The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1469: Value Of a Calamity Beast

A collective sigh of relief was exhaled by Rory, Omen, Slate, and Echo as they finally managed to vanquish the formidable Demonic Spider. The engagement had been gruelling, fraught with peril, yet their seasoned combat experience saw them emerge victorious, remarkably without any life-threatening wounds.

Echo’s strategic positioning had kept them safely out of harm’s way throughout the encounter. Now, as their gazes fell upon the colossal carcass of the beast, a wave of satisfaction washed over the group. The spider's metallic hide alone promised a fortune, likely several million Universe Coins. Furthermore, its blood was an exceedingly rare and valuable commodity; even a few drops, if successfully extracted, could command billions. Then there was the core, a treasure trove for cultivators like Rory, Omen, Slate, and Echo, especially given its origin from an Immortal Level Beast.

Calamity cores possess such immense power that even one belonging to an Immortal Monarch would significantly benefit an Immortal Lord. Consequently, whoever absorbed this core would undoubtedly gain the coveted immortal ring contained within. This absorption also implied the potential to inherit some of the Nine-Headed Demon Spider’s formidable attributes. Perhaps they might acquire the ability to sprout nine heads, unleash potent webs, develop multiple limbs, produce venomous, corrosive mists, or even coat their skin in a resilient metallic carapace. Many transformative possibilities lay ahead.

Klaus recalled his own initial experience absorbing an immortal ring from a calamity core derived from a blood-type beast. Upon absorption, his legendary scythe, Bloodwork, had awakened. This awakening brought forth a surge of bloodlust with each use of the immortal ring, bestowing enhanced strength and speed, fostering a deeper connection to blood, and amplifying his control over it. The potential gains for the current group, therefore, could far exceed their initial expectations.

Beyond its material value as a body and core, the spider’s blood presented another equally significant, albeit dangerous, asset. This ichor was both corrosive and poisonous. Even Klaus, possessing immunity to all known poisons, was not entirely safe. While he could likely negate the toxic effects, the corrosive nature of the blood posed a distinct threat. Considering it originated from an Immortal Lord Level Beast and was classified as a Calamity-type, the potential earnings from its sale were astronomical, though the practicalities of handling it were daunting.

The primary challenge was the lack of any feasible method to safely store such volatile blood, a problem mirrored by the beast's immense body. Its persistent bleeding threatened to damage even their space rings by the time they could transport it back to civilization. While Echo possessed the ability to encase it in ice, there was uncertainty whether even her formidable ice manipulation could contain the corrosive properties long enough for a safe return. Thus, they could only watch as their immense fortune literally bled away onto the desolate ground.

"Wow, I step away for a moment, and you guys have already taken down a Calamity Beast without me," Klaus's voice chimed from behind them. Rory, who had been consumed by worry for the preceding minutes, rushed towards him upon seeing him safe and sound. It was only as she closed the distance that she remembered their companions; however, by then, her momentum carried her directly into Klaus’s embrace. Omen, Slate, and Echo tactfully pretended not to notice the intimate reunion, though inwardly, they offered Klaus a mental thumbs-up for capturing the heart of their usually reserved companion. Echo mused inwardly, a faint smile gracing her lips, 'No wonder she was surprisingly talkative during the battle.'

Klaus gently pulled Rory back, bestowing a tender kiss upon her forehead. "I witnessed your final move; it was absolutely perfect and breathtaking," he complimented. Blushing, she hid her face against his shoulder. Klaus chuckled and then turned his attention to their other teammates. "Excellent teamwork, everyone. I apologize for not joining the fight sooner; I was detained, and by the time I returned, you seemed to have everything well in hand." The phrase 'everything well in hand' felt like a slight exaggeration, yet, with the spider vanquished and all of them alive, perhaps they had indeed managed the situation effectively.

"Where did you go, anyway?" Omen inquired. "You know, the usual," Klaus replied with a smile, before clearing his throat and meeting the expectant gazes of his three teammates. "I just had a conversation with the Jade Ant Queen, managed to pinpoint the location of the Immortal Essence Water, and, ah, uncovered a rather sinister conspiracy. Can you believe the Jade Ant Queen was actually murdered by the Heavens Court?"

"WHAT?" a collective gasp escaped them. "Indeed. I scarcely believed my own ears when I heard the revelation," Klaus confirmed. "You must be joking, right?" Slate questioned, his brow furrowed in disbelief. Omen and Echo mirrored his skepticism. Only Rory maintained a composed demeanor, fully aware that Klaus would never fabricate such a serious claim.

"I'm quite direct when important information needs conveying. I did indeed encounter the Jade Ant Queen, and she revealed the circumstances of her demise. Furthermore, she pinpointed the exact location where we can acquire the essence water. Additionally, be aware that within the next few days, extraordinary events will unfold, poised to engulf this Nest, and we shall find ourselves at the very epicenter."

"I presume this has some connection to the Heavens Court?" Omen inquired.

"Indeed, it does. You see, within this realm, we are all situated at the Peak of the True Immortal stage. However, the monsters and beasts are not subjected to the same limitations. Consequently, we will confront perils far exceeding those posed by this formidable spider."

"However, the gravest danger is set to awaken in the forthcoming weeks, involving several corrupted Heaven Warriors who were sealed within this place by the Jade Ant Queen eons ago."

"That being said, I've managed to forge an agreement with the Jade Ant Queen. In return for revealing the location of the Immortal Essence Water, I am obligated to protect her reincarnated form from the clutches of the Heavenly Court, and I will require your assistance in this endeavor."

"In essence, we will be contending with multiple Immortals and a handful of demigods, but I have faith that we shall be adequately prepared by then."

Klaus turned, casting a smile towards the calamity beast. "Oh, we will be far more than ready."

They regarded him with a peculiar gaze, uncertain of how to respond.

They were pleased that he had secured the precise location of the Immortal Essence Water – the primary objective of their presence here. What troubled them, however, were his subsequent pronouncements.

To confront demigods while still at the True Immortal stage was a task vastly beyond their capabilities. Thus, hearing him speak so nonchalantly, they questioned if he had lost his sanity.

Despite his monstrous nature, even he was not sufficiently powerful to challenge demigods. While this was a true assessment, they failed to recognize that they were in the presence of a Paragon.

Klaus let out a chuckle. "Calm your apprehensions, for once I am finished with the three of you, even an Early God will pose no threat."

Klaus extended his hand, and the Demon Bead materialized. He hurled it towards the deceased spider, and in a short while, it was no longer on the ground. The only remnant was the black core, emitting a toxic mist.

Klaus waved his hand, sending it towards Slate. "You get the first one. Once you've finished absorbing its essence, we shall depart."