Instructor Calder's gaze swept across the assembled students like a blade testing for soft spots.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmL6zuvxHv
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFygIYyHMI
"Most of you received your first blessing weeks ago. Maybe months." His scarred arms remained crossed. "You've had time to feel strong. To imagine yourselves as heroes."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSHnREhOcY
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He let the words hang.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnW1FQmmZJs
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"You're not."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3smBHBXEP
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The declaration landed with the force of a physical blow. Several students straightened defensively. Others shifted their weight, uncertainty flickering across their faces.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD1mo7IgdY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eOkO7cwEU
"Strength isn't granted. It's earned. The gods gave you a foundation - a body that can become something more than human. But that's all it is. A foundation."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAjnDM3t2H
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq15zXjLdwS
He uncrossed his arms and gestured toward the training grounds around them.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4teNIbLYIE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNwS9h6BR0
"Every morning, you'll be here before dawn. Running. Lifting. Pushing your bodies until they break and rebuild stronger. Some of you are thinking that's pointless - you're Chosen now, why waste time on mundane exercise?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicUq6zGgbV
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw70aA6r1D
His expression hardened.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3lqXhNKqy
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5McfHVfTj
"Because there is no ceiling to how strong a Chosen's body can become. A commoner can train their entire life and hit a wall. You won't. Your bodies will keep adapting, keep growing, keep pushing past limits that would cripple normal humans."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMYlziCeQm
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKFWswo0sY
Calder's hand dropped to his side.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKnBGxvYAF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzu1tr1ygI
"And for those of you blessed with traits or authorities that enhance your physical capabilities - don't rely on them. Most enhancements boost your base strength. They multiply what's already there."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLwskEenB3
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FIoSG45E0
The words settled over Cel like cold water.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuNEVj5p37
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3VsudoOib
Lunar Vigor. Active only under moonlight. Variable intensity based on the moon's phase.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zAYJWJNQ2
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t4DvdEudw
He'd already felt its effect many times - that surge of energy that had made him faster, stronger. But he'd been working with the strength the Moon Goddess gave him when she forged his new body.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zJag16aAF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsT2VK6lst
How strong was that foundation compared to other Chosen?73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTdDdme5Hg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFvILMQ0ne
Cel's hand unconsciously closed into a fist, testing the strength there.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqMIObhNPc
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpNxszx4z7
"Imagine," Calder was saying, "that your enhancement doubles your power. Double nothing is still nothing. But double an already formidable foundation?" He smiled without warmth.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a2YY1umGo
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjksiAKXlLO
"That's when you become worth the divine investment."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHO18vwDXd
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0CY19WlKT
Around Cel, several students had gone pale. A boy near the front - one who'd carried himself with particular confidence during the ceremony - now looked like he'd swallowed something bitter.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw3uekwB3i
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWNFwSMpAy
"After your theoretical classes each afternoon, you return here." His gaze swept the assembled students. "That's when we teach you to kill."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnwqDiQ5vq
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ0vehOgne
The word landed with deliberate weight.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWa4y8CwPU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsonJVKbf67
"Weapons training. Combat forms. How to use your traits and authorities in actual battle instead of fumbling with them like children. And you'll learn to control your Divine Energy properly."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlcL5Z9aV9
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI52EGAp0kz
Cel's attention sharpened.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tWv6pcBnG
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJbO4AFbSA
Control Divine Energy. The fundamental skill every Chosen possessed naturally.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvFrWJkBcZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStxo8NxHuA
Except him.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE98F2Nunrk
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdmksT6rf4
He'd need to fake the concentration, pretend he sensed something he couldn't perceive. And when someone inevitably noticed they couldn't sense his Divine Energy signature…73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNwCaWCHGf
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa7DGwSDwB
The Reckoning assumed it was because of an artifact. But that wouldn’t work now - he wasn't manifesting anything. A trait, then. Some aspect of his blessing that suppressed his signature. Rare enough to seem special, possible enough to be believable.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjPuCXZNSA
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDs76AyTlP
"Question." Calder’s voice cut through his thoughts. "What is Divine Energy?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTSIlW9dTI
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI2jt7puMr
Hands rose. He pointed to a girl in the second row.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2nIZEHpEu
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz929px11J1
"It's a gift from the gods. The power we need to activate our authorities."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbCFN6hCD4
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Vi2RH0t01
"Half right. Divine Energy is power granted by the gods, yes. But it's not just fuel for your abilities." Calder's tone shifted, taking on the cadence of someone explaining something fundamental. "It's a tool. A weapon. And like any weapon, it requires mastery."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5unDleTbNe
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4FZ3EBGfK
He paused.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrRGXUcWwL
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8wK092jEN
"It's also a sense. Your sixth sense, if you want to think of it that way."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR9LzRY3M1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDZymhCxgd
Cel went very still.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzwMGFNDK6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYhNHCSPHg
A sixth sense. Something every Chosen possessed naturally. Something that let them perceive and manipulate the energy flowing through them.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOfDRNOoHR
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRXnWuUCAe
Something he completely lacked.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJu4Zc0IcB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtSdm6e7X6
Wait.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU9O6exlI2
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GwBnC3Mui
His mind cataloged the truth with clinical detachment. Sight, hearing, touch, smell - those he had. But taste? That had died in the cell, ground away by months of consuming rotting meat.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMourzumdQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1P4DeIcgb
Other Chosen had six senses. Normal humans had five. 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOMBfKmuew
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrGO854bM8
He had four.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ553dwEnYv2
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The absurdity of it would have been funny if it wasn't so completely fucked.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooGzJ5keAx
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBgVANFn7n
"Let me demonstrate," Calder said.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2PhoJHbnu
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXaYEYzQMg
He closed his eyes.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliY5udVKLy
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvkgCGXZ9K
The ground trembled - barely perceptible, like the earth itself had taken a breath.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda2k9ETgc7
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZnKaUXi2U
Students around Cel gasped. Some stumbled backward. Others went rigid, eyes wide with something between awe and fear.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOx3wNH8L1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7hEunJAxu
A boy near Cel dropped to one knee, breathing hard. The girl beside him pressed both hands to her chest.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mwUaotZJK
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q1Ef6HR6L
Cel saw nothing.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUFFQdatQl
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiADJwDfKHg
'This is going to be annoying.'73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjzmxxVfIV
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5ZD4EeXvr
Calder opened his eyes again and the pressure - whatever it had been - vanished.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49fJgxIcoZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyUep519AL
"That was my raw Divine Energy." He gestured broadly. "With training, you'll learn to sense it in others. More importantly, you'll learn to sense corrupted essence."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYwFUGDq2m
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbaAbD65x4
His expression hardened.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhJgXZBuN0
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W1sFvnbHl
"Rift-creatures carry corruption in their very being. Most humans can feel it as wrongness. But if you refine your sixth sense, you can classify a creature by its presence alone. Know its blight level before you see it."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi6qDnq1w8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpUdhaHkqT
A hand rose.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNp2sSZzl9
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeLrcTMckt
"Couldn't we just use the Ledger of Nightmares?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneJVAWeRFi
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjezkCcswt
Confusion rippled through the group. Several students exchanged questioning looks.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzimyA4zwMa
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRe3ZnAy7O
Calder's expression shifted - something that might have been approval.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YBWC4fzJ3
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9X7nmtS1d
"The Ledger is a valuable tool. Instructor Saren will cover it in detail during your theoretical classes." He paused. "But the Ledger requires time. You need to observe the creature, consult the entry, read the information. In combat, you rarely have that luxury."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDIhBUZfMx
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni2heRvLAD
The mention of the Ledger pulled at Cel's attention.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5xd990Wvq
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxwFITbXNT
He still needed to check it thoroughly. The entries from the Crystal Maze remained unread - the crystal-spined thing that he rode, the lake of nothingness that hunted him, and the fairy-like creature that killed him. Though why creatures from his trial appeared in a supposedly comprehensive bestiary of real encounters, he still didn't understand.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvbvSZXjhg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vCARtVZyO
And the creature Esrin had fought in the Ashlands. The massive thing that had erupted from the dead volcano. What blight did something like that carry?73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilMDimRcDa
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXfFKbO1GY
The questions circled through his mind as Calder continued explaining the training regimen. 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaX1qn7JVT
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxtgv5MijZ
A structured routine designed to transform blessed individuals into functional warriors.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBllonh39A
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6On6xlsSX
"Dismissed," Calder eventually said. "Dawn tomorrow. Don't be late."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ824S2sCRLO
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pNdjX8wF7
The students dispersed in clusters, conversations resuming as the weight of the instructor's presence lifted. Lior remained beside Cel, his expression distant as he processed the lecture.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwed2jF7go
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipCJNLPUzr
They walked back in silence, the path to the dining hall filling with other students whose voices rose in animated discussion. By the time they reached the entrance, the buzz of energy was almost overwhelming - dozens of conversations competing in volume as students dissected the day's revelations. 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu6Wa0A8OG
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk9S2eenGz
Cel and Lior claimed their isolated table again. Food arrived within minutes - roasted meat, vegetables glazed in something that caught the light, fresh bread that released steam when torn open.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnUuJZaag6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRan1misMc9
Lior took his first bite and went still.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lqwoye304
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His eyes widened. He chewed slowly, almost reverently, then swallowed and immediately reached for more.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlMpZ02kms
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5FKlaxOni
"This is incredible," he said, the words muffled around bread. "I've never—the seasoning alone must cost more than my family spends on food in a month."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Xhh4yCHpQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKjiMkAq9w
Cel cut into his own portion. The meat separated cleanly under his knife. He brought a piece to his mouth, chewed, swallowed.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O2XBRgBjr
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRhMVp0CiE
Nothing.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5oDvvG0uS
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRCgtFoQRV
‘Four senses, huh?’73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpL6dqUw6M
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7eG99MzEd
Lior had already finished his first serving and was eyeing the remaining dishes.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqSKPrPBYq
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxsGMAnaKv
"Do you think they feed us like this every day?" He reached for more vegetables, practically vibrating with barely contained delight. "The instructors said three meals daily, but I assumed it would be simple fare. Porridge and hard bread, maybe some—"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcMAXTJjbB
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He caught himself, glancing at Cel's plate.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlg7LDhYTS
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDDepPWUa8
"You're not eating much."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvibQfa5bxY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8xxncQV5y
"I'm eating."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OK7zH5Oac
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasyvDrlEdB
"Right. Sorry." Lior returned his attention to his food with renewed focus.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQTlccwaFq
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic20A3ywv0
The minutes passed. Around them, conversations rose and fell. A group near the front dissolved into laughter over something. Two boys argued about which deities were superior, their voices rising until others told them to shut up.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoVaSmbUC0
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7Gyk4mnnb
Cel ate because his body needed fuel. Lior ate like someone storing memories against future hunger.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y9J92AXQT
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSaxldBQDq
When the plates were empty, students began filtering out. Most headed back toward the classroom - the ones who'd kept their hands down earlier, now bound for extra lessons that would stretch into the evening.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc9qjbTmBK
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMR6cNbaOF
Lior watched them go, his expression troubled.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzgO4gRWXw
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc85tV8LY0
"I should head to the classroom too." He glanced at Cel. "What will you do with your evening?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7zSMNuZU1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXRBIOovzX
"Read."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fwHFq3fFP
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2TaNw2kep
"I see." Lior's smile was brief and self-conscious. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv5x5n5GPH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZGfcPJUFD
He left with the stream of other students, his posture carrying that particular tension of someone facing something difficult but necessary.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdwxvdvftU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH2UTPvhoq
Cel remained seated as the dining hall emptied. When only a handful of them remained, he rose and made his way through the corridors.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMbA4yZ4a8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUsoeRWOP8
The commoner dormitory was silent when he reached it. He unlocked his door, stepped inside, and closed it behind him with a soft click.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrfDuWVYKD
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxnWgw8XSA
The room looked exactly as he'd left it. Narrow bed. Empty desk. Wardrobe with the commoner clothes he'd worn in the city.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NW4O0em07
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KS7Ylsl97
Cel moved to the center of the space and reached for the bond.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLHXY5bqd6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKBTEPNYJ0
Moonlight threaded through the air, weaving itself into solid form. The Ledger materialized - worn black leather, silver filigree catching the afternoon light filtering through his window. It hung suspended for a heartbeat before gravity remembered itself.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsemqrwUlQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVmo3v8p5E
He caught it before it could fall, the leather cool against his palms.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqsssXdlTE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlUcJXjRGj
His fingers found the edge and opened to the first page.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbbMC8WiDm
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Ledger of Nightmares.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsshsQIEu6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTzu8QY5FZ
The title stared back at him in stark black ink.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVCzU0Cfhi
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Kb6ps5p6f
Cel's fingers found the page's edge and turned.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgG3bWSKSL
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4DSRQYK8M
<Anathema: Endless Shambler>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6C5VXeRvZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOtR9jkV70
The sketch showed a skeletal figure, hunched and wrong. Crystal growths erupted from bone in chaotic patterns - through the skull, along the spine, bursting from joints in jagged formations that looked more like infection than armor.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyrNKThmsf
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgbRok2sbM
His eyes dropped to the text.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb4htUnlJw
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7Z64uSgXt
<Race: Creature> 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFdLJj1DlL
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRw1Tdu9dt
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf3C8Rl1yH
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<Blight: Cursed>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVwnr5oOOJ
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Cursed. The lowest classification of all ten.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUXo5rWK4i
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9pz1KBL7s
<Behavior: Operates in loose packs with others of its kind. No intelligence remains. Driven by hunger and the compulsion to spread its affliction. Movement is mechanical and persistent. Does not rest. Does not tire. Does not stop.>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i1TXzMHQN
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuquUfJNOby
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlISv83Siv1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9HvGZER3O
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrsaLZ0uph
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiCME8xJyy
<Legacy: [incomplete]>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdWrqETtwr
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjmF5pEraE
Cel's hand tightened on the edge of the page. The sketch showed the truth clearly enough - those proportions, that basic structure beneath the crystal. They'd been human once.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5YZgo7OF9
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtk8tUrOJW
Caught by the maze. Transformed. Reduced to shambling husks that existed only to inflict the same fate on others.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8af7mCE30p
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ2yxs4D2A
He turned the page to the next entry - the mirror lake.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxW0NCtDHI
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pu5uNd98n
The next sketch was simpler this time. Solid black ink poured across the paper with only the faintest suggestion of ripples at its surface. Like looking down into still water at midnight.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8nTXWDTqc
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aKL5Ps0k6
<Anathema: Memory Eater>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FurQcuOmR
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPqqCPaHD4
<Race: Creature> 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms0pulEqoD
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmPZNLHlhM
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTj4Qj7yXi
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS35l5vd1EQ
<Blight: Ruined>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIGMFt6mhm
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGDA91JHYN
Ruined. Sixth tier. Higher than any other creature he had encountered in the Ashlands.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxmHLk7kWY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNZ2O4jsc3
<Behavior: Responds to proximity and emotional disturbance. Expands territory following acts of violence or destruction within its mirror realm.>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGywPTop128
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjZ6Z0TieJ
<Hunting Pattern: Lures prey by manifesting traumatic memories in liquid surface. Drags victims into its mirror realm populated by crystalline manifestations of their torments. Feeds on fear and despair.>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bXKJqubzk
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zZjdsI63x
Cel's eyes narrowed. 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQdMuJLLWb
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMV35hOK0g
Feeds on fear and despair.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXKM3Ttf9b
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhgnccn5kZ
Not hunger. Not territorial defense. The thing sustained itself on suffering - drawing prey close with their own worst memories, then trapping them in a realm built from trauma made solid.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGuMFseaBY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nzfrcPYVB
He'd destroyed those reflections. Shattered every manifestation of his father, his family, the cultists, himself. If he hadn't - if he'd broken under the weight of their judgment instead - what would have happened? 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3howJ3j5m
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzezy4oyF0
A shudder ran through him. He turned the page before the thoughts could spiral.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNEDWr1jMb
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8wDXE2p5Z
The sketch showed a massive serpentine form, its thick body covered in dark hide between crystal formations that erupted from its spine in organized rows.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBykJUUAkW
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49BP2KxD2q
Recognition struck immediately.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne2MlEXYSD
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHsP2TWKoP
The creature that had carried him across the maze.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTZQ22zwYM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY1Vh7Mpks
<Anathema: Spinebreather>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS7KDqvUL4
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QQhieFeit
<Race: Creature> 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvPMa09Ccn
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOrbD5VuDF
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHprs6g9kK6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEWMH0f7OC
<Blight: Fallen>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKTwErlk3h
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRJExrHYtK
Fallen. Fifth tier. One below Ruined.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvOF3rLRoT
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqc6Plfsjek
<Behavior: Ignores potential prey in favor of predetermined objectives. Movement ceases only when threatened. Defends itself by shedding crystals from its spine that detonate on contact.>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTsHEBdTdD
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqq1E8Fu7V
Cel stared at the words. He'd thought himself lucky when the creature carried him across the maze. Lucky it hadn't noticed him clinging to its back, lucky it hadn't decided to shake him off or crush him against the crystal formations.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPjwojPJVs
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkVmQmyfXd
But it hadn't been luck at all.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowkIZY1CO3
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uujvpKnXf
The creature had simply deemed him irrelevant. An insect clinging to something far more important - whatever objective drove it through a realm of crystal and death with singular focus.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCNDTlwttM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwkQh40TU8
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]> 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJm9Ezr7RU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rpX70geff
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]> 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcQfrAob4H
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS3tZOtFEO
<Legacy: [insufficient encounter]>73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqIspTfIxW
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqUFoiooVs
The gaps stared back at him like missing teeth. He'd ridden on its back for hours and learned nothing except that he wasn't worth acknowledging.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf81j8dnp97
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX1pvJpgDC
His fingers hesitated at the page's edge.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j3k90CeKz
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJBBIXPuU9
The next entry would be the creature that killed him. The one with translucent skin and violet light burning in its eye sockets. The thing that had impaled him on a crystal spike and watched him die with detached curiosity.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yzUs0uSsx
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR33QxEvvc
His throat tightened. But the information was there. Waiting.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IUtmTCjZE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13Rj8g5Nh1
Cel turned the page.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NEO9kWtQE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIXN5ZnV6A
<Anathema: Crystal Monarch>1234 copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡst4tKJC1db 尼

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