THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC218: Changing Bond [Bonus]
Despite the pain wracking his body, Klaus still held Miriam in his arms, making sure she was alright. His Overlord Healing passive ability was working in overdrive, but he could still feel the deep ache within. He didn't know what was on the sword that stabbed him, but the pain was intense.
Even with all the pain, he wasn't complaining. He knew that what Miriam was going through was far worse. From what she had told him, Klaus knew she had been blaming herself for years. The events that led to her sister's death were too heartbreaking for her not to feel crushed by it.
Klaus understood everything she was going through. Despite his own situation, he knew he had to let her vent for a while. So for the past four hours, the emotionless, ruthless, and bloodthirsty war goddess had turned vulnerable, pouring all her tears onto his chest.
"Are we done crying?" Klaus asked with a slight grin. After four hours, her tears finally stopped. Of course, he couldn't handle another round, so he cracked a joke to lighten the mood.
Miriam lifted her head slightly, her eyes puffy and red, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She gave Klaus a playful shove, her strength still evident even in her weakened state.
"Shut up," she muttered, though there was no anger behind her words. The heaviness in the air seemed to lift, even if just a little.
Klaus chuckled softly, though the movement made the pain in his chest flare up again. He winced but didn't let it show. "Hey, it worked, didn't it?"
Miriam wiped her face with the back of her hand, sniffling. "Yeah, yeah... don't get used to it." She sighed, her expression becoming more serious. "I'm sorry you got caught up in all this. I... I never meant for it to happen."
Klaus shook his head gently. "There's nothing to be sorry about. We both have our scars, Miriam. What matters is that we keep moving forward."
"You sound really old for someone your age," Miriam said, giving him a playful look, her smile returning.
Klaus raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Says the 60-year-old grandma. Wait, are you even 60? By my calculations, you should be over that, right?" He teased, glancing at her with a smirk. The apocalypse had started 50 years ago, and from her story, it was clear she had been a teenager when it all began.
Miriam scoffed, crossing her arms. "Watch it, or you might not make it to 30," she shot back, though the warmth in her gaze betrayed her lightheartedness.
"Touché," Klaus chuckled. "Still, I can't believe you've been kicking ass since before the world fell apart. Guess it explains why you're a war goddess."
Miriam rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. "Age is just a number when you've lived through as much as I have," she said, her tone softening. "Besides, who's counting?"
Klaus nodded. "True enough." He paused, then added with a sly grin, "But for the record, you don't look a day over 20."
Miriam let out a genuine laugh, shaking her head. "You're lucky you're hurt, or I'd show you just how young I still am."
Though the apocalypse was a terrible event, it did bring some unexpected benefits. One of humanity's greatest dreams—slowing down the aging process and extending life—became a reality. While it's not true immortality, those who cultivate don't age as quickly as they used to. Every time they break through to a new level, they gain a boost, which extends their lifespan.
For women, the benefits were even more pronounced, thanks to their yin qi. Yin qi is the essence every woman possesses, and research has shown it's what helps them maintain their beauty. But that's not all. Married women, especially those with active sex lives, improve their yin qi by absorbing the yang qi from their husbands.
This process further enhances their beauty and youthfulness as they advance in cultivation. But even without absorbing yang qi, women still maintain their youthful appearance as they grow stronger. Miriam, for example, was over 60 years old, yet she looked no older than 20.
"Still," Klaus said with a grin, "to think I'm here comforting someone who could be my great-grandma... this is wild."
Miriam shot him a glare but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her face. "Watch it, or that 'great-grandma' might just knock you out."
Klaus laughed. "I'll take my chances."
After spending a great deal of time teasing her, Klaus finally felt his pain easing. He decided to get out of bed and walked over to the window.
"So, you brought me to Arcadian City? How thoughtful," Klaus said with a smile. "I guess this is good—my mom won't know I got hurt again."
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Miriam, now lying on the bed, clearly exhausted from all the crying, replied, "Well, I wasn't the one who brought you."
Klaus raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Huh? If not you, then who?"
"It was the Leader of the Overlords," Miriam explained, her voice soft and tired. "She arrived just in time when you were dying. She used her energy to help heal the cut on your heart and brought us here."
Miriam clearly wasn't in a state to make any decisions when she found Klaus lying there with the sword in his heart. If it hadn't been for the Overlord, Klaus might have died—maybe. She was grateful to the Overlord but couldn't shake the feeling of blame for so many things.
"Well, I guess I'll have to thank her when I meet her," Klaus said before walking back to the bed.
"You should probably sleep. You look tired," he suggested, lying down next to her. "But if you can't, I wouldn't mind giving you a massage. It might help you fall asleep faster," he added with a shameless grin.
"Pervert," Miriam said, pulling the blanket over herself.
Klaus laughed softly, enjoying the playful banter. "What? I'm just trying to help you relax," he said, propping himself up on one elbow to look at her. "Besides, a massage isn't a bad idea, is it?"
Miriam peeked out from under the blanket, her eyes narrowed playfully. "Are you sure that's all you want to do?"
"Absolutely! I'm just a gentleman offering a friendly service," Klaus replied with mock innocence.
Miriam rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile on her lips. "Alright, Mr. Gentleman, but just so you know, if you try anything funny, I will end you."
Klaus raised his hands in mock surrender. "I promise to behave. Just close your eyes and relax. You deserve it."
After a moment of hesitation, she nodded and settled back against the pillows, pulling the blanket up to her chin. Klaus moved closer, his hands gentle as he began to massage her shoulders.
As his fingers worked their magic, Miriam let out a contented sigh. "You know, this isn't so bad," she admitted, her tension slowly melting away.
Klaus smiled. "See? I knew I had a hidden talent."
"You're not half bad," she replied, her voice softer now. "Just don't quit your day job."
Klaus chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through him as he continued. The atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming more comfortable as they shared this moment.
As Miriam began to relax, her eyelids grew heavier. "Klaus?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yeah?" he replied, glancing at her.
"Thanks for being here. I... I really needed this," she said, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her words.
Klaus smiled to himself, wishing his mom could see how her dear son had bagged yet another fairy. But who was asking? He knew he still had a long way to go and wasn't about to take advantage of Miriam while she was vulnerable. If he wanted to make his move, he would do it like a man—when she was sound-minded and aware of her emotions.
After a while, Miriam finally drifted off to sleep, thanks to Klaus's heavenly touch. He gently set her down, ensuring she was comfortable. Once that was taken care of, he sat back on the bed and decided to enter his soul sea. He had been unconscious for three days, and before falling asleep, he sensed something had changed within his soul sea. He figured it was the perfect time to investigate.
With that thought in mind, Klaus closed his eyes and focused, allowing himself to slip into his soul sea.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC219: Terrifying Changes [Bonus]
"What the fuck is going on here?" Klaus shouted in shock as he suddenly appeared in his soul sea. Everything about his soul sea was now a surprise to him. If he hadn't been there many times before, he would've thought this was some kind of prank. But it wasn't. The senior's response made that clear.
"Brat, you're finally here. Good. You came just in time, or things would've gotten bad," the senior said from behind the first door.
"Senior, what is happening?" Klaus asked, still confused. As usual, his soul sea was a swirl of multicolored energy, with nine imposing doors.
But now, something had changed. The Pentaface Bead had been moved away from the door, and the Eye of Malevolence was in a new position too. And there is another thing new now in the soul sea.
But it wasn't just that the Pentaface Bead and the Eye of Malevolence had been moved. It was the strange changes happening to them. The Bead now had golden runes revolving around it like rings. The runes glowed brightly, exuding a power so immense that the Bead seemed unapproachable. Enjoy more content from m-v l'e|-NovelBin.net
"Senior, what are those lines around the Bead?" Klaus asked, his eyes narrowing as he studied the strange phenomenon.
"Those runes... they're ancient markings. Power seals. It looks like the Bead is trying to unlock something, but it's not ready yet, so it's created these barriers. Golden runes like those aren't common—they're dangerous." The senior said
"Dangerous?" Klaus raised an eyebrow, feeling a wave of unease wash over him.
"Yeah. That power isn't something you can touch without proper preparation. If you try to use the Bead in its current state, it could backfire, and the energy will destroy you instead."
Klaus took a step back instinctively, keeping his distance from the glowing Bead. He thanked his lucky stars he didn't use the bead after he woke up.
"So, it's unusable right now?"
"Not exactly," the senior said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "The runes are there to stabilize the Bead, to make sure it doesn't break under pressure. But that means you need to be cautious. If you try to force it or draw power from it without fully understanding how these seals work, you're playing with fire."
Klaus frowned, feeling frustration build up inside him. He has relied on the Pentaface Bead in his recent battles, and now it was essentially locked down. "Is there any way I can use it safely?"
"Not exactly," the senior replied. "But do you see the golden energy beneath it? If you manage to absorb it, your mind, body, and soul might become strong enough for when the Bead unlocks whatever it's holding back."
Klaus sighed slightly, still eyeing the swirling golden energy. "What is this golden energy?"
"It's a powerful form of your Star Qi—many times stronger. But I'd recommend you don't touch it until you reach the Grandmaster level."
Klaus's curiosity sparked. "What happens if I do it now?"
The senior sighed. "Well, you might explode, which is the easier way out. Or, the hard way—you survive, but your meridians explode, leaving you a mindless dummy for the rest of your life. Either way, it's not advisable."
"Damn, senior," Klaus said, shaking his head with a small smile. "You didn't have to go full-on villain with your speech. You could've toned it down a bit."
The senior smirked, his tone lightening. "Well, I thought I'd make sure you really understood the risks. Don't go thinking you're invincible."
Klaus chuckled despite the tense situation, feeling a brief moment of levity. But he quickly refocused, glancing back at the golden energy. As tempting as it was, he knew better than to risk his life for a shortcut. He still had battles to fight, and now wasn't the time for reckless decisions.
"Alright, noted. I won't touch the golden energy until I'm ready," Klaus said, mentally shelving the thought for later.
For now, Klaus couldn't use the Bell of Harrows or the Eye of Despair, but that wasn't too bad. It gave him time to examine his other skills more thoroughly. The Fire Spirit Dragon and the Nine Stars Ice Lotus Bloom still needed intense study, and Klaus intended to do just that.
"By the way, senior," Klaus said, his brow furrowing, "do you think I can let the Lotus Flower and the Dragon absorb this energy? It feels like too much for just me to take in."
The senior paused for a moment before replying, "Well, you could try, but I can't guarantee success. There's potential, though."
Klaus nodded thoughtfully. "Then I'll get back to it later," he said, shifting his attention toward the Eye of Malevolence.
"Please don't tell me I can't use this one either," Klaus muttered, eyeing the glowing artifact. Like the Pentaface Bead, the Eye of Malevolence was also undergoing some kind of upgrade. Green runes now spiraled around it, just like the golden ones on the Bead.
The circumstances surrounding the Eye of Malevolence's awakening had always been strange. That time, Klaus had felt like a completely different person. The moment the Eye appeared in its eerie green form, Klaus had changed too.
Of course, he knew that something or someone had taken control back then. But to this day, he still didn't know who or what it was. It wasn't Fruity, because he didn't sense the usual calm, monk-like presence when he woke up.
Klaus had never mentioned it to the senior, and the senior hadn't brought it up either, so Klaus had shoved the unsettling mystery to the back of his mind.
But he had never forgotten. Now, as he stared at the red Eye with its swirling green runes, a feeling crept over him—something was happening. Whether it was good or bad, he couldn't tell. But he knew it wasn't normal.
He turned to the senior, who still lingered behind the first door inside his soul sea, watching everything unfold.
"Senior... what's going on with the Eye?" Klaus asked, his voice low, trying to mask his unease.
The senior was silent for a moment before finally speaking. "The Eye of Malevolence is... evolving, like everything else in your soul sea. But it's more unstable than the Bead. Whatever energy is driving it, you'll need to be careful, brat. This isn't the same Eye you've been using."
Klaus narrowed his eyes. "Unstable how?"
The senior sighed, his tone grave. "The Eye is feeding on something deeper within you—your anger, your hate, even your fear. It thrives on negativity. If you're not careful, it'll turn that power against you. You could lose yourself like you almost did before."
Klaus's heart skipped a beat. He had always known there was something dangerous about the Eye, but this confirmed his suspicions. "So what do I do with it? Just leave it alone?"
"No, you do exactly the opposite. Resist the negativity and embrace the change. That way, you will have supreme control over it," the senior's voice echoed in Klaus's mind, laced with warning. "You have to know, brat, the Eye of Malevolence is something you shouldn't underestimate.
You have no idea how powerful it is. So, man up and see if you leave here a sane man or an insane one."
Klaus gulped, but he didn't panic. He stood still for a moment, steeling himself. Then, with determined steps, he moved forward until he was face-to-face with the terrifying red eye.
Without hesitation, he reached out and gently touched it. The moment his hand made contact, a chilling numbness spread through his mind.
He didn't know how it happened, but as soon as the numbness took over, his personality shifted, just like the first time the Eye had awakened.
A smirk curled at the edge of his lips. From his palm, a surge of red energy shot forth, wrapping itself around the Eye. It shuddered violently for a moment before settling. The green runes that had been swirling around the Eye turned blood-red, though they continued their eerie spiral.
Klaus's smirk deepened into something darker, more sinister. His gaze shifted to the Pentaface Bead, and with the same twisted grin, he eyed it knowingly.
Then, in an instant, he vanished from his soul sea and woke up back in the real world.
The moment he regained consciousness, Klaus broke out into a cold sweat. His heart pounded wildly, his breath shaky. He was terrified of something—something he had felt deep inside. And he knew exactly what it was, but he couldn't bring himself to fully acknowledge it.
"I am my own fear," he thought to himself, the realization chilling him to his core.
Klaus reached into his space ring and pulled out a bottle of water, drinking deeply to calm his nerves. The cold liquid did little to wash away the lingering dread that clung to him.
Still, he couldn't ignore the changes in his soul sea. Steeling himself once again, he re-entered his inner world, ready to examine the Eye and whatever transformation it had undergone.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC220: Soul Hook
As soon as Klaus re-entered his soul sea, he was greeted by the sight of a terrifying red eye with red runes spinning around it. The moment his gaze met the red eye, his vision blurred for a few moments before he regained clarity.
"What the fuck was that?" Klaus muttered, shaking his head.
"Seriously, why can't anything in my soul sea show some care and gentleness when they're trying to bless me with something?" Although he complained, a small smile tugged at his lips.
The blackout he had just experienced wasn't a bad thing—in fact, it was good. He had received a technique from the red eye, and judging by its nature, it was exactly what he desperately needed.
During the battle with the zombies, Klaus used the Eye of Despair along with his Eye of Malevolence to launch a soul attack that killed a Zombie Prince.
But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. The attack was powerful, but he paid a steep price for it. The severe headache and soul strain were the consequences he had to endure for using the Eye.
The senior had already warned him not to use the Eye of Malevolence in that way until he reached the level of a Saint. Despite his vast soul sea, he still wasn't strong enough to handle powerful soul attacks through his eye.
The strain would be too much for him, and Klaus knew that. But in such a terrifying battle, where the odds were against him, he couldn't just sit back and not put everything on the line. He had to push hard, and luckily, he managed to win this time.
However, Klaus knew he wouldn't make the same mistake again. Using the Eye of Malevolence like that was reckless. Now, he needed to prioritize, and the Eye of Malevolence had given him a new path forward. He no longer had to rely on the Eye of Despair every time he wanted to launch a soul attack with his Eye of Malevolence.
Aside from being able to see all around him without even opening his eyes, he now had a way to deliver a soul attack that would benefit him in the long run. Yes, he had received a technique, but it wasn't what most would think.
The Soul Gaze ability of the Eye of Despair allowed him to deliver a devastating attack instantly upon locking eyes with a target. However, the new technique, called Soul Hook, was different—its name said it all.
All Klaus had to do was use it. Once it landed on the target, it would create a hook that connected his soul to theirs in a one-way link. This link had a single purpose: to steal the soul strength of the target and add it to his own.
Of course, it was temporary, but it was exactly what he needed right now. By linking another soul to his, Klaus could strengthen his own soul, which in turn would allow him to use Soul Gaze without suffering as much backlash.
Additionally, this would let him use the Void Piercing Needle more effectively, as his soul would be charged with another's energy. As long as he maintained the connection—or multiple connections—within a 60km radius, he wouldn't run out of soul strength.
This also meant he could now see everything within that 60km range. However, Klaus usually limited himself to using a 4km radius when activating his skills, because within that range, his abilities had their maximum effect.
The Bell of Harrows delivers a much stronger attack within that 4km radius, the Eye of Despair worked the same way, and although he could now control the Void Piercing Needle within a 20km range (up from the previous 10km), he still preferred the 4km range. At that distance, even the strongest targets would have difficulty dodging his Needle.
But aside from using the Soul Hook to steal soul strength, Klaus could also use it to empower others. But he wasn't naive enough to believe he should just give away his soul power to help others. He would rather steal their strength and end the battle before risking both their lives.
With the new upgrades, he could now see through illusions as if they weren't there. No one could charm him anymore—at least, no one he had already laid eyes on. Cynthia Ross had the strongest effect when it came to charming him, but with this upgrade, he could resist all forms of charm.
Previously, without turning his eyes red, his control over the Eye of Malevolence was limited. Now, however, he could use it more effectively without needing to turn his golden eyes red.
Of course, in combat, he would still use the red version since it allowed him to track his target's movements much better.
Klaus also noticed that he could now see people's intentions to some extent. While he could already sense someone's intentions by paying attention to their aura, with the Eye of Malevolence, he could now get a glimpse of their thoughts just by locking eyes with them.
This will allow him to see to some extent, a person's darkest intention toward him. Of course, he would rather not in other to kill them with no record of their intentions which in tend would delete all forms of guilt, but Klaus knew he had to be careful.
This would require greater soul strength, but he knew he could do it. He wouldn't always use this ability since it might make him look like a creep, but in situations where trust was needed, he could study people without them realizing what he was doing. Discover exclusive tales on m,v l'e-NovelBin.net
The most important change, though, was his growth as a Spirit Master. During the battle in the Demon's Abode, Klaus had used his Soul and Mind control over weapons multiple times to change their trajectory or slow them down.
He maintained a connection with the weapons throughout the battle, but his control was limited. He couldn't fully influence weapons held by others—like stopping them from being used or destroying them.
He still didn't have the strength to destroy such weapons, but now, his control over changing their direction had improved. He could alter the trajectory of a weapon and even slow it down to reduce its impact.
In the final moments of his battle with the Blood Queen, when he was caught in her trap, her sword was aimed at his heart. At the last second, Klaus used every ounce of his soul and mental strength to change the sword's path. Although it was a small adjustment, it missed his heart by a fraction, only cutting a small part of it.
If it weren't for that last-minute advantage, he would have died. However, with this new advantage and control over weapons, he could now prevent accidentally falling into traps.
As a Weapons Overlord, he is very sensitive to weapons. Whenever a weapon is drawn, he immediately notices which one is more dangerous to him. It's even better than tracking someone's movements. All he has to do is be within the 10 km, and if a weapon is drawn nearby, he will sense it.
He doesn't know much about his Weapons Overlord class since it didn't come with a manual. But he knew he would soon see its effects as he grew stronger.
This aspect of his class is overpowered. Klaus understands that as he gets stronger, his control over weapons will also improve. He can't help but imagine how cool it would be to kill people with the weapons they are holding.
"Now, that is something to look forward to," he muttered before turning to the last thing that appeared in his soul sea.
"Senior, what is that?" Klaus asked, looking at a red mark or more like a rune large enough to fill an entire bus, exuding a bloodthirsty aura. Just looking at it made Klaus want to run off from his own soul sea. The rune is red and all around it, a red arcane form of energy keeps swirling around it.
That portion of his soul looks like a slaughterhouse, exuding a very potent bloodthirsty aura that Klaus just couldn't handle lightly.
The senior voice echoed as he replied
"That is a seal... it's the Seal of Slaughter."
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC221: Seal Of Slaughter
The moment Klaus heard the name of the red rune, he knew it wasn't something friendly. He wasn't foolish enough to think anything called "Slaughter" was about rainbows and sunshine. He could tell this was dark, and the Senior's next words confirmed his suspicions.
"Brat, this Seal came from the Pentaface Bead when you activated the Nine Stars Blood Moon Transformation. I hope I don't need to explain what that means—you should know not to take this lightly," the Senior said firmly.
"I figured, Senior, but what exactly does it do? More importantly, what is the Seal of Slaughter?" Klaus asked, curious despite the unsettling vibe inside the soul sea.
The Senior chuckled. "Well, brat, you're one lucky bastard."
"Language, Senior! And why is this thing lucky? From where I'm standing, it looks more like a walking disaster," Klaus replied, feeling a mix of excitement and doubt. The rune was practically seething with bloodlust, which didn't sit well with him.
"It depends on your perspective, but from my view, the Seal of Slaughter fits perfectly with your nature. You're a Paragon, Klaus. One thing about Paragons is that they walk outside the rules. You've never had it easy, and you never will, so getting an advantage is a big deal."
Klaus listened carefully, his skepticism still lingering, but he trusted the Senior's wisdom.
"This Seal," the Senior continued, "is something you'll one day understand as Law. The universe is governed by many laws—time, space, magic, life, death, and more. These Laws dictate how everything works.
The Seal of Slaughter gives you control over one such law, the Law of Slaughter. The stronger you become, the more you'll be able to tap into this power, but it comes with a price. Like all great power, it can consume you if you're not careful."
Klaus nodded, understanding the gravity of it now. "So, it's both a blessing and a curse?"
"I knew nothing good would come from that Bead," Klaus sighed, half-expecting something like this.
"Hey, why are you so down? Do you even understand what the Law of Slaughter is? Or more importantly, what this Seal of Slaughter can really do?" the Senior asked, his tone serious.
Klaus, who had started sulking, raised an eyebrow at the Senior's words. This was unusual. The Senior never took the initiative to explain things unless Klaus specifically asked. For him to bring this up on his own meant there was something truly significant about the seal.
He didn't know much about the Pentaface Bead aside from it being one of the nine Forbidden Relics. The last time he got curious about it, he nearly died, so he has been more cautious around it ever since.
However, the Seal of Slaughter was different. The Senior knew something important, and for once, he was willing to share.
"Tell me, brat, what do you know about Asura? I'm sure you've heard some fairy tales about them. So, tell me," the Senior said, his voice hinting at something deeper.
Klaus frowned. He has indeed heard some stories about that, but as the senior said, it was just a fairytale, a fiction. He didn't expect it to be mentioned here.
"Asura? Yeah, I've heard stories. They're said to be fierce warriors, beings of pure rage and bloodlust. Supposedly, they thrive on battle and destruction. But those are just old legends, right?"
The Senior chuckled. "Old legends, sure. But legends often hold a grain of truth. The Asura were real, and they were more than just warriors—they were the embodiment of slaughter. The Seal of Slaughter taps into that same power. The Asura had mastered the Law of Killing, and this seal grants you a glimpse of that mastery."
Klaus's eyes widened as the full weight of the situation hit him. "So... this seal is connected to the power of the Asura?"
"No," the Senior corrected. "The seal is Asura—the Law of Slaughter, or as it's now called by most, the Law of Killing."
Klaus gulped hard, his throat suddenly dry. He might be a school dropout, but he wasn't clueless. Thanks to Fruity's memories, he now understood the art of killing, the divine essence of slaughter, the insatiable bloodlust, and all kinds of deadly knowledge.
But knowing that something embodying the true essence of slaughter was sitting inside his soul sea? That was something else entirely. He was blown away.
"The Asura are the Law of Slaughter," Klaus whispered to himself. Then, he asked, "So, Senior, does that mean there's no such thing as the Asura race?"
"There was a race," the Senior said, his tone more serious now.
"But as far as I'm concerned, the true Asura race died off many, many years ago. I really shouldn't be saying this because of the karma involved, but with a Forbidden Relic and this Forbidden Law Seal in your possession, I think you'll manage just fine in your next tribulation."
Klaus couldn't help but smile as he caught the teasing tone in the Senior's voice. "You sound amused, Senior."
"Maybe a little," the Senior chuckled. "To answer your question, the Asura race was wiped out eons ago. I won't say who did it—that's a whole other mess—but understand this: the Asura, or the Law of Slaughter, isn't something to be taken lightly. It's forbidden for a reason."
Klaus nodded, already knowing that he had stumbled into something far beyond his current understanding.
"You're still growing, and as you do, some of these things will start to make sense," the Senior continued. "Me saying too much now could actually be bad for you."
Klaus took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the Senior's words settle on him. He had already figured out that nothing about his journey would be simple, but this? This was a whole new level of responsibility and danger. And yet, something about it excited him. If he could master this power, he would truly be unstoppable.
Klaus didn't know where the excitement was coming from, but he craved the power, the bloodlust. He could feel the urge rising in him—a deep desire to sink his teeth into battle, to taste blood.
"Don't get too excited, brat," the Senior's voice suddenly cut through his thoughts, stern but amused. "As always, you're far too weak to start comprehending this Law. To even begin, you need to become a Saint. You'll need a Star Core and the current you doesn't have one."
Klaus's excitement faded a little, but he was still curious. "So, I can't use the Law of Killing yet?"
"Not yet," the Senior confirmed. "However, this seal didn't come without benefits. Just having it in your soul sea will start showing its effects soon."
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Klaus perked up. "What kind of effects, Senior?"
The Senior chuckled. "Well, for one, your battle instincts will sharpen. You'll feel more connected to the weapons you use, more in tune with the bloodlust of the battlefield.
The longer the seal stays in your soul sea, the more natural it will become for you to move, fight, and kill. It'll also make you more resilient but don't get too comfortable. These are just minor benefits, teasers compared to what the Law can really do."
Klaus nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and wariness. "So, it's making me stronger without me even trying?"
"Exactly. But don't get cocky," the Senior warned. "The real test will come when you try to wield the Law itself. For now, take what you can get and keep training. You're not ready for the full power of the Seal of Slaughter yet."
"Thanks, Senior" Klaus said clearly happy about his gain this time. The Seal is something he knew would open so many doors for him even if it's forbidden. His existence is already forbidden meaning he wouldn't be able to move forward with what the universe provides, he has to carve his own path.
"Level up quickly and breakthrough to the grandmaster stage and start forming your Star Core, I have a feeling you will get a surprise on your next breakthrough"
Klaus smiled and then went about looking at the Pentaface bead for a while before leaving the soul sea.
Because he didn't want to wake Miriam up, he freshened up and left to take a stroll around Arcadian City.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC222: Getting Stalked By An Assassin [Bonus]
As soon as Klaus left the room, he realized he was in the mansion of Dave Arcadian, the most secure place in all of Arcadian City. Clearly, the Overlord who had brought him there didn't want any danger reaching him.
Klaus was now a hot commodity. A day after he wiped out every Zombie in the Demon's Abode, a video of his conquest was released to the world. Some parts had been edited out, but what remained was enough to set the internet on fire.
While Klaus slept, unaware of the buzz, the world had taken notice. His status on the City, Regional, and Union Charts skyrocketed. He was now ranked 6th on the City Chart and 26th on the Regional Chart.
But the biggest shock came from the Union Chart, where his ranking jump was described as the highest in warrior history. Klaus had leaped from the 900s to 120th place in a single day. The whole world was stunned.
Klaus didn't just prove he belonged on those charts—he made it clear he was a force to be reckoned with. Although he hadn't yet cracked the World Chart, everyone knew it was only a matter of time.
Klaus was now a hotshot. Everyone wanted to get close to him. Of course, not all of them had good intentions—some harbored murderous thoughts toward him. Without even realizing it, he was constantly surrounded by both good and bad people. But did he care? Probably not.
As he walked through the vast building, Klaus used his senses to scan the place. Suddenly, a voice called out to him making him halt his steps.
"Brother Klaus, you're awake!" Just as Klaus was trying to keep a low profile, a voice called out to him.
"Brother Nathan, how have you been?" Klaus immediately recognized the voice. It was Nathan Arcadian, the last son of Dave Arcadian. Nathan had once tried to recruit him when he had just become an Ascended warrior.
Back then, Klaus was thrilled to be earning so much money for an expedition into a Forbidden Zone. However, the expedition never took place due to some unexpected problems.
Klaus never forgot about Nathan. They met again at the Felin Youth Ball and even exchanged numbers. He didn't have a strong connection with Nathan, but he wasn't the type to act arrogant toward just anyone. So, despite his efforts to slip away and explore the city, he stopped when Nathan called out to him.
"Brother Klaus, how are you doing? My father said you were injured again during the battle at the Demon's Abode," Nathan said, walking closer to Klaus.
"Well, as you can see, I'm fine now," Klaus replied with a smile. Nathan had never done anything to upset him, so Klaus was as friendly as he could be around him. After all, Nathan wasn't just anyone—he was the son of the richest man in the entire Eastern Region of the Northern Union.
Nathan studied Klaus for a moment, his eyes scanning him from head to toe as if checking for any signs of lingering injury. Satisfied, he nodded, his usual easygoing smile returning.
"They said you went up against an entire army of Zombies and even defeated a Zombie Emperor. Is it true?" Of course, Nathan already knew it was true—everyone did. Videos of Klaus's battle and the aftermath were all over the internet. But Nathan had to ask, partly to make conversation and partly to strengthen their friendship.
"Well, I just did what needed to be done to stop their plan," Klaus replied casually. "Any warrior would've done the same."
Nathan shook his head with a smile. "Still, for a Master stage warrior to take down thousands of Zombie Kings—that's unreal. I really envy you, Brother Klaus. You're both my inspiration and my worst nightmare."
Klaus chuckled at that, amused by Nathan's honesty. "I wouldn't go that far," he said. "I've still got a long way to go."
Nathan's grin widened. "Maybe. But if I were in your shoes, I'd be doing a victory lap right now."
Klaus smirked. "I'll save that for the next battle."
Nathan nodded, appreciating Klaus's humility even after such an incredible feat. Klaus wasn't like the other prodigies and so-called Legacies who thought they were above everyone else. Klaus's achievements were on a level those arrogant bastards couldn't even compare with, yet they still looked down on everyone. .net
But Klaus? He was different. Easygoing and friendly, approachable to anyone. Nathan really appreciated that, and he couldn't help but wonder if he could maintain that kind of personality if he were in Klaus's shoes.
Of course, he wouldn't. Just months ago, Nathan had looked down on Klaus when his sister made him go to Ross City to recruit him. He knew he would've been just as arrogant as the Legacies. But seeing how Klaus remained reserved and kind, Nathan found his own personality changing without him even realizing it.
"Oh, Brother Klaus, will you be going to the Genius Gathering at Sinji Valley?" Nathan asked. "Every young warrior who passed the Regional Trials across the Northern Union will be there. It's a week-long event."
"Of course, I'll go. If I don't, who will stir up trouble among those legacy bastards?" Klaus grinned, actually looking forward to the gathering. It was just a few months away, and he had a feeling something good would come out of it. Of course, "good" depended on how much trouble he could cause.
"That's great to hear. By the way, my father said if you're not busy, would you join us for dinner this evening?" Nathan finally brought up the real reason he was there. Klaus knew this wasn't just a casual run-in.
"Tell him I'll be there," Klaus replied.
"Good." Nathan smiled. Then, after a pause, he asked, "By the way, are you heading out somewhere?"
"Yeah, just wanted to catch some fresh air and see the sights," Klaus said.
"Well, Arcadian City is huge and beautiful, so have fun." With that, Klaus went on his way, leaving Nathan to watch him disappear into the distance.
Shortly after, Klaus left the Arcadian Mansion and started walking down a busy street. He wanted to stop by some local shops to see if he could get something for his mom and sister. He walked across the neatly paved road, not bothering to put on an air of grace despite his newfound fame.
Instead, he wore a hoodie and sunglasses, making sure his recognizable features were hidden. Nadia had always made sure to update his wardrobe with stylish yet discreet outfits so he could enjoy some peace when he went out.
After walking for a few minutes, Klaus found himself in a new part of the city, filled with painters. He froze as he saw the paintings—almost every canvas hanging in front of the stores featured him.
"This is too embarrassing," he muttered to himself, staring at the art. Paintings of him fighting a lion, battling zombies, and even catching arrows made of snakes hung everywhere for him to see.
But even so, he didn't waste the chance to walk along the pavement and look at the paintings. After fifteen minutes of browsing, he left and headed to the jewelry section.
He couldn't take in what he was seeing any longer. It was just too embarrassing. Looking at an exaggerated version of yourself on a canvas can be quite a headache.
As Klaus walked through a part of the city, he suddenly stopped and sighed.
"You know, some people call this stalking. So instead of hiding, why don't you come out and let's have a nice little chat?" Klaus said, turning to a shadow not far from him.
***
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC223: Having Coffee With My Assassin [Bonus]
Klaus stood there, staring at a shadow to his right. If anyone else were around, they might think he was drunk, unable to tell left from right. That is because he was just standing there looking to his right for no reason, however, he knew why he was staring there. He remained fixated on the shadow, waiting for something to happen.
He stood like that for a whole minute, but nothing changed about the shadow. Still, Klaus didn't move.
"Look, I've known you were there for a while. I even gave you time to make a move, but you didn't. So it's best if you come out and we talk. Maybe you'll get a third chance to stab me," Klaus said suddenly, smiling at the shadow.
This time, after half a minute of waiting, the shadow shifted and began to transform. In an instant, a woman appeared. She had short dark hair, dark eyelids, and a refined bone structure. Some might think a woman with short hair couldn't compare to a long-haired beauty, but this lady wore her hair with confidence.
Klaus raised an eyebrow as he looked at her. Given what he knew, he wasn't about to guess her age. Even though she looked like someone in her early twenties, she was a Great Sage. That alone is enough to tell him she wasn't someone young.
"That wasn't hard, was it?" Klaus said, eyeing the lady who held a dagger with an emotionless gaze. She wasn't wearing her mask this time, clearly not in the mood to play games. After all, she was there to kill him.
Klaus, for some reason, didn't know whether to laugh or take the lady seriously. She stood there, looking back at him with emotionless eyes. There wasn't even the slightest hint of coldness; it was as if she had no presence at all.
"Are you going to just stand there, or are we going to have a conversation?" he asked, crossing his arms. He didn't mind staring at her all day; he was confident she wouldn't be able to kill him.
The woman tightened her grip on the dagger but remained silent. Her eyes stayed cold and devoid of emotion.
"Look, you've already had two chances to kill me, and you failed both times. So I think it's safe to say the third time won't be any different. Besides, I don't think you really want to kill me. After all, as an assassin, you shouldn't let your target know who you are. Am I wrong?"
He watched her closely, searching for a reaction. The tension between them hung in the air, thick and palpable.
Suddenly, she spoke. "How did you notice my presence?" Her tone was flat and matter-of-fact, sweet.
"Good question. I don't mind telling you, but before that, can you put that dagger away? If someone walks by and sees you holding it, they might get the wrong idea," Klaus said, pointing at the dagger in her grip.
She hesitated for a moment before dropping the dagger into her shadow, where it vanished from sight.
"Fascinating," Klaus said, mesmerized by how she handled the dagger. He looked back at her and smiled.
"Although this may seem unorthodox, do you want to grab a drink or something? Standing here feels weird. We might as well find a nicer place to talk before we go back to being hunter and prey."
This time, the lady showed a reaction to hearing Klaus's request. She raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by his suggestion. "You want to have a drink with me?"
Klaus shrugged. "Why not? It's not every day you get to chat with an assassin. Plus, I find it hard to believe you're just a mindless killer. There's got to be more to you than that. Plus, don't you want to know me more in other to plan your next assassination attempt, not that you will succeed anyway"
She studied him, her expression back to her unreadable state. "You think this is a game?"
"Not a game, just a different approach to the situation," Klaus replied. "Besides, if we're going to continue this dance of hunter and prey, it might help to know each other a little better. I also want to have a drink or something so that helps too"
After a moment of silence, she relented. "Fine."
"Deal," Klaus said, his smile widening. "There's a café just down the street. They serve great coffee. We can talk there." He had already used his senses to pick the perfect spot for a drink with his assassin.
Without saying much, they made their way to the coffee shop and sat down in a corner where the light was dim. Klaus didn't know what her talent was, but with her affinity for shadows, he guessed it had something to do with darkness. So, he chose a darker corner for their conversation.
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A waiter soon arrived and served them a hot pot of coffee. Klaus, being Klaus, immediately took a gulp, not even glancing at the assassin who was now observing him with a curious gaze.
She couldn't believe her eyes. She had come to kill him, so how on earth had she ended up sitting across from each other, drinking coffee? It was unbelievable, yet here they were, and she couldn't wrap her mind around it.
"What are you doing?" she finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Just enjoying my coffee," Klaus replied, leaning back in his chair. "You should try it. It's pretty good."
"Is this some kind of strategy?" She asked, narrowing her eyes. "You think this will distract me from my mission?"
"Not at all," Klaus said, shaking his head. "But why not enjoy a moment before we dive back into the serious stuff? Life's too short to be all business."
She stared at him, still unsure. "You're very calm for someone who should be on high alert."
Klaus chuckled. "You've had two chances to kill me, and you didn't take them. I think it's safe to say I have a little time before I need to worry."
She frowned, her curiosity growing. "So, what do you think will happen next?"
"I'm hoping we can talk," Klaus replied. "I want to know more about you. Why you do what you do, and maybe, just maybe, we can find some common ground."
She leaned forward, intrigued despite herself. "You really think we can find common ground?"
"Why not?" Klaus said with a grin. "We're both just trying to navigate this crazy world, right? Who knows? You might even find me interesting."
Once again, she raised an eyebrow at Klaus. Interesting. He really was intriguing. Not everyone would be bold—or foolish—enough to break bread with their assassin, yet the white-haired young man was doing just that.
Klaus's behavior struck her as strange. She wanted to believe this wasn't happening, but as she looked into his eyes behind the sunglasses, she knew she wasn't in a dream. This was reality.
"Why are you so relaxed?" She asked, her curiosity piqued. "Don't you understand the danger you're in?"
Klaus leaned back in his chair, a confident smile on his face. "I understand perfectly. But if I spend all my time worrying, I'll miss moments like this. Besides, if you really wanted to kill me, you would have tried it by now."
"So instead of dwelling on the danger I'm in, why don't you tell me who placed their seal on you and turned you into their killing machine?" After gulping down a mouthful of coffee and savoring every flavor, Klaus suddenly asked.
The Assassin lady's hands shook as she was about to reach for her coffee. Her gaze shifted, and she looked at Klaus with wide eyes.
"How… How do you… How do you…?" She tried to form a sentence, but she was so shocked that she didn't know what to say. Her mind went blank, not knowing what to say in response.
Klaus smiled at her reaction. "Why don't we do this another way? I am Klaus Hanson, and you are…"
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC224: Luna [Bonus]
Klaus, still smiling, stared back at the Lady Assassin, who was looking at him with a mix of emotions playing in her eyes. He had just revealed something she never expected anyone to know. That was a bold move.
When Klaus first realized he was being followed, his instinct had been to kill her. And he could have done it easily. Even though he hadn't unlocked the Darkness Element yet, he was still an Elemental Overlord. He has connections to the elements, just that his control is limited without him first unlocking them.
Klaus didn't feel sympathy, especially not for an Assassin sent by the Dark Order to kill him. His first thought had been to eliminate her and be done with it. But just as he was making plans to kill her, the senior stopped him.
That was the sole reason why he had spent over fifteen minutes browsing through paintings of himself earlier. He was actually talking with the Senior in his soul sea, and from their conversation, he learned that the Assassin had some kind of seal on her.
It didn't take long for Klaus to figure out she was either being controlled or blackmailed into this kind of work. Of course, he wasn't going to trust an Assassin so easily, but he decided to play along.
That's what led them to sit together over coffee, despite the danger surrounding them. Klaus wanted to learn more about her, and if possible, turn her to his side. That would be a great advantage.
"Well, you can tell me your name, or we can just sit here and stare at each other all day," Klaus said, his voice calm but firm. He wasn't about to go soft on an assassin, no matter her state of mind.
"Luna. My name is Luna," she finally said, her voice tense. "And how did you know there's a seal on me? Who are you?" She stared at him, her suspicion clear, but Klaus just smiled.
"Well, Luna, let's not get ahead of ourselves," Klaus replied smoothly. "If we're going to become friends, we can start by putting away the hostility." His eyes flickered to the dagger she had pulled from her shadow and now held tightly in her grip.
"We can start by putting away the dagger... again," he added, still smiling. Luna hesitated, unsure of what to think. She'd been stalking him for three days, ready to end his life, but now here he was, sitting in front of her—calm, composed, and strangely disarming. It didn't make sense. This white-haired young man had said something that made her question everything.
Slowly, she put the dagger away again, her eyes never leaving Klaus. "How do you know there's a seal on me?" she asked, her voice quieter now, almost wary.
Klaus leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Let's just say I've dealt with people like you before. That seal on you—it's not hard to spot if you know what to look for. But that's not really the point, is it?" He tilted his head slightly. "The real question is, why are you letting someone control you?"
Of course, Klaus couldn't tell her the full truth—that he had a mysterious figure inside his soul sea who seemed fascinated by anything dark or dangerous. The senior had been especially interested in the seal when they talked during those brief ten minutes. He was more intrigued by the world Klaus was in and how someone could craft such a powerful seal.
The senior had casually mentioned that he could help Klaus remove it easily, but he held back. First, he wanted to learn more—specifically, who had the power to turn a Great Sage into their obedient assassin.
"Don't worry," Klaus said, his voice calm as he leaned back in his chair, "the person who put the seal on you won't hear anything you say. So feel free to talk when you're ready. I won't judge."
Luna's eyes flickered with doubt, but she could sense no malice from him. Her grip on the chair tightened, torn between the urge to speak and the weight of her silence.
"My mother... she was the one who placed the seal on me," Luna suddenly revealed.
"Wait, what?" Klaus jerked back in his seat, caught completely off guard. Of all the things he expected, hearing that a mother had sealed her own daughter to turn her into an assassin was not one of them.
That was cold—so cold that even Klaus felt a chill run down his spine. In this apocalyptic era, most mothers fought desperately to protect their children. The idea of one doing the opposite, binding her own daughter as a tool for murder, was hard to grasp.
"What kind of mother would place a seal on their own daughter just to turn her into an obedient little assassin?" Klaus muttered, still in disbelief. He shook his head. "That's... beyond cruel."
Luna's eyes darkened, her expression unreadable. "She's not like other mothers," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Klaus leaned forward, his voice softer now. "Tell me more. Why would she do that?"
"Me and my twin sister... we awakened a rare kind of Talent and Class. It gave us great control over darkness and shadows," Luna began, her voice steady but distant. "Of course, nobody wants to become a tool for murder. I know I didn't. But when you have a mother like mine, you don't always get what you want."
Klaus listened carefully as she continued. "She placed a seal on both of us and trained us to become her killing weapons."
Klaus raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her words. "So, there's a second you out there?" he asked, leaning forward.
Luna nodded. "Yes. My twin sister. She's still out there, under the same seal, doing my mother's bidding. Just like me."
Klaus leaned back, processing the information. "So, tell me, what's your rank in the organization you work for? I know you're tied to the Dark Order. What's your number? I've dealt with a few of their assassins, so I know they use a grading system."
Luna shook her head slightly. "I'm not with the Dark Order. I work for Assassin Number 7—my mother. Both my sister and I answer directly to her. We're not linked to the Dark Order itself."
Klaus raised an eyebrow again, surprised. "Wait, so your mother—Assassin Number 7—she's running her own operation?"
Luna nodded. "Yes, she operates outside the Dark Order. She has her own agenda, and we follow her orders. Whatever ties she has to the Dark Order, they don't involve us directly."
Klaus rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Interesting. So, she's got her own game going... but why use you and your sister as pawns in all of this?"
Luna's face hardened. "Because she can."
Klaus listened carefully to her answers but noticed something odd. Even though she was talking about how her mother had practically enslaved her and her sister, there was no hint of killing intent when she spoke about her. This intrigued him, so he quickly contacted the senior through their mental link.
'Senior, why does she seem so calm yet angry, but shows no killing intent toward her mother?' he asked.
'That's because showing any form of murderous intent toward her mother would bring her unimaginable pain,' the senior explained. 'If I'm not mistaken, she's been through so much torment that even the thought of finding ways to kill her mother has stopped crossing her mind.'
'That's cold,' Klaus thought, once again feeling something unsettling—something he didn't know humans were capable of. A mother torturing her daughters for power. It was wild, and he didn't want to dwell on it. .net
'Brat, do you really want to remove the seal?' the senior offered. 'I can teach you a way to change it and take control over her. That would be much more convenient.'
'No, Senior, you heard her,' Klaus responded firmly. 'She clearly doesn't want to be a killing machine, but she doesn't have a choice. If I turned her into my slave, I'd be worse than her mother. I'll try to reason with her. Worst-case scenario? I remove the seal, she tries to kill me, and like always, I will murder her before she could succeed'
***
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC225: Striking a Deal with My Assassin
Klaus studied Luna's reactions for a while before continuing his questions. At first, he thought she was part of the Dark Order, but it turned out she was only a proxy for Assassin Number 7—her mother. This meant she wasn't useful if his goal was to infiltrate the organization at a deeper level.
He needed someone with more influence, but since she didn't have strong ties to the Dark Order, she was practically useless to him—yet, at the moment, she was still his best asset.
Klaus, being only a Level 8 Master, had no business getting tangled with Sovereigns or even Transcendents. From what he'd learned from Cynthia Ross, Assassins Number 49 through 11 were all Great Sages, just like Luna.
He knew he couldn't underestimate them. Luna had nearly killed him back in the Demon's Abode, and he understood that if there had been more than one of her, he would've been injured or worse, died.
He thanked his lucky stars that the twins didn't come after her. A Great Sage who's an assassin is no joke, and Klaus knew that well.
However, his real concern wasn't with the Tier 3 level of the Dark Order's assassin hierarchy. His worry lay with Assassins Number 10 through 1, the Sovereigns. Klaus had killed a Tier 8 Zombie before, a creature comparable to a human Sovereign, but he had help.
If not for the Blood Moon Transformation, he wouldn't have been able to deal with even the Tier 7 Blood Princes. He knew that for sure.
So, he wasn't foolish enough to go looking for trouble with Sovereigns, let alone fall into the grasp of a Transcendent, the leader of the Dark Order. Find exclusive stories on m_v l|e-NovelBin.net
Right now, it was all speculation. Nobody knew how powerful the leader of the organization was or if there was even just one Transcendent. There could be more. Klaus wanted to tread carefully.
With some preparation, he knew he could eventually take down a Sovereign, but he didn't want to rush things. He planned to start small and work his way up.
That's where Luna came in. Her mother was Assassin Number 7 in the Northern Union. If he could get to her, he would be one step closer to achieving his goal of eradicating the Dark Order from the face of the earth. His hatred for them ran deep.
"What can you tell me about the Dark Order, or more specifically, your mother?" Klaus asked. He didn't need to mention that he could help with the seal.
Luna understood that for someone to notice something her mother had described as unnoticeable, he must have a way to remove it. So, she didn't hold back anymore when he asked the question.
"Well, she is a great but ruthless assassin. My sister and I are two of her little students in her School of Assassins. In the Dark Order, she's known as the Mother of Death. I don't know if you've heard of her, but she came close to killing a War God just a few weeks ago.
But that wasn't her greatest achievement. She has assassinated countless high-ranking officials, infiltrated many places, and has no sympathy for anyone. And I know you're wondering about this: yes, she was the one responsible for ensuring you were dead."
"That's cold," Klaus said, raising an eyebrow.
Luna looked at him with her usual expressionless face. "It's true. She treats people like pawns in her game. To her, emotions are a weakness. I've seen her kill without hesitation, even those who were once her allies. She doesn't have any weakness, not even us, her children."
Klaus crossed his arms, pondering her words. "It sounds like she has a firm grip on you and your sister. Have you tried to escape her control?"
Luna sighed. "Multiple times but it was for nothing. She has eyes everywhere. Even if we ran, she would find us. She has connections in every dark corner of the world. The seal keeps us tied to her, ensuring we can't betray her."
"That is for sure," Klaus said, not needing to be told twice.
"So, let's say I could hypothetically remove your seal. What would you do next, the moment it's gone?" Klaus asked.
"I will find Nuna, my sister," Luna replied. For a moment, her emotions flared. Klaus noticed it but chose to keep his expression neutral.
'I guess under all that hard exterior, there's still a lady in there somewhere,' he thought. Of course, he wasn't about to get sentimental. After all, she had tried to kill him.
"I'm not saying I will help you. I wouldn't just help you out of the goodness of my heart." Klaus said not bothering to sound more calming.
"I know you can't harbor any ill thoughts toward your mother because of the seal, but would you be okay becoming my pawn in the game of darkness?"
Klaus paused before adding, "And yes, the game of darkness is the codename I gave to my operation to take down the Dark Order." He smiled evilly
"Don't even think about it—yes, I will kill everyone, your mother included. So, do you want me to remove the seal, knowing you'll be leading me to your mother's death?"
Luna, maintaining her straight expression, tapped the table twice. Klaus smiled, knowing that although she couldn't say it or even think it outright, she had to find a way to communicate her desire somehow. God knows she and her sister had tried many times to come up with a plan.
"Good. But I'll make myself very clear now. I am here, smiling and having a nice conversation with you. But know this: if you ever try to kill me again after I remove the seal, then no matter where you run, I, Klaus, will hunt you down. And let me tell you, when I'm done with you, your mother will look like an angel of mercy in your eyes," Klaus said coldly.
Luna's body shuddered as she looked into his eyes. Klaus removed his shades, revealing his red eye of malevolence just for that moment. The look she saw sent chills down her spine. Clearly, the saying that you have to make a pact with the devil to kill an angel was true.
Klaus's new look made her start reevaluating whether to get into business with this white-haired youth or return to being her mother's pawn.
Klaus wasn't worried about her running to her mother and revealing their arrangement. His main concern was her trying to kill him after he helped her. After all the suffering she endured from her mother, trusting others would be the last thing on her mind.
Looking at her expression now, Klaus realized he had made a strong impact. She would think twice before doing anything foolish.
"I will be busy for a while. So, let's say in a month, come find me in Ross City. You can use this time to search for your sister and bring her with you. Of course, I won't have to tell you to behave as you usually do to avoid drawing suspicion. But know this: I will help you and your sister, and in return, I will need your help to reach your mother.
After that, you will be free to live your life. I won't use you as my murder weapon, nor will I ask you to work for me. All I need is a way to get to your mother, and the rest will depend on me. Am I clear on that?" Klaus asked.
"Yes," Luna nodded, clearly no longer underestimating Klaus.
"Good. I'll leave a mark on how to reach me later in Ross City. I will leave first, and oh, the lady and the gentleman at table five are spying on us. You know what to do," Klaus said before standing up and leaving the coffee shop.
Luna sat there for a minute before getting up to leave. The two people Klaus mentioned also stood up after finishing their coffee and began to follow her. They walked behind her until suddenly, they stopped.
They looked down and were about to jump when something dragged them into the shadows, making them disappear instantly.
"She is dangerous. Very dangerous," Klaus said with a smile from 2 kilometers away before moving on, ready to explore Arcadian City to his heart's content.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC226: Dinner With The Arcadia Great Family
"Where have you been?" Miriam asked as soon as Klaus got back from his stroll across the vast Arcadian City. She had woken up hours ago, but Klaus wasn't there.
"I went out for some sightseeing," Klaus replied, jumping onto the bed. He had been out the whole day, returning only as night began to fall.
Arcadian City was massive—much larger than Ross City—so even though he had only explored a small portion of it after his coffee with Luna the Assassin, he still felt like he had traveled many kilometers.
However, he did see some cool sights and even managed to buy some things for his mom and sister, so overall, he had fun. Of course, he didn't want to risk drawing anyone's attention; that would ruin his whole outing, so he kept a low profile and refrained from entering places that required ID.
Hearing his explanation, Miriam raised an eyebrow. She knew Klaus didn't like going out, as he usually spent time with his mom, training, or hunting. It was rare to see him outside.
Having now packed her things and settled down at Klaus's home, she started to know more about him.
"I hope you didn't go chasing ladies out there in the name of sightseeing," Miriam said with a slight blush.
"Cross my heart, Grandma, I only went out to catch some fresh air," Klaus said with a grin.
"Hey, who are you calling Grandma?" Miriam shot him a glance upon hearing him call her that. Well, she was over 60, so it was only natural to be called that.
Klaus smiled at her pout, enjoying her reactions. It seemed she had lightened up a bit after catching some sleep. Of course, he knew he was one of the few fortunate enough to witness such expressions from the mighty War Goddess.
To the outside world, she would always remain the emotionless, ruthless, and bloodthirsty War Goddess who regarded no one. Her arrogance was even higher than Klaus's. But now, in the room with both of them sleeping on the same bed, Klaus was blessed to see her true self—the one she tucked away before taking on her War Goddess persona.
"By the way, I've been invited to dinner with the Arcadian Family. Wanna be my plus one?" Klaus asked.
"Ask nicely as I might consider," the War Goddess replied with a teasing smile. Well, she shouldn't have done that. Who was Klaus if not someone who thrived on shamelessness?
She had fallen into his trap, and Klaus was more than happy to indulge her.
"My sweet, elegant, and poised War Goddess, would you perhaps, out of pity, accompany this nobody, slum kid, to dinner? He would be very happy if your elegant self would join him and help him look cool among all these wealthy people.
He doesn't ask for much—just hold his hand, and if he gets tired, you can hug him to release his stress. He also promises to be on his best behavior," Klaus said with a straight face.
Klaus's playful words hung in the air, and he watched as a mix of surprise and amusement danced across Miriam's face. She fought to suppress a smile, but her efforts were in vain. She burst into laughter making Klaus raise an eyebrow.
'Sweet laughter' he said inwardly.
"Are you really asking me to hold your hand like a child?" she teased, raising an eyebrow. Of course, the hugging part was there, but she knew Klaus meant nothing good looking for a hug. Her chest area is rather heavy for any man to ignore.
"Only if that child happens to be a very lucky slum kid in the presence of a magnificent War Goddess," Klaus replied, maintaining his serious expression.
Miriam rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"Impossible but charming," Klaus shot back with a wink. "Besides, who wouldn't want to show off their date to the Arcadian Family? Think of the prestige!"
"Prestige? Is that what you think I am? A trophy to flaunt?" She crossed her arms, feigning indignation, but her playful tone betrayed her. "And who is your date?" She just couldn't believe this white-haired kid.
"Of course! You're my secret weapon. Who could resist the allure of the War Goddess at their side?" Klaus laughed, "Plus having you by my side will make them less intimidating. You might not know, but rich people intimidate me"
Miriam shook her head, a smile breaking through her teasing facade. "Alright, fine! I'll accompany you, but only because you asked nicely. Just remember, I'm not here to babysit you."
"Deal!" Klaus exclaimed, pumping his fist in victory. "And I promise to behave...mostly."
"Mostly?" Miriam raised an eyebrow. She seems to be showing so many emotions after pouring her heart out to Klaus.
"Okay, okay! I promise to behave," Klaus said, holding his hands up in mock surrender. Miriam looked at him for a moment before entering the bathroom. Of course, Klaus wanted to ask if he should join her, but for once, he held back and decided to call his mom instead.
A while later, they were fully dressed and left their room. A maid was waiting outside and immediately took them to the main mansion where dinner would be held.
"Brother Klaus! Glad you could make it!" Nathan said as soon as Klaus and Miriam entered the vast dining hall.
"War Goddess," he said, stopping and bowing slightly when he noticed Miriam by Klaus's side.
Klaus wanted to respond for her knowing Miriam's demeanor. However, before he could make any move, Miriam nodded slightly accepting the bow with a neutral expression on her face.
Her gesture took both Klaus and Nathan aback, but neither of them dared to say anything. Who would even consider it? That woman could scare an entire army with her cold stare.
"Brother Nathan, I hope we weren't late," Klaus said, trying to break the tension.
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"Not at all! Dinner is just about to start," Nathan replied, a friendly smile on his face. "Everyone is excited to see you both. The Arcadian Family is eager to meet the legendary War Goddess."
Klaus exchanged a glance with Miriam, who seemed unfazed by the attention.
But then again, why did they want to meet the War Goddess? Wasn't he the one they had invited? Klaus couldn't help but smile at the thought as they made their way toward the dinner table, where he could already see some people seated.
There were four young men on one side of the table. From the looks of it, they were all older than Nathan, which meant they were his brothers. Then just to the right of the head chair, another man was seated.
A single glance was enough for Klaus to realize he was someone of great importance. He is a Sage, but Klaus knew better than to underestimate him. He gave a slight nod, which the Sage also acknowledged with a nod.
On the other side of the table sat a lady who needed no introduction for Klaus to recognize her as Nathan's mother. She had a graceful, motherly aura that made Klaus sigh inwardly.
His own mother had the same presence. It's clear she is a good person... well, Klaus is biased when it comes to mothers.
He wouldn't forgive Luna's mother even if she begged him. He had declared that he would kill her, and that was final. No mother should treat her children like slaves.
Klaus nodded toward the woman, and his gaze shifted to the young lady sitting beside her. The moment his eyes landed on her, he felt a jolt in his soul for a split second.
She had striking yellow-like eyes that made Klaus instantly avert his gaze when their eyes met. Despite her beauty, there was something in her gaze that could stir deep feelings within anyone.
"Careful, brat. That young lady is one terrifying Soul Master. You would do well not to antagonize her, especially with your bead currently indispose," The senior voice warned in his mind.
Klaus gulped
"Brother Klaus, this is my big sister, Lulu," Nathan said, introducing her.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC227: Lulu Arcadia
"Nice to meet you, Lulu," Klaus said, keeping his tone light and calm. However, in the back of his mind, he was wary of the young lady before him. Matters of the soul are something he knew could be very dangerous.
"Big Brother Klaus, do you know Big Sister is an Inner Disciple at Celestial Mountain Academy?" Nathan, of course, had to continue the conversation.
Klaus, hearing how he suddenly started addressing him, didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
'When did I turn from Brother Klaus to Big Brother Klaus?' he thought inwardly, but on the outside, he maintained a small smile.
"Oh, that is great! I guess after dinner, I'll indulge Sister Lulu in telling me more about the Academy," Klaus said with a smile.
"Of course," Lulu replied, returning the smile.
She is a Saint, a peak Saint to be precise, and from the look of things, she had a very strong foundation. Klaus, however, didn't want to pry, so he kept his golden eyes focused, not bothering to look any further. Things could change if she decided to do anything funny; after all, he still had the Eye of Malevolence.
He wasn't exactly defenseless.
"Lulu, it looks like your prayer has been answered; Klaus is finally here!" Just when their stare-off was starting to feel awkward, a voice spoke from one corner of the room. From that direction, Dave Arcadia walked toward the head chair.
"Dad," Lulu said, hiding her face in her palm.
Klaus raised an eyebrow upon hearing that. So it's an Aoi Hiroshi situation again. Back during the Regional Trial, when they were invited to the Hiroshi Mansion, he learned that it was Aoi Hiroshi who wanted to meet him, which led to the event being organized.
Now, hearing Dave Arcadia speak, he couldn't help but smile. It seemed his charm was more intense than he thought.
"War Goddess, Klaus, glad you both could make it," Dave Arcadian said as he took his seat. Miriam nodded slightly in acknowledgment of his presence. Dave nodded back before turning to his daughter.
"Lulu, you wouldn't continue to hide your face for the rest of the night, would you? Your idol is here; don't you want to look at him? I know for a fact he isn't ugly, so you'll be missing out if you keep hiding your face." Dave Arcadian teased his daughter again making his other children smile at the scene.
"I hate you, Dad," Lulu said, still covering her face.
"I love you too, dear," Dave replied before turning to the man on his right.
"Klaus, this is Hank Arcadian. He's my brother and the Chief of Operations for the entire city and the region at large. You didn't see him last time during the invasion because he was away on business and couldn't make it back in time," Dave explained.
"Nice to meet you," Klaus said to Hank.
"Likewise. Thank you for helping defend the city and its people. On behalf of the people of Arcadian, I want to extend our apologies for the negligence that nearly cost you your life," Hank said, his expression sincere.
"It's nothing. Accidents happen, and I'm sorry to hear the assassin got to three other soldiers before reaching the weapon. I hope they rest in peace," Klaus said as politely as possible, making everyone, except the War Goddess, nod in agreement.
"By the way, how's the rebuilding of the defenses going? Is there anything I can do to help?" Klaus asked.
"Everything's underway, and thanks for offering, but we have it under control for now," Dave responded. Klaus nodded in acknowledgment.
"Anyway, you've already met Nathan and Lulu. This beautiful lady is my wife and the mother of my children, Rose Arcadia," Dave said, and Klaus nodded in response.
"These are Kaden, Smith, Andrew, and Tate. They're my other children and the ones who manage the city's day-to-day activities." Klaus nodded toward them. He had caught glimpses of them during the invasion, but back then, he wasn't aware they were Dave's children.
They were among the few who stayed until the final battle. Kaden and Smith are Sages, while Andrew and Tate are Saints, but they remained on the battlefield until it was over.
"Glad to see you all are doing well," Klaus said making sure they knew he noticed their presence on the battlefield.
Andrew and Tate were injured during the final phase of the battle, so when he and his uncle unleashed that last attack, they didn't join the few who ganged up on the disoriented zombies. But Klaus noticed everything.
His Universal Enigma passive skill made it so he remember everything he sees.
As expected, they all smiled. Klaus realized he had become some kind of idol to many after the invasion, so he knew how important it was not to let people down. Even a small gesture like this could go a long way.
"I would've been there, too, if I wasn't away at the academy," Lulu suddenly said, drawing everyone's attention.
"We know, baby. We know you're the genius who can command weapons with unprecedented might," Dave teased with a mocking smile. Upon hearing that she could command weapons, Klaus's mood shifted. The War Goddess noticed this and smiled slightly.
"Oh, so you're a Spirit Master?" Klaus already knew as the senior had warned him about her, but he played along since she didn't know he was aware.
"Yes," Lulu said with a small smile.
"What kind of weapons?" Klaus asked, clearly intrigued. Around the table, everyone was listening with smiles.
"Mostly projectile weapons—like needles, knives, light spears, and swords," Lulu said casually, trying not to make a big deal of it.
"Don't be fooled by her casual tone, Brother Klaus. Sister Lulu can command dozens, even hundreds, of swords with deadly precision," Nathan chimed in, revealing her strength with a grin, ruining her attempt at modesty.
Klaus chuckled at Nathan's enthusiasm but kept his eyes on Lulu, intrigued by her abilities. "That's quite impressive, Lulu," he said, his tone genuinely admiring.
"Being able to command so many weapons at once takes not only skill but immense mental strength."
Lulu looked down shyly, brushing off the compliment. "It's nothing compared to what you've done, Brother Klaus. You saved the city."
Klaus waved his hand dismissively. "It was a team effort. Honestly, I wouldn't have made it without the help of everyone who fought alongside me," he said, though deep down, his curiosity about Lulu was growing.
"I'll be staying here for a few more days. If you're not busy, I'd like to pick up some pointers from Sister Lulu," Klaus suddenly added, making Lulu smile—if only for a brief moment.
"Oh? I did not know you are also a Spirit Master," she said, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"I dabble," Klaus replied with a casual smile.
Lulu raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by his response. "Dabble? You don't strike me as the type to 'dabble' in anything."
Klaus chuckled softly. "I've had some experience, but I wouldn't call myself a spirit master. That's why I'd like to learn from someone more experienced. Besides, it'll give us some alone time to talk, since you've been expecting me for a while." Of course, Klaus wouldn't let the moment pass without slipping in a bit of playful flirting.
As expected, Lulu blushed, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. The rest of the table couldn't help but smile at her predicament
"Alright, let's not let the food get cold. Time to dig in," Dave said, breaking the moment with a chuckle.
With that, everyone began eating. Klaus, however, wasn't one to hold back when it came to good food. While the others ate slowly and with the elegance one might expect from a family of wealth and power, Klaus was in his own world. He devoured his meal with gusto, clearly enjoying every bite. .net
Hank, Dave, his wife, and their children exchanged amused glances as they watched Klaus eat with such enthusiasm.
Even the cold, emotionless War Goddess shared a rare, small smile as she observed the white-haired brat tearing through his meal like there was no tomorrow. Klaus, despite his battles and status, had a simple, down-to-earth side that couldn't be hidden, and it was very refreshing.
After a while, when they were all done eating and had dessert. Klaus and the War Goddess left back to their room for the night. The next day, Klaus met with Lulu to train as a spirit master.
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