THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC175: Klaus is not Bothered, at all
"Yes, ma'am, I'll see to it that it's done," the announcement lady said, hanging up the call. She glanced around the room, noticing the strange looks on everyone's faces.
"Increase the rate at which the monsters pour in for his trial," she ordered, pointing at Klaus's screen. He stood there, calm, eyes closed, hands clasped behind his back. The scene was too shocking for anyone to comprehend.
"By how much, ma'am?" one of the operators asked, eyes wide as she looked at the display.
"Ten times," a voice interrupted before the announcement lady could respond. It was the War Goddess herself, her tone firm and unyielding.
Everyone's jaws dropped in unison.
"But War Goddess, that's... that's too much!" the announcement lady stammered. She had been told to raise the difficulty by three times, maybe five at most—but ten? That's an overkill.
The room was immediately filled with murmurs of disbelief. They all knew Klaus was a monster, but this was pushing it beyond reason.
"Are you sure?" the operator hesitated, her fingers hovering over the controls, unsure whether to follow the command.
The War Goddess fixed her with a steely glare. "Do it," she said, her voice final, leaving no room for argument.
The room fell silent, and the tension was thick. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, but no one dared to question the War Goddess any further. They knew what kind of power she wielded—questioning her would be foolish.
With a shaky hand, the operator entered the command. "Increase monster flow... tenfold," she whispered under her breath, her heart pounding as she hit 'Enter.'
On the screen, Klaus remained motionless, unaware of the chaos being set into motion for his trial. He stood there, calm, as if meditating, oblivious to the storm that was about to hit him.
"Good luck," the announcement lady muttered under her breath, her eyes glued to the screen. Everyone braced for what was about to happen next. For some reason, they felt pity for Klaus.
Back inside Oracle, Klaus stood firm, controlling the Void Piercing Needle with devastating precision. Suddenly, tens of thousands of monsters began pouring toward him, an endless wave of death.
His eyes snapped open, locking onto the storm of creatures rushing his way. "Looks like they want me to feel something," Klaus muttered with a smirk.
In an instant, the Void Piercing Arrow appeared in front of him, breaking apart into 45 sharp needles. With a simple gesture, he added ten more, making 55 needles float ominously before him. A smile played on his lips as the needles reformed into a single, new Void Piercing Needle.
This time, it wasn't the usual ten-inch needle. Instead, a thick, menacing 14-inch needle materialized, radiating danger. He grinned as he watched the monsters come within range.
Klaus stomped down, and from the ground, an ice chair emerged—elegant and sharp, perfectly crafted. With a mischievous look, he sat on it, comfortably taking his place. Thanks to his memories as Fruiy, he had mastered shaping the ice element into whatever he pleased.
Klaus really doesn't have any teacher to teach him how to use the Ice element, but thanks to the small memory he has of Fruity, his past self, he now knows how to shape some things.
Resting his hand on the chair's arm, Klaus supported his chin with his left fist, looking almost bored. With a flick of his right hand, he pointed a finger forward, and the newly enhanced Void Piercing Needle shot out.
In the blink of an eye, hundreds of monsters evaporated into thin air.
"Tsk, not that I expected anything different," Klaus murmured, unimpressed by the carnage. But this time, he knew he had to be faster and more careful—thousands of monsters were pouring in by the second.
"Well then," he said with a smirk, "why not make this more interesting?"
With a flick of his fingers, the Void Piercing Needle split into two smaller, 7-inch needles. Almost instantly, they shot off in opposite directions—one to the left, the other to the right.
What followed was pure devastation. Hundreds of monsters disintegrated within seconds, shredded apart by the relentless speed of the needles.
Klaus even stopped using fingers and went back to controlling them with nothing but his mind and his Spirit Eye. The slaughter was seamless as if the monsters were mere insects in the face of the needles' precision.
"I should really pay more attention to my class," Klaus muttered to himself, slightly amused. If he had realized this potential earlier, he might have already become a powerful Spirit Master—adept in controlling weapons with his mind.
But it was never too late to start, and the battlefield was the perfect place to learn. An hour had already passed, and yet, 1,500 youngsters were still inside the oracle, fighting for a spot in the Top 1000. Looking at their struggles, though, it was clear that within the next ten minutes, the true 1,000 would be chosen.
At this point, luck seemed to play a big role. All you had to do was hold on and hope the unlucky ones would be eliminated. Anna and the rest of Klaus's friends were still in the fight, but only Anna seemed to be handling the pressure well.
Five minutes later, only 1,200 remained, the red screens flashing in the observation room said it all. Although these youngsters were strong, they couldn't hold on much longer.
Suddenly, the number dropped to 1,000. Now, the next kills would decide who made it into the Top 50. Klaus's name sat at the very top, his points towering above the rest. Nobody in the room was surprised. Even though his trial difficulty had been increased, he didn't seem bothered at all.
In the second place, of course, was Anna. She was pushing herself hard, and it was paying off. Miguel is in third place and from the look of how he is fighting, he seems to be trying to catch up to Anna
Surprisingly, Hanna, who had ranked 195 out of 200 in the city selection, was now sitting at number 4. She has been training very hard for this trial and it seems to be paying off quite well.
Kilian held the fifth spot, with his sister Lily right behind him at number 6. Mark, the spearman from Klaus's group, was at number 8, and Daniel and Danny followed at 9 and 10.
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Kay, on the other hand, was hanging in there at number 15. He is skilled with the bow, but his killing speed isn't the best. Still, it was enough to keep him out of harm's way while steadily taking down his targets.
Soon, the top 1,000 competitors began to dwindle. Before ten minutes had passed, only five remained inside the Oracle. Klaus sat calmly, continuing to kill with his two Void Piercing Needles, while Anna, surrounded by ice, was doing her best to hold on.
Miguel, still at third, fought on. Despite his hatred for Klaus, he proved himself to be a formidable warrior, showing everyone he wasn't a pushover. Hanna, clinging to fourth place, fought desperately, refusing to back down.
The fifth spot now belonged to Danny, who had risen from ninth. He fought fiercely, and if he managed to hold on a bit longer, he might even surpass Hanna.
But in the next minute, the final five were overwhelmed by monsters. They had no choice but to bow out of the trial. Anna finished second, followed by Miguel, Klaus's friend-nemesis, in third. Hanna secured fourth, Danny took fifth, Kilian came in sixth, and Lily, who had battled fiercely, ended up in seventh.
Mark finished eighth, Daniel took ninth, and Kay managed to finish the trial in twelfth place.
As the saying goes, friends of a lion aren't poppies. They have proven they are indeed worthy to be called friends of Klaus who the higher-ups are considering whether or not to let him continue the trial.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC176: The Creators Of Oracle
In the observation room, where all the officials had gathered to monitor the trials, the War Goddess and others stood watching one screen in particular. It showed a white-haired youth seated on what looked like an ice throne. His left hand rested on the arm of the chair, his fist supporting his chin, while his right hand lay casually on the other armrest.
His eyes were closed as if he had no care in the world.
Around him, thousands of monsters were charging forward. But as soon as they entered within 1 kilometer of him, something would flash, and the monsters would instantly dissolve into light particles, vanishing into the air.
"I've seen a lot of impossible things, but this... this is my first time witnessing something this bizarre," one of the officials muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. The others nodded, equally stunned, but the War Goddess stood silently, her expression unreadable.
It wasn't just the officials who found this hard to believe. Far from Hiroshi City, in a secluded location, three individuals sat around a table, also watching Klaus inside the Oracle with puzzled looks.
"Even though this is just a virtual realm, this kid is making it seem like we didn't put enough effort into making the Oracle feel as real as the outside world," one of them said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"Well, it's a virtual world," another replied. "The terror people feel when facing real monsters is lessened here. They won't actually die inside the Oracle, so it's only natural."
"True, but still," the third person chimed in, frowning, "he's making this trial look far too easy. In reality, there's no way he could handle it like this. So, what's wrong with the Oracle that's allowing him to remain this calm?"
These three individuals are the creators of the Oracle. They have been developing it for the past five decades. Now, just as they were entering the final phase of their work, Klaus's performance had made them question whether they had indeed created something that could make a real difference.
"Why so gloomy? Isn't this the best thing that's ever happened to you three?" A voice suddenly broke the silence, causing the three individuals to turn toward the door.
"Big brother, you're here!" they all shouted in unison, despite their ages.
"Yes," the man replied calmly. Just by looking at him, it was clear he was powerful. The air around him seemed peaceful, yet there was an undeniable sense of danger lurking beneath the surface.
"Big brother, why do you say this kid is the best thing that's ever happened to us?" one of them asked, still puzzled.
"Just look at him. It's obvious he's not feeling the will imposed by true monsters. I know you three have been working on this for a long time, but you couldn't get that part right. So, why not add someone else to your team and see if he can help you with it?" the man suggested.
"You mean... include Klaus Hanson in our team?" one of them asked hesitantly. "But he's not even a Saint yet. What would the others say?"
The man smirked. "You think the Overlords are sitting around doing nothing? This is no issue. Just do it. If they object, I'll handle it," he said, his tone full of pride.
"Okay, big brother," they responded without further question. Their respect for the man in front of them was clear.
"By the way," the man added, "you three should better come up with something more creative for the Union Trial. That's all." With that, he vanished into thin air, leaving the three Oracle creators exchanging glances.
"Is it just me, or does Big Brother seem... happy?" one of them asked, eyebrows raised.
"Tsk, of course, he's happy," another replied. "He's an Overlord. I heard they recently discovered some ancient ruin and started exploring it."
"Well that is awesome I guess"
"We have to come up with something for the Union Trial. This kid has complicated everything; we need to step up our game," one of them said, frustration seeping through.
"Why not just use the Infinity Zero space for that trial?" another suggested.
"We can't. That's reserved for the upcoming Warrior Tournament. We won't have anything concrete ready by then if we use it now, so we need to play it safe. We just need to come up with something for the Union Trial that'll keep him on his toes," the third person chimed in, a bit more practical.
A mischievous grin spread across Logan's face. "Joon, that crazy girlfriend of yours back at MIT—wasn't she full of wild ideas for creating combat-ready spaces when we were brainstorming Oracle?"
Joon groaned, already knowing where this was going. "Logan, you bastard, you're not seriously thinking about that, are you? Lucil stopped talking to me after what happened five years ago. Don't drag her into this. She probably doesn't even want to see my face ever again."
"I don't know about that." Logan shrugged, a playful glint in his eye.
Joon's frown deepened, sensing something was off. "Ryan, what did you do?" he asked, noticing Ryan was smiling down at his phone.
Ryan looked up, clearly enjoying the moment. "Well, you know Lucil and I follow each other on Xter. Turns out, she's pretty interested in Klaus Hanson. She is a huge fan. So, I sent her a quick message letting her know we'd be working with Klaus for a while, and guess what? She immediately replied, saying she's taking a vacation in two weeks and might just swing by."
Joon's jaw tightened. "And by 'swing by,' you mean she's coming for the whole month, right?"
Ryan smirked. "Sounds about right."
Joon sighed heavily, shaking his head. "Ah, looks like my peaceful days are over..."
Logan and Ryan exchanged knowing looks before glancing at their friend with sympathetic smiles. They knew it was true—Joon's peaceful days were long gone. Lucil is a wild one, and after what had happened between the boyfriend and girlfriend duo five years ago, they were certain Joon was done for.
The three had been inseparable since high school, their friendship growing stronger through college, and now into their professional lives. Together, they were working on building a Virtual World—a place where warriors could train, connect, and even hold competitions.
Their work had earned them respect worldwide. The system they were developing promised to make life easier for warriors everywhere. But they hadn't released it to the public just yet. There were still a few issues to resolve, but once those were ironed out, the entire world would gain access.
=============
Meanwhile, back in Oracle, Klaus continued his slaughter of monsters with his eyes closed, sitting as if he were relaxing on a park bench. The Void Piercing Arrow was doing all the killing with his mind controlling it. However, suddenly, the endless waves of monsters stopped. Not a single one appeared.
He opened his eyes and smirked.
"Looks like they're finally tired of me," he muttered to himself. Then, his vision went dark.
When his eyes opened again, he was back in the Game room. Klaus removed the helmet and stood up, stretching lazily before heading toward the door. It slid open, and as he stepped through, he found himself back in the massive hall filled with 999 youngsters. All were excited, clearly thrilled to have made it into the top 1000.
Klaus scanned the crowd, quickly spotting his friends gathered near a large projection of the Trial's leaderboard. He looked up, and there it was—his name in first place. A grin spread across his face when he glanced at the names in second, fourth, and beyond.
"Klaus!" a voice suddenly called out. He looked and saw Danny waving.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC177: There is Something Different About These Two [Bonus]
Klaus waved back and made his way over to his friends. As he got closer, he noticed the same smile he saw on Anna's face still tugging her lips as they made eye contact. Klaus knew something was not right. Considering the talk they had the night before, she is supposed to be solemn, but with this new look, he just doesn't get it.
"Congratulations, big sister. You did well," Klaus said proudly. Hanna had ranked fourth, a surprising achievement that amazed many around them. No one had expected her to rise so high.
In the City Selection Trial, she had only placed 195th out of the 200 selected. But now, with 12 cities and over 12,000 young warriors, Hanna had fought her way to the top four. It was nothing short of shocking.
"Thanks, little bro," Hanna replied, her smile beaming with pride. "Mom's going to be over the moon when she hears what I placed."
Klaus rolled his eyes playfully. "Just don't let her spoil you rotten."
"Oh, I might take her up on that," Hanna teased, her confidence clearly restored. After all the struggles and doubts she'd faced, seeing her like this made Klaus happy. She had found her footing again, and he was glad she had reclaimed her strength.
"Everyone, I'll be back in a jiffy," Danny suddenly said, walking toward a certain blonde across the room. Mark and the others exchanged glances and sighed. It was clear they were all falling short in the women's department.
Klaus ignored Anna for a moment and turned to Lily. "Fairy Lily, you did well," he said with a genuine smile, making Anna pout in mock annoyance.
Lily glanced at Anna, then smiled back at Klaus. "Thank you, Klaus."
"Anna dear, congratulations on ranking second. I'm really proud of you," Klaus added. He didn't want to tease her, especially after the awkward conversation they'd had the night before. But seeing the mischievous smile she'd been flashing him all morning, he knew she was up to no good.
"Thank you, Brother Klaus," Anna replied with a teasing grin.
Klaus raised an eyebrow. "Brother Klaus, huh? Too bad I'm just a brother. I was planning to take you two somewhere special later, but it seems I'll only be taking Lily now," he said, moving to stand beside Lily and wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
Lily blushed deeply, while Anna's smile faltered for just a second. She knew Klaus was joking, but a small pang hit her heart seeing his arm around Lily. With so many people watching, she couldn't shake the feeling of being the third wheel.
Luckily for her, at that exact moment, a door opened, and the officials entered to make the final announcements. The last to enter was the War Goddess herself. Her eyes immediately found Klaus and a smile tugged at her lips.
"Congratulations, everyone. You've taken another step toward becoming disciples of Celestial Mountain Academy," the War Goddess announced.
"Though two more Trials remain to decide who will officially enter the academy's books, passing this one proves that you are among the finest warriors of your generation. You should be proud."
The room lit up with smiles as everyone soaked in her words. At least for today. the War Goddess has finally said something encouraging. She stepped aside, allowing the academy's representative to deliver her speech.
"As the War Goddess said, you should feel proud of your accomplishments," the academy rep continued. "However, in four months, you will gather again in Union City to face the Union Trial. This time, you'll compete against 4,000 others. By the end, only 2,000 of the 5,000 will advance to the next trial."
Her gaze swept over the crowd, making sure her words sunk in. "Use these four months wisely. Train. Prepare. Like before, each of you will be given three vials of Mountain Dew. Use it to reach the Peak Master stage before the Union Trial.
I know many of you are already close, so bridge that remaining gap."
"And to those who are still far from reaching the Peak Of Master Stage, work extra hard to bridge that gap before the Union Trial."
"Additionally, the academy will award each of you three passes to Tier 3 Forbidden Zones and one pass to a Tier 4 Forbidden Zone. These are your opportunities to hone your combat skills and grow stronger. The next trial will be more grueling and dangerous than what you've faced so far."
The academy rep paused, letting her words hang in the air for a moment.
"Lastly, three months from now, the academy will hold a gathering at Sinji Valley. Some seniors from the academy will be present. Use this event to learn more about what lies ahead, and find the motivation you need to succeed in the Union Trial."
The room quieted as everyone processed the weight of the trials to come. The doors opened on the sides of the building signally for them to enter and go for the Mountain Dew. Klaus looked at his friend and gestured for them to go.
He looked back and nodded at the War Goddess before leaving. After receiving the three vials of Mountain Dew, he and his friends headed back to their hotel. Once they arrived, Klaus handed his share of the Mountain Dew to Anna, Lily, and Hanna.
They all knew he had no use for them, so they accepted it without hesitation. After that, Klaus retreated to his room to take a bath. Once refreshed, he tried to call Ohema again, but like the last ten times, the call didn't go through. Frustrated, he sat down and entered his soul sea to study the Pentaface Bead more closely.
A few hours later, there was a knock on his door. He paused and opened it to find Anna and Lily standing there.
"Can we come in?" Lily asked, her voice soft.
"Sure," Klaus replied, stepping aside to let them in. As they walked past him, he felt his heart quicken, though he couldn't quite understand why. 'There is something different about these two'
"So, what brings you two here?" Klaus asked, trying to sound casual. The two exchanged glances before Lily spoke up.
"Klaus, do you hate us?" The question was simple yet complicated. Klaus swallowed hard, feeling the weight of it. He understood the deeper implications behind her words.
He didn't answer right away, taking a moment to consider his response. Saying the wrong thing could have serious consequences. He could tell them he didn't hate them, but what evidence did he have to back that up? In truth, he didn't harbor any hatred; he simply didn't want to get this complicated for now. His mind is still not straight from knowing about his past, so he wants to relax for a while.
But the tension was palpable. He knew it would be difficult, especially since he often flirted with other girls. If they remained in the friend zone for too long, it could create issues in their relationship. Anna knew Klaus liked them—she could sense it, and so could Lily. But he rarely showed it intimately to them.
Though they weren't as old as Lucy, he felt he should at least make them feel appreciated. He recognized that he had been distant, even playful with Anna when he should have been closer. Now, standing before the two beautiful faces, he realized he needed to do something.
With a sigh, he walked toward them without overthinking. He stepped in front of Anna, gently pulling her closer and planting a soft kiss on her lips. Anna froze in surprise, but Klaus didn't linger. He turned to Lily and planted another kiss on her lips, then stepped back, a smile forming on his face.
"Does this answer your question?" he asked, his tone light yet sincere.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC178: Handsome, Shameless, Pervert [Bonus]
Anna and Lily looked at each other, their faces flushed. They didn't know how to react. They had come to have a difficult conversation, but before they could even begin, they found themselves speechless. Klaus didn't say a word; he just leaned in and kissed them both. It was unexpected and wild.
"Klaus," Anna managed to say, her expression bashful. Lily wore a similar look, her cheeks still pink.
"I hope this answers your question," Klaus said, smiling softly. "Although we can't get more intimate right now, I want you both to know that I love you." He felt a warmth in his heart as he spoke. "We can be more active when I get this sorted out."
As he said this, he felt a sense of peace, having already taken that step in his heart. But for Anna and Lily, hearing those words made their hearts race, pounding against their chests. They exchanged glances, a mix of surprise and joy dancing in their eyes. The moment felt electric, charged with unspoken feelings.
"Hehe, look at you both, blushing like little tomatoes! Come on, come here," Klaus said playfully. Before they could react, he swooped in, and they all landed on the bed together. He planted a kiss on Anna's lips and then on Lily's before settling them down in his arms—Anna on his right and Lily on his left.
"Thank you," Lily said, lying rigidly in his embrace.
"No need to thank me. I've had my eyes on you both since the moment I first saw you," Klaus replied, gently rubbing her arms.
"Isn't Sister Lucy and Sister Ohema enough for you?" Anna blurted out, instantly regretting her words.
"Says the lady chasing her sister's boyfriend," Klaus shot back, causing Anna to close her eyes in embarrassment, her face burning.
"What about Sister Nia and Sister Asha?" Lily asked, sounding surprisingly calm about the whole situation.
"Hey, can't we just stay in the moment without thinking about others?" Klaus said, not liking where this was heading. He thought it was odd that the ladies were so supportive of each other when it came to a boy they both liked. Shouldn't they be rivals? Yet, all the women around him seemed to be rooting for one another.
"Your mom was right. You really are a player," Lily said with a teasing smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Klaus looked at the usually quiet Lily and couldn't believe his eyes. She now looks lively and playful, and from the look of things, she might become a huge challenge in the future. As they say, don't judge a book by its cover.
"I'm pretty sure he has his eyes on War Goddess Miriam and Aoi too," Anna added, making Klaus pause and slip into deep thought. After a moment, a smile crept across his face.
"I knew it! He does have his eyes on them," Anna exclaimed.
"I only hope he has the stamina to satisfy them all," Lily chimed in, her tone teasing.
"Lily, you can't say things like that! It's too... naughty," Anna said, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red.
"What? You'll experience all that one day, so what's the harm in talking about it?" Lily replied with a grin.
"You!" Anna shot back, still flustered.
"Hey, ladies, I'm right here. Why not talk about us and forget about other things?" Klaus said, astonished by how mischievous Lily had turned out to be. He couldn't help but chuckle at the banter between them.
Klaus felt a warm glow of affection for both girls as they continued their playful banter. It was refreshing to see this side of Lily, and Anna's shyness only made her more endearing. For someone who had tormented her sister for weeks, this new look on her is just too cute.
Klaus was more than happy to have two beautiful girls in his arms. All the pent-up frustration he has been feeling after knowing a little about his past, the pain, and everything uncomfortable feeling started to melt away.
Before he knew it, for the first time in days, he fell asleep, leaving Anna and Lily to gaze at his face. Anna held a small smile as she looked at the peaceful expression on his features.
"He really is handsome," she whispered, not realizing she had said it aloud.
Lily turned to her, a playful smile spreading across her face. "You're not wrong. He has that brooding charm, doesn't he?"
Anna nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It's like he carries the weight of the world but still manages to look good doing it."
"Exactly!" Lily laughed softly. "And that smile—when he actually smiles, it lights up the room."
They both chuckled quietly, careful not to wake Klaus. The moment felt intimate, a shared secret between them. As they continued to admire him, Anna felt a warmth in her heart.
"I'm glad we're here together," Anna said softly, her eyes never leaving Klaus's face.
"Me too," Lily replied. "It feels special." The exchange looks and smiles.
Neither Anna nor Lily wanted to wake Klaus, so they all fell back asleep, only stirring around six when Hanna came in to inform them that Aoi would be joining them for the outing they had planned after the Trial.
"You work fast, Boss," Hanna teased, turning to Klaus with a playful grin. Just a while back, she became his personal assistant. Now, she is his sister, that is just too cute.
"Big sister, you're making me blush," Klaus joked shamelessly. Just like how he got some pain and frustration from his past self, he also got some comfort when he was around Hanna. Her past self Haniva was his Babysitter after all.
Looking at the grin on Hanna's face, Klaus couldn't help back think back to his past self as Fruity, 'Tsk, that bastard sure had the best people around him' He thought.
Though tragedy had found him sooner than he had expected, Fruity had experienced all that love, and much of it came from Neniva, Hanna's past self.
"You do know that having too many girlfriends requires a lot of work, right?" Hanna said a bashful smile on her lips.
"Don't worry! This brother of yours is more active than you think," Klaus replied with a wink.
"Pervert!" Hanna exclaimed, laughing as she darted out of his room.
Klaus shook his head, chuckling softly. "Tsk, that bastard had it good," he muttered, cursing his past self once more before heading to the bathroom.
His past memories clung to him like an annoying shadow, influencing him in all the wrong ways. The bits he remembered were all about monk stuff—discipline, restraint, all the things he no longer cared for. Now, Klaus is moving in the opposite direction, one that doesn't fit the teachings of monks. He had long abandoned their ways.
After his bath, Klaus dressed up and went to meet the others, who were already waiting for him. He had promised them an outing before they returned to their various cities. Once they were back, it would be all about training... and maybe some other nightly activities on the side.
He still needed to find his uncles, who had disappeared since his return from the dead. His friends would have to go into seclusion, focusing on hunts to level up and sharpen their combat skills. As for him, his schedule for the next four months was packed—training, missions, and even some unfinished business with Nadia. The upcoming Trial was looming, and it was going to be a hectic ride.
To top it all off, Klaus had been banned from entering Union City, but oddly enough, he wasn't too concerned. He figured things would work out in their own way. Right now, his only plan was to enjoy himself with his friends.
Soon after, Aoi arrived, looking as stunning as ever. Klaus grinned, putting on his usual shameless charm as he approached her.
"Beautiful, smart, and deadly with a sword. Damn, what a combo," he teased with a wink.
Anna and Lily rolled their eyes, but deep down, they knew they had fallen for this handsome, shameless pervert long ago and now, they have to live with him forever.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC179: Outing with Friends
Hiroshi City is vast and stunning, full of incredible places to explore. Klaus, his friends, and Aoi had wandered to many amazing places until they finally entered a club only available to warriors, a place meant for young fighters like them. The atmosphere inside was lively, and designed for everyone to have a good time.
They drank, laughed, and even had a few rounds of hard liquor. Despite them being warriors, the drinks hit them enough to leave them a little tipsy, but they didn't care, they managed to chart in the top 1000 out of the 12,000 youngsters in the whole of the Eastern Region. They deserved all the fun in the world.
Klaus spent most of his time flirting with Anna and Lily but as the night reached its peak, Klaus found himself alone with Aoi. She seemed to fit in just fine, mingling effortlessly with the group. But now, it was just the two of them.
"So," Klaus began, not giving Aoi any time to process the sudden moment alone moment. "How many pictures of me do you have in your room?"
It was the most shameless question he could think of, and he knew it. He couldn't help but smirk, remembering the last time they were at the Hiroshi Mansion. Mio and Miki, Aoi's older sisters, had let it slip that Aoi was a huge fan of his. That tidbit had stuck with him, and now he saw the perfect opportunity to tease her.
As expected, Aoi's face turned bright red, and she quickly covered it with her hands. In the academy, she is very respected due to many factors but mostly because of her sword skills. She is very good with the sword.
"Klaus stop that" she mumbled through her fingers, still too embarrassed to look at him. Klaus grinned, knowing he had already cracked through her composure.
"By the way, thanks for making sure I didn't lose face during our duel." He knew that without Aoi subtly holding back, he would have lost that match.
It wasn't something he could easily forget. That small gesture had meant a lot to him, and it solidified Aoi's place as someone he could trust. Some friendships are built through little acts of kindness, and Aoi was one of those.
Aoi shifted slightly regaining her composure.
"No need," she replied. "Just make sure you get into the academy and join the Yin-Yang Palace." Her face held a small smile, but Klaus could tell she meant every word. It was more than just a casual suggestion—it felt like something she truly wanted for him.
"Yin-Yang Palace?" Klaus raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. He didn't know what it meant, but he could tell it had something to do with the Celestial Mountain Academy. Since he was eager to learn more, he focused intently as Aoi explained.
"Yin-Yang Palace is one of the eight factions at the academy," Aoi began. "The eight factions are Yin-Yang Palace, Fire Dragon Hall, Thunder Blade Sect, Celestial Wind Pavilion, Iron Fist Clan, Aqua Spirit Sect, Earth Shadow Guild, and Sky Phoenix Sanctuary."
Klaus didn't say anything, he just sat there listening attentively.
"Since I'm in the Yin-Yang Palace, I'll talk about that one," Aoi continued. "Factions are like classes. They're designed to group warriors with similar talents and affinities so they can learn together and build stronger foundations."
"The Yin-Yang Palace, as the name suggests, is made up of warriors with diverse talents, especially those who don't quite fit into the other factions. Some joined because they didn't want to be in the other factions, and some were here because the other factions rejected them. Yes, we're at the bottom of the list, but that's because of how broad and varied our group is."
Aoi smiled softly, knowing what Klaus might be thinking. "But that doesn't mean we're weak. In fact, it's the opposite. We have access to a wide range of resources due to the sheer number of different classes we accommodate.
However, because we don't reject anyone, our ratings are always lower when it comes to competing for resources. But remember, in the Yin-Yang Palace, every warrior is treated like a friend and family. If you want to be with people who will stand by your side without the threat of getting stabbed in the back, this is the faction for you."
She hesitated briefly before adding, "Also... I want you to join because I want to stay in the same faction and practice the sword with you."
Klaus couldn't help but smile at that last part.
"But you're an inner disciple," he pointed out. "How can we practice together?" He didn't know much about the structure of the academy, but from what he had learned from Lucy, once someone climbed the Stairway to Heaven, they would join the Inner Area.
Aoi smiled knowingly. "That's true. Normally, once you become an inner disciple, you're focused on more advanced training in the inner section of the academy, away from the outer disciples. But," she paused, her expression softening, "I still make time to help those who mean something to me."
Klaus raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Meaning?"
Aoi shrugged, trying to appear casual, but the bashfulness on her face said it all. "Let's just say I'll find a way. The Yin-Yang Palace is big on helping each other, no matter the rank or status. We're family. And besides," she added with a playful smirk, "I can't let you go around slacking off just because I'm not there to keep an eye on you."
Klaus chuckled. "So, you're my personal drill sergeant now?"
Aoi's smile, her shoulders held high. "Something like that."
"How cute," Klaus muttered, watching the playful look on Aoi's face. She blushed lightly, caught off guard by his words. Klaus knew well that it wouldn't be simple for an inner disciple like Aoi to come down to the outer area of the academy, but he didn't care much about the details. He didn't know enough about the academy's structure to be concerned. All he could do was smile and reassure her.
"Don't worry, Fairy Aoi, I wouldn't mind joining your prestigious faction," Klaus said
Aoi's blush deepened at his words, but she quickly composed herself. "Good," she replied, trying to hide her flustered expression. "Just make sure you keep up. I won't go easy on you just because we're in the same faction."
Klaus chuckled. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
"By the way, know that my brother Taro won't be causing you any trouble anytime soon," Aoi said.
Klaus smiled. 'Oh he wouldn't dare try anything stupid after he realises I haven't only taken the girl of his dreams, his sister is also caught in my net' Klaus smiled slightly thinking that.
He wanted to say that out loud, but he didn't, instead he just smiled and nodded. He had already clashed with Taro once and knew the guy wasn't a match for him. The idea of Taro trying to cause problems now was laughable.
At the very least, Aoi could slap him back into place if he tried anything.
That thought made Klaus smirk even more. They spent a few more minutes talking before Anna and the others returned. After a few more rounds of shots, they all headed back to their hotel.
Klaus first wanted to spend the night with either Anna or Lily, but he decided against it knowing he had other plans for the night. The kind he doesn't want anyone knowing about it, at least not just yet.
He waited for everyone to fall asleep. Once the suit was quiet and still, he dressed in dark clothes and slipped out into the thick of the night.
[A/N: Not the very best chapter, but it contains some of the best details I'll expand on in the coming Chapters]
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC180: The Dark Order Safehouse
Klaus moved quickly through the crowded streets, heading in a certain direction dressed in dark clothes. After interrogating the assassin, he managed to extract the location of two Dark Order safehouses—one in Hiroshi City and the other in Ross City.
At first, he thought about going back to Ross City before doing anything. However, after digesting the information he got from the Assassin, he changed his mind.
The safehouse in Hiroshi City had something far more valuable. From what he gathered, there is a system inside the Safehouse in Hiroshi City that holds the identities of assassins in the Eastern Region linked to the Dark Order. That wasn't all—there was also a list of targets the Dark Order had been contracted to kill.
Beyond that, the system could give him access to both major and minor hideouts in the region. Klaus knew he had to act fast and get that information before the Dark Order realized Assassin Number 91 had failed to complete the hit.
Time was running out, and Klaus didn't intend to waste a second. He slipped through the darker, less crowded parts of the city until he arrived at a five-story, hotel-like structure. On the outside, it seemed like just another place for travelers, but Klaus knew better.
This wasn't an ordinary hotel. Sure, it functioned like one, but only for a select type of guest—those who possessed a specific ring. If you have the ring, you can enter. No questions asked. That means everyone inside this particular hotel is either an assassin or working for the Dark Order.
"Welcome, guest. How can the Everdark Hotel serve you today?" Immediately Klaus entered, a woman at the front desk greeted him, her voice sweet and professional, just as Klaus expected.
To any bystander, it looked like a normal check-in, but Klaus knew the truth. From the assassin he interrogated, he learned that the safe house didn't know whether they were assassins until they showed the ring.
Klaus thought about asking what would happen if someone didn't have the ring, but he already knew the answer. Instead, he flashed the ring on his middle finger, his face unreadable. Without a word, the woman's smile faded, and she gestured for him to follow her to an elevator.
Once inside, Klaus pressed the button for the top floor. As the elevator ascended, he swept the hotel with his senses. What he found surprised him. There were dozens of assassins in the building.
Klaus sensed the presence of three Sages and thirty-four Saints scattered throughout the hotel, but he didn't dwell on it. His priority was to extract the data from their system before anyone suspected a thing.
"These people are meticulous," Klaus muttered, eyeing the sophisticated setup in the room he arrived in. The system was the type that left little to no digital footprint. It was designed to be as invisible as possible.
He sat behind the console and recalled the instructions the assassin had given him. All he needed to do was insert the ring into a specific slot. As soon as he did, the system came to life, prompting him with a security question.
Without hesitation, Klaus entered the answer. The assassin had been too bewitched to lie, fully convinced Klaus would let him live. One side effect of the bewitching spell was the ability to manipulate someone's emotions, making them more cooperative.
The moment he keyed in the security answer, the system granted him full access. Klaus wasted no time and dove straight into the most crucial details—safehouses, their locations, and the methods for accessing them.
Next, he searched for the registered assassins in the system. As he scrolled through the database, something caught his eye.
"Huh... what's 'Tier locked'?" Klaus murmured, noticing that the assassin profiles were categorized into four tiers: Tier 1 to Tier 4. However, only Tier 1 was available to him.
"Seems like the bastard I killed wasn't important enough to grant me higher clearance," Klaus scoffed, realizing that the assassin's low rank limited the information he could access.
"Not bad, though. At least I can get Tier 1 assassins." Klaus quickly accessed the list and was shocked to find detailed profiles of twenty individuals.
"Number 100 to Number 80," he noted aloud. It was clear now—the Dark Order used these numbers to refer to their assassins. Klaus scanned the list, not bothering to open their profiles for more intimate details, there will be time for that later.
As he kept scrolling, his eyes caught something suddenly.
"Number 92 is indisposed," he read, noticing a red tag next to the name. A grim smile tugged at his lips. That must've been the assassin who failed to kill him at the Arcadian city. He scoffed but didn't dwell on it. He wanted to kill the bastard himself, but this also worked.
Indisposed, 'indeed.'
Klaus pressed "print," and a stack of documents began piling up. He wanted everything, and the system was delivering. After printing the list of Tier 1 Assassins, he noted that Numbers 91 and 92 were already dead, leaving 18 more active.
He didn't linger on that detail. His next search was for the people on the Dark Order's hit list. Three names popped up, and one stood out—Cynthia Ross.
Anna and Lucy's mother. Klaus had always known there was something mysterious about her. She kept more secrets than even her daughters realized. He had asked Lucy about her once, but all she said was that Cynthia was always busy. Now, seeing her on the hit list, Klaus knew his Mother-in-law was one interesting woman.
"Looks like some competition wants her out of the way. I guess it's time for a little outing with my mother-in-law," Klaus smirked. He had no problem using her as bait to lure out the assassin.
"What are mother-in-law's for, am I right?" he muttered to himself, chuckling at the thought.
Afterward, he skimmed through more of the system's secrets, including how they processed their kills. He uncovered details about their dark web servers and ways to access them. By the time he was done, stacks of printed documents were scattered across the room.
After printing everything, Klaus decided to leave them with some parting gift, but for now, he needed to survey the building and everyone inside before doing anything.
He walked to a bed not far from him and fell on it as he activated his senses ready to observe everything. A few minutes later, a voice entered his head making him smile.
"Hello, my love," Klaus greeted warmly, a smile spreading across his face as he imagined Lucy smiling back, wherever she was.
"You sound happy," Lucy's voice responded curiously.
"Why wouldn't I be? It's rare to find yourself surrounded by friends whose undying sacrifice will help you level up," Klaus replied, his smile turning wicked.
"I guess it's good to have friends," Lucy said, misunderstanding his dark humor. If only she knew the love of her life was about to commit genocide, she would have said something different.
"How was your day?" Lucy asked, her voice soft but curious.
"The usual," Klaus replied with a grin. "Wooing ladies and the like."
"Pervert," she said, though he could hear the playful tone in her voice.
"Lucy dear, why don't we talk later? I've got some friends waiting for my help in crossing over to the next realm. I'll be sure to chat back and tell you all about how your sister's lips tasted."Klaus said before severing the connection between them.
He stood up, a wicked smile on his face, already imagining the look that must have appeared on Lucy's face upon hearing his cheeky comment.
He walked toward a door, bypassing the elevator altogether. As he moved forward, a dagger appeared in his hand—the very same dagger Number 91 had intended to use on him.
"Ah, there's nothing better than a cold night of slaughter," he muttered under his breath, a grin spreading across his face.
Without hesitation, he knocked on a particular door. "Room service," he called out, his voice calm and collected, but on his face, he held a wicked smile, one that he intended to send away with the person who would be opening the door.
[A/N: Two more chapters tomorrow morning]
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC181: A Cold Night Of Slaughter
Under normal circumstances, when a person kills another human, they are supposed to feel some form of guilt or fear. Even cold-blooded killers feel something, even if it's just for a brief moment. Killing a fellow human is too cruel in so many ways.
So, when someone kills without feeling anything at all, that person is often seen as emotionless. People like that are called demons, psychopaths, sociopaths, or monsters. They have no attachment to anything, no remorse.
Klaus is one of those people, but his case goes beyond that. When he first killed Matin Guan, he expected to feel something—regret, guilt, anything. But after wiping the guy out, Klaus felt perfectly fine. In fact, he felt happy.
He doesn't know where that part of him came from, but he never cared. He craved it—the bloodshed. A part of him needed it. After his first encounter with Matin Guan in Sunlight Forest, something inside Klaus wanted more.
Again, he doesn't know why, but the thought of killing humans felt invigorating to him. The rush, the thrill—it made him feel alive. So, when he woke up from his coma after the assassination attempt, his blood had been boiling for slaughter. Today, he had the perfect opportunity to satisfy that craving. The right situation to shed some blood.
Knock, knock.
"Room service," Klaus said, knocking on the door. A second later, it opened, revealing a man wearing dark shades. Klaus smiled, his face calm, and muttered, "Hello... Bye."
A dagger flashed forward, and before the man could react, his head came tumbling down the floor. Klaus didn't need to use his Eye of Malevolence to stun his soul—there was no point. The man was just a Saint, too weak. The dagger sliced through his neck like butter, the head falling to the ground with a soft thud.
"One down, 36 more to go," Klaus muttered, kneeling to place the head on the chest of the body. He took out his phone and snapped a picture of the body and the head. Then, without a second glance, he moved out, heading to his next target.
A few seconds later, another Saint opened the door. His head rolled to the floor before he could react to the familiar face greeting him. Klaus didn't need any special skills to enhance his strength; his normal strength was more than enough.
But aside from appearing ordinary, his features are now more visible making the people he was killing recognize him that split second before their death.
The next door opened, and another head fell. There were 34 Saints and 3 Sages, and Klaus planned to kill every last one of them before he left.
Since the hotel was exclusively for assassins and workers of the Dark Order, Klaus knew anyone who heard a knock would answer. They trusted each other, thinking they were safe within their own organization. Sneak attacks weren't even a concern.
That's what they thought.
The hideout had no cameras or security measures—nothing to alert them. It was a free-range playground for Klaus to unleash his darker side. The fourth door opened, revealing a woman in her mid-30s. But even she wasn't spared. Another head hit the floor.
Klaus moved swiftly, his footsteps light and precise. No one expected death to come knocking at their door, quite literally. He approached the fifth door and knocked softly.
"Who is it?" came a voice from inside.
"Room service," Klaus answered, his voice calm as always. The door cracked open, and another Saint appeared. Before the man could fully register what was happening, Klaus's dagger had already sliced clean through his neck. The headless body dropped to the floor with a thud, and Klaus barely blinked.
"Five down," he muttered under his breath, stepping over the body. His movements were fluid, cold, and efficient.
As he approached the next door, he didn't bother to knock. With a swift kick, he broke it open, catching the occupant by surprise. The Saint inside barely had time to reach for his weapon before his head was cleaved clean from his body.
"Six."
There was no hesitation. No pause. Klaus was a storm of death, moving door to door, cutting down Saints as though they were mere practice dummies. It didn't matter if they were armed, unarmed, or prepared—none of them stood a chance.
He wiped some blood off his dagger, his face completely void of emotion. There were still 28 Saints and 3 Sages to go. The thrill of it coursed through his veins, and the more he killed, the calmer he felt. A
very cold sensation he never knew he could crave yet here he was.
Klaus knocked again, and this time, when the door opened, it was one of the Sages. The Sage's eyes widened in recognition, but Klaus was faster. The Sage raised his hand to block the attack but Klaus's dagger was already at his throat. One clean slash and the Sage crumpled to the ground.
"One Sage down," Klaus whispered with a small smile.
With his Spirit Eye fully activated, Klaus moved swiftly from door to door, cutting through the hotel like a shadow of death. An hour later, 30 Saints were dead, along with two Sages. Only four Saints and one Sage remained. The last Sage was the woman who had led him to the elevator earlier.
The remaining four Saints were lounging in the hotel's welcoming area. Klaus didn't immediately descend to the ground floor. Instead, he headed straight to the top floor, where his eye caught a button labeled "Self Destruct."
Beside it was a timer. Without hesitation, Klaus set it to a day after he return to Ross City, ensuring the place would crumble long after he was gone. He then left the top floor and made his way to the ground floor.
When the elevator chimed, Klaus stepped out, now hidden beneath his disguise like how he was when he entered. His eyes scanned the room, landing on the four Saints sitting at a table, casually drinking. They had no idea what was coming.
Nobody expected anyone to infiltrate their hideout. In truth, even if someone managed to kill one of the assassins, they wouldn't know the value of the ring they wore. Unless, of course, they extracted the information from the assassin—if they somehow managed to capture them.
But that was unlikely since one of their teeth was poisoned. Before anyone could interrogate them, they would commit suicide by biting down on it. So, no one ever expected an infiltration. But Klaus did, and now he has stepped out of the elevator, ready to kill.
He shifted his gaze to the Sage behind the counter and smiled—a smile that promised nothing but death.
Without a word, a 14-inch needle materialized in his hand. In an instant, it flew through the air. Before the Sage behind the counter could react, a hole appeared in her forehead, the Void Piercing Arrow drew a sleek hole through the skull.
But the arrow didn't stop there. It continued its deadly path, and before anyone could blink, the last four Saints collapsed, lifeless, their bodies hitting the ground with dull thuds.
Klaus stood in the middle of the room, his work complete. The hotel, once a fortress for assassins, was now a silent graveyard.
He quickly took the images necessary for his plans in the next few days before leaving. The Hotel is for Assassins and since no civilian will come strolling in since he made sure to lock down the place, he was confident his work is done there.
He quickly made his way back to the Third Finger Royal Hotel making sure he remained as discreet as he could be.
The massacre was already a distant memory to him. The weight of the lives he had taken didn't linger. He knew this act would anger powerful people, but did it matter to him? Probably not.
After returning to his hotel, Klaus took a long bath, washing away the blood and sweat. He slept like a baby that night, unbothered by the massacre he had just committed.
The next day, he and the others left, each heading back to their respective cities. They now had four passes to enter a Forbidden Zone, and no one wanted to waste any more time.
When Klaus landed at the Ross Mansion, Kofi was already there, waiting to pick him and his sister Hanna up. Two days later, two major events shook the entire world, sending shockwaves through powerful circles and leaving many trembling in fear.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC182: It Was Just Business
When Klaus returned from Hiroshi City, the War Goddess was already at his house, acting like she owned the place. She had practically moved in.
Klaus's mother was happy to see her children back, but Klaus knew she was more excited about Hanna's safe return. Somehow, his mother has stopped worrying about him like she did before. She knew the white-haired brat would always find his way home—he was tough, after all.
However, he knew a part of the reason was the war goddess who kept showing her some of Klaus's feats. This made her calm down a bit knowing his son is no weak warrior. But she can never stop worrying about him
Klaus didn't stay to tease his mom or flirt with the War Goddess. He went straight into seclusion to check on something he had sensed when he slaughtered the people at the Everdark Hotel. Something had felt off.
Once inside his soul sea, Klaus was surprised to notice that the Pentaface bead had changed—just a little—on the first face.
Before, it had been a plain, emotionless face, a bit sinister but nothing unusual. Now, a small red rune had appeared, right on the forehead of the face on the bead. He had never seen it before.
He tried to study the rune, but like always, he made no progress. It was frustrating. Still, something was different this time. He could feel a faint connection to the bead now. It was weak, but it was there, and that alone was enough to spark his curiosity.
Despite not fully understanding the changes, Klaus felt an even stronger pull toward the Pentaface bead. He knew it was only a matter of time before he uncovered some secret hidden within it.
After spending the whole day checking on things and asking the Senior for advice, Klaus finally left his soul sea and seclusion. He wanted to spend some time with his family—and now, the War Goddess was practically part of that family.
Klaus didn't mind her presence at all. In fact, she seemed more relaxed and even happier when he was around. His mother liked her too, and she got along well with the maids, so everything seemed to fall into place naturally.
Of course, Klaus didn't stop shooting his shots now and then, teasing and flirting with the War Goddess whenever he had the chance. But she always brushed him off with a smirk. But that didn't stop them from sharing a peaceful dinner, recounting the events that had happened in Hiroshi City.
The next day, everything took a turn. Around 4 a.m., just a day after Klaus and Hanna returned, a piece of news broke out, one that shook the internet and the media, sending waves of tension through the city.
In Hiroshi City, an unpopular hotel had exploded in the early hours of the morning, killing everyone inside. Official reports claimed that the explosion was controlled, reducing everything inside the hotel to nothingness.
The media covered it like just another tragic incident, chalking it up to something routine—maybe an energy leak, a cultivation accident, or an attack. Buildings getting bombed wasn't unheard of in these times.
But then, an hour later, a post surfaced on the dark web, and it sent chills through everyone who saw it.
In the post were images—37 bodies with their heads severed, the heads placed neatly on the chests of the headless corpses. The captions attached to the post made it worse.
"It was just business... Chicken Order."
That line shook the online underworld. Everyone knew that "It was just business" was the calling card of the Dark Order, an infamous organization known for their ruthless kills. The sight of this post left people confused and on edge. Was a new group targeting the Dark Order? Was this a message? No one knew for sure, but the tension grew rapidly as the speculation spread.
Klaus, the very perpetrator behind the hotel explosion, was sound asleep in his room, completely unbothered by the chaos he had unleashed upon the world. The dark web buzzed with fear, and whispers of conspiracy were spreading, but Klaus slept without a care.
Suddenly, the door to his room swung open. The War Goddess stormed in, her eyes sharp and voice tense, waking him up in an instant.
"Tell me it wasn't you," she demanded, standing over him, her arms crossed, her gaze piercing.
Klaus blinked, rubbing his eyes as if he hadn't just stirred up a city-wide panic. He sat up slowly, staring at her with a sly grin.
"What makes you think it was me?" he asked, his tone too casual for the weight of the situation.
"You know why," she shot back, clearly not in the mood for games. "That hotel explosion. The post. The heads. It's all too... neat.
And that caption—don't tell me it wasn't your doing."
Klaus stretched, his expression remaining unreadable. He didn't deny anything, but he didn't confirm it either. Instead, he smirked, glancing at her.
"Maybe it was just business," he muttered, his voice low but laced with amusement.
Her eyes widened slightly, and she cursed under her breath. She knew Klaus too well. There was no way he'd take an assassination attempt lying down. He played it off like he was fine, acting calm to keep his mother from worrying. But the War Goddess could see right through that facade.
As a battle maniac herself, she recognized the signs. Klaus wasn't okay—far from it. The bloodlust radiating from him was something she could sense without even trying. So when she saw the post, she didn't hesitate to pin the blame on him. It was just too... Klaus.
"You brat!" she snapped, but there was something else in her tone, something that wasn't just anger.
"Why didn't you tell me you were going after those bastards? What if a stronger assassin had been there when you attacked?"
Klaus raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that twist. Instead of scolding him for the massacre, she was pouting because he hadn't invited her to the slaughter.
"Really?" Klaus muttered, half amused. "That's what you're mad about?"
The War Goddess crossed her arms, her expression softening just a bit. "Of course. If you're going to go on a rampage, at least give me a heads-up! I would've cleared my schedule."
Klaus chuckled, shaking his head. "Next time, I'll make sure to send you an invite," he teased.
Despite the absurdity of the situation, the War Goddess couldn't help but grin back at him.
"You better," she huffed, her pout only making her look cuter in Klaus's eyes. It was a rare sight to see the fierce War Goddess, Fairy Miriam, act so playful.
Klaus grinned, his mind already wandering toward shamelessness. "Fairy Miriam, why don't you let this younger brother of yours comfort you in other ways?" he teased, reaching out to take her arm, his grin widening.
Before his fingers could brush her skin, she disappeared in a flash.
"Playing hard to get, huh?" Klaus muttered, smirking to himself as he leaned back. "I guess I'll have to up my game."
Klaus knew it was just a matter of time, but for now, he will keep things PG and hope she doesn't run off anytime soon. He still has two beauties currently in seclusion and another one currently unreachable.
'I guess the more the merrier...Lol,' Klaus smirked before falling back on his bed.
=======
In a dimly lit room, a masked man sat, his face partially illuminated by the glow of a projection. On the screen were the gruesome images of the headless bodies, the tagline beneath them staring back at him. His expression was hidden beneath the mask, but his posture hinted at deep anger.
Suddenly, his device beeped, shattering the silence. He tapped it, and another dark figure flickered into view on the projection. He didn't even have the time before a cold feminine voice came through the projection.
"Talk," she commanded, her anger unmistakable.
The masked man straightened, his tone careful. "Dark Lord, we are still investigating, but there is no concrete evidence yet. However, all signs point to one person."
"Who?" the figure demanded, her voice even more venomous now.
He hesitated for a second before answering. "Cynthia Ross."
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC183: Visiting Cynthia Ross
There was a heavy silence in the room when the masked man dropped the name. After a brief moment passed, the masked woman finally spoke.
"Deploy all active hitmen in the Eastern Region. Take her out. No mistakes." The call ended, and the man in the dim room sighed.
He pressed a button on his device, and a projection of another figure appeared. "Number 81, recall number 91 and deploy all active hitmen. Target: Cynthia Ross. Duration: two days." He ended the call immediately after giving the order.
The man reopened the projection of the post on the dark web again. Looking at the dead bodies, he sighed. A while later, far from his location, 19 individuals received the same kill order through a certain device.
Some were delivery workers, others were teachers in the middle of a classroom, and some were just office workers. But the moment their devices beeped, their faces turned serious. They knew what they had to do.
Meanwhile, Klaus, who was brushing his teeth, heard a familiar beep coming from his bed. He walked to the bed, picked up the device, and read the order. A smile crept onto his face before he returned to brushing his teeth.
He had taken everything from Number 91 during his interrogation. All the intel, all the contacts. He knew this would be useful, and now the kill order for Cynthia Ross was right there on his screen. He had always suspected she had a dark side, and now he knew he was right.
The Dark Order hadn't even considered Klaus' presence in Hiroshi City. They immediately assumed Cynthia was the culprit, which could only mean one thing.
She had past dealings with the Dark Order. Maybe she had killed some of their operatives, or perhaps the bounty on her was so high that she had become a prime target. Either way, the hunt was on.
Klaus wanted nothing more than to seize this opportunity to learn more about his mother-in-law. He intended to use her as bait to lure in the assassins coming after her.
Understanding the Dark Order was crucial; he needed to know his enemies. Each kill would provide him with valuable information on where to strike next and who to target. So this was like a gold mine for him.
After brushing his teeth, he headed to the kitchen for breakfast. Once he was done, he left to visit his mother-in-law at the Ross Mansion.
"Master Klaus, what brings you here today? Miss Anna is in seclusion," Henry the butler greeted him, as always.
"Oh, Henry, I'm not here to see Anna. I actually came to see her mother," Klaus replied casually.
"Shouldn't you be calling me Mother-in-Law instead?" Immediately Klaus replied Henry, a voice that he recognised so well filled the air. He turned toward the source of the voice.
And there she was—Cynthia Ross, walking toward him. Her hourglass figure, slender legs, and generous curves were captivating like always, while her long grey hair flowed behind her like a veil. She appeared both magical and dangerous. Klaus knew he shouldn't look directly into her grey eyes, yet he found it hard to look away. Despite his efforts, he felt slightly shaken.
'This woman is dangerous,' Klaus muttered to himself. Looking into those eyes is like staring into an empty bottomless dark pit.
"Oh, Mother-in-law, just the woman I was hoping to see on this fine morning," Klaus said smoothly. He wasn't one to let a mere presence throw him off his game.
"I wouldn't be honest if I said I wasn't also looking forward to starting my day with such a handsome presence," Cynthia Ross said, causing Klaus to smile weakly.
'She sounds friendly, I guess', he thought, letting out a sigh.
"Do you have a moment for a talk, Mother-in-law?" Klaus asked, trying to keep his tone light.
Cynthia's expression shifted slightly, curiosity dancing in her grey eyes.
"Of course, Klaus. What's on your mind?" she asked, gesturing for him to follow her into the Ross Garden. Henry stepped back, sensing he wasn't needed anymore.
Once they were seated, Klaus sighed, unsure of how to start the conversation. He knew that one way or another, he would have to confess a few things—like how he knew she was in danger and what he did to get that information. He thought it over carefully before sighing again. One way or another, he had to achieve what he came for, so there was no point in trying to stay composed now.
With his mind made up, Klaus decided to drop the bombshell right off the bat.
"Mother-in-law, why is the Dark Order trying to kill you?"
Cynthia's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She remained composed, but Klaus could feel the tension in her eyes.
"How did you know that?" Instead of answering, Cynthia shot back a question, her tone, curious.
"Just answer the question, Mother-in-law. They seem adamant about wasting you away," Klaus pressed, his tone firm yet cautious. He knew he had to tread carefully, but he was determined to get to the truth.
Cynthia studied him for a moment. She seemed to weigh her words, and for a brief moment, there was no sound between them. Finally, she sighed, leaning back slightly. "Very well, Klaus. But understand, this isn't a simple matter."
Klaus leaned in, eager for more. "I'm listening."
Cynthia took a moment. "The Dark Order has a long memory. They don't forget easily, especially those who cross them. I was once involved in a business that put me at odds with them. It was a dangerous game, and I made some enemies along the way."
Klaus nodded, absorbing her words. "So, you think they want revenge?"
"Revenge is part of it," she continued, her tone growing serious. "But it's more than that. I possess information—secrets that could undermine their operations. They want me silenced before I can share what I know."
Hearing this, Klaus knew he had struck gold, yet he knew he knew it would put him in danger. But he doesn't care "What kind of information?"
Cynthia's eyes narrowed again. "It's best you don't know too much, Klaus. The more you learn, the more danger you put yourself in. But know this: the Dark Order is relentless. If they're coming for me, they won't stop until they succeed."
Klaus leaned back, weighing her words. "What if I could help you? They've tried to kill me twice already, so it's only natural I hit back at them."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow, skepticism flickering in her grey eyes. "Klaus, dear, you wouldn't happen to be the one who killed those 37 people, would you?" She had seen the post on the dark web, just like most people had.
"Tomato, tomato," Klaus shrugged, an evil grin spreading across his face. "The most important thing here, Mother-in-law, is how you and I are going to work together to get back at our pursuers."
Cynthia studied him for a moment, her expression shifting. The initial surprise faded, replaced by a calculating look. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"
"Absolutely," he replied, his voice steady. "We both have something to lose. If we don't act now, we will forever have to endure knowing they could come at any point, even putting the ones we love in danger"
Cynthia leaned forward, her curiosity deepening. "And what do you propose?"
"That will depend on what secret you have about the Dark Order," Klaus replied, his expression serious.
Cynthia studied him for a while weighing her options. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her posture relaxing slightly. "Very well. I'll share what I know, but you must promise to keep it between us."
Klaus nodded, sensing the gravity of the moment. "I promise."
Cynthia took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Years ago, I was involved with someone who had deep ties to the Dark Order. She shared some information she shouldn't have with me about their operations, their networks, and their goals. When I realized how dangerous they were, I cut ties with her, but not before learning things I shouldn't have."
"What kind of things are we talking about here?" Klaus pressed
She hesitated, glancing around as if ensuring they were truly alone. "They have a list of targets—people they consider threats. Warriors, Scientists, engineers, you name it. But that isn't all, thanks to my curious self, I managed to know about a few powerhouses funding the Dark Order.
Klaus raises an eyebrow
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC184 : Mother-In-Law and Son-In-Law Cooking Something
Klaus clearly wasn't expecting the secret Cynthia held to be this huge. She had names of powerful figures aiding the Dark Order. That information alone could dismantle their organization if used wisely. Cynthia Ross was both valuable and dangerous at the same time.
But one might wonder: why hasn't Cynthia made any attempt to use this information to her advantage? She could have used it to destroy the Dark Order, so why hasn't she?
That's because she is a mother, a mother who cares about her children. But also, it's because she is dealing with the Dark Order.
They were dangerous and far too powerful for just her to take them down alone. Klaus understood that she wouldn't act, especially with her children still growing up. Doing something as drastic as going against the Dark Order would only put them in danger.
The Dark Order was aware of this hesitation. They didn't attack her with full force—at least, not until Klaus destroyed their safehouse, inadvertently implicating his mother-in-law.
However, they also held back because they knew the kind of woman Cynthia Ross was; she would die without making a scene. So instead, they made just enough noise to let her know they were watching
"So you have names of people supporting them?" Klaus asked, seeking confirmation before taking any action.
"Yes. I have names and the networks they use for their operations. And before you ask why I haven't tried to bring them down, you should know that I couldn't. They are dangerous, and I was just hiding, making sure my babies grow up without the Dark Order targeting them."
"I understand," Klaus said, nodding slowly. He could feel the weight of her words, realizing the depth of her struggle.
"However, this is good for me. You don't have to worry, Mother-in-law. I will handle them from here on out. But I will need a favor from you," Klaus said.
"I'm listening," she replied, curiosity sparking in her eyes.
"Are you willing to go on a picnic with me? Let's treat it as a two-day vacation—just you and me," Klaus asked with a playful smile.
Cynthia raised an eyebrow at his suggestion. "Hey, you're not setting your sights on your mother-in-law, are you?"
"Not really, but what if I am? Do you think I'd have a chance?" Klaus grinned, his teasing tone lightening the mood.
Cynthia chuckled, her initial surprise fading. "You think you can charm me that easily, young man?"
"I believe I have a shot," Klaus smirked.
"So tell me, why do you want to go on a picnic with me?" Cynthia asked, a hint of suspicion in her tone.
"Let's just say I've just found out that their entire assassin network in the eastern region has been deployed to take you out, and the hit is due in two days," Klaus said, watching as Cynthia tensed.
"So you want to use me as bait to flush them out?" she asked, her frown deepening.
"Bait is such a harsh word, Mother-in-law," Klaus replied, raising his hands defensively. "Think of it as a strategic opportunity. We'll draw them out and deal with them before they can even get close to you."
Cynthia's expression softened slightly, but concern lingered in her eyes. "And what if they find out about this plan? It could put you in danger, too."
"I can handle myself," Klaus assured her, his tone firm. "But I need you to trust me on this. If we make it seem like you're vulnerable, they'll show themselves. We can't let them succeed."
She studied him for a moment, weighing her options. "And if I say no?"
Klaus shrugged. "Then we continue living in fear, and you remain a target. It's a risk, but one worth taking if it means keeping you safe in the long run."
Cynthia sighed, knowing he had a point. "Alright, Klaus. I'll do it, but only because I want to protect my family. Just promise me you'll be careful, my daughters are head over heels when it comes to you, I don't want them heartbroken if something happens to you.."
"You have my word," he replied, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Now, let's plan this picnic. I'll make sure it's worth your while."
After cooking a few things together and feeling satisfied with the results, Klaus left the kitchen. As soon as he stepped outside, Daven Ross appeared in the garden.
"He does have a point," Daven said, leaning against a tree. "Using you as bait to flush them out would be ideal. Since the entire assassin network for the Dark Order in the eastern region has been deployed, taking them out will give you a few months of breathing space before they make any further moves."
Cynthia crossed her arms, her expression conflicted. "I understand that, but it's still dangerous. What if something goes wrong?"
"You have to trust him, and I will be around if anything goes sideways," Daven said, pulling her into his embrace.
"You can't," Cynthia replied. "This has to go well, and your presence might draw attention from unknown sources. This can only be between me and Klaus."
Daven frowned, concern etching deeper lines on his face. "Cynthia, you're putting yourself at risk. I can't just stand by and let you face this alone."
"I know you care, but this isn't just about me," she insisted, her voice steady. "If we want to keep our family safe, we need to be strategic and discreet. I can't have you in the shadows, making it obvious that something is going on."
"But what if something happens? What if you need backup?" Daven pressed, his worry evident.
"I'll manage," she assured him. "Klaus has a plan, and I trust him. He knows what he's doing. We must keep this quiet. If the Dark Order catches wind of our intentions, it could ruin everything."
Daven sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "You're right, but it's hard for me to let go. I just want to protect you."
Cynthia softened at his concern, placing a hand on his shoulder. "And I appreciate that more than you know. Just trust me to handle this. If I need help, I promise I'll reach out."
"Okay," Daven relented, though doubt lingered in his eyes. "But I want to be kept in the loop. I can't help but worry."
"I will, my love," Cynthia said softly, looking into his eyes.
Daven chuckled, his expression lightening. "And make sure that brat doesn't get any funny ideas. He's already stolen two beautiful flowers from us; I can't have him stealing my wife, too!" He smiled playfully at her.
Cynthia smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes as she met his gaze. "I can't make any promises." The two laughed and Cynthia went about preparing for her vacation picnic with Klaus.
After getting home, Klaus informed his mother that he would be going out and would be back in two days. She opened her mouth to ask more questions, but Klaus quickly assured her it wasn't another hunt in the Forbidden Zone. That simple statement made her smile.
However, the War Goddess didn't buy his subtle lie for a second. Klaus entered his room and went to take a bath. When he came out, he found the War Goddess waiting for him, her gaze sharp as a dagger.
"Tell me everything," she demanded, her eyes narrowing.
Then she froze. In her haste to get to the bottom of whatever Klaus was cooking, she had neglected to consider that he had just been bathing and might come out naked.
Gulp... she swallowed hard.
"Well, you like what you see?" Klaus said, flashing an evil grin. Miriam tensed and then like a smoke, she disappeared from his room, reappearing in Klaus's mom's room with a deep blush.
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