The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1426: The Aftermath

[Heavens Court - Virtual Assembly]

In the immediate aftermath of Paragon’s broadcast, the Heavens Court gathered within the Dark Space to deliberate on the fallout of his declaration. All 14 council members were in attendance, accompanied by the Supreme Celestial, forming a total of 15 figures. Their grim expressions signaled that this was far from a pleasant day.

"Has any progress been made in tracing the origin of that signal?" inquired the Supreme Celestial. When none of the Supreme Elders offered a positive response, he gnashed his teeth in agitation. "Someone needs to provide a logical explanation for what has transpired." Even within the virtual dimension, the overwhelming aura radiating from him forced the council members to turn pale.

"What about that newcomer? What was his name again?"

"Blood Sword."

"Yes, him. Blood Sword was the moniker used by the Asura King during his formative years. How certain are we that they aren't the same individual?"

"We conducted an investigation and verified that during the broadcast, he was preoccupied at a karaoke bar situated on a planet controlled by a local crime lord," the Human Elder replied, drawing a collective frown from the assembly.

"What exactly is karaoke?" the Dragon Elder asked, clearly puzzled by the term.

The Human Elder shot him an annoyed glare but, noting his genuine curiosity, sighed and explained, "It is a form of musical entertainment where lyrics appear on a display, and you are expected to sing along."

Many felt the urge to facepalm in frustration, but a thunderous slam against the table from the Supreme Celestial pulled them back to the gravity of their situation.

"So, it wasn't him. What status report do you have on the Renegade Hunter?"

The Human Elder grew rigid, visibly reluctant to deliver his next update. Yet, faced with their demand to unmask the Paragon, he had little choice.

"According to our surveillance on Planet Stella, the Renegade Hunter was—and I quote—’busy suckling on Lady Rory’s breast’ at the precise moment of the livestream."

This time, several members openly facepalmed. The Angel Elder, in particular, was unable to fathom or process the absurdity of the report. Surprisingly, the council members felt a sudden sense of relief regarding Blood Sword, who at least had the decency to be at a karaoke venue.

"So, we have no idea who orchestrated the broadcast or how he managed to hijack every system across the universe. How can any of this possibly be logical?"

The Vampire Elder raised a hand. "Actually, the Dark Space agency just shared new intelligence. It appears a veteran employee was responsible for the security breach. We were notified, but he had already vanished. I have already issued orders for his capture at any cost."

"How convenient."

They all sighed, rendered speechless. Every avenue of inquiry had reached a dead end. In truth, it seemed the Paragon had anticipated exactly who they would suspect, timing his broadcast to deflect all suspicion.

Previously, he had concealed his true nature for eons. Consequently, all his benevolent actions were consistently overshadowed by the deceitful narratives spun by the Heavens Court whenever his identity risked exposure. Now, he intended to ensure his future deeds were witnessed and judged by the public, seizing control of the narrative entirely. Unlike the past, where the Heavens Court manipulated his legacy to paint him as the villain, in this existence, he would dictate his own path. This autonomy terrified them.

"Return to your posts and utilize every resource at your disposal to locate him. As long as he resides within this universe, we will find him."

"Understood, Supreme Celestial." The session concluded without any tangible results. They had no mechanism to track Klaus because he had ensured he remained a ghost. Efad hadn't just advised him on how to counter the Heavens Court; he had carefully orchestrated his next moves to shatter the precarious grip the Council held over him and the masses. Even now, many continue to view him as a threat, but once he finishes his mission, the legendary Paragon beloved during the Primordial and Divine Eras will emerge once more. What Efad imparted transformed his entire strategy. This time, the Paragon would act as the protector he was destined to be, and there was nothing the Heavens could do to stop him.

---

As the Heavens Court descended into chaos in their desperate search for the Paragon, a starship touched down on Planet Virel. Two figures exited, one of whom was bound in chains. A handsome, green-haired Elf shoved Lord Varkos forward, forcing him to hurry despite the potent, power-dampening shackles binding his hands and feet.

They were greeted by three individuals, two of whom were familiar to Klaus—Niva and Sera. The third, a striking man appearing to be in his late 40s, stood beside Niva. Observing their resemblance, Klaus instantly recognized his identity.

"You must be Niva's father. I am Efad," Klaus stated with a faint, knowing smirk, extending his hand for a greeting. The man accepted the gesture and replied, "I am Lord Dankin, ruler of Planet Yellowstone. And yes, I am Niva’s father."

His gaze drifted to Lord Varkos, who looked near death. The heavy chains of death were clearly ravaging him. "He is responsible for the death of your daughter’s companion. I assured her that she would have the chance to eliminate him herself, so here he is."

He shoved Lord Varkos, causing him to stumble and collapse face-first. A whimper of agony escaped the lord, who was currently so vulnerable that even a child could dispatch him. He had never imagined that someone would be lying in wait inside his own vessel upon his departure from Planet Yahmir. It was only when void portals emerged mid-flight, snatching his five guards, that he realized his peril. Before he could recover, Klaus appeared and shackled him, rendering him entirely helpless.

Afterward, Klaus had donned a mask to broadcast his arrival to the universe. Although he was tempted to execute Lord Varkos during the live stream, he had promised Niva he would aid in her quest for vengeance and restoring her honor. Taking the coward alive was the logical path to fulfill that vow.

Unexpectedly, before Lord Dankin could interfere, a dagger materialized in Niva’s hand. Channeling all the vengeance she harbored for Lord Varkos, she drove the blade into his skull, ending his existence instantly.

"Well, I suppose delivering his head fulfills the same purpose," Klaus remarked with a smile. He had elected to use the visage of Efad to meet them. In time, he would adopt many different identities to achieve his ends. Unlike the singular personas of the Blood Sword or the Renegade Hunter, he would display a shifting array of forms, at least for now.

He had honored his promise to Niva. She departed shortly after with her father to return to the academy, unaware that she had just stood before the legendary Paragon—and that this same Paragon had now cast his gaze upon her.