THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC320 A Loophole
Klaus didn't object when his mother suggested that Hanna demonstrate what she had learned rather than just describing it like the others.
His mother rarely showed interest in his cultivation, except to ensure his happiness, so seeing her enthusiastic about something related to cultivation made Klaus eager to see what it was.
Like Kay, Hanna was also an archer, but with the lightning element. She hadn't been the best and brightest like Lily and the others when she first awakened as a warrior, she was only average.
With a single passive healing ability and no active skills, Hanna had to rely solely on her class and talent to master her archery skills. She was ordinary at best.
But everything changed when she met Klaus. She started training harder, and although she hadn't awakened any new skills or techniques, she was thriving with the class and talent she had originally awakened.
Klaus was impressed when she ranked fourth in the regional trial. From then on, she continued to grow, thanks to the skills Miriam had given her. Miriam also provided her with resources, and Klaus did the same.
Like with his other friends, he gave her a skill called [Exploding Bolt Piercer]. This skill allows her to mold an arrow with an arrowhead coated in lightning.
The arrow also gains a 20% speed enhancement, so when released, it moves very fast. The chaos begins upon impact: when the arrow pierces a target, the arrowhead explodes, releasing a field of lightning that can stun or even kill those close to the explosion.
Klaus didn't give them any overly powerful skills from the hundreds he had learned from his past self. He wanted to understand more about their abilities before making any decisions that would impact their lives permanently.
Although he wasn't about to spoon-feed them, he also didn't want his friends to be subpar. He was already a dragon; the least he could do was turn his friends into tigers and lions.
Now that Oracle was available to the general public, every home had one. Klaus, who was practically a co-creator, had more consoles than he could count. Hanna quickly slipped into one, and soon, she was in the endless trial.
Klaus and the others watched as she summoned her bow and waited for the monsters to arrive. Before long, the tides poured in.
Hanna waited until they were within 1 km of her before a one-meter-long arrow, crackling with lightning, appeared in her bow. The pointed end—the arrowhead—was entirely made of lightning. Klaus looked at it with a narrowed expression.
'It looks ordinary yet dangerous,' Klaus thought to himself.
Although he hadn't used 99% of the skills and techniques in his mind, Fruity was able to pick them up very fast and that was how he was able to have them now. So all he could rely on to determine their strength were the grades.
The various grades were Common, Epic, King, Earth, Heaven, Legendary, Mystical, Ancient, Divine, and God grade. The skills he had given his friends were just Epic grade.
They weren't that powerful in his eyes. However, to his friends, these skills were the strongest in their arsenal at the moment.
When he saw the ordinary-looking yet somehow dangerous arrow, he was a little puzzled. He couldn't understand where that dangerous feeling was coming from.
But he got his answer quicker than expected. Hanna let loose the arrow, which instantly began crackling with electricity as it exited the bow.
It took only a moment for the arrow to reach its target; the 20% speed boost was highly effective. When the arrow pierced the monster it was aimed at, an explosion erupted, blowing it to bits.
What followed was a 200-meter-wide lightning field that instantly consumed all the monsters within that radius. The skill worked as intended, but Klaus could tell it wasn't over.
As expected, the next event confirmed his suspicions. The lightning field, which had spread 200 meters wide, began to compress again. Watching closely, Klaus saw that at some point, Hanna held a ball of lightning in her hands.
The lightning field shrank to a diameter of 20 meters.
Hanna suddenly crushed the lightning ball in her hands, causing the shrank field to explode outward. This time, the entire 2 km radius was consumed, wiping out all monsters from Tier 4 to Tier 6 on the battlefield.
As for the Tier 7 monsters, some were paralyzed, some were injured and on the brink of death, only a few managed to withstand the lightning but were thrown back by the shock wave.
Hanna smiled, ended the trial, and removed the helmet. Klaus looked at her with a gaze that demanded an explanation.
"Mom helped me unlock this hidden feature," Hanna said.
"Wait, what?" Klaus raised an eyebrow at her statement.
"Hey, brat, don't you think I have what it takes to help your sister?" Klaus's mother asked, pouting.
"Do you want the truth, or should I lie?" Klaus replied with a grin.
"You bastard!" Klaus didn't know how, but despite his quick reaction to escape, his mom managed to grab hold of his ear.
What followed was a twist that he knew would leave a mark. A few seconds later, Hanna explained what happened.
"The skill works as you described, but somehow, Mom found a way for me to harness the lightning field for a devastating wide-area attack. However, I can only use it once, or when I have over 90% of my qi left.
The moment it drops below that, I can't harness the field anymore. So, to use it, I have to start my attacks with it because once my qi drops below that threshold, I lose the ability. But I have a feeling that once I break through, I'll be able to use it at least twice or three times."
"That's awesome, sis! I can't wait to see you kick butt during the Union trial," Klaus said with a smile, making his mom puff out her chest—a gesture she probably shouldn't have made, considering the ample asset standing firm on her chest.
Klaus narrowed his gaze at his male friends, who were suddenly looking elsewhere entirely.
He smiled mischievously and turned to his mom. "Alright, Mom, now that you're an expert in finding skill loopholes, what else are you hiding?"
"Well, I discovered I'm an Angel of Death. Can you believe that?" his mom joked, flashing him a smile.
"Very funny, Mom. But I'd love to see your wings someday," Klaus replied. "And please, put on a bit more clothing—you're teasing my friends," he added.
This time, he managed to escape, dashing off to his room. Miriam noticed Anna and Lily eyeing the direction Klaus ran to and gave them a small smile.
She could tell they wanted some alone time with him, but since she was around, they didn't want to make the first move.
What they didn't know was that Miriam wanted nothing more than to see them take the final step. But, alas, no one knew what the two of them talked about; they just weren't ready to move that far yet.
A while later, Lily and Anna, like sneaky twins, ran off to Klaus's room, trying to be subtle. But Miriam saw them long before they even took a step.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC321 Going to Union City
"This is KKKickinIt with Controversial News! Folks, the day we've all been waiting for has finally come. I don't know about y'all, but I am damn excited! Let me give a quick recap for those who don't know what I'm talking about." Everyone had their devices active on social media as they watched their favorite gossip channel.
For many who preferred to stay updated on the latest gossip in town, Controversial News was their go-to source. Even the leader of the Overlords was a fan.
They had connections almost everywhere, so even the smallest details or rumors, no matter how blown out of proportion, always found their way to their front desk. Today, they decided to go big.
"A couple of months ago, Max Duncan, the Devil Archer, challenged Klaus Hanson to a duel, which, if y'all remember, was a total disgrace to a whole legacy. Klaus completely destroyed him."
"However, when Klaus was asked to say a few words, his comments went a little too far, insulting the legacies in the process. This enraged them greatly, and as legacies, they decided to use their titles to ban Klaus from entering Union City, where the final trial for the Celestial Mountain Academy would be held.
"They only demanded that Klaus go down on his knees and apologize before they would lift the ban. But as always, Klaus replied in an even more arrogant tone, calling them "clowns"—his word, not mine.
"We all waited for any news on the event, but as it stands, aside from Klaus kicking their asses a few weeks ago at the Genius Gathering in Sinji Valley, nothing else has been reported.
"However, folks, Klaus Hanson, the daring Klaus, the handsome, has just made a post that sent the internet into yet another shockwave. In his post, Klaus wrote only six words: "On my way to Union City."
"Now, I don't have to tell you what this means; I think you all have a fair idea. From the reports I'm receiving, it seems the situation in Union City is about to get heated. I want to see some blood; you want to see some blood.
"So why don't you stick around? The next few hours will be lively. Once again, this is KKKickinIt with Controversial News! I'm out!
"Tsk, this lady seems to exaggerate things, but I like her style," Klaus said, putting his phone away.
They had just taken off from the Ross Mansion a few minutes ago and were now headed to the one place he wasn't invited to.
Max, Ethan, and Ella, despite the lesson Klaus had put them through a few weeks ago, still didn't seem to be taking the hint. In fact, Klaus received a report from someone who called themselves The_5th_Knight.
According to the report, the airports were now under surveillance, so the moment he landed, the legacies would know and take action. Klaus, of course, just shrugged off the report.
Like always, he didn't care. If they wanted to fight, he would be ready for them. Especially now that he had awakened the Slaughter Aura, he wanted to see its effect in combat.
If they wanted to offer him some experience points, he would gladly accept. Since the academy wouldn't be helping to resolve the problem, he would take matters into his own hands.
"Klaus, aren't you worried?" Anna asked, resting her head on his shoulder. Lily was on the other side. This scene, of course, made his friends envy him in ways they could never experience—well, maybe Kilian, who seemed to be doing fine.
"Why should I be worried? They are just spoiled rich brats. When I'm done slapping them silly, they'll learn—perhaps in their next lives," Klaus said, smiling.
"You do know you're entering their domain right; they hold all the power there," Lily said. "We should have brought Sister Miriam."
"Chill, my love. I'm not afraid of them. If anything, I actually want them to throw a tantrum so I can have an excuse to send them to the afterlife," Klaus replied, his tone slightly cold.
Lily shuddered a little upon hearing his words. Although they asked him to help them become like him, they still weren't ready yet. Hearing his words filled with the coldness of death made her uneasy.
"Don't worry, dear. I won't hurt you," Klaus said, noticing the sudden shift in her demeanor. He spoke in a caring tone, brushing her neck tenderly.
"You three should get a room," Hanna said, looking at the affectionate Klaus and his two lovers.
"No need to be jealous, sister. You can join in if you want," Klaus said with a small smile.
"Tsk, as if anyone would want to be with you," Hanna replied. She had become a little bold recently, something Klaus saw as a positive development. 'At least she doesn't feel inferior anymore,' he thought.
They all laughed and decided to switch the conversation to something else.
***
Somewhere in Union City, Ella, Ethan, and Max were seated in a garden having a drink. The atmosphere, although designed to look calm and collected, was thick with tension.
"This bastard thinks that posting it online would change anything," Max growled, staring at his phone screen. "He'll regret coming here this time," he added, anger flaring in his eyes.
"Relax, Max. Klaus won't be leaving here the same way he came," Ella said, her gaze cold. The pain Klaus had inflicted on them during the Genius Gathering still haunted them, each memory a bitter reminder of their humiliation.
However, like in every villain arc, despite their nightmares, they weren't about to sit idly by and let Klaus have his way. They had made preparations; all that was left was for Klaus to set foot in Union City.
"Have you made provisions?" Ella asked, turning to Ethan.
"Yes. The Triple Zero Mercenary Group will disguise themselves and blend in with the guards. If they get the chance, they'll land a killing blow," Ethan responded, a hint of satisfaction in his tone.
"Good. I don't want any mistakes, so make sure the guards under big sister are ready" Ella said, her voice steady and commanding.
The "big sister" she referred to was one of the legacies who had entered the academy alongside Lucy two years ago. During the last assessment, she had challenged Lucy to a duel but lost spectacularly, igniting a deep-seated hatred toward her rival.
Now that Lucy was dating Klaus, that animosity had extended to Klaus. She wanted to thwart his progress using her sibling's rivalry with him.
Ella had ensured that her sister's troops were deployed, each soldier sworn to protect their legacy's interests. The legacies each commanded their own soldiers, forming mini-armies loyal solely to them.
Fueled by their collective hatred for Klaus, they had mobilized all available forces, even hiring additional mercenaries for this purpose.
Clearly, they aimed to end Klaus once and for all.
"Let's just sit back and watch as Klaus Hanson comes crashing down," Ella said coldly, sipping her drink as a satisfied smirk spread across her face.
***
The distance from Ross City to Union City was quite far, so it took Klaus and his pals six hours to get there. As soon as they entered Union City, Klaus's friends tensed. The plan was simple: they would stay in the jet while he dealt with their guest.
As expected, the moment the jet landed and Klaus stepped out, a voice spoke, sounding very disdainful.
"Klaus Hanson, you are not welcome in Union City. Turn around and leave, or else we will be forced to use force." Find exclusive stories on empire
"My, my, I am so scared," Klaus smirked, making the hundreds of soldiers before him frown in anger. Killing intent immediately filled the air.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC322 High Expectancy
Somewhere inside Union City, atop a tall building, a man stood quietly, looking into the distance. Silence filled the air, broken only by the breeze ruffling his hair. He seems to be watching something in the far distance.
Suddenly, another presence appeared atop the building.
"Duncan, what are you doing here?" the first man asked without even turning to face the newcomer.
The man called Duncan was rather short, due to his Great Sage cultivation base, he appeared slightly elegant and powerful.
"War God, aren't you going to step in and stop this conflict between my children and Klaus? You know I can't intervene directly—that would be interference. But you can," Duncan said, addressing the first man as War God.
"I can't. I've been ordered not to act. If the young ones want a small rivalry, that's for them to settle on their own," the War God replied.
Dharma, the Overlord for the Northern Union visited him a few days ago and ordered him not to interfere in the skirmish between the Legacies and Klaus.
He asked why, but he only said if he didn't want the Leader of the Overlords knocking at his door, he would do as he was told. Who was he to disobey orders?
"But I'm concerned about Klaus Hanson's safety. Although he disrespected the three legacies, he doesn't deserve what they've planned for him. I fear they may harm him, and we all know how vital he is to this new world," Duncan said.
He was the head of the Duncan Legacy family and the ruler of the entire Northern Union. In his family, when a legacy is born, they're granted supreme authority to grow, with warriors bestowed upon them to serve as guards and soldiers.
However, once those warriors are assigned, they answer solely to the legacy in question. So, even if Duncan wanted to recall the soldiers given to his children, they would no longer heed his orders; they now answer only to the three siblings.
"Wait, you mean you came here because you're worried about Klaus, not your children?" the War God suddenly asked.
"Why not? Each of them has a hundred Saints and fifty Sages at their command. Klaus, although abnormally strong, wouldn't be able to suppress them. Worse yet, their sister, who holds a grudge against Lucy—Klaus's girlfriend—has also permitted them to use her guards, and among them are two Great Sages," Duncan said.
The look on his face hinted that he was withholding something, but the War God simply shook his head and replied.
"Although that's overwhelming for someone like Klaus, my hands are tied. I've received orders from the higher-ups not to interfere, and you would do well to stay out of it too. Let the youngsters settle their skirmishes."
Duncan sighed, bowed slowly, and left. Though he was the ruler of the Northern Union, before the War God, he was insignificant.
"Tsk, even at your age, you still resort to old, childish games to suppress a youth," the War God muttered, looking in the direction Duncan had gone.
A few minutes after Duncan left, he appeared in front of a man in a secluded area. The man in question is a Great Sage and by the calm aura around him, nobody should tell he is an Assassin.
"What did he say?" the man asked.
"It seems the Overlords have commanded him not to interfere, so you have nothing to worry about. Just ensure that by the end of today, Klaus Hanson is dead," Duncan replied.
"Don't worry; the Dark Order won't fail this time," the man said before vanishing from sight.
Duncan looked in the direction of an incoming jet at a nearby airport. "Klaus Hanson, I hope you don't come to regret your decision to disrespect the Legacy family," Duncan muttered coldly.
***
"Klaus Hanson, you are not welcome in Union City. Turn around and leave, or we will be forced to use force," a voice filled with hatred said the moment Klaus stepped out of the jet.
He told his friends to stay inside for a while—he didn't want them getting caught in the aftermath.
Klaus looked at the soldiers surrounding the area and smirked.
"Oh my, I'm so scared," he said sarcastically. This immediately heightened the soldiers' killing intent filling the entire airport. Any Master-stage expert would be on their knees by now, but Klaus just stood there with a smile on his face.
All around, drones could be seen flying overhead, capturing the moment live. One of these drones belonged to the Controversial News channel, which had already started providing live updates—more like commentary.
All over the world, people were watching closely. While many might not typically pay attention to a simple fight between young warriors, Klaus Hanson had done enough that even he on a coffee outing could cause a trending topic.
Many people had a fascination with content involving him, so numerous news and entertainment channels were eager to always have something new about him.
Today, they were getting the best show one could ask for. Klaus Hanson now stood facing hundreds of battle-ready soldiers acting under the command of three arrogant legacy heirs.
Even inside the Overlords' meeting room, Nari and the other Overlords were watching the Controversial News channel. It seemed that, after discovering their leader liked that channel, they all decided to check it out—and had become hooked, especially Nari, the acting leader while Queenie was away.
"Do you think Klaus Hanson can wiggle his way out of this?" one of the Overlords asked.
"Water Boy, you seem to care about him a lot lately. I thought you didn't like him before," Dharma, the pink-eyed Overlord, said.
"First of all, my name is Tydor, not 'Water Boy,' and second, I don't hate him. I just thought he could tone it down a bit. But after learning more about him, I guess he deserves his arrogance. And, well, he's very strong. I hate weak people," Tydor replied.
He was the Overlord of the Water Race. They had emerged from beneath the sea years into the apocalypse and settled there. Although they looked human, they possessed an otherworldly aura and some alien features like their eyes and the small scales on their necks and other parts of their body.
"Well, I can't argue with that. But don't worry—Klaus will pull through. The last time I saw him, I could tell he was incredibly powerful. I'm sure he'll give us a good show this time," Dharma said.
"I just want him to wipe those fools out. If he wins, I'll take him on a holiday to the Ice Union," a cold yet cheerful, beautiful lady added with a smile that spoke volumes. However, her smile faded when a certain red-haired beauty chimed in.
"Sorrine, if you don't want your people melting back into the ice, you'd do well not to have any flirtatious intentions toward Big Sister's future husband," Nari said fiercely.
"Chill, Nari. I just wanted to get to know him—no need to assume the worst. Besides, you know my taste; you have nothing to worry about," Sorrine replied. Stay connected through empire
"You better," Nari said, turning her gaze back to the screen. Like everyone else, she had been waiting for this moment for months. She hadn't had any fun since Queenie left to make her breakthrough.
So today was a big day for her. She wanted to see just how well the boy who had suddenly spurred her sister's cultivation would fare against such terrible odds.
'You'd better win, Klaus, and I promise I'll help you get into my sister's pants faster than you can imagine,' she thought to herself.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC323 Night Of Terror
Klaus stood there with his hands behind his back, a smile playing on his lips. Although hundreds of Saints, Sages, and even Great Sages stood blocking his path, Klaus showed no signs of panic or fear.
He looked awfully calm for someone who could be ganged up on at any moment.
"What are you smiling about, bastard? Turn around and leave before we make you," a Sage soldier said, pointing his spear at Klaus.
"What is your name?" Klaus asked, directing his question to the Sage.
"My name is of no importance here," the Sage growled. "What matters is that you turn around and leave. You don't want us to make you."
"Oh, really?" Klaus replied, still calm as ice.
"Yes. You stand no chance against us, so turn and leave. That would be the best thing for you."
"I'm afraid I can't do that," Klaus replied, still maintaining his smile. "I have some beauties waiting for me at the academy, you see, so missing this trial is a no-go," he added.
The soldiers frowned, but all over the world, despite the tense situation, everyone watched with amused expressions. This was especially true for Klaus's mother, who had been following some of his conquests and was now watching him live, accompanied by Miriam, the maid, and the guards.
One might be shocked to see Miriam looking at Klaus's antics and laughing while the maids were present. But this wasn't new to them.
Whenever she was around the house, she interacted with them in a friendly manner, so they were used to her cheerful demeanor, even though they knew she would revert to her cold self the moment she stepped outside.
"Courting death!" a soldier shouted, his killing intent intensifying. This time, it was a Great Sage.
"Dude, please. 'Courting death' is outdated; find something else to say," Klaus said with a mocking smile. For some reason, none of them were making any moves to attack; clearly, they were waiting for an order.
The Great Sage wanted to fire back, but Klaus spoke first.
"First of all, I will be entering the city with or without you losers standing in my way. You might wonder where all this confidence of mine is coming from. Let's just say I'm happy today.
"Happy, you ask? Yes, I am indeed happy. Why? Because today, I will show the entire world that this young master is not to be messed with. But don't worry; I won't be killing all of you. I'm not a monster, after all.
"But I will be killing some people today.
"I know you're wondering why I said I would be killing some people. Well, there are 730 of you here. 30 are Great Sages—weak ones at that."
The faces of the Great Sages turned green at hearing Klaus refer to them as weak. They wanted nothing more than to break him, but Klaus wasn't done.
"Then there are 250 Sages and 450 Saints. However, among this group, 130 are not true soldiers deployed by the three losers calling themselves legacies."
"Glad you asked. The aura coming from these 130 is that of decay and bloodlust. While this is common among warriors due to the constant slaughter of monsters, their aura comes from the slaughter of their fellow humans.
"This means they are hired muscle tasked with killing people and today their target was me, unlike you lot, who are only here following orders.
"These 130 will die today.
"But 590 of you will live. However, after today, the idea of cultivating again won't even cross your mind. I'm going to break you deep within your souls, and when I'm done, not a single one of you will want to continue down the path of cultivation.
"But you should all be thankful; this Sage in front of you saves your lives," Klaus said, pointing at the first person who had commanded him to leave.
The Sage held a curious look in his eyes when Klaus said that. He wanted to ask why, but Klaus would tell everyone anyway.
"I know you're a father with kids. I was a kid once, so I know that despite those ugly bracelets your kids made, you wear them anyway like any proud father would. So I will spare you, along with the other true soldiers who are just following orders."
Memories of his father flashed through his mind as he said that. He used to make those bracelets for him when he was still around, so he knew what he was saying.
"But after today, it would be in your best interest to continue being a good father to your children. I will make sure you do.
"Now, one might ask: 130 plus 590 equals 720. There are 730 of you here, so if I'm going to kill 130 mercenaries and break 590, what about the other ten?
"Well, gentlemen, after destroying their safe house in Hiroshi City and killing 19 of their finest assassins in the eastern region, the Dark Order never learned from their mistakes. So, they sent ten more assassins to greet me again.
"Can't say I'm sad about that. The more they send, the faster it will be for me to eradicate them all."
The moment Klaus spoke, everyone present or watching from around the world tensed. Klaus had just declared that he was the one who killed the assassins from the Dark Order. While this revelation was shocking, many speculated about it.
The Dark Order, an organization known for killing in the shadows, had made their move in broad daylight, which was simply unbelievable.
Many wanted to call Klaus's bluff, but they couldn't be sure of his capabilities. Although they wouldn't voice their thoughts on Klaus's bold statement, many began trolling the Dark Order for their shamelessness.
Despite his arrogance, Klaus was just a Master Stage expert, yet they never stopped trying to kill him. Couldn't they swallow their defeat and move on? This time, the whole internet turned against the Dark Order once again.
Klaus, however, maintained his usual smile and said.
"It would be best if parents don't let their children see what happens next." Klaus narrowed his gaze at the soldiers.
"I know most of you are just following the orders of some idiots, so I won't kill you. However, after today, make sure you get some therapy because you are about to witness what real terror looks like."
The backs of most of the soldiers broke into a cold sweat. However, those hired to kill him didn't budge.
Suddenly, Klaus extended his hands and caught the neck of someone who had moved from the shadows and lunged at him from behind.
"Pathetic," Klaus muttered coldly before igniting his palm in flame. The attack happened in under a second, but before the Sage Assassin could even shout, Klaus engulfed his throat in fire, killing him instantly.
It happened so fast that before any of the soldiers could blink, a sage was dead. At that very moment, the confident soldiers who had come after him all took a step back, even the hired muscles.
However, to their despair, Klaus took a step forward and smiled at them. "Sorry for the interruption; that bug couldn't hold his anger back anymore, so I had to put him down." The soldiers shuddered at how casually he spoke about killing a sage.
"Now, where was I? Oh, I was talking about how I would break and kill some of you. Well, gentlemen, enjoy the ride."
Klaus smiled faintly before muttering,
"Eye of Despair: Night of Terror."
At once, the entire area turned cold and darkened slightly. Then, up ahead, an 8-meter-large red eye appeared. The moment it appeared, the 729 soldiers around him stiffened, and with a menacing gaze, the eye snapped open.
"Aaaarrrggghhhh!"
The terror took effect.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC324 The Three Skills Of Despair
Immediately after the Eye of Despair appeared, cries of pain and horror erupted from the soldiers deployed by the three legacies to prevent Klaus from entering the city.
Their instructions were to use force if necessary to ensure he never entered. The humiliation Klaus had put them through was too much for them to swallow, and they wanted nothing more than to see him gone.
But while their men were tasked with beating him up and sending him away, they hired the Triple Zero Mercenary Group to do the killing. They wanted him eliminated, and if a mercenary did it, the blame would fall on them.
Of course, they never expected the Dark Order to make an appearance. However, when they heard what Klaus said, they felt a sense of relief. They knew the dark order would kill him.
Their happiness was cut short, though, when Klaus casually killed the sage who had sneaked up to attack him.
Their horror intensified when the Eye of Despair appeared in the air. Klaus wasn't holding back; he wanted to see the effect of the recent upgrade on the bead. With the upgrade, three skills were unlocked, and now Klaus had activated the first one, "Night of Terror."
The skill taps into the minds and souls of people and monsters, sending them down a path of horror so gory that after they are pulled out, their lives will never be the same. For many, they would prefer death over the horror contained in those eyes.
Klaus didn't know how deep the skill's effects would go, so since it used soul strength to operate, the first thing he did when he got down from the jet was activate the Soul Hook skill and link with all the Saints and Sages around him, slowly stealing their soul strength.
He did not touch the souls of the Great Sages, fearing they might notice and ruin his setup. The time he spent talking with them was merely a delay tactic to steal more soul strength.
When he had enough and knew it would be sufficient to consume them, he unleashed the eye. Now, under its gaze, Klaus couldn't help but smile evilly—a smile that made those watching from their various homes shudder in their booths.
The Saints and Sages were screaming from the horror they were experiencing, and Klaus was more than happy with the results.
However, he noticed that even though the Great Sages were struggling to focus on him due to the terror flashing through their minds and souls, they seemed to be adapting.
But Klaus wouldn't allow that to happen.
"Looks like we have some strong minds and souls here. Fear not; I came prepared. You would each get your dose" Klaus said with a smile, despite the painful cries surrounding him.
He watched as the Great Sages struggled to lunge at him and smirked.
"Night of Agony," he muttered coldly.
Immediately after he said that the space that had darkened slightly began to turn red. From the eye in the air, a red mist started to exude and spread throughout the area.
The moment the first person was enveloped by the mist, a cry that came deep from his soul erupted from his mouth, causing Anna and Klaus's friends, who were looking through the window of the jet, to break into a cold sweat.
They exchanged uneasy glances, clearly shaken by what was happening outside.
"Tsk, what are you guys thinking about? They deserve everything happening to them." Contrary to what Anna and the others were feeling, Hanna seemed to be okay with everything. In fact, she wished Klaus would just kill everyone and be done with it.
Although she didn't understand why she was becoming this way, she didn't care. In her eyes, Klaus was her family, and she wouldn't flinch if she witnessed him doing anything sinister to his enemies.
To her, they deserved everything that was coming to them. Anna and the others looked at her for a few seconds before returning their gaze to Klaus, who stood there with his hands behind him.
All over the world, everyone watching held a grim look on their faces—sinister, too sinister. That was what was on their minds.
Hundreds of soldiers lay on the floor, screaming their souls out, while the one responsible stood there smiling at their agony.
Many had seen videos of Klaus fighting monsters and zombies; it was a mesmerizing display to many. However, they had never seen this side of Klaus before—the side that made them all quake in their booths.
The side Klaus was displaying was simply too wicked in their eyes. This, of course, was the message Klaus was trying to send, and from the looks on their faces, the message was received loud and clear.
'He is not someone anyone can just try to suppress. If he could take down hundreds of Saints, Sages, and Great Sages while he was just a Master stage expert, then what happens when he becomes a Sovereign?'
The message was clear.
"I came here to kill only three people; however, they played smart and sent you guys instead. Don't blame me—blame yourselves for choosing to work for some idiots," Klaus said, looking at the agony in front of him.
While the [Night of Terror] sent their minds and souls down a path of horror, the [Night of Agony] ensured the most painful torture was inflicted on their minds and souls. It was truly horrific.
But Klaus wasn't done. He had received three new skills for the Eye of Despair and had only used two; one was still left.
"Night of Retribution."
Immediately after Klaus spoke those words, the entire space turned quiet for a second before the painful cries erupted again.
The third skill was a revenge-type ability. It plunged their minds into a chaotic whirlpool where their very beings would be under constant torture for something bad they had done in the past. The pain would be amplified manyfold, coming from the weight of their own deeds.
"That's more like it," Klaus muttered with a smile, watching as all 729 soldiers wailed in pain and torture on the ground. He stood there for thirty full minutes before suddenly, the space cleared, and the eye was deactivated.
"Now, to the 139 who wanted me down," Klaus said, taking out all 360 Viper Piercing Needles. They floated around him for a few seconds before merging into a thick, 64-inch needle.
"In your next lives, try to live a good life—one where, instead of backstabbing your fellow humans, you would try to help them instead." The Void Piercing Needle flashed forward, and soon, the scent of blood filled the air as heads began to burst apart.
The needle moved so fast that within seconds, all 139 Klaus had identified were dead. The Needles destroyed their heads.
He managed to do this because, now that he had awakened the Slaughter Aura, he could sense the aura of most people. The first thing he noticed about those fools was their chaotic, murderous intent.
As for the assassins, they had almost no aura around them—something Klaus had sensed from all the assassins he had killed before—so they weren't that hard to spot.
Klaus looked in a certain direction and said, "If you aren't satisfied with these results, you can always find me."
He walked back to the jet, leaving 590 soldiers behind, some passed out and others traumatized from the terror they had experienced, groaning on the ground. None of them had what it took to stand for the next five hours, so he left.
"People are dead; we can leave now," Klaus said as soon as he entered the jet. His friends straightened up and stood to follow him.
All over the world, everyone watched as Klaus and his friends entered a car arranged by Lily and left for a hotel she had booked for them.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC325 Who is Klaus Hanson
"What the hell just happened?" KKKickinIt of Controversial News asked her expression one of shock, awe, and disbelief. And it wasn't just her—everyone who watched Klaus's one-sided dominance was left in a similar state. What happened was just too shocking.
She stayed silent for a few seconds, and once she calmed down, she spoke.
"There you have it, folks. Klaus Hanson—yes, our very own Klaus Hanson—not only slapped the legacies, but he also showed that, without even lifting a hand, he could take down hundreds of Saints, Sages, and Great Sages.
"I don't know about you folks, but this scares me. How could a mere Master-stage expert bring bona fide Great Sages to their knees? Makes me wonder what else he's hiding. But hey, they asked for it, and he delivered. The only question left is, 'What will the legacies do next?'
"Will they let this slide, or will they hit back hard again? Personally, I think they don't have anything left in their arsenal, but if they do, I'd like to know fast.
"Many of you might be wondering how a mere master stage expert could show such overwhelming power. The answer is, I don't know, and nobody else does either. He's a mystery at this point.
"So, the only question is, 'Who is Klaus Hanson?'
"Once again, it's KKKickinIt with Controversial News. Later, y'all!"
The aftermath of Klaus's one-sided dominance left the entire world in shock. Such awe was usually reserved for when a Tier 8 or higher monster was defeated—a feat typically achieved by a War God or Goddess.
However, ever since Klaus has awakened, things have changed. From the moment he ascended, his name has never stopped making waves, from braving hordes of zombies to exterminating an entire race of them.
His legend never ceases to grow. And now, he has done it again, though this time, with astonishing ease. The legacies—Ella, Max, and Ethan—stared at their screens in a daze, unsure of what to do.
They sent about 90% of their guards to stop Klaus, but now, those guards have all been turned into traumatized warriors. They can no longer wield weapons after the horrors Klaus has put them through.
But while that loss was something they could manage, the real blow came with the realization that they hadn't just lost their guards but also their power. Though they are still legacies, their influence has diminished considerably.
With less than a couple of dozen guards left, they're facing a major setback. And if that wasn't enough, their sister had lent them her men, who have also been left as shattered shells, unable to ever return to their posts.
They got the entire Triple Zero Mercenary Group killed, a devastating blow to their status as legacies. Klaus made sure they felt the pain. Now, every Merceneray group would think a million times before taking up an offer from them
While he could justify killing all 730 who came to stop him, part of the reason he held back was that he didn't want his mother to witness such brutality. However, he couldn't stop himself from killing the mercenaries.
Although he could have turned them into dummies as he did with the other 590, he didn't want more innocent blood spilled because of his leniency. Some might recover, perhaps after a few years, but the chances are slim.
Even so, Klaus wasn't known for his leniency. He knew Fruity wasn't, and Number Three had already told him he was being too cautious—a point Klaus acknowledged. He has been very careful, until now.
This time, he wouldn't hold back his punches, especially, against hateful people like the legacies and the dark order.
Though the Great Sages he killed today weren't the best or the brightest, Klaus knew he had succeeded by using the soul strength of the Saints and Sages to fuel his attack.
He believed he could handle a Great Sage with his own soul strength. there was no need to rely on external sources. But he knew this display would send a message, and it did.
Now, everyone began to reevaluate Klaus's nature. The question that kept floating in everyone's mind was, "Who is Klaus Hanson?"
***
"You know, I expected a battle where Klaus would have to use all his tricks to wiggle his way out, but this... this is just too much," Dharma, the Pink-Eyed Overlord, said, watching replays of Klaus's dominance.
"This Klaus Hanson is scarier than we thought," another overlord added, sounding more impressed than he let on.
Around the room, the seven legacies all wore expressions that showed they were both shocked and impressed by Klaus's overwhelming power.
"A few more years, and even we wouldn't be able to handle him," Sorrine, the Ice Union Overlord, remarked.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Sori. We all know that once someone becomes Transcendent and starts forming their law, their power increases several-fold with each level-up," Dharma said with a sarcastic smile.
"Although this kid is powerful, unless he somehow manages to start forming a law, taking on Transcendents isn't something he can even dream of, let alone challenging us Ascendants."
"But still, the kid is just too abnormal. I really need to meet him and find out more about his secrets," Sorrine said.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Nari interjected, narrowing her gaze at Sorrine.
"Oh? And why shouldn't I?" Sorrine challenged.
"Because that's big sister's boyfriend, and she wouldn't want him to be probed by an ice viper," Nari said, not bothering to hide her discomfort.
"Oh, please, we both know you're just making that up. The Leader would never date someone like him," Sorrine replied.
The other four overlords, along with the unusually quiet fourth lady Overlord, glanced at the Fire Queen and the Ice Queen but chose not to get involved.
This was typical. One might expect the four lady overlords to team up against the four male overlords, but Nari, the fire-type overlord, and Sorrine, the ice-type overlord, never seemed to see eye to eye.
Though it wasn't the kind of tension that would break their cooperation, they just didn't agree on much of anything. As they say, fire and ice don't mix.
"Do whatever you want. Just don't say I didn't warn you," Nari replied, ending the conversation. As much as she'd like to keep sparring with the annoying Ice Queen, she knew Sorrine was only teasing her.
"Don't worry, my Fire Queen. I won't steal the Leader's boyfriend," Sorrine said, noticing that, for the first time in a while, Nari was genuinely serious about something.
"Tsk, as if you could do anything. Big sister has already made her move, so although I'd love to see the disappointed look on your face when Klaus rejects you, it's best not to tempt him," Nari replied with a tone suggesting she was hiding something.
"Nari, what are you hiding?" the other lady overlord asked, drawing the attention of the others, who turned their gaze to Nari. She only smiled and disappeared.
"Damn, that fire lady…" Sorrine cursed, while the others gritted their teeth.
One by one, they left the hall. Klaus had surprised them, but instead of leaving in a cheerful mood, Nari had spoiled it by baiting them with something she had no intention of sharing.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC326 Two Spoiled Vixens [18+]
While the whole world was still reeling from Klaus's display, the three legacies were in turmoil, and their confidence was shattered. They had lost abysmally this time. Meanwhile, the Dark Order was doing damage control, preparing to send out more assassins after Klaus.
As for Klaus himself—the one who caused all this mayhem—he and his friends had just arrived at a luxurious five-star hotel. With the trial scheduled for the next day, they would be staying there for the night.
They had no plans to go out, so as soon as they arrived, they were led to their suite. It was spacious, and they all entered comfortably.
"Well, that worked out better than I had hoped," Klaus said with a sigh.
"Although it was more chaotic than we anticipated, at least now we know the Legacies are in cahoots with the Dark Order," Daniel said, pouring himself a drink. He definitely needed one—they all did.
"As much as I'd love to use this as an excuse to take out those three fools, those assassins weren't there just because of them," Klaus said, pouring himself a drink.
"Wait, you think someone else was involved?" Lily asked with a frown. Klaus paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Definitely. But given the nature of the situation, it'll be hard to prove. No need to worry, though. If they come, I'll handle them accordingly," Klaus said. His friends nodded and then began planning their day.
A while later, they all retired to their rooms. Klaus took a shower to calm his nerves and had just settled onto his bed when his door opened—and two vixens walked in, looking rather... alluring.
Anna and Lily were clad in only thin nightwear—so thin that it revealed their skin, including Anna's light brown nipples and Lily's pink ones. The fabric clung provocatively, hanging just below their buttocks and exposing their smooth thighs for Klaus to see.
"Well, what do we have here?" Klaus asked, watching the two ladies walk closer to him. Although he had shared some intimate sessions with them, he had never seen them so exposed before.
His little brother immediately received the signal and started to respond to the call.
Anna and Lily approached the bed and climbed onto it, maintaining eye contact with Klaus. They crawled closer, gently pushing him down onto his back.
Lily traced her finger along Klaus's exposed chest, while Anna brushed her hands through his hair before leaning in for a kiss. This kiss quickly deepened, lasting for thirty seconds before they broke apart.
Almost immediately, Lily leaned in for her turn. Of course, Klaus didn't deny her the affection she sought.
"Not that I'm complaining, but weren't you the same ladies who said just yesterday that you weren't ready for the next step yet?" Klaus asked, just as Lily pulled away from the kiss.
The two ladies exchanged looks and smiled. "We did say that, and we are not here for that," Lily replied.
"Well, again, not that I am complaining, but if you are not here for that, then what are you here for? I think this exposed good stuff is making me a little excited," Klaus said with a smile.
Lily and Anna giggled.
"We are here to help you release some stress," Anna said in a bashful tone. Lily mirrored her expression.
"Release stress, as in...?" Klaus played coy.
"Yes, exactly what you are thinking," Lily said, acting boldly.
"You little devils! Who taught you that?" Klaus smiled, looking at the expressions on their faces.
"What? Big sister Lucy and Miriam are not here, and although you are acting tough, we can see you are tired, so let us help you calm down," Anna said.
"You two know you don't have to do that if you're not comfortable yet. I can just sleep and wake up fine tomorrow," Klaus said. Although they had kissed and snuggled together, they hadn't done anything beyond that.
So the fact that they were willing to take that step was just too shocking for him.
"Just relax and let us take care of you," Anna said, then climbed on top of Klaus, turning her back to him. "And no touching, especially down there," she warned with a playful smile on her face.
Klaus gulped when his eyes landed on the meat of her Nether Region outlined by her thin panties. A jolt of pleasure immediately washed over his body making his dragon respond strongly this time.
At the same time, he felt their hands reaching for his dragon. Soon, the shorts he was wearing were gently removed. However, as soon as his dragon was freed, it sprang into action, startling the two ladies.
They both gulped, seeing the huge, hard, and long dragon they were about to play with. Klaus, who managed to calm down—else he would have leaned toward Anna's nether regions—was now watching the shocked expressions on Lily and Anna's faces as they stared at his dragon, seemingly contemplating what to do.
However, it didn't take long before Anna raised herself slightly and planted a small kiss on the dragon. She then leaned in more, and the tip of the dragon entered her mouth.
Though larger than her mouth, she still managed to push a couple of inches in and started bobbing her head back and forth.
Anna started moving her head, making Klaus moan slightly every time his dragon touched her throat. However, instead of gagging, Anna surprisingly worked well to ensure there was no discomfort on her end or Klaus's.
"Damn," Klaus groaned as he felt one of his balls enter something warm. Lily had taken action and started tending to his balls, one in her mouth and the other in her grip as she gently massaged them.
As far as knowing what to do, they each played their part well, something Klaus didn't mind at all. It was as if they had planned and trained for this moment.
If only he knew how much they had invested in this. Miriam and Lucy were even part of this enterprise, so they were playing their roles exceptionally well.
In fact, Klaus, who was focused on Anna's behind, didn't seem to notice the wet outline that had appeared in her panties. he was too engrossed in pleasure he didn't notice, something that would have made him giddy.
A couple of minutes later, Lily and Anna switched positions, with Anna now working on his dragon while Lily focused on his balls.
A couple of dozen minutes later, Klaus felt his release approaching. He gently tapped Anna, who was back to working on his dragon.
"Ladies, I'm coming. You better move out of the way," Klaus said, but instead of moving, Anna held his dragon with a firm grip and positioned her lips at the head.
At the same time, Lily also leaned in, ready to receive the reward Lucy and Miriam had told them they couldn't afford to miss.
Soon, the first load entered Anna's mouth, followed by the second. She moved aside, and Lily took her place. Anna smiled faintly, looking up at Klaus as she swallowed his load. She leaned in for more as Lily mirrored her, creating a sight that burned into Klaus's memory.
A minute later, the last of his release left him, making Klaus sigh deeply, feeling as though a huge weight had been lifted.
"You two spoiled vixens, where did you learn to do that?" Klaus asked, staring at the two ladies as they licked their lips, their eyes fixed on his dragon, which seemed ready for more.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Lily teased before jumping onto his chest again. Anna giggled, and before Klaus could react, his dragon was in Lily's mouth, and it wouldn't leave until it rewarded them seven times.
"Aaahhh," Klaus sighed after releasing his seventh load, his eyes heavy. Lily and Anna glanced at each other and smiled; it seemed they had succeeded in their mission.
They were about to climb off the bed and leave the room when Klaus grabbed hold of them and pulled them close.
They each landed on either side of him, and with a smile on his face, he drifted into sleep, leaving the two honeyed ladies doing their best to hold back—for now.
Their third partner wasn't ready yet, but that was something Klaus would discover later.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC327 Time with His Sister [Bonus]
Around midnight, Klaus woke up feeling refreshed, like a newborn baby. The day had been chaotic, but thankfully, his two cute vixens had helped him release that stress. He was grateful and very happy they had finally made progress in their relationship.
Although Anna and Lily had said they weren't ready to take the final step, they still went out of their way to make him feel good after a long, stressful day.
As they'd noted, he was indeed tired. Although he had managed to steal the soul strength of the Saints and Sages, the three skills he'd used required great mental strength.
Even with his robust mental resilience, it had drained him quite a lot, so their care was actually a very sweet gesture.
But because of the intense session, they'd shared, and since Klaus had stopped them from leaving to do whatever they'd planned, he couldn't help but smile, shaking his head as he looked at the two ladies fast asleep, still soiled from releasing their essence while he'd slept.
"They must have released themselves while I was asleep," Klaus sighed. If only they had given him the go-ahead, he would have made them feel good any day.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say the heavens are looking out for me. But alas, those bastards want me dead, so it must be my luck… to have such amazing women around me," he mused.
He gently pried Anna's hand off his dragon, as he was still naked from when he fell asleep. Quietly, he left the bed and headed to the bathroom.
A few minutes later, he came out refreshed. He dressed in nightwear, but before leaving the room, he placed some clothes on the bed for when they woke up. It would be awkward if they woke up with him there.
After leaving the room, Klaus made his way to the bar in the suite. However, on the way, he noticed Hanna sitting on the balcony, staring at the moon.
He changed direction and headed her way.
"Can't sleep, huh?" Klaus said, settling down beside her. Without even asking for permission, he let his head fall onto her lap.
"You really shouldn't be putting your head on laps that don't belong to your women," Hanna said with a smirk.
"Oh, big sister, are you flustered?" Klaus asked jokingly.
"Tsk, who would be flustered by you?" Hanna replied with a weak smile. Her expression, however, held no hint of lust. She truly saw Klaus as her brother and nothing more.
"By the way, sis, what are you doing here?" Klaus asked. Everyone was asleep by now, even though they were in enemy territory. So why was she still up?
"I was just catching some air. The trial is only a few hours away," Hanna said.
"You're not feeling pressured, are you? Although I don't know the full extent of your strength, I know you'll do well. No need to stress yourself," Klaus said reassuringly.
"I know. I just don't want to disappoint you and Mom," Hanna replied, brushing her hand through Klaus's hair, a gesture their mother used to do for both of them.
"You won't disappoint anyone, big sister. You've come a long way, and this last trial won't change that. Just give it your best," Klaus said.
He didn't place much importance on the trial himself. To him, he just wanted to get it over with so he could break through.
After all, after killing the mercenaries and the assassins, he had leveled up to level 9. Just a few more steps, and he could advance to the Grandmaster stage.
"I guess you're right. I'll just give it my best," Hanna said.
"Good. You do that."
"Oh, if I'm here thinking about the trial, what are you here for? Shouldn't you be sleeping too?" Hanna asked.
"Just wanted to catch some fresh air," Klaus said casually, making Hanna narrow her gaze.
"You sure it has nothing to do with the two nicely dressed ladies who entered your room a couple of hours ago?" Hanna asked with a knowing smile.
Klaus smiled, recognizing that his sneaky vixens weren't sneaky enough. However, he wasn't shy about this kind of thing. After all, Hanna had witnessed him many times making out with Miriam by the pool. They were well past any awkwardness about it.
Klaus had long since concluded that Hanna had no romantic feelings for him, which he reciprocated, so there was no need for shyness between them.
"By the way, sis, do you think I have too many women around me?" Klaus asked suddenly.
"Oh, little bro, are you regretting your life choices and now reconsidering the title of 'Player Klaus Hanson,' the one who couldn't let go of the next skirt?" Hanna teased.
"Just answer the question," Klaus demanded, giving her a pinch.
"Fine, fine," Hanna laughed, prying his fingers away. "Tell me, do you love these ladies, or are you just using them to release stress, or because they're beautiful and you want to claim them as trophies?"
"Of course I love them. Every single one of them," Klaus replied without hesitation.
"Then there's your answer. It doesn't matter how many women you have; as long as you love them all and treat them well, there's no need to worry. All you'd have to worry about is satisfying them all."
"That, I can tell you, sister—you're missing out," Klaus said, receiving a smack from Hanna. She was indeed missing out on a lot. Right now, Miriam had gotten much stronger thanks to their constant nightly sessions, so Klaus knew that when he did it with Anna and Lily, they would both inherit his blessings.
They stayed there for two whole hours, talking about the kinds of things brothers and sisters talk about. After that, they left, each heading back to their rooms.
The moment Klaus got to his room, he found Anna and Lily sitting on the bed. When they saw him, they turned away, their cheeks turning red.
"I'm always available when you are," Klaus said with a mischievous smile. He knew the two touched themselves to release some tension while he slept. He'd caught glimpses of their wet panties when they were taking care of him, so he knew what they did after he fell asleep.
"By the way, you two shouldn't be shy around me. After all, we've taken a major step in our relationship, and soon it'll go even further, so you don't always have to act shy around me," Klaus said, reaching for their waists as he got on the bed.
They melted into his arms, making Klaus smile.
They had freshened up and changed into the clothes he'd left for them, so why were they still there when he got back? Klaus wondered, but his answer came sooner than he expected.
Anna slipped her hand into his pants and began playing with his dragon, while Lily went in for a kiss.
"We want to enjoy it a few more times before the trial," Lily whispered into his ear. Klaus just smiled and loosened his trousers.
Soon, his dragon was exposed, and for the next few hours, the three lovers wouldn't have a moment of rest.
The next morning, they got ready for the trial, the one that would determine which of them would make it to that academy in three months' time.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC328 Going to the Union Trial [Bonus]
All over Union City, every last youngster who came for the union trial was making their way to the designated trial location. There were five thousand of them, and by the end of today, only 2,000 would qualify for the academy.
Those 2,000 would spend six months there, after which the final trial would take place once they had all reached at least an intermediate Grandmaster level.
After reaching the Grandmaster stage, advancing to the Saint stage would become the next priority. However, moving from the Grandmaster stage to the Saint stage requires forming a core—a star core. This, of course, is what separates the prodigies from ordinary warriors.
It can take as long as two years, depending on how quickly or slowly one comprehends the formation process. There are established methods, but it was always advised to find one's own way, as that will be the foundation one relies on for the rest of one's life as a warrior.
"You guys look like dummies. Come on, lighten up and take comfort in knowing that my charm and brilliance as the number one strongest Master-stage warrior will rub off on you," Klaus said with a teasing smile as he looked at his friends.
They were on their way to the trial location, but their expressions showed that the pressure was getting to them. Klaus, of course, wasn't worried, so he threw in a jab, and, as expected, his friends smirked at his comment.
"We're not like you, Klaus. We're human, so we can't stay calm in a situation like this," Daniel said, and the others nodded.
"Relax, you'll all pass this trial with ease. I know you will," Klaus reassured them.
However, in the back of his mind, he hoped Lucil and the Nerds hadn't gone overboard with the last trial. The last time he'd helped them with Oracle, Lucil mentioned she was cooking up something big for the union trial.
Klaus had made sure she didn't say anything more about it, but knowing Lucil—and the fact that Oracle had become very realistic—he knew this would be a tough one.
After driving for half an hour, they arrived at a location similar to where they'd taken the Regional and City trials.
Thousands of youngsters were everywhere—some chatting with friends and acquaintances, while others just stood silently, the pressure getting to them.
"It's him, that's Klaus Hanson! Oh my god, I can't believe I might be in the same class as him if I pass today's trial!" a young lady exclaimed the moment Klaus and his friends arrived.
"Oh, my heart! I thought it was just filters that made him look so handsome when I watched him yesterday, but seeing him up close, he's even more stunning," another lady said, almost drooling.
"Keep it together, Alex. Unless you can make it into the top 10, don't even think about him noticing you," her friend said, nudging her back to reality.
"Tsk, what do you know? I'm as beautiful as those ladies with him," Alex replied. She is a dark-haired, well-endowed young woman with striking features, puffing out her chest—a sight that certainly caught the attention of many guys nearby.
"Keep deceiving yourself. Those three were all in the top ten during the regional trial, and, while it hurts to say, they're all better-looking than us. We can only do our best and admire him from afar," her friend said with a defeated smile.
It wasn't just her—most of the girls felt the same way when Klaus appeared. He had grown so handsome that it was beginning to affect some relationships.
The boys whose girlfriends had started watching Klaus in all the wrong ways seethed with anger. If they could, they would cut him into pieces and dispose of each part in different locations.
But alas, they could only fume from afar, knowing they didn't have the power to face him, especially after watching him kill Saints, Sages, and Great Sages as if they were nothing.
As soon as Klaus and his friends arrived, he scanned the area and spotted a few familiar faces. Lawrence was there, looking in his direction with all the jealousy he could muster. He wasn't sure whether to blame Klaus for the backlash he had been facing lately.
Since the genius gathering, his credibility had taken a hit. After all, he had conspired against his team under their enemy's command, causing the team to split. This had angered many, and after the gathering, some even began bashing him online.
This, of course, brought him endless pain whenever he read the comments about him. Since he couldn't take his anger out on everyone, he could only direct his hatred and frustration at the one person who made him feel this miserable—Klaus Hanson.
There were also a few notable people Klaus remembered from the trial back in Sinji Valley. Some were leaders from other regions who had allied with Ella Duncan and her team.
Now, they watched Klaus with frowns and wary looks as he made his way through the crowd, a smile playing on his lips as he headed toward the last person who wanted to see him—Miguel.
"Miguel, my friend, it's only been a month, but it feels like we've been apart for a century. I hope you're doing well," Klaus said with a teasing smile as he approached.
With him were Omari, the Zhou twins, Scarlet, Ruby, and Lucas, the archer who had chosen to stay with Klaus during the trial. It seemed they had grown much closer since the events at Sinji Valley.
"Klaus, not now. Unlike you, some of us actually need to prepare for the trials," Miguel replied.
"Oh please, you think I'd believe that? You're all much stronger than the last time we met," Klaus said with a knowing smile, showing he could read their strengths and weaknesses like a book.
In reality, Klaus's Eye of Malevolence had grown so powerful that he could easily tell if someone was hiding their strength. This, of course, led him to notice quite a few people who were more than they seemed.
Miguel just chuckled and went back to his quiet stance. Klaus smiled as well and led his friends to find a spot to relax for now. Kilian, of course, had already become smitten with Scarlet.
"Mark, my friend, it seems those twins have their sights on you. You might want to keep sharp on this one," Klaus said, nudging him when they were a few meters from Miguel's team.
Mark and the others turned, and sure enough, they caught the Zhou twins, Lin and Zing, subtly watching the spearman in Klaus's group.
"Better aim for the top 50. That would make things easier," Klaus added.
"I won't let you down, Klaus," Mark said with a determined look.
"What the hell, I'm not the one in love with you! Why would I care if you let me down?" Klaus replied with a smirk.
"Right, I won't slack off then," Mark said, scratching his head. His friends smiled, amused by the lovestruck fool who didn't seem to know what to do.
"Big sister, is it just me, or does that young fella seem to be looking at you with less-than-good intentions?" Klaus gently nudged Hanna.
"That's Eden Jacobs, someone I plan on killing as my first human," Hanna replied with a calm expression, though her clenched fist told a different story.
Klaus's mood shifted at this, but before he could ask for clarification, the doors to the trial building opened, and everyone began moving inside.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC329 The Dark Tower [Bonus]
Klaus decided to put aside what Hanna said, but he knew for a fact that the youngster wouldn't live to celebrate his next birthday. He didn't know exactly why Hanna would say she wanted to kill him, but despite her calm expression, he knew she was very angry inside.
As the gate to the large majestic building opened, they set their conversation aside and headed in. Along the way, Klaus noticed three pairs of eyes watching him from a particular direction. Of course, he immediately knew who those eyes belonged to, so he turned and waved in their direction.
This gesture almost made the three legacies bleed from all their openings. Klaus just smirked and entered the building with his friends.
Since they hadn't done anything suspicious after the humiliation he put them through yesterday, he knew they'd been tamed for a while, but that didn't mean they had given up on coming after him.
In the end, the only thing that could put an end to this was for Klaus to kill them—something he fully intended to do.
A while later, every last one of the 5,000 souls taking the trial was in the building. They all looked eager to be among the 2,000 who would make it to the Academy. However, they also knew that the 3,000 who would be washing out could include them.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Union Trials." While they were all doing their best to stay calm, a voice suddenly spoke, accompanied by a holographic projection of a lady.
Everyone quieted down as she spoke.
"You've all come a long way, showing everyone that you are among the top geniuses of your generation. Be proud.
"However, today, you should remember why you are here. Today is the day you battle to see whether you will be among the 2,000 advancing from this union to the Academy."
Hearing her words, everyone exchanged looks filled with mixed emotions. Some knew they would be losing friends after the trial, as staying in touch once they entered the Academy would be difficult.
Many also knew that if they did well, they would be able to stay together with their friends and loved ones in the Academy—or at least for the first six months there.
"Now, without wasting much time, I will explain the structure of today's trial," the lady said, making everyone focus intently on her words.
"The trial is called the Dark Tower, and it has 66 levels, each housing different types of monsters with varying strengths. Every level will have a distinct breed of monsters or zombies, requiring you to apply your knowledge of monsters to defeat them.
"The trial is divided into five stages, each containing multiple levels. These stages will determine the Tier level of monsters you'll be fighting. With each level you ascend, the number of monsters you must face will also increase.
"Now that the overview is complete, let me explain the levels and other details. First, from level 1 to level 20, the monsters will be Tier 4. This range is designed to help you get acquainted with the trial and see how you perform under pressure.
"From level 21 to level 40, the monsters will be in Tier 5. While many of you can handle this realm due to it being a virtual world and not the real one, you should know that the monsters are at least 98 percent similar to their real-world counterparts."
"So it would be in your best interest to treat these levels with absolute care and not get reckless.
"From level 41 to 56, the monsters will be Tier 6. This is the stage you all should aim to reach, as fighting three tiers above you at your current stage isn't something you can easily handle. It will be a grueling trial for sure, but I believe you will all do your best.
"From levels 57 to 65, the monsters will be Tier 7. I know many of you have already started frowning at this, but understand that aiming for higher levels comes with extra rewards, which I will explain later. So straighten up and listen.
"Those who manage to clear even a single level at this stage will surely smile after coming out of the trial.
"Now, for level 66, there will be a single Tier 8 monster. If you manage to reach this stage, be sure to exchange a few blows with it. After all, death in Oracle is not permanent. So aim higher and don't be afraid, because there is a huge reward for everyone afterward.
"Now, let's go over the rules and rewards."
Everyone smiled upon hearing her words, although they knew that this trial would be grueling. Nevertheless, they all wanted to know the rules and their rewards.
"First rule: every level is designed to run for a specific amount of time, which you will find out when you enter the trial. You must kill the monsters before the time runs out, or else you will be kicked out.
"Second rule: after every level, you will have 5 minutes of rest before proceeding to the next level. Of course, you can choose to move forward without resting, in which case the 5 minutes you didn't take will be added to your rest period in the next level.
"Additionally, if you manage to clear a level before the designated time, the remaining time will be added to your rest period. So, it's advisable to use your time wisely; you will need it.
"Now, on to the rewards. First, all of you will receive a vial of Earth-grade Mountain Dew and 5 Tier 6 monster cores. This is a reward for everyone, regardless of your ranking.
"Second, after passing the first stage, you will receive an additional Mountain Dew and 3 cores that have an affinity for your elements. Additionally, you will gain 100 Celestial points, which you will learn how to use when you get to the Academy.
"Third, those who pass the second stage will receive another vial of Earth-grade Mountain Dew and 5 Tier 6 monster cores, along with 500 Celestial points.
"Stage three will grant you two vials of Earth-grade Mountain Dew and 10 Tier 6 monster cores, plus 1,000 Celestial points."
"Then for Stage Four, you will receive 4 vials of Earth-grade Mountain Dew, 10 Tier 6 monster cores, and 2 Tier 7 monster cores. You will also get an additional 2,000 Celestial points.
"However, for those who make it to Level 66, which is the last stage, you will receive 10 vials of Earth-grade Mountain Dew, 20 Tier 6 monster cores, and 4 Devil cores. In addition, you will receive a whopping 10,000 Celestial points, and on top of that, you will also receive a vial of Gold-grade Mountain Dew."
The moment everyone heard what she said, they all clenched their fists, Klaus's friends included. Klaus, on the other hand, wore a small smile on his face. He had already received a Gold-grade Mountain Dew thanks to winning the Trial during the Genius Gathering.
He also received quite a few from Dharma, the Pink Eye Overlord, and other things he planned to use right after the Union Trial. Although he hadn't used them before, he knew they were bound to have some effect, so he was waiting until after the trial.
Right now, what piqued Klaus's interest was the Celestial points. He knew nothing about them, which made it all the more reason for him to earn as many as possible now and find out more later.
"Alright, enter your console; the trial will commence in a few minutes," the announcer said, prompting everyone to start moving toward the open doors.
"Good luck, guys," Klaus said to his friends before walking through a door. The next second, he was in the game chair, and soon he appeared in Oracle, standing in front of a dark tower that loomed many meters tall.
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THE LAST PARAGON IN THE APOCALYPSEC330 The Trial Began
Klaus, like every one of the 5,000 participants who entered the trial, stood before the looming dark tower, which for some reason had a hypnotic effect just by looking at it.
The tower stood tall and dark, with ravens circling it, creating an ominous environment and sensation.
'Nice one, Lucil,' Klaus smiled, planning to call her and praise her for a job well done after the trial. She had created something that conveyed a sense of weight even before the trial began.
It was a smart move, considering the academy was looking for capable warriors to nurture.
[Welcome to the Dark Tower Trial. The trial begins once the gate opens. You are required to enter immediately when it opens to avoid being disqualified.]
A voice spoke, and before any of the participants could react, the huge door at the base of the tower creaked open, creating a haunting effect. However, they didn't need to be told twice—they immediately ran in.
The moment Klaus entered the gate, he found himself at the base of a tall mountain surrounded by leafless trees. He did not even need a second to prepare before sensing 30 monsters charging down the mountain.
"Mountain wolves," Klaus muttered.
Without a second thought, all 360 Viper Piercing Needles appeared in front of him, hovering flawlessly.
As the 30 mountain wolves drew closer, 30 of the needles shot forward, and within a second, all 30 monsters lay on the ground—dead.
"Easy enough," Klaus muttered.
He was far beyond hunting Tier 4 monsters. The first time he went hunting, he'd aimed for the highest tier, and now, after battling thousands of higher-tier monsters, these Tier 4 creatures felt like a joke.
[Congratulations on clearing the first level of the Dark Tower in under 5 seconds. You are the first to accomplish this. You have saved 9 minutes and 55 seconds.]
[Does the participant wish to continue or rest for 14 minutes and 55 seconds?]
"Continue," Klaus said, and immediately, his surroundings shifted. He appeared in the same place, but this time, the number of monsters running down the mountain had increased. Fifty came at him, yet it didn't take him even ten seconds to dispose of them.
The tower congratulated him and once again offered the choice to continue or rest, and Klaus chose to continue. He appeared in the same place again, but this time, instead of 50 Tier 4 mountain wolves, 100 descended.
"Looks like the number doubles after every level," Klaus muttered, directing a hundred needles to take care of the monsters. In less than ten seconds, he had disposed of them and continued.
Within a few seconds of entering the trial, Klaus had cleared the first five levels. However, when he chose to continue this time, his environment changed, and he appeared in a different place altogether.
***
On the other side of the trial, the 5,000 youngsters braved the challenges from the start. Klaus's friends began on a positive note, showing they were well-prepared.
Anna cleared the first level in under 20 seconds. Without even casting a spell, she simply jammed her staff into the ground, and ice shards impaled the monsters.
She used the same approach for the next five levels, demonstrating that beyond her spells, she had excellent control over the ice element.
In another tower, Lily was performing similarly with her wind element. Instead of wielding her sword, she extended her hand and created wind blades. When she hurled them at the monsters. They moved with precision, slicing through them effortlessly.
Although Lily is primarily a swordsman, Anna has been teaching her a thing or two about using her element more proactively. Anna is a genius in this regard, and her use of elemental power inspired Lily to start her assaults with wind blades.
As for Hanna, she began the trial with a single arrow that blasted the monsters before they could even get within 4 km of her. Since she didn't want to use the trick her mom helped her devise just yet, she started her assault with ordinary lightning arrows.
Thanks to her use of Mountain Dew to enhance her strength and elemental control, she was able to deal greater damage with less effort, keeping her Qi above 90% for when she might need her secret technique.
She doesn't want to tap more into her essence from the beginning. Everyone was the same, they all wanted to conserve their energy for when they needed it.
Danny also started with a bang. The heavy axe he wielded was more than enough to smash and slice through the monsters without requiring any special skills.
Daniel was the same. His hammer was smashing the monsters into a paste. They stood no chance under his heavy smashing. Sometimes the shockwave alone was enough to kill those near the impact.
Mark, meanwhile, was also using wind, but with his spear. Like Lily, he was sending wind cuts at the monsters, and, impressively, he could control them even after releasing them, making them curve back like a boomerang.
Kay, like Hanna, was using ordinary fire arrows to deal with the Tier 4 mountain wolves, opting not to use any active skills.
Kilian was also at it, casually slashing his sword and unleashing fire arcs at the monsters. None of them wanted to exhaust themselves early, so they were starting slow.
And it wasn't just them; everyone was doing the same. They hadn't unleashed any of their skills yet, knowing that more harrowing levels were ahead, so they were holding back their attacks.
***
"It's a good start so far," said the lady who made the announcement and read the rules. She was inside the observation room. Beside her were five others—three men and two women—all focused on the 5,000 smaller screens displaying the trials.
"Do you think any of them will be able to reach the 66th level?" a young man asked. "This isn't exactly like the straightforward battles they've fought," he added.
"Well, the head instructors at the academy certainly hope so. I was instructed to observe their performance in various environments and send a detailed report afterward.
"They also seem more interested in that young man making his way through the trial," the lady said, shaking her head as she watched Klaus in the trial, effortlessly dispatching monsters.
"Well, he's very scary, I tell you. Even I'm afraid of him," another lady remarked with a small smile.
"Our job is to evaluate him and send an even more comprehensive report by the end of the day, so scared or not, pay attention to him," the announcement lady said.
"Also, keep a close eye on the Zhou twins; they have some potential. Additionally, focus more on Anna Ross, Hanna Kendrick, Lily Felin, Miguel O'Hara, Ella Duncan, Ethan Duncan, Max Duncan, and Omari Hackman," she added.
"Okay, ma'am," the five replied, nodding in acknowledgment. They then returned to observing the various battles happening inside the trial.
***
Klaus appeared on level 6, and instead of arriving at the base of the mountain, he found himself in a shadowy forest with thick fog covering the ground, obscuring his vision.
'Interesting, very interesting,' Klaus said inwardly, scanning his surroundings with heightened senses. A few seconds later, strange rustling sounds echoed around him.
Then, from the darkness, deep red eyes lit up, piercing through the shadowy surroundings.
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