"Another power-up," Rhazor muttered, and then he proceeded to channel Poison Aura.

He lifted his right index finger and channeled a swirling mist of red energy.

The moment the red mist appeared, he sensed an overwhelming killing intent and death qi emanating from it. Instantly, he felt his power grow stronger.

"This power... I can feel my entire body filled with it."

Rhazor wasn’t the only one who felt it.

His other incarnations did as well, and as someone who aspired to become the strongest in the entire universe and beyond, Klaus instantly realized something.

’I had always thought the Dao was the peak of all energy. However, it appears I was wrong. The Dao is only one part of a greater whole. This means that Aura, Intent, Concept, Law, and, finally, Dao are supposed to be cultivated separately yet together.

So far, I have been cultivating Laws and Intent—well, for some energies. However, if I take the time to cultivate all five, then just how strong would I become?’

Seated in a cafeteria within the Academy, Klaus smiled and made a mental note to create two more bodies.

Since he had awakened the bloodlines of the Asura God and Knox, the Divine Archer, he could create two additional incarnations.

He planned to use Knox’s incarnation to comprehend the Auras and Intents of every energy under his command.

That meant Gravity, Void, Blood, Space, and several others would all need to be comprehended, with their Auras and Intents fully awakened.

Then, using his incarnation as Asura, he would focus on comprehending Concepts.

As for Laws, he would leave them to Pickle Berry, whose understanding deepened as she grew older.

The Dao could wait until he became a god.

While comprehending the Dao typically began at the Supreme Stage, Klaus had no issue starting early.

He had the bodies to do so.

Rhazor deactivated the [Poison Aura] and turned west.

’It will take me at least a week, even at full speed, to reach the edge of the Naga King’s domain. I’d better be prepared for a grim welcome.’

Rhazor smirked and summoned Nirvana’s wings.

Then, tapping into the void, he moved, traveling several hundred thousand kilometers in a matter of seconds.

---

[The Academy]

The day Klaus had been waiting for finally arrived.

Today, he would take the assessment that would determine the Tier, or Class, of Engineer he would become.

He had already been briefed by Eiko, so he knew the kind of test he would be taking.

Since engineering required proficiency in both formations and arrays, he would be tested on both.

Of course, knowledge of blacksmithing and artisanship was also required, but that wasn’t a problem for Klaus. More importantly, there are powerful machines that can 3D print anything these days.

During the Primordial Era, his first incarnation mastered various crafts, laying the foundation for his future incarnations.

As such, he only needed to prove his knowledge of arrays and formations.

Throughout the days leading up to today, he had sensed the gazes of more than ten Celestials.

It seemed Paragon had dealt them a significant blow, so, as someone whose name was constantly mentioned alongside his, Klaus knew they wanted to see whether he was truly related to Paragon.

However, aside from chatting with Eiko and reading notes on Arrays and Formations in the library, he was basically doing nothing.

During that time, he sensed three familiar gazes.

It turned out that Supreme warrior Sayuri had reunited with her two sisters, Xania and Xenia, in person. They came to the academy.

They had come to check whether Klaus was indeed the Paragon. However, noticing the Celestials keeping an eye on him, they refrained from doing anything and merely observed him.

Today, Klaus knew he was going to meet more than just the Headmistress of the Engineering College.

He knew the Celestials would be there, and so would the other two heads.

"Are you ready to go?" Eiko asked the moment Klaus opened his door.

"Eiko, isn’t it too early for you to be here?"

Eiko smiled shyly and responded, "I’m just excited to see if you can outclass me."

Klaus laughed.

"Honestly speaking, I can even outclass the so-called top-ranking engineers here. However, I wouldn’t want to become the center of attention just yet."

Eiko smirked and started walking away, a clear sign that Klaus should follow.

"The top five are all Class H Engineers, meaning they are Saint Engineers capable of creating SSS-Class weapons.

The last time I checked, the third ranker had created a bow and arrow capable of killing even a Supreme. He also created a domain-type weapon capable of killing a group of gods.

So I wouldn’t be so sure about outclassing them. Maybe you should aim for Class G, which would make you a Supreme Engineer."

Klaus shook his head.

"What is with this ranking? Why does a Supreme Engineer rank below a Saint Engineer?"

"I don’t know. I came to meet it this way, too, so I never questioned it. Of course, you can ask the elders when you meet them."

They soon left the Class Dome area and made their way toward a sleek building made entirely of gold.

As they drew closer, Klaus could sense the presence of a Celestial and a Supreme inside the building.

’I guess they’re all here.’

A few minutes later, they stood in the room.

Eiko looked at him and smiled.

"Just know that your assessment will be streamed to all engineers, so give it your all and you might gain the recognition of a powerful master."

"Aren’t you coming?" Klaus asked, looking at the petite lady who had been keeping him company for the past couple of days.

"Only the disciple being assessed can enter. I will wait for you under that pavilion."

Klaus nodded and watched Eiko walk away.

He sighed and entered the hall.

The hall was vast and filled with a wide range of engineering tools.

Klaus scanned a few of them before focusing on the people gathered inside.

He counted ten Celestials, each possessing a powerful presence.

Although they dressed regally, Klaus knew they were warriors, true warriors worthy of his respect.

Aside from them, Supreme Warrior Sayuri was also present and seated, and on both her left and right sat two ladies Klaus immediately recognized.

Away from them, Supreme Engineer Winnie sat together with Supreme Healer Gideon of the Healer/Mage College and Supreme Queen Mirabel from the Universe Bank.

A few others with various badges sat alongside them.

Klaus recognized them from Eiko’s comprehensive description of the Engineering College’s hierarchy.

They were the Elder Engineers, beings with great knowledge of weapon crafting.

They were seated on an elevated platform, and at the center stood a slightly raised circular platform.

Atop it sat a rune knife and three formation core discs.

Klaus walked calmly and climbed onto the circular platform.

"Welcome to your assessment, Disciple Klaus, or do you prefer Renegade Hunter?" Supreme Engineer Winnie asked.

"Klaus is fine."

"Very well. Before we proceed, allow me to introduce the guests we have with us today."

Supreme Engineer Winnie introduced everyone.

When she was done, she returned her attention to Klaus.

"Before you can officially join the Engineering College, it is assumed that you already possess some knowledge of arrays and formations.

Since that is the case, you will be presented with three trials.

Based on your performance in each one, your final class as an engineer will be determined at the end of the assessment.

You will have twelve hours to complete all three trials, and you are free to choose which trial you wish to attempt first."

"Now, you may ask any questions before we begin."