The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1527: Intense Standoff (1)

The initial segment of the 25th Heavens Army faced a banishment of 1,000,000 years, forbidden from returning to their kin until their sentence concluded or the Grim Judge granted pardon. Yet, observing the present scene, over 200,000 more had materialized. This time, however, the opposition boasted 96 Supremes and 2 Celestials, their formidable presence casting a grim shadow over Hunter and his assembled team. The Grim Judge had rendered his verdict, but could he possibly issue another, particularly against such a vast number of Supremes? The answer was a definitive no, a fact the Grim Judge himself understood. Despite this daunting reality, a peculiar calmness emanated from him, even as he fielded questioning glances. The tense standoff should have warranted panic, yet his composure remained unshaken.

Hunter, after dispatching Uncle Ziggy, extended an offer to escort Lady Elysia to his Puppet Workshop. She, however, declined, asserting her continued capability to engage in combat and potentially fell additional gods and demigods. A Celestial, distinguished by facial tattoos, advanced to the forefront of his contingent. Behind him arrayed a formidable force: another Celestial, 96 Supremes, more than 4,000 gods, and tens of thousands of demigods and Immortals. This was Celestial Commander Shat, the leader of the 25th Heaven’s Army. His gaze swept over Hunter’s group, a sneer contorting his features. "It appears you’ve reached a critical juncture, Mad Hunter," he taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "Twenty thousand years ago, you narrowly escaped due to the intervention of the now-deceased Queen of the Death Angel Race. That traitor dared defy the Heavens Court. Today, your escape, alive, is impossible."

Hunter moved forward, a smile gracing his blood-splattered face. "Oh, really? From my perspective, leaving here breathing should pose no issue. The pertinent question is, how many of your ranks will depart this place alive?" One could dismiss it as bravado, but in the art of aura manipulation, Klaus would have been a novice compared to his father. Hunter possessed an innate ability to diminish the gravity of perilous situations with mere words. However, today, he confronted an insurmountable obstacle. "Bold words for a mere demigod. Do you truly believe defeating a single Supreme renders you invincible?" Hunter tilted his head back, erupting in maniacal laughter. "No, no, I believe you misunderstand, old man. I'm not claiming invincibility. I am simply stating that today is not the day I meet my end. Or perhaps you imagine I would have willingly led us into this ambush had death been a certainty?"

Celestial Commander Shat's brow furrowed, a primal sense of danger stirring within him. He was not alone in this feeling; the secondary Celestial and the assembled Supremes perceived an underlying implication in Hunter's pronouncements. "Against absolute might, all stratagems prove futile, Mad Hunter. Now, permit me to claim your life and demonstrate to the Paragon that even those he cherishes are not beyond the reach of my fury." Hunter’s expression shifted, his brow knitting in a frown. "Your fury? I had assumed you were merely executing the directives of that foul-mouthed fool who styles himself the Celestial Supreme."

"YOU DARE!" A palpable, oppressive force descended from Celestial Commander Shat, aimed at crushing Hunter and his companions. His intention was to annihilate them swiftly, provoked by the audacious insult leveled against the most revered figure in his estimation. To the Heavenly Legion, the Celestial Supreme represented the pinnacle of veneration, held in the highest esteem. Consequently, Hunter's public affront ignited an explosive rage within Shat. Yet, a moment later, a disquieting observation struck him. Despite unleashing his full power to exert his pressure, Hunter and his team remained remarkably composed, as if facing a mere mortal. "How—" he began, but to his escalating horror, Hunter nonchalantly raised a hand, offering a dismissive wave while mouthing a word that would forever be seared into his memory: "BYE." The very next instant, a spear materialized from the void, piercing his skull and ending his life instantly. A figure whose power was acknowledged across the universe was thus extinguished, all because of a refusal to permit the passage of two demigods and five immortals.

A collective step backward was taken by the 25th Heaven’s Army, cold sweat beading on their brows. At that juncture, a hand emerged from the emptiness, retrieving the spear as the fallen body was unceremoniously propelled towards Hunter. "Make good use of it, little brother," a voice echoed. Hunter, catching the projectile corpse, deposited it into his Puppet Workshop, a smirk returning to his lips. "Thanks, big brother." The term 'big brother' sent a ripple of tension through the assembled ranks, even unsettling Lady Elysia. Hunter was recognized for his exceptional talent, largely attributed to his remarkable accomplishments. However, preceding him, his six elder siblings had each carved out their own formidable reputations, any one of them a decorated warrior in their own right. Hearing that one of these legendary figures had arrived, speculation arose regarding his identity. Swiftly, the truth became apparent: one of the three senior brothers had indeed arrived to aid his younger sibling. Emerging from the void was a strikingly handsome man, his crimson hair flowing unbound down his back, accented by two slender braids framing his face. His physique was tall and athletic, and in his grasp, he firmly held a crimson spear. The declaration followed: "The Crimson Asura Spear Saint."

Trembling uncontrollably, the remaining Celestial glanced back at the approaching man, her legs quivering like an unstable massage chair.

Though both were Celestials, a stark difference in their rankings—she at 1,002 on the Ancient Celestial Warrior Chart and he at a formidable 78—filled her with dread.

The overwhelming instinct to flee raged within her. Yet, knowing the eyes of the entire universe were upon her, she forced her fear down.

'Damn it, why is he here?' she thought furiously.

"Azai, what brings you here? Weren't you a part of the Neutral Faction? Are you violating the neutrality pact with the entire Righteous Faction? Aren't your people concerned about retaliation from the Righteous Faction?"

Many others harbored the same question, awaiting Azai's response. After all, his presence, especially as a member of the Neutral Faction, could very well ignite an imminent war.

His answer would be the decisive factor in whether conflict would erupt.

A smirk played on Azai's lips as he flicked his wrist, producing an ID card. "I am indeed here to protect my younger brother. However, I have not come as a prince of the Blood Demon Race. I am here as a mercenary."

His smile broadened. "In fact, with everyone watching, I believe now is the perfect moment to declare that I, Azai, the 3rd Prince of the Blood Demon Race, have abdicated my title and departed the Blood Demon Race to become a mercenary."

"To put it plainly, so the insufferably arrogant Celestial Supreme can comprehend: I am no longer affiliated with the Blood Demon Race."

Celestial Vice Commander Augusta, though shaking with rage, also trembled with fear. If Azai was no longer part of the Blood Demon Race, wouldn't that mean he could eliminate them all without any repercussions falling upon the Blood Demon Race?

The revelation hit her with the force of a physical blow.

Hunter swiftly flew forward, landing beside his older brother, and they embraced. "I missed you, big bro."

"I know. That's precisely why I'm here," Azai replied with a smile. He then nodded towards Lady Elysia, who returned the gesture. Hunter had spoken so highly of Azai, painting him as his favorite sibling, that she understood his significance.

"Enough with the reunion, Hunter. The wolves have arrived."

As he uttered these words, spatial rifts began tearing open across the landscape, and powerful auras radiated from within.

"It would be wise for you and your wife to return to your humble workshop."

"No, we will stand and fight until the very end." Lady Elysia moved to stand beside Azai and Hunter, her sword firmly grasped in her hand.

Azai acknowledged her resolve with a nod and a smile. "A pity Hunter found you before I did."

At that precise moment, a multitude of Supremes, numbering in the dozens, along with several Celestial beings, emerged from the void portals, some arriving via colossal spaceships.