The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1497: Jade Ant Queen’s Rebirth (10)

The long-awaited cracking sound finally echoed, drawing everyone's attention as they turned and began moving towards the egg. The ongoing battles were nearing their conclusion. Lady Beyhos and Kaz had joined forces with the other two beast gods, subduing the remaining mercenary gods. This allowed Icon to swiftly dispatch them and extract their souls, which Klaus intended to transform into weapon spirits. Regarding the demigods, he permitted their demise, ensuring Asmodeus would convert them into undead servants. Asmodeus was particularly fortunate, acquiring a god's body thanks to Crux and another demigod who managed to defeat a Real stage God. With the mercenary gods eliminated, the immortals and the remaining demigods quickly followed suit. With Asmodeus occupied, Klaus instructed the four beast gods to maintain extreme vigilance, preventing any gods from ambushing him. Even a surprise attack from five Immortal Lords would pose a significant threat. The upcoming engagement promised to be brief but critical, ultimately deciding the rightful owner of the Jade Ant Queen. The very instant the crack resounded, Icon sprung into action. [Entering Combat Mode] Klaus felt a surge of power as Icon activated her combat mode. Now, unless he found himself surrounded by ten Immortal Lords, several demigods, or a god, he felt he could move with the freedom of a fish, finally showcasing his true strength to all. CRACK Another sharp cracking sound permeated the air, audible to everyone. In the sky above, fifteen individuals materialized: five gods and ten demigods. Three seconds later, Icon whispered into Klaus's ear: [Master, ten of them belong to the Scarecrow Mercenary Organization, while the other five are rogue warriors contracted by the Heavens Court. Their mission is to secure the Jade Ant Queen, even if the mercenaries fail. I am certain they anticipated the Qilin Mercenary Team and the assassins' failure, hence their decision to hire reinforcements.] "Well, I suppose I should have foreseen this. However, which group forms a cohesive unit, and who poses the greatest danger among them?" [The three gods concealed behind black masks, along with seven demigods bearing black belts, operate as a unit. The most formidable is the true god distinguished by a white eye mark on his mask. He specializes in soul cultivation and is a highly skilled shaman.] Klaus offered an internal smile before tapping into his link with Asmodeus. "Asmodeus, my friend, how confident are you in handling a true god whose powers are intertwined with souls? He's quite the shaman." Asmodeus, positioned two kilometers from the egg, grinned and responded: "It hinges on your definition of 'handling,' Master. I possess the ability to eliminate him within ten minutes, but doing so would preclude me from assisting with the other gods." "That arrangement is acceptable. I shall manage the remainder." "In that case, leave him to me. However, Master, you should be aware that two demigods are discreetly positioned, focusing their attention on you. It would be prudent for you to prepare for them." "I am aware of that, Asmodeus. I detected them some time ago, so a surprise attack from them is impossible." "Then, I wish you good fortune, Master. I have a feeling you will certainly need it." Klaus smirked. "I remain unconcerned then. After all, you are the great Asmodeus, the one devoid of emotions." Turning his gaze away from the egg, Klaus fixed his eyes on the true god with the white eye mark on his mask. He first dispatched a command to Icon. "Icon, initiate Plans B, C, and H." [Plans initiated. Master may enter Tyrant Mode at any moment.] Acknowledging his assistant's confirmation, Klaus smiled and leaned casually on his scythe, Bloodwork. The masked god sensed Klaus's scrutiny and turned his head, looking directly at him. "What brings that smile to your face, brat?" The other gods and demigods simultaneously shifted their attention towards Klaus, each pondering the reason behind his smug expression. Some felt irritation, while others were piqued, astonished that a mere true immortal would dare display such arrogance before demigods and gods alike. Klaus obliged them with a smile and then spoke: "A wise individual once penned, 'The arrogance of a warrior lies in believing they command everything, when in reality, they are merely caught within the intricate web spun by the true warrior.'" The majority of the demigods and gods, those with visible faces, knitted their brows in confusion, some clenching their fists. Klaus's words resonated with them, making them feel both insulted and conspired against. "And what grants you the audacity to claim the title of a true warrior?" A grin spread across Klaus's face as he delivered his reply: "Because I have meticulously calculated 205,800 potential outcomes for this battle. A staggering 205,799 of those scenarios conclude with my gruesome demise. Yet, one singular outcome results in me dispatching you, you, you, and those two fools who are hiding, under the delusion that they have everything under control..." Klaus gestured towards three demigods and then turned his gaze to his left, directing his attention toward the demigod accompanied by a whip and wolf, who were lying in wait. Every single demigod and god present instinctively turned in the direction Klaus indicated. And there they were, two demigods concealed from everyone's view.

A collective gasp filled the air at this revelation. Had Klaus not uncovered their presence, they would have remained oblivious to the two formidable warriors lurking in the shadows, poised to strike.

[Master, these two were hired by Supreme Elder Juo.]

As if sensing they had been discovered, the two figures abruptly teleported, materializing in the sky. Their gazes sharply fixed on Klaus.

Klaus offered a smile and declared:

"I presume Supreme Elder Juo couldn't stomach his defeat, so he dispatched you two to meet your demise in his stead." Klaus chuckled, then casually slung his scythe over his shoulder, an aura of an absolute warrior radiating from him.

"It's perfectly understandable that he would send you two. My only concern is your collective naivety, believing you stand any chance of claiming the Jade Ant Queen."

With those words, Klaus ascended into the air. From his being, one Immortal Ring after another began to manifest, encircling him and forming a magnificent diagram.

*One*

*Two*

*Three*

"_"

"_"

"_"

*Ten*

The proliferation of his Immortal Rings left the warriors gathered around and those observing from a distance utterly astonished. Ten Immortal Rings coalescing around a true immortal was an unprecedented phenomenon.

However, the spectacle was far from over.

Just as the tenth Immortal Ring materialized, the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth appeared, a testament to his wives' power. All three of these rings shimmered with a crimson hue.

The eleventh originated from Queenie (Asura Queen), the twelfth from Tifa (Vampire Queen), and the thirteenth from Lily (Red Fury).

From their vantage point on Planet Caelmir, three of his wives shared knowing smiles, murmuring in unison, "It appears some individuals are about to witness his true might."

They were already privy to his entry into the Jade Nest, so the sensation of their Immortal Rings being drawn to him caused no alarm.

He had informed them that whenever they felt their Immortal Rings being claimed, it signaled his intent to unleash his full power.

Klaus grinned, bestowing a knowing wink upon Rory, who now stood beside a spectral demigod.

*CRACK*

*CRYING*

A third crack echoed, followed by the plaintive cries of an infant. A protective golden dome enveloped the newborn, though it was evident this shield would soon falter. Once it dissipated, the swiftest and most powerful would claim the Jade Ant Queen.

Klaus smiled, uttering the words he had anticipated delivering from the outset.

"Well then, it is high time you all experienced the genuine power of the Immortal Rings." As he spoke, the atmosphere crackled with tension. From within the egg emerged a baby, adorned with golden hair and a charming jade crown upon her head.

"Primordial Immortal Ring Art,"