Previously on The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse...
The Burning Angel unexpectedly arrives, bypassing all security measures. Klaus, using a combined array of eye techniques, is the only one who senses his presence. The Burning Angel and Klaus engage in banter, revealing their close relationship and Klaus's exceptional talent, which surprises the Jade Queen and her elders. The Burning Angel reveals he was asked by Victor to check on Klaus's safety and decides to take Victor with him. Before leaving, Klaus imparts crucial knowledge to Victor.
Later, a maid, already a True God, guided Klaus, Rory, Omen, Slate, and Echo into a vast mansion. "Feel free to choose any room you desire," the maid said, offering a slight bow. Klaus replied, "Thank you, senior," before entering. The woman, addressed as 'senior,' remained momentarily still, then composed herself. It was apparent she hadn't been addressed with such respect before, even as a True God. After a few more seconds, she departed, a smile playing on her lips. She anticipated the bragging rights among the other maids when she shared how the Renegade Hunter had addressed her. Word had already circulated that the Renegade Hunter had been taken by Lord Emerald, informing everyone of his presence on the Blue Jade Planet. Yet, despite this knowledge, none dared approach, valuing their lives. The recent events within the Jade Nest had left everyone on edge. The Paragon's revelation had prompted many to question the universe's safety, though they knew the answer. Furthermore, many were eager to hear the Renegade Hunter's perspective. It was evident the Paragon had taken an interest in him, and his stance was a subject of great curiosity. The Paragon's admission of feeling a degree of fear towards Klaus was a clear indication that the Renegade Hunter was not as simple as initially perceived. The Heavens Court, seeking to restore their reputation, intended to utilize Klaus. Their reasoning was that if Klaus were nurtured into a prominent figure, even if the Paragon ascended to Celestial rank one day, there would be someone capable of matching his power. Consequently, everyone now desired a conversation with Klaus to gauge his thoughts. For the moment, however, they would have to wait, as he had no intention of emerging soon. Upon entering, Klaus and Rory selected their rooms, as did Slate and the others. Before they retired to their respective quarters, Klaus imparted the same technique he had given Lord Victor to his companions. Having all reached the Peak of the Immortal Lord stage, their next goal was to ascend to Demigods. They voiced their gratitude. As they prepared to leave, Echo posed a question that brought a grin to Klaus's face: "Tell me, Renegade Hunter, do you believe you could kill the Paragon?" Klaus turned and asked, "Do you desire me to kill him?" "To be perfectly honest, I do not," Echo replied. "Oh? And why is that?" Klaus inquired. "Because I suspect the Paragon is not the embodiment of evil we were led to believe. From what I've gathered, he was depicted as the most heinous Demon King, accused of countless innocent killings and even the destruction of numerous planets. However, when he appeared in the Nest, possessing the universe's complete power to annihilate everyone and erase his transgressions, he did nothing of the sort. Aside from decisively ending the conflict, inadvertently saving many lives, he departed without harming a single person. This is hardly the behavior of an Evil Demon King. Therefore, in my estimation, we may have misjudged him. Perhaps he isn't a figure to be feared, but rather someone we should support in eradicating the demons and the foreign race from this universe." A faint smile touched Klaus's lips. "Firstly, never utter such sentiments to anyone but me, lest you be branded a traitor and face a merciless end. However, your assessment holds a kernel of truth. He had ample reason to eliminate us, yet he refrained. This demonstrates he is not an irrepressible threat. Nevertheless, your opinion and mine hold little weight when the Heavens Court dictates otherwise. Thus, our course of action is to fulfill our roles while allowing them to fulfill theirs." Klaus placed a hand on her shoulder. "I would welcome the opportunity to cross swords with him someday. As for whether I would wish to kill him, that remains uncertain. Naturally, should he threaten my life, I would have no compunction in ending him." Slate interjected, "So, you are capable of killing him?" "That remains to be seen. But if we were to face each other now, I am confident I could defeat him in under ten moves." Meanwhile, aboard an SSS-Class spaceship, a dark-haired individual coughed lightly, a smile gracing his features. This was Klaus's Paragon Incarnation, currently en route to the Beast Universe. Seated nearby, Maud cradled a golden-haired infant. The Jade Ant Queen, in her baby form, was even more endearing than her adult state. It was evident that her reincarnation was far from ordinary. Klaus glanced at Maud with a smile. "You would be an excellent mother, Maud." "Perhaps. However, I have no intention of having children at this juncture, especially with my role as your Death Heart being of paramount importance. Furthermore, I have a strong feeling that any offspring we might have would pose a menace to society. Therefore, for the sake of the future, it is best we refrain from having any."
A smile blossomed on her face as she gently poked the Jade Ant Queen's plump cheeks.
Klaus offered a slight smirk, remaining silent. Yet, inwardly, he found himself agreeing with Maud. Considering the creature was the very embodiment of death, her offspring were bound to inherit her lineage, which Klaus perceived as being steeped in the Dao of Death.
The prospect of gestating life from the very essence of death seemed like the most malevolent possibility for the universe.
'Nevertheless, we shall discuss this further at a later time,' he mused, acknowledging that the day would eventually come when he too would establish his own family. Given the contingent of women already within his sphere, the potential for producing a multitude of heroes and villains was immeasurable.
"Are we bringing her along?" Maud inquired, displaying a hint of hesitation about parting with the adorable infant. The very next instant, however, a figure materialized within the confines of the spaceship.
"Asha," Maud uttered, a sigh escaping her lips.
"Hello, Maud. How have you been?" Asha responded, nestling comfortably into Klaus's embrace.
"So, you're here for her, aren't you?"
Asha offered a modest smile and nodded, "You are welcome to visit and interact with her whenever you find yourself with spare time."
Maud accepted this assurance, though the separation from the Jade Ant Queen still brought a pang of sadness. Ultimately, she had no alternative but to relinquish the baby to Asha, who had already received Klaus's instructions regarding the matter.
"Given your nature as a Queen, she will undoubtedly mature far more rapidly than most," Maud commented, but Asha simply smiled and gently shook her head.
"I intend to allow her a natural upbringing for the initial eighteen years of her life. Upon reaching adulthood, she will be free to choose her own destiny."
Maud's expression softened into a smile upon hearing this, and she gave a nod of approval.
With this understanding in place, she would have ample opportunity to dote on the child during their subsequent encounters. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Asha departed with the Jade Ant Queen. Despite her infantile state, the baby possessed a dormant cultivation base at the zenith of the Universal God stage.
