The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1495: Jade Ant Queen’s Rebirth (8)
Previously on The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse...
The fusion of elements manifests in two primary ways. The first, commonly recognized, involves a warrior possessing dual elemental affinities, such as ice and fire, combining them to forge a novel element. This technique is widely accessible, provided the practitioner has a profound grasp of the involved elements.
The second method is Law Elemental Fusion, a far more intricate process that necessitates an understanding of elemental law, a challenge many find insurmountable. Each element is governed by its own specific laws, and comprehending these laws grants dominion over the element, allowing it to be shaped at will. However, this comprehension is exceptionally difficult to attain.
Indeed, the very concept of merging two elements into a new one, with the governing law as the focal point, is not easily achieved. Therefore, one can only fathom the astonishment of the onlookers when Klaus demonstrated the fusion of elements.
Regrettably for them, Klaus himself has not yet reached a level where he can merge two or more elements by manipulating their laws. What he accomplished, however, involved his seven forbidden ice elements.
As the beam descended, Klaus wavered for a moment, caught between deploying a treasure for defense or employing one of his ultimate abilities. That fleeting hesitation almost proved fatal.
Fortunately, the immediate peril diverted the attention of the observers from his ice, as they presumed him vanquished. This allowed him to layer all seven forbidden ice elements, fashioning a statue-like armor. Thus, what the crowd perceived as elemental fusion due to the statue's multicolored appearance was, in reality, Klaus merely deploying his ice elements concurrently.
"This Renegade Hunter might very well be the sole individual capable of challenging the Paragon in the future," remarked one observer, his admiration for Klaus growing.
"I concur. Although we have yet to witness the Paragon's prowess, I am convinced the Renegade Hunter is no ordinary figure. I would gladly pay to see him clash with the Paragon someday."
"As would I."
---
Within a mere five minutes, Klaus had eliminated three more assassins, reducing their numbers to just four. Their fallen bodies were subsequently collected by him.
Afloat in the air, his scythe, Bloodwork, was approaching its initial awakening stage. Upon its awakening, his combat strength would ascend significantly, bestowing a crucial advantage against the impending threats.
Klaus had already calculated that the Jade Ant Queen would emerge in less than an hour. He was determined to conclude all current matters swiftly, ensuring his readiness for the ensuing events.
He remained convinced that hidden adversaries would be lurking, awaiting that opportune moment. Therefore, he could not afford complacency, nor could he assume that by dispatching these assassins, he would be the sole claimant of the reward.
"AAAHHHHHH!"
Just as Klaus was lost in thought, a sudden, piercing scream echoed from above. Klaus deflected a dagger aimed at his thigh, flung the attacker away, and then turned his gaze towards the source of the scream.
There, submerged in a pool of blood in the distance, lay True God Eric, who coughed sporadically, blood trickling from his mouth, nose, and ears with each expulsion.
"Oh, damn," Klaus muttered, his eyes shifting towards the figure suspended in the sky.
Lady Beyhos remained composed, her sword gleaming dully. Crimson droplets cascaded down its length as she regarded the god, now immersed in his own blood, with a frigid expression.
Observing closely, Klaus noted the absence of any wounds on her person. In fact, her armor was immaculate, giving the impression that she had not engaged in combat with an opponent of comparable standing.
"Weak. You are no match for me, so surrender and spare yourself further agony. I might even deign to make you my slave," Lady Beyhos declared, her sword extended towards the fallen deity.
His countenance hardened, though the terror in his eyes betrayed his profound fear of the lady.
"AAARRRHHHHGG!"
True God Eric staggered to his feet, unleashing potent waves of divine Qi. His injuries began to mend, and a verdant, misty aura enveloped him.
"Burning Divine Qi, is it?" A sardonic smile graced Lady Beyhos's lips. "It would behoove you to understand that even if I were to utilize merely 50% of my strength, you would be utterly incapable of harming me. Do you comprehend why?"
"I do not care."
"I shall enlighten you regardless. It is because I have awakened my True Calamity Bloodline. While I may not wield complete mastery over it yet, dispatching three of your caliber simultaneously falls well within my capabilities."
As she uttered these words, her form shimmered, and in the ensuing moment, she materialized behind True God Eric, her left hand poised for a devastating strike.
*SLAP*
A sharp, resounding slap reverberated across the entire battlefield, prompting many, Klaus included, to instinctively cover their ears.
"Damn."
True God Eric was sent hurtling backward, his body smashing through numerous trees and boulders.
Klaus redirected his focus to Lady Beyhos. Witnessing the triumphant smile on her face, he mentally resolved to bestow upon her the esteemed rank of Beast General once his Star Monarch powers achieved their full awakening.
His form flickered, and before any assassin could strike, his left hand surged forward, a dagger materializing within it. He plunged it into the wretch's skull, ending their life in an instant.
He withdrew, then, with a sweep of his hand, more than a hundred weapons materialized in the air, descending upon the three remaining assassins.
---
While these events unfolded, two hundred kilometers away from the conflict zone stood a demigod lady—the very same individual who had activated the gateway transporting the Qilin Mercenary team to the Jade Nest.
In her estimation, when the strategic plan devised by her employer was initially disclosed, she perceived it as an excessive measure. Deploying five gods, twenty-four demigods, and an additional ten thousand immortals alongside the assassins strike force seemed like a gross overindulgence in force.
However, as she now observed the outcome of the battle, her countenance shifted to one of stark pallor.
"How is this possible?" she murmured to herself, yet no answer presented itself.
A tap on the watch adorning her left wrist initiated a communication sequence. Within mere moments, a man with short, verdant hair and piercing blue eyes materialized in the holographic projection.
"What is it?" the man inquired, his voice imbued with an arrogant and commanding timbre.
This query caused the demigod lady to tremble slightly. "My Lord, we appear to have encountered a significant issue."
The man remained silent, awaiting her elaborated report.
"The specialized teams we dispatched into the Nest are currently sustaining losses in the engagement. I am uncertain how or precisely when this reversal occurred, but the indigenous humans and beasts have coalesced into a formidable offensive unit, launching a concerted assault against both the mercenaries and the corrupted warriors. The Renegade Hunter remains formidable and alive. He alone has vanquished over ten assassins. The 7th Jade Princess is also accounted for and alive. Furthermore, an enigmatic necromancer has emerged, whose very presence appears to be a decisive factor, tilting the scales of the battle in favor of the Renegade Hunter."
By the time the lady concluded her comprehensive report, the expression of the green-haired man had darkened considerably. He abruptly terminated the call and proceeded to dial a different number.
A second later, a masked individual appeared within the projection's frame.
Judging by the visual context of their surroundings, it was unequivocally apparent that they were situated within the confines of the Jade Nest.
"So, you have summoned me..." the masked figure intoned, their voice laced with sarcasm. It was evident that a history of animosity existed between them.
The green-haired man clenched his jaw, his voice strained as he declared, "The plan has been altered. Your revised objective is to secure the Jade Queen and to eliminate solely the Renegade Hunter." He paused briefly before adding, "I shall grant you the compensation you previously stipulated. Ensure the task is executed successfully."
"Naturally," the masked figure replied.