Asclepius

As I emerged from the gate, I was enveloped in a swirl of colors and lights, like a starry sky condensed into a breathtaking vista. The Star of Asclepius loomed before me, vibrant and alive.

Two figures approached, their presence commanding yet warm. Elder Alric, tall and regal with silver hair that glimmered like starlight, bowed slightly. Beside him stood Elder Dathrak, whose deep-set eyes held the wisdom of ages. Together, they embodied the essence of the Ophiuchus Elders—guardians, mentors, and now, my family.

"Your Highness, Avant-Dar, welcome to Asclepius," Alric intoned, his voice deep and resonant.

I felt a flush of embarrassment. "I'm just Avant."

Dathrak's lips curled into a knowing smile. "It is a tradition, your highness. A mark of your lineage. You carry the potential of a Celestial Heir. The '-Dar' signifies that you are a direct descendant of our noble house."

My mind raced. Celestial Heir? I had been thrust into a legacy I barely understood. "But my mother never—"

"She hid it for your safety," Alric interrupted gently. "Her request was to keep our lineage secret to protect you and your brothers. Only in times of great need do we reveal ourselves."

My heart sank as I processed their words. My mother's sacrifices for our safety now made sense. "What am I meant to do?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"You will learn the ways of Ophiuchus," Dathrak replied, his tone reassuring. "Your training will begin soon. First, you must understand our realm and your place within it."

The Elders led me to a sleek space shuttle, its design as elegant as the star it navigated. As we traveled, the beauty of Asclepius unfolded outside the windows, revealing sprawling gardens infused with luminescent flowers and crystal-clear lakes that reflected the heavens. I could hardly contain my awe.

I gazed at the lush landscapes, the sprawling cities of gleaming structures that towered toward the heavens, and the intricate web of transportation systems gliding effortlessly through the air.

"I've never seen anything like this," I murmured.

"This is just the beginning," Alric said, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Asclepius is our heart, but the universe is our canvas. Ophiuchus awakeners are meant to shape the balance."

I turned my gaze to Dathrak. "And what happens if that balance is disrupted?"

"Then we intervene," Dathrak replied simply. "But only when absolutely necessary. Our role is not to control, but to guide."

As we neared our destination, the shuttle descended gracefully onto the polished surface of the Vaelus Estate. My breath caught in my throat as I stepped onto the grounds, feeling a surge of energy pulsating beneath my feet. The estate was a marvel, a blend of ancient architecture and modern elegance, surrounded by sprawling gardens that seemed to hum with life.

The moment my feet touched the ground, a whirlwind of movement caught my attention. A girl—no, a young woman—came racing toward me, her ash strawberry-blonde hair flowing like a cascade of sunlight. She leaped into my arms, embracing me tightly.

"Welcome home, little cousin!" she exclaimed, her voice a melody of joy.

I stood frozen for a heartbeat, taken aback. "You are…?"

"I'm Celene Vaelus! Your cousin! We're family after all!" She released me, stepping back to gaze into my eyes, her own sparkling with excitement. "I'm so happy to meet you!"

I blinked, trying to process this new information. I had never been told about Celene or that I had a cousin in this world. "How… how do you know me?"

"Everyone has been talking about you! The Celestial Heir! You're a big deal!" She giggled, dragging me toward the mansion. "Come on! I'll show you around!"

Alric cleared his throat, an amused expression crossing his face. "Ahem, your Highness Princess Celene, his Highness Avant-Dar still needs time to adjust. He has little knowledge of our existence until recently."

"Oh, Grandpa Alric! You're frightening my little brother!" she laughed, pulling me into the mansion. "Just wait till you see the training grounds! You'll love it!"

Inside, the mansion was a blend of history and modernity, adorned with tapestries that depicted the great battles and achievements of House Vaelus. I felt the weight of my lineage settle over me like a cloak. The walls whispered stories of my ancestors, their victories and sacrifices woven into the fabric of this place.

Celene chattered excitedly as she led me through the halls. "You'll love the training grounds! The elders have been waiting for you. They say you're special, that you have great potential. I can't wait to see what you can do!"

I tried to smile, but the pressure of expectation loomed over me. "I just want to understand who I am."

"Then you'll fit right in," she said brightly. "We're all figuring it out together! Just remember, we don't just have powers; we have responsibilities."

"Responsibilities?" I echoed, a hint of anxiety creeping into my voice.

Celene stopped, her expression shifting to one of seriousness. "Yes. Ophiuchus awakeners are more powerful than any Zodiac awakener, and with that power comes the duty to maintain balance. We are meant to be rulers and adjudicators of the universe."

As we entered a vast training arena, the air crackled with energy. Several Ophiuchus awakeners trained in the background, their movements fluid and precise. The atmosphere was electric with the intensity of their exercises. My breath quickened as I realized the kind of training I would face.

Elder Alric approached, gesturing for me to step forward. "It is time for you to begin your training. But first, we must discuss the nature of your powers and the secrets of Ophiuchus."

I nodded, my resolve solidifying. "I'm ready."

We settled in a quiet alcove overlooking the training arena. Alric gestured for me to sit. "Ophiuchus is not really a Zodiac; it is the embodiment of balance. Those who awaken to its power often find themselves at odds with the very nature of existence. You will learn to wield both creation and destruction—two sides of the same coin."

Dathrak leaned forward, his expression serious. "Your existence threatens to disrupt the status quo, Avant-Dar. You must understand that Ophiuchus awakeners that bear both Creation and Destruction powers are rare, and when they do appear, the world changes. Your powers are both a gift and a burden."

I clenched my fists, my mind racing. "What do you mean by a burden?"

"There have been those who sought to exploit Ophiuchus powers for their gain. They have come before you, and they will come again. Your training is not just about control; it is about ensuring you do not fall into the same trap."

I felt a knot of apprehension tighten in my stomach. "How do I control it?"

"The amulet gifted by Vice Dean Miroden will assist you temporarily until you learn to control it on your own," Alric said, nodding. "It enhances your ability to harness and regulate your Ophiuchus energy. But true mastery comes from within. You must confront the duality of your existence and accept both sides of your power."

Dathrak added, "The journey will not be easy, but you must trust in yourself and your instincts. You have a connection to the energy of Ophiuchus; embrace it."

I took a deep breath, determination flooding my veins. "I understand."