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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ccg8xCcbt
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"Weak!" Another blow. "Pathetic!" The voice thundered through the dining hall.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPze5JpnWG
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXpwSxn39A
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—83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tYcr55NiN
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvFlQbmmwe
His eyes snapped open.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsCP2DJZUP
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The ceiling of his room stared back. Wooden beams. Familiar cracks.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUqiQzBNM3
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN8O9sf7kw
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3Jj8NsZuR
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGaWgRCbOn
‘Just a dream.’83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlVAuDZQ5C
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDNqHW5XQf
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r4nNlCzbN
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6AtxBXNZb
His body could push indefinitely. His mind couldn't.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjtoj0uUaZ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu1x2lkbRX
So he slept. Not often. But sometimes.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SWuYwBXWd
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyzSH3DpgW
And the nightmares always waited.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZKYlV5jjN
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwO8qyIR7D
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUdnFscxKD
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgy9SHMCa3
An off day. Their weekly rest from training.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUZAGXnPB1
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7HKwLF5H0
One day before the nobles would arrive.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWXZ95xM5e
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXZz4VFiuI
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIySJojEk8
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7EdcbYZ85
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTDq38kZJw
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3872lNDKHl
The building rose ahead - simple stone, unmarked except for the crescent carved above its door. Cel's hand found the handle and pulled.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsNvPGKwOj
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The door swung open.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvEexjy0fH
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhpblcmB1j
He froze.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXtGykIQfZ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg22GUHrzZO
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdfphIdJVu
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLLJg8NeAB
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4pHKMKnNJ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY6t7xE0I5
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDiJUyafbf
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcjE0pqZEg
Cel stared at her. At the bucket filled with murky water. At her reddened hands.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk6XTyANGB
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQFW5ghSY6
"What are you doing?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY7I6dafTf
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJCGjhH4pi
"Cleaning." She said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgmIE53GvQ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5nYH8aX5z
A sharp voice cut through from the shadows near the entrance. ”And that's exactly the problem, my lady.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY5KAKIG7I
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvgSZjPpS0
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HTkV1X9BW
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq0whOa62M
"You shouldn't be doing this," the woman continued, her tone gentle but firm. "It's not proper."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBBWu104lg
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx3yTq8LSc
“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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMfO0ytxbo
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaLx6aRCRA
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgD5t5R1xk
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbv0e98HGq
Cel scanned the church interior. Empty benches. Dusty corners. Just Lyra and the two maids in the entire space.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMgU1VJcJm
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2hxo7gpUZ
"Is there no one else maintaining this place?" he asked.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1kU1Rsfg5
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcXhAChzta
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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOkPNluOZY
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTw0SxA9Uy
“That’s why I do it.” Lyra cut in proudly, as if announcing good news rather than confessing to doing a servant's work.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK5Otantfj
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEBcS1DCWv
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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebIEL2VYSr
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbypAnI04N1
The younger servant nodded vigorously, her agreement silent but emphatic.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLgrIPQByW
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUSrgPhPDx
Cel looked at Lyra again. At her smile. At the way she knelt on cold stone.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcbJzUjGAK
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7ZnzBDhGV
Their father would have beaten her senseless for this.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYLQfjZDXH
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfXnscTsCN
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSo87A8vQn4
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5noZGcukN
But Lyra simply smiled and went back to her scrubbing.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHqmkpOkla
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEtAsGPhVQ
"I'll help." 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mo6ZDiQG0
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh8O7Ig48r
The words left Cel's mouth before thought could catch up.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzE0GGtibVq
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreRA8m9VoH
Margaret's eyes widened. "Young master, you don't need to—"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1mNiNmltl
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddWRWgolXJ
"I want to."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOrS7ZMC7N
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLON3VVWorg
"Really?" Lyra’s face brightened, voice lifting with genuine warmth. "That would be wonderful."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9Fo8QOUcx
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI6R4FD52A
Margaret and the younger servant exchanged glances, clearly uncertain how to refuse a Chosen who'd already made up his mind.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BlTrv41Y1
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkAxu8GeNj
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHf1ZE0n9S
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The work began.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqEqSJsNM1
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm6G7ikDWX
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOqDrhc3FW
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffLNhlPhBK
"You don't have to press so hard," Lyra said, demonstrating with her own cloth. "Just steady circles. Like this."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DS3ZRd4rU
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvHsKUI4at
Margaret worked on the benches, her movements efficient and practiced. The younger servant cleaned the windows with careful strokes.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d7Y1ZiS6S
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL5S6VfeKh
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyfjT1czIP
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP18Fr2J6uM
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHUlthIk5S
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxjbTQtEyB
"The Moon Goddess deserves better," Margaret added from her position at the benches.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qfeWLOvhu
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwh0gsdEhb
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RIJ0gK00t
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8q29WbrN7
Cel's hands stilled for just a moment. Then resumed their circular scrubbing.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTg6p974wP
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnWLsNXgST
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsQ2sAZjKk
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtag7Pm1Zbf
By the time they finished, afternoon had faded toward evening. The church looked... better. Not perfect, but cared for.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcI9mkhGyM
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISC65CweGv
"Thank you," Margaret said, bowing deeply to Cel. "Your help made this go much faster."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73zWVyt6IJ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGn7Enymk3
"Yes, thank you." Lyra glanced back inside. "It usually takes us hours longer. Having another person really makes a difference."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAL3myMh2Fm
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavAP3LkSnf
The other maid bowed as well, gathering the buckets.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeGPJBRD9q
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYFaWRKWxw
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMCM4rvqou
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1avcbVmXZ
He pulled his hood back up and stepped into the evening streets, his feet turning toward familiar ground.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCn4Pl4Qnd
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsPOCl4avv
The Golden Hart's door swung open beneath his hand.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanAVxPnLrD
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUOj7amyTF
Sound crashed over him like a physical wave.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUbqJbjtJi
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs07OiH8W97
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eDVCxV0Eh
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr31NwnZ13
Cel paused in the doorway, momentarily overwhelmed.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h9rtRbTNh
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogzQWJCY2n
The bartender spotted him immediately. His weathered face split in a wide grin.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1apNVFHViC
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxWad8rurg
"Ah, there you are!" He beckoned with one hand, the gesture exaggerated. A wink followed. "Come here, boy!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LbXsEXiRa
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZqa64mApe
Cel navigated through the crowd, confusion clear on his face.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6PX2zkAcI
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEAayfS7jI
‘What's going on her?’83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbkhVjjZh5
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupel2wEMaa
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QmTggIaqJ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLyuOh7bOD
"This is Cel!" the bartender announced, his voice carrying over the din. "If someone beats him, everything goes on the house!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSvVvqjZAu
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE2jan9F68
The tavern erupted.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa9H56gu9K
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdBtfwPIiv
Cel twisted his head, staring at the bartender. "What the hell are you talking about?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZvDdtAHQM
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYQSNWNPjd
"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?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ieSZORodp
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFElbSGZOiT
"You think that boy can drink?" someone shouted from across the room, laughter following the words.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndiWfM6BD4
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSxeBtFdsQ
"He looks barely old enough to hold a tankard!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBskhDUaO9o
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1mAMi6wUL
"You sure you want to lose all your money, old man?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUiWEnr9cN
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetnDLNedHo
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!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TcHyXKuep
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFSGZ1YYwv
"Then I'll take first challenge!" A broad-shouldered man pushed through the crowd, already swaying slightly. "Easy coins!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGECbchGlkD
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXbbuAGmfr
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oYaKVYRN4
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhSM5LrXSg
The man dropped into a chair with a heavy thud, gesturing at the seat across from him.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f4vrqaQk9
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsF0wtBbf6
Cel looked at the bartender.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKOZ6n6LZ7
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFGbBzjAt7
The bartender's eyes gleamed with anticipation.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGSRDPms7c
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXppnWOiPY
Cel sat.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtq3sSrqZyV
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP3PZFFeqV
Two massive tankards appeared on the table, filled to the brim. Foam spilled over the edges.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadyloq6oTQ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCci71Kbbsm
"First one to stop loses," the challenger announced, lifting his drink. "Simple enough for you, boy?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGzYdwJVba
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd9qraAJh4
Cel lifted his own tankard.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh1YInByn9
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI1OTC3pDM
They drank.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4CrHipD02
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fnjn5Vksm
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLovqQXlyhu
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg8U1b1zP1
Cheers erupted from those who'd bet on Cel. Groans from those who hadn't.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kxeZ09BYJ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWUmh8fazY
"Next!" someone called.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SxAynuJHO
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLIYhre0kX
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCom44NXCNp
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhGcKsjJGF
Then another challenger. And another.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXwg8eilDE
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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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQjRgnECZF
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo51mmdgqs3
"How is he still standing?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYaimQ3sk5
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDysTyeUpT
"That's his tenth opponent!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuHIaG4Fro
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VhgkyfxFE
"I've never seen anything like it!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYewWCJF5rZ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12dd2fEIBZ
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ9F3Xhmr6
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVxU5hsYJv
The alcohol was finally affecting him.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK9c8agWCe
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlezvSd4nkV
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNsX4yDLrv
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Strangely, he didn't care.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNFb2JGrTA
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5psS0PmTM
The warmth felt... good. Pleasant. Like the weight he carried had lightened just slightly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqHojuULtZ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgG1vOyJdc
A man collapsed face-first onto the table after round four. The crowd roared.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBMCwCqJAN
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w4722LBxF
Another challenger sat down. This one massive, his arms thick as tree trunks. He glared at Cel across the table.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PoJHQMTPw
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHhXmOD2jR
They drank. One tankard. Two. Three.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTerlPF0OAV
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46jea68Hj8
The man's face grew redder with each round. Veins stood out on his temples. But he kept pace, determination written across his features.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShygPyXVnM
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijlysxSH7v
Seven rounds passed.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VP6kEQMv3
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The man slammed his empty drink on the table. "That's it. I'm done."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf951qnw6Q
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But his expression shifted immediately - anger replacing defeat.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIxRHjw09D
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vDJ249ZFy
"This isn't fair!" He pointed at Cel, his words slurring. "I'd beat you easily if this were an arm wrestling contest instead!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWdQFCEs5e
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The crowd turned on him immediately.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD22QtIa3Gd
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuXNRc91fg
"You lost! Accept it!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL3KiMGzSr
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAqgXX6es6
"Don't be a sore loser!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVYl3t9VNO
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUTmHdG7et
"You want to arm wrestle a boy half your size? Have some shame!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz6MejxrcA
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lEZcqb9Kc
Cel's mouth moved before his mind caught up. The alcohol made everything feel distant, decisions easier.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpowHu4z58
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI9bzqj5d4
"Fine by me."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h8Cda18ON
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYOscUBlYE
Silence crashed down.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHetKkFDt4u
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5mE8oOii0
The crowd stared. The massive man blinked, clearly not expecting agreement.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBmK6QK5no
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgn4ftun8u
"You... you sure, boy?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrzLGAqRzk
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcVMhA4X7y
"Why not?" Cel answered without thinking. "Let's do it."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbzJPknBG1
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgiE8sHQyG
The table cleared. They positioned themselves, elbows planted, hands clasped.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIUX1v8bGk
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"Three!" someone called. The crowd joined in. "Two! One!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiReaXC4cQf
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4oE7iMmoY
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJquHMcp0e
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a8K1gJOuj
But only slightly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYWotg5P7P
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The man's hand slammed to the table within seconds.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3yFIAaFw9
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The tavern exploded.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhuawqhwrw
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"Did you see that?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq9mmrqSDd
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6wkYCIlDc
"The kid's a monster!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2QmChbDxn
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LBfVgAPSL
"Who else wants to try?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JhyOfBTbX
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqewE5G9aC
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3FedjerCy
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzzgpILG5g
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmipEcgHTmM
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOM734deR6
The crowd loved it. They cheered for him. Clapped his shoulder. Treated him like he belonged.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwsvhnGaz3
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ2MqBChde
It felt... really good.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHT0198J8zt
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A new figure approached through the crowd. Hooded. Moving with confidence that suggested sobriety.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwUdsvqwgq
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp2XCv5617
He sat across from Cel and pulled back his hood.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDzBonrdwU
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPNQSVjwgl
A face Cel's age looked back at him. Broad features. Stone-gray eyes, steady and direct.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDxfNoIX1W
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbcef0Otxc
They clasped hands.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVco2ulrMKP
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The countdown began.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRYMX0axpD
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The moment their match started, Cel felt the difference. Real strength. Not just muscle and determination - something more. Divine enhancement.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5agga865tH
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94uMe9mCMh
Another Chosen.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeoCRFuQP6
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Cel had to actually push. Had to engage more of his strength than he'd used for any previous challenger.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgmpb6lYIc
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The wood beneath their elbows groaned.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaomTwYFBU
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Both of them pushed harder.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD70pinsjm
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The table exploded.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYhZnlNykt
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLdqT6Nmue
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RVMIwKxSX
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Complete silence followed.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpGEOd7s82
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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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6hk21IRrN
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Zjb2c80BU
"AHHH, MY BEAUTIFUL TABLE!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaM9kH5Nzz
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMGnGtga72
The bartender's wail broke through. He clutched his head, staring at the wreckage.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡey4RH5ldWW
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgz6uJJspt
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgAzNHczSH
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It landed with a heavy clink.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe15n4hosFJ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiwyvg2wBC
"Fair trade," he said. A brief nod toward Cel.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzxT8rTYGm
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Then he turned and walked toward the door.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfUUzUMBy0
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The crowd parted automatically, too stunned to speak.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQLI6Qa20s
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He vanished into the street.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTT0Ln9n8O
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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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ603BMKviXW
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRNaPAzq4D
Cel sat among the destruction, staring at the doorway where the stranger had disappeared.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9AYIKVzS8
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His vision swam. The room tilted slightly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BKFZloK83
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The bartender appeared beside him, still clutching the money pouch. "You alright, boy?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kY4XekWJb
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4H5aHS6Mr
"Sure," Cel said. The word came out slurred.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgxksSZBT3
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVtaPFIJuC
"Right. Well, enjoy your winnings. You certainly earned them."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXuumYacvF
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0INrWWo8zy
Cel blinked. ‘Winnings?’83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVvAvfOh2q
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1z1pjM6Yw
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqIRNB2oyu
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGAeaX6TxT
The tavern spun.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jhUOoVGFV
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Everything after became haze.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3Mw7Y7vEI
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Sensation returned slowly.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB8P1AZenl
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Cool ground beneath him. The scent of flowers.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgybrJDNJp8
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Cel's eyes opened.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn4S4YQel9
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62f0b1Rf5V
A face hovered above him. Silver mask catching light. Rose-colored lips curved in a gentle smile.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZtXZvuDNm
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTz054FfSF
Selina.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwg5ScJJmH
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjVXToH02C
“Chosen One, I'm pleased you found joy. Though I wonder if you'll remember doing so.”83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksEKpbZTrO
1234 copyright protection79ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Pyv73rW7R 尼

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