The first rays of dawn broke through the high windows of the Dekus Estate's training hall. The place was a sprawling expanse of metal and stone, illuminated by the morning light that filtered through the translucent dome overhead.

It was here, amidst the echoes of clashing swords and the hum of mystical energies, that I would begin the arduous journey of mastering my Ophiuchus powers.

I stood at the edge of the training ground, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

My training had begun, and I knew it would be no easy feat. It's to prepare for the pre-entrane ahead. The Ophichius power was unlike any other, and mastering it would require every ounce of my strength and willpower.

The first exercise was simple enough—basic energy control. I was instructed to harness and direct my energy into a small, floating orb.

Simple, in theory, but every time I tried, the orb would sputter and vanish or grow wildly unstable. My attempts were met with increasing frustration as I struggled to even get a basic grasp on the energy manipulation.

"Focus, Avant," said Trainer Elara, a senior instructor hired by the Dekus house. Her voice was firm but encouraging. "The constellation's power requires not just strength, but precision and calm. Find your center."

I closed my eyes, trying to steady my breathing. I could feel the energy within me, a seething mass of potential waiting to be channeled.

I extended my hand, focusing on creating a small, controlled sphere of energy. The orb materialized slowly, flickering with an unstable light. It wobbled and expanded erratically before collapsing into a burst of harmless sparks.

"Again," Trainer Elara said, her tone unwavering. "And remember, control is more than just a physical act. It's also a mental one. Clear your mind."

I nodded, my frustration simmering beneath the surface. Each failure stung, and I could sense the eyes of my fellow trainees watching me with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

I was aware that my struggles were the talk of the training ground, but I pushed those thoughts aside. This was my journey, and I had to make it my own.

As the days progressed, my training intensified. I found myself engaging in a series of exercises designed to push my limits.

From channeling energy into elemental constructs to battling training dummies imbued with artificial magical resistance, every session was a test of my growing abilities.

One afternoon, after a particularly grueling session, I slumped against a wall, drenched in sweat. My muscles ached, and my energy reserves were nearly depleted. I was lost in thought when I noticed a figure approaching.

It was Master Orin, a renowned Celestial Academy instructor known for his deep knowledge of Zodiac powers. I was surprised to see him here. What was he doing coming to our estate?

Master Orin had an air of quiet authority about him. His eyes, though kind, held a glint of ancient wisdom.

"Avant Dekus," he said, his voice carrying a weight of experience. "You're making progress, but did you know that there's more to the Ophiuchus power than what you've learned so far."

I looked up, wiping my brow. "What do you mean, Master Orin?"

He studied me for a moment before speaking. "The Ophiuchus power is not just about brute strength or flashy abilities. It's a path of enlightenment and balance. You must learn to harmonize with your power, or it will consume you."

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I frowned, trying to understand. "But how do I achieve that balance?"

Master Orin's gaze was intense as he spoke. "By embracing the trials that come your way. The path of Ophiuchus will be fraught with challenges, not just physical but also mental and spiritual. You must prepare yourself for the dangers ahead."

His words were cryptic but carried a sense of foreboding. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something he wasn't telling me, something crucial about the trials I would face.

Later that evening, I found myself alone in the estate's library, poring over ancient texts about the Ophiuchus Zodiac.

The dim light cast eerie shadows across the pages as I sifted through tales of past Ophiuchus wielders and their legendary feats. The more I read, the more I realized that my journey was only beginning. The legends spoke of great power but also of immense sacrifice and peril.

As I closed the book, a shiver ran down my spine. The weight of Master Orin's warning echoed in my mind. The path of the Ophiuchus was not just about power but about navigating hidden dangers and facing trials that could test the very essence of who I am.

The next few days were filled with intensive training meant to hone my ability to control energy. Trainer Elara, though strict, was patient with me.

One day, while I was channeling my powers to create a simple energy strike aimed at a target dummy, a soft chime echoed in my mind.

[Unlocked New Skill: Star Strike]

Type: Active

Description: Short-range, burst-type ability.

Effect: Explosive wave or pulse of energy. The effect varies depending on the specific energy being used and the user's proficiency in controlling it.

Cooldown: 2 minutes

Wait. What was that? I unlocked a skill? I froze for a moment, too stunned to do anything.

When Elara saw me in a dazed state, she snapped me out of it with her booming, commanding voice. "Focus, Avant!"

I immediately regained my composure and resumed channeling energy to strike the dummy. But then, an idea sparked. I decided to try the new skill.

"Star Strike."

In an instant, a powerful pulse of energy shot out, striking the dummy with precision. This time, it was quick, decisive, and more stable than anything I'd managed before.

A rush of adrenaline surged through me—an excitement I couldn't contain. For the first time, I felt the true thrill of awakening my powers.

Elara, seeing the skill in action, gave me an approving glance. "I see you've managed to unlock a skill. Good." She smirked, a gleam of challenge in her eyes. "Well then, I guess it's time to increase the difficulty of your training."

Elara intensified my training. Instead of the stationary dummies I'd been using for target practice, she introduced a sparring puppet—one that would not only defend but also counterattack. My objective was simple yet challenging: to spar with the puppet.

Elara instructed me to rely solely on my celestial energy, forbidding any weapons. As a Zodiac Awakener, I had to channel celestial energy to harness my abilities, unlocking skills and powers as I grew stronger.

I launched my new skill, aiming directly at the puppet. But each movement was effortlessly blocked, as if the puppet could read my intentions.

"You're lacking movement skills and a solid combat strategy," Elara's voice echoed from the sidelines. "This sparring session will help you tune into your combat instincts and refine your movement skills," she added, closely monitoring my every move.

As I continued sparring, I could feel my agility improving with each move. I managed to block the puppet's attacks more consistently, and my strikes grew sharper, more precise.

I began to think that this puppet was nothing to fear—until it suddenly shifted tactics. Without warning, the puppet launched a series of star beams toward me. I dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the beams as they sliced through the air.

But the puppet didn't relent. It gathered energy, focusing it into a powerful, concentrated beam aimed straight at me.

Elara's eyes widened in alarm as she realized what was happening. "Avant, move away!" she shouted, rushing to disable the puppet. But it was too late. The puppet unleashed its beam, and fear and shock flooded me.

In that moment, I instinctively called upon my Ophiuchus powers, feeling the energy surge stronger than ever before.

I raised my hands in a desperate attempt to shield myself, closing my eyes and bracing for impact. Instead of the pain I expected, I heard a soft hum and the sound of dissipating energy.

I opened my eyes to find an energy barrier enveloping me, shimmering with celestial light. I looked over at Elara, who stood frozen, her face filled with shock.

For a moment, I thought she had saved me, but then I heard the familiar voice of the system echoing in my mind.

[ZUA System]

New Skill Unlocked: Energy Barrier

I was saved by my new skill, my first protective shield.