The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1499: Jade Ant Queen’s Rebirth (12)

A thunderous explosion sounded. Because Klaus was momentarily hindered by a demigod employing gravity manipulation, placing him slightly behind the other five demigods, they bore the brunt of the cauldron's impact. Nevertheless, all six were violently thrown backward, blood streaming from their mouths, noses, and eyes. One demigod, emerging from the true god's shadow, had every bone in his body pulverized, having been the closest to seizing the Jade Ant Queen. Klaus's gaze snapped forward, locking onto a black cauldron adorned with golden runes – an object of both elegance and profound danger. Even a cursory glance confirmed its extraordinary nature. He knew this firsthand, of course. What truly astonished him, however, was the individual accompanying the cauldron. Perched on its rim sat a child, no older than twelve, with short black hair and two dragon horns adorning his forehead. In his grasp was a jumbo vanilla shake, generously topped with whipped cream and a black paper straw. After taking a substantial sip, he turned to face Klaus and the assembled crowd, who were now fixated on him. Perhaps by divine orchestration, the true god Asmodeus commanded his undead legion to attack, only to be sent crashing face-first into the earth, gouging out a massive crater. "Ouch, that looks like it'll hurt," the child chirped, a disingenuous smile playing on his lips. Witnessing his smile, no one dared make a move. The cauldron itself radiated a power that caused even the veteran gods to hesitate. Even Klaus felt a prickle of apprehension towards the formidable artifact. "Kid, who are you and what do you want?" a demigod inquired, his brow furrowed in confusion. The Jade Ant Queen was within reach. Yet, just as everyone made their move, this child and his cauldron materialized, obstructing their advance towards the infant. Hearing the demigod's question, the child shifted the vanilla shake to his other hand and gestured vaguely upward. "Oh, I'm simply clearing the path for my elder brother." The instant he spoke, a resounding crack echoed from the heavens, compelling everyone to crane their necks skyward. There, suspended in mid-air, a black portal crackling with deathly qi tore open, turning the immortals' faces ashen. Some demigods felt their legs tremble uncontrollably. From the abyssal rift emerged a dark-haired man, an unconscious lady cradled in his arms. Both were masked, yet their graceful bearing hinted at remarkable beauty. An aura of commanding authority enveloped them as they descended with measured slowness. Despite their apparent cultivation level as mere True Immortals at their peak, an undeniable sense of peril emanated from both. It was a danger that defied logical explanation, yet its presence was palpable. To the stunned amazement of all onlookers, the newly arrived pair halted beside the Jade Ant Queen. The woman reached out, and the infant queen instinctively opened her arms, as if anticipating their arrival. Several individuals attempted to advance, but the cauldron unleashed an unknown energy, freezing them in their tracks. The gods, including those aligned with Klaus, were already injured, diminishing their confidence in any potential confrontation. The only one capable of significant action, Asmodeus, merely observed, a curious smile gracing his features. After the lady secured the Jade Ant Queen, the masked man turned his attention to the gathered crowd, his gaze finally settling on Klaus. Even through the mask, it was evident he was smirking. "Renegade Hunter, we finally meet." His voice was unnervingly calm, too calm for comfort. Klaus, who had been wiping blood from his nose, a consequence of the cauldron's earlier blast, narrowed his eyes at the masked figure. "Who are you?" "A rather direct person, I see." A chuckle escaped him. "No need for hostility, Renegade Hunter. You and I are destined to be rivals for millennia to come, perhaps eons if you don't meet an untimely end." He let out a laugh, echoed by the child perched on the cauldron. "Your destiny is to be nurtured by the righteous faction, with the hope that you might one day put an end to my reign. However, while I dislike looking down on people, I find myself compelled to do so with you, Renegade Hunter. Do you know why..." "Can't say I have any idea," Klaus replied, his expression placid, though the grip on his scythe tightened perceptibly. "It's quite simple, really. You are the lapdog of the righteous faction, therefore I am entitled to look down upon you. Anything associated with them reeks of mediocrity, a quality I deeply detest." The expressions on the faces of those present began to shift. Sensing this, the masked man pressed on, "Even now, I can count over a dozen individuals dispatched by the very same people you seek to empower and defend, sent here to eliminate you."

That wolf and the fallen demigod you encountered were both dispatched by Elder Juo. These hired killers and mercenaries were sent by the Heavens Court with the objective of eliminating not only you but everyone present, all to keep their sordid affairs hidden.

You see, the very individuals you've sworn to protect wish for your demise because they perceive your power as a threat. Frankly, their fear is justified. Even I, at this moment, feel a touch of apprehension concerning you.

Eliminating demigods while still in the True Immortal stage positions you among the ten most formidable beings in the Human Universe. Yet, the source of my contempt stems from the certainty that, armed with this knowledge, you will tomorrow scurry back to them like a whimpering cur.

An Immortal Lord, meticulously documenting this exchange, focused their lens on Klaus’s face, capturing the visible furrow of his brow.

It was evident that the masked individual’s words had struck a chord.

However, before Klaus could utter a word, the masked figure preempted him, adding with a playful lilt to their voice:

"Your exceptional talent is being squandered, if you ask me. From my vantage point, this is likely the sole occasion you'll have for a casual discourse with me, as our next encounter will inevitably involve me attempting to end your life.

With that said, I must express my gratitude to you and everyone assembled for simplifying my task. My original plan involved arriving earlier to personally deal with these nuisances, but upon learning that the renowned Renegade Hunter had infiltrated the Jade Nest, I understood my concerns were unfounded.

Numerous parties desired your death, and thus, I calculated with 98% certainty that events would unfold precisely as they did. As anticipated, you all engaged in combat, and in the culmination, I secured my prize."

Their tone became even more laced with amusement. "Do not despair, Mr. Renegade; all is not lost, as you managed to preserve your life... at least for the present moment."

Executing a theatrical bow, the figure offered a wink in Rory’s direction. "Savor your remaining time with your man, young lady, for I shall soon claim his life."

With a snap of their fingers, an immense pressure descended upon the assembled individuals, compelling everyone to collapse onto their knees.

Asmodeus let out a booming laugh and vanished, reappearing at the side of the masked figure.

In that instant, everything became clear, and Rory voiced the question that had been forming...

"You-You are the Paragon,"

The figure turned slightly, tossing their hair with a flourish. "A pleasure meeting you all. Until next time."

And with that, the Paragon appeared, seized the Jade Ant Queen, and departed, leaving all present in a state of bewildered shock—Klaus included.