"What do you want from me?"33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzayMkXZQdF
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq40F2Zk7E
The question hung in the night air between them. Hestia remained perfectly still in her meditation pose, crimson eyes fixed on him with that same intense assessment she'd worn since the first day.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocxJbTWK1S
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeFeIPqsnI
Silence stretched.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TFRkas6oG
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfDw7MBCBe
Then she rose in one fluid motion, brushing invisible dust from her uniform with careful hands.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Gk1pwIMZ6
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjhXJrxgJe
"I'm uncertain what you mean, Celvian." Her tone carried the practiced neutrality of noble deflection. "If my presence disturbs you—"33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbpHqWiZnT
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSECee2JYr
"That's not an answer."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BAG7EKhls
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1HtocehOD
Cel's voice came flat. Direct.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXB31vZdMp
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nQk934NJx
Hestia's fingers stilled on her sleeve. Something flickered across her expression - too quick to name, but there.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4mSd3ERcP
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpHuzjcd99
"You've been inching closer every night," Cel continued. "So I'm asking again. What do you want from me?"33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3qUWUwLUs
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BK5oldwsW
The silence that followed felt heavier than before. Hestia's crimson eyes studied him with renewed intensity, as if recalculating some internal assessment.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntJXXdF6cD
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNMi1j5nh7
Finally, she spoke.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9P5R1dxxF
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEbSzsTBbs
"Are you familiar with House Mortveil's position within the Death Clan?"33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOntgganqC
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OeBJYIoZj
The question caught him off-guard. His brows furrowed.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvrPcikSrC
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKrXII39Z6
"House Mortveil leads the Death Clan. Everyone knows that."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1nq51p2Uo
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uRW1PewV3
"Yes. But do you know why?"33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7Mu9kPw94
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSzaBUDEHb
Cel's jaw tightened. "No."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyVy4ecQ8o
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby2rhDikPY
Hestia moved closer - just a few steps, maintaining careful distance. "In the other Great Clans, leading houses rise and fall. The Mountain Clan, the Ocean Clan - their leadership changes when stronger houses emerge. Political maneuvering. Martial superiority. Strategic marriages."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFU22WrXa1
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsPq7kLySn
She paused.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jlZiSXPva
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28E5i2nXXn
"Yet House Mortveil has led the Death Clan since its founding. No other house has ever successfully challenged our position."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyXFkgNc2Q
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15PchVnXEw
Cel's mind worked through the implications. "Why?"33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv54x3OQGZ
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIFMT1c38O
"Because we bear a gift." Her voice softened slightly. "A blessing granted directly by the Death God himself. Every member of House Mortveil possesses it - from the moment we're born until the moment we die."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb55pySGme
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ0Mh9p3TE
She lifted one hand, studying it as if seeing something beyond.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjKocmqrWM
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusQk0CPmva
"We can smell death."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9EOcj0GNL
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WmpfA0AEH
She paused.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqdPP3IO9f
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFHI7Y4vWn
"And this gift ensures House Mortveil's eternal leadership. Because no one can challenge a mandate given directly by a god."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHb4131g5T
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKRpZxRrB9
Cel's pulse quickened. "What does that have to do with me?"33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EM13qxaDf
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBEStqdb9v
Hestia took a step closer. Then another. Until only a few paces separated them.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoBw1IHJ1y
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF7RWDtqMj
"You reek of death."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9tmsVaGjI
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEB62UOctn
The statement landed like a blade between his ribs.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibTsdURv9P
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzIZsiDwj7
His resurrection. The new body the Moon Goddess had forged. He'd assumed it wiped away all traces of his death - made him fresh and unmarked.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MT5r7yHIo
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM3dq51mWj
But death itself still clung to him. Invisible. Undetectable to everyone except those blessed to perceive it.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YfudqETAr
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUZ3CzCkRR
'Raven.'33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpITCypAklu
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZb6llPpuJ
The pieces clicked together with cold certainty.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThs2jHZCOT
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuL3KOA079
Their encounter in the Ashlands. He'd assumed it was chance. But what if it had never been coincidence at all? What if Raven had tracked the scent of death clinging to him like a beacon, drawn to it the same way Hestia was now? 33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25VflomHd4
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx3VUrVtWA
Something cold settled in Cel's chest. 33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJnIucxL0n
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZqnSl7TsX
"Being near you helps me replenish my Divine Essence." Hestia's tone remained neutral.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE3z8rMOpA
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRujjyKpxy
"How does it smell?" The question escaped him before thought could stop it.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRppyHbMO8m
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMTO4tDD0S
Hestia's expression shifted - something that might have been surprise.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdDiZSenua
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx9b5zQi4H
"Pleasant," she said after a moment. "It's... comforting. In a way."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh98jJhyKr
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7LmmipTma
She'd been drawn to him not despite what marked him, but because of it. Because death was familiar. Comfortable, even.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwjobN7ZK6
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2ChDcOmsv
The irony was almost laughable.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TzlFyQT4u
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w5jmoX1ig
"So you've been using me." The words came flat. Accusatory. "Sitting close to replenish your essence."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0ZXazET2R
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIJauQcAT0
She met his gaze directly.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUwjRCTqyp
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BwAssVFd7
"I didn't lie."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN5wXCJP3s
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrOgK9J86Q
"You didn't tell the truth either."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlO86CdADg
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbxLxwkSVO
Silence stretched taut as wire.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsPllDjPPq
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPGAHvb1Dy
Then Cel made a decision.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF6NYmZXaP
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CvpiCRK2N
"Fine. I'll help you."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOyhwlN4Es
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsYG72lfQN
Hestia blinked. "What?"33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY3kJTx6fx
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAQpJ6ePjD
"You want to be near me to replenish your essence. I'll let you. But I want something in exchange."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD5eJ9AVW4
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqwywDq5vk
Her eyes narrowed. "And what might that be?" 33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV45GAhwAr3
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHJngXOE0l
"Spar with me." He summoned Silent Moon, the blade materializing in his grip. "Every night. Real fighting. No holding back."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPcUjPTG0D
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCvXwNM7e4
"You want to fight me?"33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4ajOE4UBF
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVkSvhprFY
"I want experience against someone skilled." Cel's grip tightened on the hilt. "Instructor Calder's lessons are useful, but there's nothing better than actual combat. And you're ranked third in the entire academy."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsGeqEGSTP
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jjxT4rlJp
For a long moment, Hestia simply watched him, utterly still. Then something shifted in her expression - calculation giving way to something that might have been respect.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshOzeRGpkp
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrHEdlm3rq
"That was extraordinarily rude."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd1rUqckcA
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56aViqDZOt
"I know."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPlFbqfam6
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SDGqPUiAH
"Accusing me of using you. Making demands of a noble."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHciRj0vRYy
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKhudUXjHw
"I know."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHNElVPaJp
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MMIp1U4X7
Her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeoeepmmv3
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCycSAHEMnb
"Very well. I accept."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5TfgYdOVN
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv0cTCjlSR
She stepped back, hands moving to summon her artifact. "Though I suspect you'll regret this arrangement quickly enough."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbLWN7Bxo8
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZhr2pzFW5
Darkness coalesced in her hands, solidifying into something that made Cel's breath catch.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpo5DCRnEo
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9W0P8zbri
A longsword.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrtnl2UC1O
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd1Rh1671E
It was beautiful and terrible in equal measure. The handle, wrapped in black leather, led to a golden crossguard with a crimson gem embedded at its center - the exact shade of her eyes. The blade itself glowed with deep red light, looking less like steel and more like congealed blood given solid form.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup6MmDj6p6
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBodRXYWDfF
It matched her perfectly. Elegant. Deadly. Precise.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5fpPjfMap
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAbSHZ9d1x
Cel's grip tightened on Silent Moon.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5zlqrbSzc
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIeUpsFdyt
They moved to the center of the training grounds, taking positions across from each other. The moon hung overhead, flooding the space with silver radiance that made the crimson blade glow even brighter in contrast.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwM0Ul4oG3
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9brqCw87V
"Begin whenever you're ready," Hestia said softly.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhnstTjlzX
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6MtG5grFs
Cel moved first.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDaMJ36x3X
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQBm1jeVI3
He closed the distance in three quick steps, Silent Moon rising for a diagonal slash aimed at her shoulder. Fast. Controlled. Using only a fraction of his actual strength.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0PtkXGZIp
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HSkW8tIaI
Hestia's weapon intercepted.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuGouZUo67
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0iWwdu5l9
The impact rang across the training grounds. But she didn't just block - her blade redirected his momentum, sliding along Silent Moon's length before the crossguard caught his guard and forced it aside.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB79z2uXX3
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHGgPtvOKD
Cel stumbled, balance breaking.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjkMRnTKh4
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmRezxNTmV
The longsword's pommel drove into his stomach.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYCLNz7yVp
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGNiU45QBm
Air exploded from his lungs. He bent double, gasping—33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TYLhunbuQ
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOdne0pLhs
Her knee caught him under the chin.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66uVboMfWf
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cbuYm9wOp
His head snapped back. Stars burst across his vision. He tried to recover, to bring Silent Moon up—33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBjykOXzIo
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiaaHK7f8j
The flat of her blade slammed into his ribs.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiPkpDwLAK
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevt0mv3cvO
The impact launched him sideways. He hit the ground hard, rolled, came up on one knee with his weapon raised—33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktQ5iLAx9U
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrtbZBagP2
Hestia's crimson blade pressed against his throat.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWgTltOuZo
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmRKriBYeL
"Yield?"33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTwYDVjk19
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qlyOKnF9S
Cel stared up at her. At the perfect composure. The absolute control. The complete absence of mercy in those crimson eyes.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT0SMeZufw
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4OJiJrIEk
"Yes."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20ciecGKm8
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SNIqhNyM3
The blade withdrew. She stepped back, weapon still raised and ready.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSViCr6Xys6
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4wuKmdF67
Cel pushed himself upright slowly, chest heaving. His ribs throbbed where she'd struck him. His jaw ached. His pride burned worse than both.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw3C9qwcxo
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdKGf6ampw
"Again?" Hestia asked. Her tone remained polite. Almost gentle.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW3jmKSZUX
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mh2OhJ6qZ
Like she was offering tea instead of another beating.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUwRYTMEwQ
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3ft7CJyyO
Cel raised Silent Moon again.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIquPeWx4ON
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9HeMDb3kf
They fought.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GVBVka6RX
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLjrSJr1kA
Or rather, Hestia dismantled him with clinical precision.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzweooK9Hd
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp2rZHx2MV
Every strike he made, she countered. Every opening he tried to exploit, she closed. Her artifact moved like an extension of her body - not just weapon but partner, flowing through forms that suggested decades of practice compressed into sixteen years of life.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUucs6Y19W
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeck3fe0A7w
She didn't just beat him. She punished him.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrarQKqeL2
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJyrLeYjHs
Each victory came with unnecessary force. Each strike landed harder than required. When he tried to yield early, she pressed the attack until he had no choice but to acknowledge complete defeat.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjgV6b6oRK
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv858Umm12Q
By the fifth match, understanding settled in his chest like ice.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN9dq5NkQk
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZcJp8YGMB
"You're angry." He stayed on the ground this time, delaying the next beating.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgTqzePZBq
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROSqyEILCe
"I'm uncertain what you mean." Hestia's blade remained pointed at him. Crimson light reflected in her eyes. “You asked me not to hold back. I merely honored that request." 33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KVUmnHTq0
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BfIykvrlH
But the slight tightness around her mouth said otherwise. The extra force behind her strikes. The way she'd targeted ribs he'd already bruised.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahWYKXxOHO
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcheSJD5bS
"I apologize." The words came rough. "For being rude."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvREeffv3T
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrgOUC2QGY
"Your apology is noted but unnecessary." She dismissed her artifact, the deadly weapon dissolving into a cloud of darkness. "I did use you. You were correct to call it what it was."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAelNGrypxy
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy569DsWone
She stepped back, leaving him on the ground. 33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw2fRTtEzf
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoCBzHV4y9
"However," she continued, adjusting the sleeves of her uniform, "rudeness carries consequences. Consider tonight's spars a reminder that courtesy serves practical purposes beyond mere tradition." 33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzQVylF66J
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYmJnkiNkK
Her lips curved into that cold smile again.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0CrQxNkro
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTlL5FJl5i
"Tomorrow evening. I trust you'll maintain better manners."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGvceOLvlR
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTCdwRUoQE
She turned and walked away, jet-black hair swaying with each step.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zaKSsxUll
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVucxoYCOlr
Cel watched her go, ribs aching and pride thoroughly trampled.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycgKkgN40S
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCyEao2CVg
'I really do regret this.'33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU3EcXpiZr
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfM8j1A5z1
Weeks blurred together in a rhythm of classes, training, and nightly defeats.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hWFb6BD5i
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTwcICWGDA
Lior had found something in himself after that conversation. His posture straightened. His voice grew steadier. During combat drills, he stopped apologizing for every mistake and simply corrected them.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fbQPERYwJ
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9LHuAy8Iw
The rankings reflected it.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oMqAZGOQr
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Rank 38: Lior33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpAwwSxWJ5
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj6biDmaSI
Still near the bottom. Still struggling. But no longer dead last.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BA4W8pDmN
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ9dlZlfyE
The change was small enough that most wouldn't notice. But Cel saw it in the way Lior held his practice knife, the determination that replaced hesitation.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzafjNppC6x
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMdpIR1zfU
Progress. Real progress.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHICUnDV2ja
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYO5gTA7c6F
Meanwhile, Cel's own nightly training sessions continued with brutal consistency.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2I8RVIbcb
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o9duXm3ZB
She was merciless. Every match ended the same way - him on the ground, her standing over him with that bloody longsword at his throat.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDQ39zMw1T
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He tried different tactics. Defensive forms. Aggressive rushes. Feints and misdirection.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ07RKYStYW
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None of it worked.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTtPKg2RUS
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r55NC6DNa
By the fourth week, Cel had started to recognize patterns in her fighting style. The way she favored her left side slightly. How she created distance before committing to heavy strikes.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByyl6FInDc
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHkO0s533m
He still couldn't capitalize on the knowledge. But at least he could see it now.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVWgbvFtZ2
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNv1qyheh1q
The losses piled up. His body adapted to the constant punishment, healing faster, growing resilient to impacts that should have left him stunned.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMy4j5xg8N
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXe8Qf8Uwl
Sometimes, during their matches, Hestia would pause and correct his stance. Adjust his grip. Point out openings in his defense with the same clinical precision she used to exploit them.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSTznAWcZ7
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC7bN9ZgiA
It was... helpful. Frustrating. But helpful.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzIi0nTJ8g
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif0rOsNXl3
And every night, she meditated nearby afterward. Close enough that the scent of death apparently served its purpose.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbYx652BR3
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePYikrrQqF
They didn't speak much outside the sparring. Just existed in the same space, using each other for their respective needs.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSypVU0Nnq6
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Mutual exploitation. Strangely honest.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRiouzTi13
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfjVrl4phk
The routine held until one particular morning.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMGw1Wf2N4
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ409VPEuQcR
Light filtered through the classroom's tall windows, painting long rectangles across tiered benches.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOW0OGxMrM
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWrn1ygj0g
Cel sat in his usual spot, Lior beside him. Hestia occupied the bench behind them.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2wq9QdvtY
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz76Tp9ZmzO
Students filled the remaining seats in their usual clusters. Nobles near the front. Commoners scattered through the middle and back rows.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3ADBY0o9r
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy4pmDNHzR
Instructor Saren stood at the podium, hands folded, waiting for complete silence.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlvGoZX5x4
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When the last conversation died, she spoke.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywHrr38lwU
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"Today's lesson will be abbreviated." Her tone carried unusual formality. "We have a special guest."33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17Pdqc6zvc
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMhny8RIP3
Murmurs rippled through the class. Special guests were rare. The Academy maintained strict protocols - even noble parents couldn't simply appear without advance notice.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdpDYprKuf
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGzwbheu9R
"She is humanity's greatest defender," Saren continued. "One of few in all of history to have reached the pinnacle of human capability." 33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LOIMIDR3G
33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7ugps6Rkb
She paused.33Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliFH3pHrFu
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"Lady Esrin of the Chosen Legion, also known as the Hallowed."1234 copyright protection29ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcirBpAErU 尼

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