"Well, that isn't a no," the voice hummed, as if pleased by his answer.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkMH01vloI
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"And it isn't a yes," Cel shot back, anger bleeding through his words.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTmkjb9A7C
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The retort left his lips before he could stop it. But how was that even possible? His throat should have been clogged with blood, his lungs pierced and failing. He should be—266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9CPMsA2GQ
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His hands flew to his chest, fingers probing desperately where claws had torn through flesh and bone. Nothing. Smooth skin met his touch, unmarked and whole. His heart hammered steadily beneath his ribs, strong and alive.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKIBM6BOvV
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The memories crashed over him - the creature's amber eyes, the crushing impact of claws, the taste of his own blood as he tumbled into darkness. Yet here he was, breathing, his body responding to every command.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iQxRpmUlg
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Cel pushed himself to his feet, legs steady beneath him. The ravine, the obsidian stones, the ash-covered wasteland - all of it had vanished. In its place stretched an endless expanse shrouded in pearl-white mist. The fog coiled around his ankles like a living thing, thick enough to hide whatever solid surface lay beneath his feet. Above, that same pale moon watched with cold indifference, its light filtering through the haze in silver streams.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXuWh0La1l
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A figure emerged from the mist, causing Cel's breath to catch in his throat.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxSN1peVNR
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She moved like moonlight given form, each step sending ripples through the fog at her feet. Silver hair flowed down her back in long, straight strands that seemed to shimmer with ethereal light. An ornate mask covered the upper half of her face - flowing, curved patterns in gleaming silver adorned with golden gems that sparkled in the lunar glow.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY2hUKlfUo
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Her pale robe flowed around her like liquid light, the fabric so fine it appeared translucent in the moonlight. Patterns of constellations and lunar phases danced across the material, shifting and glimmering with each movement. (Necklace)266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2X63OQ0iv
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She was tall - taller than most women he'd known - with an otherworldly grace that made her seem untouchable. Beautiful, yes, but in the way distant stars were beautiful. Remote. Divine.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFyWrEaLkX
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Cel found himself staring, his mind struggling to process what stood before him. After a year of seeing nothing but rotting walls and purple-robed torturers, the sight of her was almost too much to comprehend.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8qWVL88vB
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeFGETXFiC
"Welcome, Chosen One." Her voice drifted through the mist like a lullaby, each word perfectly measured. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Selina, a priestess of the Moon Goddess."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eTb1oc8j4
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwQIC70ZAA
The formal introduction snapped him back to awareness. He was gawking like a fool, mouth half-open in wonder. His face flushed with heat as he realized how he must look - wild-haired, probably reeking of the cell despite his miraculous healing, stumbling over his own tongue.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMPEFwFzlq
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When had he last spoken to another person? Months ago, when Ren had simply... disappeared from the neighboring cell.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpkvDDO70M
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ukA2eEQOG
The words felt rusty in his throat. He cleared it twice, then managed a clumsy bow. "It... It is my pleasure, Lady Selina. I'm Celvian. Though, I suppose you already know that."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b5XV50AYe
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIXTWjBQc8
"Yes, I do." The smile that curved her rose-colored lips held secrets he couldn't begin to fathom.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1m1ljFnte
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Priests served as intermediaries, he knew that much. Divine messengers who guided the Chosen Ones through their journey. But standing here in this impossible place, watching the way moonlight seemed to bend around her like she commanded it, Cel couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was something else entirely.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv07ehtES8J
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Something far more personal than divine duty.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf7bu8ZdyG
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"I have a question, my Lady," he began, the words catching in his throat.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFeioZ1lL2
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"Ask whatever you wish. I will answer to the best of my abilities." Her voice carried the same ethereal quality, but something warmer crept into it. "Also, there is no need for such formality. I serve the goddess, but I am also here to serve you, Chosen One."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMUgbjas5O
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The correction sent heat crawling up his neck again. He cursed silently at his own awkwardness.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ICxggkfPf
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"I-I see..." He swallowed hard. "Can you tell me where exactly we are?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28UjPj9poa
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"Of course. We are currently inside your soul."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ642yIFiQB1
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Cel's mouth opened, then closed. He turned in a slow circle, taking in the endless fog and empty space. "My soul? But here's… nothing. Absolutely nothing."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu02TBvF98U
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtkrmK44yx
Every child knew the stories. Chosen Ones could enter their souls - vast forests that sang with life, golden palaces that stretched beyond sight, coral reefs that shimmered with ancient power. But this barren expanse?266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w6Pqmo12M
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Yd87scBV4
His hands clenched at his sides. 'Should I be worried? Maybe a year of torture broke more than just my body. Great - assuming I survive this, I'll need a healer for my soul.' The thought brought another wave of uncertainty. 'Wait, am I even alive? Or is this some kind of afterlife?'266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1bGl6fzHr
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"Fear not, Chosen One."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtvgjZgr3V
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Cel's head snapped toward her, eyes wide. Could she—?266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QCszJOqsV
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"Your soul will evolve and grow with you," Selina continued, her tone reassuring. "What you see now is only the beginning."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEmWUsIbgy
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Relief flooded through him, followed immediately by embarrassment. 'Right. She was talking about my soul, not reading my mind like some omniscient—'266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3UK9wqIjj
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For the first time, her serene smile wavered. Though the mask hid her eyes, he felt the weight of her gaze as she leaned closer. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHkO1bv9rv
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"Are you alright, Chosen One?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJbYTcEEM4
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Cel took a step back, heat flaring in his cheeks. "Yes, I'm fine. Or... am I fine? I don't know." The words tumbled out faster. "Can you tell me what's happening to me? I'm pretty sure I was... dying."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39MvqCiSEZ
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Her smile returned, radiant and untouchable.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp8OBie4Hx
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"Yes, your body is dying. Even as we speak, time continues outside your soul."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD67Lap98YM
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'Why are you smiling while saying that?' Cel's eye twitched. 'I could cry...'266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovP3cFya2x
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEmP8akdOC
"The goddess called you here to bless you," Selina continued. "Through her blessing, you will be granted the physique of a Chosen One. Your body will be transformed, and you will survive."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0NIPrWkLI
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6s3B3AgPW
Cel stared at her. Just like that? After everything - the torture, the starvation, bleeding out in some cursed wasteland - it all came down to divine timing? 'Happy birthday to me, I guess.'266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KNrZwfehf
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"How exactly do I receive this blessing?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic0lzkQ9eJ
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He knew the basics, of course. Every god had their own method, but it was typically straightforward. At the age of sixteen, you enter your soul, get blessed, become a Chosen One. Simple. Though he'd never bothered learning the specifics about the Moon Goddess - why would he? She was weak, irrelevant, barely worth acknowledging among the seven gods.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtrF3FoGOW
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"You must first pass a trial to demonstrate that you are worthy of the goddess's favor."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2exzqPFLU
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"A trial?" The word came out sharper than intended.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRxPe5MJ6j
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That wasn't how it worked. Most Chosen Ones met their priest, received their blessing, and emerged transformed. No tests. No trials. Just divine power handed down like a birthright.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoctyCMoH0
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Understanding dawned like a cold sunrise. 'Is this why so few serve the Moon Goddess? They don't just fail to receive her blessing - they die trying.' His jaw clenched. 'And here I am, about to join their ranks. Wonderful.'266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L92XUG4ok
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Bitterness rose in his throat like bile. All those years dismissing the Moon Goddess as beneath his notice, secure in his position as part of a Noble House. Destined for greatness, never needing to concern himself with the lowest deity. 'Look how well that turned out.'266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaxTrx7gZV
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80sqPAP4yD
He forced his voice to stay steady. "Can you tell me anything about this trial?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN43JZvcaw7
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"I am sorry, but that does not lie within my authority."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB1evm7wDn
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEICbb8QHL
'Of course it doesn't.' Cel sighed, the familiar frustration of dealing with divine knowledge settling over him like an old coat.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuKDLEgSK8
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"Will you challenge the trial, Chosen One?" Her gentle tone carried quiet gravity beneath the silk.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXqLVwHHPd
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Cel looked around at the empty fog, then back at her serene, untouchable beauty. His shoulders sagged with resignation.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmHO1c1Gnt
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"Yes. I don't have much of a choice if I want to survive, do I?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGL44qdPmd
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The words hung in the misty air between them. Cel straightened, something hardening in his expression.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi1hzm03Hy
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqmlJGiz08
"But before I begin this trial, I have one last question.” The words came slower now, heavy with meaning. “Why me? Why did the Moon Goddess choose me?"266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UuvYVaHc8
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The irony still burned. Every child of the Sun Clan grew up hearing the same stories - glorious warriors blessed by solar fire, leaders who commanded respect wherever they walked. Cel had been groomed for that destiny from birth, shaped to follow in those golden footsteps. Instead, he'd been marked by silver light.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr11sdIfHd1
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Once, he'd raged against that cruel fate. The Moon Goddess had destroyed everything - his place in the Clan, his father's approval, his future. If she'd simply left him alone, maybe the Sun God would have chosen him eventually. Or the Ocean Goddess, according to his mother's bloodline. Perhaps no Divine Calling at all would have been kinder than this.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C4HrMIla5
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But the fury had cooled over months of suffering, replaced by something sharper. Something clearer.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpw2rBVAGV
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'Without her, I'd still be chasing after that bastard's scraps of approval.' The thought made his stomach turn. That naive boy who'd hungered for his father's praise, who couldn't see the poison beneath every word - Cel wanted to strangle him.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcxcXGPGZD
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His father had cast him aside the instant he proved useless to his ambitions. One blessing from an unwanted deity, and fifteen years of calculated investment had been written off like a failed business venture. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzqtUBv5Ix
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'How pathetic I was.'266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWR68zSaj2
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The Moon Goddess hadn't ruined his life - she'd ripped away the blindfold. Shown him exactly how little his father had ever cared for him. The Sun God's rejection wasn't a punishment - it was mercy. Better to serve a deity who wanted him than beg for scraps from one who found him worthless.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vc6igEeHP
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Pain had been his teacher, and its lessons were carved deep. He wouldn't trade this harsh clarity for all the false comfort in the world.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3IafSZj52
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"I am sorry, but that does not lie within my authority."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPsHJLMXD3
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZl60MyqYX
Cel bit back a bitter laugh. The gods' favorite deflection. "I figured as much."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtRvYTS9AH
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWASFMuJe8
The silence stretched between them. Well, what had he expected? Divine revelations handed out like coins at a charity gathering? He'd learned enough hard lessons to know better.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDGPkhSOwD
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"Then let's get on with it." He rolled his shoulders, working out the tension. "I'm ready for the trial."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8sHEXf0vD
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Selina's silver hair caught the moonlight as she nodded, her serene expression brightening with unmistakable pleasure. Her shoulders lifted slightly, as if a weight had been removed.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmez6tLBlA9
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"May the Moon Goddess light your path."266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSIHfBHzHe
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The words carried weight beyond their simple meaning, final as the turning of a key. Cel's eyelids suddenly felt like stone, his limbs turning to lead as drowsiness crashed over him in waves. The fog around them seemed to thicken, pressing against his consciousness like a physical thing.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspsb2BKvXf
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He fought to keep his eyes open, to stay alert, but the pull was irresistible. As darkness claimed the edges of his vision, a voice that wasn't Selina's resonated through his mind - ancient, vast, carrying the overwhelming weight of divine will.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu5yGYWKoD
266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCey4Zuwsiu
<Your trial begins: Find the moon.>1234 copyright protection262ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XoalDWFhJ 尼

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