Instructor Calder's gaze swept across the assembled students like a blade testing for soft spots.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhbFUyeqOP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIudUmJRxh9
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUejo69Ut1a
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDC3HNTAK7
He let the words hang.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNUNTt1iMj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7HQmIL95Z
"You're not."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSOD9fcjxf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbEcrb2fbR
The declaration landed with the force of a physical blow. Several students straightened defensively. Others shifted their weight, uncertainty flickering across their faces.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mH5ReItFi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpJ8n06qPl
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDyfKLDItN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG0KQ04pYh
He uncrossed his arms and gestured toward the training grounds around them.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y4Wyewt81
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7zDsIRn4a
"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?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFHZxmvnYL
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cLe9a7GPz
His expression hardened.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESOQekzMAi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6K5J3iuFH
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ7nKCg9k3
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FdCUlpmVS
Calder's hand dropped to his side.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYvKAxqZfb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzhjsEVIAa
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNQnIduEO5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNFVoYdVAd
The words settled over Cel like cold water.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81lK4w1fPt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6ZeR99otI
Lunar Vigor. Active only under moonlight. Variable intensity based on the moon's phase.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILUjkREkYg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0LVv4llGa
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S401lLx2F
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXnY2drGVy
How strong was that foundation compared to other Chosen?163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX808sqrhI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡode54fR7nj
Cel's hand unconsciously closed into a fist, testing the strength there.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNyPJVPpNt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fdVy84rGN
"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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp2et2IN9S
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhXzeLbeQz
"That's when you become worth the divine investment."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcs5IAHRj8
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL5kekKYGJ
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR6r3KgqYI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcCndsK743
"After your theoretical classes each afternoon, you return here." His gaze swept the assembled students. "That's when we teach you to kill."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrd7qLMGemu
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzHKfmHRnj
The word landed with deliberate weight.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpObLsuifei
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDGo0rhHCw
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudYuZaHYxe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSsv5Kfk0n
Cel's attention sharpened.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV82MOFf38U
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMZDtPz6b3
Control Divine Energy. The fundamental skill every Chosen possessed naturally.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyRCCAeZUm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyloA6z0ten
Except him.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH6Gb4ny2B
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4DnW0li5d
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…163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI39hj0awNt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PXdwhgPnU
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaE3l6LLub
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT9omi9Yge
"Question." Calder’s voice cut through his thoughts. "What is Divine Energy?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKrQbJK6Nf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp03EkNiIOU
Hands rose. He pointed to a girl in the second row.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIE5tsdztH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEt1Wkna8G
"It's a gift from the gods. The power we need to activate our authorities."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0gLVd5T7g
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P4uh33LZV
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR6tAAuabW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yLOTa7xpS
He paused.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk75maohXNd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYMWKxQsBd
"It's also a sense. Your sixth sense, if you want to think of it that way."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PhdCwwxT3
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0dBXRsWJz
Cel went very still.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YGSwWcNxt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnn8WS17yq
A sixth sense. Something every Chosen possessed naturally. Something that let them perceive and manipulate the energy flowing through them.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFyCoQJDu1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk0r5CRDVq
Something he completely lacked.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZrvciv6mZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv66EyrEA6Z
Wait.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZapvaqMlnl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkKBJysyLn
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JyMhtbkwL
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw6XbJqCwt
Other Chosen had six senses. Normal humans had five. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JedC1S0Rq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUk5YgvFUW
He had four.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfhR7jCIDw
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIOaHRpMi5
The absurdity of it would have been funny if it wasn't so completely fucked.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYYeI0rQ7u
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy4PZm55Bq
"Let me demonstrate," Calder said.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD6muzpTGX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RDdjFzivQ
He closed his eyes.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmGBDVRrza
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEtB2SSGnE
The ground trembled - barely perceptible, like the earth itself had taken a breath.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqkYr0Te3W
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX3ea8Tr2y
Students around Cel gasped. Some stumbled backward. Others went rigid, eyes wide with something between awe and fear.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyFsDkF5GF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2umD923fuX
A boy near Cel dropped to one knee, breathing hard. The girl beside him pressed both hands to her chest.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJu4k8JVAY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkdE9qHEIo
Cel saw nothing.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj2JMbPzOs
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyZ4NIckOZ
'This is going to be annoying.'163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6MOLb0w7I
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYzHtIIdFI
Calder opened his eyes again and the pressure - whatever it had been - vanished.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlZMo0XfDs
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbrAvVzuGk
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfDhZGNyW4
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa8cnShg5g
His expression hardened.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF0HK5VIPr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIDEiGWwNA
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LrSgHBnNz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsgjs6qdV3
A hand rose.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwGTz3wAHP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIlq7z1qlh
"Couldn't we just use the Ledger of Nightmares?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThra2s1BqM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC1tHPTxxf
Confusion rippled through the group. Several students exchanged questioning looks.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFufvp16vBH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02kuAmrnDW
Calder's expression shifted - something that might have been approval.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahZHhzr2Er
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq10QPXeyo
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY6RaStPaC
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kIG9vZoTQ
The mention of the Ledger pulled at Cel's attention.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbIiSN21MX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4Tm4Pp452
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGH1c5SDVx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRJZrPmS2A
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?163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60wGBtiBMT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzokN12EVS
The questions circled through his mind as Calder continued explaining the training regimen. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FmAKzuePx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv8b1seouz
A structured routine designed to transform blessed individuals into functional warriors.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXQvxx4aFF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgatsRlhYwg
"Dismissed," Calder eventually said. "Dawn tomorrow. Don't be late."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5lRHHBhip
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAqfOmU1eT
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lLaWfBuZ9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IfOypk7ce
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. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EHpzHMY8E
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwNkS8ws7X
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHVsBg4dz1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2mEUFm4Eh
Lior took his first bite and went still.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH2NNQvtMI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpUH535LKC
His eyes widened. He chewed slowly, almost reverently, then swallowed and immediately reached for more.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbbla5CUtm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLdVXbLSVM
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoUwu987A3
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOchsWwrQY
Cel cut into his own portion. The meat separated cleanly under his knife. He brought a piece to his mouth, chewed, swallowed.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7hqjS3fx4
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5p1dm0rz2
Nothing.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3PIDThGsA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqFi6UstFi
‘Four senses, huh?’163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2nT6bAGnr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpomYGodW7
Lior had already finished his first serving and was eyeing the remaining dishes.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7IxpuBuWh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdfALqalOH
"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—"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYeQUEuDH7
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgZ16coJoE
He caught himself, glancing at Cel's plate.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTejytz2QA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffRDfcMHJI
"You're not eating much."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XYRyW1bzd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf0BQwhfQk
"I'm eating."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMj0l9WtCW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O2bzdIdoH
"Right. Sorry." Lior returned his attention to his food with renewed focus.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNZ8kTVMGT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4P7EtXFCD
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnd2j1EVBRj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ36EMfDwdP
Cel ate because his body needed fuel. Lior ate like someone storing memories against future hunger.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv1CQv46eZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFeHoXEww9
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGDdlh1VpV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sAKfdIaDD
Lior watched them go, his expression troubled.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU878vMgWv
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPk84tBsll
"I should head to the classroom too." He glanced at Cel. "What will you do with your evening?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0eBcM1r2T
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoELAz0fzG5
"Read."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy8e1yl6jy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb90dSgaIjD
"I see." Lior's smile was brief and self-conscious. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGINwn3twt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLvZL7OlnG
He left with the stream of other students, his posture carrying that particular tension of someone facing something difficult but necessary.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrboh9eKKzW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxaI9gPg0M
Cel remained seated as the dining hall emptied. When only a handful of them remained, he rose and made his way through the corridors.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4CMXrEVrA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAExo2GZlg8
The commoner dormitory was silent when he reached it. He unlocked his door, stepped inside, and closed it behind him with a soft click.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAtqpGXrpV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUIb4ScH0m
The room looked exactly as he'd left it. Narrow bed. Empty desk. Wardrobe with the commoner clothes he'd worn in the city.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk9NPbSDpl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotawJQiucq
Cel moved to the center of the space and reached for the bond.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvIyGk0YJM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a7lZAkqlG
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhZQVjVOPn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSuJxCGUZx
He caught it before it could fall, the leather cool against his palms.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ427rVP9kfI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FTemUpKID
His fingers found the edge and opened to the first page.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSZhd7sYhg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEixaGmcvJ
Ledger of Nightmares.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzeaXyMDLy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI96nhnQPWW
The title stared back at him in stark black ink.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSmVzugrio
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIGDREWg1n
Cel's fingers found the page's edge and turned.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy23rQL620
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwE7uvg8cG
<Anathema: Endless Shambler>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOH7BbHRDD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHg0hGuxUl
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssuUN9Y0u3
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK2R9LQyGP
His eyes dropped to the text.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Jdv7NHKnI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC1gl2gjOa
<Race: Creature> 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLgaAG6oAN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VhZS2el5F
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxeve6VutG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhq6TPItT9
<Blight: Cursed>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5GMJIf3Xz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14xt5fJGrJ
Cursed. The lowest classification of all ten.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS0eDkS6A2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK3fJTjV4r
<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.>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdrtTTPU0R
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtupnf64sa
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQtNxpJM0N
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ4MPugI49
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffg5rFw3TI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dXVT68Nr6
<Legacy: [incomplete]>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoov5GTcWUs
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhM227J5Xp
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo2lVcby3t
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJnsRLdYTB
Caught by the maze. Transformed. Reduced to shambling husks that existed only to inflict the same fate on others.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKd64pZPTm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQU8rk9duW
He turned the page to the next entry - the mirror lake.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUHaZHizsi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxS6F3kxoQz
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPquk8YAZQE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyP8Qd2WwH
<Anathema: Memory Eater>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh88PA4dSh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwu0Yk6W0L
<Race: Creature> 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAgJMJG3GD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgptXiV6vHs
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP7OoUWGw1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lzph2SxTX
<Blight: Ruined>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY38nnW5rq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfqbZ1MSur
Ruined. Sixth tier. Higher than any other creature he had encountered in the Ashlands.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfa8z2fv2N
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWDjtHcY70
<Behavior: Responds to proximity and emotional disturbance. Expands territory following acts of violence or destruction within its mirror realm.>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9brvM3uX0H
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0reg6nYSk
<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.>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLiEk3XiSP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8P7xX9uW1
Cel's eyes narrowed. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZVdo5XyPP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7ymD6I0ui
Feeds on fear and despair.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoAyAtQxJg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzCDZWvEWw
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNRv9BJH8E
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY3ePzIhRp
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? 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5VqrrB4h2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibXB0zlkru
A shudder ran through him. He turned the page before the thoughts could spiral.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLR3oWUeNe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXZNkrluex
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztC45RbZVJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWHR5NvPnS
Recognition struck immediately.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeiWinZ2VP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHVRwibwNz
The creature that had carried him across the maze.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunZXAvgoIc
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK83skct1ZA
<Anathema: Spinebreather>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6Hq7xJq6i
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxrkV7SMmV
<Race: Creature> 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeQR1Sp82A
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvIs1FruBc
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwWCMRaplF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtlVCWUMSL
<Blight: Fallen>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9o0nO2MP5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ565v8AO4Qe
Fallen. Fifth tier. One below Ruined.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuzLv3XXMe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsRbJvIlDy
<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.>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgDThNNANu
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaESVHyphq
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATQjXeR0hc
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxOVRCU5Cg
But it hadn't been luck at all.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpzBGTIaXA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfWA38ThgB
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡET25WLmZWi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUgV3KL0LX
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]> 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrobyPeCoB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIa1h1rNqI
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]> 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhPc5XOVfg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDizFZh0h2
<Legacy: [insufficient encounter]>163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2wmzqMVoj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98blJK5Kiw
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEYTGmH5MC
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FCZRlnQPD
His fingers hesitated at the page's edge.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH9MAUnMyh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgOApquLjt
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z28MrRidY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g40tV2IAe
His throat tightened. But the information was there. Waiting.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjsh2m1Xj8
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xJKrPEuUb
Cel turned the page.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK3QTOpsLz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9TJq0OQNM
<Anathema: Crystal Monarch>1234 copyright protection159ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRlRJFttTA 尼

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