The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1537: Unknown Energy Awakening

The primary constraint that prevented the Star Monarch from freely maneuvering his Star Legion, which ultimately led to the establishment of Planet BlueCrest, was the inability of some members to transition into a humanoid form. Those who could often had limited capabilities, with their power typically capped at 70% when in human form, significantly impairing their combat effectiveness.

Indeed, out of the Star Legion's million-strong beast contingent, only 30% possessed the ability to assume a human guise. Among those, a mere 10,000 could achieve a perfect human form, retaining 90% of their original power. The remainder, facing substantial limitations, had for years opted to remain in their natural beast forms.

However, this status quo was beginning to shift, a change initiated by the 40,000 beasts currently assembled before him. By re-establishing their connection with him, Klaus had inadvertently catalyzed the awakening of their innate human forms.

Klaus had not anticipated such a development, as the same phenomenon did not occur when Runner rekindled the Star Monarch’s connection. Nevertheless, it was happening now, and there was only one individual he could consult.

‘Icon, were you aware that something like this might transpire?’

[No, Master. I had no inkling they would awaken their innate bodies. However, I might have an idea, one that, if true, could fundamentally alter this universe.]

‘I’m all ears, Icon. Share your thoughts.’

[I might be mistaken, but I believe the Master has certain requirements tied to his bloodlines. While I lack the power to perceive everything within your bloodlines, recent traits you’ve exhibited suggest a much grander design.]

Klaus remained silent, awaiting Icon’s further explanation.

[Firstly, there was the awakening of the Nine Reincarnation Divine Body Art, granting you the ability to cultivate nine bodies. However, I suspect you are actually cultivating nine distinct bloodlines. My conclusion stems from what occurred when you established Beast Companionship with the Calamity Beasts from the Jade Nests. Initially, you could only contract 1,000 Divine Beasts; yet, following that pact, you suddenly gained the capacity to contract 100 Celestial Beasts and an unlimited number of Divine Beasts.]

[This happened after you reached 100,000 Beast Contracts. Now, you have surpassed 140,000 Beast Companions. I theorize that you have crossed a critical threshold, triggering this Innate Body awakening. But that’s not all. Beyond the Innate Body awakening, you have also acquired the ability to bestow innate talents – unique attributes, bloodline abilities, and more – upon your beast legion and anyone bearing the Star Monarch’s bloodline.]

[Lastly, you have awakened one of the secrets Lady Pickle Berry brought from the void: the Ancient Bloodline Tree. You can now bestow unique bloodlines upon anyone you deem worthy. In essence, Master, you are now capable of creating a legion of beings, both beast and human, possessing unique bloodlines. The most remarkable aspect is your ability to merge two bloodlines into a superior one. Most crucially, I believe an unknown energy is awakening, intrinsically linked to all the positive events unfolding for you.]

Klaus stood dumbfounded, his jaw slack.

[Master must prepare for this awakening. It would be prudent for you to enter a unique pocket dimension, as this energy is even unknown to me.]

Klaus turned and observed that Ignitia and Aleera, like the others, were encased in cocoons.

[They require approximately one day to complete their awakening. You have no need for concern, Master. Furthermore, Lord Runner has not yet been affected; upon his return, I will trigger his awakening.]

Klaus nodded and addressed King Alric. “Old man, I trust your seal will remain effective in your absence.”

“Indeed. This is one of my most potent seals, unbreakable even by a Celestial King.”

“Good.” Klaus, anticipating their desire to accompany him, decided not to deny them, especially his mother, who was already gazing at him with pleading eyes.

“Pops, I’d like to borrow your Puppet Workshop for a brief awakening. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Don’t be absurd, Klaus. I’ve been anticipating your awakening and will escort you there myself, so you can witness your old man’s capabilities firsthand.”

“Then I suppose we all wish to see,” Klaus said, sharing a knowing smile with Nadia.

She and his father, Hunter, shared the same class: Obsidian String Demon Puppeteer. Hunter, however, had focused on cultivating sword puppets, while Nadia concentrated on humanoid puppets. Witnessing Hunter’s accomplishments might inspire her to diversify her own puppet creations.

“Alright, Dad, open the gate.”

Hunter clapped his hands, and a large gate, painted black on one side and red on the other, materialized before them. It parted in the middle. As the gate fully opened, a Demigod, impeccably dressed in a suit and tie, emerged with a welcoming smile.

"Welcome, my Lord's friends, to the Puppet Domain. I am Bruce, the caretaker and butler of this humble domain." Bruce offered a slight bow, prompting a chuckle from Klaus.

"Impressive, Dad. I had no idea you possessed such a refined side."

"I was a crown prince until you turned my life upside down—OW!"

Hunter yelped as Lady Elysia seized his ear, giving it a sharp twist. Klaus and the others erupted in laughter at the sight.

"Forgive me, my love. I meant to say that I was a crown prince before becoming a hunter and a Puppet Master."

She released Hunter's ear, and the handsome swordsman clutched his throbbing ear, stepping away from the formidable lady.

'It seems I wasn't the only one susceptible to her methods. I can't help but wonder if she possesses a secret technique specifically for ear-twisting.'

Klaus pushed the thought aside as a tremor reverberated through his soul sea.

"Bruce, could you guide us to a location where I can cultivate without disturbing this domain?"

"As you wish, Master Klaus. Please follow me."

Klaus wasn't taken aback that Bruce knew his name; after all, his mother had recounted their harrowing experiences while on the run with his egg.

According to her, Hunter had lost a significant number of his puppets during that relentless pursuit. Nevertheless, some remained, and Bruce was among the select few who had endured.

Klaus employed his Icon ability to scan Bruce, but the only information revealed was his name and cultivation base. All other details were classified, leaving Klaus to ponder the true extent of his father's puppet forces.

He deferred that particular thought for the time being.

Shortly thereafter, they reached a clearing where a small platform hovered in the center, suspended in the air.

"Master Klaus may use this platform for his cultivation."

"Thank you, Bruce."

Klaus turned to his mother, as the warning was primarily directed at her. "No matter what transpires, no one is to approach me. I will be perfectly fine, regardless of any outcome."

They nodded, and his mother reluctantly concurred.

'Dad, ensure she doesn't approach me,' Klaus telepathically conveyed to his father.

Hunter gave a nod, and soon Klaus was seated upon the platform.

His consciousness retreated into his soul sea, where a purple egg hung suspended, its surface etched with a network of fine cracks.