Asclepius Royal Academy

The Academy grounds were vast—far bigger than I had imagined when I first received my acceptance. The towering celestial spires, shimmering with cosmic energy, cast long shadows across the marble pathways, and students bustled everywhere, their vibrant uniforms denoting their class ranks.

As I followed Zephira down the winding marble paths, every step I took hummed with energy. It was as though the academy itself was breathing, an entity watching and weighing the worth of each student that passed through its gates.

Zephira led me through the grand entrance into what looked like a massive courtyard. It was flanked on all sides by colossal statues of past legendary Zodiac warriors, their eyes gleaming with power, their weapons poised as if ready to strike. I felt small in their presence, but there was also a sense of purpose—a reminder that this academy was a place where legends were made.

"This is the Arena of Legends," Zephira said, gesturing to the towering figures. "These statues are more than just reminders of those who came before. Each one holds a piece of their essence. If you're deemed worthy, you can commune with the spirit of these warriors, learn from their victories... and their mistakes." Her voice took on a reverent tone, and I felt a strange tug within me, as if one of the statues were calling my name.

The thought of facing off against the echoes of these legendary figures both excited and terrified me. I knew that whatever trials lay ahead, they were not to be taken lightly.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe, mixed with a creeping undercurrent of dread. This place wasn't just a school—it was a battlefield for the best of the best. And now, I was part of it.

Zephira walked beside me, pointing out various buildings and landmarks as we navigated the maze of pathways. "Over there's the Combat Arena," she said, gesturing to an enormous structure that radiated power. "That's where you'll probably spend most of your time honing your skills. But watch out—some of the upper-classmen can get a bit... competitive."

"Competitive, huh?" I muttered, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. Competitive was an understatement. From what I'd heard, the students here were ruthless.

"ARA is massive," Zephira continued, her tone light and casual, as if she didn't notice my growing anxiety. "We've got six different training grounds, each designed for different types of combat and cultivation. You'll have your pick, though some of them are restricted based on your class rank."

I nodded, trying to absorb everything. The academy was a fortress, a city within itself, with every corner harboring something new. Zephira pointed to the Combat Arena, where students sparred in various conditions—some with blazing infernos, others surrounded by swirling cosmic storms.

"And that," Zephira added, "is the Artificial Dimension Arena, or AD Arena for short. It's a simulated training ground. You can recreate any battlefield, any scenario—fight against anyone you want, even project opponents you've never faced before. But, it's restricted to those with high enough rank."

I paused for a moment, watching a few students exit the AD Arena. They looked drained, as if they'd just fought for their lives. A part of me wondered what kind of opponents I would simulate there—what kind of challenges I would choose to test myself against. If I made it that far, of course.

We continued our tour, and I learned that only a few training grounds were free for use. Star Realms, Cosmic Ruins, and Star Ruins required Star Cores to enter, making them accessible only to the more privileged or advanced students. The free ones? Well, even those came with restrictions based on your class division—Juniors had a mere two hours, while Elites had no limits.

My thoughts drifted to the Star Realms. There were four levels of difficulty there—Normal, Nightmare, Inferno, and Death. The higher the level, the greater the challenge. But also, the greater the rewards. Only the strongest dared venture into Death-level trials.

"Worried?" Zephira asked, breaking my thoughts.

"A little," I admitted. "It's a lot to take in."

"You'll be fine," she assured me, flashing me a smile.

Zephira stopped in front of a massive building—the Library of Cosmic Knowledge. The sheer size of it dwarfed everything else around it, its towering shelves filled with ancient scrolls, cosmic runes, and books that held the secrets of the universe.

"This is where you'll want to spend some time, too," she said. "There's knowledge in here that could change the way you see everything. Combat techniques, the history of the Ophiuchus powers, and even records of legendary awakeners."

I glanced at the grand entrance, feeling the weight of all the knowledge held within. It was daunting, but also exhilarating. The thought of uncovering secrets hidden for centuries sparked a fire within me.

"Sounds like the perfect place for light reading," I muttered, but Zephira only chuckled.

"You'd be surprised how many students get lost in there for days, trying to uncover the secrets of the cosmos," she said. "But we'll save that tour for another time. Right now, it's time to head to the Mission Hall."

We crossed a large courtyard where students bustled about, some discussing their latest training exercises, others talking strategy for upcoming tournaments. When we reached the Mission Hall, the atmosphere shifted. The Hall was grand, its walls adorned with glowing cosmic maps and flickering mission boards. Every task on the board was ranked, from simple resource gathering in the outskirts of the Academy to high-risk interdimensional quests that could see you face-to-face with star beasts or Abyss creatures.

"Missions are key to progressing here," Zephira explained. "Every mission earns you ARA Points, which you'll need to advance through the class ranks. Some missions are individual, but most require your squad. And trust me, the higher the stakes, the better the reward."

As she spoke, my gaze fell upon a particular mission—one labeled Nightmare Difficulty: Black Abyss Ruins Exploration. It was marked in deep red, a warning. 

I swallowed hard. "What about that one?"

Zephira followed my gaze and smiled grimly. "That's not for you. Not yet, anyway. The Black Abyss missions are for Advanced and Elite students. The dangers there aren't like anything you've faced before. Not even in the Star Realms."

I nodded, filing that information away for later. I wasn't ready for it now, but something told me that sooner or later, I'd be drawn into that darkness.

But I couldn't shake the thoughts of Squad 13. Why would an elite squad like that only have three members? And what kind of mentor wielded the powers of Fate and Destiny? I had a feeling there was more to the story—something hidden, waiting to be revealed.

As we continued our tour, my mind drifted to the squad I would eventually be assigned to. Would I be placed with strong teammates? Or would I be the weak one, forced to drag them down instead as I fought my way to the top?

We finally reached the dormitories, and Zephira gestured to the building on the far right. "That's where you'll be staying," she said. "Junior dorms are over there. Not as fancy as the Elite dorms, but you'll manage."

I chuckled. "Not like I have much of a choice."

As we entered the dorms, the atmosphere shifted. The chatter of students grew quieter, the air heavier. It was like everyone here carried the weight of their future on their shoulders. I was no different.

After Zephira left, I spent the evening settling in, unpacking what little belongings I had brought with me. My thoughts were restless, circling back to Squad 13 and the mysteries surrounding them. What kind of power did it take to wield both forms of Ophiuchus energy? And what had happened to their fourth member?

As night fell, I stood by the window, staring out at the Academy's towering spires, bathed in the light of distant stars. The Academy wasn't just a place for learning. It was a crucible—a place where the strong survived and the weak were left behind.

I clenched my fists, determination flooding my veins. Whatever trials lay ahead, I would face them head-on. I had no other choice.

But as I lay in bed, one question nagged at me, refusing to let me rest.

Why did Squad 13 only have three members?

The question echoed in my mind, a puzzle that needed solving. And somehow, I knew it wouldn't be long before I found out.