The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 4: The Awakening (2)

When Klaus's eyes fluttered open, he discovered himself in an unfamiliar realm beyond his wildest dreams. He hovered within an immense void mimicking the universe, surrounded by shimmering stars. These weren't mere remote specks; several were nearby, radiating vivid hues, throbbing with vitality.

Some appeared to twist in peculiar formations, forming captivating yet enigmatic figures.

While drifting in that expanse, Klaus observed bizarre phenomena emerging and vanishing nearby—worlds taking shape only to disintegrate into particles, star systems rotating in flawless synchrony, and surges of power rippling across the emptiness, tracing luminous paths behind them. The spectacle filled him with wonder and intimidation, leaving Klaus puzzled about his location and the nature of this domain.

He extended his arm, attempting to seize one of the stars, yet his fingers slipped through it like it was an illusion. Still, it seemed tangible—more authentic than any reality he had experienced. He observed as fresh entities kept manifesting—planets, beings, substances, and powers beyond his vocabulary. It felt like he inhabited a realm where existence itself was crafted and dismantled in real time before him.

No sooner had Klaus begun to fear he'd be ensnared in this stellar marvel indefinitely than a force tugged at him. An invisible pull seized him, yanking him from the starry void toward an unknown destination.

Suddenly, the celestial expanse dissolved, and Klaus materialized in a fresh environment. This area resembled an infinite ocean, though not composed of liquid. Rather, it comprised a multitude of essences, each vivid and distinct. Flames surged in waves, ice formed swirling mists, winds coursed in streams, light flowed in rivers, shadows undulated fluidly, and rivers of glowing rock meandered in all directions.

Klaus hovered over this essence ocean, struck by its immense might and splendor. The forces pulsed with life, ever transforming and evolving, weaving a hypnotic ballet of power and hue. It surpassed anything he had ever conceived.

Surveying the expanse, Klaus spotted something truly remarkable. Emerging from the elemental ocean's surface stood Nine grand, exquisite portals. Each was distinct, fashioned from the pure essences around it. The initial portal consisted of sheer electricity, sparking with untamed force. The subsequent one was shaped from blazing infernos, its facade flickering and morphing like animated blaze.

The tertiary portal rose as a colossal barrier of frost, gleaming with an icy, otherworldly glow.

The quaternary portal emerged from cascading liquid, its exterior undulating like solidified fluid glass. The quintuple portal was hewn from firm soil, robust and immovable, adorned with motifs of stone and mineral. The sextuple portal swirled as a maelstrom of darkness, ominous and secretive, yet oddly alluring.

The septuple portal consisted of air currents, a see-through barrier that vibrated with countless whispers of gales. The octuple portal shone as a luminous gateway, emitting a nearly dazzling radiance, warm and inviting. However, differing from the rest, the ninth fused all eight essences, layered in multicolored strata, each gleaming with its own splendor.

Klaus gazed upon the portals, each embodying a unique force, each summoning him in its own manner. A blend of reverence and intrigue washed over him, pondering the secrets hidden behind them.

"What is this place…?" he murmured softly, his words resounding through the boundless elemental ocean. The portals appeared to throb in reply, as though recognizing his arrival.

Drifting in that realm, Klaus grappled with numerous questions. "From what I know, once you awaken, you will open your soul sea, and a screen will appear showing you your stats. So does this mean this is my soul sea?" Klaus reflected, eyeing the portals and the diverse forces permeating the area.

"This is vast. But why am I here?" Klaus grumbled, irritation rising within. The surroundings only deepened his confusion. Yet, right as his frustration peaked, a voice emanated from the first portal's vicinity.

"Your patience seems to be lacking. Ah, why am I even bothered?" The tone was odd yet recognizable. It mirrored his own, though aged and wiser.

"Who's there?" Klaus called out, scanning for the origin.

"Right now isn't the time to know that," the voice answered steadily. "You've just awakened, and this is your soul sea. What you should be focused on is understanding what all of this means."

Klaus scowled but then grinned, an idea sparking. "If I don't ask, would you tell me anyway?"

The voice laughed, the echo carrying over the elemental ocean. "That's a good one. Yes, I'll tell you anyway. You've awakened as a Celestial Elemental Overlord. This means you can control all eight of the primal elements of nature."

Klaus's eyes bulged in astonishment. "All eight? That's… that's unheard of!" He recalled snippets from overheard talks about awakenings. Typically, upon awakening, individuals mastered one essence, plus abilities and methods tied to their talent's level.

From Klaus's knowledge, talents fell into ranks: Common, Rare, Epic, Earth, Heaven, and Legendary. These were determined by the essence awakened, and although over eight essences existed, these eight stood as the core powers birthing all others.

The most recent genius awakening in Ross City that he knew of was Anna Ross, who emerged as a Heaven-grade Ice Mage. She earned acclaim as the epitome of brilliance, fated for glory. Klaus inevitably drew parallels to her case.

Nevertheless, learning of his own emergence as a Celestial Elemental Overlord, commanding all eight primal essences, flooded him with conflicting feelings. It baffled him. If a Heaven-grade Ice Mage qualified as prodigious, what status did he hold with all eight?

"Indeed, it is rare, but you've been granted this gift," the voice proceeded. "But that isn't the most important thing. Aren't you going to ask about your class?"

"Do tell," Klaus responded, reeling from the revelation yet striving for calm.

"Hehe, I don't know if you've heard, but you've awakened an unheard class called Weapons Overlord. Little fella, you are indeed lucky," the voice noted with a touch of mirth.

Oddly, rather than surprise, Klaus sensed an innate recognition, as though he had anticipated this class all along. "What does it mean?" he inquired, truly intrigued.

"It's in the name," the voice clarified. "It means you have the ability to use all kinds of weapons. Your talent and class allow you to wield all eight elements and utilize any weapon you can imagine."

Klaus's eyes expanded a bit, his thoughts surging with potential. "That sounds amazing. But can I know about the grade of this class?"

The voice hesitated briefly, then replied, "The grade of your class is not something commonly known, but given your status as a Celestial Elemental Overlord, your class is likely to be of an extraordinary caliber—beyond even the Celestial grade. You are positioned at the pinnacle of power."

Klaus felt profound astonishment. He knew of the celebrated Anna Ross, lauded for her Heaven-grade talent and class. Yet, as a mere unknown, he had unlocked a talent and class that shattered all logic. Was this a divine prank? Was fate toying with him?

"Go back," the voice directed abruptly. "Your time here is limited since your soul strength is not that strong just yet. The next time we meet, you can ask further questions. Remember, the Last Reincarnation is what determines the end. Get stronger and trample on your enemies without mercy as a Paragon should."

Before Klaus could pose additional queries, his sight dimmed. The stellar void, the essence ocean, and the portals all vanished, plunging him into obscurity.

He then snapped alert in the improvised shelter behind his home. Seated on the ground, sweat soaked him completely, as if doused by a bucket. His breaths came ragged, and his pulse thundered.

Klaus scanned his surroundings, seeking to ground himself. The space remained unchanged, yet now everything seemed altered. He perceived the atmosphere anew. Inhaling it invigorated him.

"Was that real?" He wondered, but prior to further contemplation, a panel materialized in his view.

Name: Klaus Hanson

Age: 16

Talent: Celestial Elemental Overlord

Class: Weapons Overlord

Bloodline: Dormant

Physique: Nine Reincarnation Divine Body

Realm: Awakened - Lvl: 1/12

Strength: 20 | Agility: 30 |Stamina: 50 |Defense: 60 | Intelligence: 100| Health: 1000

Spiritual Qi: 2000

Stat Points: 0

Awakened Skills: Passive

[Universal Enigma]

— As you level up, so does your mind. Anything there is to know, you'll come to understand. You can speak and understand all languages, no matter how ancient or obscure.

[Overlord Healing]

— As long as you have Spiritual Qi flowing through you, even the gravest injuries can be mended. A damaged heart? No problem—it'll heal just like any other wound.

[Sense]

— Your unique physique grants you the ability to detect all forms of threats and emotions, no matter who—or what—you're dealing with. No realm is beyond your awareness.

Awakened Skills: Active

[Moon Slash]

— By tapping into your connection with the elements, you can imbue your weapons with elemental essence and unleash a powerful crescent-shaped arc. This Moon Slash will cut through anything in its path.

[Special Remark: Due to your extraordinary physique, it will take 12 levels to reach the next stage, and you'll need 6 times the effort to level up.]

"YES!" Klaus yelled, leaping to his feet in ecstasy as the display before him glowed with the phrases he had yearned for.

"Is everything alright?" His mother's worried voice rang out as she hurried inside, alarmed by his exclamation.

Klaus faced her, pulse racing, tears brimming. "Mom, I did it! Your son has awakened! I'm a warrior now!" His tone broke as he surged ahead, embracing her firmly.