The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

Since this was Klaus’s first time using the Paragon Forge, he paid close attention to the process, watching as complex formations worked in sync to create what he desired.

He didn’t know how, but somehow, everything was coming together, and all he could do was watch. A couple of hours passed, and Klaus remained focused on the process.

‘A minute more…’

Klaus’s heart was beating faster than it should, but he grounded himself, anticipating the outcome of his first creation.

‘Maybe I should have created a few arrows and weapons before going for a full human being from the start.’

In the end, all he could do was wait. He had already started the process, so there was no stopping it.

As the seconds ticked down, his heartbeat quickened until, suddenly, a low hiss came from the forge at the center of the main structure. It opened slightly, revealing a large red egg lined with intricate golden runes.

The heat radiating from it was felt by Klaus, but he wasn’t bothered by it. However, what bothered him was the feeling of something within the heat. It was foreign, yet familiar, and for a moment, he thought about it… Then it clicked.

“That is the Flame Law… and judging by the intensity, I’d say that’s beyond 10% comprehension.” Klaus’s eyes widened as he processed the information.

“If that’s the case, then I have a feeling he’ll be coming out cooler than I expected.” Of course, the wait had been too long, as the egg cracked, releasing an even more intense heat.

Suddenly, the crack widened, and slowly, the shells of the egg fell away, revealing perhaps the most smug person Klaus had ever met in this life.

At the center of the forge stood a handsome young man with red eyes, short red hair, and a bone structure to die for. He was undeniably handsome.

However, looking at his slender, athletic physique, covered in leather armor—one featuring a tight fit that was neither too tight nor too loose, just tight enough to highlight the thickness of his thighs, and a jacket lined with phoenix feathers—one had to admit the forge had a sense of style.

Inwardly, he wore a vest made of one of the most durable materials in the universe—Yuven—and strengthened using complex runes, ones Klaus instinctively knew were forbidden for obvious reasons.

Also, Skar had emerged as a Peak Void Stage Phoenix, thanks to the Bloodline Nari had given to Klaus. But aside from that…

Skar was handsome, but it wasn’t just his looks or style that took Klaus aback. It was the fact that Skar had one hand in his pocket and was resting a sleek, yet deadly, scythe on his shoulder, smiling back at Klaus.

Moments like this, Klaus was supposed to say, “Cool.”

However, he merely chuckled, knowing that in the good looks department, he beat Skar, but in the style section, Skar was ahead of him.

‘I will suppress this motherfucker before he takes all the girls from me.’ Klaus smiled and vanished, appearing before his creation.

Klaus walked around him like a stylist examining his model. After a while, Klaus smiled and stopped in front of Skar.

“Welcome to the land of the living, Skar. I know you already know my name, so no need to ask,” Klaus smiled, and Skar did the same.

“You are handsome,” Skar said.

“I know,” Klaus replied, like the narcissist he was. Both he and Skar laughed. From the moment Skar came out, Klaus could see the easy-going personality oozing from Skar’s body. That made him smile.

It was enough for him, as he knew that having such a personality would enable Skar to execute the tasks he would be given well.

Having a personality that would allow him to connect with people was the key thing Klaus was after. But he could also sense that primal fear all prey felt when Skar stepped onto the battlefield.

In a way, Skar was the perfect warrior he had been after. He had an on-and-off switch, one where he was a monster one moment and a loving human the next.

“How do you feel in your body?” Klaus asked.

“Perfect. I feel like a baby,” Skar said with a smirk.

“So, you know I just created you,” Klaus asked, and Skar nodded.

“I don’t know anything about my life growing up, but in a way, it doesn’t feel weird. I am connected to you, and so I feel like I have existed for thousands of years already.”

Klaus nodded. “That is good to hear.”

“Tell me about yourself,” Klaus asked.

Skar nodded and began, “I have awakened the Supreme Star Phoenix bloodline, granting me the ability to channel the infernal energy of the stars.

I have perfect Harmony with the Flame element, and I already have a 25% understanding of the Flame Law. I also have a 2% comprehension of the Space Law… though weak, I can use it to move swiftly across the battlefield.

I also have an Innate Domain, though my understanding is only at the ‘Novice’ level.”

“What is the name of your Innate Domain?” Klaus asked.

“Flame Reapers Dominion. I don’t have much control over it in battle, but I have a skill that allows me to Overheat the 1 km around me. The skill is called ‘Melt Me,’ and like its name, it indeed melts the body down to the bones.

Using it casually is not an option, as it is dangerous. Of course, another aspect of my Innate Domain is the ability to spread all skills I use to a 12-mile radius. Meaning I can kill 12 miles away without moving.

As for the last aspect, within my Innate Domain, all flame users, if allies, will get a boost, while enemies will suffer immensely.

But I can keep it up for just 2 hours when being used actively. However, I can keep it active indefinitely if I merely want to use it to stay aware.

It is taxing to use, but I guess with more mastery, I can keep it active for a long time. On that side, I have 10 skills, and I have mastered all of them to perfection.

So I guess the only thing I need to do now is to master my Innate Domain and form my foundation technique, which I already have some ideas for. After the foundation technique, I will break through to the next stage.

All in all, I am ready for battle.”

Klaus smiled… ‘He is perfect… even more perfect than I had hoped.’

“Oh, I also have a soul body…” Skar formed a hand seal, and a small orange phoenix with white pigments appeared and landed on his shoulder.