The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1502: The Expose (1)
Previously on The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse...
Word of the events within the Jade Nest spread like wildfire, with videos quickly going viral. Although the Heavens Court attempted to stem the tide, the proliferation of footage compelled them to take decisive action. In this universe, the Heavens Court presumes absolute dominion, and when their reputation was tarnished, they wielded their influence to silence those involved. Numerous media outlets were abruptly shuttered, and some were barred from broadcasting altogether. Within an hour, millions of media houses lost their licenses and ceased operations. However, this was merely the prelude to more drastic measures. Recognizing the sensitive nature of the information circulating, the Heavens Court began to control the narrative. The appearance of the Paragon, his attack, and his subsequent theft of the Jade Ant Queen from the Renegade Hunter and others had become widely known. Consequently, the focus shifted, and the Paragon was increasingly blamed for the incidents. A broadcast on a major media platform proclaimed the Paragon as the orchestrator of an attack that occurred a million years prior. More disturbingly, the report detailed the Paragon's visit to the Jade Nest with the intent of recruitment, a venture that allegedly ended in his defeat and near obliteration. This narrative, aware of that particular encounter, was meticulously engineered. In a single post, they successfully reversed public opinion, rallying support to their cause and maintaining a semblance of order for the past hour. This fragile peace was shattered, however, when every screen simultaneously began displaying a live broadcast, initiated by none other than the Paragon himself.
Klaus and his companions were en route to the Jade Planet when the live broadcast commenced. Internally, he grinned, as did Rory and Lord Victor. Despite their astonishment at Klaus's actions and intentions, knowing he was the Paragon made the moment feel profoundly blissful.
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[The Exposé]
A masked figure, shrouded in a hood and with dark hair, materialized on every screen, instantly capturing the world's attention. "Greetings, everyone. Today, I will unveil a dark secret that the Heavens Court has strived relentlessly to conceal from you all," he declared.
His opening words alone were enough to captivate the audience. The Paragon's initial revelation had already sparked extensive thought, and now, people were eager to hear his latest revelations. "Before I proceed, I wish to offer an apology to someone. Renegade Hunter, if you are viewing this, which I am certain you are, likely seething over the prize I snatched from you, I offer my apologies."
"In my defense, you simply lacked the strength to oppose me. Thus, when I arrived, you were compelled to stand aside and observe. Naturally, as I mentioned, I harbored some apprehension towards you, prompting me to wait until your exhaustion and the reveal of your trump cards. I must acknowledge your prowess as an impressive warrior, perhaps the finest I have encountered thus far. Perhaps next time, I might even end your life. Nevertheless, I apologize for utilizing you. Should you survive our first official confrontation, I shall repay this favor someday. With that said, I am about to expose your leaders, so pay close attention and glean knowledge that might one day preserve your life."
Klaus gritted his teeth and clenched his fist, a deliberate act to feign anger. Lord Emerald and the others observed his reaction, interpreting it as genuine fury, while inwardly, he was beaming. "Firstly, I must state that I was not, and I quote, I was not the individual responsible for the attack that claimed the lives of the human warriors who entered the Jade Nest. I had no motive for such an action. However, since the Heavens Court posits my culpability, why don't we allow the evidence to present the facts?"
Several documents materialized on the screen, seizing everyone's attention. Upon closer inspection, they appeared to be bank statements. "Displayed now are payments made to mercenaries and assassins, targeting the Renegade Hunter, the 7th Jade Princess, and indeed, every other human who ventured into the Jade Nest, among others. For those unable to connect the dots, allow me to illuminate. In the initial document, a payment was issued by a fictitious entity known as Yellow Palm Carrier Limited to the Qilin Mercenary Legion – the very legion annihilated within the Jade Nest. While this business is indeed a sham, it was ostensibly registered by an individual named Dominic Jake. This Jake, coincidentally, serves as the butler to a gentleman named Benson. Now, here's where the pieces fall into place. You see, Benson frequents a casino called Blue Balls Bankers for poker games during the first month of each year. Benson is quite unfortunate at cards, invariably squandering his funds. Three centuries ago, Benson exceeded his credit limit and was subsequently expelled."
Instead of making a sensible exit, he made the foolish choice of approaching a loan shark notorious throughout the Blood Sky Star System, known by the moniker Shark Teeth, for a loan.
Considering Shark Teeth's terrifying reputation, one can only imagine the dire consequences for anyone indebted to such a fearsome figure and unable to repay.
This precisely befell Benson. After losing the loan in a game of poker, he found himself utterly incapable of settling his debt. Realizing his predicament, Benson desperately sought out Shark Teeth, pleading for his life.
Fortuitously, Shark Teeth was in an unusually generous mood that day, presenting Benson with two stark choices: either toil in a mine to clear his debt, or become a subordinate in his clandestine procurement operations.
And so, ladies and gentlemen, Benson stumbled upon the path to immense wealth.
His task was straightforward: he would employ various individuals to establish and manage fictitious businesses. These fronts would then be utilized to hire assassins and mercenaries for the execution of various missions.
Jake is under Benson's employ, and Benson, in turn, serves Shark Teeth. But a pertinent question arises: for whom does Shark Teeth ultimately work?
The Paragon paused, lifting his mask just enough to take a sip of water.
"I mean, we can both plainly see that Jade, Benson, and Shark Teeth are hardly power players. They lack the caliber to orchestrate such an elaborate scheme.
Therefore, it's only logical to conclude that all three are merely pawns. A mastermind, however, must be orchestrating events from the shadows, and his name is Star-Lord Robby.
Star-Lord Robby compensates Shark Teeth for handling his underhanded dealings. While he presents himself to the public as the most virtuous leader, he is, in reality, the most depraved. I possess damaging information about him that I intend to reveal shortly.
But let us move beyond him and investigate who might be manipulating dear old Robby's actions."
An image materialized, depicting a bald man with a flowing white beard. The instant everyone laid eyes upon it, gasps erupted, and some individuals visibly paled.
Many recognized him; within the Human Universe, his standing was comparable to that of many Supremes, despite his cultivation level as merely a God Monarch.
His influence was extensive, and the respect he commanded was equally profound. However, the bank statements starkly revealed a consistent flow of funds from him directly to one individual: Star-Lord Robby.