The Dekus estate's grand hall was now quiet, its earlier grandeur giving way to an oppressive stillness. The festive decorations hung limply, a stark contrast to the electrifying atmosphere from earlier.

As the last guests departed, I found myself alone with my thoughts, the words of the mysterious figure still haunting me. Who was he? What did he mean by calling himself a messenger? A messenger from whom?

I stared at my reflection in the polished marble of the hall's grand staircase. The Ophiuchus mark had faded, but I could still feel its residual energy thrumming beneath my skin.

Trying to make sense of it all, I raised my hand and focused, attempting to summon the power I had felt earlier.

Nothing happened.

Frustration boiled within me as I clenched my fist, willing the power to come forth.

"You're not alone in this."

My mother's voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see her standing in the doorway, her face a blend of concern and encouragement.

She walked over and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "It's normal to feel overwhelmed. The Ophiuchus power is unlike any other, and mastering it will take time."

"I know," I said, my voice strained. "But it's hard to stay positive when I don't even know how to control it yet."

She nodded, her gaze softening. "Your father and I have studied the ancient texts about the Zodiac signs. The Ophiuchus is... unique and its powers are complex. You'll need guidance and practice."

As we spoke, my father joined us, holding a thick, ancient book with gold-trimmed pages. "This is one of the few surviving manuscripts on Ophiuchus," he said, placing it on the table. "It might help you understand more about your abilities."

I glanced at the book, its cover etched with intricate symbols and star maps. It looked as though it held centuries of wisdom within its pages.

My father continued, "The Ophiuchus has been mentioned in legends as a force of great potential. It's not just about raw power but also about wisdom and balance."

I opened the book and skimmed through the text, but the language was archaic and difficult to decipher. "It's like trying to read a different language," I admitted.

"Start with the basics," my mother advised. "Learn to sense and control your energy before trying to understand the advanced aspects. Begin with small exercises and gradually work your way up."

"We'll hire a trainer to help you learn control and mastery over the basic energy of your constellation powers," my father added. "You'll begin training with them first, before entering the Celestial Academy."

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As a newly awakened I get to enter the academy of my choice and because of my nobility and unique abilities, gained a pre-entrance trial into Celestial Academy, one of the top Academic Institutions for Zodiac Awakeners in Ascella Star.

The next few days were a whirlwind of self- training and discovery before the arrival of my personal trainer. I spent hours in one of the city's public training grounds.

My attempts were often met with little success, the power remaining elusive and difficult to control. Each failed attempt only heightened my frustration and self-doubt.

During one particularly grueling session, I sat on the grassy field, staring at the sky. The weight of my family's expectations and the grandeur of the Ophiuchus sign felt like an insurmountable barrier.

My breath came in ragged gasps, my muscles sore from the exertion. I awakened the system to check on my progress.

[ZUA System]

Name: Avant Dekus

Zodiac: Ophiuchus-Undetermined

Class: Star

Rank: Apprentice

Tier: 1

Level: 2

Attributes:

Strength: 15

Agility: 18

Endurance: 12

Energy Control: 5

Intelligence: 44

Celestial Power: 42

"Hey, Avant. Still struggling, huh?"

I looked up to see Serin Altharis approaching. He had been a classmate and a distant acquaintance before, but now his presence felt oddly comforting. Serin had a knack for appearing at just the right moment.

"Yeah," I replied, wiping sweat from my brow. "It's like trying to catch smoke with my bare hands."

Serin nodded sympathetically. "I heard you awakened Ophiuchus?"

I nodded. "Yes, but it's hard. My power... I don't actually know how to control it yet."

Serin gave me a reassuring smile. "Well it's a different beast altogether. I've read that it requires not just strength, but also control and understanding.You're not alone in this. Everyone has their struggles, and I'm sure you'll find your way."

Our conversation was interrupted by a sudden chill in the air. A figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked in dark robes. The figure's presence was imposing, and an unsettling silence fell over the training grounds.

"Avant Dekus," the figure said, his voice echoing with a deep, resonant tone. "You have only scratched the surface of your true potential."

I stood up, facing the mysterious figure with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "Who are you?"

The figure stepped closer, revealing a face shrouded in shadow. "I am a seeker of truths, a guide of sorts. The Ophiuchus power is not just about raw strength. It's about uncovering and mastering the hidden aspects of yourself."

"What do you mean?" I asked, feeling a shiver run down my spine.

The figure's eyes glowed faintly as he continued, "There are depths to your power that you have yet to explore. The path ahead will test you, but it will also reveal the true nature of your abilities. Seek out the hidden knowledge, and you will unlock the full potential of the Ophiuchus."

Before I could respond, the figure turned and vanished into the shadows, leaving me with a sense of foreboding and intrigue.

Serin, who had been watching in silent contemplation, finally spoke. "That was... intense. Do you think he was telling the truth?"

I nodded slowly, still processing the encounter. "I don't know, but it sounds like there's more to this than I initially thought. I need to find out what he meant and how to truly master this power."

Serin offered a supportive smile. "Like I said, you're not alone in this journey. If you need help, I'm here for you."

As I return to the estate, I felt a renewed sense of determination. The path ahead was uncertain, but I was more resolved than ever to uncover the secrets of my Ophiuchus powers and embrace my destiny.

"Seek the hidden knowledge, huh? I guess I'll have to uncover this secret one step at a time."