The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1470: Mission Detail

Slate was momentarily taken aback when Klaus presented the core to him.

In his mind, an Immortal Lord-grade calamity core was far beyond anything he expected to receive. At best, he anticipated being the one to extract it before handing it over to Rory.

Previously, when he and a select few managed to fell an Immortal Monarch-level calamity beast, the core invariably went to Lord Victor – the proper course of action.

He had never envisioned a scenario where he would be the one to absorb such a treasure.

Currently, he possessed only 6 Immortal Rings. While this was, in its own right, impressive even for an Immortal Lord, Klaus deemed it insufficient.

Even Klaus, merely a True Immortal, had 6 rings. Furthermore, with the assistance of his wives, other incarnations, and his beast legion, he could temporarily manifest additional immortal rings, enabling him to wield 12 simultaneously.

This capability would undoubtedly render him a formidable adversary. If Slate and the others could also augment their Immortal Rings, their small contingent would become exceptionally robust.

"There's no need for astonishment, Slate. Our current mission is to procure something for Lord Victor. While that objective is crucial, our lack of sufficient strength could lead to its loss to another party.

Since we have this chance to grow stronger, we should seize it. We will undoubtedly encounter more Calamity Beasts, so relax; this won't be the last calamity core you'll absorb. This applies to all of you. My aspiration is for you all to evolve into formidable warriors by the time we return."

Naturally, Klaus understood the impending battle would be devastating, hence his desire for his team to be adequately prepared.

Lord Victor had no use for a calamity core unless it originated from a demigod.

Thus, they might as well make the best use of the one they possessed. There was no certainty regarding what challenges awaited them in the near future.

Slate remained still for a few minutes before nodding his assent.

He moved aside and commenced the absorption process. While none of them could predict the power he would awaken, Klaus felt assured of substantial benefits, offering a smile as he began to wait.

Rory, still cradled in his arms, looked at him and smiled.

"You certainly know how to earn people's loyalty and trust. Though I must inquire as to why," she eyed him, asking, "What are you concealing?"

Klaus smiled and embraced her from behind, unconcerned by the glances from Omen and Echo.

"Nothing exceedingly dire, merely that to rescue the Jade Ant Queen, there’s a possibility we might confront the Heavenly Court. I’m not concerned about them; it’s just that I can’t shake the feeling something doesn't quite add up."

With a thousand minds working in unison, he could discern a flaw in any situation.

"Queen Mantis mentioned that the Celestial Supreme intervened as she was entering reincarnation, causing her to lose access to a significant portion of her Nest.

She also stated that during her absence, the Nest began producing abominable beasts, which, based on what I've just witnessed, could very well be Calamity Beasts.

Finally, she asserted that the Heavenly Court attacked her on two occasions, and by her account, it sounded as though she emerged victorious each time, despite the loss of all her offspring. If that were the case, then why didn't the Celestial Supreme dispatch a third force to dismantle the Nest and seize her egg long ago? Why delay their actions until the present moment?"

Klaus was no fool. He recognized that the Heavens always devised a method, and thus he was aware that if they had so desired, they could have dismantled the Nest and claimed her egg ages ago.

Since they abstained from striking and waited for millions of years, and being one who had engaged in schemes beyond space and time, he understood that something was amiss.

"Curiously, I suspect this situation is connected to the Paragon, though I cannot pinpoint the exact nature of that connection."

Rory smiled. "Perhaps you are merely overthinking things. However, even if your suspicions are valid, who knows what they might do to you, considering we are all suppressed to the True Immortal stage."

"Regarding that," Klaus grinned, "Soon, the suppression will be lifted, and you will all regain your cultivation."

"Oh, then that is even better! If we can hunt down more Calamity Beasts, then even if we encounter other Immortal Lords, we won't be in peril. I will shield you from them."

Klaus, naturally, nodded, pleased by her affectionate words.

"I have already begun making preparations for the final confrontation. For now, once Slate concludes, we will proceed to the location of the Immortal Essence Water. If we can acquire even more than a single drop, we can expand our arsenal of Immortal Rings.

Following that, we will journey to the Jade Vault to see if we can acquire some treasures. The remainder will involve awaiting the egg's hatching. If the Heavenly Court has dispatched emissaries, the ensuing battle will be devastating, but I gave her my word, and I will not retract it."

"Wouldn't the Heavenly Court hold a grudge if you were to snatch the Ant Queen from them?" Rory inquired, her tone laced with a hint of apprehension.

Given Klaus's current entanglement with them, any direct opposition would inevitably strain their nascent relationship.

He offered a confident smile. "Oh, rest assured, I wouldn't be the sole focus of their ire. However, by the time all is said and done, they'll be too preoccupied with their own scandals to dwell on my transgressions. My predicament will be the least of their concerns."

Sensing she had ventured into territory beyond her purview, Rory wisely chose to remain silent. Yet, within her mind, a persistent curiosity churned regarding Klaus's true intentions.

The mission parameters appeared straightforward, but she possessed an unshakeable certainty that Klaus was not revealing the complete picture. Despite this, her absolute faith in him quelled any significant unease.

However, should his assertions about the Heavenly Court prove accurate, she vowed to elevate her vigilance and shield him at all costs. Her sisters had already impressed upon her the necessity of protecting him, even from himself.

Klaus was evidently a volatile force, a ticking time bomb capable of detonating at any given moment. If steps were not taken to safeguard him from his own impulses, the damage would be irreversible by the time awareness dawned.

Thus, in addition to confronting external adversaries, her secondary objective was to provide emotional fortification. When matters concerning the Heavenly Court arose, his comportment often bordered on erratic.

***

Three hours elapsed, and Slate successfully concluded his absorption of the core and the immortal ring. As anticipated, his acquisitions were nothing short of extraordinary, yielding two distinct boons: the [Spider Scale Armor] and the [Deadly Corrosive Poison].

The [Spider Scale Armor] bestowed upon him the ability to encase his entire being, along with his weaponry, in the formidable exoskeleton of the defeated arachnid. Concurrently, the [Deadly Corrosive Poison] granted him the power to infuse his spear with venomous energy.

Each subsequent thrust now unleashed a corrosive force upon his surroundings, leaving naught but decay in its wake.