The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

Klaus opened his eyes to a completely different setting. Right now he was well aware when something strange happens to his consciousness, so despite waking up in an unfamiliar place, he felt no need to stand immediately.

“Take your time, buddy,” Klaus heard a voice he was all too familiar with. It was his own, but much deeper and more mature.

He had no idea how any of this was possible. People die, reincarnate, and live new lives. But for him, it was something he simply couldn’t comprehend.

“It’s you again” Klaus muttered. Strangely, the place felt like home.

“Question: Did we die in past reincarnations, or what the hell is going on?” Klaus demanded to know.

“You should ask the First when you meet him. But as far as I remember, I died but didn’t die. That’s all I can say,” Number Three replied.

Klaus didn’t respond immediately. He pushed himself up and sat down.

“The First, as in our original existence?” Klaus asked. “And what do you mean—you died but didn’t die?” he added.

“The First is what we call our original existence,” Number Three explained. “And the concept of death is far more complex than you think. For now, you wouldn’t understand our existence, but once you begin to comprehend death, everything will become clear. Just relax.”

“But before you ask, yes, we can interact with you and even influence your current existence. It’s just the way we are. If you are at war with the heavens and their creations, you’ll have to get creative. Our First existence made sure of that.”

“Unbelievable…” Klaus muttered, struggling to believe it all.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. After all, the heavens won’t back down easily, and with their knowledge of your existence, you’ll have to go the extra mile to stay alive.

But don’t worry—you’ve already made adequate preparations. You just need to focus on keeping your life for now,” Number Three said reassuringly.

“My life is just too unbelievable. I guess it’s only normal, considering even my mere presence in the lives of those who hate me tends to change them,” Klaus sighed.

“That’s the spirit. You seem to be grasping this well. As a paragon, your existence will change a lot of things. Perhaps that’s why the heavens want you dead. And trust me, the worst is yet to come,” Number Three replied.

“At this point, I think I have a fair idea of the lengths the heavens will go to just to get what they want,” Klaus said, his mind drifting to how they nearly killed Queenie, despite him being the target of the four attacks.

The rules had been simple: since Klaus was the one receiving the tribulation, the heavens were supposed to attack only him. But they cheated—and next time, Klaus would cheat as well. Since he could only use a weapon, he’d think of a way to bend that rule in his favor.

“That being said, why am I here?” Klaus asked.

“You tell me,” Number Three replied.

“What is that supposed to mean? Weren’t you the one who brought me here?” Klaus asked again.

“I did, but that was because you wanted to come. And before you ask how or why, know that this was all predetermined to happen—or at least, part of it,” Number Three explained.

“I see. Then, since I’m here, what can you tell me about my physique, the Nine Reincarnation Divine Body?”

“Hmm, so you also have that physique, huh… How envious,” Number Three said with a smile.

Klaus arched an eyebrow and asked, “What do you mean?”

“Do you remember when I said the First was the strongest of us all?” Number Three asked.

“Yes, I remember. Why do you ask?”

“That’s because the First had the Nine Reincarnation Divine Body. After him, none of us did—well, that was until you, you lucky bastard.”

“It only proves I am better than you lot. Now, care to tell me what I am dealing with here?” Klaus smiled, satisfied for absolutely no reason—well, he did have a reason to be satisfied.

“The Nine Reincarnation Divine Body is a physique you shouldn’t joke about. Trust me, you will regret it if you don’t live up to its potential. First, imagine having nine talents, nine classes, nine soul bodies, Nine Lives, and nine soul worlds all in one body.

“Now, I don’t know if you know this, but having just two soul-bodies is already heaven-defying, so imagine having nine.”

Klaus gulped. Truly, he began to recall the feeling when he was forming the cores. The energy, the power coursing through him—it all started to feel real now.

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“The current you has only formed six out of the nine cores, which means that the current you is akin to six Saints in the same body.

But I think we all know even comparing you to Sages and Great Sages is an insult, so let’s peg it at the Sovereign Stage.”

“I am starting to like you. Now continue—and wipe that smug look off your face,” Klaus laughed.

“Let’s start with your star cores. The Nine Reincarnation Divine Body allowed you to form nine Qi seas, which are now transforming into star cores. Once the cores are fully formed, you will become a Saint.”

“Then you move on to form Sage Cores and become a Sage. After that, you form Demon Cores, or Great Sage Cores, and become a Great Sage. All of these levels are ones you should take seriously.

“The reason is simple: unlike others, you are different. Your cores grow much larger as you progress. Of course, some techniques can help grow your cores, but in your case, it’s automatic thanks to your physique.

“However, this growth ends at the Great Sage stage. That is because, at the Sovereign stage, you will begin forming something called a Soul Body.

“Once again, there are techniques I can give you to help form a powerful Soul Body. But in your case, they will form naturally through the five major realms, starting from the Sovereign stage.”

Number Three paused and asked, “Before we proceed, tell me, has anything interesting happened to you recently? Something impossible, perhaps?”

Klaus thought for a moment and answered, “Yes, I recently formed—or more like awakened—a new talent called Poison Overlord.”

“I see. And did you awaken a class as well?” Number Three asked.

“Indeed. I awakened a class called Overlord Poison Illusionist. I have yet to figure out what it means, but I guess you could shed some light on it for me.” Klaus smiled at Number Three, making sure the desperation in his eyes shone brightly.

“Tsk… How envious.” Number Three smiled as well. “Let’s stick to the physique. If you want information on classes and talents, ask the Monk. Of course, I’ll only be telling you what little I know about the physique since the true expert is the First.”

“Whatever,” Klaus sighed.

“Don’t blame me. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. My strength lies in warfare and swordsmanship. The Monk seems fascinated by talents. And Knox… there are the others too. They all have their strengths and weaknesses,” Number Three said with a smirk.

“Whatever. Just tell me what you know about the Nine Reincarnation Divine Body.”