THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC155: Awakening The Eye Of Malevolence
"Senior, what's happening?" Klaus asked again, panic creeping into his voice. Around him, the space in his soul sea continues to tremble violently. The once calm, multicolored sea beneath him now boiled like a raging tsunami. He stood frozen in the middle of it all, completely unsure of what was going on.
"Listen carefully, Klaus," the senior's voice came through again, more urgent than before. "You're about to awaken a third eye, and when I say 'third eye,' I mean a spirit eye—but this isn't the real thing. This is a type of spirit eye that should never have existed in this world, not in this life."
Klaus blinked, trying to make sense of the words, but the panic in the senior's voice only made things worse. It was rare for the senior to sound this rattled, which made the whole situation even more unsettling.
"Senior, tell me what's really happening. Forget karma and all that," Klaus insisted, his voice sharp with urgency.
The senior sighed deeply. "I can't tell you much, trust me. If I reveal anything forbidden, your next tribulation will be your last." His tone was grim, and Klaus gulped, his heart pounding as he listened.
"You're awakening a spirit eye, but not just any spirit eye. This one shouldn't be possible for a human. It's called the Eye of Malevolence, and like its name, it's an evil eye."
Klaus's breath caught in his throat. "An evil eye? What does that even mean?"
"Awakening this eye is like inviting torment and torture into your life. Yes, it grants powerful abilities, but it comes with a heavy cost. Your mind will be filled with dark thoughts—constantly. It will corrupt your peace, Klaus. After today, you won't be able to have a peaceful moment with anyone, not even your mother," the senior warned.
Klaus swallowed hard again. Panic gnawed at the edges of his mind, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Senior, is there no way to stop this? Anything you can do?" he asked, his voice betraying his desperation.
"I wish there was, but this is beyond my control now. Once it begins, there's no stopping it."
Suddenly, the soul sea parted. From beneath, a dark green, menacing eye began to rise slowly. Klaus felt a strange heat in his eyes as the eye emerged from the depths of the soul sea. It rose ominously from beneath the sea and stopped when it was just a few meters away from Klaus.
The eye hovered a few meters away from Klaus, its presence foreboding. He raised his head and locked eyes with it. Though the eye looked real, something about it was deeply unsettling. It wasn't just that it was blinking—it was the way it blinked as if it was alive.
The moment their eyes met, Klaus's vision instantly darkened. After a brief pause, he opened his eyes again, only to find they were no longer golden. His eyes had turned a terrifying, blood-red. The change was sudden, but it was real, and looking at Klaus, one could tell he had changed. He is still him, but he isn't him.
"Tsk, who would have thought I'd panic over this greenhouse eye?" Klaus spoke suddenly. But his voice wasn't his own. It sounded more mature, darker, yet strangely commanding—a bizarre mix of tones.
"I didn't expect you to awaken this early," the voice continued, "but it's for the best. The sooner I take control, the faster I can grow." Klaus's voice, or what sounded like his voice, clapped his hands together, looking amused instead of scared.
Clapping his hands together, Klaus started to chant. It wasn't calm like before the bead awakens. This one is more chaotic and dark. Listening to it sounded eerie.
As the Chanting filled the turbulent soul sea, the green eye, with its terrifying veins, started to shudder, as if it were afraid. It began to retreat into the multicolored sea again. It's both bizarre and amazing for some reason.
However, it didn't have time to escape. Just as it was descending, golden strings, formed from runes shot out of Klaus's eyes. Countless glowing golden strings moved swiftly and bound the eye.
The eye of malevolence shuddered, trying to break free, but the strings were too strong and seemed to be hurting it. The more it shuddered, the more painful it appeared. The strings look sturdy and bind the eye like a chain.
"Tsk, all bark, and no bite," Klaus spoke in his strange voice as he formed a hand seal.
Suddenly, the Pentaface bead spun, revealing its first face. From this face, a bell emerged. The bell grew larger until it was large enough. It moved and, in one gulp, swallowed the green eye.
Klaus formed another hand seal and from the bell, a ringing sound filled the air. Immediately the bell rang out the raging soul sea calmed instantly. The only sound now was Klaus's continuous chanting. The eye, swallowed by the bell, stayed inside like an obedient child.
Slowly, the dark aura around the eye began to fade into the bell. It took over thirty minutes, but eventually, the only thing left was the green eye. This time, however, it no longer looked just terrifying; it had an alluring quality to it that made it both attractive and dangerous.
Suddenly, the eye shuddered and transformed into runes. The bell rose, and the runes flew into Klaus's eyes. As they entered, the first door within his soul sea opened slightly, revealing a red star. It was visible only for a moment, but when Klaus gazed into it, his eyes, which had been turning green, shifted back to a deep red.
Then, beside the Pentaface bead, a menacing red eye appeared, hovering with a sinister presence. It looked more real and terrifying. But looking closely, it appeared projected yet real at the same time. However, the sinister air around the green eyes wasn't there. It looks oval with dark red pupils looking back at Klaus with an emotionless expression.
"That's more like it," Klaus muttered with a smirk. Then, he vanished from his soul sea. Back in his training room, he fell backward and passed out.
After five hours, Klaus woke up with a splitting headache. "Damn, my head hurts," he muttered. He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and drank it, then slumped back down.
"I passed out, huh?" he said with a blank expression.
"Wait, why isn't my head filled with tormenting thoughts like the senior said?" Klaus wondered and then reentered his soul sea.
"What the...?" Immediately he appeared back inside his soul sea, he was greeted with a terrifying sight.
"Brat, are you okay?" Before Klaus could react to the terrifying red eyes inside his soul sea, the senior spoke.
"Senior, what is that thing?" Klaus asked, pointing at the eye, still not fully grasping the connection between him and it.
"You tell me. Somehow, you've managed to purify the Eye of Malevolence into something new," the senior said, causing Klaus to raise an eyebrow.
"This is great, I guess," Klaus muttered, now sensing the connection between himself and the eye. He blacked out when the eye appeared but now woke up to a sudden connection to what was meant to torment him for the rest of his life, one would tend to want to get to the button of it all, but not Klaus who knew exactly what happened.
'Was it Fruity...or some other bastard from my past' He just doesn't want to get into it now.
He then turned his attention to the Pentaface bead.
"Senior, what can you tell me about this eye and the bead?" Klaus asked, hoping for more information. Yet again, the senior did not provide a concrete answer.
"Just don't focus on what isn't there. Your existence is a special case. Even if you don't sense it yet, the more you grow, the hungrier the heavens become in their attempts to kill you. Don't ask for what isn't there."
"But what I can tell you is that these two objects are your strongest abilities. Use them wisely and try not to show off too much," the senior added, making Klaus smile.
Klaus had seen what the bead could do in Fruity's memories, but he knew he had unlocked something deeper. Inside Fruity's soul sea, there were no beads or doors. For him, they were present, and he could feel their terrifying power. After admiring his new dark powers for a while, he joked,
"Senior, you don't happen to be a monk from many years ago, do you?"
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC156: Void Piercing Needle
Klaus's question seemed casual, but he was being serious. In Fruity's memory, it was the Old Monk in that strange space who had given him the Nine Divine Beads, the first form. Now, Klaus sensed a strange familiarity between the tone of that Monk and the senior lurking in his soul sea.
He couldn't help but ask. As expected, the senior said nothing in response to his question, nor did he mention Klaus's recent brush with death. Klaus wondered if the senior was paying attention at all. Still, he didn't push for answers.
He nearly died, yet the one having residence inside his soul sea said nothing about it, clearly, he doesn't want to say things he doesn't want affecting him later.
Instead, he focused on studying the Pentaface bead. So far, he had unlocked only two faces, just like Fruity. He had access to the [Bell of Harrows] and the [Eye of Despair].
However, unlike Fruity, Klaus didn't need to bring the bead out when using these skills. The bead stayed within his soul sea, while the abilities manifested externally. He also discovered that the red eye he had awakened was now linked to the [Eye of Despair].
This meant that whenever he activated the skill, the terrifying red eye would appear. And because Klaus had star qi, his abilities were far more powerful than Fruity's. He realized with a smirk that he had become a walking nightmare.
The senior eventually told him a bit about the new eye's abilities. Klaus could now see with his eyes closed, but that wasn't the most impressive part. He could sense everything within a 40km radius, and if he focused in one direction, his range extended to 70km.
Aside from the enhanced sight, Klaus discovered something even more intriguing when he activated the skill through his eyes. He could sense when someone was lying. Clearly, it wasn't the best ability for combat, but in situations where the truth is needed, he can be a lie detector.
But what made the eye even stranger was that he could maintain his golden eyes while using this ability, though the effect would be significantly weaker compared to when he switched to his red eyes, he could still maintain his charming golden eyes while observing his surroundings.
But the red eyes offered more than just the ability to detect lies. With them, Klaus could see a person's soul to some extent and even manipulate it directly. This manipulation opened up a variety of dangerous possibilities. One of these was soul shock, where Klaus could overcharge a person's soul, leaving them vulnerable.
There was also the soul imprint, which allowed Klaus to leave a mark on someone's soul. This made it easier to influence or control them without their knowledge. To a certain extent, he could even penetrate their mind. Of course, the senior said he wouldn't be able to do that just yet, he is still weak.
The abilities seemed endless, and Klaus was determined to unlock every one of them eventually. He knew he was treading a fine line between power and danger, but the allure was too great to ignore.
"Uh, Senior, you don't happen to have a way for me to transfer techniques and skills to others?" Klaus finally spoke after examining the bead for a while.
"I do have a method," the Senior replied, "But you'll need to give me something of equal value in return to balance the karma."
"Fair enough," Klaus answered, nodding as he began to think. After a moment, he said, "I'll share a secret with you. I believe that should be enough for this transaction."
A while later, Klaus opened his eyes, still in the training room. But the second he did, he regretted it. "Sorry, Mom," he muttered with a sheepish smile. His new ability to see with his eyes closed had activated automatically, and he saw everything. And by everything, he meant everything.
Quickly, he deactivated the ability and calmed his racing heart. With a faint smile, he retrieved the package he had asked Hanna to order for him. He didn't have the shamelessness to discuss his new connection with Lucy with the Senior, so he left that topic for later.
For now, his next plan was to master using projectile weapons in combat. The weapon he ordered was a set of Needle-type weapons known as Viper Piercing Needles. These double-edged needles could be thrown by a skilled marksman or, in Klaus's case, controlled using his mind.
Opening the package, he found 360 sleek, golden needles, each about 4 inches long. They were thin, razor-sharp, and designed for precise strikes. Just holding one made his fingers tingle with excitement. This was going to be fun.
He grinned. "Time to get to work."
Klaus's star qi surged, and with a single thought, he connected with the needles. Sixty-six of them rose into the air, but almost immediately, he felt the strain. His vision blurred, and his face turned pale from the pressure on his mind.
"So that's my limit," Klaus muttered, feeling the weight hammering his brain. He felt every fiber of his brain stretching just but keeping the needles suspended.
Quickly, he released most of the needles, letting 60 drop back into their case. A wave of relief washed over him as the strain eased. His head cleared a bit, but he continued manipulating the remaining six needles, experimenting with their movements.
He didn't have a proper technique to control them in combat yet, but that didn't stop him from trying. The needles whipped through the air with terrifying speed, obeying his mind's commands. He gestured with his hands, and the six merged, forming a single thick needle that shot forward with a burst of speed.
Then, with another gesture, the needles separated. Klaus paused, a realization hitting him.
"Oh snap, I forgot!" he muttered, slapping his forehead. "I have a technique for this."
He remembered the [Ten Thousand Soul Needles] technique that his Senior had given him. It was specifically designed to manipulate needles created from his star qi. Flipping through the skill in his mind, he found what he was looking for—a method to control the needles with precision and power.
"Void Piercing Needle," he whispered, picking one of the attack patterns. He began practicing, merging the six needles into a single, larger one. But when he followed the pattern, something felt off. It didn't come together like he'd hoped.
"I need more needles," Klaus realized.
Ten more needles flew from the case, joining the six. Now, sixteen of them formed into a thick needle. But even with more power, it still wasn't enough.
"Not enough...," he muttered under his breath, his mind racing for a solution.
He released his control, and the needles scattered back into the air, hovering around him like a swarm of golden fireflies. Klaus quickly analyzed them, calculating the exact number he needed for the technique to work efficiently.
"Thirty-three," he muttered. That was the magic number.
He added 17 more needles to add to the original set, but as soon as he did, the familiar headache flared up again, sharp and throbbing. "Flying them solo puts less strain on my brain than merging them all together," Klaus grumbled. Despite the discomfort, he gritted his teeth and pushed forward, determined to form the Void Piercing Needle.
Slowly but surely, the needles came together, twisting and coiling in the air, until they formed a thick, gleaming golden needle, extending about 12 inches long. It hovered in front of him, vibrating with power.
Klaus stared at it for a moment, then smiled. "Now we're getting somewhere."
Klaus's eyes shifted to the titanium dummy standing a few meters away. Without hesitation, he gestured with his hand, and the Void Piercing Needle shot forward like a bullet. It cut through the air with a faint hum before drilling straight through the dummy's forehead, leaving a clean, gaping hole.
Klaus grinned evilly. "Now that is dangerous," he muttered drawing continuous holes in the dummy. A while later, a 6-foot dummy stood with holes littered all over its body. Klaus nodded with satisfaction and then went about pushing himself further by learning some more patterns from the [Ten Thousand Soul Needles] technique.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC157: It was An Accident, Mom [Bonus]
Klaus spent four full days in the training room, pushing his mental limits. Even though he had the Weapon Overlord Class, which allowed him to control weapons with his mind, it didn't mean he had perfect control without effort. It only gave him easier control compared to most, but he still had to work hard.
His mental strength was crucial if he wanted to keep the needles flying for a long time. Of course, he didn't let this challenge hold him back. Instead of settling for controlling just 33 needles and a single attack pattern, he pushed further.
Now, after four days, he could effortlessly control 54 needles without much strain and had even mastered three more attack patterns from the [Ten Thousand Soul Needles] technique.
Along with the [Void Piercing Needle], which allowed him to combine 54 needles into one long, 14-inches needle for a powerful strike, he had also mastered three new techniques: [Swarm Attack], [Infinity Piercing], and [Jagged Strike].
The first, [Swarm Attack], involved sending all 54 needles to fly independently. As the name suggested, the needles would attack together, with some taking alternate paths to maximize piercing damage—just like a swarm of bees, but deadlier.
The second technique, [Infinity Piercing], took things to another level. In battles with hundreds or even thousands of enemies, speed was everything. This technique allowed him to kill multiple enemies at once within his attack range. The key was mental capacity. If your mind was strong enough, you could scatter the needles around and kill enemies both in front and behind.
Klaus, now blessed with divine sight, knew he could keep killing even with his eyes closed. All He needed was to keep his mental capacity in check and the killing would never stop.
The last attack pattern was a variation of the Void-Piercing Needle, but this time, the needle had sharp, jagged edges. Not only would it pierce the target, but it would also slice through them, making it a deadly killing technique that would solve many of Klaus's problems in battle.
Although the three added are no match for the Void Piercing Needle, there was no harm in learning them.
After four days of intense training, Klaus finally took a break. He consumed some monster cores, which helped him level up to the Level 4 Master stage, earning him 400 undistributed points. During the battle at Arcadian City, he had used all his points after reaching Level 3, so the only ones he had left were the fresh 400 points from his latest level up.
Feeling the surge of new strength, he opened his status window and smiled, satisfied with his progress.
Name: Klaus Hanson
Age: 16
Talent: Celestial Elemental Overlord
Class: Weapons Overlord
Bloodline: Dormant
Physique: Nine Reincarnation Divine Body
Realm: Master - Lvl: 4/12
Strength: 1,230 | Agility: 1,270 |Stamina: 1,240 |Defense:1,100 | Intelligence: 1,100| Health: 4200
Star Qi: 143,672,600
Stat Points: 400
[Next Level up: 10,000/31,228,800]
"After the Regional Selection, I'll go hunting again in a Tier 4 Forbidden Zone," Klaus muttered, staring out his window. He had been given a Blank Pass, that would allow him to enter any zone without restriction.
He plans on using it to enter a Tier 4 Forbidden Zone where the weakest monster is a Tier 6 Dark or Tier 6 Zombie Captain. He needed time to level up and what the best way if not more killing. He plans on killing more and even trying his hands on Tier 7 Devils or Zombie Kings to see if he can earn some elemental cores.
After seeing Fruity's Ice awakening, he was determined to awaken his too. Indeed, he was jealous of the violet-haired pampered renegade Monk.
When he asked about what happened after he died, he learned that after he killed the Zombie King, the battle had ended. But instead of celebrating, the atmosphere was filled with tension and pain due to the assassination attempt on his life.
What shocked him more was hearing that even Miguel and the other youngsters, who once despised him, were upset at the thought of his death.
Of course, Klaus knew that most of them were probably just mad because they didn't get the chance to take revenge themselves before he died. This made him smile darkly, thinking of the chaos he would soon unleash on his enemies.
With only three days left before the Regional Selection, which would now be held in Hiroshi City—the second-largest city in the Eastern Region—he started to prepare both mentally and physically. Originally, the event was supposed to take place in Arcadian City, but after the invasion, the city was still rebuilding its defenses.
The assassination attempt on Klaus had also forced the higher-ups to change the venue. Klaus found out that three guards who were protecting the Doomsday Bow were killed by the assassin. So even though it technically wasn't Arcadian City's fault, Klaus knew humans had a peculiar tendency to place blame when they were hurt or grieving.
After making sure he was ready, Klaus left the training room and entered the hall, where his mother was seated reading quietly. Without saying a word, he walked over, sat beside her, and rested his head gently on her lap. His mother responded with a soft smile, brushing her hand through his hair.
"Mom, have I ever told you how beautiful and graceful you are?" Klaus asked, his voice warm and sincere.
"Tsk, you don't have to coil your words, Klaus, I know you want to say how hot my body looks" His mother who has known him all his life was quick to pick on the underlying tone in his words.
"You are indeed hot Mom" Klaus admitted.
"Is that why you were peeking?" his mother asked, leaning in closer, her eyes narrowing playfully as she gazed into his.
Klaus's heartbeat sped up, not from their closeness, but because she was right. He had accidentally peeked when he first awakened the Eyes of Malevolence. In that brief moment, he saw things he was never meant to, and no matter how hard he tried, the image was burned into his mind.
"Mom, it was an accident," Klaus admitted, his voice turning shy, a rare blush creeping across his face.
"Hehe, I never knew the almighty Klaus Hanson, the ladies' man, would stoop to peeking at his own mother," his mother teased, cupping his cheeks with a mischievous grin.
"Mom!" Klaus groaned, his cheeks flushing a deep red from embarrassment. "I told you, it was an accident," he repeated, though he knew it was pointless. His mother wasn't going to let this go anytime soon. She was going to milk it for all it was worth.
But what really puzzled Klaus was how she had even known he peeked—accidentally, of course. 'How could she have sensed it?' he thought, bewildered.
The senior had told him it would be nearly impossible for others to detect his divine sight, especially when he wasn't emitting any killing intent. So how had his Ascended mother picked up on it so easily? Is she perhaps a war goddess in disguise, Klaus thought flashing with many assumptions.
'Is it because I have no defenses against her?' Klaus wondered.
He had always been vulnerable around her, never putting up any barriers. Maybe that's why she could sense even the slightest hint of his presence, even when he hadn't meant to peek. With a sigh, Klaus resigned himself to his fate. His mother could charm him any day, and he knew it. So it was hard to say she could sense his presence even when he wasn't there.
"Mom, I will be leaving tomorrow with Anna and Hanna for the Regional Selection at Hiroshi City, will you be lonely" Klaus asked taking the discussion to a new topic.
"I will be, but we can spend today together. Your sister is still training so we can spend the day together, just you and me" His mother said making Klaus smile cheerfully. They stay like that talking about a lot of things.
The next day, he left with Annd and Hanna using one of Ross's family jets. Once again, Klaus was reminded of why he should buy his own jet.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC158: Hiroshi City [Bonus]
Hiroshi City is the second-largest city in the Eastern Region and the 11th-largest in all of the Northern Union. Like any great city, it is managed by a powerful family—the Hiroshi Great Family, known for their unparalleled skill in swordsmanship.
At the head of this family is Ryo Hiroshi, the King of Swords and patriarch of the Hiroshi Great Family. Across the entire Northern Union, Ryo is regarded as the strongest Great Sage, second only to Miriam, the War Goddess.
Though Miriam is unmatched in raw power because she is a sovereign, a stage above a great sage. But Ryo's battle experience is legendary. During the early days of the apocalypse, it's said he single-handedly cleaved through thousands of Zombies, all while carrying a ten-year-old child on his back.
It was said He had started with a team, but they were all overwhelmed by the sheer number of zombies around them. Despite this, Ryo's determination and unmatched sword mastery allowed him to face down the hordes without flinching.
Some even claim he's immune to Zombie bites. That is because when he returned from that fateful mission with the daughter of the current Northern Union leader, his body was covered in bite marks, yet he remained fully human.
In the end, Ryo is not just a legend in battle but also the architect of a grand city. Hiroshi City is vast, stretching miles wide, with an elegance that reflects Ryo's greatness. Towering buildings rise into the sky, impressive landmarks catch the eye, and flying cars zip through the air.
The roads are smooth and well-kept, lined with sleek vehicles. The air itself feels clean and breathable, a stark contrast to the chaos outside in the forests and the forbidden Zones.
"This place is beautiful," Hanna said, gazing out the window as they flew toward their hotel in a flying car. The Trial was in two days, but Klaus wanted some time away from home to explore Hiroshi City, so they arrived early.
"Before and after the Regional Selection Trial, we can tour the city if you want," Klaus replied, mentally noting a few spots he wanted to check out. One great thing about flying cars was the view—you could see the entire city from above.
Klaus sat in the car with Hanna and Anna. They were meeting Lily and the others at the hotel they will be staying in, but for now, he is using the time to admire the city with his enhanced vision—his Spirit Eye. He wasn't using its full power, though. The last thing he wanted was to accidentally peek at something he wouldn't be able to forget.
His mother had never let him live down the incident when he had unintentionally seen her bathing. It was a complete accident, but she never missed a chance to remind him. Every other minute, she'd tease him, making sure he couldn't forget.
A short while later, they arrived in view of the Third Finger Royal Hotel, a five-star establishment that Lily had booked for the group. They had an entire suite to themselves. As soon as they landed, a hotel attendant greeted them.
"Welcome to The Third Finger Royal Hotel, Mr. Klaus, Miss Anna, and Miss Hanna," the attendant said politely, bowing slightly.
"No need to be so formal, sister. We're all friends here," Klaus replied with a warm smile. His casual tone made the lady smile back, and she led them toward a private elevator.
Lily had been thorough, ensuring Klaus wouldn't draw attention by appearing in public. She knew all too well the risks. His recent post about the Dark Order had made him a target, and the last thing they needed was for eyes to track him to the hotel.
His friends were worried, but Klaus wasn't. He didn't particularly care about staying hidden. His confidence had grown, and deep down, he wanted to test himself. He was certain he could handle anything thrown his way.
"Klaus, you're here!" Lily said as Klaus, Anna, and Hanna stepped into the large, extravagant hall.
'She stopped calling me Brother Klaus, huh? Looks like she's becoming more confident,' Klaus thought, noticing the change in how Lily addressed him. It was the same way Anna had started calling him just 'Klaus.' Before, it was always 'Brother Klaus.' He smiled and replied,
"Lily, you're looking particularly delicious this evening."
At his shameless comment, Lily blushed slightly and quickly moved to stand beside Anna and Hanna.
"Klaus, you really shouldn't tease my sister like that. She has a soft innocent heart," Kilian said, walking up to Klaus with a grin. They shared a brotherly hug, followed by the same greeting from Mark, Danny, Daniel, and Kay.
After exchanging greetings, Klaus scanned the room. The hall was elegantly decorated, filled with an air of luxury and comfort. It was the perfect spot for them to unwind before the big Trial.
"So, what's the plan for tonight?" Klaus asked, his eyes still wandering, taking in the grandeur.
"We thought we'd relax, get our minds off things before the Trial," Daniel said, leaning against a plush chair. "Maybe a drink, maybe just chill."
Klaus nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. His Spirit Eye still buzzed with the urge to activate, to sweep the area for any unseen threats, but he held it back. He needed to relax, too, though part of him felt restless, always on edge after his recent encounters.
"Drinks sound good," Klaus said, smiling as he joined the group. "But not too much, or we'll end up missing the three in two days"
Kilian laughed, already sipping something strong. "Oh, come on! One night of fun won't kill us!"
Lily raised an eyebrow at him. "You say that, but you're always the one knocked out first."
"Not this time," Kilian protested, though the grin on his face betrayed him.
As they settled in, the mood was light, filled with laughter and playful banter. Hanna, Lily, and Anna sat together, quietly chatting, while Klaus found himself lost in thought again. Despite the warmth of the moment, something keeps looming over him, something ominous. It wasn't fear—he was confident in his abilities.
But something in the back of his mind nagged at him, something he couldn't quite place.
"Hey, you okay?" Lily's voice snapped him back to the present. She stood beside him, her usual sharp gaze softened by concern.
"Yeah, just thinking," Klaus replied, shrugging it off. "Nothing serious."
Lily didn't seem convinced, but she let it go. "You know, you don't always have to carry everything alone," she said, her tone gentle.
Klaus smiled at her, appreciating the sentiment. "I know," he said. "But some things are just harder to share."
Lily sighed but didn't press further. Instead, she joined the others, leaving Klaus to his thoughts.
As the night wound down, the group enjoyed the last of their drinks before heading to bed. While the others fell into a restful sleep, Klaus remained wide awake, staring at the Pentaface Bead in his soul sea. He couldn't afford to waste time. There was something about this relic, something powerful, and he intended to unlock its secrets.
The senior had told him it was one of the Forbidden Relics. He hadn't said much else, but the word "forbidden" was enough for Klaus to understand the gravity of what he was dealing with. This wasn't some ordinary artifact; it held something dangerous and ancient, something that could either help him or destroy him.
For hours, Klaus focused on the bead, trying to understand anything he could about it. He didn't need anything grand, just something that could put him at ease. But after hours of trying, nothing surfaces.
By the time morning arrived, Klaus was no closer to unlocking the bead's secrets than when he had started. With a heavy heart and tired eyes, he sighed and set the bead aside.
Afterward, he joined his friends for breakfast. Despite the sleepless night, Klaus managed to put on a smile. He could see Lily and the others already seated, enjoying their meal.
"Morning," Klaus greeted as he sat down, grabbing a piece of bread from the table.
"Morning," Anna replied, noticing his tired face despite putting on a calm face. You could only applaud a lady for their keen sense. "Rough night?"
"Something like that," Klaus shrugged, keeping the details to himself.
"Klaus, we have received an invitation" Lily suddenly said taking out a sleek-looking envelope.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC159: Meeting A Dear Friend
"The Hiroshi Family invited us for dinner this evening at the Hiroshi Estate," Lily said, handing Klaus a golden card.
Klaus raised an eyebrow, taking the card from her. The weight of the invitation was evident not just in the card's ornate design but in the significance behind it. The Hiroshi Family didn't extend such invitations lightly.
"They must really want to meet us, huh?" Klaus said, examining the card. The Hiroshi Estate was famous, and any dinner there promised to be more than just a meal—it was an event, a show of status, and sometimes even a test.
Lily nodded. "It's an honor, but it's also about making connections. Ryo Hiroshi himself might be there. It's a good chance to meet him."
Klaus smiled slightly, though his mind was already working. 'Ryo Hiroshi... the King of Swords,' he thought to himself. This dinner might not be as casual as it seemed.
"Well, I guess we better prepare then," Klaus said, placing the card down and turning back to his breakfast.
The Hiroshi Family's influence was vast, and though Klaus wasn't overly concerned about impressing them, he knew better than to underestimate anyone with their kind of power. The fact that they extended an invitation carried weight, and Klaus understood that the true purpose behind it would only be revealed once they stepped into the Hiroshi Estate that evening.
"That being said, Klaus, tone it down a bit when we go there today," Anna said, raising an eyebrow in warning. She knew Klaus far too well to let him go in without a heads-up.
Klaus grinned. "Anna dear, are you worried I'll cause trouble?"
Anna sighed, but before she could respond, Lily chimed in. "She's serious, Klaus. Taro Hiroshi has a tendency to stir up trouble, and since we're not in our domain here, it's best if you don't get tangled up with him. He's what most would call... a prick." Her face scrunched in mild embarrassment as she said the word.
Klaus leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a thoughtful look. "Ah, so there's always one of those, huh?"
"Always," Anna replied with a knowing smirk. "Just this time, we don't need you making things worse."
Klaus chuckled, but his eyes were full of mischief. "Fine, fine. I'll play nice... until I can't."
Lily shook her head, clearly unconvinced. "Just remember, we're there to make alliances, not enemies." Klaus is no heir to any Great Family, so he doesn't care about impressing anyone, unlike Anna and the rest. They are there to extend their family influence, so knowing Klaus and his troubles, they start warning him before heading over.
Klaus gave a mock salute. "Scout's honor."
But even as he joked, Klaus knew this dinner was no casual affair. There would be more than food served at the Hiroshi Estate—power plays, hidden agendas, and maybe even a challenge or two. He could feel it in his bones and he was looking forward to it.
Later that evening, a sleek flying car arrived to pick them up and take them to the Hiroshi estate. Thanks to Nadia, who always ensured his wardrobe was on point, Klaus looked sharp. His mother had also added some flair to his dreadlocks, giving him a mix of charm and intimidation. He looked both cute and dangerous at the same time, a balance he never minded.
His friends were dressed just as well. Having a close friend who modeled for the number one fashion company in the world certainly had its perks. Even after Klaus died, Nucci Fashion Trend X remained on top of the charts. In fact, it hadn't just stayed strong; it became even more successful.
The only trouble came from the investors. They had tried to make things difficult for Nadia, but before it spiraled out of control, an anonymous buyer swooped in and purchased the shares of the other investors. Then in a twist, every bit of the shared bought was handed to Nadia to manage. So now, she has 100% control over her company and it's thriving even better than before.
After about half an hour of flying, they arrived at the estate. From 2km away, Klaus could see the sprawling Hiroshi estate, stretching for miles in every direction. It was grander than he had imagined.
"This place is incredible," Klaus muttered, his eyes wide as he took in the sprawling estate.
They landed and were quickly ushered into another car, which drove for another twenty minutes before they arrived at a large mansion that stood elegantly like a castle.
"Welcome to the Hiroshi Estate. I am Lanki, the butler of the Hiroshi Great Family," said a man who looked to be in his late thirties. He was dressed in a dark suit, impeccably neat. He doesn't need an introduction to know he is a butler.
"Please follow me," he instructed. Klaus and his friends complied and began to follow him, Klaus sensed a powerful aura around Land and he knew if he were to clash with this man, he knew he'd be in serious trouble. Though Lanki was just a Sage, the energy around him felt far more dangerous than the Zombie Kings Klaus had faced during the invasion at the Arcadian Mine.
"You are Klaus," A voice spoke
Klaus and his friends stopped and turned to see a young lady, around Lucy's age, walking toward them. Her presence was striking, and Klaus felt an unexpected jolt of curiosity. Who was she?
"Master Klaus, this is Young Miss Aoi Hiroshi, the third daughter of Ryo Hiroshi," Lanki introduced her with a slight bow.
Aoi smiled warmly, her demeanor friendly yet poised. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Klaus," she said, her voice clear and inviting.
For some reason, Klaus felt Nervous and excited at the same time looking at Aoi Hiroshi. He just couldn't place his finger on it, but there was something about her that he found curious. Of course, he doesn't know what, just yet. "Nice to meet you, Aoi," he replied, trying to sound confident.
The atmosphere shifted slightly as Aoi stepped closer, her gaze curious. "I've heard quite a bit about you. They said you cleared an entire battlefield with a single attack. That is impressive"
Klaus nodded, unsure of what to say. He glanced at his friends, who seemed just as intrigued. "Yeah, it's been quite the journey," he finally said, hoping to keep the conversation light.
Aoi's smile widened. "I'd love to hear more about it. Maybe after dinner?"
"Sure," Klaus replied, and just like that, their interaction was over. Aoi turned and walked away, leaving Klaus and the others watching her go.
"Sister Emily said she ranked number 12 on the Inner Disciple Ranking Chart at the Celestial Mountain Academy," Lily mentioned, her eyes still following Aoi.
"Wow, that's impressive," Anna said, glancing at Klaus, who seemed lost in deep thought. Then they started moving again. Of course, Klaus didn't respond to the comment Lily made, so they followed Lanki instead. Soon, they arrived at a large garden.
As soon as they appeared, familiar faces greeted them.
"Hello, my dear friend Miguel! How have you been?" Klaus exclaimed, his mood shifting instantly. It was like he was seeing a long-lost friend. But everyone around knew better. These two were no friends; calling them mere enemies would be an understatement. They were mortal enemies.
The air grew tense as Klaus smiled, but his eyes held a glint of Mischief. Klaus was looking for trouble with Miguel. Miguel returned the smile, but it was tight-lipped, masking the animosity simmering beneath the surface.
"Just trying to survive, Klaus. You know how it is," Miguel replied, his voice casual but laced with underlying tension.
Perhaps anticipating something like this, Miguel chose his words carefully, but they only made Klaus narrow his gaze in amusement. After all, he had just survived an assassination attempt on his life; one could say he was indeed trying to survive the past weeks.
"Touche, Miguel, touche," Klaus said, a smirk playing on his lips. "You and I could have been best friends if you weren't such a dick."
Klaus's raw words caught everyone's attention. Miguel clenched his fist clearly annoyed by Klaus calling him a dick, but before he could fire back, Anna and Lily pulled Klaus away. The night hasn't even started yet and he has already started causing trouble.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC160: Trouble Under The Mountain
"Why do you always have to poke the bear?" Anna asked, her exasperation clear. Her sister had given her the mission to keep Klaus out of unnecessary trouble, but the night hadn't even started, and she could already feel a headache coming on.
"Because it's fun," Klaus replied with a wide grin. "Besides, he needs a reminder of who he's dealing with. Plus, Miguel is a big guy, although it looks like I hate him, he is kind of a friend"
Lily sighed, shaking her head. "Just try to keep it civil, okay? We don't need another scene."
"You two shouldn't leave his side," Daniel said, dragging Klaus's male friends away. "We're going to mingle and see if we can get lucky tonight." Without even looking back at Klaus, they all left trying their best to win some before the night was over. Klaus couldn't be the only one surrounded by ladies, they needed some too.
Klaus found himself alone with the two fairies, who were now tasked with de-escalating any mischief he might try to stir up.
"Tsk, traitors! But hey, I get to keep two fairies with me," Klaus said, placing a hand on the shoulders of Lily and Anna. The two ladies blushed slightly, making Hanna raise an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Oh, big sister, you can join in if you want! Here, come in for a hug—let's make this a foursome!" Klaus said, flashing a mischievous grin.
Hanna smirked but opted for a drink instead of indulging her younger brother's shameless antics. Their mom had already warned her not to fall for Klaus's charm, but unfortunately, Lily and Anna were too naive to know better.
As Klaus leaned back, enjoying the moment, he couldn't help but think that the night was only just beginning. With the fairies at his side and trouble brewing on the horizon, he felt a rush of excitement.
At one side of the gathering, which looked like a mini version of the Felin youth ball, a group of youngsters continued to quietly observe Klaus. Both male and female eyes were fixed on him, though for different reasons.
"Look at him, using his fame to deceive those ladies," one of the young men muttered, his voice dripping with bitterness. The look on his face said it all—he was jealous, plain and simple.
A female companion beside him raised an eyebrow. "Deceive? Or maybe they just like him?" she teased, smirking slightly, enjoying how much it bothered him.
The young man scoffed. "Please, he's nothing special. Just a flashy show-off. I bet without his fame, they wouldn't even glance his way."
But his clenched fists and narrowed eyes told a different story. Watching Klaus surrounded by two blushing fairies seemed to be pushing his buttons in all the wrong ways. The other youngsters exchanged glances, sensing the underlying jealousy in his tone.
Miguel who was watching was also looking at Klaus with angry looks. Seeing Klaus get that close with Anna made him want to rush over there and Kill him. But he wouldn't or more like he couldn't and deep down, he knew that.
On another side far from the gathering, Aoi looks at Klaus who is laughing and feeding grapes to the Blushing Lily and Anna.
"He doesn't look like someone who's ranking on the Union Chart," the young woman said, clearly intrigued by how carefree Klaus seemed.
"He sure has a free spirit," another added, her tone curious. "I wonder if he realizes the calamity he's called upon himself by publicly disrespecting the Dark Order."
Standing beside Aoi were her two older sisters, each resembling her but with a more mature air. One of them, her expression stern, nodded. "He may be bold now, but crossing the Dark Order... that's a death sentence in itself."
Aoi glanced back at Klaus, who was laughing with Lily and Anna as if the world wasn't full of dangers waiting for him. "He doesn't seem like someone who's concerned about his own survival," she mused.
The eldest sister smirked slightly. "Or maybe he's just good at hiding it. People like him always pay for their recklessness sooner or later."
Aoi's gaze lingered on Klaus, wondering if he truly understood the consequences of his actions—or if he was just fearless, tempting fate with every move he made. Klaus's disrespect toward the dark order was something that made even the strongest raise an eyebrow. Some called him bold while others called him foolish. But in reality, Klaus doesn't care even in the slightest.
"Do you think Taro will create a scene today?" one of the ladies asked, her tone low but curious. "He seems to have some hidden animosity toward Klaus, especially after it came out that the Queen of Vine is dating him."
The mention of Taro, their younger brother, caught Aoi's attention. Taro, the last-born of the Hiroshi Great Family, was just as much a skilled swordsman as the rest of them. But his pride always gets the best of him. He is a menace to youngsters and they seem concerned.
The eldest sister sighed, crossing her arms. "Taro's never been good at hiding his jealousy. Especially when the Queen of Vine is concerned."
"Honestly, I'm surprised he's kept quiet this long," the other sister added. "It's obvious he's been simmering ever since the rumors about Klaus and Lucy started circulating. Klaus has that effect on people, and for him to take the girl he has his eyes on, I am impressed even"
Aoi glanced across the gathering, her eyes searching for their brother. "Taro won't let this go easily," she said, her voice filled with concern. "If he's planning something, it might get ugly."
The eldest sister nodded. "We'll have to keep an eye on him. The last thing we need is a public spectacle, especially with Klaus being... Klaus."
"Well," the other sister smirked, "if anyone's going to stir up trouble tonight, it'll be Taro. And Klaus isn't someone to take arrogance from his peers lying down. You saw what he did to a whole Legacies."
Aoi's gaze flickered between her sisters and the carefree Klaus, feeling a sense of unease settle over the gathering. Tonight might not end quietly after all.
Just as they had predicted, in an elegant room within the estate, a young man sat on a plush bed, his eyes flickering in and out of focus. Kneeling between his legs was a young woman, her head moving rhythmically, clearly, she was the source of the man's strange expressions.
A while later, when she finished, she stood up with a satisfied smile. The young man remained on the bed, a grin plastered on his face. Moments after she left, another figure entered the room without bothering to knock. The newcomer smiled upon seeing the young man basking in the afterglow.
"Young Master, did you enjoy my gift?" Han asked, his tone smug.
"Indeed, she was the best one yet. Good work, Han," the young man on the bed replied. "But tell me, why are you here?"
"Klaus Hanson is in the estate," Han said casually. The moment those words left his lips, the young man jumped off the bed in excitement—though, being stark naked wasn't exactly the best time for such enthusiasm, especially if you're a guy.
"Really?" he asked, eyes wide.
"Yes," Han confirmed with a smile.
The young man's grin twisted into something darker, more sinister. "Perfect." Without wasting another second, he slipped into the bathroom, and after a short while, he emerged, fully dressed and ready for action.
"Klaus Hanson," he muttered coldly, his voice dripping with resentment. "You stole my girlfriend. Today, I'll see whether you really have what it takes to steal what belongs to Taro Hiroshi."
His words hung in the air, sharp with the promise of violence, making Han's smile widen.
"Are we going to make a scene, Young Master?" Han asked a glint of excitement in his eyes.
Taro's gaze hardened. "We'll see. One way or another, Klaus will regret ever crossing me."
With that, he strode out of the room and headed toward the gathering area. Nobody knows whats brewing inside his head, but one thing is certain, the night is bound to be more than just a dinner.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC161: Eating Like a King
"Little brother, if you don't plan to make these two ladies your women tonight, then stop leading them on," Hanna said, raising an eyebrow at Klaus. He had his arms wrapped around Anna and Lily's waists, their faces flushed in embarrassment.
The two women were clearly flustered beyond repair, unable to meet Hanna's gaze as the tension between them all hung in the air.
Klaus glanced down at the two flustered beauties in his arms and tightened his grip around their waists. With a mischievous grin, he replied, "Don't worry, big sister. Let your little brother enjoy some quality time with these fairies."
Hanna sighed and shook her head, though a small smile tugged at her lips. She wasn't surprised. Klaus's mother had made sure to tell her all about Klaus growing up, as a way to bond with her.
He learned about Klaus's childhood and the struggles he went through after his dad went missing. So Hanna knew he deserved all the joy in this world. Klaus's mother wanted to make sure she became comfortable around Klaus and It worked—Hanna had become comfortable around him, even a bit overprotective, despite not knowing him for long.
She wasn't jealous of Lily or Anna, but she didn't like the way some of the other women were eyeing Klaus either. With a teasing grin, Hanna called over her shoulder,
"Alright, ladies, put your backs into it. Don't let some hungry tigress come along and snatch him away from you two!" Her cheeks flushed red as she hurried off, clearly not wanting to be left alone with the awkwardness. She made her way toward Danny and the others.
Klaus watched her go, a silent thumbs-up forming in his heart. He knew Hanna didn't have feelings for him, but seeing her support made him want to shower her with affection. Her words had done the trick too—Lily and Anna stopped blushing and, instead, started claiming their territory with newfound confidence.
He chuckled, knowing the night was only going to get more interesting. After a while, they were led from the garden into a grand hall, where a large dinner table was set. It became clear this wasn't an open invitation for every youngster competing in the Regional Trial.
Looking around, Klaus quickly realized that less than 2 percent of the participants were there for the Reginal Trial were there. Only the best of the best had been invited. Of course, he wasn't concerned about that, his focus was on the food laid before them.
"Welcome, everyone, to Hiroshi Mansion. We are thrilled to host you," a voice rang out just as they settled into their seats.
Klaus turned his head to see a young man with short dark hair, perfect facial features, and a well-built, athletic body speaking. His presence was commanding, and the room fell silent.
"You might be wondering why we extended this invitation..." the man continued, his voice smooth and calculated. "The Hiroshi Family wishes to express our willingness to work with promising youngsters like yourselves in the years to come. We believe we can make this new world a safer place for our loved ones through togetherness and fostering bonds." He smiled gently, the sincerity almost convincing.
Klaus, standing off to the side, smirked silently to himself. 'They could've just said they want to suck up to rising stars and be done with it. What's with this fancy way of saying 'sucking up'?'
He saw through the charade. The Hiroshi family wasn't about fostering bonds or safety. They wanted to align themselves with the future powerhouses, hoping to cash in once these rising talents reached their peak. Klaus knew that as soon as someone fell out of favor or lost their potential, the Hiroshi family would cut ties without a second thought.
But Klaus wasn't bothered. He understood the game, and in some ways, he appreciated it. They weren't the first family trying to secure their future by banking on the youth, and they certainly wouldn't be the last.
"Enjoy your food and the hospitality of the Hiroshi Great Family," the young man said, looking at the smiling faces around the table. With a final nod, he turned and walked away.
Klaus watched him go, a slight frown forming. "Suddenly, I don't feel like being part of a great family," he muttered under his breath. The thought of all the political games and sucking up didn't sit well with him.
But then he glanced to his left and right, where Lily and Anna sat. A grin spread across his face. "But with two fairies by my side, I wouldn't mind joining your families."
Lily and Anna blushed at his words, their faces turning a delicate shade of pink as they shyly averted their eyes.
The night began as usual, with food being served. Klaus, who had just come to the realization that maybe he and Fruity weren't so different after all, wasted no time devouring the meal in front of him. He didn't care about the looks people were giving him.
He knew some of them were hungry but were too busy trying to maintain their ridiculous image, picking at their food to appear refined. 'Not this young master,' Klaus thought. 'I have no such image to uphold.'
His only concern was filling his stomach, and that's exactly what he was doing. Anna and Lily kept sneaking glances at him as he ate with no shame, but they didn't seem bothered. In fact, they looked more amused than anything.
It wasn't just Klaus, either. Danny, Daniel, Kay, and Mark were doing the same. None of them came from great families, so why should they care about keeping up appearances? They were hungry, and the food was there to be eaten.
"Tsk, as expected, the dogs reveal themselves at a table full of Unicorns," a voice suddenly cut through the room.
Klaus looked up to see a young man sitting across from him, his words dripping with condescension, clearly aimed at Klaus and his group. The others around the table went silent, waiting to see how Klaus would react to the not-so-subtle insult.
Klaus paused mid-bite, slowly lowering his fork. His gaze shifted toward the young man across the table, who was staring at him with a smug expression. The silence at the table thickened as everyone watched for Klaus's reaction.
For a moment, Klaus considered responding, but then a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He resumed eating, completely unfazed. "You know," he said casually between bites, "if being a dog means I get to eat without pretending to be something I'm not, then bark, bark."
Lily and Anna snorted, trying to hide their laughter, while Danny, Daniel, Kay, and Mark exchanged grins. The insult didn't hit as the young man had hoped, and the tension shifted back toward him.
The smug look on the young man's face faltered, clearly not expecting Klaus to brush him off so effortlessly. He clenched his jaw, trying to maintain his composure. "Typical response from someone without any class."
Klaus wiped his mouth with a napkin, his eyes locking onto the young man. "Class? Is that what you call pretending you're too good to eat? Looks to me like you're starving, but don't worry, there's plenty of food. Maybe one day you'll realize that pretending to be above everyone else doesn't make you better, it just makes you hungry."
The room fell silent again, but this time, it was the kind of silence that followed a blow that hit its mark. The young man flushed with embarrassment, unable to come up with a retort. Of course, the blow wasn't aimed only at him, but since he was the one who asked, he had to take it all.
Klaus grinned, leaning back in his chair, content. He turned to Anna and Lily, who were still stifling their laughter. "Now, where was I? Ah, right. Eating like a king."
"Klaus, do you dare have a duel with me?" a voice suddenly echoed from one side of the hall. Everybody turned only to meet the gaze of a young man storming through the doors, his eyes blazing with rage.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC162: Falling Face First
Klaus didn't even bother to lift his head. He kept chewing, completely unbothered. Without looking up, he muttered, "Put a leash on it, boy. This big daddy is eating." His voice was casual, almost lazy, but the message was clear. He wasn't interested in playing games.
The room tensed. Klaus's response was enough to make jaws drop, He wasn't bothered, not even in the slightest. If someone was calling him out like that, they either wanted attention or had something to prove. Neither option interested him.
The young man stopped in his tracks, clearly taken aback by Klaus's lack of response or more like his nonchalant response. His face reddened with anger. "Are you really that scared, Klaus? Hiding behind your food?"
Klaus chuckled softly, finally glancing up. "Scared? Of you?" He leaned back, lazily locking eyes with his challenger, a smirk playing on his lips. "No, I'm just not interested in wasting my time. But if you're desperate for a beating, I can finish up here and give you some attention. Just don't go running to your daddy when I'm done with you."
A few people held their breath. The boldness of Klaus's insult was palpable. Everyone knew the young man challenging Klaus—Taro Hiroshi, the youngest heir of the Hiroshi Great Family. Arrogant yet undeniably talented. He isn't a nobody for Klaus to be disrespecting like that.
So for Klaus to openly disrespect him like that, none of them couldn't believe their eyes and ears.
Taro's eyes narrowed, fury mixing with disbelief. He had expected some kind of reaction, but not this level of defiance. "You think you can just brush me off?" he spat, taking a step closer. "You're nothing but a cocky fool."
Klaus shrugged, unfazed. "Cocky? Maybe. But I've got the skills to back it up. What do you have? A title and a family name?
That doesn't scare me."
The tension in the room thickened, as others exchanged uneasy glances. They could feel the impending clash, a storm brewing between two young warriors. Taro clenched his fists, his body tense with anger. "You think you're better than me? I, Taro Hiroshi will show you what real power looks like."
Klaus wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, a grin spreading across his face. "Power? Is that what you call throwing a tantrum? Come on, Taro. You should know better than to challenge someone who doesn't care about your family Name. And yes, I don't care if you are the son of the Devil himself.
In my eyes, you are a nobody so act like one."
Klaus's words hit like a slap in the face to every Great Family heir present. He clearly didn't care about any of them, especially those who harbored animosity toward him.
"But wait," Klaus suddenly said raising a finger "Why does it seem like you hate me for no reason? This is my first time in this city and my first time entering this Mansion. So why the hostility? Make no mistake, your family's hospitality is great.
I enjoyed my food and will savor dessert, but why does this have to include a jerk like you?" He raised an eyebrow, looking directly at Taro, who was clenching his fists in rage.
"Wait, I didn't steal your woman, did I?" Klaus asked, a smirk creeping onto his face. "Who am I kidding? With a face like yours, you wouldn't have such luck." He relished the way Taro's anger was flaring. Taro is handsome, a lady's man and he knows it, but he just has to poke the bear. Anna and Lily knew there was no use stopping him now.
Taro clenched his fists, his anger simmering just below the surface. He had no words; Klaus was a monster when it came to this verbal game. Instead of enjoying the same freedom he had when entering the room, Taro found himself made a fool, standing there and seething.
As if sensing the tension, Anna leaned in, whispering something to Klaus. A mischievous smile spread across his face after hearing what she whispered into his ears.
"On second thought, Taro, I accept your challenge. And don't worry—you can use your sword. I'll just use this spoon." Klaus picked up a five-inch spoon from the table and began walking toward Taro.
His action caught everyone off guard. A spoon? Was he serious? The room erupted into murmurs, disbelief etched on every face.
Taro's expression shifted from anger to confusion, then to rage. "You think this is a joke?" he shouted
Klaus shrugged, twirling the spoon between his fingers like a seasoned warrior wielding a dagger. "Not at all. I just want to keep things light. You seem so tense" Klaus said with a puffy expression making the others don't know whether to laugh or cry.
The crowd around them watched in a mix of amusement and shock. Klaus was known for his unpredictability, but this was a new level of absurdity. He gave a Legacy heir Handicap, now how, he is giving Taro another handicap? Spoon, really.
"Are you really going to fight me with that?" Taro scoffed, trying to regain his composure.
"Why not? I figured a little spoon would be enough to take care of a honey bastard like you," Klaus replied, gesturing with the spoon as if he were scooping up honey.
Laughter erupted from the onlookers, and even some of Taro's anger seemed to falter in the face of Klaus's ridiculousness. Klaus spun the spoon in his fingers, looking back at Taro.
"Look at you, Taro," Klaus continued, "getting all worked up over a kitchen utensil. If that's all it takes to rattle you, maybe you should reconsider this whole warrior thing."
Taro glared, his face twisting with a mix of fury and humiliation. "You think this is funny? I'll make you regret this!"
Klaus just chuckled, stepping closer, spoon held high like a knight with his sword. "I'm counting on it. Show me what you've got!"
The hall was large enough to accommodate a simple spar between friends, but the tension felt anything but casual. Taro, despite his status as a Great Family heir, drew his sword and looked at Klaus like he was prey. "Don't regret this later," he warned, charging at Klaus with determination.
Klaus smirked as Taro closed the distance. When Taro got close, he stabbed his sword forward, clearly intent on hurting Klaus. But Klaus merely sidestepped a glint of amusement in his eyes.
In one fluid motion, he subtly kicked his leg forward, placing it right between Taro's legs. Before Taro could react, his sword flew from his hand as he tripped over Klaus's leg. He crashed to the floor, his face hitting the ground first with a thud.
The hall erupted in laughter, the sight of Taro's face hitting the floor first was just too comical to watch. Klaus stood over him, spoon raised in triumph. "Looks like you forgot to watch your footing, honey bastard!" he teased.
Taro groaned, pushing himself up and glaring at Klaus, his pride wounded. "This isn't over," he hissed, his face flushed with embarrassment.
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it!" Klaus replied, still grinning. "Let's see if you can actually land a hit this time."
Taro picked up his sword again, fury in his eyes, and charged at Klaus. But before he knew it, his face was hitting the floor once more. Once again the youngsters in the room laughed but not all. Taro's fall was comical, but not all of them knew how it happened until the second fall.
He charged at Klaus for the third time, but before he could take any action, he was falling on the floor, face first. The laughter in the hall suddenly stopped.
The first fall was amusing; it could happen to anyone. The second was still funny—just a coincidence. But a third? That was something else entirely. Klaus had made Taro's handsome face hit the ground thrice already.
"Wanna try it again?" Klaus taunted, his smirk growing wider. "To think someone who has his eyes on my girlfriend would be this weak. How disappointing." The look on Klaus's face said it all—Taro's challenge was becoming a waste of time.
"Please, when is dessert getting ready?" Klaus suddenly asked.
Clap, clap, clap.
Before Taro could move, applause rang out from one of the entrances, cutting through the tension. Everyone turned to see who had arrived.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC163: The Three Hiroshi Sisters
Klaus and the others turned toward the sound of clapping. Upon turning, their eyes settled on three women with otherworldly beauty walking toward them. Leading them was Aoi, and the two women beside her looked nearly identical to her, except they had more mature features.
The moment Klaus's eyes fell on the two women flanking Aoi, his heart seemed to stop. It wasn't because he was charmed or had any intentions of wooing them. It was something deeper—something in the aura that surrounded them.
When he first awakened his Spirit Eye, the senior in his soul sea had told him that he would be able to see energies, though only to a certain extent. At the time, Klaus didn't know what to look for. But now, as he stared at the suffocating energy surrounding the women beside Aoi, one thing was clear: he was no match for them. Not even close.
'How vast is the difference between monsters and humans?' Klaus thought to himself, feeling a chill run through his body.
Klaus had fought monsters far above his level, many Tiers beyond his own. Yet, standing before the Hiroshi sisters, especially the two beside Aoi, a shiver ran down his spine. They were only three realms above him, but it was enough to remind him that humans, too, could be terrifyingly powerful.
"Brother Klaus, don't you think it's rude to come into someone's home and beat them up?" one of the women beside Aoi asked, her voice dripping with a seductive undertone. It was the kind of tone that made Anna and Lily instantly bristle. They exchanged glances, clearly irritated. Being women themselves, they knew what was implied beneath those silky words.
Klaus raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the comment, though he could feel the tension rising behind him. His eyes drifted to Taro whose face was swollen and bruised from the repeated falls.
"I couldn't help it," Klaus said finally, unable to suppress a grin. The memory of Taro's faceplant was too funny to ignore.
The Hiroshi sisters exchanged knowing glances before looking at their younger brother, Taro, who was gripping his sword so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His eyes shot daggers at Klaus, his frustration boiling over. The sisters sighed quietly. They had witnessed the whole ordeal from the start, and, in truth, they had wanted to stop Taro from confronting Klaus.
But their father had told them not to interfere.
Now, seeing the anger etched on Taro's face, they understood why. Their father, Ryo Hiroshi, was not a man respected for his wealth but for his immense strength and warrior spirit. He had risen to prominence through discipline, and seeing his son drifting toward the spoiled, arrogant path, he needed something—someone—to pull Taro back to reality.
In fact, this entire gathering had been carefully planned so that Klaus would attend. It wasn't that the Hiroshi family didn't want to entertain the other young geniuses—they did—but Klaus was the main focus.
Like many youths, Klaus had his share of arrogance, but he had the skill to back it up. Taro, on the other hand, had been seething for weeks, ever since the news broke that Klaus and Lucy, the famed Queen of Vine, Princess of Vine, The wood Princess, were dating. His pride couldn't handle it, and now his frustration was boiling over into something dangerous.
The sisters knew that their father had orchestrated this encounter, hoping Klaus would be the lesson Taro needed.
Looking at Taro's fuming expression, the Hiroshi sisters silently gave their father a mental thumbs-up. He had clearly planned this all along. Outwardly, they remained neutral, though it was obvious they had their own motives for attending the gathering.
"Brother Klaus, still, you should have shown a little more restraint," the other Hiroshi sister said, her smile just as teasing as before.
Klaus glanced at Taro, whose face was burning with anger, then responded with a casual shrug. "You're right, I should have held back a little. Tell you what, Brother Taro—how about a rematch? This time I won't trip you," he said with an innocent look, clearly taunting Taro into another round of humiliation.
The first Hiroshi sister, sensing where this was headed, quickly interjected. "Brother Klaus has already won, so let's call this duel over." Her tone made it clear she wasn't amused by Klaus's baiting. Many might be caught in his bait, but not her.
Had Taro accepted, the next round would be a new form of humiliation that if care is not taken, can damage his foundation for good. So she she had to stop him.
"Too bad," Klaus said, inspecting the spoon in his hand as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world. "I was really looking forward to a proper fight with him."
Around them, a few people chuckled at Klaus's antics. Though some in the crowd disliked him—whether out of jealousy or rivalry—they couldn't deny his charm. His casual way of mocking without malice, combined with his undeniable skills and prowess, made it hard for anyone not to be amused by his behavior.
"Since Brother Klaus seems so keen on another match, why not have a duel with Aoi here?" the first Hiroshi sister suddenly suggested, turning all attention toward Aoi.
"First Sister!" Aoi exclaimed, clearly flustered.
"Oh, come on," her sister continued with a teasing smile. "You think I don't know you've been putting off your return to the academy just to see him?"
Aoi shot her a look of pure betrayal, the kind that said, "You traitor!" But there was no escaping it now. The entire crowd had heard, and all eyes were on her.
Klaus blinked, surprised by the revelation. Aoi, the elegant and fierce number twelve on the Celestial Mountain Academy's Inner Disciple rankings, had been eager to meet him. It all clicked into place—the reason she had met him earlier in the garden. She hadn't been able to wait any longer.
He chuckled to himself, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Well, well, this just might be the best gathering hosted by a great family yet." He glanced at Aoi, who looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her up.
Aoi's cheeks burned with embarrassment as she avoided Klaus's gaze, clearly wishing she could disappear into thin air. Klaus, however, couldn't help but grin wider. "Well then, I'll gladly have a duel with Miss Aoi," he said, clearly amused by how things had turned out.
"Wonderful! Let's all move to the arena," the first Hiroshi sister chimed in, leading the way with a satisfied smile.
Klaus cast one last longing look at the food spread, almost wanting to shout, 'Where's the dessert?' But he bit his tongue and followed the group.
If he was honest with himself, he had been itching for a duel with the Hiroshi family, knowing their deep mastery of the sword. Taro would've been the perfect match, but it was a shame the guy was a spoiled brat. Now, though, he had an upgrade—a duel with Aoi, a Peak Saint, and an Inner Disciple of Celestial Mountain Academy, and on top of that, she was stunningly beautiful.
The thought excited him. A perfect combination—strength, beauty, and the sword. It was too good to pass up.
A while later, they arrived at the arena. It was much bigger than Klaus's training room—vast and open. He walked in casually, followed closely by Aoi. Klaus stood opposite her and smiled.
"Looks like I will be needing your guidance, Fairy Aoi," he said, feeling a spark of excitement.
Everyone else stood by, watching intently as the duel was about to begin.
"I will also need Brother Klaus's guidance," Aoi replied, determination in her voice. With that, she lunged at Klaus.
In an instant, Klaus's sword appeared in his hand. With a flick of his wrist, he moved ready to clash and see if the Hiroshi family were indeed up to their name as Masters of the sword in the Northern Union.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC164: Duel with Aoi Hiroshi
Klaus clashed with Aoi, their swords meeting in a sharp clang. Neither of them was using any active skills; it was a pure test of skill with their blades. Klaus felt the force behind Aoi's strike, but he didn't panic. Instead, he adapted for the second clash. When their swords met again, he found the force was more manageable this time.
Aoi lunged forward with her sword, aiming to stab him. Klaus sidestepped and parried her attack, using the momentum to twist his wrist and strike back. But Aoi was one step ahead; she moved her sword to block his attack. With a swift motion, she spun on her heel, her waist twisting gracefully as she struck forward.
This movement sent her long, silky brown hair swirling in the air, making her look even more enchanting. Klaus shook his head to clear his thoughts—he had to focus. Still, he couldn't deny that she had a certain charm.
Seizing the moment created by her spin, Klaus struck forward, aiming for the blind spot. Yet, just like she had eyes in the back of her head, Aoi defended against his attack with surprising skill.
The duel had just started yet the two had already started showing great skill with the sword, especially, Aoi who seemed to have the sword as an extension of her arm.
Klaus pressed on with a sharpened determination. He feinted left, drawing Aoi's attention, then swiftly changed direction, aiming for her right side. Aoi reacted instantly, her instincts sharp. She pivoted, her sword moving to intercept his strike with fluid precision.
Their swords clashed again, sending vibrations up Klaus's arms. He could feel the intensity of the duel rising, and he relished the challenge. Aoi was no ordinary opponent; her skills matched him at least that was how it looked like, and the thrill of the fight energized him.
As they exchanged blows, Klaus noticed Aoi's breathing—a steady rhythm, controlled and focused. It impressed him. He decided to push her further. With a sudden burst of speed, he unleashed a flurry of strikes, each one meant to test her defenses. Aoi parried and dodged, her movements a dance of grace and agility.
Then, in a surprising twist, she countered with a spinning slash, aiming for his shoulder. Klaus barely managed to duck in time, feeling the rush of air as the blade swept above him. He could see her determination shining in her eyes, and it made him smile.
"You're stronger than I expected," he called out, his voice filled with excitement.
Aoi smirked, her confidence growing. "I could say the same about you, brother Klaus!" With renewed energy, she charged at him again, launching a series of precise attacks that kept him on his toes.
Klaus adjusted his stance, feeling the rush of adrenaline. He met her strikes with equal fervor, the sound of metal ringing through the arena. The others are watching with both fascination and awe. Just the simple clash is saying a whole lot.
Even Klaus facing Aoi could tell this wasn't just a simple duel. The way she was handling her sword said all he had to know, Aoi is a genius with the sword.
Suddenly, Aoi feinted to the left, then quickly spun to the right, attempting to catch him off guard. Klaus was ready this time. He sidestepped and launched a quick thrust, aiming for her side. Aoi reacted just in time, deflecting his attack with a flick of her wrist.
They both paused for a moment, breathing heavily, exchanging glances filled with mutual respect. The duel was far from over, but Klaus could feel the bond between them growing stronger with every clash.
"Beautiful and skilled, what a tempting combination," Klaus said, gazing at Aoi with admiration.
Aoi blushed slightly, a smile creeping onto her face. "Flattery won't save you in this duel, Klaus," she replied, her eyes sparkling with challenge.
Klaus laughed. "Maybe not, but it makes the fight more enjoyable," he said, raising his sword once more. He was enjoying the duel, but most importantly, he was learning.
With renewed energy, Aoi lunged at him again, her movements fluid and confident. "Let's see if you can keep up, then!"
Klaus met her charge head-on, their swords clashing once more. Each strike felt electric, the connection between them charged with competition and camaraderie. The arena around them faded as they became absorbed in their duel, both pushing each other to new heights now.
"Is that all you've got?" Klaus teased as he parried her strike, grinning.
Aoi responded with a playful glare. "You're going to regret saying that!" She spun around, attempting to catch him off guard again.
Klaus's heart raced as he dodged, feeling the thrill of the moment. Aoi's movements had shifted. At first, it felt like she was mapping out her next steps, but now she seemed to glide through the air as if dancing with her sword.
'She is skilled,' Klaus thought to himself, trying not to let it overwhelm him. He focused on adapting to her rhythm. The Hiroshi family was known for their swordsmanship, so it made sense that Aoi was so talented.
But even if she is the daughter of Ryo Hiroshi, the sword king, she seems a little too skilled, and Klaus, without any formal training in the art of swordplay, is starting to try to keep up with her evolving technique.
As Aoi twirled and struck, Klaus realized he had to tap into his instincts. He shifted his stance, watching her movements closely. Each strike was a challenge, but also an opportunity. He could learn from her, even in this fierce exchange.
With a sudden surge of determination, Klaus decided to push himself. He anticipated her next move, stepping into her path as she lunged forward. Their swords clashed again, the sound echoing in the arena. Klaus felt the weight of her strength behind her attacks, but he stood his ground, matching her pace.
Aoi paused for a brief moment, surprised by his response. "Not bad, Klaus!" she exclaimed, a hint of admiration in her voice.
"Thanks! But don't think I'll go easy on you!" Klaus shot back, a grin spreading across his face.
With renewed vigor, they resumed their duel, both pushing their limits. Klaus felt the thrill of the fight coursing through him, and he realized that, despite the gap in their training, he was holding his own.
Klaus's brain functioned like a digital camera, recording every move Aoi made and implementing them into his next clash.
'He is copying my skills,' Aoi realized, her keen instincts as a skilled swordswoman quickly picking up on Klaus's actions. But instead of feeling frustrated, a smile spread across her face. 'He is a genius.' She said inwardly
With each strike, Klaus adapted, mirroring her movements and refining his technique. Aoi found herself impressed—not just by his quick learning, but by the style he was using to learn it.
"Is that all you've got?" she teased, her voice light, even as she lunged at him again.
Klaus chuckled, feeling the thrill of the challenge. "Not even close!" He sidestepped and countered, using the technique he had just observed.
The duel evolved into a captivating exchange, each of them pushing the other to improve. Aoi found joy in the spar, appreciating how Klaus embraced the challenge. She was learning a new thing from him, the thrill of battle and he was stealing...*cough*...learning from her.
"You're picking this up faster than I expected," she admitted softly, a hint of admiration in her tone.
"Just trying to keep up with you!" Klaus replied, grinning as they clashed again.
However, no matter how she wanted to continue the battle, she knew it had to end. Klaus was learning her techniques and skills, something he first had to ask for permission from Ryo Hirosho before doing. So she knew she had to end the battle somehow even if he had just learned a fraction of her technique.
The duel continues like usual Aoi not knowing how to end it. She could win any moment she wanted, but she didn't want to. So she continued to repeat her techniques over and over again hoping Klaus would notice, and he did. He knew what she was trying to communicate.
So in one swift move, he parried her attack, then, using the momentum, he drove the hilt of his sword toward her, disarming her with a surprising twist. In a graceful motion, he spun her around, catching her like a princess in a tango dance.
Aoi blinked in surprise, caught off guard. Klaus had won in a rather peculiar manner, and for a moment, she was speechless, her cheeks flushing.
======
All around the arena, nobody uttered even a single word looking at Aoi in Klaus's arms, not even the Hiroshi sisters noticed anything. However, in a dimly lit room, a man with a sword tattoo on his forehead smiled as he watched the scene unfold.
"This kid is terrifying," he muttered to himself.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS