"What do you want from me?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkdCYWUHWI
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRnYniXR0Q
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbX5PPdq0I
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rwfSMlDSZ
Silence stretched.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyus1HFpZz
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXk2YRfyrr
Then she rose in one fluid motion, brushing invisible dust from her uniform with careful hands.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQC0zQYb2l
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2bjpKcwjm
"I'm uncertain what you mean, Celvian." Her tone carried the practiced neutrality of noble deflection. "If my presence disturbs you—"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUe8koOm0z
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2Maue5bG2
"That's not an answer."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv9LYSwJcK
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtriVDHlqK
Cel's voice came flat. Direct.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EAKQc6F7j
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk5FL9XIWA
Hestia's fingers stilled on her sleeve. Something flickered across her expression - too quick to name, but there.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvsiqHOKEZ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpneHBjQDsd
"You've been inching closer every night," Cel continued. "So I'm asking again. What do you want from me?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEXnwKcSWE
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEjCbw4weL
The silence that followed felt heavier than before. Hestia's crimson eyes studied him with renewed intensity, as if recalculating some internal assessment.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXahaaEPvjp
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0P4Bu3Rr1
Finally, she spoke.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHTJtxIzjA
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUExTRM8AdM
"Are you familiar with House Mortveil's position within the Death Clan?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWzskqqlvK
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYl8LUj5jM
The question caught him off-guard. His brows furrowed.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB68nyUOCNY
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAus5Swfdq
"House Mortveil leads the Death Clan. Everyone knows that."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pdyGONKtV
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpwi9rkG4m
"Yes. But do you know why?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1WmWUWgBb
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xu0EXhCts
Cel's jaw tightened. "No."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9W2ALTnA8
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznE0forwJR
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."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnAvA4y8TX
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrk7pzRVQe
She paused.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hYIXGZ25K
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa2gVX1AaL
"Yet House Mortveil has led the Death Clan since its founding. No other house has ever successfully challenged our position."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK81RBqGW7
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUVx37kYWw
Cel's mind worked through the implications. "Why?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScWg4yQ1yI
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKVGUmxWyo
"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."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRFQ1Bj012
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6tVYe2XGq
She lifted one hand, studying it as if seeing something beyond.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYgedxGBSw
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5l849F1I0p
"We can smell death."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDUAdZq2A2
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMkItHUHuj
She paused.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhropve4hAR
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntkc63u1F5
"And this gift ensures House Mortveil's eternal leadership. Because no one can challenge a mandate given directly by a god."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKVcOTz3GA
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy5TWQurxz
Cel's pulse quickened. "What does that have to do with me?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WJUaPu4lL
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY2UKv1e52
Hestia took a step closer. Then another. Until only a few paces separated them.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q3xJSJwfV
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXyjTag7Sh
"You reek of death."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJkWUeKxON
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupJWLMnLEH
The statement landed like a blade between his ribs.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj6fmg7kv4
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc5SuOqK30
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmDbiTirgj
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2LOnltTmG
But death itself still clung to him. Invisible. Undetectable to everyone except those blessed to perceive it.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqyD1NrKQN
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3kszQhUKo
'Raven.'84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJnDPYp8oa
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXk1rhnja5
The pieces clicked together with cold certainty.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZXqM5qU9s
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbgwjfBiZc
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? 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hjJwfzWZD
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2wSHesHA4
Something cold settled in Cel's chest. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWCAAcVivB
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3ixCPx6u1
"Being near you helps me replenish my Divine Essence." Hestia's tone remained neutral.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY8t3KL7lg
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqU0sod1w1
"How does it smell?" The question escaped him before thought could stop it.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZLbw2DIVH
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2caeSZp2OB
Hestia's expression shifted - something that might have been surprise.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq13zpVuMP
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeJB4XTIjS
"Pleasant," she said after a moment. "It's... comforting. In a way."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOQVeioJIF
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSboryAIPp
She'd been drawn to him not despite what marked him, but because of it. Because death was familiar. Comfortable, even.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt2dAuSCLC
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuReQnWJcR
The irony was almost laughable.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHKbb9vV43
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eD9s3j8Ow
"So you've been using me." The words came flat. Accusatory. "Sitting close to replenish your essence."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeolkW2uiWZ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynW3d3X062
She met his gaze directly.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV8slxoe5l
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZS0G7b3eE
"I didn't lie."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOMO8cOkZ1
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYQDlkXPBl
"You didn't tell the truth either."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVHg69kryX
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQTfe7dOGK
Silence stretched taut as wire.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3YBlR4sjL
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchEcqYnIyB
Then Cel made a decision.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBpW9gwwGh
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrlRweTqfO
"Fine. I'll help you."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKjmSytDp6
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXLSJcOv68
Hestia blinked. "What?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOOtIaEdNb
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qnUAR3ILm
"You want to be near me to replenish your essence. I'll let you. But I want something in exchange."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb7Kwel2vU
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffS7NYk3NZ
Her eyes narrowed. "And what might that be?" 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWAgKTOfSJ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYiPJjHPo0
"Spar with me." He summoned Silent Moon, the blade materializing in his grip. "Every night. Real fighting. No holding back."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6vBzKvpQd
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyQgn1dDJ8
"You want to fight me?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4GlCj5aYv
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVA8IEKMV0
"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."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4cX74ypxR
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOM3ArjqR4
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqmK35swnM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDPQsFz3NX
"That was extraordinarily rude."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdPGWn6fKi
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpbprjBK8d
"I know."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9Mhm7jbYt
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCx2BaQrxd
"Accusing me of using you. Making demands of a noble."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUWGREUBXy
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1NIUqIxcM
"I know."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZcpQhAj0w
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBHDWwWk8O
Her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlTL5JJfFO
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKrdJgGKHI
"Very well. I accept."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeErWz6vvK
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiplVKHD63v
She stepped back, hands moving to summon her artifact. "Though I suspect you'll regret this arrangement quickly enough."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGWwdQcglX
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyxKWAgRJw
Darkness coalesced in her hands, solidifying into something that made Cel's breath catch.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEItthykx0m
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1MqkUzzbl
A longsword.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLItb4YjUNU
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhlue8Wywg
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDBlkwhDWm
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLaWWDQsPv
It matched her perfectly. Elegant. Deadly. Precise.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROAY3g2dTg
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0WsyYhDlF
Cel's grip tightened on Silent Moon.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhAJ69VzAE
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxMIkjyyuo
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPUR3m9NwY
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqe1h9cFPX
"Begin whenever you're ready," Hestia said softly.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTz8QOEab7
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCTtVaR3pc
Cel moved first.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuZpbhJI3v
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCo6KA4oAtO
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRPPdxS3xt
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0syzR4pMBy
Hestia's weapon intercepted.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEE5g85Lih
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4yAF6wJJ6
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77zlwN3wZB
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8L7070bln
Cel stumbled, balance breaking.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kZDypbEQd
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaNkZYf9pK
The longsword's pommel drove into his stomach.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsccoweK2X
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpP7nEJcQG
Air exploded from his lungs. He bent double, gasping—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVZlSKIbfk
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c5lHp98PH
Her knee caught him under the chin.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmTgvO0b0B
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIul4AE10mq
His head snapped back. Stars burst across his vision. He tried to recover, to bring Silent Moon up—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKmx9vITNM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XOBcpCJrX
The flat of her blade slammed into his ribs.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMm0GfAldk
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xmNEvFJ4f
The impact launched him sideways. He hit the ground hard, rolled, came up on one knee with his weapon raised—84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3qfWmzsGP
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN3DKCua7t
Hestia's crimson blade pressed against his throat.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbUmlUkWcL
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNhTeHSchl
"Yield?"84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuNOLOXIzc
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7chpS9Rkxh
Cel stared up at her. At the perfect composure. The absolute control. The complete absence of mercy in those crimson eyes.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtCdTpZ5RT
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiATic4H1mx
"Yes."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTWLA4zNot
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnThFi2gFDV
The blade withdrew. She stepped back, weapon still raised and ready.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE58EYXqEDd
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqA2TtPBdZ
Cel pushed himself upright slowly, chest heaving. His ribs throbbed where she'd struck him. His jaw ached. His pride burned worse than both.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz9KTQAI6u
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8KayTPzkj
"Again?" Hestia asked. Her tone remained polite. Almost gentle.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCANqnsK3w4
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguwAIeXWkj
Like she was offering tea instead of another beating.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWmf66Lqk1
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTv5cHBh3I
Cel raised Silent Moon again.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZK7YdA5xt
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYfO6iEsRT
They fought.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyWU0CKBfA
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PKWyqym3v
Or rather, Hestia dismantled him with clinical precision.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejrX5hVCvM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO30nnBDdv
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bdxDkhqz9
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagtwpmnP52
She didn't just beat him. She punished him.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxNHPqyySs
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGUYHWIap4
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAFmjdDQto
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBnIz9a7c2
By the fifth match, understanding settled in his chest like ice.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyHjCI2Hsi
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy3tLFgqDv
"You're angry." He stayed on the ground this time, delaying the next beating.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0oQvzcjYb
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfkMkmv3IK
"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." 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT5zsofSlI
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCuZopPlDH
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ4sgU7gOw
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFzvb04FgK
"I apologize." The words came rough. "For being rude."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3OrpWXssS
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgIMC7cV6n
"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."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjjqQVBayd
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfidQtCOej
She stepped back, leaving him on the ground. 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVWLhgoiVl
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeYzJ9ic9Q
"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." 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLxtWCExoV
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMxl6u2mGw
Her lips curved into that cold smile again.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmThSr8YaL
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxhzDJv1dg
"Tomorrow evening. I trust you'll maintain better manners."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjVeUhMpRS
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pSpW4Ybl7
She turned and walked away, jet-black hair swaying with each step.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghlEJjPPEC
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMMe84czi7
Cel watched her go, ribs aching and pride thoroughly trampled.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vn1pYp5AU
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X4IffsfIu
'I really do regret this.'84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GcurnlgGL
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGXGxXnjvf
Weeks blurred together in a rhythm of classes, training, and nightly defeats.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfKSZJb7oN
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtPqsQmoxZ
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpZJR80wUU
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCPG550K30
The rankings reflected it.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uQ43LttOk
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgqMqkOmzw
Rank 38: Lior84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ2A0x3HMi
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgC5uLJLxB
Still near the bottom. Still struggling. But no longer dead last.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqwygK55Bz
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYe3steE4f
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IgTiH2qGM
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADZ8yi12bH
Progress. Real progress.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwAjq6wu5i
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHwcgLFO70
Meanwhile, Cel's own nightly training sessions continued with brutal consistency.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd57YQJMEvV
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp00zo3Vb6j
She was merciless. Every match ended the same way - him on the ground, her standing over him with that bloody longsword at his throat.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPiTxOIU78
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDd5iAOgEk
He tried different tactics. Defensive forms. Aggressive rushes. Feints and misdirection.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYIAmD0zNB
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqhSpem4rt
None of it worked.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRnLDkqbAi
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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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIbEp3epZi
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He still couldn't capitalize on the knowledge. But at least he could see it now.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMRzbM83co
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuViJOCxvYN
The losses piled up. His body adapted to the constant punishment, healing faster, growing resilient to impacts that should have left him stunned.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBNvdfUh9l
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYrmAgMDsE
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.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6GxzOhNSc
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJog7qaveX
It was... helpful. Frustrating. But helpful.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYAXtV6qzh
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtPZCH17Xp
And every night, she meditated nearby afterward. Close enough that the scent of death apparently served its purpose.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6QT5gHWdW
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgePS2I1Bio
They didn't speak much outside the sparring. Just existed in the same space, using each other for their respective needs.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVmJP9mqpH
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysOKsHQXFn
Mutual exploitation. Strangely honest.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyYhVgGMKJ
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO6f1LxGGC
The routine held until one particular morning.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5IExc3i35
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uwVNV7RvN
Light filtered through the classroom's tall windows, painting long rectangles across tiered benches.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluX3P9WFCS
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9jVvzaigK
Cel sat in his usual spot, Lior beside him. Hestia occupied the bench behind them.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgqTuVQWZk
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KRNYsNP8J
Students filled the remaining seats in their usual clusters. Nobles near the front. Commoners scattered through the middle and back rows.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OLUkCWsta
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoghOOFD4B
Instructor Saren stood at the podium, hands folded, waiting for complete silence.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRST8gb1C8
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When the last conversation died, she spoke.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNvsPw2IuS
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"Today's lesson will be abbreviated." Her tone carried unusual formality. "We have a special guest."84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWsb9mhPq2
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISQUwxx6Nb
Murmurs rippled through the class. Special guests were rare. The Academy maintained strict protocols - even noble parents couldn't simply appear without advance notice.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8YGYCMMoD
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkg2KTIDbO
"She is humanity's greatest defender," Saren continued. "One of few in all of history to have reached the pinnacle of human capability." 84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNep6JqKCL
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZWEYkPmCq
She paused.84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkS6jye8sn
84Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK2fv1cQ3s
"Lady Esrin of the Chosen Legion, also known as the Hallowed."1234 copyright protection80ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvqE43LnlL 尼

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