The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

"Sovereigns," Aurelia whispered, her eyes wide as she looked up at the seven figures that appeared through the crack in space. Each figure radiated an aura of grace and strength, their presence overwhelming and commanding.

The moment they appeared, everyone in the crowd bowed deeply. Even the Saint, who usually stood tall and composed, lowered himself in respect.

"Greetings to the Seven Elders of Ten Thousand Lightning Valley. What brings you here today?" he asked, his voice steady but filled with underlying tension. Of course, he knew why they had come, but out of formality, he had to ask.

The Seven Elders didn't respond. Instead, their eyes shifted toward Fruity, who still had his hand resting on the pillar. Their expressions remained unreadable, but the intensity of their gaze spoke volumes.

At that very moment, the dark clouds above parted, and the light from the pillar began to fade. As the glow dimmed, Fruity opened his eyes, his appearance subtly different. His features had become more refined, and there was a newfound charm in his expression, almost as if he had undergone a transformation.

For a brief moment, Fruity stood still, looking more mature and serious than ever before. But just as quickly, his familiar cheerful grin returned. "Aurelia, I was awesome, right?" he asked with a beaming smile, his carefree tone returning.

Aurelia's heart skipped a beat. She forced a smile, trying to keep her composure.

"You were awesome, Fruity," she replied, though her voice trembled slightly. Deep inside, she felt something strange stirring within her, an emotion she couldn't quite place.

'Is this what my sister called butterflies in the stomach?' she wondered, her thoughts swirling. She glanced at Fruity again.

All around, people were staring at Fruity in disbelief, their expressions filled with confusion and curiosity. Even the Seven Elders, who rarely showed emotion, seemed intrigued by the young monk's casual demeanor.

Suddenly, one of the elders, a man with a long white beard and eyes like lightning, spoke up. "Little Monk, what is your name?"

"Fruity," he replied cheerfully, without a hint of hesitation.

The elder blinked, then nodded slowly. "Well, Fruity, do you want to join the Ten Thousand Lightning Valley?" he asked, his tone serious.

Without missing a beat, Fruity replied, "Nope."

The elder looked taken aback, his eyes widening. "What?" he exclaimed, clearly shocked by the unexpected answer. "Do you understand the offer you've just refused?" His voice grew firmer, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

Fruity shrugged, completely unfazed. "I don't know, and I don't care," he said with a carefree grin. "I'm a monk. I prefer to stay a monk. You know, inner peace and all that." He smiled again as if this was the most natural decision in the world, completely oblivious to the strange looks now plastered on the faces of the elders and everyone else around him.

The elder, clearly unsettled by Fruity's nonchalance, furrowed his brow. "You're turning down a chance to join one of the greatest powers in the world, and you're not even interested?"

Fruity nodded, still smiling. "Exactly! I like being a monk. Simple life, simple goals. It's peaceful. Besides," he added with a wink, "all that lightning stuff seems like a lot of noise."

The crowd, which had been holding its breath, suddenly erupted into whispers. No one could believe what they had just heard. To reject an offer from the Ten Thousand Lightning Valley? It was unthinkable!

Did he just call the infamous Ten Thousand Lightning Valley a bunch of noisemakers? That was bold. Everyone could feel the anger simmering in the elders.

"Little one, you should reconsider your decision. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," one of the elders said, trying to keep his voice calm, though barely managing to hide his frustration.

"I've already thought about it, Grandpa," Fruity replied with a calm smile. "I want to stay a monk. This way, I won't have to live up to anyone's expectations. I like my peaceful life and enjoy playing with my Uncle Monks. They are the best," he added, glancing in his uncle's direction.

Although his uncle taught him about inner peace, letting go of pride, and not seeking recognition, Fruity's words warmed his heart. A small, rare smile appeared on his lips. This mischievous little monk had finally shown some appreciation for all the years of trouble he had put them through.

"That will be all, Grandpas," Fruity continued. "But if you need to fill a quota, I can recommend some great candidates. They'd fit right into your Valley."

What the seven elders didn't realize was that Fruity had already been warned not to join the Valley by his Grandmaster Monk.

Hammon City is one of the five cities in the Lanky Kingdom. The Lanky Kingdom is one of the seven kingdoms in the Evergreen Empire. However, outside of these kingdoms and beyond the Empire itself, there exists another great power. They are not a kingdom, but their influence spreads far and wide.

This power isn't just confined to the first Human Empire—they are everywhere. This group is called the Ten Thousand Lightning Valley, and they are known for seeking out talented individuals to train and add to their growing army of cultivators.

People generally avoid antagonizing them because they aren't subject to any king or emperor's authority. They are their own independent force, and opposing them is like challenging an empire itself.

No one wants to get on their bad side. However, that doesn't mean you have to say yes to everything they offer. Fruity's decision to reject their invitation was well within his rights. Still, the elders were reluctant to leave him be. After all, for the first time in thousands of years, someone had activated all ten levels of the Awakening Pillar.

That was unheard of, and the Seven Elders were eager to recruit him, hoping it would earn them a favor. Unfortunately for them, Fruity wasn't your typical candidate.

"There are consequences for rejecting the Valley, brat," the elder said, his tone growing darker and more menacing. His aura began to leak, and the youngsters nearby shivered as a chilling sensation swept over them, making it feel as if death was creeping closer.

"Consequences? Tomato, tomato," Fruity replied with a calm but mocking tone. "I don't know about that, old man. But let me give you a little advice—it's in your best interest not to push this any further. Trust me, there are things no one wants to see. I may seem weak right now, but turning down your offer today is the best thing that could ever happen to you."

His usual playful demeanor vanished as he narrowed his eyes at the Sovereign Elders, beings far stronger than him. Fruity was like an ant standing before Titans, but even so, he didn't back down. His gaze locked with the elders, and for some reason, the elders felt a deep unease—as if death had just written their names on its list.

Still, the elders are no ordinary people. They are Sovereigns, beings of immense power. A mere awakening from some brat wasn't going to scare them.

One of them narrowed his eyes and was about to crush this child with just a little pressure. But just as he was about to exert his strength, the temperature around them dropped dangerously.

Suddenly, the sky cracked open, and from the split in the heavens, a woman appeared. She looked like she had stepped straight out of a painting, her beauty both mesmerizing and terrifying. Fruity's stern expression softened, and his eyes widened in surprise and delight as he laid eyes on the lady.