Instructor Calder's gaze swept across the assembled students like a blade testing for soft spots.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1p0s6J8bb4
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjXQvrWnTQ
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibKRZK1F3p
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGuD1orO7S
He let the words hang.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnGtXMTEVq
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RnFtnd1XI
"You're not."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqcEBqDmYo
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPdQRVLczl
The declaration landed with the force of a physical blow. Several students straightened defensively. Others shifted their weight, uncertainty flickering across their faces.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm7jV5bdt0
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn2asjWb3L
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgCMXXFUZv
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8YaQCkpPx
He uncrossed his arms and gestured toward the training grounds around them.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLWSWboBwF
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbdTe96ftk
"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?"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK8t4D9s4V
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYdBd5jJI5
His expression hardened.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ643qWxwVSI
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ef6r6gOGT
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HQUm7S1YT
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcZQlK5jXf
Calder's hand dropped to his side.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnhAsyO71N
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaLCzC97XD
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnfErp2D4l
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhTT6BCgCI
The words settled over Cel like cold water.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUItEGIr6p
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwSfNWDrkg
Lunar Vigor. Active only under moonlight. Variable intensity based on the moon's phase.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolkGAS8v3x
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡposXKhPMqz
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuWgKeBLov
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4KX9nPvpT
How strong was that foundation compared to other Chosen?53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuVFKa2fux
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX1i2BFKzd
Cel's hand unconsciously closed into a fist, testing the strength there.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5iLcei0UN
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54XQYjpfm9
"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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLICq0f1PaI
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVaWYdHAJ1
"That's when you become worth the divine investment."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXggyJrJyL7
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDw38XVbQo
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjetrMW5uJe
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCfPXMTErv
"After your theoretical classes each afternoon, you return here." His gaze swept the assembled students. "That's when we teach you to kill."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26A5nRSQMq
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesfcd1HUmx
The word landed with deliberate weight.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFC9L353qtH
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyrJfG2Nvs
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxObAiBeN18
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzO5SGNkn5
Cel's attention sharpened.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x3wicwIiW
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYym3766mM
Control Divine Energy. The fundamental skill every Chosen possessed naturally.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevGYEDyNfK
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkWcO9rBeG
Except him.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh2K0oRvpC
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUKZPDOgpL
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…53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIYFEaOMxr
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXOiiLlDgW
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4moRmGWpI
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4Litkers6
"Question." Calder’s voice cut through his thoughts. "What is Divine Energy?"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtInT2k8dH
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjmeTp5ChP
Hands rose. He pointed to a girl in the second row.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrdgyv3fmS
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuXn31jbm7
"It's a gift from the gods. The power we need to activate our authorities."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycu7akNbqD
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkr3w7xSLs
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtIioMiUax
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDANpchvn6w
He paused.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8ava5xehB
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVgNpDXpwd
"It's also a sense. Your sixth sense, if you want to think of it that way."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSjRn0zngZ
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfABIEHeBrX
Cel went very still.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE7WwV1T82
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZm8IBQcR6
A sixth sense. Something every Chosen possessed naturally. Something that let them perceive and manipulate the energy flowing through them.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6G19JapHE
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtBHALJtyG
Something he completely lacked.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPhXyB4Lto
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cx8Goqt04
Wait.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEgh4OXQOf
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIUw4JzYmH
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhxg1SbpJ8
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm2TFy8MnC
Other Chosen had six senses. Normal humans had five. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYRrJZbrre
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhjcqyuWeB
He had four.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX6JTb8ee3
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkA3CyQqO6
The absurdity of it would have been funny if it wasn't so completely fucked.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqLerXLU07
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ2a0HMCQp
"Let me demonstrate," Calder said.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycOmmV3WJC
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3gUiRsMMo
He closed his eyes.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkKQQsue3a
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NLqOQJjTb
The ground trembled - barely perceptible, like the earth itself had taken a breath.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUvkKg1ziO
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYWov3lYBK
Students around Cel gasped. Some stumbled backward. Others went rigid, eyes wide with something between awe and fear.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLJkyXq3Up
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjjTXYy9EC
A boy near Cel dropped to one knee, breathing hard. The girl beside him pressed both hands to her chest.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqi35Iat0S
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzbTmOcfvd
Cel saw nothing.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGGhVg18Q8
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQuoskf9Ra
'This is going to be annoying.'53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOSjQVFR85
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLdlMMzNxN
Calder opened his eyes again and the pressure - whatever it had been - vanished.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4gbS9qYsb
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdIShHHk2d
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKMsy2JVgU
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N68KurJol
His expression hardened.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjOvdt8wOx
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod2Km8hFFo
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLVokuUxqM
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaonopWBJFw
A hand rose.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNzdemSKS1
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwgAW2c3PZ
"Couldn't we just use the Ledger of Nightmares?"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bghLe8HJU
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh14vvlTbS
Confusion rippled through the group. Several students exchanged questioning looks.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKZuOxTmtg
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh1bHcm2lC
Calder's expression shifted - something that might have been approval.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiI6fVc1CE
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEswQZzZHd
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTWN4cEyK5
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLRyqJYTfi
The mention of the Ledger pulled at Cel's attention.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU55LScNcA
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00caStgd6t
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkDbmUkBiU
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMbTBij0Zy
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?53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxEU4xSW5W
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVeKKjEi1g
The questions circled through his mind as Calder continued explaining the training regimen. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIzfRutQmp
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF34Agp8kSz
A structured routine designed to transform blessed individuals into functional warriors.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4N6UaKL8I
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZIGaYUpcP
"Dismissed," Calder eventually said. "Dawn tomorrow. Don't be late."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YTrGhX98h
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZSmdcTGzu
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFZjQqTW7p
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvNdY8aj0O
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. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI8AlC9fyC
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKfEnoaqiM
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa6hJrYDsw
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVcqY6tP0k
Lior took his first bite and went still.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I0tPj3aQc
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEobeWpBbq
His eyes widened. He chewed slowly, almost reverently, then swallowed and immediately reached for more.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSSzm0lFzS
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42192ubkY6
"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."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5lOAJlQW4
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSC6fkvimH
Cel cut into his own portion. The meat separated cleanly under his knife. He brought a piece to his mouth, chewed, swallowed.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnG0i3ZTO0
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE9d8BKB9I
Nothing.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW1eHYcqqA
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZATPqXwLQF
‘Four senses, huh?’53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f75SxdERt
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl1o7ScREI
Lior had already finished his first serving and was eyeing the remaining dishes.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDDbTQ7cnf
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTuqjX5ojm
"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—"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO83wU6edn9
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRoQWlfk9e
He caught himself, glancing at Cel's plate.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYGZYsJgfH
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhrASWGyl3
"You're not eating much."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXEB5nHDT5
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdGAWPQkrp
"I'm eating."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPR6IHI7PM
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV45Bdt3mEp
"Right. Sorry." Lior returned his attention to his food with renewed focus.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxUtovsKK5
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk2bHBUBot
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9jicYXHvG
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQBcULxGwa
Cel ate because his body needed fuel. Lior ate like someone storing memories against future hunger.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVNXB4Vuzs
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM96BXHLQI
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90x1xspSVX
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYUnmrSLC3
Lior watched them go, his expression troubled.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCME6VE9hI
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGIw0xrP24
"I should head to the classroom too." He glanced at Cel. "What will you do with your evening?"53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaonoBmg8M
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3xGdIrB51
"Read."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT4LsViM7I
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkPhYnjCvs
"I see." Lior's smile was brief and self-conscious. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRpvqZh5fJ
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Np96lc25z
He left with the stream of other students, his posture carrying that particular tension of someone facing something difficult but necessary.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7BENqCYt8
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZZkE5CvAA
Cel remained seated as the dining hall emptied. When only a handful of them remained, he rose and made his way through the corridors.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ8WW2dn0B
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmeAzXswHN
The commoner dormitory was silent when he reached it. He unlocked his door, stepped inside, and closed it behind him with a soft click.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tt9b8BfIi
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFAtsqlhHH
The room looked exactly as he'd left it. Narrow bed. Empty desk. Wardrobe with the commoner clothes he'd worn in the city.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzJ5nDOkw6
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvsZYb6Jn5
Cel moved to the center of the space and reached for the bond.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oyPhSEM7V
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGFo4J2d0Y
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t3g6Vq3lJ
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zg08S8SL2
He caught it before it could fall, the leather cool against his palms.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb1RsEeHTc
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG15S1DVd2
His fingers found the edge and opened to the first page.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm64fyccIhB
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUPrmYqDns
Ledger of Nightmares.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVFVZBgwx9
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D4ytjwb41
The title stared back at him in stark black ink.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBJpPe12gr
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODC3sYHcNZ
Cel's fingers found the page's edge and turned.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QeaSLVf9U
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAaacBFvYC
<Anathema: Endless Shambler>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsTH9DyslA
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE7tK5PUw4
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrEhfMDWLj
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOq92nqlNc
His eyes dropped to the text.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTEIUO9qQT
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9e5Z0okpL
<Race: Creature> 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTS4QyWb25
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgkkEkjvyc
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf7vcZ6i6K
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIZ4Ezmy78
<Blight: Cursed>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u8DP7DShA
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgttexJPQOj
Cursed. The lowest classification of all ten.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTgAA8LDTA
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHPnwixdr3
<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.>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcYQw15K7T
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaHpOf84HB
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlUzHMo2An
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoBYsZTMht
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIMH2cx2HR
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHMNU2uUts
<Legacy: [incomplete]>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgs5VrMc4R
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40KGqtsAJJ
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoU8j8iR7F
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA6E6oTVcl
Caught by the maze. Transformed. Reduced to shambling husks that existed only to inflict the same fate on others.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYVOATswJw
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE33Km5cajX
He turned the page to the next entry - the mirror lake.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRO8BNW0Lw
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P00UiQ5et
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVIPHrdb8t
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi92k4ws80P
<Anathema: Memory Eater>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0TyB1ncAQ
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfsZ774aa4
<Race: Creature> 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RDFwTjE5Y
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR3BzJ82g7
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezholGIm4r
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAwxOABmTE
<Blight: Ruined>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEt7XH7FV2
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX2ha8fdPh
Ruined. Sixth tier. Higher than any other creature he had encountered in the Ashlands.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi1g0nOyNd
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4J7OIzDRq
<Behavior: Responds to proximity and emotional disturbance. Expands territory following acts of violence or destruction within its mirror realm.>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa4EpZHdKx
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop6BsdfgO3
<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.>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MbD4RGBq1
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxwuSQHDTb
Cel's eyes narrowed. 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1cq1zO1dm
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxKyJAb8Ts
Feeds on fear and despair.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n0F3HJOhv
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLORSfSOvf
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasSd4i0Bi3
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aClSuogfl
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? 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU47Pwokc7s
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jAWtcaf1G
A shudder ran through him. He turned the page before the thoughts could spiral.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RdysTgEvh
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPmmqo2cDO
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAyDWqiHLD
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOTKaPhdNu
Recognition struck immediately.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaViOho3Hry
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53mCeEXNWU
The creature that had carried him across the maze.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTW77F4ami
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamWUYkhsGC
<Anathema: Spinebreather>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rP8VMAYxD
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw3oDiNZG7
<Race: Creature> 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiNRxnIlFx
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDuZpSk365
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS3gSsJ0NE
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BH1U4tIo0
<Blight: Fallen>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU2dXuywci
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4TkTJkzNW
Fallen. Fifth tier. One below Ruined.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeiCh1Iauz
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbqjtHtRot
<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.>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIb7axEi7P
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h7qJwov62
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4rWmxkb6a
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp6SA7tXZc
But it hadn't been luck at all.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ymGLeuEdK
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkfwBLicJg
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZieYs8mPQ
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu7Uh1TK8m
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]> 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJFbFAQBbG
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Uk3VxC63H
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]> 53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n3j7FmyNu
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp5usAizEs
<Legacy: [insufficient encounter]>53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRLctPs0tL
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZY4IOQIpA
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KL08DYhD9
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYOfgv3UHW
His fingers hesitated at the page's edge.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlbu9oIY5D
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuywqcSfcBB
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.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD4gBqTsxQ
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx0GYEr74t
His throat tightened. But the information was there. Waiting.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrkGDQPb07
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW47icjikvd
Cel turned the page.53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcqSzknybo
53Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bDTP8NtH9
<Anathema: Crystal Monarch>1234 copyright protection49ＰＥＮＡＮＡye3SPwCmw4 尼

216.73.216.217