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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvikwJeD4Hz
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"Weak!" Another blow. "Pathetic!" The voice thundered through the dining hall.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m4kWisakN
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hctpkbk56
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—107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdoctCJHeC
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His eyes snapped open.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVqJKtZrBQ
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The ceiling of his room stared back. Wooden beams. Familiar cracks.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONSKgyHvpb
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW5Drr5De5
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPS9rD38jA
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUO2br1c4K
‘Just a dream.’107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQ6XFZQxzD
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgClml69VdN
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfv8mEEDpE
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6djekie5Yg
His body could push indefinitely. His mind couldn't.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3SyHmKV4v
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD9uc8qa9h
So he slept. Not often. But sometimes.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOuD6ZVbmt
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtF8FnPZia
And the nightmares always waited.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYxSrJ3GeG
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEYiKe7B0i
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMOVQMhYMq
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPS9FKWwlN
An off day. Their weekly rest from training.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINM9BfCwdS
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18ljlINXka
One day before the nobles would arrive.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6feHGkPe2j
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUqE2z5JBg
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GUSU7ygF8
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0T8LV3JGW
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaugwzhoPJ
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkrSEWfogM
The building rose ahead - simple stone, unmarked except for the crescent carved above its door. Cel's hand found the handle and pulled.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l5AcfinVV
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The door swung open.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xJKt4jmim
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He froze.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyld1JBJdUE
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Lyra knelt on the floor near the altar, her dress bunched around her knees as she scrubbed at stone with a wet cloth. Water dripped from the fabric, leaving dark trails across pale rock.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV2eqTdnfS
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgMcZ1zKF1
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBILL1Y4mGm
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc43tNBtE5
"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."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAZREj3Cfj
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKeOjY35Tm
Cel stared at her. At the bucket filled with murky water. At her reddened hands.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQIvgKWhqz
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC1anirSyE
"What are you doing?"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiBuhZvkoE
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb30OvQq19
"Cleaning." She said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADTil6SOHS
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2alZWYDqv
A sharp voice cut through from the shadows near the entrance. ”And that's exactly the problem, my lady.”107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OnBVKGTPB
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUszfZ49Fq3
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsfJH4nUW7
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R68WM1THy
"You shouldn't be doing this," the woman continued, her tone gentle but firm. "It's not proper."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuwo4igl95
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6WeGo8Ult
“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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmJJW3SO1Q
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwOTJl8xFy
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGHZbRNl6j
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFH4cm1ryw
Cel scanned the church interior. Empty benches. Dusty corners. Just Lyra and the two maids in the entire space.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2cZyup0zT
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByHMzsNson
"Is there no one else maintaining this place?" he asked.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVTFmtHo0U
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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."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYVDbLlqW7
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpyGIiKCGk
“That’s why I do it.” Lyra cut in proudly, as if announcing good news rather than confessing to doing a servant's work.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVegUOI2DO
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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."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKJCnhAoh9
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTdi6HOjYR
The younger servant nodded vigorously, her agreement silent but emphatic.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnoOozeZan
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J3SnmnB1Z
Cel looked at Lyra again. At her smile. At the way she knelt on cold stone.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmHA059qub
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Their father would have beaten her senseless for this.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiNY4EWIKX
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwOiZnfJCb
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIIl3ttSDF
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPrLpXVNAg
But Lyra simply smiled and went back to her scrubbing.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZC7E9W0dt
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGeYlhg73k
"I'll help." 107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fiFwOvm88
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVire4tHOjb
The words left Cel's mouth before thought could catch up.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8q4luvYYX
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj35HdzNL8
Margaret's eyes widened. "Young master, you don't need to—"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwZbdXmUkb
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxPkVYuv4J
"I want to."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuc6OrETc1
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKyMMDVPmd
"Really?" Lyra’s face brightened, voice lifting with genuine warmth. "That would be wonderful."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc7GaQ2lQb
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0TltnUKFv
Margaret and the younger servant exchanged glances, clearly uncertain how to refuse a Chosen who'd already made up his mind.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62DJC4fEUs
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gjHmDEVsF
"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."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFycwoPwu0
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBZhesxc9J
The work began.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vqAXWcef7
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquhTEAGzBH
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6sQLdKAme
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JIJmBGxqp
"You don't have to press so hard," Lyra said, demonstrating with her own cloth. "Just steady circles. Like this."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOz1r5LA80
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIlk7MToTI
Margaret worked on the benches, her movements efficient and practiced. The younger servant cleaned the windows with careful strokes.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH95OXJmTzK
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sjxHatchw
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerR3heqVbT
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSGALpoDLp
"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."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqCYLJefGi
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExN4VCfB29
"The Moon Goddess deserves better," Margaret added from her position at the benches.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj9TvvqGaS
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJmQtzvRdz
"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."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEtsfTcDEn
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh6YonIvjF
Cel's hands stilled for just a moment. Then resumed their circular scrubbing.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHR5Lr4xzm
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2slF0p0aZD
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSXzrLePUJ
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprBJjwF161
By the time they finished, afternoon had faded toward evening. The church looked... better. Not perfect, but cared for.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIPdpjcMQJ
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaHl3tygC0
"Thank you," Margaret said, bowing deeply to Cel. "Your help made this go much faster."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd78y1JR7p
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItgKyRc65E
"Yes, thank you." Lyra glanced back inside. "It usually takes us hours longer. Having another person really makes a difference."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDf87sK00O
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxwtKohJ18
The other maid bowed as well, gathering the buckets.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HoeVk34SF
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBke648GfPQ
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SnpgEtXCB
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Yf8zZsBuq
He pulled his hood back up and stepped into the evening streets, his feet turning toward familiar ground.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKMRKKWHzR
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbESKJh1OI
The Golden Hart's door swung open beneath his hand.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKaDubq29l
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH35BlTDSll
Sound crashed over him like a physical wave.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PnJ34BBfk
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyqp7m3QQR
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlMSsBCup0
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOA1ydywkK
Cel paused in the doorway, momentarily overwhelmed.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlRNRxz3R5
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA33W6lWBzf
The bartender spotted him immediately. His weathered face split in a wide grin.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyuhEnB2kz
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lyOCnDcov
"Ah, there you are!" He beckoned with one hand, the gesture exaggerated. A wink followed. "Come here, boy!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx2Nvcfdtq
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4I2d0sH5E
Cel navigated through the crowd, confusion clear on his face.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXz58mg728
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAJUgMzlDF
‘What's going on her?’107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrfudq5sKz
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhS9X90lnO
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe75jATrfGU
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINIby3jjX9
"This is Cel!" the bartender announced, his voice carrying over the din. "If someone beats him, everything goes on the house!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbszcJlK6Oo
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrQPFV2n6n
The tavern erupted.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKak0Q7RAb
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdrEivwgKG
Cel twisted his head, staring at the bartender. "What the hell are you talking about?"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uMi1AGy01
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIob0DVDtme
"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?"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFbHF44Jh7
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagpIkFoOxp
"You think that boy can drink?" someone shouted from across the room, laughter following the words.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQffO4eT438
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0jRv9tNVE
"He looks barely old enough to hold a tankard!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllKQbnUtKh
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa0fM3EQ4a
"You sure you want to lose all your money, old man?"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnYDVA4rpt
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIetzQbgZk
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!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadfg0WY5DU
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOMijCGSGA
"Then I'll take first challenge!" A broad-shouldered man pushed through the crowd, already swaying slightly. "Easy coins!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxMgiA8cZP
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WPsolzvtp
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsugaTztbw
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7s5tK7FgO
The man dropped into a chair with a heavy thud, gesturing at the seat across from him.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLhl2561FC
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRVEYoIWJd
Cel looked at the bartender.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGch8CdDXUp
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGRRyZztSb
The bartender's eyes gleamed with anticipation.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZxgauOyQh
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfd4nqrpeD
Cel sat.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWugUtXW2Lo
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcdi3Tufu1
Two massive tankards appeared on the table, filled to the brim. Foam spilled over the edges.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8HDII6ECY
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSnIGhrx3l
"First one to stop loses," the challenger announced, lifting his drink. "Simple enough for you, boy?"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqopywbVKJM
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMihnVYTcB
Cel lifted his own tankard.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ8BLmomXx
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcUcJRTrfn
They drank.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrnKnZxuTP
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIkGaH6AJJ
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQVcBHI2xj
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1FflFCvMh
Cheers erupted from those who'd bet on Cel. Groans from those who hadn't.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6fsNa0RZ5
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFAsvUCjlk
"Next!" someone called.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPHWeOSk5X
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrZzqdqkAW
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEYWEykulb
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4gIKKQOHp
Then another challenger. And another.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigQTe8TpPv
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGHJRKpgGB
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjTUd5allV
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhxwBgEKwT
"How is he still standing?"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSZinQmLqH
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CKvTL7kw4
"That's his tenth opponent!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse7vnR6FkJ
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKrtvS8lnm
"I've never seen anything like it!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3ojs3e3hM
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDOKgdAcVN
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9rzk6fXM7
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKWco2rekC
The alcohol was finally affecting him.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZr6mNwbyt
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYHDVgxFlt
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf5Gzbojxz
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6NbJVneL9
Strangely, he didn't care.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVUa78IGd4
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LpJRIbj6v
The warmth felt... good. Pleasant. Like the weight he carried had lightened just slightly.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGmLKkxJ4u
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbn02NJJZY
A man collapsed face-first onto the table after round four. The crowd roared.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk6mkz5rDw
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1S3EapqHD
Another challenger sat down. This one massive, his arms thick as tree trunks. He glared at Cel across the table.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6URt2Ottx
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2uFjeT0yS
They drank. One tankard. Two. Three.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxt5fY5Vg6
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPImV1xPSYQ
The man's face grew redder with each round. Veins stood out on his temples. But he kept pace, determination written across his features.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRlCzEXUtf
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wi3vrecBE
Seven rounds passed.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsc8Y5BZdH
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6QEZfMCCa
The man slammed his empty drink on the table. "That's it. I'm done."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6ZpKl5mqq
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXD0WDjWzs
But his expression shifted immediately - anger replacing defeat.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqLXqAcUJf
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWM40Fyzpq
"This isn't fair!" He pointed at Cel, his words slurring. "I'd beat you easily if this were an arm wrestling contest instead!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgA7HmjCtBf
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWQJTMtdtr
The crowd turned on him immediately.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcelLacppQ
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6s59efLI0
"You lost! Accept it!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH8i7iBrrf
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmH7WxSQXI
"Don't be a sore loser!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHXwg6637F
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfYqjQYqFi
"You want to arm wrestle a boy half your size? Have some shame!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZRPDyGblO
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaQq6XY30I
Cel's mouth moved before his mind caught up. The alcohol made everything feel distant, decisions easier.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjRWxMM398
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEgrilZQwK
"Fine by me."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuXkGnLDss
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaNFJk1wD1
Silence crashed down.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPGtDEgqMD
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T7BQ473yR
The crowd stared. The massive man blinked, clearly not expecting agreement.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGGEuACJT0
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3J825ZgnM
"You... you sure, boy?"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssCAuanxoh
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNRIBFUBEx
"Why not?" Cel answered without thinking. "Let's do it."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9cqYZBKRc
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGXdEoAiKd
The table cleared. They positioned themselves, elbows planted, hands clasped.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq58AmEsOIo
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQ1op2YyoO
"Three!" someone called. The crowd joined in. "Two! One!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwzaOYD7qr
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAroDIKVit
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkG9pF4Jhy
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡova4u2h9Hb
But only slightly.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYyfDUEOwN
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The man's hand slammed to the table within seconds.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbd9xv8jao
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The tavern exploded.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7yZE9zcQD
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"Did you see that?"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgN5jMUMo3W
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhc3Q34f58
"The kid's a monster!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlzym8FrJE
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo4KjVAyTr
"Who else wants to try?"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y8Y9UQ3kT
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xpvb7LGqb
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrvF4dx6mu
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WhF1WgZFs
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxMrzao3xU
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLCNllGrTv
The crowd loved it. They cheered for him. Clapped his shoulder. Treated him like he belonged.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoUww268EE
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyijaRCgdog
It felt... really good.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaANfwvPU6
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A new figure approached through the crowd. Hooded. Moving with confidence that suggested sobriety.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqj1Zu4bDF
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktg0JI7vMf
He sat across from Cel and pulled back his hood.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSbU68N1uQ
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQGY7LkEQU
A face Cel's age looked back at him. Broad features. Stone-gray eyes, steady and direct.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyQe2E9KHi
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tItohpNTe
They clasped hands.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSjYgG2P5G
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The countdown began.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRnBOtNqBs
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The moment their match started, Cel felt the difference. Real strength. Not just muscle and determination - something more. Divine enhancement.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluS8mWAvLL
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkP5UcNaag
Another Chosen.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmz6Jr39mQ
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Cel had to actually push. Had to engage more of his strength than he'd used for any previous challenger.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6bzbtdjQP
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The wood beneath their elbows groaned.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTIGWtvnHO
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Both of them pushed harder.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCWJKdg3bT
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The table exploded.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d78Cs2N4s
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Fragments flew outward. Their hands separated as the surface between them simply ceased to exist, reduced to splinters and broken planks. Cel fell forward, hitting the floor in a graceless heap.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q76vjG3PR
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ODIdwpjDt
Complete silence followed.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwT4ILhY4X
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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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gzHMFdxYK
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ2FoYlsGw
"AHHH, MY BEAUTIFUL TABLE!"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3GmjItFJh
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETWFJ0UM08
The bartender's wail broke through. He clutched his head, staring at the wreckage.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjkbHqlYcc
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQDOf9SbCv
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkUCeczgvU
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8gvGEQGv5
It landed with a heavy clink.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYLdvr0ymL
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHDTiXa9VC
"Fair trade," he said. A brief nod toward Cel.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt7nfRx2dm
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ8yELHqg0
Then he turned and walked toward the door.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdwFrdALgL
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKSoulGh7B
The crowd parted automatically, too stunned to speak.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSXdNvUKf0
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He vanished into the street.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhJmXvJ4hp
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyAFlupbNY
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWKUJKSOAV
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnynbpyo3n
Cel sat among the destruction, staring at the doorway where the stranger had disappeared.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwmWwP90F2
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His vision swam. The room tilted slightly.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXhCP27E9D
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EZ2vQWJuO
The bartender appeared beside him, still clutching the money pouch. "You alright, boy?"107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wWMCwj3hH
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjA4BHrCiN
"Sure," Cel said. The word came out slurred.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw9XxY65dY
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikKIFJCEPX
"Right. Well, enjoy your winnings. You certainly earned them."107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmChcWHcYVK
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrblzsC8FW
Cel blinked. ‘Winnings?’107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c8mt9nzDb
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewhrFg52HS
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.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhivKq8k2Y
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubsfoeusSZ
The tavern spun.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruEAo75Wb3
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Everything after became haze.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLcCjoSGpp
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWT8LLd7ge
Sensation returned slowly.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCjU5RICrc
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Cool ground beneath him. The scent of flowers.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBqApJVyMz
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrUlb9MuGc
Cel's eyes opened.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM6Uf6GsQJ
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjI5SHXark
A face hovered above him. Silver mask catching light. Rose-colored lips curved in a gentle smile.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74qWS3uR4J
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIdnT2RVBc
Selina.107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5HW0MAm1B
107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwjnEpbMPL
“Chosen One, I'm pleased you found joy. Though I wonder if you'll remember doing so.”107Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2grNpgbs3E
1234 copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XJ206iY3C 尼

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