The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1532: Universe Ending Challenge

He had issued a warning, offering them a chance to withdraw, but his words fell on deaf ears. Now, the inevitable had transpired, and all that remained was utter astonishment.

Every single warrior, encompassing the Celestials and all ten Heavens Executioners, had simply ceased to exist, vanishing without a trace.

The few who had heeded Klaus’s offer of clemency and retreated were left in a state of shock, their faces ashen. Some even succumbed to the ground, their bodies trembling, sweat pouring down their backs.

A Supreme Hunter, who had initially intended to confront Hunter but thought better of it and retreated, felt an unnerving chill run down her spine. Her gaze locked onto Klaus, and for a fleeting moment, her very soul felt as though it might abandon her.

"W-Where... where did you send them?" she stammered, her voice trembling.

They had all witnessed the Grim Judge’s actions against the first half of the 25th Heavens Legion. In that instance, at least, they understood that he had banished them to the Foreign Battlefield, with the stipulation that they could only return home after serving a million-year sentence.

However, concerning Klaus, they were utterly clueless. Thus, she posed her question, hoping to clarify the situation for everyone present.

Klaus turned his head, his dark eyes seemingly penetrating her soul, or so it felt to her. Even the mere glance of an Immortal was powerful enough to send tremors through her.

"I have banished them to a place from which there is no return. For those among you curious about the destination of your loved ones, it is a realm beyond space and time, existing outside any known universe... a realm known as Purgatory. None who enter that place emerge alive."

During the ancient Primordial Era, Klaus had inadvertently discovered this very place. It had taken him a staggering two million years to battle his way to the ninth floor.

His objective was to ascend to the tenth floor, the condition for his departure. Yet, as he prepared to make the climb, the formidable Master of Purgatory materialized and halted his progress.

He was subsequently compelled to return to his own universe. From his experience, he knew that apart from himself, no one had ever managed to leave that place alive. The suffering was immense, and should one perish there, the concept of reincarnation would be the least of their concerns.

The technique he employed was a direct gift from the Master of Purgatory. He had never once utilized it, deeming it unnecessary. However, on this day, he found himself compelled to use it, and the outcome was precisely as everyone had just witnessed.

Turning away from the woman who had inquired, Klaus let out a sigh and proceeded to issue his solemn warning.

"Should I embark on a path of vengeance against the Heavens Court and all those who have wronged me across my numerous lifetimes, by the time I am finished, half of this universe will be annihilated."

"Despite all the suffering I have endured in the past, each new existence I inhabit is dedicated to making this universe a better place. A long time ago, a companion held a singular desire: to live long enough to safeguard all life, as if it were his inherent calling."

"He is gone now, but his vision will persist within me. I shall ensure that this universe transforms into a sanctuary where all can coexist in unity and tranquility."

"It is for this reason that I cannot permit any obstacles to impede my progress. I have observed that in my prior lives, I maintained a peaceful and accommodating demeanor. This very approach emboldened the Heavens Court." Klaus paused, drawing a deep, ragged breath.

"Those who dare to point their weapons at me shall perish. If you choose to blindly follow some deluded individual who presumes dominion over the universe, prepare to face my wrath, for this time, I will only protect those I hold dear and cherish. "

"Those whom I love and care for would never raise their weapons against me, and consequently, I have no inclination to turn my power against them. My strength will be employed to shield them and to usher in an era of universal peace."

"Now, this is a message for the Heavens Court... During the Blood Era, I possessed every justification to extinguish your lives, yet I refrained. I exercised restraint because, irrespective of your perceived inadequacies, your collective power has, on multiple occasions, served to protect this universe."

"Very well. Continue your role in safeguarding life, and do not cross my path. However, if – and this is a significant 'if' – any among you dare to obstruct my progression, I shall eliminate you, and rest assured, I possess the capabilities to do so."

"Furthermore, this is directed at the one who styles himself as the Celestial Supreme. I am uncertain as to what you deem more vital than peace, but if your predecessors, who battled valiantly through the Primordial and Divine Eras, were to witness your current disposition, they would undoubtedly be filled with profound disappointment."

"Figures such as the Bone Staff King, the Twelve Zodiac Demons, the Black Scale Tortoise, and my sworn brother, the Three Banner Shaman, all fought and sacrificed for this universe with the sole aim of achieving lasting peace."

"They did not defend this universe merely for a failure like you to occupy a position of authority and believe yourself to be absolute. Indeed, I would be damned if I allowed your ignominious reign to persist."

"Therefore, I extend to you a challenge for a deathmatch. One thousand years from this day, I shall await you precisely in this location. If you possess the courage of a true man, come forth and meet your end. Inferior beings such as yourself have no place in this universe."

"One additional matter: in one hundred years' time, I shall lead my forces to the Ancient Battlefield and eradicate the Foreign Race. I summon all promising young talents to take up arms and accompany me into this crucial battle." Klaus paused, a faint smile gracing his lips.

A special invitation is extended to my closest friend, the Renegade Hunter. I understand your animosity and your desire to end me. Therefore, I propose a challenge: you have from this moment until 99 years from now to attempt my demise. Following that period, we must set aside our personal vendetta and unite for the preservation of the universe.

This message also pertains to the one who styles himself Blood Sword. Cultivate diligently, for the universe's destiny rests upon our shoulders, not on the pronouncements of some decrepit, foul-mouthed individual who proclaims himself the Celestial Supreme.

The impending threat surpasses the combined might of the Foreign Race and the Demons. Thus, for once, engage your own intellect and choose the correct path.

One final declaration: I shall ascend this time, transitioning into divinity. I am aware that many of you, particularly the Ancient Families, will likely seek my life when that moment arrives.

My counsel to you is straightforward: abstain from attending, lest only your demise shall be your reward. That concludes my statement for the present.

The Multi-Dimensional Cube materialized, precluding any opportunity for questions. Every last beast, including his parents, vanished, and Klaus was whisked away via teleportation.

---

Within the grand hall of Planet Caelmir, Klaus reappeared and reacquired the cube. However, his strength faltered, and he collapsed after managing to summon only a handful of individuals.

The once-unyielding Paragon, now frail, was carried by his wives who swiftly attended to his injuries.

The immense exertion of banishing so many warriors had drained him, leading to his unconsciousness before he could complete the summoning of all intended guests.

Nevertheless, his father, mother, several of his Beast Companions, and the two Calamities were successfully brought forth, leaving the latter pair stunned as they gazed upon Nari.

Tears streamed down their faces as the three embraced in a heartfelt reunion.

King Alric arrived a few hours later, planning to escort everyone to a planet under his dominion, where the new Planet BlueCrest would soon commence its genesis.