The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1432: Father-Son-Moment
Previously on The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse...
Eons after Planet Caelmir first stirred, Magnus departed, never to return. Having lost all those who once placed their faith in him, he found no reason to linger in that place any longer.
Naturally, in the wake of the planet's awakening, those who had previously scorned him suffered a sudden reckoning and sought to make amends. It was, however, too little and too late.
Among these individuals was his own father, who had reigned as king during that era.
Before the grand awakening, he had treated his son with pure contempt. He harbored hatred for him simply because he had awakened as a Vampire—the sole specimen of his kind the world had ever witnessed.
Yet, when the apocalypse reached a pitch where even a king struggled to preserve his own life, he witnessed the reality: the very vampire he had despised stood as the solitary figure holding the line, shielding the world from the heavens above.
Consumed by self-loathing, he abdicated his throne after the awakening and chose exile, spending billions of years in pursuit of a new purpose and reflection.
In time, he ascended to the level of a God and eventually a Supreme. Now, observing him radiate a Celestial aura, Klaus could only manage a pained smile.
"It appears the heavens have shown you mercy, old man." Former King Alric offered a smile, and as he neared Klaus, he stretched his arms wide.
Klaus shot him a look and muttered, "I am not one for hugging men, but for you, I suppose I can make an exception."
Father and son collapsed into a firm embrace, an act that brought smiles to every face in the hall. This was doubly true for Klaus’s wives, who understood exactly how much family meant to him.
As a Paragon consistently scorned in every cycle of his existence, those who offered him love and support held the highest value in his eyes.
Queen Leah had briefed them on everything concerning Magnus, as had the five sisters among them who were his wives in that past life. Witnessing their reconciliation despite the bitter history they shared was a heartening sight.
"I’m pleased to see you’re still among the living, old man."
"And you as well."
Releasing the hug, Klaus turned toward Queen Leah, who remarked, "I gave him notice that you would be arriving. I trust you don't object."
"Not at all, Queen Leah. That was quick thinking on your part."
She beamed, feeling a swell of pride. Even as a deity herself, she felt diminished in the presence of Klaus, the Paragon.
Klaus stepped forward, noticing three chairs held in anticipation of his arrival. Having informed them he would bring a guest, he had intended one for Rory and one for King Alric.
As they took their seats, Klaus summoned the Demon Bead to release Rory, who immediately stiffened upon seeing the powerful assembly.
Before her stood one Celestial, two Supremes, three Gods, and five Demigods.
King Alric represented the Celestial rank, while the Supremes were Queen Leah’s mother—the former queen—and her sister. Among the Demigods, two were the children of Queen Leah, and the remaining three were her most trusted retainers.
The rest of the gathering consisted of his wives, now numbering over thirty. Although some remained outside the formal harem, he considered them his kin.
Rory felt understandably overwhelmed by such a lineup. Klaus took her hand, guiding her gently to her seat.
"Everyone, this is Rory. She is the eldest daughter of Star-Lord Victor, one of the most formidable Immortal Lords in the universe and the chief of the Stella Human race."
"Welcome to Planet Caelmir, Rory," Queen Leah said kindly, and as the others offered nods of welcome, Rory finally began to relax.
Klaus shifted his gaze toward his father. "This collection of bones is my father. Do not smile at him or even lock eyes. This old scoundrel acts like a magnet for women. In his prime, he alone kept over thirty wives."
Rory blinked repeatedly, rendered speechless. Beyond the revelation that Klaus’s father was a Celestial, the raw, unfiltered way Klaus spoke to such a powerful figure was truly startling.
She was not alone; Queen Leah appeared genuinely worried for Klaus. After all, the man was one of the most powerful Celestials within the universe.
He was a man who braved the Forbidden Universe as a Supreme and emerged as a Celestial—a feat worthy of universal reverence.
Yet, Klaus remained entirely indifferent to such status.
"Brat, just because I stumbled in the past, it doesn't grant you license to mock me in front of these distinguished people," King Alric countered with a persistent grin.
Klaus offered a smirk.
"Who are you trying to fool, old man? We both know the truth. By the way, how are my stepmothers?"
King Alric scrutinized Klaus for a long moment before letting out a hearty laugh. "They are doing fine. Though, some did depart—thanks to your influence, no doubt."
"As it should be. Though you may not realize it, I was the one keeping them together."
"You brat..."
King Alric reached out, grabbing Klaus’s ear and forcing a yelp from him. "Hey, old man, have you no shame in bullying a lowly Immortal?"
"You are my son; therefore, it is perfectly acceptable."
"Queen Leah, do something before this man murders me."
Queen Leah coughed, unable to find the words to intercede. Her mother hid her giggles behind her hand, while the others grinned, savoring the sight of their revered Paragon receiving such treatment.
"Ladies..." Finding no help from the Queen, he appealed to his wives, but they only responded with playful, devious grins.
"Have patience, my love. One day you shall exact your revenge," Lily said with a laugh.
"Don't worry, my sweet heart, we will assist you in kicking our father-in-law’s rear once we reach the Supreme stage," Hanna chimed in, and the others followed suit, forcing Klaus to accept his fate.
"I apologize, pops. I promise to help you win back your lovely wives."
King Alric held the reddened ear for another moment before releasing him. "That’s better. Ensure you sing my praises, or next time, I’ll stretch both ears until you resemble an elf."
Klaus rubbed his ear, a chuckle bubbling up. He cast a glance across the hall and remarked, his tone harsh yet clearly facetious.
"I shall remember this betrayal by all of you."
Laughter filled the hall, instantly lightening the atmosphere. They had arrived expecting a high-handed, arrogant figure, given the smear campaign the Heavens Court had waged against the Paragons for so long.
Klaus bore no resemblance to the arrogant monster they had been warned about.
He was grounded and possessed an obvious joy for life. Had he been any other man, he might have held onto the resentment earned during his upbringing, yet it was clear to everyone present that Klaus had moved past it. He was clearly overjoyed to have reconnected with his father.
To them, this meant everything. It served as proof that their Paragon was, at heart, a man they could truly relate to.