Astral Epoch

The morning mist clung to the barren wasteland, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and decay. Adrian stood alone on the desolate plain, his grip tight on the Thunder Spear, the blade catching the faint morning light in sharp, cold glints. His eyes were half-closed, every breath coming in heavy, uneven gasps, as though the weight of the previous night's battle with Calem still bore down on him.

The words Calem had whispered, soft yet venomous, echoed in his mind like a curse:

"One day, you will understand my choice."

Rage, confusion, and helplessness gnawed at him, a tangled mess of emotions growing within, threatening to consume him. The unease swelled inside, like an insidious force clouding his thoughts.

His fingers trembled slightly on the hilt of the Thunder Spear, the weapon now resting at his side, ready for another strike. But each time he moved it, it felt as though an invisible weight pressed against his chest, squeezing his heart, tightening his resolve.

He sucked in a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the empty space before him. Then, in a burst of motion, a flash of lightning erupted from the spear, shattering the stillness of the dawn.The crackling energy filled the air—swift, wild—but Adrian knew, even as the thunder rumbled, that the power he had unleashed was chaotic, lacking the sharpness and precision he had so desperately sought.

Not far away, Elder Seth stood, his gaze unwavering. Silent. His expression was as cold and sharp as the edge of a blade, his eyes fixed on Adrian without a flicker of emotion.

Only when the surge of lightning died down, leaving nothing but the lingering hum of dissipating energy, did Seth speak—his voice low, cutting through the silence like a blade:

"You're still far from mastering this Thunder Spear."

 Adrian's eyes tightened, his hands still gripping the weapon, though now his fingers felt the sting of truth in those words. There was no comfort in them, only the cold truth he had yet to accept.

The storm inside him, though not one of thunder and lightning, still raged. And Seth's words felt like the calm before the storm that would force him to confront it all.

Seth's voice remained as cold and measured as ever, but every word seemed to challenge Adrian. His heart raced as he gripped the Thunder Spear, the raw power surging through him, yet it only deepened his inner turmoil. The force within felt both overwhelming and uncontrollable, leaving him more confused than empowered. Seth's words cut through his thoughts like a sharp blade.

"Anger has no place in battle," Seth said, his tone unwavering, as if he could see straight through Adrian's inner conflict. "The Thunder Spear channels the Azure Dragon's Might, not your fury."

The words struck Adrian like a bolt of lightning. He looked up sharply, a flash of inner conflict crossing his face. He knew it was true—each time he wielded the spear, rage took over. But with every swing, his strikes grew more erratic, his focus slipping further with each one.

"In battle, hesitation is a death sentence," Seth's voice rang out, firm and resolute.

Adrian instinctively gritted his teeth, his grip tightening around the Thunder Spear. His eyes hardened with determination. This time, he would not let anger control him. He forced himself to focus, clearing the chaos from his mind, and fixated solely on the weapon in his hands. 

Adrian's eyes flickered with anger, but he took a deep breath, forcing himself to suppress it. The Thunder Spear trembled slightly in his grip, as though it mirrored the turmoil inside him. He knew this wasn't just a battle of strength; it was a trial of his inner self. Each time he swung the spear, he could feel its power surging within him, yet the unease and doubt in his heart made it impossible to control.

He forced himself to calm, focusing on every movement, adjusting his stance, trying to respond to Seth's strikes with more precision. However, Seth's spear moved like a shadow, lightning crackling with every motion, driving Adrian to retreat with each step. With every dodge and counter, Adrian understood that Seth wasn't using his full strength—he was merely standing aside, observing, assessing Adrian's growth.

Eventually, Seth's spear struck, sending Adrian crashing to the slick ground with a heavy thud. His breath was ragged, sweat streaming down his face, making it harder to breathe. But despite the pain, his gaze remained resolute. Seth said nothing, merely standing in front of him, his eyes heavy with meaning, speaking volumes without a single word.

"The bloodline of the Azure Dragon grants you power," Seth's voice was calm and even, "but if your heart isn't strong enough, that power will consume you." The warning in his words sent a chill down Adrian's spine. Slowly, Adrian pushed himself to his feet, his eyes betraying a hidden resolve. He knew this trial had only just begun. 

Seth did not linger to watch Adrian rise. He turned, his steps steady, as if the outcome had already been decided. Yet Adrian's gaze never left him, and once again, the fire inside him was reignited. Seth had said this training wasn't just about fighting a powerful enemy—it was about confronting the fear and uncertainty within himself.

"Wait." Adrian gritted his teeth, forcing back the searing pain in his chest, and quickly caught up with Seth. The sudden movement made Seth's steps falter for a moment. Adrian lowered his head, his voice resolute. "I won't give up. I will master my fate."

Seth didn't turn around or speak, but the air thickened with tension. Adrian's inner turmoil still raged on, but he knew what he needed in that moment wasn't just power—it was a complete understanding of his own beliefs. Seth's challenge had made him realize that he couldn't rely solely on blind rage or his own strength; he had to learn how to control it, how to unite every ounce of power and conviction within him.

"I understand now." Adrian spoke again, his voice low but filled with determination. "Anger can't rule everything, but it is the beginning of my power. I'll learn how to control it."

Seth gave a slight tilt of his head, a flicker of approval in his eyes, but then he turned and continued walking forward. Adrian stood there, taking deep breaths, slowly calming his chaotic emotions. The Thunder Spear felt steadier in his hand now. He knew, in that moment, that he was no longer the boy who relied solely on his fury.

The training ground was silent, yet filled with an intense, almost palpable energy. Adrian stood motionless, the boiling power within him slowly subsiding. He gripped the Thunder Spear, his gaze as still as a frozen lake—calm, yet sharp. Seth's training had given him a deeper understanding—true power wasn't just about raw force; it was about inner resolve and control.

Time passed like flowing water, slipping away quietly, and Adrian slipped once again into a transcendent state. His gaze was no longer clouded or impulsive. The Thunder Spear trembled slightly in his hand, as if responding to his newfound determination. Adrian knew that he had to complete this transformation in a very short time. With every attack, every dodge, he focused on making the Azure Dragon's Might a part of his own body, not an untamed beast beyond his control.

"You've made progress," Seth's voice came from behind. Adrian didn't turn around, but he knew Seth was watching him. Seth's tone remained cold, but Adrian detected a faint hint of approval.

"But you know, this is still not enough," Seth continued, his voice carrying a calm warning. "What you'll face is far worse than this."

Adrian's heart fluttered, and the Azure Dragon's Might within him seemed to stir, gently awakening, roaring as if eager to be unleashed. His fingers tightened around the Thunder Spear as he felt that latent power surge. He understood now—the true challenge had only just begun.

In the wilderness, Adrian finally grasped the deeper meaning of Seth's words—true battle was never just about facing external enemies. The most terrifying enemy was often the fear and struggle within. And now, only now, had he begun to walk the thorny road ahead. 

Several days later, during his training, Adrian was no longer the angry, confused youth he once was. His gaze was sharp, and his stance with the Thunder Spear was more stable and confident. His body and weapon seemed to merge as one. With each swing of the spear, lightning erupted more violently, like an Azure Dragon soaring, tearing through the darkness. And all of this came from the unwavering resolve within him, no longer clouded by doubt.

Still, Adrian knew that the true challenge lay ahead. Seth had stopped giving detailed instructions, and each training session now was about confronting his own fears and shortcomings. This silent, wordless trial was often the most grueling. Every time, Adrian searched for breakthroughs amidst the inner turmoil and struggle, and with each passing day, more truths emerged. He realized that he was no longer simply fighting for vengeance; he was confronting fate, confronting himself, and searching for the true meaning of his existence.

"Know this—true battle is not about defeating your opponent, but defeating the fear within your heart." Seth's words echoed in Adrian's mind. He now understood that these were not just teachings, but guidance for the path ahead. With the Thunder Spear in hand, each of his advances marked a transformation of his soul, an awakening of his bloodline.

He had once believed that strength was only necessary to stop being weak, defenseless, and dependent on others for protection. But gradually, Adrian realized that true power did not simply come from the Azure Dragon's Might. It came from mastering his own heart and having the courage to make choices in the face of an uncertain future.

In that moment, Adrian understood: his goal was no longer revenge. His battle was now for a greater future—to protect this land, those he cherished, and the fate he could change.