The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1485: The 7th Floor

To prevent Klaus and the others from lingering too long, Icon guided them through a less rewarding path, significantly accelerating their passage through the various levels.

Naturally, she wasn't ungenerous, ensuring each member found an item perfectly suited to their needs.

By the time they reached the sixth floor, only Klaus and Princess Evren were yet to claim their treasures.

However, with their arrival at the sixth floor, Icon herself would also acquire an item, and Klaus's own awaited him on the seventh.

Rory obtained a stone-like artifact designed to enhance her bow. Though it had grown considerably more potent after the Burning Angel's blessing and had become a soul weapon, further refinement through treasures would amplify its strength.

Icon ensured Rory received this. Possessing complete knowledge of the jade vault's contents, she selected items that best complemented those loyal to her master.

This strategic selection aimed to subtly shift the advantage in their favor for impending confrontations.

Oman acquired a sword sheath, once the possession of a legendary sword god, imbued with that master's sword intent. By sheathing his blade within it, he began to absorb this intent, honing his swordsmanship to a sharper edge.

Slate was allocated a pair of boots that augmented his speed by a remarkable 120%. Given his affinity with the wind element, these boots enabled him to move with unparalleled swiftness, amplifying his lethality.

Echo received a crown-like artifact that bolstered her imaginative capabilities. As one who commanded the Ice element, she required every spark of creativity she could muster, finding that the ability to envision intricate scenarios would prove invaluable.

Crux was presented with a whip, an item she displayed an immediate fascination for. During her prior battle against Klaus with her clone, she had fought in her beast form, forgoing any weapon. Now, with this new artifact, she could more frequently utilize her demi-human form.

Princess Evren's companions also received their due share of the treasures. It was now her turn to select something.

"We have arrived," Klaus announced, surveying his surroundings. The sixth floor presented itself as an island encircled by verdant waters. Though his stay would be brief, he allowed the serene beauty of the scene to etch itself into his memory.

He intended to proceed to the seventh floor while the others explored the sixth. Upon his return, they would depart and reconvene to strategize the most effective response to the escalating threats.

He gestured towards a distant peak. "The Jade Pendant resides there. You may bring your teammates along, as they have now recuperated."

She inclined her head and turned to her four companions. "Rest for an hour before we set out."

Turning away from them, she glanced at Rory before addressing Klaus. "Where do you intend to go?"

Klaus pointed towards the emerald expanse of water. "I plan to take a swim. Much like you, I am seeking something here, so I shall go in search of it. Once I return, we can depart before this place is opened to the public."

She found no reason to dispute his intentions further, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, Klaus moved aside to converse with Rory.

"Utilize the time you have now to enhance your bow. I fear that upon my return, we will have little opportunity for further cultivation."

She nodded and embraced him.

Since they could communicate telepathically, he had already apprised her of his destination upon reaching the sixth floor, thus preempting any questions.

"Be cautious on your journey. I shall await your return here."

Klaus nodded and bestowed a kiss upon her. Moments later, he plunged into the water, beginning his descent.

Icon had identified the gateway to the seventh floor concealed somewhere within the ocean, and Klaus began swimming towards it.

Fortunately, akin to the preceding levels, no immediate dangers presented themselves, allowing for rapid progress deeper into the oceanic depths. After a two-hour immersion, he finally halted before a resplendent, glowing portal.

Without hesitation, Klaus passed through the portal.

The ensuing moment found him materializing within a vast chamber, capable of accommodating over four hundred individuals.

The space was devoid of furniture; instead, the entirety of its floor and walls was intricately adorned with countless runes.

Klaus regarded this spectacle with surprise, yet he soon commenced a thorough examination of the runes, endeavoring to comprehend their meaning before dismissing them as potentially useless.

Several more hours elapsed before he succeeded in deciphering them. At that moment, a smile graced his lips.

"What a vexing endeavor."

The runes, it transpired, were not mere symbols but directional coordinates, each pointing towards one of three distinct locations.

The initial coordinate indicated a tree bearing a fruit known as the Divine Apple. This fruit could not be consumed by just any individual, as it possessed extreme toxicity. However, while its utility was limited to a select few, a single Divine Apple could command a substantial price.

Klaus recognized the necessity of acquiring these fruits, given his inherent affinity for poison.

Though his immunity to poisons was legendary, Klaus knew that a God-level poison or anything above it could still pose a threat. Therefore, he aimed to not only bolster his Poison Resistance but also to deepen his comprehension of this formidable power.

The second location marked on the map led to a repository, safeguarding his severed arm, leg, and eye. Klaus felt a surge of surprise, contemplating the extensive efforts the Jade Ant Queen had undertaken to meticulously preserve his lost limbs.

He found himself profoundly grateful for her meticulousness. For, by refining these preserved parts, he could employ the very bones to fortify his existing physique.

The final coordinates remained shrouded in mystery. Thus, his immediate plan was to visit the Divine Apple tree, hoping to procure a few ripe fruits.

***

As he made his journey, outside the vault's confines, the five assassins finally materialized, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. Days had elapsed since they shattered the seal and commenced their relentless pursuit of Klaus and the 7th Jade Princess.

Every conceivable method had been employed, yet not a single trace of their quarry could be unearthed, leaving the assassins unsettled and simmering with frustration. However, their anxieties soon transmuted into sheer terror when they inadvertently stumbled into the domain of a perilous, immortal Lord-level calamity beast.

Their intrusion was purely accidental; yet, witnessing their current wretched state, it was undeniably evident that their preceding days had been far worse.

"Damn it all. Once I get my hands on those two," the assassin clad in a blue mask declared, his voice laced with icy venom, "I shall relish every moment of their demise."

The assassin in the green mask placed a calming hand upon his comrade's shoulder, saying,

"Take it easy. With the seals weakening and nearing their dissolution, this vault is bound to yield. When it does, they will inevitably surface. No one can resist the irresistible allure of ancient treasures, particularly those once belonging to the illustrious Jade Ant Queen."

"Green speaks the truth. We simply need to bide our time until they walk willingly into our grasp," the assassin in the red mask chimed in, prompting the blue-masked assassin to acknowledge this strategy with a nod.

"I wonder if we might even have the opportunity to document the renegade hunter's final moments and share the recording later. I am quite certain the company would be delighted to claim credit for his demise."

The other assassins murmured their assent.

"Once communication channels are re-established, we shall deliberate on our subsequent actions. For the present, let us await their arrival, blissfully unaware they are stepping into a meticulously laid trap. The rest shall unfold as fate dictates."