The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

Sitting around the table, everyone started drinking and talking. Klaus, of course, didn't shy away and took sips of the juice drinks since that was all they had. The young men and women in the room didn't mind. They were happily chatting and drinking.

"Klaus, my sister wants to introduce you to someone. She's a fashion designer," Anna said, giving her sister a knowing smile.

"Oh, that's something," Klaus muttered, glancing at Lucy, who had become quieter after meeting him. She has been pestering Anna to introduce them, but after meeting him, she has become even more silent and shy.

"I don't mind meeting your friend, but in return, I want you to tell me more about the Celestial Mountain Academy."

Lucy, who had been a bit embarrassed by how her sister brought it up, quickly brightened at Klaus's request.

She cast a subtle glance at Nia and Asha before she began speaking. "Celestial Mountain is the strongest and the best academy in the entire world." Klaus and the others listened closely, hanging on to every detail she shared.

From her description, the academy is located on the tallest mountain on Earth—Mount Everest. In fact, it seems like the entire mountain is the academy. When the apocalypse hit and everything began to change, Mount Everest changed too. Something profound happened to the world's highest mountain.

Her expression shifted slightly as she talked about what was discovered ten years into the apocalypse by the six overlords. They were shocked to find something even more fascinating. It turned out the mountain was one giant mechanism, existing for who knows how long. Though she didn't know all the details, she mentioned that cultivating there was easier and much more efficient.

After the apocalypse, it transformed into something mystical. The air around the mountain was no longer thin or harsh.

The academy was built into the mountain itself. But it wasn't just a structure perched on the slopes—it was woven into the very rock. Tunnels and chambers cut deep into the mountain's heart, with walls that seemed to hum with energy. Some parts of the academy hung off the cliffs, connected by glass walkways, while other sections were hidden within vast caves that could hold entire cities.

Every floor of the academy had a purpose. The lowest levels were for new students, who needed time to adapt to the mountain's strange atmosphere. The higher you went, the more intense the energy became. Students who could withstand the pressure and focus their minds were allowed to climb higher. Only the most talented reached the peak, where the most powerful techniques were taught.

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Legend has it that the mountain itself chooses who can rise through its levels. Not everyone is allowed to ascend. Some students are stuck on the lower levels for years, unable to climb further because the mountain refuses to let them. For others, the climb comes naturally. The mountain seems to guide them, making their journey smoother as they ascend toward the peak.

At the top of the mountain, it was said, the energy was pure and overwhelming. It could break those who weren't ready. But for those who could withstand it, their strength would grow at unimaginable speeds. The six overlords, who had discovered the mountain, were the first to experience its power. They built the academy around this energy, using it to nurture the world's most promising talents.

She said that the very air inside the academy was thick with power. Even walking through the halls felt different. Klaus could imagine what it must be like—every breath must feel like it's filling your body with strength. But it wasn't just the energy that made the academy special. The teachers there were the best in the world, having trained in the mountain for decades.

There were training rooms within the academy where gravity could be controlled. Some rooms had increased gravity to force students to push their limits. Others had no gravity at all, allowing students to practice in zero weight, refining their control over their abilities. Students would spend hours there, pushing their bodies and minds, all in the pursuit of perfection.

Some chambers simulated extreme weather conditions. One could be training in a desert with scorching heat one minute, then step into a blizzard the next. These rooms were meant to prepare students for the real world, where they might face harsh environments while fighting powerful monsters.

But the true heart of the academy was the Celestial Core. Deep within the mountain, this core was where the mountain's energy was the most concentrated. It was a place only the strongest were allowed to enter. Those who meditated near the Celestial Core found their cultivation advancing at an astonishing speed.

Their energy channels opened wider, their control over their elements sharpened, and their physical strength grew beyond human limits.

Only the top students were allowed near the core. Even then, they could only stay for short periods because the energy was so intense. Staying too long could cause someone to lose control of their power or even burn out completely. It was a dangerous place, but those who could handle it became legends.

The academy didn't only focus on raw power, though. It also emphasized knowledge. The library was one of the largest in the world, filled with ancient scrolls and books that had survived the apocalypse. There were texts on everything from cultivation techniques to the history of the world before the fall.

Many students spent as much time in the library as they did in the training rooms, understanding that knowledge was just as important as strength.

Beyond the training and learning, the academy was also a place of competition. Students were ranked based on their performance in both combat and academic studies. The ranking system was brutal but fair. Everyone had a chance to rise if they worked hard enough.

The top students were rewarded with special privileges, like access to rare techniques, better living quarters, and, most importantly, time near the Celestial Core.

The students come from all over the world, but at the end of the day, the academy only accepts the best, and every year, thousands apply, but only a few are accepted. Even fewer managed to stay for long. The academy's standards were unforgiving, and many students left after realizing they couldn't keep up.

Despite the challenges, those who graduated from Celestial Mountain Academy became the most powerful figures in the world. They were the leaders, the protectors, and the warriors who kept humanity safe from the horrors that roamed the earth after the apocalypse.

Klaus and the others realize that the mountain holds secrets that only a few people know. She subtly hinted at some of these secrets, but Klaus and the others could tell she didn't know much herself. She was only able to share what she had heard from others.

They also learned that from time to time, the Overlords visit the academy to teach, which, from her expression, was one of the most cherished moments every disciple looked forward to. She was more than happy to share some of the rare lessons she had learned, a gesture Klaus appreciated.

She went on to introduce them to the power factions within the academy. According to her, every person who gets accepted into the academy must join one of the eight available factions.

These factions compete for resources, so it's crucial to join one once you're accepted. The academy also has a ranking system for both factions and individuals, based on contributions and the rewards earned.

From her description, the system is fair and just, but it's also harsh. Despite making it into the academy, if you slack off, you'll be pushed out. There's always a constant struggle and competition to be the best and receive the best treatment.

Also, once you step into the academy, you will be cut off from the outside world. All forms of communication will be disconnected. You'll only be able to contact those outside after you become an Inner Disciple. Klaus frowned slightly at this, concerned about his mother. But he sighed in relief when he heard her next words.

He was worried about his mother, but knowing that the academy would protect his loved ones eased his concern. As long as his mother was safe, he would be willing to enter even the toughest challenges if it meant coming out stronger.

Lucy continued, "The academy is divided into three regions. The base of the mountain is the Outer section, where everyone who is accepted starts. It might sound like a disadvantage, but being in the Outer section alone will greatly improve your cultivation.

I am currently in the Outer section and will only move to the Inner section once I break through to the Saint stage. This is one of the requirements to become an Inner Disciple.

Yes, there are requirements for becoming an Inner Disciple. The first is to become a Saint in under 2 years after joining the academy. This is relatively easy because just being at the academy helps you progress faster. The second requirement is to kill a Tier 6 Terror before reaching the Saint stage.

This is also manageable, as the academy provides all the techniques and skills needed to accomplish this task.

However, the main requirement is climbing the Stairway to Heaven." Klaus and the others, hearing this for the first time, raised their eyebrows.

"Stairway to Heaven?" Klaus asked.