The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1509: Meeting Supreme Queen Mirabel

~5 minute read · 1,178 words
Previously on The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse...
One month after returning from the Jade Nest, Rory and Klaus solidify their bond through the Paragon Mark, granting Rory immense power boosts and unlocking new potential. Meanwhile, Klaus returns to the Dark Space to find numerous messages, including a request from Lord Flux for a rare treasure and instructions from Lady Ryuu to appease disgruntled officials.

Amidst a deluge of interview requests and inquiries about joining expeditions to newly discovered ruins, the remaining messages sought Klaus's participation. Icon relayed that her master was away on an expedition when these messages were sent. While some sent back their understanding, others simply ignored the reply. Ultimately, Klaus resolved to visit Supreme Queen Mirabel of the Universe Bank. Having already obtained a Dark Key, activating it allowed him to teleport directly to her domain. After a temporary farewell to his Paragon Star Guards, he activated the key, vanishing instantly from the desolate mansion.

He materialized onto a bustling thoroughfare within the Dark Space. With swift reflexes, he moved his body out of the street's path and surveyed the cityscape. Towering structures, aerial vehicles, countless warriors, and myriad other sights filled the panorama. "Icon, where am I?" Klaus inquired. His expectation was to arrive directly within Supreme Queen Mirabel’s personal realm, as had occurred with Supreme Elder Ryuu. The deviation from this expectation suggested the key might not have originated from Supreme Queen Mirabel herself. Perhaps it was crafted by Lord Flux to facilitate Klaus's rendezvous with her. "Master is currently within a virtual replica of Planet Nka," Icon explained. "This is one of the most prosperous planets in the Milky Way Galaxy and hosts the Universe Bank's main branch headquarters. Master is located 20 kilometers from the headquarters. I shall lead the way." Klaus acknowledged with a nod and began to follow Icon. He understood that appearing in person was the most appropriate course of action if he intended to make amends. A telephone call, while possible, would have been exceedingly impolite.

After a ten-minute walk, Klaus reached a colossal structure constructed entirely of glass. It stood as the tallest edifice he had ever encountered, an undeniable emblem of the planet's governance originating from this very building. As he approached the entrance, an automated guard slid the door open, greeting him with a synthesized voice. Klaus offered a nod and proceeded inside. "Welcome to the Universe Bank. How may we assist you today?" Immediatel y upon entering, a slender woman in a sharp suit approached him, her professional smile wide and welcoming. The reception echoed his experience when opening his account at the Universe Bank.

He reciprocated her smile and replied, "Greetings, I am here to meet Supreme Queen Mirabel. You may announce that Klaus Hanson is here, or if you prefer, inform her that the Renegade Hunter wishes to see her." Predictably, upon hearing his hunter moniker, the lady froze, her eyes widening in surprise. "P-Please, follow me." She hastily guided Klaus towards an elevator. As they moved, many individuals on the bank's main floor speculated about Klaus's identity. Unbeknownst to them, Klaus had subtly altered his appearance before arriving, making recognition a difficult feat. Shortly thereafter, Klaus entered the elevator, and before long, they ascended to the uppermost floor. Exiting the elevator, Klaus was ushered into a lounge area and presented with a glass of wine. "Kindly wait here while I notify my Queen of your arrival." The Universe Bank operates with various hierarchical levels. Those overseeing individual galaxies are designated as Kings or Queens, whereas the leaders of entire universal sectors, such as the Human Universe or the Beast Universe, are known as Emperors or Empresses. These are not hereditary royal titles, but their positions command a reverence akin to royalty.

As Klaus settled in, he took in the surroundings, absorbing the ambiance. A minute later, the attendant returned. "My Queen is prepared to receive you. Please follow me." Klaus nodded, placed his drink down, and followed her. Moments later, the attendant opened a door, gesturing for Klaus to proceed. "Please enter; my Queen awaits you." Klaus expressed his gratitude and stepped inside. Upon crossing the threshold, he found himself not in an office, but a serene garden. Supreme Queen Mirabel, seated beneath a tree, smiled and met Klaus's gaze. "Renegade Hunter, I have anticipated your arrival." Klaus offered a slight smile and nodded. "My apologies for the delay, Supreme Queen Mirabel. I was occupied with certain assignments." Klaus advanced, and upon reaching a suitable proximity, Supreme Queen Mirabel motioned for him to be seated. "Now that you are here, I believe we can engage in a productive conversation and perhaps solidify certain matters we did not have the opportunity to address during our last encounter."

During their previous meeting, Supreme Elder Juo had accused him of being the Paragon, which compelled Klaus to utilize the Zorvian Ancient family name to establish his credentials. This incident had incited his anger towards all the assembled Supremes, leading him to depart abruptly, leaving them in suspense. His initial intention was to avoid any further encounters, but upon reflection and after calming down, he realized that alienating such influential figures would be detrimental. While the Heavens Court might proclaim their supreme power, the Universe Bank represented a formidable entity that he could not afford to antagonize.

Reaching the apex one day might allow him to look down upon them with ease.

"First, I must offer my apologies for our previous encounter. My conduct was uncivil, and for that, I am truly sorry. Supreme Queen Mirabel, I humbly seek your forgiveness." Klaus’s apology was laden with sincerity.

Supreme Queen Mirabel offered a gentle smile.

"There is no need for apologies, Renegade Hunter. I understand the predicament you were in. Considering how we treated you, your reaction was entirely justifiable. I too must apologize for siding with Elder Juo. I should have been more open-minded."

"You bear no fault, Supreme Queen Mirabel. Now that I am here, perhaps we can discuss the offer you mentioned."

Supreme Queen Mirabel gave a slight nod.

"Regarding the Warrior Temple, you no longer have any ties with them, correct?"

"That is correct. My only remaining connections are with Lord Flux, Supreme Elder Ryuu, and the Burning Angel. Beyond them, I have severed all ties with the Warrior Temple."

"Excellent," Supreme Queen Mirabel beamed. "And what of the Dark Space Company? They designated you as their warrior candidate."

"Ah, that. It was a gesture of goodwill towards the Burning Angel. While I may occasionally need to represent them, my personal endeavors are not their concern. As a hunter, I have precedence in selecting missions from the mission hall. Should they have a mission for me, my existing commitments with the mission hall take priority, and they will not interfere. You could say I was fortunate to be named their Warrior Candidate."

"Even better," the smile on Supreme Queen Mirabel’s face widened, enhancing her already captivating beauty. Her sapphire-blue hair cascaded down her back, framing striking jade-blue eyes that perfectly captured her essence. Among the Supremes Klaus had encountered, she ranked among the top ten in terms of sheer beauty. Her exquisite features were further accentuated by her futuristic cloak-like attire.

"Since you are largely unburdened by obligations, would you consider becoming an Exclusive Hunter for the Universe Bank?"