The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

Klaus had indeed become an ancient monk. But it wasn’t for nothing.

The way he addressed Miko’s limitation was just too brilliant. He took his time to say what he truly meant, and that is not something ordinary. He knew what he was saying.

Without him even knowing, the game had ended. That was because, after addressing Miko’s limitation, the true nature of the affection game was revealed.

He received this weapon during the era of the renegade monk. He met a succubus queen who was obsessed with him; however, he wasn’t interested.

So, to take advantage of him, she proposed a game. Fruity had one of the hardest nights of his life with her. However, after 24 hours, she finally realized that Fruity didn’t like her the way she had hoped he would.

Knowing this, she gave him the affection game and a partial explanation of how it worked.

Fruity had never used it before, or, more like, he didn’t need it, since he had Anna and Lucy back then. Perhaps if he had used it, he would have found its true function and how that would have helped him today.

It turned out the affection board doesn’t just affect his feelings. It goes both ways and links them. First, it digs into one’s heart to see whether they have feelings for someone.

That was easily addressed because the four ladies have feelings for Klaus. Klaus realised that subconsciously, after the first question. That only surfaced a bit after the second question.

However, while answering Miko’s response to the third question, the true hidden nature of the affection game revealed itself.

The more Klaus spoke, the higher their feelings for him rose. But it was the same for Klaus, too. The more he spoke, the stronger his feelings for them grew; feelings that could have developed over time were forced out.

So, when he ended the answer and realised that, he knew the rest of the game wouldn’t do much. He had already addressed his feelings for them, and the next thing would be to make them a promise that he would keep.

They wouldn’t take the next step now. He wants them to adjust and make sense of the new path they would be taking. After all, the game had amplified their emotions.

It would take some time for them to come to terms with everything. For now, Klaus is not in a hurry, because they are, in a way, part of him now.

The game not only amplified their feelings but also bound them together in blood. Provided they both have feelings for each other, there is no need to go the extra mile, since the affection game has already taken a step for them.

But to ensure the game was fair and just for all, he allowed Mio to answer as well. Strengthening their bond is also nice.

He would want them to be comfortable around him and, in a way, allow him also to know some of their fears.

They have a hidden secret, so knowing about them would undoubtedly make the most difference.

Mio followed almost immediately, her voice quieter than usual. ”I would change my fear of being left behind,” she admitted. ”I smile a lot and act confident, but I’m always scared that if I fall behind, I’ll be forgotten.

I know many would say someone like me, who has already reached the rank of an Empyrean, has nothing to worry about. Immortality is just around the corner, they would say.

However, when I look at myself—when I stare deep within myself—I see no such person. I see myself as someone with severe limitations and fear that I would be left behind.

I am not as talented as Miko or Aoi. I am not even special like them. I am just here now because of your help. So I suppose I am scared that once the help given to me runs out, I will become stuck and cannot advance anymore.”

Miko held her sister’s hand and gave her a gentle squeeze.

Klaus smiled and shook his head. ”You have nothing to be afraid of, Miko. In this life, there is just no way someone like you would be left behind. Trust me, you have plenty of talent that you probably don’t realize you have.

It is true that Aoi has plenty of talent. However, that doesn’t mean you aren’t talented. There are those who shine from the start, mainly because their destiny is to be so.

So if that is the case for them, then why even bother competing with them? Your time would come, and that can be said for you all. I know you are plenty talented, so don’t sell yourself so short.”

Mio nodded, a bit relieved, and thanks to the affection board, she became a bit happier too.

It was Emily’s turn.

”I would change my restraint,” she said. ”I hold myself back too much. I measure everything I say and do because I’m afraid of crossing lines that shouldn’t be crossed.” She paused, then added softly, ”Sometimes, I wish I could just be honest without worrying about consequences.”

”Worrying about the consequences is part of life, Emily. Take me, for example. Many years ago, I had the chance to end centuries of conflict, but because I was afraid of the ripple effect, I hesitated, and let’s just say the outcome was devastating.

But then there was another time I acted without restraint, and as you can already imagine, it didn’t end well for me.

So if you ask me, I will say showing restraint is a good thing. But showing too much restraint can be catastrophic. That is true for situations where you knew in your gut the decision had to be made.

You know it was the right thing to do, but fearing the consequences, you show restraint. That, if you ask me, I would tell you, would harm you in the long run.

So to learn how and when to show restraint, you must first develop the sixth sense to back every decision you make.”

Emily nodded. She had once asked her father this question, and he gave her a similar answer—the ability to know when to show restraint and when to make a bold decision.

If she were to develop that, she might become someone to fear.

”I suggest you spend more time with Ohema. She has this calming effect that allows her to relax and analyse a situation before making a decision. She might just rub off on you.”

”Thank you, Klaus. I will do as you say.” Emily seemed happy to have finally aired her worry, not only to her father but also to the man she loves and three others. It made her gain the confidence to be free around Klaus and the others.

Klaus turned to Lady Danika. ”What about you, my mother-in-law?”

She blushed but bit her lips and answered. ”I would change my sense of worth,” she said at last. ”I’ve lived most of my life believing my value ends at what I can provide for others. A home. Warm meals. Comfort.” She smiled faintly. ”I want to believe that I can be more than that.”