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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhGMhiSfEH
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovO6RKB2tw
"Weak!" Another blow. "Pathetic!" The voice thundered through the dining hall.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPeuuCgkWd
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLot2BzFZy
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—67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VHXHU5yRc
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdUcGyPgVC
His eyes snapped open.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G85VrbI21
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The ceiling of his room stared back. Wooden beams. Familiar cracks.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbIMtpvdfh
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWlzPpRYLg
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkwcP2hjx8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzUv2TGsy2
‘Just a dream.’67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhF87sHaw8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Mlq45tuhV
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tqFyahR9I
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzifcywOoaD
His body could push indefinitely. His mind couldn't.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpGscOXgni
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcNriXAWpk
So he slept. Not often. But sometimes.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlafDQIny41
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzPU5gViZx
And the nightmares always waited.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RJaMlcmtM
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq1t8B8dzv
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjIjGR8ZxC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHH9LhpSvn
An off day. Their weekly rest from training.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2knl9ijCw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQJLF38UVU
One day before the nobles would arrive.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDinMGuqer
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87rihz7gzW
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx99TkbHap
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5CX0tU6L2
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckC0gTlLyP
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTss3LLSQj
The building rose ahead - simple stone, unmarked except for the crescent carved above its door. Cel's hand found the handle and pulled.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL8X4ghgeN
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8M8tRBCzE
The door swung open.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxOLSd6Shs
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM6wccXrYQ
He froze.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu0sCmEXEc
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurIBXO1vYx
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1dvEdbdTR
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QaAtrA6l2
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijKucYkiuQ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfaULbA1X8
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLWw5U0sQ8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdn7NUIigZ
Cel stared at her. At the bucket filled with murky water. At her reddened hands.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxKsty1pRO
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWkD2hG1Au
"What are you doing?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEePOXCxkO
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaE7kSeJJo
"Cleaning." She said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QokTxdMlf
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xPOrK9AGG
A sharp voice cut through from the shadows near the entrance. ”And that's exactly the problem, my lady.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUwWsuDm0C
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphif910jsP
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaUSzymNDn
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuYNAmZQgo
"You shouldn't be doing this," the woman continued, her tone gentle but firm. "It's not proper."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5QD0SLUcy
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k94OZY1jH
“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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbKyBZTP0d
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFbLCwS2ja
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrxZZt9faK
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1kY19wp2I
Cel scanned the church interior. Empty benches. Dusty corners. Just Lyra and the two maids in the entire space.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmJvHm7YpJ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX3sd9KSDq
"Is there no one else maintaining this place?" he asked.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaN75CuTaK
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilASKpGSoU
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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9UTf5wVio
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI7bS3kcHi
“That’s why I do it.” Lyra cut in proudly, as if announcing good news rather than confessing to doing a servant's work.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwITvrD5bn
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUr7RbBLI3
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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoPI17WFgF
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMTzbNTq8Z
The younger servant nodded vigorously, her agreement silent but emphatic.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS182NMJ9w
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUl7f5lQ1e
Cel looked at Lyra again. At her smile. At the way she knelt on cold stone.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEMhpXdpT6
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Aodb0oxf5
Their father would have beaten her senseless for this.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQhsAQ3aEj
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7msTLrxaH
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcGoFnAKFS
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FIxwhXFlo
But Lyra simply smiled and went back to her scrubbing.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFlnMJIxyr
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYBn2Aeawl
"I'll help." 67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8LRDkmJRG
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMiBJikFpH
The words left Cel's mouth before thought could catch up.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5p9sHiIqB
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JRNPVNc5M
Margaret's eyes widened. "Young master, you don't need to—"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOSVtmz6NF
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqWcK2jP6k
"I want to."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOZ0cMBu6J
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzihpNT51cA
"Really?" Lyra’s face brightened, voice lifting with genuine warmth. "That would be wonderful."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKiEs6YQV7
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0BxvKR1Sr
Margaret and the younger servant exchanged glances, clearly uncertain how to refuse a Chosen who'd already made up his mind.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75anHdCfzg
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqrcvIhxbp
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7UNQCKl7t
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6iXpO2YtR
The work began.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez1AoVLrf5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl7eeYCka6
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKVhGpwh4u
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH0FQ8dPXs
"You don't have to press so hard," Lyra said, demonstrating with her own cloth. "Just steady circles. Like this."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKngZH8yvf
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuafzyn5Tul
Margaret worked on the benches, her movements efficient and practiced. The younger servant cleaned the windows with careful strokes.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡophdB5SUOh
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPPRceIV5V
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpITh8ymYLX
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmVYwSLqC9
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvHF8kgVSG
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlTZCcLJWt
"The Moon Goddess deserves better," Margaret added from her position at the benches.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKTpSKI8DA
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrtDERQfVj
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOFG4MluuS
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxPRznytBs
Cel's hands stilled for just a moment. Then resumed their circular scrubbing.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR96gqVyuz
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6AXZeHyVd
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0vhO5Gju4
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBdiGjFfTd
By the time they finished, afternoon had faded toward evening. The church looked... better. Not perfect, but cared for.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTn5nj3rZa
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZK18rFzVx
"Thank you," Margaret said, bowing deeply to Cel. "Your help made this go much faster."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoqx4sTriA
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22evP0rOem
"Yes, thank you." Lyra glanced back inside. "It usually takes us hours longer. Having another person really makes a difference."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL3RVw3XVJ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GkDhdDN23
The other maid bowed as well, gathering the buckets.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9djdIYr5OK
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8TYVejIzH
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo11oUQa3p
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6P9MiG4hu
He pulled his hood back up and stepped into the evening streets, his feet turning toward familiar ground.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4x05PRKOp
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAQCYB2sMo
The Golden Hart's door swung open beneath his hand.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7Osk41PmC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW0qELWYbC
Sound crashed over him like a physical wave.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBEnpZaW60
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMoX2wHC4w
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh587aVNnP
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9rOynODmV
Cel paused in the doorway, momentarily overwhelmed.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPifB2JCQFj
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I25FcPteN
The bartender spotted him immediately. His weathered face split in a wide grin.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT3b4E4itp
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hLKYOC6uQ
"Ah, there you are!" He beckoned with one hand, the gesture exaggerated. A wink followed. "Come here, boy!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOlMuuFniZ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxhxrqlAWM
Cel navigated through the crowd, confusion clear on his face.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB3DHPebWO
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ031VL2Yy5u
‘What's going on her?’67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0XndEoiB3
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9wGDN03tV
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzWeX8XvtP
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJnA7Y8Xrz
"This is Cel!" the bartender announced, his voice carrying over the din. "If someone beats him, everything goes on the house!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSyyEoR6WQ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uowM7Sez0
The tavern erupted.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LFBiCF6uJ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gQegHwfny
Cel twisted his head, staring at the bartender. "What the hell are you talking about?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuYG6pmdKC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmU6pn0ac0
"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?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i8Qw5dBsI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBMAqMYRLc
"You think that boy can drink?" someone shouted from across the room, laughter following the words.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvfpzZIunD
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvnlZpXZyi
"He looks barely old enough to hold a tankard!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1GxkJrXWU
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5bjxGN29N
"You sure you want to lose all your money, old man?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6kRTCTQJ6
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0xUtMTecE
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!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkY3ost2bZ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tE5PrhG7L
"Then I'll take first challenge!" A broad-shouldered man pushed through the crowd, already swaying slightly. "Easy coins!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDhcTXjfO1
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6CulFXcYa
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGhUDt6wFx
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ0BIQNAMN
The man dropped into a chair with a heavy thud, gesturing at the seat across from him.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrpgiAaLAJ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QWqhcy5hf
Cel looked at the bartender.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N6kegpwiQ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG48JJRpHf4
The bartender's eyes gleamed with anticipation.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9asNc1j7Qj
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvnM8cvK1L
Cel sat.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T52WMrpuJ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEOfu9Jbpq
Two massive tankards appeared on the table, filled to the brim. Foam spilled over the edges.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpawzXBfo7q
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88ambMzZb9
"First one to stop loses," the challenger announced, lifting his drink. "Simple enough for you, boy?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngl5vhmJ0A
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx1AHGJorE
Cel lifted his own tankard.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFACIRCTgnw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqJjaJ0mI2
They drank.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RWYaHjZDg
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttBvSHWvkU
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3JWBdRqMj
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2fyG0u7u8
Cheers erupted from those who'd bet on Cel. Groans from those who hadn't.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtFmeoV7hk
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOhtBoWIGc
"Next!" someone called.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflTSy5gQuT
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzIeaZ80LE
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMp9fw3YEx
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxIFoO0V1v
Then another challenger. And another.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mcJs3vWg2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQaLpJTqK9
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvddhUZXgLu
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4s9SsgCo7
"How is he still standing?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FbNioAnQR
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvGxQjeYiu
"That's his tenth opponent!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsANIYnG6t
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf6OMGLjCj
"I've never seen anything like it!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOPDKIFmNF
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4WYVQfHla
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWsnhZhmyb
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyaCql4RhA
The alcohol was finally affecting him.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua3hqSVb3P
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgxMOQiTOj
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8vV9w7aMW
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0pStBraMr
Strangely, he didn't care.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHyat0feIb
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J63vOjVux
The warmth felt... good. Pleasant. Like the weight he carried had lightened just slightly.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFflBxnGZ1
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE2OAggd6F
A man collapsed face-first onto the table after round four. The crowd roared.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHqBcRsyZA
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRvmeaOyRW
Another challenger sat down. This one massive, his arms thick as tree trunks. He glared at Cel across the table.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjd6QdQPc1
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnu3qpNCmR
They drank. One tankard. Two. Three.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97MSPBZEZo
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPUx47qOrU
The man's face grew redder with each round. Veins stood out on his temples. But he kept pace, determination written across his features.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYqq3iDVpD
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTaZ29fkL6
Seven rounds passed.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn27SD816l
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD1HY4Mlcg
The man slammed his empty drink on the table. "That's it. I'm done."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg3IyD4HRX
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8lak6C6IQ
But his expression shifted immediately - anger replacing defeat.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP3ZXuxnmP
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkJ34RP1b9
"This isn't fair!" He pointed at Cel, his words slurring. "I'd beat you easily if this were an arm wrestling contest instead!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedLw2D4Kwv
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTxuUuY7WK
The crowd turned on him immediately.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYghggszzBP
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOfWm0eJ34
"You lost! Accept it!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDt2CxeqJl
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbvltYgXzR
"Don't be a sore loser!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48AXLtdjLn
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS354a5Hvt
"You want to arm wrestle a boy half your size? Have some shame!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivpHm15fvp
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsV3MKPCmK
Cel's mouth moved before his mind caught up. The alcohol made everything feel distant, decisions easier.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfUc44zVva
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIZE3GfloA
"Fine by me."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID6LRzCqH3
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPviviADgeH
Silence crashed down.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvCVh1LJcA
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPhdQWpLIs
The crowd stared. The massive man blinked, clearly not expecting agreement.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAYTrwXFxW
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl4XhrBd1K
"You... you sure, boy?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs4KTQmfU1
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIbz2MkrK6
"Why not?" Cel answered without thinking. "Let's do it."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32iEPUIumV
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMNXxDjGaL
The table cleared. They positioned themselves, elbows planted, hands clasped.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg2Hy3kJfw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu8Bg5On9V
"Three!" someone called. The crowd joined in. "Two! One!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSv8nBKw4P
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb56yDC5td5
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrablSk52ST
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdXsHl3vg8
But only slightly.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorBei6xm6J
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoeXNOK3C1
The man's hand slammed to the table within seconds.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lbfSFpxXJ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h82kWF0dP
The tavern exploded.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuqVbdPwBs
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvtzvXfMmA
"Did you see that?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEG4u6THEr
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8c9g1ADHD
"The kid's a monster!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhSYvmvFsd
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEUrwceooc
"Who else wants to try?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcex0DncJ6
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuGAAQyw3z
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu5W1moiFU
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbArVxUQRFd
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDHwMMd1r3
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6i3lSJYPI
The crowd loved it. They cheered for him. Clapped his shoulder. Treated him like he belonged.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCtetnS5cZ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EMBo0hsk3
It felt... really good.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs93h0GVkih
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRhmDPgin6
A new figure approached through the crowd. Hooded. Moving with confidence that suggested sobriety.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkIylGvSLT
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA7impdCIz
He sat across from Cel and pulled back his hood.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhnzFZmrfw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS27naceZFL
A face Cel's age looked back at him. Broad features. Stone-gray eyes, steady and direct.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xvfPnOR53
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSPUJbr87X
They clasped hands.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP43zZSZD4b
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The countdown began.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEahvf7rnB3
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKyF4vEH8K
The moment their match started, Cel felt the difference. Real strength. Not just muscle and determination - something more. Divine enhancement.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7ow4kv18T
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUgt1DjQLA
Another Chosen.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UJt1ves8F
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzqm6iBevB
Cel had to actually push. Had to engage more of his strength than he'd used for any previous challenger.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj3TtaAeun
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqSc1iE9Ir
The wood beneath their elbows groaned.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0ULq6VZYN
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj74Mk4PaZ
Both of them pushed harder.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiqk4tTJDz
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbji9uQNjok
The table exploded.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AlnS5Ez3h
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFfPV988em
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwLNxezA2x
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8nOEt2MJM
Complete silence followed.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT428dQGi9D
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT42FVPCMpA
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVsDxCFNxD
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KPLuVdYcO
"AHHH, MY BEAUTIFUL TABLE!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6FSkG056H
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZZ7LSoxRB
The bartender's wail broke through. He clutched his head, staring at the wreckage.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmFAtKzoPp
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwbimMC8ln
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUj9PgC5yY
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcBbRKn26B
It landed with a heavy clink.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGim5sAG95b
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9qoQgnyae
"Fair trade," he said. A brief nod toward Cel.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK1FXbeYTi
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJwrTlcZiq
Then he turned and walked toward the door.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6dAS6yeKm
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC7HaUnIs2
The crowd parted automatically, too stunned to speak.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL5ZO598D0
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UurswMqD7
He vanished into the street.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT0mGesYx3
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TWKFtZS4e
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5SuOFPLIY
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEvjtkyF6q
Cel sat among the destruction, staring at the doorway where the stranger had disappeared.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKsFEDKjh6
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvwQZRXuqI
His vision swam. The room tilted slightly.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxND8kTYjlo
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs1rFyDXvn
The bartender appeared beside him, still clutching the money pouch. "You alright, boy?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMucxwUigq3
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YsjWbrwD0
"Sure," Cel said. The word came out slurred.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpggNE7O39q
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8Of1EPPby
"Right. Well, enjoy your winnings. You certainly earned them."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb0N8pRLPd
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM4pVr4ceU
Cel blinked. ‘Winnings?’67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYaKjHCL78
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBCQqikSJj
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB53EiOkKYj
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY90zC1rwnI
The tavern spun.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VkJpYIlrq
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4LBiCyqpU
Everything after became haze.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCti2p4hJC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMd7k4IMEWb
Sensation returned slowly.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSIEXvyjxW
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlM21YfYt6
Cool ground beneath him. The scent of flowers.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKDnoePgPJ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbYL0Zqpjw
Cel's eyes opened.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj1PzSEx0j
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwZa46IABW
A face hovered above him. Silver mask catching light. Rose-colored lips curved in a gentle smile.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNf3jdnRke
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA2OfGwPfk
Selina.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODUT8C2nnN
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5oTq8ad24
“Chosen One, I'm pleased you found joy. Though I wonder if you'll remember doing so.”67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AM1tBS8Wm
1234 copyright protection63ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ajJcq8CN5 尼

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