucy ended up leaping right into Klaus's arms. His smile didn't falter; in fact, it only seemed to grow more mischievous. Klaus's arms instinctively wrapped around her, holding her close.
Lucy's face turned crimson as she found herself snuggled up against Klaus. She tried to pull away, but Klaus's grip was gentle yet firm. "I-I'm so sorry!" she stammered, her voice filled with embarrassment.
Klaus chuckled softly. "No need to apologize," he said, his voice soothing. "It's just us here."
Lucy squirmed slightly, trying to free herself, but Klaus's arms remained around her. "This is so awkward," she muttered, her face still flushed. She couldn't believe she had ended up in such an embarrassing situation.
Klaus continued to smile, his voice teasing. "I couldn't have asked for a better situation," he said, making sure his arms held her securely. His grip wasn't forceful, but it was enough to let Lucy know he wasn't planning to let her go anytime soon.
Hearing his comment, Lucy froze for a moment, realizing that she wasn't getting out of this awkward situation as easily as she had hoped. She stopped struggling, knowing Klaus wouldn't release her right away, but that didn't stop her heart from pounding relentlessly in her chest.
She didn't know what to do or say. Her thoughts were jumbled, tangled in the strange, unfamiliar feeling of being this close to Klaus. Everything about this situation was new to her, and she felt utterly unprepared.
Klaus, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease. His calm smile, his steady breath, his playful comments—it was like he was enjoying the flustered state Lucy had found herself in. It only made her blush more.
"Klaus…," she whispered, barely able to get the words out. "This… is so… embarrassing…"
Klaus chuckled softly, his breath brushing against her cheek. "You say that, but you're not trying very hard to escape," he teased lightly, his tone playful.
Lucy bit her lip, trying to regain control of her racing thoughts. She couldn't deny the truth in his words. She wasn't exactly putting much effort into breaking free anymore. Maybe it was because part of her didn't want to—or maybe it was because she had no idea how to handle this kind of situation.
"I-I'm just… processing," Lucy finally stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Klaus raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her response. "Processing, huh?" he said softly. "Take all the time you need. I'm in no rush."
Lucy felt her heart skip a beat at his words. His confidence, his ease, the way he spoke to her—it was overwhelming. She had never experienced anything like this before, and it made her feel completely out of her depth.
She tried to calm herself down, focusing on her breathing, but every time she inhaled, the scent of Klaus seemed to surround her, only making her more flustered. She could feel his warmth, his steady presence, and it was both comforting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
"Klaus…," she whispered again, this time her voice softer, almost hesitant. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"
Klaus chuckled again, his grip on her loosening just slightly. "Maybe just a little," he admitted, his smile turning playful again. "But I promise, I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable."
Lucy blinked up at him, her cheeks still flushed. "I-I know that," she said quickly. "It's just… a lot to take in…"
Klaus nodded in understanding, finally loosening his hold on her completely. "I get it. We can take things slow," he said, his tone becoming more serious, though his smile never fully faded.
Lucy took a deep breath as she sat up, finally free from his arms. She immediately put some distance between them, though she couldn't help but notice the lingering warmth from where he had held her.
"Thank you," Lucy said softly, trying to compose herself. Her heart was still racing, but at least now she could think a little clearer.
Klaus sat up beside her, his expression calm and understanding. "Anytime," he said. He didn't push her further, which Lucy was grateful for. She needed a moment to process everything that had just happened.
For a few moments, they sat in silence, the awkwardness slowly melting away into something more comfortable. Lucy couldn't help but glance at Klaus, feeling a strange mix of emotions—embarrassment, and nervousness, but also a sense of warmth and safety.
Klaus noticed her gaze and smiled again, this time more gently. "Hey," he said softly, breaking the silence. "You okay?"
Lucy nodded quickly, her face still slightly flushed. "Yeah… I'm okay," she said, her voice more stable now. "Just… wasn't expecting all of this."
Klaus chuckled lightly. "Neither was I," he admitted. "But sometimes things happen when you least expect them."
Lucy managed a small smile at that, feeling a little more at ease now. "Yeah… I guess you're right."
The tension in the room had eased, and though Lucy was still a bit flustered, she found herself feeling more comfortable around Klaus again. There was something about his presence that made her feel safe, even in all the awkwardness.
As they sat there, side by side, Lucy couldn't help but wonder where this strange connection with Klaus would lead. She had no idea what the future held, but in that moment, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay after all.
"This is nice," Klaus suddenly said, breaking the silence.
"Yes, it is," Lucy replied softly, her voice calm yet still a little nervous. Then they fell quiet again, the atmosphere comfortable but charged with something deeper. The silence stretched between them, neither one speaking, but there was an unspoken understanding in the air.
After a few minutes, Lucy began to shift slowly, inching toward Klaus. She wasn't entirely sure what she was doing, but her body seemed to act on its own. Klaus noticed her movements but didn't say anything. Instead, he smiled inwardly, sensing her hesitation but also her desire to be closer.
Finally, Lucy found herself beside him, closer than before. Taking a deep breath, she gently rested her head on his shoulder. Her heart raced, but somehow, it felt right. She let herself sink into the warmth of his presence.
"Klaus, let's stay like this for a while," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Klaus nodded, his expression tender. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in just a little closer. "Sure," he whispered back, letting her rest her head on his chest. He could feel her heart pounding, but her breathing gradually began to slow down, becoming more steady as she relaxed in his embrace.
Lucy's nerves didn't disappear entirely—her heart was still racing like crazy—but the longer she stayed in Klaus's arms, the more at ease she felt. His warmth, his steady presence, it all made her feel safer than she ever thought possible. She wasn't used to this kind of closeness, but with Klaus, it didn't feel awkward or forced. It felt...natural.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC86: You… you kissed me
"Thank you, Klaus," Lucy whispered after a while, her voice soft and full of sincerity.
"For what?" Klaus asked, slightly surprised. He tilted his head to look at her, his brow raised in curiosity.
"For... being here," Lucy replied, her cheeks flushing pink as she glanced up at him. "For making me feel safe. For... everything."
Klaus's smile softened. "You don't have to thank me for that, Lucy. It's just… I guess it's what I want to do."
Lucy smiled. "Well, still, thank you. I've never felt like this before… so calm, so..." she trailed off, unsure of how to put her feelings into words.
Klaus chuckled softly, his grip around her tightening just a little. "You're welcome. Anytime you need it, I'm here."
"By the way, we should probably prepare and leave. The others might have the wrong idea if we stay in too long" Lucy said with a slight flustered cheeks.
"Oh, I am actually looking forward to that," Klaus said with a slight grin.
"You...What are you thinking" Lucy asked not even trying to free herself, clearly, she wasn't resisting anymore.
"Oh you know...this" Klaus gently pulled her head back slightly making Lucy stare right into his golden eyes. Her heart pounded but before she could speak, Klaus closed in and planted a gentle kiss on her lips.
Lucy's eyes widened as Klaus's lips touched hers. For a moment, her mind went blank. She wasn't sure how to react. Her heart pounded so loudly in her chest that it drowned out everything else. She had never expected this—hadn't even thought it was possible. But as the kiss lingered, soft and gentle, something shifted inside her.
Klaus, ever so calm, held the kiss for just a few seconds longer before pulling back, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief. He watched her carefully, gauging her reaction, wondering if he had gone too far. But Lucy didn't move, frozen in place, her cheeks burning red.
When she finally spoke, her voice was a soft whisper, "You… you kissed me."
Klaus chuckled, his grin widening. "I did," he said matter-of-factly. "And I don't regret it."
Lucy blinked, trying to find the words, but nothing came. Her mind was still spinning. She wasn't upset—surprisingly, she wasn't angry either. If anything, she felt… confused. But also warm. The memory of his lips still lingered on hers, sending her heart racing all over again.
Klaus gently released her, but his eyes stayed locked on hers. "If that was too much—" he began, but Lucy quickly shook her head.
"No! I mean… no, it wasn't…" she stammered, her face flushed. She bit her lip, feeling a strange combination of embarrassment and curiosity. "I just… I wasn't expecting it."
"Well, I've been wanting to do that all night," Klaus said with a soft smile, his voice warm and teasing.
Lucy gazed at him for a few moments, her heart racing. Then, gathering her courage, she gently lifted her head and pressed her lips against his. It was soft and brief, but it sent a jolt through her entire body.
"Me too," she whispered, though her voice trembled with nerves. Her cheeks were flushed, but she couldn't hide the small, nervous smile that played on her lips.
They locked eyes for a moment, the room around them feeling still and quiet. Without speaking, they leaned in again, this time more sure of what they both wanted. Their lips met once more, but this time it was deeper, more meaningful, and filled with a silent understanding between them.
The kiss was slow and gentle at first, growing in intensity as they both became lost in the moment. The sound of their breathing and the soft press of lips against each other filled the quiet room, and nothing else seemed to matter at that moment.
Time seemed to stretch on, the world outside forgotten as they shared this intimate connection. After a while, two people stare back at each other as if they are communicating something.
"Klaus..." Lucy said softly before hurriedly jumping out of bed, grabbing her clothes, and rushing out of the room. Klaus watched her with a grin, amusement dancing in his eyes as the door closed behind her.
"Clearly, she has a lot of thinking to do," Klaus murmured to himself, falling back onto the bed. A wide smile spread across his face, contentment settling over him as he stared at the ceiling.
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Meanwhile, Lucy dashed down the hallway, not really knowing where she was headed. Her mind was racing, and her cheeks were still flushed from what had just happened. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and excitement.
As she hurried around a corner, a door suddenly swung open in front of her. She skidded to a halt just in time, her eyes widening in surprise. Standing before her were Emily, Nia, Asha, Lily, and Anna—all with curious looks on their faces.
Anna was quick to speak. "Sister Lucy, why are you running through the hallway like this?" she asked, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
Lucy froze, her face turning crimson as she struggled to come up with an answer. She glanced at the group, all of them staring at her with raised eyebrows. Anna's mischievous grin only made Lucy feel more flustered.
"I, uh…" Lucy stammered, searching for an excuse. Her mind was blank, and the heat in her cheeks was impossible to hide.
"Sister Lucy, you should probably get inside before anyone else sees you like this," Anna added with a smirk, her voice barely containing her laughter.
Lucy, still lost in her embarrassment, hadn't even realized that she was only half-dressed. She had hastily grabbed her clothes and was holding them against her chest, leaving her completely exposed otherwise. Her eyes widened in horror as she glanced down at herself.
Without another word, Lucy spun around and darted back into the room she had just rushed out of. The door slammed behind her.
The sound of laughter echoed in the hallway as the other girls burst into giggles, amused by Lucy's frantic escape. Anna wiped a tear from her eye, shaking her head with an amused grin. "Well, that went better than expected."
Emily chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Maybe too well. Poor Lucy"
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Back in the room, Klaus was still reeling from the kiss he'd shared with Lucy. The memory of it made his heart race, and he was grinning like a fool when the door suddenly swung open, snapping him out of his daze.
Lucy rushed back inside, her face flushed and her breathing heavy from her frantic escape. Klaus raised an eyebrow, amused by her return. "Well, that was fast. Not even a minute, and you came running back to me," he teased, smiling at her.
Lucy stood there, her mind still in chaos. In her flustered state, instead of going to her sister or the other ladies, she somehow rushed back into the very room she had just fled from. Now, standing in front of Klaus, her emotions overwhelmed her.
Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes, and she began to cry softly. She looked at Klaus, her voice shaky as she whispered, "What is happening to me?"
Klaus's smile softened as he quickly got off the bed and moved closer to her. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders, trying to reassure her. "Hey, hey, it's normal," he said softly, his voice calm and soothing. "Come on, it's just you and me here. Nothing to worry about."
Lucy wiped at her tears, feeling embarrassed but unable to stop the flood of emotions. "I've never felt this way before," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't know what's happening to me. I'm so confused."
Klaus pulled her into a gentle hug, letting her rest her head against his chest. He stroked her hair lightly, speaking in a calming tone. "It's okay, Lucy. You're just feeling something new. It's scary, I know, but you don't have to figure it all out at once."
Lucy held onto him tightly, finding comfort in his embrace. She didn't know why she was crying, but being with Klaus made her feel a little more at ease. His steady heartbeat under her ear soothed her, and slowly, her tears began to dry.
Klaus pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "We can take it slow, alright?" he said with a smile. "You don't have to rush. We'll figure things out together."
Lucy nodded, feeling a bit more composed now. She took a deep breath, her emotions finally settling. "Thank you," she whispered. "I just… I've never been this close to anyone before. It's overwhelming."
Klaus chuckled softly. "I understand. But you don't have to be afraid. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere."
After a while, both Klaus and Lucy got dressed and decided to leave the room together. Lucy, feeling a bit more composed but still somewhat embarrassed, stayed close behind Klaus as they made their way down the hallway.
They reached a large sitting area where the others were waiting. The space was filled with soft morning light, and the atmosphere was cheerful and relaxed.
As they entered the room, Anna was the first to notice them. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she greeted them with a teasing smile. "Good morning, lovebirds," she said, her tone light and playful.
Lucy's face turned a bright shade of pink as she quickly glanced at Klaus, who simply chuckled at Anna's remark. He placed a reassuring hand on Lucy's shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze.
The other girls—Emily, Nia, Asha, and Lily—looked up from their conversations, their faces breaking into amused smiles at the sight of Klaus and Lucy. The playful atmosphere was clear, and it was obvious that the others were enjoying her predicament.
"Did you two have a nice, restful night?" Emily asked, her voice laced with humor as she looked at Lucy and Klaus.
Lucy fidgeted slightly, her cheeks still flushed. "Uh, something like that," she said, trying to hide her embarrassment. Her eyes wandered around the space, avoiding the amused gazes of her friends.
Nia gave Lucy a warm smile. "I hope you're feeling better now. You seemed a bit flustered earlier."
"You five should stop teasing her. Lucy, come here, sit with me" Klaus said pulling Lucy to his side as they settled down.
After a while, Mark, Kay, Kilian, Danny, and Daniel also came. They settled down and began chatting among themselves.
"So what next" Emily asked
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC87: Back to Ross City
Klaus and his friends spent the morning chatting and catching up. The atmosphere was relaxed, with everyone sharing stories and enjoying each other's company. The conversations flowed easily, and the group was in high spirits as they explored the city together.
After a while, Lily and her sister took them out for breakfast. They were in Felin City, which was several times larger than Ross City. The city was full of stunning places, and Klaus and his friends were amazed by its beauty. They visited various landmarks, admired the impressive architecture, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere.
When evening dawned, They dined at a well-known restaurant that offered a breathtaking view of the city's skyline. The food was exquisite, and the company was even better. Klaus felt a sense of camaraderie with his friends, enjoying the night out before the challenges ahead.
Later, they returned to Lily's mansion. They spent a little more time together before their final meeting. Keen Felin arrived and left them with a few words of encouragement.
"Remember," Keen said, "the City Selection for Celestial Mountain Academy is only a week away. Give it your all. Passing the selection will put you in the spotlight, and you'll need to be at your best. Many will be competing, and only the best will be chosen."
Klaus listened. He had been eagerly anticipating this event and couldn't wait for the days to pass. The thought of being in the spotlight and competing for a place at the prestigious academy spurred him on.
As the evening came to a close, it was time for farewells.
Daniel and Danny said their goodbyes and headed back to Guan City. Mark and Kay prepared to leave for Hamid City, while Nia and Asha made their way to the Union Capital. Klaus was surprised to learn that Nia and Asha were from the Capital of the Northern Union.
With heartfelt farewells and promises to keep in touch, Klaus, Anna, and Lucy prepared for their return to Ross City. They jet off leaving Felin City for Ross City.
The journey back to Ross City was smooth, and it didn't take long for them to land at the Ross Residence. As soon as they arrived, Klaus saw Kofi waiting for him. After exchanging brief but warm greetings with Daven Ross, Klaus said his goodbyes and left with Kofi.
On the way home, Klaus's mind wandered back to the Ball. He couldn't help but smile, remembering the excitement and the memorable moments. He quickly retrieved his phone and accessed the web seeing it would take minutes before they get home.
As soon as he opened his phone, a flood of videos and articles appeared. The screen was filled with clips from the Ball—his verbal duel with Lawrence, his engaging speech on the 'Essense of Battle', and his insights on 'How to Make Difficult Decisions as a Leader.' It was clear that his performance had made quite an impression.
Klaus began scrolling through the posts, his smile growing wider with each passing moment. The comments and articles praised his eloquence and insight.
In this era, nothing stays hidden for long. Klaus hadn't even realized he was being recorded, but now, seeing all the positive comments and remarks, he wasn't upset. In fact, the attention only added to his growing reputation, and he welcomed the praise.
As he continued scrolling through the posts, he noticed a few important messages. With a quick flick of his fingers, he opened them. The first was from Nadia, the fashion designer he had signed the modeling contract with.
Nadia's message was overflowing with praise for the tango he had danced with Lucy. "Klaus! Your tango performance was absolutely stunning! The way you and Lucy moved together was mesmerizing. The video is topping the charts, and you've become quite the sensation!"
Klaus had almost forgotten about the dance. As he read through the messages, he saw that the dance video was indeed making waves. It was everywhere—topping charts, being shared widely, and receiving countless views.
He couldn't help but chuckle. "How did my life turn out this way? From Pretty Boy to Tango King," Klaus mused internally, reading through the enthusiastic messages.
Suddenly, Klaus's phone started ringing. He answered with a smug smile. "Hello, Boss."
"Who are you calling boss?" Nadia's voice came through, her tone light and playful. "Are you back yet?"
"On my way home now," Klaus replied.
"Oh, okay. I just wanted to congratulate you," Nadia said, her smile audible in her voice. "You've managed to sell out a product that hasn't even been officially released yet!"
"What?" Klaus asked, surprised.
Nadia chuckled. "Well, the suit you wore was a design I created. It wasn't supposed to go on sale just yet. But after that video of you and Lucy, we started getting offer after offer."
Klaus was taken aback. "Seriously? People want to buy it already?"
"Yes," Nadia continued. "Shockingly, they wanted a pair. Your suit and Lucy's dress. Luckily for us, Lucy's dress was also designed by me. So, when the time comes, you and Lucy will need to come in for a photoshoot together."
"Wow, that's incredible," Klaus said, impressed. "Great news, actually. Let me know when you're ready to set it up."
"I will," Nadia assured him. "And Klaus, congratulations again. You and Lucy have made a huge impact. It's not every day we get such unexpected success."
"Glad I was able to help," Klaus said.
"I came up with some designs for your mom's clothes," Nadia said over the phone. "I'll send them over for your input. Since you want something one of a kind, I'll make sure I deliver."
"Thank you, Nadia," Klaus replied, genuinely appreciative. "I'm looking forward to seeing them." He ended the call with a smile, feeling satisfied with the progress.
Shortly after, Klaus and Lucy arrived at his mansion. As soon as they stepped inside, Klaus dashed toward his mother, enveloping her in a warm hug.
"Welcome home, Klaus," his mother said, her voice filled with affection. "I missed you too. But seriously, you're a grown-up now. You should start behaving like one."
Klaus grinned sheepishly, still wrapped in his mother's embrace. "I know, Mom. But no matter how grown-up I get, I'll always be your kid at heart."
His mother shook her head with a smile, though there was a hint of exasperation in her eyes. "Well, it's good to have you back. I'm glad you're doing well."
Despite his recent success and the attention he was getting from others, Klaus's childish side came out when he was around his mother. It was a reminder of the deep bond they shared, and she found it endearing despite his grown-up status.
After a few moments, Klaus finally released his mother from the hug and took her hands in his. "How have you been, Mom? I hope everything has been alright here."
"Well, I had fun watching you tango with Lucy," his mother teased with a playful grin. "I guess everything is good after all. Honestly, I never knew you were this good."
Klaus's face flushed with a hint of embarrassment. He felt a warm flush rise to his cheeks as he recalled the time he spent dancing with Lucy. Despite the teasing, the memory made him smile slightly.
"Well, I had fun," Klaus said, trying to sound casual but unable to hide his contentment. He gave his mother a small, sheepish grin before heading off toward his room.
His mother watched him go, shaking her head with a fond smile. She was happy to see her son enjoying himself and finding joy with his peers.
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Back at the Ross Residence, Lucy and Anna stood facing each other in silence. Though no words were spoken, their eyes conveyed countless emotions and unspoken messages.
"Thank you," Lucy finally said, her voice trembling with gratitude.
"We're sisters, Lucy," Anna responded with a gentle smile. "I would be selfish if I didn't do something as simple as helping my sister find some happiness."
Hearing this, Lucy's eyes welled up with tears. The depth of Anna's selflessness struck her deeply. Despite her own feelings, Anna prioritized Lucy's happiness over her own. It was an act of profound generosity that made Lucy feel both sad and grateful.
Seeing her sister's tears, Anna stepped forward and wrapped her in a comforting hug. The embrace was warm and filled with love, offering solace to Lucy's troubled heart. Anna's willingness to put Lucy's needs above her own was a testament to their strong bond.
"Klaus makes you happy," Anna said softly as she held Lucy close. "I saw it from the moment you saw his image. Helping you accept those feelings was the least I could do. But remember, someone with Klaus's fame will have many admirers. Even I haven't given up yet." Anna's playful tone broke the tension, adding a touch of humor to the moment.
"I expect nothing less," Lucy said through her tears, her voice filled with emotion. "Sisters are supposed to share in joy and happiness." She took a deep breath, feeling reassured by her sister's support.
Though she knew she wouldn't be the only one in Klaus's heart, she was determined to cherish her time with him. For now, being the first to capture his heart was enough for her, and she was ready to strengthen their bond.
Unbeknownst to the two sisters, just outside the door, a woman stood silently, listening to their heartfelt conversation.
"That is rather an unexpected twist," she said softly to herself, a smile playing on her lips.
With a final glance at the scene inside, she slowly faded into the shadows, her presence becoming indistinguishable from the darkness.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC88: Day of the City Selection Exams
Days passed in a blur, and before Klaus knew it, the day of the City Selection exams for Celestial Mountain Academy had arrived. In the days leading up to the exams, Klaus had spent most of his time preparing. He had been informed that the exams varied each time, but there was a strong possibility that they would include a written test.
Klaus was grateful to Nia for the information and dove into studying, eager to absorb whatever knowledge he could find. Lucy, looking for any excuse to spend more time with Klaus, had offered to help him with his studies.
The white-haired youngster accepted her offer without hesitation. Having been teased by Ohema over the past few days about his budding relationship with Lucy, Klaus decided it would be smart to take her up on her offer to study together. Plus, he couldn't deny that he enjoyed her company.
Ohema had somehow found out about his and Lucy's time together, and although she teased him relentlessly, Klaus could tell she wasn't upset. Instead, she seemed to find the whole situation amusing. He did his best to endure her jokes, focusing on preparing for the exams instead.
Klaus and Lucy spent many hours in the library, where Klaus diligently studied everything he could get his hands on. Lucy was amazed at his ability to retain information after just a single glance at the pages. She was often left speechless as Klaus quickly absorbed books on history, geography, and recent events since the start of the apocalypse. His memory seemed almost photographic.
After a few days of intense studying, Klaus found himself running out of material to read. So, for the last three days before the exams, he and Lucy decided to take a break from the books and enjoy some time together.
They explored the city, taking care to disguise themselves to avoid unwanted attention. They spent their days wandering through hidden parks and quiet streets, taking pictures, and even sharing a few kisses when they found themselves alone. It was a blissful time, filled with laughter and a sense of connection that only deepened as the days passed.
But time waits for no one, and soon enough, the day of the City Selection exams arrived. Klaus woke up that morning with a smile on his face. He felt prepared—both mentally and physically—for whatever the exam had in store for him. As he stretched and got out of bed, the memories of the past few days flooded his mind, making him feel confident and ready.
Klaus quickly got dressed and made his way to the kitchen, where his mother had already prepared breakfast.
"Today's the big day," she said, placing a plate in front of him. "I know you'll do great, Klaus."
"Thanks, Mom," Klaus replied, sitting down to eat. "I'm ready for this. I studied everything I could, and I'm feeling good."
His mother nodded, her expression softening. "You've always been smart, Klaus. Just remember to stay calm and trust yourself. No matter what happens, I'm proud of you."
Klaus smiled and ate his breakfast in comfortable silence. He felt a calm confidence wash over him. After finishing his meal, he hugged his mother, promising to return with good news.
After kissing his mother on the cheek, Klaus left the house with a light heart. Kofi, the family's trusted driver, was already waiting for him outside. The ride to the exam site was quiet.
As soon as Kofi parked the car and Klaus stepped out, he was greeted by a sight that left him momentarily stunned. Hundreds of thousands of young people were scattered across the vast open space, each one radiating confidence and determination.
He couldn't help but smile to himself and shake his head. So many confident faces, and so much eagerness. Yet, Klaus knew the harsh reality of the situation—only 200 would be selected to join the prestigious Celestial Mountain Academy. The sheer numbers made the whole process feel incredibly cruel. Many dreams would be shattered today.
Klaus observed the sea of confident faces, scanning the crowd for a bit longer before deciding to shift his attention to his phone. He dialed Anna's number, knowing she was already there but still sitting in her car, avoiding the chaos. Anna wasn't the type to dive into a crowd like this; the moment she stepped out, she would undoubtedly be swarmed by onlookers and admirers.
After a few rings, Anna picked up. "Are you here already?" she asked in a soft voice. Klaus nodded.
"Yeah, where are you parked?" Klaus asked.
Anna gave him the details, and without wasting any more time, Klaus headed toward her location. He was wearing the sunglasses and the hood that Nadia had made for him, a special outfit designed to help him blend in.
It wasn't foolproof, but unless someone looked at him closely, they wouldn't recognize him. It was a good thing, too—everyone around was too busy either calming their nerves or psyching themselves up for the exams. No one had time to pay attention to him as he made his way through the crowd.
With quick strides, Klaus soon found himself standing next to Anna's sleek car.
When he got closer, Henry rolled down the window and offered him a polite smile. "Master Klaus, the young miss is inside," Henry said calmly.
Klaus returned a small nod, but he couldn't help narrowing his eyes for a moment, trying to figure out if there was more to Henry's smile than what it seemed. Letting it go, he opened the car door and stepped inside.
The interior of the car was cool and quiet, a welcome contrast to the chaos outside. Anna was sitting in the back seat, her eyes lighting up the moment Klaus entered. She looked calm and composed, though there was a certain tension in her posture.
"You're early," she said, her lips curving into a smile.
"I could say the same about you," Klaus replied, settling into the seat next to her. He took a deep breath and leaned back. "Nervous?"
"Not really," Anna said with a small shrug. "I just didn't want to deal with the crowd yet. How about you?"
Klaus chuckled softly. "Nah, I'm good. It's a little crazy out there, though."
Anna nodded, her gaze shifting out the window for a moment. "Yeah, I figured. It's always like this during the exams. Too much pressure, too many expectations." She paused, then glanced back at him. "Thanks for coming."
Klaus smiled, pulling his hood down slightly. "Of course. I wasn't going to miss it."
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the noise from outside fading into the background. Klaus felt at ease, his usual confidence unwavering despite the challenge ahead. Anna, on the other hand, seemed more pensive than usual, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.
"So," Klaus said after a beat, breaking the silence, "how do you think it'll go?"
Anna sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's hard to say. There are a lot of talented people out there. But I'm prepared. I've trained for this."
Klaus nodded. "You've got this. Just remember what you're capable of."
Anna smiled again, this time with a bit more confidence. "Thanks. I needed that."
Klaus grinned and looked out the window. "Ready to step out? Or are we staying hidden in here forever?"
Anna let out a small laugh. "Let's give it a few more minutes. I'm not quite ready to face the storm yet."
Klaus nodded in agreement, and they sat together in the quiet car, stealing a few more peaceful moments before diving into the whirlwind that awaited them outside.
After a while of sitting in the peaceful quiet of the car, Klaus and Anna noticed the movement outside shift. The once scattered crowd began to gather and head toward a large, imposing building that stood wide and tall in the distance. The gates, which had been locked earlier, were now open, signaling that it was time for everyone to head inside.
Klaus and Anna exchanged a quick nod, their silent understanding clear. It was time. Klaus reached for the door handle, glancing over at Anna as she did the same.
"Ready?" he asked, his voice steady.
"As I'll ever be," Anna replied with a small smile, her confidence returning.
They both stepped out of the car, and luck was on their side. With the crowd so focused on hurrying toward the building, no one paid attention to the pair emerging from the sleek vehicle.
Everyone was too busy making their way inside, their minds on the upcoming exams. Klaus and Anna held hands and slipped seamlessly into the flow of people, unnoticed and undisturbed.
They headed toward the building, which looked to be over a hundred floors tall and large enough to hold hundreds of thousands of people.
After passing through the gate, they arrived at the base of the building. From the outside, it was clear that this was an assembly hall, and everyone was heading inside.
Klaus and Anna followed the crowd. Soon, they were all inside.
"Welcome to the City Selection exams for Celestial Mountain Academy. The exams will begin soon, but first, I will explain the structure and the rules," a voice announced. A holographic projection of a beautiful woman appeared as the voice spoke.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC89: The Structure and Rules
The moment the voice echoed across the hall, everyone fell silent. All eyes locked onto the holographic projection of the lady. They knew the trial that could shape their future was about to begin, so no one made a sound.
Klaus and Anna, standing somewhere near the back, focused their attention on her as well. The lady in the projection glanced around the room sternly before she began to speak.
"You are all here because you are considered the best this city has to offer," she said, her tone firm. "You recently awakened and began your journey on the path of cultivation—the chaotic path of strength and endurance. Well, some of you."
Though her face remained neutral, her words showed subtle disdain. Klaus noticed it, and so did others.
It was no secret why she spoke this way. Cultivation was hard enough, but it became even harder for those without a strong background. It was well known that those who hunted higher-tier monsters after awakening gained far more power than those who leveled up by facing lower-tier creatures.
Klaus was one of the many without backing, unaware of the advantages that came from fighting stronger monsters early on. Had he continued down that path, his potential would have been limited.
The lady seemed to be pointing out that while some were here on their own merit, others were here solely because of their family's influence.
"Some of you will fail," the lady continued, her voice cold. "Not because you lack potential, but because you do not have what it takes to claim one of the few spots available. I won't sugarcoat it. Some of you are only standing here because of your families. But let me make this clear—your family name means nothing in these exams.
Even if you are the child of an overlord, if you do not meet the standards, you will fail."
Her words are like a sharp thorn in their side. However, nobody uttered a single word. They all know what she said was the truth. No matter what they think, what she said is indeed true. Many will wash out, and they will probably be the greenhouse flowers pampered by their families.
"Now, let's talk about the structure of the exams," the lady said, drawing everyone's full attention once again. "There will only be one exam this time."
As soon as she said that, murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire. Confusion flickered across the faces of the young participants.
"What does this mean, senior?" a young lady bravely asked, her voice filled with curiosity and concern. The hall grew quiet as everyone waited for an explanation.
The participants were well aware that, in the past, there were three distinct exams. The first exam was written, focusing on history, monsters' anatomy, and the cultivation path. This part of the exam was why many attended school before awakening. It required deep knowledge and sharp intellect, testing their understanding of the world and their future as cultivators.
The second exam was a test of strength and endurance. Here, candidates were put through rigorous challenges to measure their power. This test could vary greatly from year to year. Sometimes, it would focus on mental endurance, pushing participants to reach their limits of patience and focus.
The third exam was combat. Participants would face off against monsters in a controlled environment. This test evaluated their reaction speed, combat techniques, mastery over their weapons, and their ability to maintain control over the battlefield. It was a critical test for those seeking to prove their warriors' worth.
But now, with only one exam mentioned, uncertainty filled the room. What kind of test could replace all three?
"As I mentioned earlier, there will only be one exam," the lady continued. "However, this single exam will include all the elements of the previous exams. Yes, you will still be tested on your knowledge, strength, endurance, and combat abilities. But unlike before, where these tests were separated, they will now be combined."
She paused, watching the crowd as her words began to sink in. Then, with a small, dramatic smile, she added, "This year's exam will take place inside the Oracle."
The room erupted in gasps of shock. Murmurs spread like wildfire as everyone tried to comprehend what they had just heard. The Oracle was something most people only heard about in rumors, and the thought of using it for their exams was overwhelming for many.
Except for Klaus. He simply stood there, clueless about what the Oracle even was.
Anna, noticing his confusion, leaned over and whispered an explanation. "The Oracle is a virtual reality world. Fifteen years ago, an engineer, a programmer, and an artisan—who were supposedly college roommates before the apocalypse—started working on it. They wanted to create a world where people could enter and interact with others in a fully immersive virtual reality."
Klaus nodded, trying to process what she was saying.
"They achieved their goal five years ago," she continued, "but it wasn't released to the public. it was only accessible to the military and certain security organizations for testing. People kept hearing about it, but most had never experienced it themselves."
Anna lowered her voice. "In the Oracle, everything feels real. It has a 100% immersive experience that replicates your cultivation base, talents, and abilities. You can use your strength and skills just like you would in the real world. And even better—death in the Oracle is temporary. You respawn after you die."
Klaus's eyes widened as he absorbed this new information. It was incredible. A world where death wasn't permanent, where they could fight and train without risking their lives. The Oracle sounded like something out of a dream.
Anna smiled at him. "A lot of people have been waiting to try it, but since it's not available to the public yet, they've had to be patient. But now, we get to use it for our exams."
Klaus nodded, finally understanding what the Oracle was. The idea of entering a virtual world where everything felt real was both exciting and a bit scary.
"The test will work like this," the lady's voice continued, clear and precise. "You will face different breeds of monsters. Each will have a unique anatomy, so you'll need great knowledge to figure out their weaknesses and how to kill them. Some monsters will be familiar, but many will be new to you."
She paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in.
"These monsters will challenge your knowledge and combat skills, strength, and endurance. Each monster possesses different abilities. Some may be fast, others incredibly strong, and some will have special powers. You must be ready for anything."
Klaus listened carefully, picturing what was ahead.
"To succeed," the lady continued, "you will need more than brute force. You will need strategy and sharp instincts. Pay attention to every detail because a single mistake could mean failure."
"The Oracle will simulate these monsters with complete realism," the lady added. "Their attacks will feel real, their strength will feel real, and so will the pain they inflict. Remember, this is your chance to show what you're truly capable of."
"And before you think you can use a battle of attrition to study your opponent," the lady said with a smirk, "know this: you will be facing waves of monsters. These waves will start from Tier 2 Lesser to Dark. After each wave, the tier of the monsters will increase, becoming more powerful and dangerous."
She continued, her tone more serious. "While you can take your time to defeat them, which will earn you the same points as someone who kills them faster, there's a catch. If you manage to defeat the monsters quicker, the remaining time before the next wave will multiply the points you earn."
The hall was completely silent now as everyone absorbed this new information.
"For example," she explained, "if you're required to clear the first wave within 5 minutes but you do it in 3 minutes, the remaining 2 minutes will multiply your points. The faster you are, the greater your advantage."
Klaus clenched his fists. Every second counted. Klaus felt a wave of relief when someone asked the question that had been on his mind as well.
"Senior, can undistributed points be allocated while in the Oracle?"
"Yes, you can," the lady answered calmly.
Klaus felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He still had most of his points unallocated, and he knew he would need them soon. Though, he chuckled inwardly. He had already cleared out an entire region of monsters before; this should be no different. Or so he told himself.
The lady continued, "Also, for those who won't make it into the top 200 selected ones, know that your trial video will be made public. This means your performance could still gain recognition, and you might attract attention from other academies. So, even if you don't succeed here, your chances are not entirely gone."
Klaus could hear the sighs of relief around him. It was clear that not everyone expected to be in the top 200, but knowing that their effort wouldn't be wasted gave them hope.
"Now," the lady's voice continued, "you will all be transported to your test areas. Prepare yourselves to enter the Oracle and start your trial."
Immediately after her words ended, countless doors opened along the walls. "Enter one by one," she instructed. People began walking through the doors without wasting time, and soon, the hall started to clear out.
Anna turned to Klaus, giving him a nod and a smile. "Good luck," she said as she headed toward one of the doors.
"Same to you," Klaus replied with a smile as he approached a different door.
As Klaus stepped through, he found himself inside a small, futuristic room. In front of him was a sleek, bedlike chair, and beside it, a helmet that looked like something out of a video game.
"Sit inside the chair and put on the helmet," a calm voice instructed him.
Taking a deep breath, Klaus did as he was told. Immediately, he put on the helmet, his vision darkened.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC90: The Test Begins [Bonus]
"Where am I?" Klaus muttered as he appeared in a dark space after putting on the helmet. His vision had gone black the moment the helmet was secured, and now he found himself in total darkness.
Suddenly, a symbol of two circles—one inside the other—appeared before him. A mechanical voice, almost lifelike, echoed through the space. "Welcome to Oracle."
Without warning, Klaus's surroundings began to shift.
"You are now in the test area for the Celestial Mountain Academy City Selection exams," the voice continued. "The test will begin shortly, but first, you must choose your weapon."
A list of weapons appeared in front of Klaus, allowing him to scroll through and pick his preferred choice. He didn't hesitate—he selected a long sword, one almost identical to the one he used in the real world.
As he gripped the sword, Klaus was surprised by how real it felt. The weight, the balance—it was just like the sword he held outside of this virtual space. His hand tightened around the hilt, and to his amazement, he felt his star qi flowing through him, just as it did in reality. This both thrilled and puzzled him.
Does this mean the system can detect other energies besides Spiritual Qi? Klaus wondered, feeling a surge of concern. He wasn't ready for this secret to be exposed just yet. But with no way to confirm his suspicion, he pushed the thought aside and steadied himself for the trial ahead.
"Remember," the mechanical voice chimed in, "if you fail to clear a wave before time runs out, you will be disqualified."
The scene around Klaus shifted once again. His vision darkened for a split second before he was transported to a new area.
Klaus now stood on a massive field stretching for kilometers in both directions. There were no trees, only a wide expanse of green grass dotted with patches of sand.
"The trial starts in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1..."
As soon as the countdown reached zero, the ground beneath him began to tremble. He gripped his sword tighter, his senses spreading out across the battlefield.
"Diamond Scale Lizards," Klaus muttered, narrowing his eyes as he recognized the incoming threat. The first wave of monsters consisted of Diamond Scale Lizards, a type of lizard known for its tough, nearly impenetrable scales.
"So this is a test of strength and knowledge," he said with a smirk, feeling the approaching horde of monsters. Despite their hard scales, Klaus knew their weakness. Anyone who studied them would know—they had low resistance to ice. Their scales, as tough as they were, could be easily exploited with the right strategy.
Klaus steadied himself as the lizards drew closer, ready to exploit their weakness and prove his strength in the trial.
It was like water and fire—one meant to destroy the other. Klaus, who thankfully knew all about these monsters, stood calmly as they emerged on the horizon. His eyes followed their movement as they drew closer. Once they were within a 1-kilometer radius, the mechanical voice echoed again, accompanied by a timer that appeared in the sky.
"You have 10 minutes to clear this wave. Failure to do so will result in disqualification."
Klaus smiled, his confidence growing. He watched the Diamond Scale Lizards advance, patiently waiting for them to reach range. He had a plan, and he knew their weakness well. This was his chance to strike.
Klaus stood perfectly still as the Diamond Scale Lizards charged toward him. He watched them close the distance—500 meters... 400 meters... 300 meters. His focus remained steady, his body calm. He didn't move an inch as the monsters neared, closing in on a 100-meter radius around him.
To an outsider, it looked like Klaus was completely ignoring the threat. But he was far from careless. In his mind, he was calculating, and analyzing the situation. He knew the area of effect for his next move covered a range of about 3 kilometers, but he intended to narrow it down to a 200-meter radius for maximum impact.
He waited patiently for the right moment, letting the 300 lizards, each one about 3 meters long, inch closer to his kill zone. His breath was steady, his eyes locked on the nearest lizard. The moment the first lizard stepped into a 50-meter radius, Klaus made his move.
His sword began to hum with power as he channeled his ice essence and star qi into the blade. The air around him grew cold, a mist forming. Klaus's gaze remained sharp, calculating the monsters' slow but steady advance. Though their scales were tough, their speed was no match for his agility.
With a slight grin, Klaus raised his sword and then drove it into the ground with a sharp motion. The moment the blade pierced the earth, a wave of ice spread out from the point of impact. The ground within a 2-kilometer radius instantly froze solid, forming a shimmering layer of ice that expanded rapidly in all directions. The 400-meter radius was rather denser with chilling ice.
The charging lizards had no chance. One by one, they were caught in the icy blast, their bodies frozen solid in mid-motion. Not a single one managed to escape. Within moments, all 300 monsters were completely encased in ice, immobilized in their tracks.
Klaus stood there for a moment, admiring the frozen battlefield. Then, with a confident smirk, he raised his hand and snapped his fingers.
At the sound of the snap, the ice shattered instantly, breaking into countless shards. The frozen lizards crumbled along with it, their bodies disintegrating into nothing more than icy fragments scattered across the field. The entire wave of monsters was gone—defeated in a mere 15 seconds.
Klaus took a deep breath, his energy still pulsing through him. He smiled to himself, satisfied with the result. The first wave had been wiped out, and he hadn't even broken a sweat. This was only the beginning, but Klaus felt ready for whatever came next.
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In a large room filled with glowing screens, a group of powerful figures sat observing the progress of thousands of participants in the Celestial Mountain Academy Selection exams. Among them was the lady who had made the initial announcement. She kept her eyes on the screens, her expression neutral, until something caught her attention. One of the screens shimmered blue, signaling something unusual.
"Zoom in on that one," she said quickly.
The projection enlarged, revealing a cleared battlefield with shattered ice and no signs of monsters left. The lady's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Someone has already cleared the first wave."
The others in the room turned their heads toward the screen, murmuring in shock. One man, dressed in a dark robe, leaned forward with a look of disbelief.
"It's him. The kid who made it onto the Union chart," he said. His voice carried surprise, but his eyes held something deeper—an unreadable expression.
The lady nodded, her lips curving into a slight smile. "So, the rumors were true," she mused softly. "He really does have the ability to make it onto the charts."
Her smile caught the attention of some of the others in the room. A few glanced at her, intrigued by her reaction, but none dared to ask what was on her mind. Instead, they turned their attention back to the screens as the projections continued to shift.
"Another one has cleared the first wave!" a man called out. He pointed to a different screen, where the battlefield was filled with frozen lizards, their bodies transformed into intricate ice sculptures. At the center of the icy scene stood a young woman, her staff glowing with power.
"That's Anna Ross," one woman in the corner said. "She's the sister of the Vine Queen, Lucy Ross."
"They both awakened the ice element," another person added, clearly impressed. "Such a powerful element... It runs in their blood."
The lady who had been smiling earlier watched Anna's screen for a moment longer before returning her gaze to the first boy's screen. "Interesting," she muttered to herself, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Very interesting. I guess my coming here won't be wasted"
Shortly after, some more screens started shimmering, indicating some more people had cleared the first wave.
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In the virtual world, Klaus found himself in a dense forest. The trees intertwined overhead, forming thick canopies that blocked out most of the light. The air felt heavy, almost oppressive, and something about the place felt off. Klaus couldn't quite figure out what was wrong, but his senses told him to stay alert.
Moments later, his instincts kicked in. He picked up the faint sound of movement—scurrying, skittering. He smirked as he recognized the new threat.
"Annoying Clingy Spider Monkeys," he muttered. He had read about these creatures. They were fast and aggressive, with six spidery legs that clung to their prey. If they managed to latch on, they would tear off patches of flesh before you could shake them off.
Klaus quickly readied his sword, knowing the danger he faced. But just as he prepared to strike, a thought crossed his mind. He glanced around at the towering trees and the dense canopy above. A plan began to form.
"Trees hold water," he mused to himself, "and water is a natural conductor." He glanced up at the network of tree branches, already envisioning his next move. "This place is perfect for creating a dome of ice."
With a grin, Klaus walked over to one of the trees and placed his palm against the rough bark. He felt the water within the tree, the life essence running through its roots and branches. The spider monkeys, known for their strong grip but weaker bodies, were already closing in on him.
"Freeze," Klaus whispered, channeling his energy through the tree.
Instantly, a wave of ice surged out from his hand, spreading rapidly through the network of trees. The ice raced up the trunks, along the branches, and across the canopies, freezing everything connected to the trees. The spider monkeys, still clinging to the branches, were caught in the surge.
In less than a second, they were frozen solid—trapped mid-leap in perfect ice sculptures. Klaus watched the frozen monkeys with a smile and then snapped, making them shatter into pieces, unable to withstand the cold.
He smiled to himself. Another wave of monsters was defeated in mere seconds. "Too easy," he muttered, his ego inflating.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC91: A Little Too Easy
Klaus cleared the first wave in just 15 seconds. The monsters were slow, and he didn't want to risk his life by rushing to meet them. Although 15 seconds was impressive, it wasn't unheard of, considering this was only the first wave and the monsters were Tier 2, ranging from Lesser to Dark class.
What truly shocked everyone was that Klaus cleared the second wave, made up of Tier 3 monsters, in less than 10 seconds. That was astonishing, and the disbelief was clear on the faces of everyone in the room.
"This trial was designed to test reaction speed and spell-casting speed," the lady said, watching the screen showing Klaus's performance.
The trial indeed aimed to measure reaction speed. The Annoying Clingy Spider Monkeys were fast but weak, making them perfect for testing speed and reflexes test. However, Klaus not only passed the trial, but he also did it in a way that rendered the test almost meaningless.
"Wait, how does he have so much ice essence? The area was about 2 square kilometers. How did he manage to freeze everything with just a touch?" someone else asked.
The room fell silent. They couldn't quite grasp what had just happened. Suddenly, another screen beeped, drawing their attention to Anna's projection.
She stood there, radiating ice qi that seemed to come from deep within her. Unlike Klaus, who used clever tactics to clear the trial, Anna took a different approach by creating an environment she could control.
First, she transformed her water element into ice vapor, filling the forest with an icy mist. Then, she pinpointed the spider monkeys' locations and movements using the mist. All that was left was forming ice shards, a skill she had mastered quite well. It took her just over two minutes to kill all the monsters.
In the past few weeks, Anna had grown significantly stronger. Although her clearing speed was slower than Klaus's, she demonstrated her deep understanding of the trial. The rules required them to clear the trial within a certain time, and both of them met that expectation.
Although Klaus's method was unruly, it wasn't frowned upon either. The trial was about killing monsters, and in the field, Klaus is an overlord.
After ten minutes, many started washing out. Although the Monsters in the second wave are weaker than most Tier 3 monsters, they are just too annoying. Fighting them requires great reflexes. However, that is easier said than done.
Many failed to clear it within 10 minutes so they were disqualified. Others also died. The Annoying Clingy Monkeys are just too fast and annoying when they latch onto you.
By the end of the ten minutes, only 8500 out of 102,900 people made it to the third wave. It was a huge washout, but one that is necessary to narrow things down.
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Back inside the virtual world, Klaus stood in a field of dried grasses. He could smell the scent of dry leaves. This made him give a thumbs-up to the creators of the virtual world. It's indeed 100% immersion like Anna said.
Suddenly, the third wave of monsters came into view. "Deserted Field Rat Vipers." Klaus immediately recognized them. They are Tier 4 monsters, each towering between 2 and 4 meters tall. Klaus narrowed his eyes looking at the monster's approach.
The Deserted Field Rat Vipers are a special kind of rat monsters that attack with their tails. As their name suggests, their tails are long and poisonous, similar to viper snakes. A single stab from these tails could weaken even a Saint.
Each Viper was fierce, radiating dense poisonous energy.
"Sorry, Fella, this big bro won't be fighting you head-on today," Klaus said, holding a small lotus flower in his hands.
He made the flower spin until it was the size of a basketball and then tossed it at the approaching monsters. When the lotus flower reached the group's center, Klaus whispered, "Explode."
The flower stopped spinning and exploded, freezing everything within a 3-kilometer radius. Klaus, who was inside the area, felt the ice-cold shockwave on his skin and smiled. "No wonder the heavens tried to stop me before I could name this skill. It's monstrous." He smiled.
"Too simple," Klaus muttered as he looked over the field of frozen rats. Just like that, he cleared the third wave in under 8 seconds, setting yet another record.
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"How is this possible?" The people in the room stared at Klaus's projection with stunned expressions. First, he cleared the first wave in just 15 seconds, which was impressive but expected, considering the monsters were only Tier 2.
Then he surpassed expectations by clearing the second wave of Tier 3 monsters in under ten seconds. Although this went beyond the trial's intended challenge, raw strength could be accepted.
However, the third wave was what truly astonished them. Tier 4 monsters, ranging from Lesser to Dark, were wiped out in under 8 seconds. This was extraordinary for someone at Klaus's level. Killing Tier 2 monsters was one thing, but for an Ascended to defeat Tier 4 monsters as if they were nothing was incredible.
"It's like he wasn't even trying. Is the trial really that easy?" The lady wondered, but then noticed the screens turning red, indicating that other contestants had died. She immediately dismissed that thought. They are all Ascended but Klaus is just too abnormal.
"This kid is too monstrous," commented a woman in the corner, her slight smile showing both amazement and disbelief.
"Isn't the purpose of this trial to find extraordinary individuals? And now we've found a true monster,"
Just as everyone was reeling from Klaus's performance, a voice cut through the room. A beautiful lady, radiating authority and confidence, entered.
"War Goddess," everyone said in unison, standing up as she entered. She waved for them to sit, focusing on Klaus's projection.
The War Goddess stood at the front of the room, her proud smile reflecting her satisfaction. 'As expected, my little brother is indeed impressive,' she thought to herself as she watched Klaus's projection.
Suddenly, another screen beeped, and Anna's image appeared. She was breathing heavily but stood tall and confident. She was the second to clear the third wave after Klaus.
Although she managed to clear it within 3 minutes, it wasn't bad at all. If anything, it's the true definition of how extraordinary she is. She cleared it faster than one might think. But then again, if you size her against Klaus, she is still lacking.
A voice from the crowd of people in the room watching the trial spoke, "War Goddess, that is Anna Ross. Her control over the ice and water element is impressive."
The War Goddess nodded, her gaze still fixed on the screen. "Yes, I see that. Her control is indeed noteworthy."
The people in the room murmured in agreement. Anna's performance was impressive, and her mastery of her elements was clear.
"Three years ago, her sister Lucy was the top performer in the City and Regional selection. It seems her little sister is following in her footsteps. But it's unfortunate she's in the same trial as that monster," the lady commented, glancing at Klaus. The others nodded in agreement.
Anna had demonstrated impressive control over her Ice and Water elements, earning respect from those watching. Despite this, Klaus's performance had overshadowed hers, making it difficult for Anna's achievements to shine through fully. Nevertheless, her potential was clear.
Anna remained confident and resolute, showing no sign of discouragement. Her composure was commendable, and the War Goddess, observing from the front, nodded in approval. She was indeed impressed with Anna's performance.
After ten minutes, only 904 contestants had advanced to the fourth wave. The rest either didn't survive the ten minutes or failed to clear the trial within the time limit.
"The fourth wave will determine who will advance to the top 200," the lady announced. The room buzzed with anticipation as everyone watched who would be making it to the top 200.
When Klaus entered the fourth wave zone, he was taken aback. He found himself in a vast field filled with mirrors. His surroundings were a maze of reflective surfaces. Each mirror perfectly replicated his every move, creating countless reflections of himself.
"The fourth wave is on the other side of the mirror maze. Navigate through it and clear the wave of monsters before the ten minutes reach." The mechanic's voice said, making Klaus understand what to do.
Klaus observed the mirrors closely. Every slight movement, every twitch, was mirrored perfectly. The reflections multiplied his image, making it difficult to distinguish the real Klaus from the countless illusions.
He took a deep breath and focused. He knew this challenge would test his perception and reaction time. The mirrors were not just a visual obstacle; they could also be used to confuse and mislead him.
He moved cautiously, watching each reflection for any hint of movement or change. He tested the mirrors with small actions, like shifting his weight and adjusting his stance. Each mirror replicated these actions flawlessly.
Klaus realized that the real challenge was navigating the mirrors and understanding how they might be used against him. He had to stay alert and avoid being misled by the illusions.
He tried a few different strategies, such as sudden movements and quick changes in direction. Each time, the mirrors reflected his actions precisely, but they didn't provide any new insights.
As Klaus continued, he noticed a pattern in the reflections. Some mirrors seemed to distort slightly, indicating that they might be hiding something. He decided to focus on these mirrors, hoping they might reveal a clue about the actual path forward.
He moved toward the distorted mirrors, carefully avoiding any sudden or unnecessary movements. The more he focused on these mirrors, the clearer the pattern became.
Klaus found a series of mirrors that didn't perfectly reflect his movements. They showed a slight delay or distortion. He realized these might be the key to finding the correct path through the maze.
With renewed determination, Klaus followed the path indicated by the distorted reflections. He navigated carefully, using his observations to guide him.
As he progressed, he encountered fewer and fewer mirrors with distortions. This indicated that he was getting closer to the solution.
Eventually, Klaus reached the end of the mirror maze. A single, clear mirror marked the exit without any distortions. He stepped through it.
Immediately, he appeared on the other side; Klaus was greeted by a scene that made him smile.
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