The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1513: If Arrogance Were a Person
Previously on The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse...
Klaus was aware that trouble would find him upon arriving at the academy, so he came well-prepared.
He understood that as the premier academy in the Human Universe, he was stepping into a breeding ground for the most exceptional warriors of the younger generation.
Despite his undisputed standing, he had no intention of underestimating anyone.
However, who else could Klaus be but the most conceited and irritating individual the universe had ever witnessed?
Gazing up at the three demigods, a part of him immediately appraised their might, recognizing they were significantly more powerful than the demigods he had previously encountered in the Jade Nest.
Yet, this realization changed nothing, especially since he had already bested them countless times in his mind.
’A little display to announce my grand entrance wouldn’t harm anyone,’ a smile played on his lips internally.
If only Klaus knew that the Heads of the Three Colleges and some of the most elite students were observing this confrontation from within the academy, he might have escalated his planned show of force against these three demigods.
Whatever transpired that day would be observed by all, both inside and beyond the academy’s confines. After all, this dramatic showdown was being broadcast live on both Uniweb and within the Dark Space.
"After being thoroughly defeated by the Paragon, I never imagined you’d have the audacity to show your face here again, Renegade Hunter."
"Indeed, I initially heard you boasting that the academy was beneath you, proclaiming your status as a Zorvian heir. However, after your family disowned you and the Paragon humbled you, you’ve finally found a place to seek refuge."
"What an arrogant scoundrel. I wonder if you truly believe you stand above everyone present here."
From the outset, the three demigods were determined to set Klaus against the entire academy. Their strategy was that if he faltered, he would make an enemy of every student and staff member.
But they overlooked one crucial detail.
Klaus was a person utterly unconcerned with the feelings of others. His ego was far too immense to regard these mere insects as significant. By creating an opportunity for him, they had inadvertently granted him the moral justification to boast shamelessly.
He turned towards Eiko, a smile gracing his lips. ’Allow me to deal with these pests first, and then we can resume our conversation.’
Eiko gave a nod, though Klaus perceived the slight tremor in her demeanor, clearly unsettled by the abrupt arrival of the three demigods and the surrounding students.
Lifting himself off the ground, Klaus ascended into the air, locking eyes with the three demigods.
’What is it, do you seek a confrontation?’ one of them inquired, extending a finger towards Klaus and releasing a fraction of his demigod aura.
Klaus responded with a smirk. ’I do not fight merely to ascertain superiority; my purpose in combat is to bring about death. Therefore, if you harbor a death wish, arrange a formal deathmatch, and I will gladly escort you to the afterlife.
That being said, today marks my inaugural day here. Let us endeavor to avoid spilling each other’s blood. Although, I highly doubt my own blood would be shed, not unless I spill yours first.’
The first demigod’s countenance contorted with rage. ’Are you mocking me?’
’Is that not plainly evident? I have only just arrived, and yet here you stand, obstructing my path, ostensibly because some incompetent fool, too proud to face me directly, dispatched you to gauge my capabilities.’
Klaus formed a thumbs-up gesture and pointed it downwards. ’A pity, you imbeciles. From my vantage point, I perceive myself as superior to every single one of you. Should you doubt this assertion, I invite you to challenge me to a deathmatch.’
Klaus paused, as if a sudden thought had occurred to him, a grin spreading across his face, a glint of malevolence igniting in his eyes. ’Oh, and if you truly wish to test my prowess, we can arrange a deathmatch where I face all three of you simultaneously.’
Upon hearing the term “deathmatch” mentioned twice in rapid succession, a collective shiver coursed through the assembled crowd.
’Is this young man mentally sound? Why does he exclusively desire deathmatches?’
’Indeed. The Dark Space exists precisely for such challenges. Why would one opt for a deathmatch instead?’
’Could he be a clandestine demon prince sent to eliminate the prodigies of the Human Universe?’
’That’s…‘
Numerous individuals began voicing their speculations, both in person and across the online platforms.
Klaus, privy to their whispered words, simply smiled and proceeded with his intended pronouncement.
’Firstly, my objective here is to enhance my Engineering Skills. Therefore, you unfortunate souls can rest assured that I had no intention of vying for any rankings. However, should you wish for an untimely demise, a deathmatch awaits your challenge.’
’Secondly, if you intend to confront me, at least possess the decency to appear in person or dispatch more formidable adversaries. At this rate, you underlings are making me appear as though I were preying on the weak.’
Klaus raised his hand and gestured downwards.
’Heavens Engine.’
*BUZZ*
*BOOM*
The three demigods were slammed to the ground, their knees and arms gouging into the earth. All three layers of the Heavens Engine activated simultaneously, forcing them into a kneeling position.
’I have only experienced 24 years of life, yet at every juncture, I encounter pathetic individuals like yourselves who delude themselves into believing their superiority simply because their fathers declared it so.
A news flash for you: your fathers deceived you. In my estimation, you all fall woefully short.’
A green Immortal Ring, a gift from one of his Beast companions, materialized before Klaus. With a powerful clench of his fist, he shattered it, channeling the released essence into the Heavens Engine.
This sudden influx of power caused the three demigods to collapse onto their bellies, their bones audibly cracking and sending shivers down the spines of all observers. The sight was horrifying.
"In the grand tapestry of the universe, there exist individuals like you, and then there are those like me, born to stand above you all. So, the next time you feel the urge to look down on me, first consider: could a loser like Supreme Elder Juo possibly look down upon the Burning Angel?"
Klaus tossed his white hair back, a smirk gracing his lips. "Even Big Brother Burning Angel himself looks up to me—"
"Ouch—"
Klaus winced, touching his cheek where a thin, crimson line had appeared. His gaze shifted to the left, a knowing smirk playing on his lips as he turned away.
Somewhere within the ethereal void, the Burning Angel and Lord Victor shared knowing smirks before their forms dissolved and vanished.
It seemed their intention was to ensure Klaus's safety until his arrival at the academy before proceeding with their own undisclosed destination with Lord Victor.
Meanwhile, across the sprawling academy grounds, every student remained frozen in a state of shock. Some trembled uncontrollably, their eyes wide as they witnessed the three demigods lying prostrate on the ground.
The immense pressure emanating from the Heavens Engine forced many to instinctively retreat a few steps, overwhelmed by its sheer might.
Klaus descended gracefully, his flight halted just a meter above the fallen demigods. The formidable pressure radiating from the Heavens Engine had absolutely no effect on him.
"Recall this: I did not come to this academy to salvage my reputation. My purpose is to elevate individuals like yourselves. I concede that the Paragon managed to knock me from my pedestal, but until our paths cross again, the true extent of our respective strengths remains uncertain.
That being said, none of you possess the qualifications to challenge me. So, find your designated corners and cower there like the insignificant beings you are. Should you defy this decree, I will eagerly accept your challenge to a deathmatch."
As if to amplify the prevailing dread, Bloodwork materialized, instantly bathing the surroundings in a potent, crimson aura that caused many to turn ashen-faced.
Klaus turned, casting a glance at his unruly scythe, and declared with a smirk, "No killing today, Bloodwork."
"Oh, what a pity," Bloodwork grumbled, clearly unsatisfied, before vanishing back into Klaus’s soul sea. Only after his departure did the color slowly return to the faces of the stunned onlookers.
"It would be prudent to release these three before they tragically perish," a voice resonated from the void, accompanied by a cascade of pink lotuses, eliciting sighs of relief from the crowd as the fear in their eyes subsided.
The void itself seemed to fracture, and from it emerged a lady with vibrant pink hair, adorned in a flowing white gown and an elegant headpiece. A gentle smile graced her features as she stepped out, each footfall landing upon a blooming pink lotus flower.