Instructor Calder's gaze swept across the assembled students like a blade testing for soft spots.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgaku5o5t0
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSxAiWZgAe
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6KnB6q8Br
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5k6BTLNXa
He let the words hang.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b06kCOsUq
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBt2X2s9Hh
"You're not."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEICxX4HGhZ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OJJFEkN5O
The declaration landed with the force of a physical blow. Several students straightened defensively. Others shifted their weight, uncertainty flickering across their faces.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVSQt7sEvj
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWqHwqwFPD
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdF4DGUjqu
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRsMNp5hDZ
He uncrossed his arms and gestured toward the training grounds around them.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNZbManYQe
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITYaiCYDy3
"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?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1mlH9o96x
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a9JKL4AOH
His expression hardened.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMU6KCbbog
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIG3K7qNHt
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf8sEkoVlS
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPJCN9UnT6
Calder's hand dropped to his side.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmT7SEtiCO
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm0DpvhNpU
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9CoqSVIjk
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLf5aEwSjQ
The words settled over Cel like cold water.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSIUn0DY1S
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKqN2BdODh
Lunar Vigor. Active only under moonlight. Variable intensity based on the moon's phase.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTL9syiuaK
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcee1v0JKCl
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugfpjlJndy
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJQBWBs1oI
How strong was that foundation compared to other Chosen?96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpZBGuHeaC
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf0vfdWs9r
Cel's hand unconsciously closed into a fist, testing the strength there.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEN2uaHeY8
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMstOPjDg0Q
"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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA668LtDCZ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjout36ymdL
"That's when you become worth the divine investment."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf5DmTJnpU
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DVaUc1XQ8
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXF99uhreF
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE9qg3h3uR
"After your theoretical classes each afternoon, you return here." His gaze swept the assembled students. "That's when we teach you to kill."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzZdDLKHJd
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U70ipbIlM
The word landed with deliberate weight.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8opewHJUv
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1O3lYyluE
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI6K4rrm14
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamH72s2vWB
Cel's attention sharpened.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL6ZWrMgIO
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSAmBN4q4z
Control Divine Energy. The fundamental skill every Chosen possessed naturally.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU0fIVAcHi
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7DOInYFHN
Except him.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSidOtYt6n
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfSSgTnCNh
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…96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIHHSWy5dT
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5GWM6fPlK
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkGnYLH8ba
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIcmCbhXcZ
"Question." Calder’s voice cut through his thoughts. "What is Divine Energy?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix2IKQv1Li
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhYVrxlSfq
Hands rose. He pointed to a girl in the second row.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka6qQDZLZE
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV3BCfxrT8
"It's a gift from the gods. The power we need to activate our authorities."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub4ZpBnorg
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBrmIC9lFZ
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVI2Txnb3Y
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGi0EtOCAk
He paused.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzT1TTyr3W
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YEjGWg7CQ
"It's also a sense. Your sixth sense, if you want to think of it that way."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrDK0vtqV7
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV41QY7iyMM
Cel went very still.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5mabiVqnU
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA40Ori9IP
A sixth sense. Something every Chosen possessed naturally. Something that let them perceive and manipulate the energy flowing through them.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJGhh14RQx
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEixqFMPPw
Something he completely lacked.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72W5h9UO7m
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgkm9FKOas
Wait.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvtcWALSjm
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTLPug5tfd
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1ioBHMH95
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M3nK7Gpz3
Other Chosen had six senses. Normal humans had five. 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc8gjGHCBL
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi90vgJDAW
He had four.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCSNkdChmy
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D9ZwEBJaH
The absurdity of it would have been funny if it wasn't so completely fucked.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUrBzeHAnc
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyebEBzsd1
"Let me demonstrate," Calder said.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNGzy5FMB9
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EOPAoaFVh
He closed his eyes.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjfudKTmjl
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh0KC1I94G
The ground trembled - barely perceptible, like the earth itself had taken a breath.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SikFqThkP
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPycT0aYtJo
Students around Cel gasped. Some stumbled backward. Others went rigid, eyes wide with something between awe and fear.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJMmF1Bo7Y
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZhawAtDnj
A boy near Cel dropped to one knee, breathing hard. The girl beside him pressed both hands to her chest.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1LeLZsC30
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkbk0l8UFH
Cel saw nothing.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYD3Ym0wzE
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6muzUC4LbZ
'This is going to be annoying.'96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJopw4iEYcO
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVeVlsZZNb
Calder opened his eyes again and the pressure - whatever it had been - vanished.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7CM31yVMU
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMkyFmQu70
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkKDXpmSn5
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxHmctYt4Y
His expression hardened.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHToTHEFnQ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLSEt9q4h2
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKChpi65Wn5
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqKLG7pgMz
A hand rose.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7oBIwlzaD
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmoDT6X9l9
"Couldn't we just use the Ledger of Nightmares?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6z4nPPoRk
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aC5ZbSMAs
Confusion rippled through the group. Several students exchanged questioning looks.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNCPg3Dz8m
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h3KEE4s06
Calder's expression shifted - something that might have been approval.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlDfI5fTVU
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFNMOMGyKx
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagA2y21gzJ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMBFjf0lIe
The mention of the Ledger pulled at Cel's attention.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2o8tJZ466
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY2PCrbBtN
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC75EvvGKJ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gmy0EbgDi
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?96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZEmvc0sxA
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaZubApAMA
The questions circled through his mind as Calder continued explaining the training regimen. 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkLP7axKpy
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKsLWWQX4X
A structured routine designed to transform blessed individuals into functional warriors.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXpC1JHLBW
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoT0Yl36N4
"Dismissed," Calder eventually said. "Dawn tomorrow. Don't be late."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6XuaPqqHp
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWEyc5vll9
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5V8OJu8Uaq
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t2fcVrbTY
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. 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA17ir9pK4
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9a5IQyYiM
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavJc2ZFCls
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJKE1j6Ftv
Lior took his first bite and went still.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtamczCSk2p
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M4FYIoPPg
His eyes widened. He chewed slowly, almost reverently, then swallowed and immediately reached for more.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3n8Ja5Bxb
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvkKEcXfQW
"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."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06m1DtcD4K
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKoPkRi7nS
Cel cut into his own portion. The meat separated cleanly under his knife. He brought a piece to his mouth, chewed, swallowed.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0AJSh2QiE
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLhyK3HxIg
Nothing.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHPVl8yCMX
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv1MSrXeoJ
‘Four senses, huh?’96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu9qoHkSOe
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK5PXItmPm
Lior had already finished his first serving and was eyeing the remaining dishes.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8UZqyJDLy
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHok3wsOvq6
"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—"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NhtZdTxXI
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb85JILSJXy
He caught himself, glancing at Cel's plate.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn05CGcTNBz
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN6z2iFiA8
"You're not eating much."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYyNdBNyab
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCewECsU7eQ
"I'm eating."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXydRn2BrtU
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4BAk24cPb
"Right. Sorry." Lior returned his attention to his food with renewed focus.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttBHDAN6a3
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVir0S8uxR
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpwxvLhMOO
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3AdyNiWE4
Cel ate because his body needed fuel. Lior ate like someone storing memories against future hunger.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEEplM7K4E
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlGY9oNZcA
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfOzzfPibw
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLTa5zqPkF
Lior watched them go, his expression troubled.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBKr9jaC5b
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKTIcPymBr
"I should head to the classroom too." He glanced at Cel. "What will you do with your evening?"96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V1KJY19OC
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaieE6v7T42
"Read."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0kJz0y9oc
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSc38cGucz
"I see." Lior's smile was brief and self-conscious. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kVsW08tx8
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUsmB9yEow
He left with the stream of other students, his posture carrying that particular tension of someone facing something difficult but necessary.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSABeg8KGxJ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZODtggo3c
Cel remained seated as the dining hall emptied. When only a handful of them remained, he rose and made his way through the corridors.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgrEHsLXOE
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpa590goI0
The commoner dormitory was silent when he reached it. He unlocked his door, stepped inside, and closed it behind him with a soft click.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbsUycbj92
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYkELUMIOL
The room looked exactly as he'd left it. Narrow bed. Empty desk. Wardrobe with the commoner clothes he'd worn in the city.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjS9A51zFm
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9t2Tqu03X
Cel moved to the center of the space and reached for the bond.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LXhdfvR4A
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FNX3Aoi8H
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RUuCmfEiy
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum7l4ylqhk
He caught it before it could fall, the leather cool against his palms.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrN0IZm0G8
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa26fgQyZx
His fingers found the edge and opened to the first page.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCraRbfpNY
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiACaJNozD
Ledger of Nightmares.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkDiqPbrlx
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TPE1yOwrt
The title stared back at him in stark black ink.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4V6mxsnCl
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOA2FQHZIq
Cel's fingers found the page's edge and turned.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1NZIWoUxy
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr5uCiTTdr
<Anathema: Endless Shambler>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWanef7FwoX
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0C0wKUQVm
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ewSYVjNPo
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwJi4mPZLb
His eyes dropped to the text.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsrSw8T5wF
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNDAhAVxTp
<Race: Creature> 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcenjP7LesX
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFOJrZFN1M
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQuSaS1Qsp
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYt5WHM91N
<Blight: Cursed>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbSTun18AQ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnSIRUDHAn
Cursed. The lowest classification of all ten.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3MyIUY0ST
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCt1kPrZHf
<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.>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo4JjzaVAD
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqcrJWyWEF
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsthQMz5meD
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDynQR7NRm
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk2kFOckE7
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUYJOJfINd
<Legacy: [incomplete]>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoqggQ1jsU
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9tWlF5HgH
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXQyzo97Gp
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2UceUHf9X
Caught by the maze. Transformed. Reduced to shambling husks that existed only to inflict the same fate on others.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcsRNYxW9M
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDvzNaBkwX
He turned the page to the next entry - the mirror lake.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMhJ3gNl3U
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7zTEtsM6F
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXQO3de0Fl
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKS7a9bxez
<Anathema: Memory Eater>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgMvf5OqVJ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKYg8peoGF
<Race: Creature> 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRcwRs7O4S
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL1dkCUlE5
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRWKLysD7X
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC0EMDPk7U
<Blight: Ruined>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjm2sdbmPx
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6iR2pVbkD
Ruined. Sixth tier. Higher than any other creature he had encountered in the Ashlands.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGHhkCzXjC
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L9w88gAyJ
<Behavior: Responds to proximity and emotional disturbance. Expands territory following acts of violence or destruction within its mirror realm.>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFslwgEQJV
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf5OKwEmtO
<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.>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT0pvMrbcB
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdTgZs0PsQ
Cel's eyes narrowed. 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXhVXcv1vE
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt0P7bmCSr
Feeds on fear and despair.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxK6V7Kl39
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiJt0qww29
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5nz2bgMyN
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDInHNDz4l
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? 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbolhApV4M
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbMOQP24Ts
A shudder ran through him. He turned the page before the thoughts could spiral.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSzdy5mVFn
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQCF7WmxBQ
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCjPxeJ0v3
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoI3YPIp8o
Recognition struck immediately.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcxNGmHdmX
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5JWrftjyh
The creature that had carried him across the maze.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhcdbmA1d6
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzIZiGLyjv
<Anathema: Spinebreather>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz67qg72T4s
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot54OsEVBz
<Race: Creature> 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YQwVVt0jt
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4KJFDHvdx
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh52w86Y7ZV
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmimavg9yCf
<Blight: Fallen>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3y4vopkda
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE1Nf74mB2
Fallen. Fifth tier. One below Ruined.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn5Xyj34SY
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabXYGLny3H
<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.>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva6e50lX2W
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKpSkmiK1Y
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuhUGC9i6M
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvswQJee7qZ
But it hadn't been luck at all.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYDS1uOG03
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibpUQQgx0X
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBzdRtg343
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc7ECgP7tH
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]> 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCQg8QSEs8
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6PHTQmpEH
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]> 96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e1T3Zypkv
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMjn1W64ng
<Legacy: [insufficient encounter]>96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8ytGewtbg
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVdUG4Rp5c
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH0OKBnWhk
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WUMTunqBn
His fingers hesitated at the page's edge.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQrswZgMUZ
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEtPM7iiYu
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.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFB3ZdpSXV
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou7pcKNl2j
His throat tightened. But the information was there. Waiting.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvz5gyywsp
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo5fr8PxYu
Cel turned the page.96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4bcsyJ3AR
96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBy1p9eK0x
<Anathema: Crystal Monarch>1234 copyright protection92ＰＥＮＡＮＡAA50gCUp3o 尼

216.73.217.39