Celestial God in Training

In the quiet of the evening, as the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, I took a moment to reflect on what this meant for me.

My training wasn't just about becoming stronger—it was about evolving into a force that could potentially reshape the balance of power in the Zodiac realms.

The path ahead would be filled with trials and tribulations, but it also held the promise of unparalleled power and influence.

I recalled the faces of my allies and rivals, all of whom had their own aspirations and challenges. The title "Celestial God (Trainee)" wasn't just a personal milestone— it was a sign that my journey would impact everyone around me.

It was a heavy mantle to bear, and I knew that I had to rise to the occasion, not just for myself but for those who believed in me and those who opposed me.

The realization struck me hard— this was not just about becoming the best. It was about mastering a power that could either save or destroy. The weight of the title was both a burden and a beacon, guiding me through the trials that lay ahead.

As I walked back to my dorm, the cool night air filled with the distant sounds of the academy settling down for the night, I resolved to embrace the challenge.

The title was a testament to my progress, but it was also a call to action. My training would have to be relentless and precise. Every decision I made from now on would be crucial.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, I had a new title to live up to. I was a Celestial God in training, and I intended to prove that I was worthy of it.

One evening, after a particularly brutal session of sparring with Serin, I made my way to the academy's library. It was quiet, save for the soft shuffle of pages being turned.

I found myself drawn to a section filled with ancient scrolls—texts long forgotten by most of the students.

As I rifled through the brittle parchment, my fingers brushed against a scroll hidden in the back.

The words, faded but legible, spoke of a Star Realm, an ancient dimension where only the bravest and most powerful warriors trained.

The scroll described methods of unlocking the true potential of one's Zodiac power, but only those willing to face extreme trials could access it.

My pulse quickened as I read the final lines: "Within the Star Realm lies the ultimate test. Only those who conquer it will uncover the full extent of their celestial powers."

I knew immediately what I had to do. This was the breakthrough I'd been waiting for—the next step in mastering Ophiuchus.

I trudged back to my dorm room, my mind still buzzing with the day's revelations and insights. As I collapsed onto my bed, I pulled out my status window, which had become an invaluable tool in tracking my progress.

With a few swipes, the window flickered to life, displaying my current status:

[ZUA System]

Name: Avant Dekus

Zodiac: Ophiuchus - Undetermined

Class: Star

Rank: Apprentice

Tier: 2

Level: 28

Attributes:

Strength: 45

Agility: 38

Endurance: 42

Energy Control: 51

Intelligence: 74

Celestial Power: 62

I scanned the window, my eyes widening as I noticed the new additions and improvements.

Skills unlocked:

Master Strategist - Level 1 (Active)

Strategic Insight (Passive)

Celestial Resonance (Passive)

Strategic Insight was a new skill, a direct result of my focused efforts in analyzing and implementing battle strategies.

The small level next to it—Level 1—seemed modest, but it signaled the beginning of a crucial development.

This skill was a reflection of my growing understanding of battlefield tactics and the ability to anticipate and counter opponents' moves with precision.

The Celestial Resonance ability was intriguing. It reminded me of the passive ability of the hidden system—something that granted a temporary boost by harnessing the power of celestial alignments. This skill had the potential to turn the tide of battle when activated.

I couldn't help but wonder: Did this ability exist because of my constant use of borrowing Ophiuchus power to fuel my celestial energy and activate my skills?

This new power was both exhilarating and daunting, as it promised significant enhancement but also implied that its use required careful consideration.

It was a powerful tool, but I knew it came with its own risks and required careful management to avoid overwhelming myself.

The Master Strategist achievement was a point of pride. Completing the advanced strategic training with commendable performance felt like a validation of my hard work and dedication. It was a reminder that my focus on mental and strategic preparation was paying off.

As I took in the status window, a sense of determination welled up inside me. The improvements and new abilities were encouraging, but they were also a reminder of the long journey ahead.

The more I advanced, the more challenges awaited. Each new skill and attribute was a step towards mastering my Ophiuchus powers and preparing for the trials that lay beyond the academy's walls.

I closed the status window and lay back on my bed, letting the satisfaction of my progress settle. But beneath that satisfaction was a steely resolve.

I knew that the real test was not just in unlocking new powers but in mastering them and using them to face the challenges that lay ahead.

The days ahead were filled with relentless training, preparing myself for the upcoming trials. These trials would determine my standing and mark my official inception into the Celestial Academy.

As usual, I focused on channeling the celestial energy around me. I could feel my Ophiuchus powers brimming with untapped potential, and as if on cue, this abundance triggered Celestial Resonance.

It felt as though both systems—the Ophiuchus energy and Celestial Resonance—were perfectly aligned, granting me a surge of power to activate skills from my ZUA System.

I practiced Starstrike, adapting it for close combat instead of the usual long-range approach, and I could sense an improvement in both precision and efficiency.

Determined to push myself further, I used both hands to summon the energy for Starstrike and slashed the target dummy in front of me.

After using the skill countless times, I felt a sudden surge within me, a new energy awakening. Without warning, the ZUA System displayed a notification:

[ZUA System Alert]

Starstrike has reach proficiency. 

Unlocked New Skill: Starfield Blades

Type: Active

Description: Summons an array of shimmering, ethereal blades forged from celestial energy. These blades hover around the user, responding to their intent and striking down enemies with precision. Each blade is infused with starlight, causing it to explode upon impact, dealing damage over a short radius.

Effect: Summons up to 10 blades at a time, which can be directed at multiple targets or focused on a single opponent for amplified damage. The blades regenerate over time, allowing for sustained attacks during combat.

Cooldown: 5 minutes

Additional Info: Starfield Blades grow stronger and more numerous with the user's proficiency and connection to celestial power.

I was ecstatic—another new skill! I had learned that with enough proficiency, new skills could be unlocked, though I'd thought this was only possible through leveling up or tier upgrades.

Elara had mentioned once that I'd unlock new abilities as I progressed through Tiers, Levels, and Ranks. But it hadn't crossed my mind that skill proficiency alone could trigger an unlock.

Now, with my hidden system, I realized that my unique powers could also accelerate skill unlocks, allowing me to reach new heights faster than I'd imagined.

I made up my mind— I would keep testing and learning the intricacies of both systems as I progressed.