THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC228: Training with Lulu (1)
"You woke up early," Miriam said, looking at Klaus sitting on the bed. Klaus smiled back at her. He had woken up quite early and decided to chat with the senior. Since he couldn't use the Bead for now, as it was suspended in the golden energy he had yet to absorb, he could only ask about the things he wanted to know.
Having memories of one's past is indeed valuable, and Klaus was eager to learn more. The senior answered his questions to the best of his ability, though the karma involved in understanding some of these things was too much for Klaus to bear at the moment.
"So, what are your plans now that we won't be going back to Ross City for a few more days?" Miriam asked her tone hinting that she was teasing him about his plans to train with Lulu.
"You can always go back first if you want," Klaus replied, refusing to give her the satisfaction.
"Get dressed. I want to see how much you can learn as a Spirit Master," Miriam said, pushing him off the bed. Klaus just smiled and got up to get dressed.
He really needed this training. Ever since he awakened as a warrior, he hadn't had the chance to train with anyone before, so this was a big deal for him.
He wanted to see how well he could fare against Lulu, even after the senior had told him he wasn't her match. Unlike Klaus, who had only just started training as a Spirit Master, Lulu had been at it for years, so naturally, she was much better than him.
Her mental strength was stronger, and her control was superior to his. Klaus had already lost a duel to Aoi Hiroshi, making him realize how much was lacking when the sword was put in question. Now, he wanted to measure his progress against Lulu who was stronger than him at the moment.
"You're coming too?" Klaus asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course. Why, are you scared I'll spoil your game?" Miriam responded with a teasing smile. Klaus knew she would go back to her emotionless self the moment they stepped out of the room. Still, seeing her like this made him smile slightly.
"Just don't get jealous," Klaus said before running out of the room. Miriam smiled and followed him. Shortly after, they arrived at the training ground where Lulu was already doing some light stretches.
"You couldn't sleep, huh?" Klaus, being Klaus, couldn't resist teasing her. As expected, she blushed lightly.
"By the way, how are we going to do this? And for the record, I only use Needles, and currently, I can only control 64 Viper Piercing Needles," Klaus said as he took out his needle set. The 64 needles immediately flew into the air, making Klaus grit his teeth slightly.
"Impressive. How long have you been practicing?" she asked, though she genuinely looked impressed.
"A couple of weeks," Klaus replied.
Lulu raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "A couple of weeks and you can already control 64 needles? That's remarkable," she said, though her tone carried a hint of playful doubt. "But you do know that control isn't just about numbers, right? It's about precision."
Klaus chuckled. "I'll leave precision to you, Lulu. I'm more of a 'let's see how many I can throw at once' kind of guy."
Lulu smiled as she brought out her own needles. They were five-inch-long needles, an inch longer than Klaus's Viper Piercing Needles.
With a simple thought, 250 of her needles flew from their case, floating effortlessly in the air before her. Klaus's eyes widened in shock, making a few of his own needles fall to the ground from the distraction.
"250?!" he muttered under his breath, disbelief creeping into his voice. She looked calm and composed, unlike him, who was already struggling to control just 64.
'That's wild,' he thought, his mind racing.
'How is she making it look so easy?'
Lulu caught his expression and gave a small, knowing smile. "Control, Klaus. It's not about how many you can summon; it's about how well you can handle them."
Klaus gritted his teeth, the 64 needles already having a huge impact on his mental capacity. He knew she was right, but it didn't make the situation any less frustrating.
Seeing her command such a vast number of needles with ease made him realize just how much further he had to go. Still, he wasn't about to back down.
Even so, Klaus knew that in any competition they entered, he would lose—and lose badly at that. Miriam, sitting a few meters away, smiled as she watched the expression on his face.
'Finally, something somebody is better at than him,' she thought, amused. She couldn't have asked for a better morning.
"No need to feel weak. I've been practicing for almost two years now, so it's only natural that I've developed the mental fortitude to handle this many needles," Lulu said, her needles swirling around her effortlessly.
"You controlling 64 after just a couple of weeks is already a big deal."
Klaus let out a small laugh. "Still, I need to do better if I want to have a shot at mastering this Spirit Master thing."
"Then you'd better hurry and get into the Academy. There are many avenues there that can help you train your mind to handle multiple tasks," Lulu advised.
"I will," Klaus replied, nodding in agreement.
"Alright," Lulu continued, "let's test your control. Show me how well you can manage those needles."
She pressed a small button on the floor. From the ceiling, several small balls descended, projected into the air. They began to move. They were a mix of colors, their paths seemingly random.
"Use your needles to destroy all the green balls. Let's start at 1.2x speed," Lulu said, pressing another button. The balls began moving, weaving through the air with increasing speed.
Klaus took a deep breath and concentrated, his 64 needles hovering in the air, ready to move. This was a test of precision, and he knew that brute strength alone wouldn't help him here. He focused on the green balls, watching their erratic movements closely.
"Here goes nothing," he muttered under his breath as he sent his needles darting through the air toward the targets.
The needles moved swiftly, popping the green balls almost instantly. Klaus didn't even seem stressed as he skillfully maneuvered the needles through the air. In just over a minute, all the green balls were destroyed, leaving nothing but silence in their wake.
"Impressive," Lulu stated as she glanced at the score. The screen showed that Klaus had popped 720 green balls, along with 12 red and 10 yellow, in 1 minute and 24 seconds.
"My first trial, I popped 720 green, 54 red, and 32 yellow in 4 minutes and 45 seconds," Lulu said, clearly impressed. "You're something else, Klaus."
Klaus grinned, his golden eyes gleaming with pride. Although he doesn't show it, hearing she was far behind his score lightens his mood a bit
"Guess I'm not as bad as I thought."
Lulu smiled back, but there was a hint of challenge in her eyes. "You've got talent, no doubt, but don't get too comfortable. The next levels aren't as easy."
The pace doubled, and Klaus went back to work.
The balls were much faster now.
He hadn't really used the needles individually before; he always kept them in the Void Piercing Needle form. Because of this, he hadn't mastered taking out multiple targets at once with them.
If he had been using the Void Piercing Needle form, the green balls would have been destroyed in under 20 seconds. Still, he was doing well, popping the balls effortlessly. It was mentally exhausting, but he was managing.
A little over two minutes later, he had finished. All the green balls were popped, along with 20 red and 16 yellow ones. Although he wasn't used to fighting with isolated needles, after just two trials, he could feel his mind growing stronger.
Lulu was genuinely impressed. But when Klaus asked her to try it out, he witnessed just how terrifying a Spirit Master could be.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC229: Training with Lulu (2)
720 green balls popped in less than five seconds. The screen displayed Lulu's score, leaving Klaus staring at it in awe. He had asked her to take the test, and now he wished he hadn't.
Despite limiting herself to controlling only 64 needles, just like Klaus, she managed to destroy all the green balls without even scratching the red or yellow ones—and she did it all in under five seconds. That was wild, and Klaus just stood there, staring at the screen with a bewildered expression.
"Brat, you don't have to feel bad. That young lady has an extremely strong mind and far more experience than you," the senior said, trying to comfort him.
Even the War Goddess was impressed by Lulu's display. Spirit Masters are incredibly dangerous on the battlefield. To them, anything they can lift with their minds is a weapon. Even the weapons their enemies are holding become potential weapons.
The ability to control virtually any weapon with just their mind is overpowered. Klaus, who had used his Needle to kill thousands of Zombies, knew exactly how lethal it could be. So watching Lulu destroy hundreds of balls in less than five seconds made him truly grasp how terrifying a Spirit Master could be.
"You're impressive, Lulu," he said. Klaus wasn't jealous; he was just too shocked. But that shock only fueled his determination to improve. If he wanted the upper hand in combat, he had to do more and be better.
He has Star Qi, which is far more powerful than Spiritual Qi, and combining that with his ability to wield flying weapons in battle would make him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
Of course, Klaus first had to become better at controlling the weapons, and that required him to train his mind.
"You're impressive too, Klaus. I can see you're already making progress. So for today, focus on building your mental fortitude at double speed and see if you can add more needles to your control," Lulu said, and Klaus nodded in agreement.
He really wanted to increase the number of needles he could control while maintaining precise control. The next time he entered combat, he wanted to have the upper hand, no exceptions.
With that, Klaus returned to popping more balls. He aimed for a perfect record: popping all 720 green balls without touching any of the red or yellow ones and doing it in under a minute. That was the target he set for himself on his first day.
Klaus might not show it, but he was competitive. He knew he wouldn't surpass Lulu anytime soon, but that didn't mean he would fall far behind. No, he wanted to make great progress, so he set ambitious goals for himself.
Thirty minutes later, he managed to add two more needles to his original 64, bringing the total to 66. However, he didn't use them just yet. He focused on mastering the 64 first, improving his mental capacity to handle them before adding more.
Two hours later, he had developed enough mental strength to control 70 needles. Using the original 64, he finally managed to pop all 720 green balls without touching any of the red or yellow ones. However, it took him 2 minutes and 20 seconds to complete the task.
But he wasn't satisfied with that, so he went back to it. Using the 64 needles, he kept training, and two more hours later, he finally achieved his target. By the time the last needle popped the 720th ball in 58 seconds, he was exhausted.
However, having achieved his goal, Klaus was visibly happy. Lulu also looked impressed by his hard work.
She had been pressuring her father for weeks to let Klaus come to Arcadian City after she heard he had woken up after the assassination attempt.
Just like Lucy and the others who were already at the academy, they were allowed to come home to get their affairs in order because once they went back, it would be a year before they could return home. So, she wanted to meet him before leaving.
She had been trying to meet him before she headed back again—and now she had.
She would have plenty to talk about with her friends once she returned to the academy. Klaus had become every young warrior's idol or nightmare; he was not only popular in the cities but equally renowned in the academy.
It was rare for someone so young to achieve so many heaven-defying feats. She genuinely looked impressed watching Klaus train for the past four hours nonstop.
It became clear to her that the young man who appeared on the City, Regional, and Union Warrior Ranking Charts was no weak or an overhyped warrior. He was the real deal.
"I guess that's all my brain can take for today," Klaus said, gulping down a chilled water.
"You impressed me, Brother Klaus," Lulu said.
"You can just call me Klaus. I should be the one impressed by your superior control. Thank you for the pointers," Klaus replied with a small smile.
"No need to be modest, Klaus. I know that in just a few more weeks of training, you'll surpass me. You're a genius, and I really want you to come to the academy soon so you can show everyone what you're made of," Lulu said, genuinely pleased.
"I'll do my best to pass the Union Trial and the World Trial so I can join. I hope by then we can train together some more," Klaus said.
"We still have a few more days; we can train as much as you want," Lulu replied.
"Then I'll make sure to wear you out over the next few days," Klaus said before bidding her goodbye. He left with Miriam back to their room. After they left, Dave Arcadian appeared in the training room.
"What do you think? Is he up to your standards?" he asked with a small smile.
"He exceeded my expectations. What took me months to achieve, he accomplished in just hours. This young man is a genius," Lulu said.
"Well, well, well. I guess only Klaus could make my little girl look genuinely flustered," Dave said. He had been watching their training on a screen the entire time so he knew what she was saying was true, but again hearing her daughter who doesn't regard anyone as a worthy opponent praise Klaus like that, he was taken aback.
"Dad, I mean it. Klaus is a monster. I wonder how those arrogant bastards back in the academy are going to feel when he steps in there," she said with a smile.
On the other side, Klaus, who had just reached his room, was so tired that he fell onto the bed. Miriam looked at him for a while before moving to remove his sweaty shirt. "You should learn to take care of your hygiene, Mr. You're not the only one in the room."
"Thank you for your concern, my dear, but a little massage would do wonders," Klaus said in a tired voice.
"Keep dreaming," Miriam replied.
"I know you're not romantic at all. I guess I'll have to ask Lulu to help me next time," Klaus said in a teasing tone. He was too exhausted to look at Miriam and read her expressions, so when he felt her touch on his back, he was taken aback.
"Don't say a word, or I'll stop," Miriam warned.
Klaus smiled before using his Spirit eye to look at her expression. Watching the pink cheeks as she massaged his back, he knew the mighty War Goddess had fallen for the white-haired Paragon. Slowly he drifted into sleep under her careful touches.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC230: Claiming His Reward
Klaus woke up the next day with renewed vigor. The night had been one of the best yet, thanks to Miriam using her spiritual qi to enhance the massage, making it far more effective than a regular one. Klaus had had a hectic week, and though he hadn't shown it, the War Goddess could see the fatigue in his eyes.
While he drifted into sleep, she had spent a great deal of time massaging his muscles to the best of her ability. But while Klaus was enjoying it in his sleep, Miriam couldn't quite believe herself.
The emotionless War Goddess, now a mere massage artist—that was just unbelievable. She definitely didn't want anyone to hear about it or, worse, see her doing it. Klaus had somehow managed to make her lower her standards, something she never thought possible.
But again, as she glanced at his handsome face, peacefully asleep on the bed during the massage, all her conflicted thoughts melted away, replaced with something softer, something happier. She hadn't wanted to be reduced to this state, but she wasn't mad. Somehow, the white-haired brat had done it.
When Klaus woke up, he noticed Miriam still asleep beside him, lying closer than usual. He smiled, sat up on the bed, and entered his usual meditative state, waiting for her to wake. An hour later, she stirred.
"Well, good morning, my little Massage Goddess. From how I feel, I can tell you really worked your magic on me," Klaus said, his tone playful but grateful.
Miriam, still half-asleep, groaned softly. "Don't push your luck. That was a one-time thing," she mumbled, turning her face into the pillow to hide her slight blush.
Klaus chuckled. "You say that now, but I think you enjoyed it just as much as I did."
"Keep talking, and you will start feeling pain instead," Miriam warned, though the warmth in her voice betrayed her.
Klaus stretched, feeling his muscles completely refreshed. "You're incredible, you know that?"
Miriam finally sat up, running a hand through her hair as she glanced at him. "You just don't know when to stop, do you?"
"Nope," Klaus said, smiling. "And I'm not apologizing either."
"You..." Miriam started, wanting to smack Klaus on the head, but her hands were caught in his firm grip before she could act. She tried to pull them back, but before she could muster her strength, Klaus pulled her into his embrace.
Once again, the overpowered War Goddess of the Eastern Region lost all her strength to wiggle out of his arms. She couldn't believe how easily her defenses crumbled in his presence. Klaus just smirked, watching her relax in his arms like a child, helpless against the overwhelming calm he brought her.
"You look surprisingly beautiful this early in the morning for a grandma," Klaus teased, running his fingers gently across her back. Miriam's body tensed for a second, then melted under his touch. Her brain went blank, words failing her, despite his obvious teasing.
"Once again, thank you for the massage," Klaus continued, grinning. "But now that you're mine, I suppose I'll be getting one every evening before bed."
"Keep dreaming," Miriam forced out, her voice unsteady. "And who says I'm yours?"
"Playing hard to get, huh? Why don't you try breaking free from my arms?" Klaus said in a sarcastic tone.
"Can't do it, can you? Admit it, Miriam—you have no resistance against me. And although you're practically older than the universe, I don't think you really know what this means. So, why don't I spell it out?"
Klaus leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. "Miriam, War Goddess of the Eastern Region, you've fallen into my trap. But I think you already knew that, didn't you?"
Miriam's heart raced as she tried to formulate a response. She was the War Goddess—unshakable, undefeated—yet in his arms, she felt like a completely different person.
A warmth filled her chest, and for the first time in ages, she didn't want to fight back. Instead, she just let the moment wash over her, still not willing to admit defeat, but also not entirely rejecting the strange, comforting hold Klaus had over her.
Without even realizing it, Miriam remained in Klaus's embrace, oblivious to the fact that he had already released his grip. She had indeed fallen for him, and the realization left her stunned.
How had this happened? All she had wanted was a bloodthirsty, battle-crazed brother, yet she found herself wanting something entirely different now. It was both strange and comforting.
Thinking back, Miriam had always known deep down that this day would come. When she accepted his invitation to stay at his house, a part of her had sensed that this wasn't just a sibling bond forming.
Now, nestled in his arms, she realized she didn't really want the brotherly relationship she'd been telling herself she wanted. She wanted more—something deeper.
"Miriam dear, do you remember our bet during the City Selection Trials?" Klaus's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Yes, what about it?" Miriam asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I'm here to claim my reward since I haven't collected it yet," Klaus said, a playful glint in his eyes.
"What reward do you want?" she asked, already knowing where this was headed but playing along anyway.
"You know… this." Klaus leaned in, and before she could react, their lips met in a light kiss. The moment their lips touched, Miriam's entire world flipped upside down—her soul felt like it left her body, her mind went blank, and her body turned to jelly.
It wasn't a long kiss, but Klaus held it just long enough to make sure she felt it, to make sure she knew this was no ordinary claim of a bet.
When he finally pulled back, he gazed into her eyes, satisfaction written all over his face. He knew she wouldn't be able to retreat back into her emotionless shell anytime soon. The deep blush spreading across her cheeks was proof of that.
"Oh," Klaus began, ready to tease her again, but before he could finish, Miriam leaned in herself. This time, their lips met in a deeper, more passionate kiss. Klaus didn't need to be told twice. She had accepted it—she wanted more.
Without hesitation, he slid his hands down to her hips, gently lifting her onto his lap as their kiss intensified. For several heated minutes, they remained locked in each other's arms, lips entwined in a fierce exchange. When they finally broke apart, Klaus leaned back, still grinning as he looked at the flustered expression on her face.
Klaus chuckled softly, watching Miriam's blush deepen, her breath still uneven.
"Once again, Young Master Klaus for the win," he teased, his tone light but playful. Miriam couldn't deny it anymore—she had fallen, and there was no turning back now.
Her mind flashed back to something Klaus's mother had told her not long ago: "You really shouldn't fight it. From the moment that brat set his sights on you, you'd already fallen." Klaus's mother was like the perfect wingman, working behind the scenes even more than Klaus himself.
One could say she was even more shameless than her son, and it was probably true. Ever since she ascended, she had changed, and now, all she wanted was to ensure her son's happiness—so if being shameless was the way to make that happen, she was all in.
Klaus held Miriam's hips in his arms, pulling her onto his lap, his gaze locking with hers. He couldn't help but sneak a few glances at the "mountains" on her chest, a grin spreading across his face.
'Finally, those mountains are mine, he thought with a lovestruck grin.
He was ready to lean in, hoping to finally bury his face between those soft curves while the moment was still ripe, but before he could, Miriam shifted when she felt something... unexpected.
"Klaus, what is that thing touching my thigh?" she asked but then froze the moment her hand brushed it.
Without even blinking, she vanished from the bed, her cheeks flushed in shades of pink as she darted into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.
Left on the bed, Klaus couldn't stop grinning despite his failed attempt to fulfill his dreams of snuggling into her chest. He lay there smiling like a lovestruck idiot.
An hour passed and Miriam never left the bathroom, however, Klaus never bothered her. He simply dressed up and left to go train with Lulu still smiling like a happy cat.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC231: Progress After 5 Days of Training
Klaus arrived at the training ground with renewed energy. His morning had turned out better than expected, and he was ready to tackle the day's training with a more upbeat attitude.
"You look happy this morning," Lulu said, noticing his mood as soon as he arrived at the training ground.
"Who wouldn't be happy training with a fairy like you?" Klaus said with a smile, causing Lulu to blush slightly.
'I really need to choose my words more carefully, or I'll end up with beauties falling head over heels for me,' Klaus thought, noticing the pink tint on Lulu's cheeks.
'You think?' Suddenly, the Senior's voice echoed in his mind.
'Hey Senior, are you reading my thoughts?' Klaus asked, but the Senior didn't bother to reply. That just made him smile more as they resumed their second day of training.
Klaus managed to control all 64 needles and complete the task he had set for himself yesterday. He popped all 720 balls in under a minute with the 64 needles, though it had been a close call.
So before setting new goals for the day, he decided to retry the previous day's task. To his surprise, he popped all 720 green balls in under 50 seconds—a significant improvement over yesterday's record.
With that out of the way, he set new goals. First, he increased the number of needles to 70 for the same task as yesterday. After three attempts, he successfully popped all 720 balls in under 50 seconds.
Next, Lulu increased the number of green balls to 1,020. It took him 17 attempts to pop them all. Then, he decided to focus on pushing his mental limits.
Having trained under much harsher conditions herself, Lulu decided to increase the speed at which the balls moved to 2.5x, compared to 2x yesterday. Klaus's day quickly turned into a grueling challenge as he strained and sweated profusely, putting immense pressure on his mind to complete the task.
The objective was to pop all 1,020 green balls without touching the red or yellow ones and to do it all in under a minute. On top of that, Klaus aimed to increase the number of needles he could control from 70 to 80 by the end of the second day's training.
It was an incredibly grueling task for someone who hadn't been training their mind for long. Klaus was under so much pressure that it felt like his mind might split at any moment.
Lulu, watching from the side, couldn't believe her eyes. In the first hour, Klaus managed to pop all 1,020 green balls in under three minutes—something that had taken her 10 minutes after days of trying.
'This boy is just a monster', she thought. But it didn't stop there. In the second hour, Klaus cut the time in half and added four more needles to his control.
By the third hour, Klaus was getting closer to his goal of popping all the green balls in under a minute. And by the fourth hour, he accomplished that, adding another four needles. Before long, he reached the ten-needle increase he had set for himself that day, bringing the total to 80 needles under his control.
Still, he wasn't done. He continued training with all 80 needles, but it didn't take long for him to realize that if he didn't rest soon, his mind would suffer real damage.
"You're a monster," Lulu said, staring at him in disbelief.
"I have a good teacher," Klaus replied with a smile. Lulu smiled back.
Once again, Klaus had surprised her. Although she could achieve what he did now in under 20 seconds, she knew it was only because she had been training for years.
Klaus, on the other hand, had done something that would take even the strongest Spirit Masters weeks to accomplish—in under five hours. That was just too monstrous.
"Same time tomorrow?" Klaus asked. Lulu nodded, and with that, he left, exhausted, heading back to his quarters.
When he got back, Miriam had just come out of the bathroom. She blushed immediately when Klaus entered the room, but when she noticed how drained he looked, she led him to the bed and gave him a towel bath, gently wiping the sweat from his body like a caring wife.
Klaus, resting in Miriam's gentle and caring embrace, drifted off to sleep. He was getting the kind of treatment any guy wouldn't dare deny.
The next day, he faced another grueling training session that left him exhausted once again. However, his suffering wasn't in vain. He managed to increase the number of needles he could control to 90 after Lulu sped up the balls to three times their normal speed.
It was an exhausting morning, but knowing the care he would receive back in his quarters made him more than happy to take on the challenge.
On the fourth day, he pushed himself further, bringing 100 needles under his control. But this time, the strain was much worse. Lulu had increased the ball speed to four times the usual rate, making the training even harder. Despite the stress, Klaus managed to pop all 1,020 balls.
He asked for more balls, but Lulu explained that the training mechanism was already at full capacity. However, she mentioned that the speed could still be increased.
Klaus didn't give it much thought, but by the end of the fourth day, the strain had been so intense that he passed out as soon as he got back to his room, leaving his safety in Miriam's hands. Miriam, warming to the idea that she had indeed become Klaus's woman, started taking such good care of his body whenever he returned drained.
By the end of the fifth day, Klaus's improvement shocked Lulu to the point she started questioning whether she was truly the genius people claimed she was.
Klaus had managed to control 120 needles, and using them, he destroyed all 1,020 green balls in under 40 seconds at six times the normal speed. Klaus realized that the more grueling the training, the faster he improved.
It was a shocking level of progress, but Klaus wasn't surprised. He had already seen how Fruity managed to memorize hundreds of skills in under an hour, so he knew this was something he always had—a brain that was stronger than most.
"I've ordered the training mechanism for you. It'll be installed before you get home," Lulu said. She already knew Klaus wouldn't stop training after he went back home.
It was their last day together, and although she enjoyed training with him, even if it meant just watching him train, it was bittersweet to see it end.
"Thank you, Lulu," Klaus said. "How about this—since you've helped me so much these past days, let me give you something in return."
Klaus pulled out a sheet of paper covered in strange writings and diagrams and handed it to her. "This is the least I can do," he said with a smile.
Lulu took the sheet, and as soon as she saw the content, her jaw dropped. "This... this... I can't accept this. It's too valuable!" she protested, trying to hand the sheet back.
"Keep it. This is my thanks to you," Klaus insisted. He had originally wanted to use the method the senior taught him to transfer a soul technique he learned from Fruity's memories.
However, not trusting her enough for that, he decided to write it down instead, just as he had planned to do for his friends, with the senior's guidance.
The technique was a powerful soul attack. And since Lulu was a Saint, she would be able to learn and use it, unlike Klaus, who still needed more time.
"Thank you, Klaus," Lulu said, smiling. She recognized the technique's value, as she had seen similar ones at the academy. But unbeknownst to her, the technique Klaus had given her was far beyond anything even the strongest soul technique at the academy could compare to.
After chatting for a while and making plans to grab coffee later, Klaus headed back to his quarters where he went straight into the caring arms of Miriam and drifted into sleep like a baby cat.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC232: The Thought Of Slaughter
Klaus spent the next day in Arcadian City, marking his tenth day there before heading back to Ross City with Miriam. Dave and Hank Arcadia were generous enough to lend them a jet, reminding Klaus of how much he needed to get his own. His obsession with jets only grew by the second.
Miriam smiled when she noticed his obsessed look, She mentioned that she had her own jet, which could now be his. Klaus just shrugged, saying he wanted one of his own, but for now, he was content to enjoy others' jets while saving up for something better.
They landed at the Ross private runway, where Kofi was waiting to pick them up. Klaus noticed that, despite most people being Saints with the ability to fly, he rarely saw them soaring through the skies as one might expect. He planned to ask Anna about it the next time he saw her.
Speaking of Anna, a day ago, she and Klaus's other friends, including Hanna, returned from their weeks of training in three different forbidden zones. They informed him they were nearing level nine and would hold back until after the Union Trials.
So, they entered seclusion to solidify their foundations. Klaus wanted to provide them with some techniques, but the Senior said they wouldn't be able to use them until after they became Saints.
Klaus was in the same situation. For now, they would have to rely solely on their own prowess to conquer the Union Trials.
From Lulu, Klaus learned that after passing the Union Trial, the 8,000 who made it to the academy would have six full months of nurturing before their final trial took place.
This period was designed to help those who might wash out receive guidance from the academy, which, according to her, was better than what most academies offered their true Outer and Inner Disciples.
The Union Trial would be highly competitive, and Klaus knew his friends felt the pressure to come out on top—unlike him, who didn't even pause to think about it.
Right now, he was more focused on improving his mental strength, and thanks to Lulu, he had received a few suggestions for the next flying weapons he should buy.
Klaus already had plans in mind. He would train his mind and make sure that the next time he faced severe odds, it would feel like child's play.
"Mom, I'm home!" As always, he called out to his mother as soon as he arrived and ran into her embrace.
"Klaus, you're a grown-up now; stop this child's play," his mom said, though she was smiling as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Glad to be home too, Mom," Klaus replied, smiling back. She was happy he was home, and he was glad to be back. As the saying goes, there's no place like home.
"There's something different about you, Klaus—something that makes me tense up just from looking at you," his mother said, looking at him in a particular way.
"That's because your son has made great progress in his training and hasn't yet gotten things under control. I didn't mean to scare you, Mom," Klaus replied, resting his head on her shoulder.
Miriam smiled at the sight and went to get herself a drink. The Mom and Son duo were always up for some mischief. They are a shameless pair.
"Well, I'm not scared of you; I could never be scared of you. You're my baby boy. But for the sake of your women, make sure to get things under control, especially before seeing any of them," she warned.
Miriam didn't say anything, but she felt the same when she saw Klaus after he upgraded his Eye of Malevolence. Even without activating it, its effect was already palpable.
"You know, Mom, these days I wonder if you're really my mother. What kind of mom is okay with her son having multiple wives?" Klaus joked, but his mom's smile faltered at his words.
She brushed her hand through his hair and said, "The kind that wants you to be happy. Klaus, I was really scared when you nearly died a few months ago.
I didn't want to say this, but I would have killed myself if you had truly died. But now that you're well and happy, I know that, no matter what, I will always want to keep a smile on your face.
You are my son, and it's my job to make sure you're well and happy, so don't think for a moment that I would want to take away what makes you happy. You deserve everything."
Klaus listened to his mother and couldn't help but feel his heartbreak. He had caused her immense pain when he nearly died.
But for Klaus, it was even worse. When he was near death, he was sent down memory lane, reliving the experience of losing his mother instead. Though he appeared well and happy on the surface, inside, he couldn't take it.
Although it was his past self, he missed her deeply. So, just like his mother, he wanted what was best for her, and for now, he could only be there for her. This was one of the reasons he took Hanna as his sister. He had seen in his memories how much she loved his mother, and how his mother loved her.
He didn't fully grasp the concept of this reincarnation thing, but he knew that connection would always be there—and he was right. His mother had become significantly happier with Hanna around.
However, hearing his mother say she would have killed herself had he died from the assassination attempt, two thoughts surfaced in his mind.
First, he vowed to never put her in that situation again. Second, he would unleash hell on the dark order. He wouldn't be doing it because he wanted what was best for the world; he would do it because they made his mother worry. Nobody had the right to make her worry, cry, or hurt.
'I will kill every last one of them—every last one of them,' he vowed inwardly.
"Klaus, are you alright? You're becoming cold," his mother suddenly said, snapping him out of his murderous thoughts.
"Get a grip on it, kid; your mother isn't like you," the Senior said from his soul sea, helping Klaus calm himself down.
Just now, his mind had gone into a state of slaughter, which he immediately recognized had something to do with the Seal of Slaughter in his soul sea.
"I'm fine, Mom. Sorry about that," Klaus said with a smile.
Standing at the entrance of the kitchen, Miriam clenched her fists upon hearing Klaus's mother confess her feelings. Just like Klaus, she wanted nothing more than to kill every last one of the dark order members until there wasn't even an atom left.
She had taken Klaus's mother as her own after her family had disowned her, so hearing how she felt made her realize that those responsible would have to pay.
She joined them as they shifted the conversation to something more cheerful. Laughter filled the room as they chatted, enjoying their time together. Suddenly, Kofi walked in to inform them that they had some guests.
Klaus was surprised, as this was the first time Kofi had personally come to inform him of visitors. Usually, it was just the media trying to get an interview, which he always declined. For Kofi to come now meant these guests were important.
"Take them to the meeting room. I'll be there shortly," Klaus said before running off to freshen up. A little while later, he walked into the meeting room, where three men were waiting for him.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC233: Getting Hired By Oracle Inc
The moment Klaus walked into the room, he met the gaze of three men who, from just a glance, he could tell were important figures yet somehow ordinary. It was a confusing sight
Kofi hadn't mentioned their identities, but the fact that he let them in told Klaus all he needed to know—they were important and powerful people.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Klaus said, sitting across from them at the table. Kofi, seated not far from him, remained silent. As the chief of security, he was always present.
"No need for formalities, Klaus Hanson. I'm Joon, this is Ryan and the handsome fellow over there is Logan. We're the creators of Oracle," Joon said, making Klaus's eyes widen in surprise.
"You mean the Oracle we've been using for the Trials was created by you three?" Klaus asked, raising an eyebrow.
Despite their apparent importance, the three men didn't look like people who could have created something so powerful. It just didn't seem to match. Joon was dressed in a loose shirt and singlet, his hair unkempt, though he was still somewhat handsome.
Ryan looked like an average white guy, but his hair—why was it always the hair—was neither well-combed nor properly trimmed.
As for Logan, while undeniably handsome, his blond hair was just as messy as his friends'. So despite their aura of importance, Klaus hadn't expected them to be the masterminds behind Oracle.
It was like meeting the creator of the universe, only to be greeted by someone with a bad haircut and unpolished appearance.
"What, you don't think we have what it takes to create an artificially intelligent virtual world?" Joon asked with a grin.
"Honestly? No. You three don't look like people with that kind of importance. No offense," Klaus replied with a small smile.
"Lucil was right, we really should start paying more attention to our image," Ryan said, chuckling.
"Don't bring that crazy woman into this. So what if we're not dressed up? It's what's in the brain that counts," Joon replied, clearly still not over whatever had happened between him and Lucil five years ago.
"No disrespect meant, Seniors. I was just speaking my mind," Klaus said, smiling as well. He could tell these three weren't the uptight or arrogant types. From their easy banter, he could see they were close friends—lively ones at that.
"Don't sweat it, kid. You're not the first to say this," Logan added with a grin.
Klaus relaxed a little, realizing the conversation was far less formal than he had anticipated. Despite their unpolished appearance, it was clear that these men were brilliant in their own right. The Oracle had changed everything during the Trials, and knowing they were behind it piqued his interest.
"So, what's the real reason these seniors wanted to meet me?" Klaus asked, leaning back in his chair. He knew they weren't just here for a casual chat.
Joon exchanged a look with Ryan and Logan before responding, "Straight to the point, huh? I like that. We've been watching you, Klaus. You've done well in the Trials, far better than most people expected. But we're not here to congratulate you. We have an offer."
Klaus raised an eyebrow. "An offer?"
"Yes, an offer," Ryan said, leaning forward slightly. "Tell me, Klaus, what did you notice during the Trials? Anything stands out to you about your time inside Oracle?"
Klaus took a moment to think before answering. "Well, for starters, it's an amazing place to train. The fact that you can respawn after death is a huge advantage. I enjoyed using it. But, to be honest, it didn't fully live up to the standard needed for more intense, realistic training."
"How so?" Joon asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I'm sure you've already watched my Trials and seen the footage from my recent battles. If you compare the two, you'll notice something: the monsters in the real world have an imposing presence—a will that affects the battlefield. That doesn't exist inside Oracle."
The three men exchanged glances as Klaus continued.
"Sure, you've probably added some form of Aura to the monsters in Oracle, but they don't have the independence or the ability to exert their own will over their opponents. In Oracle, they act like machines running on predictable algorithms, moving in patterns. They don't adapt or behave in an unpredictable, independent way."
Klaus paused, watching their reactions before adding, "I'm not trying to downplay the system. But honestly, all I had to do was identify the patterns in their movements and exploit them. That was how I succeeded in most of the trials."
His words left the three creators momentarily speechless.
"You sound like someone with a deep understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning," Logan said, breaking the silence. "You wouldn't happen to be a low-key genius, would you?"
Klaus smirked, though he was a bit taken aback by how easily those terms rolled off his tongue. "Well, I'm a fast learner, so anything's possible," he said with a casual shrug.
Inside, however, he was more surprised than he let on. Once again, he'd started speaking about things he hadn't formally learned, but this time, he wasn't as shocked. After all, he already has memories from his past life, nothing is new to him anymore.
Ryan, Joon, and Logan all exchanged intrigued glances. "Fascinating," Joon finally said.
"You've given us some valuable insights. It's clear you're not just going through the motions—you're analyzing and thinking beyond what most participants do. That's why we think you'd be perfect for what we're working on next."
Klaus leaned forward, his curiosity returning. "What exactly is this new project you keep hinting at?"
Logan smirked. "Let's just say, it's not just about improving Oracle. We're aiming to create something that doesn't just simulate reality but actually influences it directly."
"Influences it?" Klaus asked, intrigued.
"Yes," Logan continued. "As you pointed out, Oracle doesn't quite replicate the intensity of real-world training. We're looking to change that. We want to revamp Oracle, not just for 100% immersion, but to make it impactful—something that can genuinely help build better warriors.
It's great for practice, sure, but we're aiming for something more, something that prepares users for the unpredictability and pressure of real combat."
Joon chimed in, "We could've released this updated version a while ago, but we didn't want to rush it. Dropping a flawed product onto the market is something we can't afford to do. We're perfectionists when it comes to tech like this."
Klaus nodded. "That's reassuring, but I'm guessing you're not just here to get my feedback on the Trials, right? How exactly do I fit into all of this?" he asked, his gaze sharp. Your next chapter is on mvl
Ryan smiled. "You're right. We don't just want your insights; we want you to be part of the testing process. You're not just any participant, Klaus. You've shown a level of analysis and adaptability that goes beyond the usual users.
We need someone like you to push this new system to its limits, to break it if necessary, and help us fine-tune it for real-world application."
Klaus leaned back, absorbing what they were asking. "So, you want me to help test this new Oracle? To see how far it can go, where it breaks down?"
"Exactly," Logan said. "We need someone who can exploit weaknesses, find loopholes, and offer genuine feedback. This system is going to change everything, Klaus, and we want you at the forefront of it."
Klaus sat in silence for a moment, contemplating the offer. Testing a system that could potentially blend virtual and real-world combat wasn't just intriguing—it was an opportunity to shape the future of training and warfare.
"What's in it for me?" he finally asked. He needed more money for a jet y'all.
Joon smiled, a glint of excitement in his eyes.
"Let's just say, if you help us perfect this, you'll have access to the most advanced training system in existence. And when it's ready, you'll be one of the few who can fully harness its potential."
"Plus, you will become a co-creator and filthy rich if you accept our offer."
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC234: The Oracle
The Oracle was a dream born in a dorm room 53 years ago when Joon, Logan, and Ryan were denied access to a game party. The three had been friends for many years, having attended the same high school and reconnecting in college. Back then, technology was thriving.
Games were played in a hundred percent immersive mode, meaning that when players entered the game, it felt as real as the outside world.
All three friends were computer science majors specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. One day, after being denied access to a college party where their favorite video game was being played, the frustrated trio decided to create something even bigger than the best games available.
Thus, after a night of frustration, Oracle was born. Initially, it was just an idea that was later transformed into algorithms and then code.
However, they underestimated what it takes to create something as grand as a virtual world powered by AI and neural networks. It was a complex process that required deep thinking. They struggled at first; however, things changed three years later.
Everything came to fruition 50 years ago when the apocalypse descended, ushering humanity into a new phase of evolution. With the ability to improve one's intelligence by simply adding points, their plan to create an entire virtual world began to take shape.
Their vision was to create a world where, in addition to training and fighting monsters, people could meet and interact, buy and sell, and even engage in romantic activities. It was a plan to establish a completely different realm, and they succeeded.
They created Oracle, a next-generation AI that has been trained for over 50 years to remodel the world they envisioned. They have been diligently building the system all these years.
However, they didn't dive into developing everything without first ensuring the needs of the people were met. So before creating new worlds and planets in Oracle, they established training grounds and trials where warriors could train without the risk of injury or death.
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Everything was functioning according to their requirements until Klaus appeared. After just two trials, they realized their creations weren't quite what they had envisioned.
Being nerds, they craved perfection. So, with a recommendation from the one they called their big brother, an overlord, they set out to approach Klaus, believing he could help them solve their issues.
Now, looking at Klaus, who was also looking back at them, they didn't know if their dream could finally be realized. If he rejected their offer, they would have to move on with their flaws, knowing that the perfection they craved couldn't be achieved.
"Well, what do you think? Want to join us in making Oracle a better world for warriors and everyone?" Joon asked.
"I would be glad to help see it come to fruition. However, you should know that I don't know anything about computers, so I might get annoying sometimes when the conversation isn't flowing as you three might expect," Klaus replied with a smile.
He knew for a fact that the three men before him were nerds, while he was a school dropout who did not speak their language. The conversation would likely be strange, especially when they started speaking in their nerdy tongue.
"Don't worry about that; I have a feeling you will fit right in," Logan said.
"So, what is it going to be like?" Klaus asked. He knew that although he would be abandoning his training for a while, he would benefit somehow. After all, he would be testing a combat-ready environment inside the Oracle.
If he played his cards right, he would gain greatly, beyond just the money and fame he would receive in the end.
"We will be going to the Oracle headquarters, where we will spend the next month working on fixing the issues. Of course, it will depend on how quickly you can help us identify the problems and how long it will take to fix them.
However, since you have preparations to make for the next Trial in three months, we wouldn't want to take up too much of your time—one month at most," Ryan answered.
"Don't worry about that; let's just make Oracle better," Klaus said with a smile. Who were they kidding by polishing their words? He was ready for the Trial any day. The only thing he would have to put on pause now was his Spirit Master training.
"Good. Then you can get your affairs in order. A week from today, a jet will come to pick you up," Joon added with a smile.
"But before we leave, we need to meet your mom and make her aware of this arrangement. It's only polite and the right thing to do," Logan stated.
They left the meeting room and headed to the living room, where Klaus's mom and Miriam were spending some quality time together as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
Klaus knew his mom was very pleased with his choice, so he wasn't surprised to see them spending time together. His mom was working on Miriam's hair, which was a very normal sight for him.
However, for the three Nerds who knew what kind of person Miriam was, this was a shock. But when they saw that she held no unfriendly expression upon seeing them, they relaxed a bit. The war goddess of the Eastern Region's reputation was well known.
"Mom, these are our guests. They are the creators of Oracle, and they want me to come to work for them for a couple of weeks. This is Joon, Ryan, and Logan," Klaus said, making his mom raise an eyebrow. Clearly, she was thinking the same thing he had when he first met them.
Knowing that his mom had a tendency to work on everyone's hair, Klaus quickly moved forward with his next words to prevent her from catching them off guard and giving them an unexpected haircut.
"This is my mother, and you've already met the war goddess of the Eastern Region, who has now moved into my home as if the place belongs to her," Klaus said with a smile. Miriam cast him a sidelong glance upon hearing what he said.
Klaus's mom looked at the three nerds with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with unknown thoughts. "It's a pleasure to meet you all! I've heard so much about Oracle, but I didn't expect to see its creators in my living room."
Joon chuckled; he seemed to be the lively one. It was no wonder he was the only one among the three who had a girlfriend. "We're just ordinary people trying to make a difference, but we appreciate the warm welcome."
Klaus's mom nodded, but her eyes were clearly scanning their hair. It was evident that she was not okay with their haircuts. Knowing that things were about to get out of hand again, Klaus quickly intervened.
"I will be leaving a week from today, so I just brought them to make you aware before they leave," Klaus said, prompting his mom to nod. Since Klaus had accepted their offer, she wouldn't deny him this chance to go out and have fun.
"I will leave him in your care for all the weeks he will be there," she said with a smile.
The three nerds nodded back, smiling. They were happy to have secured what they came for, and now all that was left was to make arrangements for when Klaus arrived. They were indeed very pleased, but their joy was cut short when Miriam suddenly spoke.
"It will be a long flight back to the headquarters, so why don't you all have dinner before leaving?" she offered with a small, wicked smile. Klaus knew what she was up to, but it was too late for him to stop it.
That day, the three nerds—his new employers—sat down and received a nice haircut. Klaus could only stand and watch as his mom worked on them, smiling like an accomplished Barber.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC235: Going To Oracle Headquarters
After Joon, Logan, and Ryan left—now looking sharp with freshly cut hair—Klaus was left with his mom and Miriam. Hanna was in seclusion, so she wasn't around to enjoy the five days Klaus planned to spend with his mom and Miriam before leaving.
Ohema still hadn't called for unknown reasons, which worried Klaus a little, but his mom assured him that Ohema would call when she was less busy. They didn't know much about her, but Klaus knew she was someone important, so it was understandable that he hadn't been able to reach her over the past few weeks.
They talked, ate, and even went to catch a movie until, finally, the day for Klaus to leave arrived. A jet came to pick him up at Oracle Inc.'s headquarters.
"Take care of yourself, and don't cause any trouble for those people," his mom said, brushing her hand through his hair.
"Mom, I'm the most well-behaved person you'll ever meet. No need to assume the worst of me," Klaus replied with a grin.
"Tsk," Miriam, who was standing beside him, chuckled. Who was he trying to fool? Wherever Klaus went, trouble always seemed to follow. Of course, she was a little sad he was leaving, but she managed to hide it from Klaus—though not from his mom.
Miriam had opened up to his mom about her past, so she had become especially protective of her.
"My dear Miriam, make sure you don't miss me too much. Mom will keep you company while I'm gone," Klaus said with a teasing smile. Since she'd refused to move into his room for obvious reasons, Klaus could only use this time to get a little affection before leaving.
His mom stood beside him, smiling, as he planted a gentle kiss on the lips of the normally stoic war goddess. After a few more goodbyes, the jet took off, leaving Ross City behind.
===========
Inside the same meeting room where the Overlords had gathered days ago, the cold, emotionless Overlord sat browsing the internet, her expression shifting subtly. Every now and then, one could almost swear she smiled between scrolls.
"Well, well, well. Who would have thought? The mighty leader of the Overlords resorting to stalking a boy through the internet," a voice said suddenly, followed by the appearance of a red-haired woman.
"What are you doing here, Nari?" the cold lady asked, her gaze narrowing.
"Jeez, can't I come to see my big sister whenever I want?" Nari replied, taking a seat with a playful smile.
"What do you want?" the cold lady asked again, her tone flat.
"I heard you went to save the kid a few days ago but ran off before he could wake up. Why? Were you too shy to meet him?" Nari teased, her smile widening. It was clear she enjoyed making her sister a little uncomfortable.
"And?" the cold lady asked, expressionless.
"And, well, he's coming to Stone Valley. It seems those three nerds want to pick his brain on how to improve Oracle, and I heard he'll be spending a whole month there. So, this is your chance to get laid," Nari replied, a playful smile still on her face.
"Nari, watch your language," the cold lady said, her expression shifting to something unreadable.
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"Oh, please. You're over sixty; it's not like you've never heard of sex before. But seriously, you need to go out and have some fun. A couple of nights together, and I'm sure Klaus will straighten you out," Nari teased, laughing uncontrollably.
"Think about yourself before butting into other people's business," the cold lady retorted.
""Tsk, what a cold-hearted woman. Just so you know, some vipers in Stone Valley will be all over him. It's in your best interest to take a little vacation and do some sightseeing there. I would have helped you, but you gave us this stupid exploration mission," Nari said as she stood up to leave.
"From one woman to another, even if you don't want to be sent to the rainbow cloud just yet, at least go meet him. I hear he's quite a lively person. You won't regret it," she added before vanishing. However, one last sentence echoed through the room as she disappeared.
"And be sure to wipe that cold expression off your face before meeting him. We don't want him scared right off the bat."
The cold lady stared at the empty chair Nari had left behind and snorted. "What a bitch," she muttered.
"I heard that," Nari's voice echoed back into the room, laced with a hint of amusement.
She returned to her phone, but this time, she didn't scroll. A single image of Klaus filled her screen. After staring at it for a few seconds, she pressed a button on the table and spoke the words that set everything in motion:
"Jane, I'll be away for a few days. Handle everything while I'm gone."
"Atta girl!" Nari's voice echoed again, her cheerful tone making her jaw clench in irritation. She wanted to strangle that fire lady until she couldn't breathe any longer.
A few seconds later, she too vanished from the room.
=========
Stone Valley, where Oracle Inc.'s headquarters is located, is a breathtaking place. This valley has been developed into an elegant environment, showcasing artistic designs and architectural excellence.
It's called Stone Valley because it's surrounded by stone mountains, with the main building perched atop one of these peaks, enhancing the beauty of the entire area. From a high vantage point, its splendor can truly be appreciated.
The whole area is shaped like a zero within another zero.
Now, standing on a landing pad for jets, the three creators of Oracle—Joon, Ryan, and Logan—waited with a lady who seemed to be running out of patience.
"Lucil, relax. The pilot said they're almost here," Joon said, addressing her.
"Bastard! Who are you telling to relax? Just because you got a haircut and somehow look handsome doesn't mean everything's fine. I only came here because of Klaus Hanson," Lucil shot back, clearly still at odds with him.
"Who wants you here? You're just causing a scene, and I hate to break it to you, but this is Stone Valley, not your Daydream AI village," Joon replied. They were there to welcome Klaus, who was en route. Of course, Lucil—Joon's ex-girlfriend—was only there for Klaus; she was a huge fan.
The tension hung in the air like a thick fog. Ryan leaned against the railing, trying to ease the mounting frustration.
"Can we just chill for a second? Klaus will be here any minute, and we don't need this drama," he said, glancing at both of them.
Lucil crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently.
"Drama? You call this drama? I'm just here to meet someone who actually matters, unlike you three nerds," she retorted, shooting a pointed look at Joon and his friends, Ryan and Logan.
The three exchanged amused glances. It was clear that, even after years apart, Lucil hadn't changed one bit. She was still the same hot-tempered, brilliant beauty with dark hair, striking bone structure, and an athletic build.
They knew better than to anger her; doing so would bring them more harm than good. Although they needed her there, they understood that provoking her was just asking for trouble—she was simply too unreasonable.
"Thank God Klaus is coming. She seems eager to meet him. At least we'll have some peace around here," Joon sighed inwardly.
Just then, the jet appeared in the sky, slowly descending. As soon as Klaus stepped out, Lucil rushed over to him, her excitement palpable.
"Klaus Hanson! I'm Lucil. Nice to meet you! I'm a huge fan!" she exclaimed, nearly jumping into his arms.
"Nice to meet you too, Lucil," Klaus replied, smiling as he caught the looks on the three nerds' faces.
They got into a car and headed to the main building, where Klaus would spend the next few weeks working with the creators of Oracle.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC236: Oracle Headquarters
Inside the car, Lucil was enthusiastically talking about her achievements and proudly fangirling over Klaus, who was subtly listening, but his mind was elsewhere. Using his heightened senses, he scanned the entire area, leaving no stone unturned in his examination of the surroundings.
Through his senses, he could see far and wide, effortlessly identifying everything that made the place secure, beautiful, and mesmerizing.
He spotted several buildings along the way and quickly realized they were living quarters for the workers. A few of them housed data centers and other essential machinery for the facility's operations.
The place even had its own power plant, and from his quick assessment, Klaus it was being powered by Humium—the same mineral that had transformed the Zombies that attacked Arcadian City into Voltox Zombies.
There were also market centers, bustling with activity, a clear sign that some of the workers lived there permanently. It wasn't just a workplace—it was a thriving community.
Klaus also noticed a few drones patrolling the area, and upon further examination with his senses, he discovered they were the primary security force.
Although there were human guards and a few robotic mechas, the drones equipped with thermal imaging systems were the real sentinels. Nothing could escape those thermal cameras, ensuring that any potential threat was immediately detected.
"We've got the whole place under constant surveillance with our state-of-the-art satellite, the Aegis-Eye," Joon said, noticing Klaus was zoning out.
"It uses color and thermal imagery to capture data in real-time, so nothing can escape its gaze. Those drones are synced to it, so even if a threat is moving 50 feet underground, we'll catch it."
Joon paused, "And even if, by some miracle, the Aegis-Eye misses something, our Terra Sentinel Ground Detection System can pick up anything moving underground—up to 10,000 feet deep. So, rest easy, Klaus, this is the safest place on Earth."
Klaus gave a slight nod, but his mind was still running in overdrive, analyzing every detail. Safe or not, he knew that even the most secure places had their weaknesses.
And Klaus knew that from the pictures people sneakily took of him at the landing pad, it wouldn't be long before word got out.
If it hadn't already, people would soon know he was in Stone Valley. The Dark Order would be among those first to know, and Klaus was sure they'd try something reckless.
But his thoughts might've been too ordinary. This place was the most secure on Earth, and no matter how foolish someone was, infiltrating here would be impossible. Then again, the Dark Order was desperate. Every second Klaus continued to breathe was another blow to their reputation.
"That right there is the main building, where all the magic happens," Joon said, breaking Klaus's thoughts as a new structure came into view after a 20-minute drive.
It was shaped like a circle inside another circle, and even from a distance, Klaus could already tell it covered several square kilometers, with multiple segments indicating the floors. The place exuded elegance.
"It's beautiful," Klaus said with a small smile.
"I came up with the design!" Lucil chimed in before he could even finish, flashing a broad, proud smile.
"That's impressive, Lucil. I guess I'll be learning a thing or two about design from you," Klaus replied, his smile growing.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you everything I know!" Lucil's happiness was almost contagious, practically radiating from her.
Joon smirked. "Put a leash on it, Lucil. You don't want to scare Klaus off," he quipped.
Lucil shot him a look, but to everyone's surprise, she didn't hurl an insult at him. She simply let it slide.
The three guys—Joon, Ryan, and Logan—shared a glance, instantly realizing why. She was holding back because she wanted to make a good impression on Klaus. This, of course, felt like a breakthrough to them. Finally, they might have a few weeks of peace where they could fire back at her without suffering the usual backlash.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the parking lot and made their way to an elevator. After a quick ascent, they emerged on the first floor.
"This is the office space for the various departments, like marketing, human resources..." Joon explained as they walked through. "The first floor is for all of them."
After briefly scanning the area, they moved up to the second floor, where Joon gestured toward the research department.
"These guys are responsible for going around the world and recording everything they can—landscapes, cultures, even the tiniest details. Even though the world's a mess now, there are still relics from the past worth preserving."
On the third floor, they found the design department. "They take the data from research and model it into designs for Oracle," Joon said, pointing out the different workstations filled with digital prototypes and blueprints.
Then they hit the fourth floor— the fictional design department. "This one's a bit more creative," Joon said with a grin. "These guys come up with all the fantasy stuff. Fictional worlds, languages, races—anything you can imagine."
Next was the fifth floor, the combat design department. "These guys design the arenas and combat trials that can be implemented as games in Oracle," Joon explained. The space was filled with holograms of intricate battlefields and various trials designed to test users. Your journey continues with mvl
They didn't linger much on the other departments as they passed through. Most were responsible for the technical side—coding, testing, and other behind-the-scenes work. One section caught Klaus's eye, though. It was dedicated to designing gadgets, both inside Oracle and outside the world.
"These gadgets can be bought in and out of Oracle," Joon noted, as they passed by the workstations filled with prototype tech.
Klaus nodded, taking everything in. The place was impressive, no doubt, but something about it made him wonder how far Oracle's reach really extended.
From what he had seen so far, Klaus could tell that Oracle Inc, was an incredibly powerful organization, no doubt about it. However, something about it made him wonder just how far they could push their boundaries.
He hadn't gotten into the details yet, but he sensed that beyond creating a 100% immersive virtual world, they were aiming to achieve something much grander.
But he held back from prying too much. He figured he'd learn more as he spent time there.
"This is where we'll be working," Joon announced as they reached the top floor after passing through several departments across dozens of levels. The space was designed for both work and relaxation.
Klaus noticed a room with a gaming chair and helmet. Instantly, he knew that would be his spot. He would be spending a lot of time inside the game.
"So, what will my schedule look like?" Klaus asked, eager to understand how things would flow.
"You'll work for eight hours a day inside Oracle. Your job is to help us make it as realistic as possible," Joon explained. "You can take breaks between those eight hours to relax, but after the 8 hours, you're free to do whatever you want."
He continued, "There's a training center on the roof, so you can spend some time there if you'd like. Plus, there's a console in your room, giving you unrestricted access to everything we've developed."
Joon gestured around the space. "There's also a model table here and in your room, so any designs or suggestions you come up with, you can try to model them."
"And of course," Joon added with a smile, "if you find programming fascinating, we have a room full of books to help you out."
"Welcome to Oracle Inc., Klaus Hanson!" Joon finished a gleam of excitement in his eyes.
Klaus couldn't help but smile back. It felt like he was stepping into something much larger than himself, and he was ready to dive in.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC237: Settling In
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Klaus took in the whole space, making sure to observe everything there was to notice. The fact that he was joining something that he knew would be the future of warrior training and socialization made him feel giddy.
"Klaus, do you need some help learning about the Model Table?" Lucil asked, looking at him with an expression that screamed, 'Please accept, I want to spend all the time in the world with you.' Klaus read her expression and nodded.
"I'll definitely depend on you for that. I actually have some fictional ideas I want to crank out," Klaus replied, smiling inwardly as he envisioned modeling an elegant monastery perched on a mountain, surrounded by an ethereal mist.
His memories of the past felt like a cheat sheet full of ideas he could bring to Oracle. He had so much he could model within the walls of this place.
Lucil's smile widened at his enthusiasm.
"By the way, Lucil, what's your job here? I'd like to know more," Klaus began, planning to learn more about them and eventually figure out their true intentions. He figured Lucil would be the easiest to read.
"Well, these three doofuses wanted someone to help them come up with a new trial for the Union Selection trial for the academy," Lucil replied, not bothering to mask her words, knowing Klaus would be part of the test three months from now.
"I shouldn't learn about this; it's like a spoiler alert," Klaus said, realizing where the conversation was headed and trying to change the subject.
"Oh, please! You're literally here to help us make Oracle better, which will be reflected in the next trial. You're basically the one creating the next trial—no need to act modest. Plus, you're not even going to wash out, knowing how monstrous you can be," Logan chimed in, clearly seeing what Klaus was trying to do.
Klaus smiled, knowing full well that what Logan said was true.
"Then I won't try to be modest. But I'd appreciate it if I knew less about it," Klaus replied, maintaining his smile. Even if he knew more, it wouldn't change anything. He was monstrous, and he was confident that despite the challenges stacked against him, he would find a way to weave through them somehow.
"Well, I'm a kind of game designer, and as you might have guessed, I was friends with these three nerds back in college. I was there when they came up with the crazy but brilliant idea," Lucil said.
"So, why aren't you part of the team?" Klaus asked.
"I started my own startup back in college and wanted to see it through. But I've never stepped away from this place. So when I heard they needed my help, I came running," Lucil replied, her smile bright but her gaze directed at the three nerds, conveying a message that would echo in their dreams.
Who was she kidding? She had come mainly because Klaus was there. Although they couldn't think of anyone better to help them with their design crisis, Lucil was just too unruly. But her brilliance was undeniable.
"Then we'll all count on you to come up with something entertaining for the trial," Klaus said.
"You mean challenging," Lucil shot back with a grin. She knew Klaus was asking for a challenge and she planned to satisfy him with something that would keep him on his toes.
"That would be jinxing it," Klaus laughed, smiling back. He craved the challenge, and he knew that if he worked things out well, the next trial would be the challenge he longed for.
Inside Oracle, so much could be achieved. At the end of the day, it was all about computer programs, so anything the mind could conceive could be implemented. With him on board, Klaus knew the next trial would be a wild one.
A wicked smile appeared on his face, brimming with excitement at the possibilities ahead.
"We'll start work tomorrow, so spend today settling in. Lucil will be your guide while you're here," Joon said to Klaus before walking off with the others, leaving him with the overly-cheerful Lucil.
"Follow me," she said with a smile, leading Klaus to his room.
"Everything's indoors," she said, showing him around his ridiculously large room. There was a massive bed, a gaming console to access Oracle, and a modeling table where he could bring anything he wanted into virtual reality.
"Aside from the training space on the roof, there's also a pool where you can cool off after a long day," she added, wrapping up the tour after showing him everything.
"Thanks, Lucil. If you don't mind, can you show me how this modeling table works?" Klaus asked.
"No problem at all!" Lucil, who seemed more than happy to spend as much time with Klaus as possible, eagerly accepted. She'd already snapped about a million selfies with him by then.
The modeling table was like a computer program made super simple. It had a custom build system that used AI and state-of-the-art image and concept generation software to model anything you could imagine.
"It's like drag-and-drop, but way more advanced. It can bring out anything your brain thinks of. There's even a neural helmet that connects your thoughts to the system, so if you can't physically model something, AI can pick up the concept straight from your mind," Lucil explained.
Klaus was blown away by how sophisticated yet user-friendly the system was. He already knew he was going to spend a lot of time using it. He had plenty of ideas to bring into Oracle, and he wanted to make sure when it went public, his spaces would be some of the most popular ones in Oracle.
"Just so you know, you can create literally anything in there—from estates and housing complexes to companies and whatever else you want. My personal favorite is making Easter eggs and scattering them all over Oracle."
"Companies have even started buying spaces in Oracle where they're planning to expand their businesses. You should probably use this time to build something too," Lucil added.
"What are Easter eggs?" Klaus, curious, was more interested in that than anything else.
"In short, they're like tokens—or in my case, skills and techniques—hidden in the virtual world. Whoever finds them gets whatever was placed inside," Lucil said proudly, flashing a smile. That's her own way of giving aback to society.
"That's pretty cool. I'll have to think of something." A while later, after she taught him everything about the modeling table, Lucil finally left.
Klaus didn't touch anything. Instead, he sat down and slipped into a meditative state. After a while, he took out his Viper Piercing Needles set, and 120 needles flew out, circling around him. He didn't have the practice balls around to pop, but he could still strengthen his mind by training without them.
He'd be away for four whole weeks, so the least he could do was improve his control over the 120 needles he could currently manage. It would also give him some time to research other flying weapons.
Before Klaus realized it, he had slipped into a peaceful state, his mind as calm as an ocean. It wasn't until after 4 a.m. that he finally came back to his senses.
Putting the needles away, he headed to the roof to catch some fresh air until daybreak. Soon, he'd be spending eight hours in Oracle, battling monsters and figuring out ways to improve the realism of the monsters and Zombies they had modeled into the system.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC238: Making Progress on The First Day
After resting and catching some cold air, Klaus went back to his room and got ready for his day at Oracle Inc.
It felt like some ridiculous plot armor, but he was thrilled to dive into it. He would get to fight all kinds of monsters in the name of "testing the system." Honestly, he couldn't ask for anything better.
"Good morning, Klaus! How was your night?" As soon as he stepped out of his room, Lucil was there to greet him. Klaus wasn't surprised by her presence—he'd sensed her standing there, so it wasn't much of a shock.
He figured since she was going to be in his hair for the next four weeks, he might as well get to know her and get used to having her around. That would make things a lot easier for him.
"My night was great, and from the smile on your face, I'm guessing you had a good one too," Klaus replied.
"You have no idea," Lucil said with a grin, leading him to the workspace. What Klaus didn't know was that while he was meditating, Lucil had been online, hosting a Q&A session with a selected group of people called 'The Knights of House Klaus.'
They were die-hard Klaus fans, infamous for leading the charge in any internet clash involving him. Lucil was the leader of this group, so she spent the whole night in a virtual meeting, answering every question they had about Klaus.
While Klaus was planning to learn more about her and figure out Oracle, Lucil was busy getting to know more about him so she could arm the 'Knights of House Klaus with all the ammunition they'd need to defend him in their next online battle.
"Good morning, Klaus," Joon said as soon as Klaus and Lucil arrived at the workspace.
"Good morning, everyone. Are we ready to start?" Klaus asked.
"We're ready if you are," Joon replied.
"Alright then, let's do it," Klaus said with a grin.
"By the way, the first test will have you fighting monsters in an endless tide. It's just like the regional trials, so use this chance to point out where we need to improve. Anything you say inside Oracle will be audible to us, so we'll need every little detail," Joon explained.
"You can hear us through this mic, so if we need anything, we'll talk to you from the outside," he added. Even though one of them could enter Oracle with Klaus to observe up close, it would defeat the purpose of the test, so they were sticking with this setup for now.
"Got it," Klaus said, heading into the room with the console. Lucil, ever eager to help, assisted him with the helmet, even though he could've done it himself. As soon as the helmet was on, his consciousness slipped away and was sucked into Oracle.
He appeared in the weapon selection space, picking his sword and the set of Viper Piercing Needles. Once ready, he was transported to the battlefield.
"I like what you guys have done with the place," Klaus said, taking in the scene. It looked like a proper battleground now, unlike before when it was just endless green fields.
"That was my idea," Lucil chimed in, pressing a button to speak into the mic.
"Well, Lucil, you're a genius," Klaus said from inside Oracle.
Klaus stood still for a few seconds before the monsters began materializing in the space. Just like during the regional trial, they poured in like a relentless tide. He waited until they were within 10 km of him before springing into action.
The 120 needles floated around him, and with a flick of his fingers, they darted toward the approaching monsters. It took only a moment, but that was all the needles needed to reach the monsters and begin their deadly work.
Klaus stood with his hands behind his back, his senses spread across the battlefield. He controlled the needles with precision, watching closely as they tore through the creatures.
"I hope you guys are paying attention. You see, right before the needles make contact, there should be a reaction—something instinctive from the monsters. But here, they're moving like blocks in a preplanned pattern.
"You need to give them some kind of response when something's about to hit them. Even though the needles are silent, in real-world combat, I noticed monsters still react instinctively. There's always a split-second reaction when the danger gets close.
"Focus on rebuilding their behavioral patterns. Give them an instinctive response—like an unmoving object suddenly being acted upon by an external force. They can still be focused on their target, but they need to move with a sense of rugged awareness, not like mindless drones."
"Got it, Klaus," Logan replied into the mic. After releasing it, he exchanged glances with Lucil and Ryan. Find your next adventure on мѵʟ
"Big Brother is spot on. He's the guy we've needed all these years," Ryan said with a grin. What Klaus had just explained was something they'd been trying to solve for years but couldn't quite crack. Hearing it laid out so simply made them see Klaus in a new light.
"Klaus, how do we make the monsters react to your presence instinctively without making it too obvious?" Logan asked. "I think we tried something like that before, but it didn't really achieve what we wanted."
"Watch closely," Klaus said.
The Lotus Flower appeared, and within seconds, an ice mist spread across the 30 km battlefield. Klaus vanished, using the ice mist to move faster, and reappeared in another spot a moment later.
As the monsters started moving toward his previous location, Klaus said, "See what just happened? After I moved, the monsters kept moving toward where I was. It took them a few seconds to adjust and figure out where I went. This is a virtual world, but to make it realistic, you need two things.
"First, awareness. Instead of these monsters moving in fixed patterns, make them hyper-aware. They need to be aware of themselves and each other, so that when the target moves, they adapt quickly and change their path in real time.
"Second, instinct. I know that sounds complicated, but it's not impossible. If I were fighting a Zombie King right now, it should be able to adapt to the flow of battle faster than in reality. It should know when to use defense, when to go on offense, and in the case of Zombies, when to growl, roar, or even speak.
"Their instinct doesn't have to be perfect like a human's, but it's a computer system. I'm sure you guys can come up with something that mimics that instinctive reaction."
"So, like, some kind of adaptability reprogramming?" Ryan asked.
"I don't know what that means, but yeah. Adaptability is the key here. The longer the fight drags on, the better they should adapt."
"We can start slow. Pick a Zombie King and try that adaptability programming thing with it. I'll fight a long battle with it, and you can start training it from there. These things are like machines, and even though I'm no tech geek, I know the more data you've got, the faster you can train your programs.
Eight hours of combat every day? That sounds like a lot of data to me," Klaus said, his mind still controlling the Needles as he kept cutting down the monsters coming at him.
Dividing his attention to examining the monsters, controlling the Needles, and talking with the Nerds and Lucil seem like great mental training to him. Klaus was loving it already.
"He's really smart," a voice suddenly said from across the room, making Joon, Ryan, Logan, and Lucil all turn to see who had spoken.
"Big Sister Queenie! What are you doing here?" Lucil shouted, running into the speaker's embrace.
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