Hidden Death Valley was bustling far more than usual in recent days. After all, the time of the progress examination was closing in rapidly.

At this time, only a few days remained until the assessment began, and a few details about how it would be held were posted for all to see.

Whether it was the lowest students who were still at 2nd class to those Emperors and Paragons who stood at the very peak, everyone was eagerly awaiting the time of the test.

After all, this progress examination was more than just a simple test. It was a stage for geniuses to prove themselves and compete against each other for resources and status.

The progress examination was akin to a festival for these practitioners who put strength and training above all else.

Within his residence in Star City, Atticus looked over the information provided. As he was a Paragon himself, the amount he could view was far greater than the normal genius.

'So this year's progress examination will take place in the Celestial Realm. How interesting!'

Even Atticus had never entered the Celestial Realm. After all, it was one of the most mysterious and bountiful small realms present on Death Emperor Star!

The Celestial Realm had only been opened twice since the academy's founding, but the mere mention of it was enough to get anyone's blood boiling.

'The Celestial Realm is rumored to be the small realm with the most treasures and legacies on Death Emperor Star. Even the seniors who entered during the first and second explorations weren't able to uncover the realm's secrets or even traverse the entire thing! With that in mind, why would they choose to hold a progress examination within such a critical realm opening?'

Atticus furrowed his brows in thought. Naturally, he was just as excited as anyone else to enter this mystical realm. Just thinking about the godly artifacts, techniques, and resources that'd been retrieved from the Celestial Realm previously made him drool.

However, he didn't want to enter blindly. Especially when the realm in question was covered in such a thick veil of mysticism, it was impossible for him to not be wary.

'They only released this information now, three days before the progress examination begins. They must've known that we'd try to investigate and limited our time.'

For Atticus, three days were enough time to get a general overview of the past Celestial Realm expeditions, but concrete details would be difficult to find. As for those geniuses without high status, it was nigh impossible for them to do the same.

'They say that background is also a talent. This must be the type of situation they're referring to.'

Atticus closed the holographic windows hovering in front of him and stood from his seat, walking out of his home and gazing at Hidden Death Valley's landscape that was sprawled before him.

'This timethings will get interesting.'

The Emperors and Paragons had been progressing at a rapid pace, becoming much stronger in a short period of time. Competing against them would be well worth it.

However, there were a few wild cards in this time's progress examination.

The one Atticus focused on was naturally the one he introduced to the academy.

Damien Void.

'Last I heard, he was sent to war as punishment for killing the Bloodlock Clan's people. He should be returning soonhow strong has he become?'

Atticus couldn't forget their first battle, the first time he'd ever seen such a tremendous talent who didn't originate from a major sect or clan. Comparing that battle to Damien's last before he left for war?

His progress was insane. Atticus didn't even think it was possible to become so strong in such a short period of time.

But the genius who'd already proved him wrong multiple timesjust what kind of show would he put on this time?

Frankly, Atticus couldn't wait.

***

Three days passed quickly. The day of the progress examination arrived before anyone could be prepared for it.

All Hidden Death Valley students stood on the streets of the academy, their attention directed to the sky above.

There, the Director and the 11 Zodiacs stood domineeringly, their imposing aura blanketing the entire academy space.

The Director opened his mouth to speak, projecting his booming voice with mana.

"Students! The time has come for you to set yourselves apart from your peers and soar into the sky! The progress examination is not merely a test of your qualifications to remain in the academy, it is a test of whether or not you are worthy of ascending the steps of Godhood in the future! It is an exam that will test your power, your grit and determination, your heroic spirit, and even the deepest desires of your soul!"

"This year, the unfathomable Celestial Realm has opened once more, and we have decided to allow you, our Hidden Death Valley geniuses, to explore it personally!

"The details of the exam will be provided once you enter the realm. Your academy emblems will lead you to complete all the tasks necessary to get a passing grade, and after you've completed these tasks, it is up to you when you wish to leave! You will have three months to explore as you please and encounter your own fortuitous encounters!"

"Young geniuses, are you prepared?!"

""YES, DIRECTOR!!""

A unified cry resounded through the academy. Fighting spirit burned the atmosphere with its fearsome blaze as every genius present prepared themselves to sacrifice their lives for opportunity.

The Director smiled from his position in the air. "Good! I can feel your determination from here! Only geniuses with as much willingness to risk their lives as you can succeed in life!"

"Now, go forth! The opportunities and dangers of the Celestial Realm await you!"

The Director summoned his mana and covered the entire academy in a thick web. The 11 Zodiacs behind him moved as well, forming a strange pattern and creating a myriad of seals with their hands, summoning a grand formation unto the academy.

A titanic array diagram appeared in the air, and a film of blue light enveloped the academy. Spatial fluctuations resonated and shook the atmosphere as disciples began to disappear in groups of many hundreds at a time.

Among the geniuses who were waiting to be transported to the Celestial Realm, a small commotion broke out.

Voom!

The chaotic spatial fluctuations in a certain part of Star City coalesced and caused the atmosphere to shatter. A black hole leading to the chaotic void began to consume everything around it.

Until, a change took place.

Crack!

It was so abrupt that the surrounding geniuses didn't even have a chance to properly process the situation. The suction force of the black hole reversed and blew fierce winds into the vicinity.

Puha!

A strangely human noise came from the black hole as an object shot out and slammed into the ground.

From the smoke, a man rose.

He dusted off his dirtied uniform and looked around, scratching his head sheepishly when he understood the situation.

"Wellat least I got here on time."

Damien swept his hand through the air and calmed the chaotic spatial fluctuations around him. In the next instant, he felt a calm aura of spatial mana covering him.

In that last moment before his body was teleported into the Celestial Realm, he had a thought.

'Aha, maybe I should've figured out what's going on first.'