The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

After finalizing everything about how they would select the 100 individuals to represent the eastern region, everyone returned back to their training. With the First Trial open to them, they all eagerly began preparing.

Klaus, on the other hand, went back to his room to meditate. He didn't really need the trial anymore. Although it wasn't the same as the one used during the City Selection Trial, he had outgrown it. He had become much stronger on his own.

The current version of Oracle was just like training in reality, with the only difference being that one doesn't die permanently. Although the temporary death experienced there feels just as real, the knowledge that it isn't permanent remains an obstacle.

This can only truly be cleared through real-world life-and-death battles.

Klaus has had plenty of those battles by now. Currently, his focus is to cultivate his mind and soul to a powerful level before his next breakthrough. After all, he has a Sovereign to kidnap and torture, so he needed every weapon in his arsenal sharpened.

He spent the night meditating. When morning came, he went to find his friends so they could attend the lectures together, but they were locked in Oracle training, so he left on his own.

When he arrived at the lecture, there were only 15 people out of the 5,000 participants in the fire magic class. Klaus could only smile and sat through the session. Thankfully, the lecture was very engaging.

Later, he attended another lecture about monsters and beasts. He wanted to understand the current state of the monster-beast system in the apocalyptic Earth.

"As many of you might have already realized, as monsters grow stronger, they begin to gain intelligence similar to humans. This is especially true for Zombies and some rare monsters," the lecturer began. He was a peculiar-looking human male with short brown hair and deep black eyes.

Klaus immediately sensed those eyes were his source of strength—he was a Spirit Master.

"According to our research, when a monster reaches the Tier 7 stage, they begin to evolve into what we call True Beasts. At this stage, they gain abilities as powerful as those of humans," the lecturer explained.

Klaus nodded. He already knew this, but from his past self's experience, it was typically after they became Tyrants (Tier 8) that they began adapting and transforming into Beasts, usually starting at Tier 9 or late Tier 8.

They don't become full-fledged Beasts right away; first, they become something akin to Pseudo Beasts, and as they grow, they fully develop into True Beasts.

However, it seemed that things had changed over the years. Now, that process appeared to begin as early as Tier 6. Your journey continues on empire

"Now on Earth, starting from Tier 5 forbidden zones and upwards, you will begin to encounter some of these monsters—or should I say beasts. They are very powerful and trust me, a Tier 7 evolving monsters or lets just say a beast is several times stronger than a Tier 7 normal monster.

Recently, it was discovered that some zombies are even more terrifying compared to humans. So, be careful out there," he added.

"I know this is just an introductory lecture, which will be given again when you arrive at the academy, but since a few of you decided to come, I'll make an exception and let you all ask some questions. I'll do my best to answer them all," he said, and immediately, the 12 disciples who had made it to his class raised their hands, Klaus included.

A few of them asked their questions, which he answered before calling on Klaus to ask his.

Klaus stood up after being called and introduced himself. After a moment of thought, he asked, "You mentioned that Tier 7 beasts are several times stronger than Tier 7 monsters. What exactly makes them so much more dangerous? Is it their physical strength, abilities, or something else?"

The lecturer smiled, he seemed pleased with the question. "Good question, Klaus." He said before answering

"The difference lies in a combination of factors. First, beasts have a more refined control over their elemental energy compared to monsters.

While monsters often rely on brute strength and instinct, beasts—especially at higher tiers—can use advanced techniques, manipulate their surroundings, and even evolve their bodies mid-battle.

"Second, their physical resilience is on a completely different level. A Tier 7 monster might have tough skin or strong bones, but a Tier 7 beast has regenerative abilities, natural armor, and heightened senses. They're not just strong; they adapt and learn quickly.

"Lastly, many of these beasts have intelligence that rivals or even surpasses humans. This makes them cunning and strategic, unlike monsters that can be more easily baited or tricked. Combine all these factors, and you've got something that's not just a threat but a true force of nature."

The lecturer paused, letting the information sink in. Klaus and the others present in the lecture held thoughtful looks on their face. He has faced most of said monsters in his past life so he knew that much.

But even back then, they were Tier 9 and above. It's only a few that started evolving from Tier 8. So hearing Tier 7 on earth is already this adaptive, he was taken aback. Of course, he had faced mutated Zombies before and knew just how intelligent monsters can be.

"So can there be a situation where a monster can be born a True beast from the beginning" Klaus suddenly asked another question, "For example, like how humans nowadays awaken stronger than those during the early days of the apocalypse?

The lecturer's eyes widened slightly at Klaus's unexpected follow-up question. He crossed his arms, thinking for a moment before responding.

"That's an insightful question, Klaus," he said, his voice thoughtful. "In rare cases, yes, there are instances where a monster can be born as what we would classify as a 'True Beast' right from the start.

These beings are usually the result of highly favorable conditions—whether that's being born in a rich energy environment, or from a parent with an incredibly powerful bloodline.

In such cases, these creatures possess traits that would take normal monsters years or even decades to develop, essentially skipping several evolutionary stages."

He leaned against the podium, his gaze sweeping across the class. Clearly, he was enjoying the class due to how thoughtful but rather unusual questions Klaus was asking.

Klaus of course knew the answers to these questions, but he just wanted to know the current state of monsters in this world. His knowledge is a little outdated, so he wanted to know the danger level now before making any moves.

"Your comparison to humans awakening stronger now than during the early days of the apocalypse is spot on. Over time, as the world evolved and its energy grew more potent, the natural order itself changed.

"Just like humans are now born with stronger potential, some monsters are born as True Beasts, meaning they already possess the intelligence, elemental mastery, and even regenerative capabilities of higher-tiered beasts.

"So when facing a beast, especially a high-tier one, you can't rely on strength alone. You need strategy, awareness, and often, a bit of luck to come out alive."

Klaus nodded thoughtfully. He had expected as much. When the apocalypse descended, humans, monsters, and even trees began evolving, but over time, the nature of that evolution started to change.

Newborns are now born healthy, and once they awaken their Talents and Classes, they become several times stronger. But the same is true for the monsters—they are also evolving, and their newborns are emerging as true Beasts. This, of course, has caused their danger level to rise alarmingly high.

Klaus spent the next few hours asking questions, which the lecturer was happy to answer. Strangely, the others in the hall were also enjoying the lecture.

After the long but informative session, he returned to his apartment to resume his meditation.