His father's fist connected with his jaw. Blood sprayed across marble floors. His mother stood frozen, one hand pressed to her mouth, tears streaming down her face.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLcJQ8KKeE
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"Weak!" Another blow. "Pathetic!" The voice thundered through the dining hall.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObBUosrtv8
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxOmPbuTP5
Cel tried to speak, to beg, but his father's hands were already at his back, nails digging into divine flesh, tearing away the Moon Goddess's mark—61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaHA28uldQ
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His eyes snapped open.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37ttuOy58m
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The ceiling of his room stared back. Wooden beams. Familiar cracks.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xMByJMK99
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TImQ5E44T
Cel's breath came in short gasps. Sweat soaked through his shirt, making the fabric cling to his skin. He pushed himself upright, pressing his palms against his face.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zI97L0E7A
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMbZEzNrBg
‘Just a dream.’61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc4zlwprG0
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2y9objBIu
The same dream that came whenever exhaustion finally dragged him under. He didn't need sleep anymore - Eternal Witness had freed him from that necessity. But four months of relentless training had taught him that not needing sleep and not benefiting from it were different things entirely.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wKyQcuJqt
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwOfZj4eEj
His body could push indefinitely. His mind couldn't.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg0bkHCq1A
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJsDsNfzLE
So he slept. Not often. But sometimes.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35yTZaUgIF
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And the nightmares always waited.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLZTdA4uPZ
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLuIdOJ6av
Cel swung his legs off the bed, feet finding cold floor. Dawn light filtered through his window - pale and gray, the sun not yet fully risen.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0d64JAK0n
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx9JdHSvRN
An off day. Their weekly rest from training.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YIXWwijbi
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOKDqtxkk6
One day before the nobles would arrive.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhVeRd4PhK
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw8W2e9y56
He stood and moved to the basin in the corner, splashing water on his face. The cold helped ground him, washing away the lingering fragments of the dream.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Gzv4ZBdQL
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82nioo0MhZ
An hour later, Cel walked the capital's streets with his hood drawn up. His feet carried him without conscious direction through familiar routes. Past the market square. Through the craftsmen's quarter. Down the narrow street where the Moon Church waited.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0Av9Qw31f
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHQdznfACV
The building rose ahead - simple stone, unmarked except for the crescent carved above its door. Cel's hand found the handle and pulled.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXerOVE17N
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The door swung open.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyn3sEvc1C
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He froze.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4DJCOJ2K3
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Lyra knelt on the floor near the altar, her dress bunched around her knees as she scrubbed at stone with a wet cloth. Water dripped from the fabric, leaving dark trails across pale rock.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1jpiHd33x
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EqI32iPCR
She looked up at the sound of the door. Surprise crossed her face - eyes widening, hands freezing mid-scrub - before recognition softened her expression into a warm smile.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mxmlAYLy3
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5WrQhXWr8
"Oh… Good Morning." She started to rise, then seemed to remember the cloth in her hands and settled back down. "I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone this early."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhgMEmNQbq
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvWsK9cFP9
Cel stared at her. At the bucket filled with murky water. At her reddened hands.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8pRhUY9TT
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N92J9NZQ7
"What are you doing?"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWoIJ6754C
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB4EZzqEgP
"Cleaning." She said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAfeajCvK3
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUsuon2o2f
A sharp voice cut through from the shadows near the entrance. ”And that's exactly the problem, my lady.”61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmfZEPgMx3
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmGLHLkxWb
A woman in servant's attire stepped forward - Lyra's personal maid, the same one who'd collected her after each visit. Her expression carried the particular exhaustion of someone fighting a losing battle.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFedkY50RAJ
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3ewsqio4d
"You shouldn't be doing this," the woman continued, her tone gentle but firm. "It's not proper."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6tvJOUXCc
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCpcfKoZ8k
“It's perfectly proper when I want to do it, Margaret." Lyra's voice remained gentle but firm, as if they’d had that conversation countless times.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfzSAV97W4
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzOKFnDZJs
Another figure emerged from a different corner - a younger servant Cel hadn't noticed before, carrying a second bucket. She bowed quickly when Cel's attention found her.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddXXl7uBdC
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWliTocVEpo
Cel scanned the church interior. Empty benches. Dusty corners. Just Lyra and the two maids in the entire space.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqnJutpABW
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"Is there no one else maintaining this place?" he asked.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid8pppCgLA
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRmOeMgPW9
Margaret sighed softly. "The Royal House owns this church, young master, but..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "It is not maintained. Has not been for some time."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtae6tjHjt
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmmp0s6Xtt
“That’s why I do it.” Lyra cut in proudly, as if announcing good news rather than confessing to doing a servant's work.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjrXnt0HVJ
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxrDLQIKe7
Margaret's hand rose to touch her temples. "And that's why we're helping. We can't let our young lady do all the work alone."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33BxRG5rO6
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The younger servant nodded vigorously, her agreement silent but emphatic.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8wCL4dpLj
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Cel looked at Lyra again. At her smile. At the way she knelt on cold stone.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRYNYhtHT2
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Their father would have beaten her senseless for this.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEa5JDqXYH
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJw53sdAx3
The thought arrived with cold certainty. Lord Aldric would have seen his daughter scrubbing floors and lost whatever thin restraint he possessed. The shame of it. A noble child doing servant's work.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUywrJ4XDA
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW3UulcSeA
But Lyra simply smiled and went back to her scrubbing.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k7jPQGFVu
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr3GG9VHuz
"I'll help." 61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6tU1DvxJ5
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The words left Cel's mouth before thought could catch up.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa1N1aYguv
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfKRqF3Iqr
Margaret's eyes widened. "Young master, you don't need to—"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWVIbDWaqV
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI5Obfc6p3
"I want to."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF779cZQGC
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"Really?" Lyra’s face brightened, voice lifting with genuine warmth. "That would be wonderful."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExRomX3axB
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RyPtBGuEw
Margaret and the younger servant exchanged glances, clearly uncertain how to refuse a Chosen who'd already made up his mind.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHggTxgzL4Y
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc0cnQKS4W
"There's another cloth in my bucket," Lyra said, gesturing. "And we still need to clean the benches. And the windows. And—oh, the altar could use polishing too."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNq7NmJk1z
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The work began.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQc969sNDq
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsHviqy5Ep
Cel found himself on his knees beside Lyra, scrubbing at ancient stone that held dirt in every crack and crevice. The water in his bucket turned gray within minutes, then nearly black.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfEex2UJYl
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpDpEc6cVi
"You don't have to press so hard," Lyra said, demonstrating with her own cloth. "Just steady circles. Like this."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTruZK8mOFj
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16axTv2OlY
Margaret worked on the benches, her movements efficient and practiced. The younger servant cleaned the windows with careful strokes.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYJeataoAT
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC12YT79fB2
They fell into an easy rhythm. The silence broke occasionally with conversation - Lyra asking about Cel's studies at the Academy, Margaret offering tips on removing particularly stubborn stains, the younger servant making quiet observations about the dust patterns.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpdWOQLgnN
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oyjrdeCGq
"I come here every week," Lyra said as they moved to a new section of floor. "Sometimes twice. It feels wrong to let it fall apart like this."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8lEc72qt3
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3TF4ReIoq
"The Moon Goddess deserves better," Margaret added from her position at the benches.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvu5Cll4XL
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LxFrK68JQ
"Exactly!" Lyra's enthusiasm bubbled over. "She's a goddess, same as the others. Just because she doesn't have a Great Clan doesn't mean her church should be forgotten."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSXPl3EOf7
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCWGvwb4WF
Cel's hands stilled for just a moment. Then resumed their circular scrubbing.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztY15x3W3G
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6DYgVZ8sd
The hours passed in comfortable work. The church slowly transformed around them - dust cleared from corners, grime lifted from stone, windows letting in more light than before.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYbweahb3h
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeFPaeO8eS
By the time they finished, afternoon had faded toward evening. The church looked... better. Not perfect, but cared for.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBeA5WKEYh
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo8wtipywO
"Thank you," Margaret said, bowing deeply to Cel. "Your help made this go much faster."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7edgLXS64q
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkTCBPBatf
"Yes, thank you." Lyra glanced back inside. "It usually takes us hours longer. Having another person really makes a difference."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmg1CF2GMW
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5axzxT04T
The other maid bowed as well, gathering the buckets.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zlmdkkKY7
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They parted at the church entrance. The two maids heading back toward whatever duties awaited them. Lyra promising to see Cel again soon, her smile warm and genuine.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWiozF6hFL
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He pulled his hood back up and stepped into the evening streets, his feet turning toward familiar ground.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TpLoISIJa
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiCS3GyTJA
The Golden Hart's door swung open beneath his hand.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabw7aQczY9
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpPn1gHsTa
Sound crashed over him like a physical wave.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R6XGXYOIz
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Music. Laughter. Voices raised in celebration, argument or both. The tavern was packed - every table full, people standing in clusters between them, the bar lined with patrons waving for drinks.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRlH2QGnWI
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Cel paused in the doorway, momentarily overwhelmed.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2XAJ5VbIB
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The bartender spotted him immediately. His weathered face split in a wide grin.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjw8W5sSUU
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAOtFchK43
"Ah, there you are!" He beckoned with one hand, the gesture exaggerated. A wink followed. "Come here, boy!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlg4RE52HR
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j0z3Tis10
Cel navigated through the crowd, confusion clear on his face.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxKyWqDb5Z
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJbJFGIEyH
‘What's going on her?’61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfoFIkMnKK
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq9Ktr8cDz
Strong hands gripped his shoulders the moment he reached the bar. The bartender spun him around to face the room, one arm wrapping around his shoulders in a gesture that was half-embrace, half-presentation.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeucmwLKTs
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2DJll294x
"This is Cel!" the bartender announced, his voice carrying over the din. "If someone beats him, everything goes on the house!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gNH9N86r5
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppQDy0B76p
The tavern erupted.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSmRSfCeFm
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxutiizZpg
Cel twisted his head, staring at the bartender. "What the hell are you talking about?"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCJCwK6npf
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLBLrTbjX2
"Drinking contest, of course!" The bartender's grin widened. "Been talking you up for an hour now. You wouldn't make a liar out of me, would you?"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD3Ozqssac
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eNhE3QxMd
"You think that boy can drink?" someone shouted from across the room, laughter following the words.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbe132QslqR
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlZedVOD21
"He looks barely old enough to hold a tankard!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi664fGaTyM
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJMQCHoZRd
"You sure you want to lose all your money, old man?"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt7PFahS0g
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCSjBR3EDE
The bartender's arm tightened around Cel's shoulders. "This boy puts away more ale than any three of you combined! I've seen it myself!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXaCICbtbU
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1ZS3Kb4yz
"Then I'll take first challenge!" A broad-shouldered man pushed through the crowd, already swaying slightly. "Easy coins!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLWmIt7RDi
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFp8Ws0RwG
A table cleared instantly, patrons scrambling to make space. Chairs scraped. Bets started flying through the air - coins exchanged hands, odds called out and adjusted.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzl5A8PZFE
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkynroeDli
The man dropped into a chair with a heavy thud, gesturing at the seat across from him.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7fqNJLRiK
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDZHuvp9X0
Cel looked at the bartender.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFodLmheggS
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWVmrj1Byb
The bartender's eyes gleamed with anticipation.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdurzHB8vP8
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzcHyoyIVg
Cel sat.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkkt2bk7vl
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPvnKT3r0B
Two massive tankards appeared on the table, filled to the brim. Foam spilled over the edges.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdh1keAMnE
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkejLMg2XC2
"First one to stop loses," the challenger announced, lifting his drink. "Simple enough for you, boy?"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbtnyG4GC9
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMSgHq1Lye
Cel lifted his own tankard.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ683hFPn17Y
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sY1IIsoWm
They drank.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlypWAaeY0g
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The man who challenged Cel went down after six rounds. His face had gone from red to a sickly pallor, and he stumbled away from the table muttering curses.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGPHWG20Ih
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMORvY1xML2
Cheers erupted from those who'd bet on Cel. Groans from those who hadn't.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbbA9CpHXf
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQibZ9urj8
"Next!" someone called.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSskMSlBaFe
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEncn4jy7p
A woman took the seat. Confident, experienced. She matched him drink for drink through eight rounds before her eyes glazed and she had to concede.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJkpB2kcn9
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWDcScqKpk
Then another challenger. And another.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gwpsARtAX
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The crowd grew larger. People pressing in from all sides, abandoning their own tables to watch. Voices rose higher with each victory, disbelief mixing with growing enthusiasm.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuoqmSnCor
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagAdsgKY32
"How is he still standing?"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee21AStWr8
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADZSobuBDd
"That's his tenth opponent!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMeOi7k0ba
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCOZxTQZhC
"I've never seen anything like it!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7CvFDLd69
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2tv05sSRR
Cel felt... something shifting. A warmth spread through his chest that hadn't been there before. His thoughts moved a fraction slower. The edges of his vision had started to blur slightly.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7U4RmLk6A
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The alcohol was finally affecting him.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7oUZeh8E1
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3VrWB6KNX
Apparently, his divinely forged body wasn't immune - just extraordinarily resistant. But even the strongest resistance had limits. And he'd been drinking steadily for hours now.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMzFI7QQNY
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCI59uwesR
Strangely, he didn't care.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfZjqZvXY2
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA0GmI9vgf
The warmth felt... good. Pleasant. Like the weight he carried had lightened just slightly.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGVxSJ4jZY
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWpXtknvd9
A man collapsed face-first onto the table after round four. The crowd roared.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0naxcVy8Gd
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFIY56tENF
Another challenger sat down. This one massive, his arms thick as tree trunks. He glared at Cel across the table.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u5ui1nHwj
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpNf2gFpXE
They drank. One tankard. Two. Three.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgEvHpwzWk
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUON2X57aRB
The man's face grew redder with each round. Veins stood out on his temples. But he kept pace, determination written across his features.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGfdE1jf4j
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z1CEpZsZS
Seven rounds passed.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9TtHmUrSn
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The man slammed his empty drink on the table. "That's it. I'm done."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmvjRAPq6l
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO8tEDE556
But his expression shifted immediately - anger replacing defeat.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjLR7Enxme
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gVL3dF2qV
"This isn't fair!" He pointed at Cel, his words slurring. "I'd beat you easily if this were an arm wrestling contest instead!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2bwHyAWPN
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The crowd turned on him immediately.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYT3S5D3pP
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIw7skKJwM
"You lost! Accept it!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvh1a0KNvW
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBKLac5ISd
"Don't be a sore loser!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd5IL7VZZA
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0QlrGxjfB
"You want to arm wrestle a boy half your size? Have some shame!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FUNxzxqhM
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vp8QJHfm9
Cel's mouth moved before his mind caught up. The alcohol made everything feel distant, decisions easier.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXWajaZJnb
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kUivKnA78
"Fine by me."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrlvuAaOu3
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZWK6UX8Cx
Silence crashed down.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOcPHZt5TG
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbX5p1B35v
The crowd stared. The massive man blinked, clearly not expecting agreement.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5m13ldTQ3
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoXIeLjCTR
"You... you sure, boy?"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T2T9M3HYu
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5L0cAVOQh
"Why not?" Cel answered without thinking. "Let's do it."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7qn6nDQk3
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n6AhyEI7E
The table cleared. They positioned themselves, elbows planted, hands clasped.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW879TzooLY
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz3JqzHvw6
"Three!" someone called. The crowd joined in. "Two! One!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm4PlB92O3
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBJCLzTrzY
The man's strength hit immediately - real force behind it. Enough to make Cel actually engage his muscles instead of relying purely on his divine body.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JssflA2Y5
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouq2lOCeS1
But only slightly.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaVasBUJ4J
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYGUW8g8z4
The man's hand slammed to the table within seconds.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKLeaLf5P5
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lo5MoYDTx
The tavern exploded.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnBEoJPYlB
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYC1N4Xxbj
"Did you see that?"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQZKpvqcWB
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM3n1bTDRB
"The kid's a monster!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k5PwD2FTe
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhdGtxVQsv
"Who else wants to try?"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h8ubQgyET
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTP2UMsAwO
The drinking contest transformed. One by one, patrons lined up to test their arm against Cel's. Some lasted longer than others. But none won.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvmTEAhY40
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ed3KX3P34
Cel felt the warmth in his chest growing stronger. He found himself smiling. He laughed at jokes he normally wouldn't find funny. Responded to teasing with his own.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY67qiWT4yD
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQQg01AOQ6
The crowd loved it. They cheered for him. Clapped his shoulder. Treated him like he belonged.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRp219ELAA
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde68L2gNrz
It felt... really good.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCcfFjcqQj
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs7h3RJ7ID
A new figure approached through the crowd. Hooded. Moving with confidence that suggested sobriety.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZqOHyj1vV
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFNiPrLm4P
He sat across from Cel and pulled back his hood.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbIqmNVMWH
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhs1wuoliV
A face Cel's age looked back at him. Broad features. Stone-gray eyes, steady and direct.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yxH2sf7yn
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX8MVq0ZXE
They clasped hands.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKrkwKYeK9
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42eITGa4SA
The countdown began.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjINqFf1tk
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The moment their match started, Cel felt the difference. Real strength. Not just muscle and determination - something more. Divine enhancement.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1YyAR6SBr
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5RmotNnHS
Another Chosen.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cLatUHaWn
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ABuXdMNa5
Cel had to actually push. Had to engage more of his strength than he'd used for any previous challenger.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEerc27Uwa
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWlAn4R1bU
The wood beneath their elbows groaned.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqVX8q8Fm5
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Both of them pushed harder.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAyXUSYyQs
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The table exploded.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gsHx5A98W
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Fragments flew outward. Their hands separated as the surface between them simply ceased to exist, reduced to splinters and broken planks. Cel fell forward, hitting the floor in a graceless heap.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxj6XT4KOT
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGAAOaGh1V
Complete silence followed.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKx2udlOHr
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Every eye in the tavern locked on the destruction. On the two young men who'd just shattered a solid table through arm strength alone.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuppvpdXLZ
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtbSsPLjEa
"AHHH, MY BEAUTIFUL TABLE!"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFEWL9BoUe
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdys83CJ7Y
The bartender's wail broke through. He clutched his head, staring at the wreckage.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv87wt3mXt8
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUO8yrg3ii
His opponent stood smoothly, brushing splinters from his clothes. A faint smile touched his face - genuine satisfaction. He reached into his pocket and withdrew a pouch, tossing it to the bartender without looking.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDkWL3TRy1
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY34W0aTIbw
It landed with a heavy clink.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsv03CrUTU
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq99G3iL5l
"Fair trade," he said. A brief nod toward Cel.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMOtRWvLws
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ3GjfM9rN
Then he turned and walked toward the door.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9i11IC7eB
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The crowd parted automatically, too stunned to speak.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEAL2C4rnv
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E6EjNKUhG
He vanished into the street.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKImHCfFJKJ
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlMEqJNZyY
The tavern remained frozen for another heartbeat. Then someone laughed. Then another. The party resumed as if nothing had happened, voices rising even higher than before.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlNuH7jmOu
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzQx0IAh2R
Cel sat among the destruction, staring at the doorway where the stranger had disappeared.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryFlCNTbco
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgOBqb5n4l
His vision swam. The room tilted slightly.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDmG7SxIl2
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcdPsekjIS
The bartender appeared beside him, still clutching the money pouch. "You alright, boy?"61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAlCKdzidu
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpUgmyEHhr
"Sure," Cel said. The word came out slurred.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2fzbxXJuS
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7hRKpusR4
"Right. Well, enjoy your winnings. You certainly earned them."61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZJgNXlyag
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dO4pZQywj
Cel blinked. ‘Winnings?’61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1waRn3HyG
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8SQeG0oIj
He tried to ask, but the words wouldn't form properly. The warmth in his chest had spread to his limbs, making them heavy and distant.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR78w2mtRK8
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqG40jyyBS
The tavern spun.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA1nMRNg35
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Everything after became haze.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb58mvbBcR
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Sensation returned slowly.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sW9JKZDUK
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Cool ground beneath him. The scent of flowers.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJWkzbL6UE
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCO80SntzR
Cel's eyes opened.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L2vHtIHIw
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2xZgSTjd1
A face hovered above him. Silver mask catching light. Rose-colored lips curved in a gentle smile.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNymMwO90n
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFibK4GZmJ
Selina.61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwvVxr6dyK
61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMR4Y8I7TD
“Chosen One, I'm pleased you found joy. Though I wonder if you'll remember doing so.”61Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSngmRANT5i
1234 copyright protection57ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK60nzWB7L 尼

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