The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1478: A Trap

Klaus refrained from employing the Star Monarch card upon his initial encounter with the bird due to a lack of resonance between them. This absence of connection stemmed from the fact that the entity they had battled for the preceding two hours was merely a clone, hence no likeness was perceived. However, a resonance was felt when the bird revealed its true aura through the void.

While he could have ceased his actions at that point, a need to prove himself compelled him to utilize the laws of time and gravity, cornering the creature. Having achieved this, he recognized the necessity to halt his assault before further agitating the bird lady, as they were already on precarious ground. If it had been merely Klaus, or perhaps Rory alongside him, an escape would have been feasible. But relocating the others would have been an insurmountable challenge.

His calculations indicated that four seconds would be required to transfer everyone into the Demon Bead before initiating an escape – ample time for the bird lady to eliminate them all. Thus, he took a gamble, which ultimately paid off.

Consequently, he was now faced with stunned teammates and a humbled bird.

"Let us converse within the void," Klaus stated, taking a single step and vanishing, only to reappear inside the void. The bird lady rose and followed him.

"Uhm, what just transpired?" Omen inquired, his expression clouded with bewilderment.

Their gazes turned to Rory, whom they knew to be closest to Klaus. However, observing the confused look on her face, they immediately understood she was as perplexed as they were.

Princess Evren felt a mixture of confusion and irritation. She and her team had endured the most. Yet, just as Klaus and his companions were poised for retribution, everything shifted, transcending the bounds of ordinary comprehension.

Meanwhile, within the void, Klaus confronted the bird lady.

"Why were you pursuing that lady and her team?" he questioned, prompting a sigh from the bird lady.

"Her blood possesses a delightful fragrance, compelling me to consume it."

Klaus's brow furrowed slightly in amusement. "I see. So you are a blood-type bird, are you?"

"Indeed. My true form is that of a Blood Eye Hawk. I have attained the zenith of the demigod stage and now intend to sense my divinity to embark on the path of God Ascension. Should my fortune favor me, I may one day ascend to become a God Beast."

Klaus's golden eyes shifted hue, turning green for a few moments before a smile graced his lips.

"I comprehend. You possess a 20% probability of becoming a God Beast, or perishing in the attempt. However, with my assistance, your success is a 100% certainty," Klaus smirked. "You do not doubt my words, for you can discern the truth within my blood."

She observed Klaus with a calm demeanor for several minutes before nodding in agreement.

"Then I presume you are prepared to join me. Although I am presently pressed for time, as my destination admits no delay, I shall bestow my blood upon you once these matters are resolved.

Prior to that, however, should you agree to become my contracted beast, I shall grant you a technique to better assist you in the ensuing adventures."

The bird lady remained silent for a few minutes before posing a question, as if seeking confirmation.

"Are you truly the Star Monarch?"

Klaus chuckled and nodded. "I am. This also signifies my status as the Paragon, a fact you are likely aware of, given your knowledge of the Star Monarch."

She nodded in response.

"However, I must inquire, how did you come to know of the Star Monarch? From what I gathered from Queen Mantis, this realm has been sealed for the past million years. If no one could enter during that time, how is it that you are familiar with his name?"

A smile bloomed on the bird lady's face.

"Oh, so you remain unaware, do you?" she laughed, causing Klaus's brow to furrow as his intuition warned him of impending danger.

"What am I overlooking?"

"Quite a bit, actually. You see, this Nest is now governed by the Four God Beasts. All four were alive millions of years ago when the Star Monarch entered this domain, thus they are cognizant of him.

I am one of three demigod beasts serving one of the God Beasts. In fact, you are currently within her territory, and she will soon reveal herself. My presence here will prevent her from killing you outright. However, you might end up becoming her thrall.

You see, the scent of human blood is a craving we all share. Every Calamity beast within this place yearns for human blood, and thus, a hunt is imminent. We were somehow alerted to the impending arrival of a consistent stream of humans, and our preparations to welcome you have been thorough.

In essence, someone desires your demise and informed us long before your arrival. A massacre is on the horizon, if it has not already commenced." She scoffed and added, "I wonder who could be so malevolent as to wish for your annihilation."

"Heavens Court," Klaus ground out through clenched teeth.

He had no need to doubt his assertion. In every conceivable aspect, the Heavens Court stood to gain the most and lose the least. Should they succeed in eliminating everyone, the reincarnation of the Jade Ant Queen would fall directly into their grasp.

Given that their sealed warriors were set to be revealed soon, any survivors leaving these areas would inevitably expose them. Therefore, the only logical course of action was to eliminate everyone.

A shiver coursed down Klaus's spine.

There was no scenario in which he would emerge victorious. Four gods resided within the nest; even if he somehow managed to acquire the Jade Ant Queen, escaping their pursuit would be an impossibility.

'Her rebirth will hardly be subtle,' he mused. 'This means she'll attract attention, and I'll be caught right in the thick of it.'

'Damn these wicked souls,' he cursed inwardly. 'They truly have no regard for human life.'

Klaus turned and addressed the bird-like woman:

"What is your name?"

"Crux," she replied.

"Alright, Crux, can you lead me to the god you serve?"

She gave a nod. "I can, though I cannot guarantee your safety."

"Worry not about that. I shall be fine," Klaus assured her.

Nodding in acknowledgment, Klaus proceeded to draft a contract with her. The process took several minutes to finalize. Afterward, they returned to the wilderness.

"Greetings, everyone. Meet Crux. She will be joining our ranks from this point forward," Klaus announced her arrival, and silence descended upon the group for a few moments.

It was Princess Evren who finally broke the quiet after five minutes.

"Thank you for our rescue, Renegade Hunter, but how certain are you that she can be trusted?" she inquired, her voice tinged with the trauma she had endured, a fact Klaus understood. However, he had no intention of playing the gentleman at that moment, having just realized he had stumbled into a deliberate trap.

He despised walking into unknown ambushes. This realization left him furious, a sentiment Rory, inexplicably linked to him, could sense.

"Now, Princess, Crux is a member of my team. I hardly need to offer you any assurances. But let's humor ourselves for a moment and consider the fact that I've just discovered four God Beasts reside in this nest, each actively hunting us. Do you truly feel secure?"