Lee Geon hovered above the crumbling cityscape, practicing controlled movements as the morning wind tugged at his clothes. His flight was steadier now—less of a struggle and more of a dance with the air. Each twist and turn felt natural, his connection to his newfound power deepening with every passing moment.
Below, Kuran leaned against a rusted lamppost, arms crossed as he watched Lee's progress. "You're getting better," he called up, his voice tinged with approval. "Still clumsy, but better."
Lee descended gracefully, landing a few feet away. "Clumsy? I'll take that as a compliment." He wiped his forehead, grinning despite his exhaustion.
Kuran smirked. "Don't let it go to your head. You'll need every edge you can get with what's coming."
Lee's expression sobered, the weight of Capricon's warning still fresh in his mind. "Speaking of what's coming... Kuran, what do you think it'll be? Are we fighting against the Alternates, or is it something worse? Could it even be humanity itself?"
Kuran's gaze darkened, his posture stiffening. "That's the real question, isn't it? Alternates are a threat, no doubt about that. But humans—they've always had a talent for turning on each other when the world gets tough. War, greed, fear—it all boils down to the same thing. Survival."
Lee frowned. "If it's humanity, what's the point of these powers? Of uniting the Zodiacs?"
"To protect what's worth protecting," Kuran replied firmly. "Not everyone is lost to the darkness. There are still people who deserve a chance, and it's up to people like you to give them that chance. But you've got to be ready to make hard choices, Lee. Choices that might not always sit right with you."
Lee nodded, his determination hardening. "I don't want to fail the people who are counting on me. Capricon said the Zodiacs are key. That I have to find them to stand a chance."
"And the next one on your list?" Kuran asked, already knowing the answer.
"Sagittarius," Lee said, his eyes glinting with resolve. "Capricon didn't tell me much, but I feel like I need to find them. The sooner, the better."
Kuran sighed, adjusting his coat. "Then we'd better get moving. The longer we stay in one place, the more likely we attract unwanted attention."
The journey began at sundown. Lee and Kuran left the city behind, venturing into the sprawling wilderness beyond. The air was cooler here, the skies open and vast, offering Lee the perfect opportunity to test his abilities further.
"You sure you don't want to fly ahead?" Kuran teased as Lee hovered beside him.
"And leave you to fend for yourself? I think I'll stick around," Lee shot back, a playful grin breaking through his seriousness.
As they traveled, the conversation turned back to the Zodiacs.
"What do you know about Sagittarius?" Lee asked.
"Not much," Kuran admitted. "Every Zodiac is different, but they all carry pieces of the puzzle you'll need to put together. Sagittarius, if I had to guess, might be someone with unmatched precision. Their symbol is the archer, after all."
Lee mulled over the idea. "Do you think they'll be willing to help?"
Kuran shrugged. "Depends. Zodiacs aren't bound to the Celestial Circle the way you are. Some might have embraced their roles, but others… they might need convincing."
Lee's mind wandered to Capricon, whose guidance had been both a blessing and a comfort. Would Sagittarius be as welcoming? Or would they be a harder challenge to face?
As they made camp under a canopy of stars, Kuran watched Lee practice in the open clearing. Each swoop and dive grew more precise, his form sharper and his confidence more apparent.
"You're improving," Kuran said, his voice cutting through the quiet night.
"Thanks," Lee replied, touching down softly beside him. "But it's not just about the flying. I need to be ready for everything—whatever that means."
"You're getting there," Kuran said, his tone uncharacteristically encouraging. "But don't rush it. Power's only as good as the one wielding it."
Lee nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Somewhere out there, Sagittarius awaited, and with them, the next step in his journey to become the Vertex.
The wind picked up, rustling the leaves around them. Lee closed his eyes, feeling the air's subtle shifts. It was more than just a sensation—it was a connection, a reminder of the path he was meant to take.
Tomorrow, they would continue their journey. And with every step, Lee would grow stronger, preparing for the storm that loomed ever closer.