The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

Chapter 64: Stairway to Heaven

Lucy nodded, seeing the curiosity on their faces. "Yes, the Stairway to Heaven," she repeated. "It's not just a name. It's an actual staircase, carved into the side of the mountain, leading up to the Inner section. But it's not like any normal staircase. This one tests you—your will, your strength, your mind.

Every step becomes harder as you go up, and only those who are truly ready can make it to the top."

Klaus furrowed his brow, imagining what it must be like. "What kind of tests?" he asked.

Lucy paused for a moment as if recalling something difficult. "The first few steps test your body. The gravity increases with each step. At first, it feels like you're carrying a heavy weight, but the higher you go, the heavier it gets. After a while, it feels like your bones are being crushed."

She took a deep breath before continuing. "Then, it gets worse. The next steps test your mind. They mess with your thoughts, making you question yourself, and filling your head with doubts and fears. It feels like you're losing control of your own mind. Some people turn back at that point, too scared to continue."

Lily leaned forward, her eyes wide. "Has anyone ever made it all the way up?"

"Yes," Lucy replied, "Many. Those who do are the strongest of the strong. They become the true Inner Disciples of the academy. Climbing the Stairway to Heaven is the final test, the hardest challenge anyone will face before becoming an Inner Disciple."

Klaus couldn't help but wonder if he could ever make it. "What happens if you fail?" he asked quietly.

Lucy's expression softened. "If you fail, you can try again. But some people never do. The experience can be... traumatic. Not everyone is ready to face the stairway more than once."

The room fell silent for a moment, everyone imagining the challenge that awaited them if they ever got the chance to join the academy. Klaus clenched his fists, feeling a fire ignite within him. This was no ordinary academy. It was a place that tested your limits and pushed you beyond what you thought was possible.

He is a paragon, someone meant to topple the heavens and reshape the universe to his liking. Becoming Strong is his first name, so hearing such a place exists where he can become more powerful, he couldn't help but wonder what it will be like, the real thing of course

"So," Lucy continued, "that's why the academy is divided into three regions. The Outer section, where all students start, is meant to build your strength. You'll be there until you reach the Saint stage. Once you do, you can attempt the Stairway to Heaven. If you succeed, you enter the Inner section."

"And the third region?" Asha asked, her voice quiet.

Lucy smiled slightly. "The third region is called the Celestial section. Only the best of the best get to go there. It's where the academy's greatest disciples train. Those who make it to the Celestial section are considered legends. They are the ones who can stand against the strongest monsters and protect the world."

Klaus couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The thought of one day entering the Celestial section was thrilling. But he knew it would take time and hard work.

"So, you're still in the Outer section?" Kay asked.

Lucy nodded. "Yes, I've been there for a while now. But I'm getting closer to breaking through to the Saint stage. Once I do, I'll have my chance to climb the Stairway to Heaven."

Klaus looked at her with respect. Lucy might seem calm and collected, but she was aiming high. "And you're sure you're ready for it?" he asked.

She met his gaze with determination. "I am. I've trained hard for this moment. But even so, I'm not taking it lightly. The stairway is no joke."

Lily shivered slightly at the thought of the stairway's challenges. "It sounds terrifying."

"It is," Lucy admitted. "But that's what makes it worth it. Only those who conquer the stairway prove themselves worthy of entering the Inner section. Entering the Inner Section will send you one step closer to becoming a true expert. You will have access to many valuable resources to boost your cultivation"

Klaus let out a deep breath, his mind racing with thoughts of the academy. It sounded like the ultimate test of strength, both physical and mental. He knew he had a long way to go before he could even think about stepping foot on that mountain, but the idea of one day facing those challenges filled him with determination and excitement.

"So, what happens in the Inner section?" Klaus asked, curious to know what lay beyond the stairway.

"In the Inner section," Lucy said, "the training becomes even more intense. You learn advanced techniques and fight stronger monsters. The energy there is even more concentrated, making cultivation faster and more powerful. The masters there are legends themselves, and they guide you through the final stages of your training."

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"And after that?" Klaus asked, leaning forward.

"After that," Lucy replied, "if you're lucky enough and strong enough, you'll be invited to train in the Celestial section. That's where the true masters of the academy are. It's a place of ultimate power and knowledge, but only a few ever make it there.

However, I don't know the test and requirements that come with gaining the approval to become a Celestial Disciple. But from the little I know, those at the Celestial stage are even stronger than you can imagine. Every disciple craves to get in."

The room was quiet for a moment as everyone processed what Lucy had told them. From Lucy's speech, it seems the Celestial Mountain Academy was more than just a school—it was a place that could make or break a person. The challenges were immense, but the rewards were unimaginable.

Klaus felt his heart race with excitement. He knew that if he ever got the chance to go there, he would give it everything he had. The thought of standing on top of the mountain, having climbed the Stairway to Heaven and entered the Celestial section, was a dream worth chasing.

And it wasn't just him; Kay, Danny, Daniel, Kilian, Hanna, Anna, and Lily all looked excited and determined to get in. Klaus sighed, knowing the struggle would be real. There are hundreds of thousands of young experts from every city vying for a chance to enter the most prestigious academy in the world, and at the end of the day, only 200 will be selected to advance to the regional selection.

It's going to be difficult. However, Klaus trusts in his abilities and believes he will be able to pass. But out of curiosity, he asks, "So, Lucy, what will the City Selection be like? What are the tests one needs to pass to have a chance to be among the first 200 picked?"

Lucy's eyes lit up with the same excitement that Klaus and the others felt for unknown reasons. "The City Selection is tough. It's the first step toward entering the academy. It's where the most promising candidates are chosen from each city."

Klaus listened closely, eager to understand what lay ahead. "What kind of tests do they have?"

Lucy took a moment to gather her thoughts. "The selection consists of several parts. First, there's a test of physical strength. It's designed to see how well you handle combat and endurance. You'll face monsters of varying tiers in a controlled environment. The better you perform, the higher your chances of moving on."

Klaus nodded. "And what comes next?"

"The second part is a test of skill and technique," Lucy continued. "You'll be evaluated on your ability to use your skills effectively. This part is not just about raw power but also about precision and strategy. They want to see if you can think on your feet and use your abilities in creative ways."

Klaus thought about his own skills. He felt confident in his abilities, but he knew he would need to showcase them in the best way possible. "What about the third part?"

"The third part is a mental test," Lucy explained. "It's meant to assess your focus and determination. You'll face challenges that test your willpower and decision-making under pressure. Sometimes, they throw in psychological obstacles to see how you handle stress and uncertainty."

Klaus raised an eyebrow. "Psychological obstacles? What do you mean?"

Lucy sighed. "Sometimes, they use illusions or scenarios that play on your fears or doubts. It's meant to see if you can stay calm and composed. They want to know if you have the mental toughness to endure the academy's rigorous training."

The room was silent as everyone absorbed the information. Klaus could see the determination on their faces. They all want to get into the academy.

"And after all those tests?" Kay asked, looking curious.

Lucy smiled. "After you pass the tests, there's a final evaluation where the top candidates from each city are chosen. They look at your overall performance and potential. Only the best of the best make it through to the next stage, the regional selection."

Klaus smiled excitedly "Thanks for explaining, Lucy. It sounds like we'll need to prepare really well."

"Definitely," Lucy agreed. "But remember, the academy is looking for talent and potential. If you show them what you've got, you'll have a good chance of making it. You don't have to force yourself too hard—just give your best and let the experts evaluate you."

Klaus and the others nodded, looking very pleased. They all wanted to enter the academy, and next week, they planned to show their talent and strength. For now, Klaus intended to use his remaining days to train and prepare.

"Thank you, Lucy, for telling us all this. We will do our best to enter and study together," Klaus said, and his friends nodded in agreement.

"So now that you've held up your end of the bargain, it's my turn," Klaus said with a smile. "When can we meet this friend of yours? I happen to need some clothes for the Felin Youth Ball."