The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1493: Jade Ant Queen’s Rebirth (6)

An aura of profound wickedness permeated the air, causing a collective chill to run down the spines of everyone present, gods included, as if their very vertebrae were about to snap.

Even Klaus, aware of the impending arrival of Asmodeus, couldn't help but feel a shiver trace its way up his spine upon hearing the tone of the voice. Turning slightly, his eyes fell upon his undead necromancer emerging from the dissipating smoke, a smirk gracing his features.

Closely following behind him was an Immortal Lord, enveloped in a dark cloak, his face concealed by a mask. Once they had emerged, the figure in the black cloak extended a hand, and the spear that had been launched at the demigod aiming his bow at Klaus was swiftly returned to its wielder's firm grasp.

Klaus remained silent, unwilling to expose his true identity.

Asmodeus would soon be recognized as the Paragon's associate, hence Klaus's deliberate effort to distance himself from the most malevolent individual he knew.

All combat activities ceased instantaneously, every pair of eyes now fixated on Asmodeus.

Noticing he had captured their attention, Asmodeus flashed a grin and waved his staff, conjuring a cloak to materialize behind him. "I figured since the hero is here, he might as well look the part," he remarked.

He ascended slowly into the air and proclaimed:

"Esteemed individuals, my name is Asmodeus, and I am the most formidable necromancer this universe has ever witnessed. My presence here today is to make way for the grand arrival of my one true lord. Therefore, while your efforts are commendable, it would be most prudent for you all to step aside and allow me to handle matters from this point forward."

His gaze swept across the assembled crowd, ensuring every face was etched into his memory. Finally, his eyes settled upon Klaus, and a smile touched his lips.

"You are the Renegade Hunter," Asmodeus inquired, maintaining his role.

"You may refer to me as Klaus."

"I see. I have heard intriguing tales about you, yet now that I have focused my attention on you, I can discern that you are not even half the man my Lord is."

A hearty laugh followed, causing Klaus to briefly knit his brows.

However, to maintain the facade, he offered a smile. "Indeed, there are beings whose capabilities lie beyond ordinary comprehension. Still, I must inquire, who is this Lord you speak of?"

Asmodeus let out a low chuckle. "Would you not be curious? But since you've asked, I shall indulge you. My master is the most exceptional warrior this universe will ever behold. His arrival is imminent, so for now, bask in the glory of being among the elite."

Klaus smiled but offered no verbal response. Instead, he tapped into the unspoken connection they shared.

'Asmodeus, my friend, why are you dawdling? Engage these demigods before they unravel my charade.'

While it appeared as though his domain exerted absolute control, Klaus was in fact paying a significant price simply to sustain it. He had not yet achieved the cultivation level required to wield such a vast domain.

Even as a monstrous entity, until he reached the demigod rank, its usage demanded more than he could sustain for an extended duration.

He employed it solely to avoid revealing more of his hidden strengths. The conflict had not escalated to a point requiring him to unleash his full power. The Jade Ant Queen had yet to make her appearance, thus expending vital energy and exposing further assets seemed like an imprudent course of action.

Summoning Asmodeus had been part of his initial strategy. Following his unsuccessful attempt to summon his legion when the seals were finally broken, he realized the Heaven's Court had intervened.

Consequently, he devised a formation designed to puncture through the restrictions once he had gathered a sufficient number of souls.

He deployed three such formations in total, hoping to bring forth Asmodeus, Nadia, and Asha. Therefore, for Asmodeus to arrive first yet refrain from assisting him, was an unexpected development.

'My esteemed master, it seems your acting prowess has somewhat diminished,' Asmodeus responded, his gaze drifting over the fallen bodies littering the ground.

'What do you imply?'

'Do you truly believe I would offer my assistance from the depths of my being without first being solicited? Or do you assume the great Asmodeus would extend aid without compensation?'

Klaus's brow furrowed, his gaze shifting to the five demigods who were now forming a circle around him. 'What are you getting at, you wretch?'

'It is quite simple, master. Humble yourself and beg me to help you.'

*Cough*

Klaus let out a cough, his eyes snapping to his left, where the furious gaze of True God Eric was fixed upon him. He nearly turned back to Asmodeus; fortunately, the intensity of a god's stare was enough to regain his focus.

However, Asmodeus's words ignited a furious blaze within him.

'You insolent pup, do you have any idea who you are trifling with?'

Asmodeus chuckled, brandishing his staff. On the ground, an Immortal Lord Demon Spider Calamity Beast rose onto its appendages and bowed reverently to its new master.

'I desire to aid you, master, truly I do. But until you implore me, I shall not. Furthermore, it would be exceedingly foolish to issue threats against me. Let it be known, I am not the same Asmodeus you encountered three years ago. Now, I do not even fear the gods.'

Hearing such pronouncements from a True Immortal, Klaus understood that his Undead Necromancer must have experienced extraordinary fortune. This realization caused him to lament his own luck, as threatening him had indeed been his initial inclination.

Seeing that smirk on his face, one couldn't help but question if this individual had truly returned to the Undead Realm after their prior encounter, or if it was merely a consequence of his journey to the Underworld during the planet’s reawakening.

’Damn you, Asmodeus. This day will be etched in my memory.’

A fleeting glance at the five demigods preceded a turn towards Asmodeus, met with a smile.

"Perhaps one day, I shall desire an audience with your Lord, to personally ascertain the nature of his existence. However, for the present, I request your assistance in vanquishing my adversaries."

"Kekekekekeke," Asmodeus erupted in laughter, summoning another fallen beast from the land of the dead, claiming it as his own undead minion.

"Seeking my aid, are we?" He shifted his gaze to Rory and the remaining members of Klaus's cohort. "I perceive your need, but my assistance carries a price, a cost I fear you are incapable of affording."

Klaus's brow furrowed, yet he detected a subtle alteration in the atmosphere. The demigods were poised to strike...

"I bear the bloodline of the Zorvian Ancient Family. Do you genuinely believe I lack the means to compensate you for your services?"

"Keke, if memory serves, they had expelled you temporarily. What makes you assume that your current standing allows you to solicit my favor?"

Klaus offered a wry smile, his gaze falling upon his scythe, which continued its grim work, consuming the spilled blood on the battlefield.

"Should your sights be set on immediate returns, then perhaps you lack true foresight. As a practitioner of necromancy, you must surely be aware that within the Zorvian Primordial Grave lie some of the most formidable warriors this universe has ever known. The opportunity to resurrect one of them from the clutches of death would undoubtedly suffice as payment for any service you might render today."

It seemed the demigods, sensing the subtle shift in the air coinciding with Klaus's proposition, decided to act, aiming to overwhelm him before Asmodeus could intervene.

Yet, the moment they advanced, Asmodeus’s smile widened as he raised his staff.

*Whoosh* *Whoosh* *Whoosh* *Whoosh* *Whoosh*

Five orbs of energy detached from the staff, coalescing into five distinct demigods, each adorned in attire identical to that of the Immortal Lord standing behind him.

Their combined assault compelled the five demigods who had been advancing on Klaus to halt their charge and focus on their own defense.