The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1528: Intense Standoff (2)

[A Day Before the Ambush - Kaden, Pickle Berry, & Jane]

A training session with one of the Immortal King Battle Dolls had just concluded for Kaden when a gentle and caring voice resonated within his mind.

It felt like a considerable time had passed since he last heard Pickle Berry’s voice, so her reaching out brought him joy. Klaus now possessed the capability to arrange for his incarnations to experience interactions with his wives and friends.

Thus, upon hearing Pickle Berry’s voice, Kaden’s heart filled with happiness.

"Hi, Brother. Are you missing me?"

"Naturally, Pickle Berry. I miss you more than words can express."

"And me?" Jane’s voice joined in, amplifying Kaden’s delight. The presence of the two most enigmatic members of their family brought a sense of peace to his heart.

"Today might truly be the most wonderful day of my life," Kaden declared with a laugh, certain that Pickle Berry and Jane were sharing in his mirth.

"Since Big Brother is happy, then I suppose we have no need for concern," Pickle Berry remarked, causing Kaden’s smile to falter.

He detected an underlying issue, but before he could inquire further, a sudden spatial distortion ensnared him, twisting the fabric of reality around him.

In the blink of an eye, he found himself standing upon a desolate, scorched landscape, encircled by more than a hundred wolves. An aura of imminent danger permeated the air, particularly from the Alpha wolf directly confronting him, who held the power of a Demigod, while the rest of the pack consisted of cultivators ranging from True Immortal to Immortal Lord.

"What in the blazes is going on..."

"Hi, Big Brother. Please rescue us from these brutes." Pickle Berry tugged at Kaden’s sleeve, drawing the astonished young man’s attention.

"What are the two of you doing here amidst a pack of hungry wolves?"

Jane extended a delicate finger towards a diminutive tree situated approximately 4 kilometers distant. A solitary yellow fruit adorned its branches. Kaden’s expression shifted dramatically upon observing it.

"Is that..."

"Indeed, Big Brother. That is a God-Grade Origin Fruit," Pickle Berry confirmed, her gaze fixed on Kaden’s reaction. As a Paragon, the discovery of an Origin Fruit represented an unparalleled treasure.

Gazing upon an item that could potentially elevate him to the rank of a god within a single day, a subtle grin graced his lips.

"We discovered it first, but these ruffians sought to seize it from us."

Kaden chuckled, intending to explain to Jane that the sole reason for their predicament was the extended period these wolves had been guarding the fruit. Although not yet fully ripe, its consumption promised miraculous effects.

Consequently, they would defend it with their lives.

At that precise moment, a wolf lunged towards Kaden, prompting him to erect an ice fortress around Pickle Berry and Jane as he engaged the pack in combat.

***

Kaden stood panting, his body bearing numerous wounds, before the Origin Tree, the coveted yellow fruit clutched in his hand. Pickle Berry and Jane were positioned at his side.

Behind them lay the lifeless bodies of hundreds of wolves, their forms mangled in countless ways, a testament to Kaden’s brutal onslaught.

Yet, despite his victory and possession of the fruit, no trace of a smile could be found on his face.

"What a shame. I could have reaped greater benefits from this fruit if not for those scoundrels from the Heavens Court." A murderous glint flashed in his eyes. "They will undoubtedly remember this day."

He held the fruit for a few moments before consigning it to his soul space, and in the next instant, it materialized in the Paragon’s grasp.

Beside him, a portal began to materialize. "Two more minutes, Master," Asmodeus announced, idly swinging his scythe.

---

Meanwhile, on the chaotic battlefield, Hunter and his contingent, now reinforced by his brother, the Crimson Asura Spear Saint, found themselves cornered by five Celestials, over a hundred Supremes, and thousands of gods. The Demigods among them were rendered almost insignificant in the face of such overwhelming opposition.

The Heavens Court had dispatched an elite extermination force, bolstered by a contingent of mercenaries, warriors, and even specialized hunters.

"So, it has indeed come to this," Azai murmured, his imposing presence expanding as he readied himself for the inevitable confrontation. He understood that his end was nigh, a certainty even without the aid of Clairvoyance.

Nevertheless, a faint smile touched his lips.

"It is truly regrettable that such valiant warriors must meet their demise here," commented a Celestial, his thick beard framing a stern expression, a bow held firmly in his grip.

"Indeed. Had they not aligned themselves with the Paragon, perhaps they might have ascended to the ranks of legends one day," concurred another Celestial, his bald head gleaming, a hammer resting casually on his shoulder.

Abruptly, a Celestial mercenary surged forward, launching an explosive palm strike directed at Hunter, an attack designed for a guaranteed kill.

Azai reacted instantly, his spear whirling in his hand as he charged to intercept the assailant.

However, even as Azai moved, a second Celestial shifted focus, preparing to strike Hunter once more. Azai observed this maneuver and realized that unless Gorr or the Grim Judge could intervene to protect his brother, this engagement would prove fatal for him.

Unable to face them all simultaneously, he was forced to grit his teeth and contemplate separating his Celestial Soul from his physical form to fend off both assailants.

However, a third Celestial's intervention disrupted his desperate plan.

Even if he managed to counter the first attacker, two of the three would undoubtedly succeed.

Clenching his jaw, he channeled power into his core, preparing to ignite it—an act that would annihilate all three Celestials and potentially any onlookers.

Yet, his resolve faltered as the two Celestials hurtling towards Hunter and Lady Elysia abruptly halted.

The reason for their sudden stop remained unknown. Then, in the very next moment, the second Celestial shrieked in agony as his body erupted in flames, turning crimson. In mere seconds, he was reduced to ash, leaving only his core behind.

The third Celestial, however, had no chance to cry out; before a sound could escape him, he was encased in ice and then shattered.

"The strong preying on the weak is something I detest in this life." A draconic woman, dressed in casual attire, materialized from the void, her fiery red hair cascading down her back...

"At times, I question why the Master even bothers to safeguard those who are so ungrateful," mused another woman, her blue hair flowing elegantly, complemented by a pair of ocean-hued horns.

"CALAMITIES!"

A Supreme mercenary cried out, his legs buckling beneath him. Stumbling backward, he collapsed onto his posterior.

Indeed, the two Calamities had arrived, bringing with them an undeniable power. They were beings fated to shatter this universe, yet they had failed in their objective during the Star Monarch Era, having been subdued by the Star Monarch himself.

Numerous attempts by the Heavens Court to eliminate them over the years had proven futile. Consequently, they vanished from the universe's attention, leading many to assume their demise.

Their reappearance today sent shockwaves throughout the cosmos, particularly astonishing the Heavens Court.

Ignitia, the Dragon Calamity, glared with disdain at the Heavens Army and their confederates. "If you weaklings intend to fight, make yourselves known before I commence my slaughter."

The void tore open once more, and ten Celestials, emanating unfathomable auras, emerged.

"Heavens Executioners,"

Azai whispered, his expression growing grim as he recognized the ten Celestials who had lain in wait within the void, anticipating the Paragon's arrival to execute their mission.