The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1474: Ten Immortal Rings
Previously on The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse...
<Congratulations, your incarnation, Kaden, has been promoted. Rank: Medium-Level Immortal King>
<Congratulations, your incarnation, Orion, has been promoted. Rank: Medium-Level Immortal King>
<Congratulations, your incarnation, Rhazor, has been promoted. Rank: Peak-Level Immortal King>
A smile graced Klaus's lips as these notifications materialized before his gaze. The preceding twenty-four hours had proven exceptionally fruitful. Beyond merely replenishing his Qi, his alternate bodies, with the sole exception of Efad, had experienced significant advancements in their cultivation. The attainment of Immortal King status by three of his bodies was, undeniably, a cause for celebration.
Each of these powerful forms could now offer him support in ways he had never initially conceived.
When he first discovered the possibility of cultivating distinct bodies separate from his primary form, he hadn't foreseen the sheer enjoyment it would bring.
Back then, while the prospect of possessing nine additional bodies capable of wielding god-slaying might sounded enticing, he was acutely aware of the immense effort required to cultivate each one to fruition.
Yet, in less than a single year, he had ascended from the Early Immortal stage to commanding three Immortal Kings and two True Immortals.
If he were to manifest the remaining five bodies at this juncture, they would all emerge as True Immortals, each possessing their own immortal rings.
Klaus envisioned the momentous day when he would integrate all nine of his manifested bodies into his main form. The surge of power that coursed through him with that single thought almost made his mouth water.
Today, he finally grasped the truth: while the path ahead demanded tenfold the effort, the eventual rewards of his arduous journey would be immeasurable.
Shifting his attention, he observed his teammates. They appeared to have fully recuperated, and the renewed luminescence in their eyes indicated they had achieved significant breakthroughs.
Naturally, he didn't presume they had ascended to the same heights as he, but their contentment was palpable.
Omen now boasted seven immortal rings, and Echo was similarly endowed. However, Klaus discerned that Slate had absorbed the core of the three-headed lion, thus earning his eighth immortal ring.
'The average cultivator can only wield seven immortal rings. Since he can manage eight, nothing prevents him from aiming for a ninth. Fortunately for him, this ninth ring will be forged from Immortal Essence water, allowing him to craft it himself.'
The reason Immortal Essence water is highly coveted by all immortals lies in its unparalleled adaptability when used for the creation of an immortal ring.
In contrast to calamity cores, which grant the cultivator one of the immortal beast's existing rings, or immortal rings awakened by absorbing treasures imbued with immortal essence, which carry inherent properties, Immortal Essence water enables the user to conceptualize and manifest an immortal ring based on their own perceptions and comprehension.
Should the attempt fail, there are no adverse repercussions.
Therefore, Klaus was confident that his teammates would reap substantial benefits from it. He, on the other hand, was destined to receive even greater boons.
Already, his incarnations – Rhazor, Orion, and Kaden – had awakened eight formidable immortal rings upon reaching the Immortal King stage. Thus, he bestowed upon each of them two drops of the essence to absorb and forge two additional immortal rings apiece.
His main body, however, possessed nine rings, a feat achieved through the absorption of two Calamity cores; he intended to add one more. This would represent his maximum capacity as a True Immortal.
Upon reaching the Immortal King stage, he would gain the opportunity to manifest further rings.
As one who cultivates a body intended to defy the Heavenly Dao, accumulating more immortal rings will undoubtedly prove advantageous.
"You all appear quite pleased," Klaus remarked, a smile playing on his lips as he addressed his four companions. They offered affirmative nods, and he then turned his attention to Slate. "My friend, what is the effect of your eighth immortal ring?"
Slate beamed and responded, "I can create three perfect clones of myself."
He activated his eighth immortal ring, and two exact replicas, identical in appearance and energy signature, materialized beside him.
"Controlling them requires minimal effort, and even more remarkably, I can instantaneously switch positions with them. Furthermore, even if I were too slow to react and my primary body were to perish, I would respawn within one of my clones."
Klaus chuckled. "That is truly astonishing, Slate. Now, you have the opportunity to forge a ninth immortal ring that will render your eighth even more potent. Naturally, I shall entrust the conceptualization entirely to your imagination."
Klaus produced a vial containing a single drop of Immortal Essence water and presented it to Slate. The man, who had never anticipated such a turn of fortune, received it with trembling hands.
Klaus could sense Slate's struggle to contain his burgeoning emotions. An individual of his standing would not typically have the opportunity to form more than seven immortal rings. His selection as a personal guard for the royal family was attributed to his unparalleled mastery of the spear.
Within the Stella Human Army, he ranks among the top three warriors who have come closest to defeating Lord Victor.
Today, he stands on the precipice of forging his ninth immortal ring, a destiny reshaped entirely by Klaus. Klaus exemplified generosity, treating them not as subordinates but as equals, a gesture that a warrior like Slate would forever cherish and respect.
Witnessing their combat prowess, Klaus recognized Slate, Omen, and Echo as seasoned warriors. Having navigated through nine perilous lives, each fraught with deadly skirmishes, earning the admiration of three seemingly immortal beings was a significant testament to their skill.
"Relax, my friends. As I assured you three days ago, upon my completion with you, even a nascent deity would pose little threat," Klaus stated with a grin. "However, be ready for our departure from this place. The ensuing battles will be far more arduous, demanding your absolute best efforts."
Slate acknowledged Klaus's words with a nod and retreated to commence the creation of his immortal ring.
Turning his attention to Omen and Echo, Klaus presented each of them with two bottles. "There's no undue pressure, but it would be beneficial if you could conclude your tasks within the next two days."
"Understood." They accepted their portions and moved aside to begin their respective undertakings.
"I have a feeling that upon our return, they'll tender their resignations from the Stella Army to follow you," Rory quipped, observing Klaus's interactions with Omen, Slate, and Echo.
Klaus chuckled. "I wouldn't object, provided father-in-law permits it."
Rory's cheeks flushed at the familiar address to Lord Victor. "You are a truly good person, Klaus. Never forget that."
Klaus nodded and planted a kiss on her lips. He then produced three bottles of Immortal Essence water, offering them to her. "You can utilize two for now, as your physique is considerably fortified after ingesting my blood."
She returned his kiss with a nod before departing. With the formation of nine immortal rings already accomplished, she was poised to possess eleven upon completing her absorption of the Immortal Essence water.
Gazing at his four teammates engrossed in their tasks, a serene smile graced his features.
Unlike them, he knew precisely the specific type of immortal ring he intended to forge. He had successfully created it before, and within a mere twenty minutes, his task was complete.
He rose and activated all ten immortal rings under his command, a warm smile blossoming on his face.
Each immortal ring bestowed a roughly 35% augmentation to his strength. Witnessing all ten come alive simultaneously, he knew his days of perceived weakness were decisively over. Should an opponent's capabilities fall below a certain threshold, they would perish without even comprehending how.
Klaus exited the cave and positioned himself at the entrance, conjuring ten clones. He dispatched them to scout the surrounding territories, each venturing in a distinct direction.