The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

The next day, Klaus and Shadow Reaper were the first to start the battle.

Just like the first, their battle became the highlight.

Shadow Reaper is a Nightshade Human. He was born with an affinity for shadows and darkness, so for years, he had mastered the art of assassination using them.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he excels at using shadows and darkness.

He, too, just like every criminal, started out as a good guy; however, along the way, he became a criminal who transitioned into a murderer.

He now kills for money, and from what had been recorded about him on the dark web, he had never missed a kill.

Looking at him standing tall and slender, Klaus knew his agility would be through the roof. And since he could move in darkness and shadows, competing with him in close combat will prove lethal.

”You don’t look that scary, Blood Sword. From where I stand, you are merely a bug that can be crushed easily,” Shadow Reaper said, spinning his dagger across his palm.

”My aim is to assassinate the Renegade Hunter; however, since you happen to be someone many believe is the same person as him, starting with you won’t be a problem.”

Klaus laughed, an amused expression appearing on his face. ”Very funny, you say that. But since you happen to be the same brain-dead loser as all who keep measuring me against that pampered brat, how about I enlighten you.

”This battle will end with my win because, while you may have darkness and shadow on your side, I have flames that can burn even the soul. So let’s just pretend for one moment and examine your chances.”

Klaus counted on his fingers for a few moments before a smile appeared on his face. ”You know, from the moment I joined the blood tournament, many have kept wondering when I will finally run out of luck.

But the thing is, I have not even used 30% of my luck all this time. Honestly, I don’t know if you losers are just that weak or if you just wanted me to win that badly.

It pains me sometimes when I find myself standing before losers like you, who only talk but have nothing to show. It is heartbreaking, even.

However, since you seem to think killing me would be that easy, I will use you as a demonstration of what would happen to all the other losers who think a bounty on my head will be that easy to claim.”

Klaus put away the bow and extended his hand, summoning a large, black, jagged sword. ”If you can draw a single drop of blood from me, I will consider it your win.” Just as he said that, white flames ignited on the sword, instantly sending out waves of soul attacks.

Shadow Reaper frowned immediately, his expression hardening.

At that same time, the green light to begin the battle flashed, so he used that to vanish into the shadows, plunging his side of the battlefield into total darkness.

At that point, his presence could not be felt anywhere on the battlefield.

”Idiot.”

Klaus stomped on the ground, and white flames ignited on his side of the battlefield, instantly plunging the entire arena into a sauna of heat that seemed to bite at the soul.

He raised his finger and started to count down. ”Five... four... three... two... one.”

”ArrrrrgghhhhhHHH!”

Just when the countdown hit zero, a piercing scream filled the arena as Shadow Reaper emerged from the darkness, his body lit up in white flames.

He tried to put it out, but no matter what he did, the flames would not die.

”A day ago, your efforts would have quenched the flames. Unfortunately for you, I am using more of my power today, so the only way you can put it out is if you kill me.”

Klaus pointed his sword forward and added, ”That is if you can last even five minutes against me while your soul is on fire.”

Shadow Reaper’s eyes turned pitch black as he gritted his teeth. The Soul Fury Flame is eating at his soul while also biting his body.

He tried channelling darkness to lessen the pain, but it wasn’t as effective as he had hoped. So he was forced to take extreme measures.

With a violent thrust of his dagger into his own shoulder, he severed a portion of his shadow essence covering his body.

The darkness detached like a living limb, taking part of the white flames with it before dissolving into nothingness. His breathing grew heavy, but the flames on his body weakened slightly.

Klaus tilted his head, a bit stunned but also amused at how he managed to lessen the pain.

Despite this, he did not rush. He did not even move. The jagged black sword in his hand pulsed as the white flames along its edge flickered, his gaze fixed on Shadow Reaper, waiting for what he would do.

It didn’t take long for him to make his move.

Suddenly, the ground beneath Klaus darkened.

Then, in what appeared to be a flash, a thin line of shadow shot across the arena floor at terrifying speed, silent and flat like a snake hugging the earth.

In less than a heartbeat, Shadow Reaper emerged from that line directly behind Klaus, his dagger coated in compressed darkness that seemed to devour light itself.

It was pitch black and augmented by three immortal rings, making it a deadly weapon.

He wasted no time and simply struck hard.

The blade pierced through what seemed to be Klaus’s back—only for his body to dissolve into white embers. It was a clean shot, but nothing tangible was pierced.

Shadow Reaper’s eyes widened at the sight of his failure. The attack left no wound whatsoever on Klaus’s body.

He merely reappeared several steps away, his form reforming from swirling white flames. ”That was quick and decisive of you,” he said calmly, his voice echoing faintly through the eeriness. ”But you are not that fast to catch me, especially when I have my flames deep in your soul.”

Before Shadow Reaper could retreat, Klaus swung his sword once.

It was not as fast as Shadow Reaper’s.

It was not flashy either.

But the moment the blade cut through the air, a crescent of white flame tore across the battlefield, splitting the ground apart.

The heat wave that followed crashed into Shadow Reaper like a tidal force, causing his face to turn pale.

His immortal rings moved, and using their power, he harnessed the darkness, manipulating it to rise and defend him.

He formed a dome of shadows that absorbed part of the attack. However, the flames seeped through the dome like a poison.

It slammed into both his body and soul, sending him crashing into the far end of the arena.

He tried to stand; however, just when he mustered the courage to rise to his feet, Klaus slashed his sword again, forming a large arc in the air.

It shot toward him at deadly speed.

Shadow Reaper again used the darkness as a shield. However, like before, the physical aspect of the attack was half blocked, while the soul aspect took aim at his soul, causing a crack to appear in it.

Blood flowed from the corner of his lips as he tried to cough out the rest.

”Three minutes,” Klaus said lightly. ”You might not last five.”

He stomped on the ground, and an orange flame bloomed, adding to the white flame already active. Then, from the cloud of flames, a large dragon roared and emerged, flying into the air.

”ROAR!”

Nirvana announced her presence, and the look on everyone’s face changed.