Instructor Calder's gaze swept across the assembled students like a blade testing for soft spots.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLD9QQpGNd
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK1gTWGwSn
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWdUPUShRG
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIbvsQtHGJ
He let the words hang.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhwVAHGUmL
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo352wpCrRi
"You're not."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJibXyhtklq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpjg39aYtg
The declaration landed with the force of a physical blow. Several students straightened defensively. Others shifted their weight, uncertainty flickering across their faces.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9Mxz0bqBz
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBPD23MaSR
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbNL4ltSZa
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ2HWk0PuE
He uncrossed his arms and gestured toward the training grounds around them.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowoctN4gFK
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jrWgcQQYW
"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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHnUM8s3uA
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnIBlNhC0V
His expression hardened.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwm9UXiK1HU
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7jTsktRw2
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdpmVjOtUP
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lVwWiY2hr
Calder's hand dropped to his side.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2B4MqJ2v0
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd29WfDRIm
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvuVVZr4gx
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTeUM8oPqJ
The words settled over Cel like cold water.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7izsq1Yen
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnkOzyyVng
Lunar Vigor. Active only under moonlight. Variable intensity based on the moon's phase.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9l51UFHen
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibDOMi9RyB
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy3vhgFbwq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTFnzAVFpv
How strong was that foundation compared to other Chosen?79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7199t85O3h
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeUaNbS3XN
Cel's hand unconsciously closed into a fist, testing the strength there.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1paskpVeat
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHGKAJ50zG
"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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtEyAJVcT7
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4NyOfzDhU
"That's when you become worth the divine investment."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuORpYnbgU
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFSdg2Z72e
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecOrj6CJX6
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3BAFgThDj
"After your theoretical classes each afternoon, you return here." His gaze swept the assembled students. "That's when we teach you to kill."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJpqoA0td6
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvBO3Qukgg
The word landed with deliberate weight.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33DUoIR3Ja
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcw3RNF3LB
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4iD7wYEhD
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohR65LasXw
Cel's attention sharpened.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH6sDoeiSv
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QDXha1XaQ
Control Divine Energy. The fundamental skill every Chosen possessed naturally.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE554PAzjk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaiM2oGhyu
Except him.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Dh1GX2joG
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lkiNu1WrW
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…79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YZEmF97GE
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3K2MmMwDy
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy84x58Zftr
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc5n9V51kU
"Question." Calder’s voice cut through his thoughts. "What is Divine Energy?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkxJgpetoh
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX7lwWvci6
Hands rose. He pointed to a girl in the second row.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfDvklwREB
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PWOUdDU6Y
"It's a gift from the gods. The power we need to activate our authorities."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7bxuDPBhl
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ859BFNAqVh
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LqJmikXea
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgpW1T7zyn
He paused.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXI5mYna62
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJsjmyD981
"It's also a sense. Your sixth sense, if you want to think of it that way."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0mONwpMHu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBJdguEelU
Cel went very still.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfPtevR2jn
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18MmBRn4Sv
A sixth sense. Something every Chosen possessed naturally. Something that let them perceive and manipulate the energy flowing through them.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWxJmKhBCc
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJl9izmJD9
Something he completely lacked.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMr6oQFQ2c
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdO7ZGaEDQ
Wait.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4LOcBlqtl
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6qs40sxqZ
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOHA7AGfzp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXCtPhKYX4
Other Chosen had six senses. Normal humans had five. 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8YEJo9Aan
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLinz0854K8
He had four.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicFsExD10R
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwWiwlVgqo
The absurdity of it would have been funny if it wasn't so completely fucked.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXguj9illVp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPhBzZ340w
"Let me demonstrate," Calder said.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PfMujoqcc
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxysk116wU
He closed his eyes.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWSYOCPfIm
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROqt1eTqgL
The ground trembled - barely perceptible, like the earth itself had taken a breath.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKNREhENp4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvIX4IvO6x
Students around Cel gasped. Some stumbled backward. Others went rigid, eyes wide with something between awe and fear.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX68is37aHz
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5T1yeSvkr
A boy near Cel dropped to one knee, breathing hard. The girl beside him pressed both hands to her chest.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIWZedX60p
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRYbIp5MBm
Cel saw nothing.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8XhQR8fBO
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpz2lbri1cu
'This is going to be annoying.'79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YJz2qetbe
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsn9us73bm
Calder opened his eyes again and the pressure - whatever it had been - vanished.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WdEoAku8u
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASY1yXZvtk
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQfCLGmijQ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxCwWY9hRu
His expression hardened.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69sXfEszYw
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00hOCIbOqM
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPKZfJjrxm
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjgjQSLSyK
A hand rose.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo04iOdp3L
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eyRp8Mpc6
"Couldn't we just use the Ledger of Nightmares?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMca0K9NP1
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHt8OxDzvQ
Confusion rippled through the group. Several students exchanged questioning looks.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZwHfnjZnJ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a1DgqEEkN
Calder's expression shifted - something that might have been approval.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vHgPBDek7
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMX9Gsg7rI
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh33WPmqFr
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt8MkD4iSX
The mention of the Ledger pulled at Cel's attention.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrf6qWGAXu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4ZLyH4XZe
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQypC1c8R0c
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNsBgELMn6
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?79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AR3vcC5Om
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbWiNbMIEj
The questions circled through his mind as Calder continued explaining the training regimen. 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqSSXB8hAG
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmtsyz6lsb
A structured routine designed to transform blessed individuals into functional warriors.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TwEIdqPVj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfjtZGfVmI
"Dismissed," Calder eventually said. "Dawn tomorrow. Don't be late."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrBGr7Ynz2
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbydhepZ9Iy
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHKV60X2dL
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22AxoBd4lv
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. 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStHvUwsqFj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88cYiv7FiL
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LJmqdpa71
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnwkBWvlc4
Lior took his first bite and went still.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokB8tK0C4Z
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26QqTY8FIB
His eyes widened. He chewed slowly, almost reverently, then swallowed and immediately reached for more.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKrFkD0K8p
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30vxldgBsj
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibuzLZdJPK
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymOGtdDL2e
Cel cut into his own portion. The meat separated cleanly under his knife. He brought a piece to his mouth, chewed, swallowed.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDW3uewAoE
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXrdSSTuYs
Nothing.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYObLVt8ai
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Axpgd7Ldw
‘Four senses, huh?’79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwzMb2WIHz
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43qO6tWH0B
Lior had already finished his first serving and was eyeing the remaining dishes.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoPCLMQ52N
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSE0uXvR8Y
"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—"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9trCvANTfB
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKEJqqcExV
He caught himself, glancing at Cel's plate.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi7aymfBA4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YPoKf8Hbw
"You're not eating much."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfalsqWYW4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcREeEChWR6
"I'm eating."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlKY9Ln96v
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDhHyauBS0
"Right. Sorry." Lior returned his attention to his food with renewed focus.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkaEixDIT5
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52BKYOCstx
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXgB8nikcq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WZfQkFJd0
Cel ate because his body needed fuel. Lior ate like someone storing memories against future hunger.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUM3qE8mC2
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9KrVRAOCo
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhdcRUvdEe
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCa475ZLqm
Lior watched them go, his expression troubled.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNStxMTIRhJ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCoysMkbZz
"I should head to the classroom too." He glanced at Cel. "What will you do with your evening?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU60tUT1gGh
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT0qsn1n1G
"Read."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JPTp1yvHH
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy1sXibne7
"I see." Lior's smile was brief and self-conscious. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjXz8GHWCJ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVUgfARH8K
He left with the stream of other students, his posture carrying that particular tension of someone facing something difficult but necessary.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfBKeEV0vn
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLJ4XW5VOJ
Cel remained seated as the dining hall emptied. When only a handful of them remained, he rose and made his way through the corridors.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGFoJaKJlo
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOl3oXyDHI
The commoner dormitory was silent when he reached it. He unlocked his door, stepped inside, and closed it behind him with a soft click.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQBTLMUFTO
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiwLNUzW0A
The room looked exactly as he'd left it. Narrow bed. Empty desk. Wardrobe with the commoner clothes he'd worn in the city.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccGa8F3RI0
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnijr2aJxe
Cel moved to the center of the space and reached for the bond.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYtHUVadZt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEVTll9rM3
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PrTwijfxY
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU6HmrO21q
He caught it before it could fall, the leather cool against his palms.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5raD5ysB9O
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cjofYwlMI
His fingers found the edge and opened to the first page.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7eqCBF0E5
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtHze1KoOG
Ledger of Nightmares.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH3KroNUWJ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWdRqb1TLa
The title stared back at him in stark black ink.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8afdHGgp2a
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4exirBrjv
Cel's fingers found the page's edge and turned.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfII8Zf2bvb
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69DO1Hj5bC
<Anathema: Endless Shambler>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ctWTKwMB0
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2OiRBheg9
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2eb3HPOZX
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrGSgpV5cc
His eyes dropped to the text.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyNSC4eIiY
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Yzu73hHPH
<Race: Creature> 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Qh9ynQ4YV
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbbPUwBlWP
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TrHMXsJyB
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlWyhr1psS
<Blight: Cursed>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOeKwYlhh6
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBBpQXxH5F
Cursed. The lowest classification of all ten.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGVkcJ1oYd
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOYPJoRF6s
<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.>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrLN6yv7g5
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpaT0pOvMf
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5XMTbmuAT
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm2PzLPRHE
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIvEltMMCT
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd95TCA4jp
<Legacy: [incomplete]>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeVlCw1sH0
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcF5K56TlA
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUqUOWShKx
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nJ7s6pvdJ
Caught by the maze. Transformed. Reduced to shambling husks that existed only to inflict the same fate on others.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMrbzwqiSr
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rRiw5VDay
He turned the page to the next entry - the mirror lake.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspQ9Objxpu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsX5yTq9Di
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFr47LKAtI
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD3QcwJGTr
<Anathema: Memory Eater>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdN94QfK2W
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhQlwYqAgL
<Race: Creature> 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzoCLAYtT7
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bVFOfQI3O
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mH37Ri0CB
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlebtQIPrI
<Blight: Ruined>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIYccWrf4L
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvguz9a1XAH
Ruined. Sixth tier. Higher than any other creature he had encountered in the Ashlands.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiTB8mJ2Hr
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFn1gwDj8k
<Behavior: Responds to proximity and emotional disturbance. Expands territory following acts of violence or destruction within its mirror realm.>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdxcW4fGbh
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0ZtMUOm13
<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.>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfUiOOzPKo
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrW50xzP6w
Cel's eyes narrowed. 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ639bPGxhUd
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHN71Kwe8S
Feeds on fear and despair.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6CXWq8FUd
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W6XO9Vdtq
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3RdEe03fp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG2zbn3OA9
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? 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshcY9JuxR8
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMfIyLxxLz
A shudder ran through him. He turned the page before the thoughts could spiral.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbQgMkreVf
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDjigG1VBS
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLx1VWlU8o
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2DupLeLJE
Recognition struck immediately.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyeWsvYqWw
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf65HwCiHJI
The creature that had carried him across the maze.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoD2SGn5lXY
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5sZYa8n92
<Anathema: Spinebreather>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG5I7AF4uA
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT4ygRBdIY
<Race: Creature> 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrP1SCcUfe
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTto0tcwJOR
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGW0wCcwwQ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMMfMgLEqI
<Blight: Fallen>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUx7fRA5ng
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWO4I1VcImx
Fallen. Fifth tier. One below Ruined.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf2yU4rjxq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49kZ9ve7zV
<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.>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbHkgHlZG4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOji7PlarF
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zaVAimQgz
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmswzuuBOns
But it hadn't been luck at all.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LmOWdzN8m
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOvLBXQqUd
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNlOlgLevp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyMwBEKDsb
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]> 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzFxCeIAQB
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMXRjHURRQ
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]> 79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxUAQhFzrg
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBgGjoHega
<Legacy: [insufficient encounter]>79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcLUGDVRrk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLl0b8S4JA
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ0zX55xrk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIF8ErroMr
His fingers hesitated at the page's edge.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKKermhtKv
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfpiKgj4Ja
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FK0cAq3Fb
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ppMgwTiFv
His throat tightened. But the information was there. Waiting.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFXqyEkOtx
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aDU6qvhuw
Cel turned the page.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFNmQrSXin
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIvVO7omQB
<Anathema: Crystal Monarch>1234 copyright protection75ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0XZqCr6hf 尼

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