Ophiuchus Domain Skills

I made my way to the training grounds with purpose. After the mini scuffle with Mirsa earlier today, I needed to refocus. The fight had stirred something inside me—a hunger for improvement.

She was a challenge, a unique one at that, and I couldn't let the memory of our clash fade.

No, I needed to be better. I had to be.

Before diving into training, I pulled up my status. My fingers hovered over the screen, half-expecting the same dull numbers. But when I saw them, my breath caught in my throat.

Name: Avant Dekus

Constellation: 9th Constellation (Sagittarius)

Star: Ascella

Star Realm No: 9th Star Realm

Star Rank: Junior Star Recruit

Level: Tier 2

Affiliation: Celestial Academy

Current Academy Rank: 49

Star Points: 2,480

Zodiac Affinity: Ophiuchus - Undetermined

I stared at the Star Points. 2,480. That wasn't what I expected. The victories from my past matches were worth more than I thought, and I hadn't fully grasped the power of every fight. It made sense now—the points from the last few victories had piled up, giving me a solid base.

The corner of my mouth curled into a grin. I hadn't even realized how close I was to breaking past the next tier.

The Star Points Exchange Kiosk wasn't far from the training grounds. I made my way there, the anticipation building in my chest. The sounds of students practicing their techniques filled the air, but I barely registered them. 

I reached the kiosk and immediately checked the resources available for purchase. The holographic interface blinked to life, displaying various options:

Cosmic Gem - 3,500 Star Points

Star Core - 1,500 Star Points

Star Gem - 500 Star Points

Star Crystal - 80 Star Points

I quickly scanned the options. The Cosmic Gem was out of my reach for now, but I could afford a Star Core, and its 15% skill unlock chance was too tempting to pass up. I could feel the pulsing energy inside me, the potential ready to be unlocked.

I clicked the exchange button. The transaction was swift, and just like that, 1,500 points were gone. I glanced down at the remaining balance—980 points. Not bad. I could make that stretch for something useful later.

The holographic interface buzzed. Your Star Core has been dispatched. The delivery would take 24 hours, but I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

With a sense of purpose, I turned to leave the kiosk, but my mind was already elsewhere. My training today was about testing my limits, pushing myself further, and becoming stronger than I had ever been.

I had been in the academy for a while now, but there were things I hadn't unlocked. Skills, abilities—power.

As I stepped into the training grounds, I felt the familiar hum of energy around me. The open-air arena stretched before me, an empty expanse ready to test my resolve.

I barely had time to take my first breath before a notification pinged in my mind.

Package Delivered.

Without hesitation, I summoned the ZUA System. A portal shimmered before me, and a small, hovering drone emerged from the nothingness, carrying a small case. The drone stopped in front of me, hovering for a moment as if to acknowledge my presence, then gently dropped the case into my hands.

I opened the case, and inside lay the Star Core—black, metallic, and the size of a baby's fist. It pulsed with energy. The ZUA System instantly recognized it.

Star Core: Grade 3 Star

Energy Absorption: Active

I barely registered the information before my body moved on its own. My fingers wrapped around the Star Core, and I closed my eyes, channeling my Ophiuchus energy into the stone.

The process was immediate. I could feel the Star Core's power flowing into me, fusing with my own. The rush was intoxicating—intense and pure. My body hummed with energy, and I let the Star Core settle deep within me.

Absorbing Star Core: 45%...

Absorbing Star Core: 92%...

Absorbing Star Core: 100%...

The stone disintegrated in my hands, leaving nothing but dust and an overwhelming sense of power. I felt the shift in my energy—more potent, more precise. But as the power surged, I waited.

A minute passed. Two. No notification.

I frowned. "Guess I'm not that lucky," I muttered, pushing the disappointment away.

But as I prepared to continue, something deeper stirred within me. It wasn't the usual rush of energy. No, this was different. It was as if the very core of my being, my Ophiuchus affinity, was awakening. I staggered, almost losing my balance. The voice echoed through my mind.

***** System Activated

Unlocking Domain Skill.

Serpent's Wrath (Offensive): Channels intense serpent energy into a powerful, concentrated attack that inflicts severe damage on enemies. Cooldown: 30 seconds.

Ophiuchus' Guardian (Defensive): Summons a formidable defensive barrier formed from celestial serpents, providing robust protection against all forms of attack. Cooldown: 40 seconds.

Ophiuchus' Revival (Healing): Uses the energy of the celestial serpent to heal and restore health to allies, counteracting severe injuries and ailments. Cooldown: 60 seconds

I blinked. Three domain skills, unlocked at once? The sheer scale of what just happened sent a thrill through me. My heart pounded.

"Well, it looks like I got lucky after all," I grinned.

I stepped into the center of the arena. The space was empty, except for the training dummies scattered around. I could already feel my pulse quickening, my instincts sharpening.

Serpent's Wrath. I focused, gathering the energy within me. A whisper of power coursed through my limbs, and I visualized the attack. The image in my mind was clear—sharp, focused. The energy formed, wrapping around my fist like a coil of fire.

I released it.

The air screamed as a bolt of energy shot out from my hands. It connected with the dummy at the far side of the arena. The impact was brutal—the dummy flew back, splintering upon contact, its parts scattering across the floor. The shockwave from the hit rippled outward, rattling the arena.

"Not bad," I muttered under my breath. The power that surged through me felt unreal.

Next, I tested Ophiuchus' Guardian. I drew from the surroundings, feeling the energy coil into something solid. The serpents appeared, coiling around me in a protective aura. I threw a punch at the shimmering barrier. My fist collided with the surface. The barrier held firm, absorbing the impact like it was nothing.

"Impressive," I said, a grin tugging at my lips. The power was intoxicating, but I knew I had to test more. I wasn't here just to show off. I was here to grow stronger.

I needed to test Ophiuchus' Revival. I was running low on energy after the intense demonstration, but I concentrated, letting the energy swirl around me. A wave of warmth spread through my body, replenishing the drained reserves. My fatigue lifted, and I felt the pressure in my muscles ease.

I was ready.

As I continued to train, my movements became more fluid, more precise. The hours passed in a blur. Each strike, each dodge, was a refinement of my technique. But I couldn't stop thinking about Mirsa. She was fast, unpredictable. I couldn't underestimate her.

Eventually, a group of academy students gathered at the edge of the arena, watching me with wide eyes.

"What the hell was that?" one of them called out. "Did you just—?"

I waved them off. "Just some practice. Wait until you see me in action tomorrow."

My words hung in the air as I finished my training session. The others could only gape as I walked off the field, feeling more powerful than ever.

Tomorrow would be the real test. The Arena would be our battleground, and I was ready.