Mastering the Dual System
There was a sudden knock at my door. I straightened, quickly dispersing the lingering energy. My heart still raced from the earlier exertion, but I forced myself to breathe evenly.
"Come in," I called, my voice hoarse.
The door creaked open, and to my surprise, Master Zovran stepped in. His eyes immediately darted to the blackened scorch marks on the floor and walls.
"You've been experimenting," he said with a knowing smile, crossing his arms.
"I—yeah," I admitted, still catching my breath. "It's… more than I expected."
He nodded, stepping further into the room. "The power of the 12 Zodiacs is not something to wield lightly, Avant. Combining their energies is especially dangerous. You must learn to balance them, or they will consume you."
"I can feel that now," I said, thinking back to the sharp pain that nearly knocked me out. "I need more control."
"Exactly." Zovran's tone was firm, but not unkind. "But you're in the right place to learn. Here in Asclepius, you will have access to knowledge that even most Celestial beings would envy. But the real challenge is internal. You must master the powers within you before you can use them against the outside threats."
I nodded, knowing he was right. My hand unconsciously moved to the hidden mark—the Celestial Mark I had been given. Its weight felt heavier now than it ever had before. "And the trials outside Asclepius? You said it would take more than strength."
Zovran's expression darkened. "Indeed. Strength is only part of what's required to become a true Celestial. You'll need wisdom, patience, and a deep understanding of your own limitations."
He paused, his gaze piercing through me. "But perhaps the most important trial is one of balance. The Ophiuchus energy within you carries both creation and destruction. If you cannot balance them, you risk succumbing to the Abyss."
A cold shiver ran down my spine at the mention of the Abyss. "The Abyss…"
Zovran nodded gravely. "Yes, and that corruption still lingers. Many Ophiuchus Awakeners fell to its influence because they could not control the balance of their power. You must be cautious, Avant. Your path is more dangerous than most."
The weight of his words settled over me. I had been excited, even eager, to explore the powers of the 12 Zodiacs. But now, I realized the gravity of my situation. This wasn't just about mastering a new set of abilities. This was about survival—my survival. And the survival of everyone around me.
I clenched my fist, feeling the faint echo of Scorpio's venom and Leo's fire still buzzing beneath the surface. I needed to get stronger. I needed to control this power. But more than that, I needed to understand the balance within myself.
"What's the next step?" I asked, my voice steady with resolve.
Zovran's eyes gleamed, as if he had been waiting for me to ask that very question. "The next step," he said slowly, "is for you to master your Dual System."
My pulse quickened. I had no idea what to expect, but there was no turning back now.
"When?" I asked.
Zovran's lips curved into a small smile. "Tomorrow at dawn. Prepare yourself. This will be unlike anything you've faced before."
As the time for my personal training arrived, I saw Master Zovran already standing in the training arena.
"Ah, Avant," Master Zovran greeted me as I stepped into the personal training arena, his voice a soothing rumble that immediately put me at ease. He was a tall man, clad in a flowing robe that hinted at his authority, with eyes that seemed to hold the weight of centuries. "Today, we will delve deeper into the mechanics of both your systems."
"Master," I nodded respectfully, ready to absorb whatever knowledge he had to impart. "I want to learn how to seamlessly integrate both systems in combat."
"Then you must first understand their core mechanics," he said, gesturing for me to follow him. "The Astrology System allows you to manipulate energy on a cosmic scale. It's about precision and understanding the ebb and flow of energy. In contrast, the Zodiac System embodies the essence of your affinity. It's visceral and raw, requiring you to embody the traits of your Zodiac."
"So, it's like art versus brute force?" I suggested, trying to grasp the distinction.
"Exactly." His eyes twinkled with approval. "The trick is to find harmony between them. It's not about choosing one over the other but knowing when to employ each to your advantage."
As we reached the center of the arena, I felt the air shift around us, charged with a palpable energy. Zovran's presence was magnetic, drawing my focus. "Now, let's begin with warm-up exercises to enhance your connection to both systems."
Zovran led me through a series of physical and mental drills. Each movement felt like a dance—a synchronization of body and spirit. As I performed the exercises, I could feel the energy within me responding, a symphony of power eager to be unleashed.
"Now, let's discuss switching mechanics," Zovran said, taking a step back to allow me room. "Observe."
He moved with an elegance that belied his age, shifting fluidly between the two systems. One moment, he was manipulating gravitational forces to lift a stone, the next, he was unleashing a burst of light energy that exploded in a dazzling display.
"Feel that?" he asked, pausing to look at me. "The moment of transition is crucial. It's about letting go of one system while embracing the other."
I watched intently, absorbing every detail. Then it was my turn. As I stepped forward, I felt the weight of expectation. I focused on the stone, drawing upon my Zodiac energy to lift it with gravitational manipulation. I could feel the power swelling, but as I attempted to switch to the Astrology System to amplify my control, a jolt of energy flickered in my core, and the stone crashed to the ground.
"Focus, Avant," Zovran said, his voice steady. "Remember, it's a partnership between both systems. Let them work together, not against each other."
"Right. Let's try that again," I replied, determination igniting within me.
The sun was beginning to dip in the sky as I engaged in hands-on practice, working diligently under Zovran's watchful eye. Each attempt brought its own set of challenges—sometimes the energy would surge too strongly, or I'd lose the flow between the systems entirely. Frustration bubbled beneath the surface, but I pushed it aside.
"Why is this so hard?" I muttered, sweat trickling down my brow.
"Because you're trying to force it," Zovran replied, crossing his arms. "Combat isn't about force; it's about flow. Embrace the challenge. Understand your strengths, and learn to adapt. Now, again!"
With each attempt, I felt the tension easing. I was starting to see glimpses of my potential. But as I tried again, I found myself lost in a moment of self-reflection, recalling the moments that had led me here—the sacrifices I had made, the friends I had lost.
Suddenly, I felt a wave of energy wash over me. I seized the moment, channeling it with intention. I reached for the stone once more, feeling the gravitational pull shift beneath my hands. And then, with a deep breath, I released it, smoothly transitioning into the Astrology System.
The stone hovered effortlessly, pulsating with light as I controlled it. Zovran's gaze sharpened, and for the first time, I saw pride glimmer in his eyes.
"Very well done, Avant," he said, his voice rich with approval. "You've found your flow."
I couldn't help but smile as I absorbed the praise. My confidence surged, bolstered by the realization that I had made a breakthrough. But there was little time to dwell on it; the day's training was far from over.
"Now, we prepare for sparring," Zovran announced. "You will need to analyze your opponents' Zodiac affinities and adapt your strategies accordingly."
"Who are my sparring partners?" I asked, curious.
"Your fellow Ophiuchus Royals," he replied, gesturing toward the arena. "Each of them possesses unique strengths. You will learn not only from your victories but also from your defeats."
As I stepped into the designated arena, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was it. The moment to test my skills against the best.