The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

Chapter 16: Visiting the Tattoo Parlor

After coming back from his little sale, Klaus and his mother had a delicious dinner. They ate heartily, joying the rare momt of good food and relaxation. That night, Klaus slept soundly, feeling a new sse of hope for both himself and his mother. As dawn broke, he woke up with a smile, ready to face the day.

He wt through his morning routine, eating breakfast and dressing up. As he buttoned his shirt, his mother looked at him with a concerned expression. "Do you really have to get a tattoo?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Klaus glanced at her, a bit unsure. "Mom, this is something Dad and I talked about before he wt missing. I know it's not necessary, but it feels like something I should do. It's strange, but I can't explain it."

His mother sighed and tried to convince him gtly. "I understand it meant a lot to your father, but do you really think it's worth it? It might be better to focus on our needs right now."

Klaus shook his head. "I get where you're coming from, but it's not just about the tattoo. It's about honoring what Dad wanted and finding some kind of connection to him."

She reached out and touched his arm. "Klaus, I just want what's best for you. You've be through so much already. Maybe it's better to wait or find another way to remember him."

Klaus nodded, appreciating her concern. "I know you want the best for me, Mom. It's just that this feels like something I need to do for myself and for Dad."

His mother looked away, conflicted. "I see. But please, think it through carefully. Tattoos are permant, and I just don't want you to make a decision you might regret."

Klaus gave her a reassuring smile. "I promise I'll think about it. But this is important to me. I need to do this to feel like I'm honoring Dad's memory."

She hugged him tightly, trying to mask her anxiety. "Alright, Klaus. I just want you to be sure and be safe. You know I love you and want the best for you."

Klaus smiled as he hugged his mother and kissed her on the cheek. "Don't worry, Mom. If it's some ugly tattoo, I'll run off before they get a chance to put ink on my flawless skin." They both laughed before Klaus headed out.

He walked through the city gate and made his way toward the eastern part of Ross City. The city was ormous, and divided into four main sections: Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern. There was also a special area called the Gard, where the Ross Family lived.

Ross City was home to about 60 million people and was just one of many cities governed by powerful families. Wh the Spiritual Qi descded on Earth, North America was unified into the Northern Union, bringing all its countries under a single power. Most countries and cities were overtak by these powerful families, leaving only a few with their original names.

In the d, North America was condsed into many cities. It was a tough time for humanity, but now, 50 years later, people have managed to thrive, proving their resilice.

The Ross Family, though considered a minor power, wielded significant influce in the Northern Union, especially within Ross City. But ultimately, it all came down to who had the strongest punch. Klaus was a nobody right now, so his focus was on building his own strgth. For now, though, he had to find Ziggy Tattoo Parlor.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for Ziggy Tattoo Parlor," Klaus asked as he stopped at a store selling cultivation equipmt. Fortunately, the attdant was helpful.

"Head miles that way, and th take a turn wh you see the tall Idtity Guild building," she directed. Klaus thanked her and set off. With his increased speed, it didn't take long to reach the landmark.

After turning, he walked for a few more minutes until he spotted a small signpost. He smiled and headed toward the store. He pushed op the door, and a small bell tinkled, drawing his atttion. As he stepped inside, he couldn't help but be intrigued by the gtle chime of the bell.

As soon as Klaus stepped inside, a deep voice rumbled from behind. "What's a youngster like you doing in a tattoo parlor?"

Klaus turned to see five bare-chested m lounging, each adorned with elaborate tattoos. The aura they exuded was unmistakable: 'Grandmaster Stage Warriors.' Klaus was tak aback. Ev though they tried to mask it, he could clearly sse their intimidating presce.

"Hi, Sior. My name is Klaus Hanson. My father said I should come here after I awaked," Klaus said politely, trying not to let his nerves show.

"And who might your father be?" the same man asked. From his demeanor, Klaus could tell he wasn't the fridliest.

"Pete Hanson," Klaus replied. The reaction was immediate and dramatic. All five m jumped up.

"Wait... you're Pete's son?" one of them exclaimed. Klaus nodded, surprised by their sudd, intse reaction.

The five m's eyes wided in shock and recognition. One of them, a burly figure with intricate dragon tattoos, stepped forward, his expression shifting from surprise to intse excitemt.

"Pete Hanson's son? It's be years!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and reverce. "Your father was a legd a here!"

The others crowded a Klaus, their faces lighting up with emotion. "I remember wh Pete came in here, looking to get that tattoo," said another, pointing to a particularly striking design on his own arm. "He told us stories about you ev before you were born."

Klaus was tak aback by the thusiastic response. "You knew my father?" he asked, trying to process their reaction.

"Of course! We all did," said the burly man, clapping Klaus on the shoulder with a grin. "Your father was one of the finest warriors we ever knew. He had a way of inspiring everyone a him. he saved our lives several times"

The man's voice softed as he continued, "We hav't heard about him in a long time. We really did miss him. It's good to see his legacy is still alive."

Klaus smiled, feeling a mix of pride and sadness. "He's be missing for a while. I'm just trying to follow in his footsteps."

"Well, you're in the right place," the man said, his tone shifting to one of warmth. "We'll make sure you get the best treatmt here. Your father did us all a great service; it's time we return the favor."

The atmosphere in the room shifted from one of intimidation to camaraderie and respect. Klaus was immediately welcomed, and the m guided him to one of the chairs with fridly gestures.

"You must be surprised by our reaction," James said with a warm smile. "We knew your father wh we were younger. By the way, I'm James. That bald fellow is Matt, the hairy one is Xian, the bulky one is Jojo, and the lean one is Ziggy."

Klaus nodded, taking in their names and the fridly tone.

"Tell me, Klaus," Jojo asked, "wh did you awak?"

"About five days ago," Klaus replied.

"And you've already reached the 6th Level? Hahaha, indeed, you're definitely his son," Ziggy said, his laughter echoing through the room. The others joined in, their laughter full of admiration and pride.

Klaus smiled back at the group. "I can imagine you have a lot to tell me, but today isn't the day for it. We've be away for a while and just returned. It seems coming back now was no coincidce. Pete put so much effort into coming up with this design," Ziggy said, pulling out a small book from a drawer.

He oped it, and the book magically unfolded into a large sheet of paper with an intricate drawing. Klaus stood up to get a closer look. As his eyes locked onto the design, he felt his sses begin to fade and his vision blur.

"You can sit down," Ziggy's voice cut through the haze. "I'll prepare everything so we can get started."

Just before Klaus lost consciousness, Ziggy's voice pulled him back to reality, and he slowly sank back into the chair, his mind struggling to grasp the meaning of the design before him.

The design on the large paper was mesmerizing. It featured a grand, circular ring with an intricate and elegant pattern that twisted and curved, creating a dynamic, flowing shape. Within this massive ring were nine smaller rings, each containing a differt star design. The stars varied in shape and style, adding to the complexity and beauty of the overall piece.

The combination of these elemts made the design both captivating and awe-inspiring.

"Take off your shirt and lay face down on the chair," Ziggy instructed after gathering some tools. Klaus obeditly removed his shirt and lay down. There was something about the design that had stirred an unexpected urgcy within him; he felt an almost instinctual need to get the tattoo as soon as possible.

"Since this is your first tattoo, it'll hurt a bit," Ziggy warned as he wiped Klaus's back with a chemical solution.

As Ziggy prepared to start, something subtle yet significant shifted in his demeanor. It was almost imperceptible, but there was a change—something differt in the way he moved, a quiet intsity in his focus. Klaus and the others in the shop remained unaware, their atttion fixed on the task at hand.

With steady hands, Ziggy began his work, the tattoo needle buzzing as it made contact with Klaus's skin. The momt the needle touched him, Klaus's consciousness abruptly slipped away, leaving his body behind. Yet, the others in the room noticed nothing unusual. They wt about their business, chatting and moving a as Ziggy focused on his task.

Klaus's body remained in the chair, flinching occasionally from the needle's touch, but his mind had already drifted far away, detached from the physical ssations that should have be coursing through him. Ziggy, absorbed in his work, continued as if nothing was amiss, the intricate design slowly taking shape on Klaus's back.