Days turned into weeks as Lee Geon adapted to life in the shadows of Neo-Seoul. With Kuran's guidance, he honed his newfound abilities, learning to harness the raw power that surged within him. Yet, with each passing day, the city grew more perilous, factions vying for control in the wake of escalating conflicts.
One evening, as Lee trained in an abandoned warehouse under Kuran's watchful eye, a sudden commotion outside disrupted their session. Shouts echoed through the building, mingling with the sound of rapid footsteps. Kuran motioned for Lee to stay hidden as he crept toward the entrance to investigate.
Peering through a crack in the boarded-up windows, Lee caught glimpses of armed figures moving with purpose. They wore uniforms adorned with a symbol he didn't recognize—a serpent coiled around a sword. The insignia of a faction unknown to him.
Kuran returned with a grim expression. "They're from the Serpent's Embrace, a secretive group with ties to the city's elite. They rarely show themselves unless it's something significant."
Lee frowned, a sense of unease settling in. "What could they want here?"
"It's hard to say," Kuran replied, his voice low. "But I fear they might be after someone or something specific. We need to be cautious."
As if on cue, the warehouse door burst open, revealing a group of armed individuals led by a stern-faced woman with piercing eyes. She scanned the dimly lit space, her gaze settling on Kuran and Lee.
"You," she called out, pointing at Kuran. "Come forward."
Kuran stepped into the light, his posture tense but composed. "What brings the Serpent's Embrace to our humble abode?"
The woman's lips curled into a faint smirk. "We're here for the Ophiuchus."
Lee's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his newfound title. Ophiuchus—the 13th zodiac, a secret he had only recently discovered about himself. The power he possessed was not only rare but evidently sought after by powerful factions.
Kuran's expression remained stoic. "You won't find what you're looking for here."
The woman's smirk widened. "We'll see about that."
Without warning, the armed individuals rushed forward, weapons drawn. Lee instinctively tapped into his abilities, channeling energy through his veins as he stood ready to defend himself and Kuran.
The warehouse erupted into chaos, the clash of powers and steel filling the air. Lee's control over his newfound abilities was tested as he fought alongside Kuran, their backs against the wall against a formidable enemy.
Amidst the chaos, Lee realized that his awakening was not just about understanding his powers—it was about surviving in a world where shadows concealed deadly secrets, and every step forward brought him closer to the truth, no matter how perilous the path.