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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hUD8KU0Uo
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToMgy5r26V
"Weak!" Another blow. "Pathetic!" The voice thundered through the dining hall.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJpQqSalT1
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT70ICsyz3s
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—215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhVBlR32Ng
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhDhgufxMr
His eyes snapped open.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T54M9v6z3
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTntx9Ri5R
The ceiling of his room stared back. Wooden beams. Familiar cracks.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVufmeEALaR
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXqqtBOGOT
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyngloD4qS
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuljf48SFH
‘Just a dream.’215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUpUbOjsBO
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVhbZJG3Md
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4AhchZ4bw
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl20DhFiLZ
His body could push indefinitely. His mind couldn't.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY1NXR0xH1
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P1GTzi3Fp
So he slept. Not often. But sometimes.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxJPXk9Rb5
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb2FsobTN5
And the nightmares always waited.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkVcizOtGx
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTb7i8E0dp
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFpby6TnAk
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrAjDp5aqr
An off day. Their weekly rest from training.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicsPcNtpE2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn3fbHysU0
One day before the nobles would arrive.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFtgcwcGTl
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs4klQqiA3
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7W2utAH7D
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwt40Fsljm
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtc4Ukmetk
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70aKRGRtUk
The building rose ahead - simple stone, unmarked except for the crescent carved above its door. Cel's hand found the handle and pulled.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt0qk7BGdr
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hjKIoFMMs
The door swung open.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB7yOa7Trp
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1NOKappUq
He froze.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52Y918O7A3
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOC1C67w19
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W9ErgvumI
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU2Hyxbai6
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj0uiR2oZC
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaxWMB1rpi
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lXhvaKDrW
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Gwrl4swrv
Cel stared at her. At the bucket filled with murky water. At her reddened hands.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w7IHrv9Ln
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HMmvOKyq1
"What are you doing?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldjNDU3vEc
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzmIw6cjlV
"Cleaning." She said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWlvt0XHBX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw6DIFGn6i
A sharp voice cut through from the shadows near the entrance. ”And that's exactly the problem, my lady.”215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwrDdornhB
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnNiAvInRT
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eTbn3QC1h
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks0N2ivbhz
"You shouldn't be doing this," the woman continued, her tone gentle but firm. "It's not proper."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDAwlZOI60
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzw17dTPdDH
“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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7im4l9THjG
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAenCsM9vH2
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY74Z1OcbP5
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0e2Xqaksr
Cel scanned the church interior. Empty benches. Dusty corners. Just Lyra and the two maids in the entire space.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx3PuFlZAC
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNodqoZlwZw
"Is there no one else maintaining this place?" he asked.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOyMk5rk0Y
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZt5HjgfyN
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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWpa4vxz37
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIb1NCMyna
“That’s why I do it.” Lyra cut in proudly, as if announcing good news rather than confessing to doing a servant's work.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstYLL4nzFa
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBUf4u1IEZ
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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTED4miWDNl
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhAC0aMjff
The younger servant nodded vigorously, her agreement silent but emphatic.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZonnagz5e1
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOlB55uAXE
Cel looked at Lyra again. At her smile. At the way she knelt on cold stone.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoNDlVc0Z5
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBR1R7kVdm
Their father would have beaten her senseless for this.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgelacqw5H
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ73oO86iU4
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUctDQSrSUh
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3kRTU92el
But Lyra simply smiled and went back to her scrubbing.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjWE33pFrd
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyaXCrmLQ4
"I'll help." 215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CiM7sKfhg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIHDKAvhya
The words left Cel's mouth before thought could catch up.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn5HFzfti4
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiBOpqnJLT
Margaret's eyes widened. "Young master, you don't need to—"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipFUE4ORxd
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZuuYq1rQH
"I want to."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR9RV51tbj
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIdWydZFyp
"Really?" Lyra’s face brightened, voice lifting with genuine warmth. "That would be wonderful."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssIVZwAd61
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGie1ATdDwC
Margaret and the younger servant exchanged glances, clearly uncertain how to refuse a Chosen who'd already made up his mind.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2x7Bb0hkzP
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBQMRMpiZJ
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwAxiAqhVx
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpJCHJuXLN
The work began.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OrpuwWqu2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMytFciQ9Br
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePzHGMfurs
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWPI3VTfNO
"You don't have to press so hard," Lyra said, demonstrating with her own cloth. "Just steady circles. Like this."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOaDEqzYVi
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr89PeGtt1
Margaret worked on the benches, her movements efficient and practiced. The younger servant cleaned the windows with careful strokes.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjzPZJkdXV
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F0IDHJlb8
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfXWn7my9G
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6zNDtOMLm
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jNZaPlqAo
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFbCcYkoim
"The Moon Goddess deserves better," Margaret added from her position at the benches.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cFgivaIe4
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1q8sQa0Rj
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwPbSdcNV6
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUIjg1uzHy
Cel's hands stilled for just a moment. Then resumed their circular scrubbing.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ56UJgzBX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaFHoQhoXK
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8OQ4LInWY
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvKYsPhOXD
By the time they finished, afternoon had faded toward evening. The church looked... better. Not perfect, but cared for.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcDcMHsJ3f
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHUovPGSdG
"Thank you," Margaret said, bowing deeply to Cel. "Your help made this go much faster."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4WqSlu9U8
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OI8h1abwn
"Yes, thank you." Lyra glanced back inside. "It usually takes us hours longer. Having another person really makes a difference."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVND4PcC8p
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcAhoACavs
The other maid bowed as well, gathering the buckets.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPSvPS0w4j
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGrSzKJqT5
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWviyqnHTX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWvmO022FR
He pulled his hood back up and stepped into the evening streets, his feet turning toward familiar ground.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zWnZIyBGa
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeDyPlU8rW
The Golden Hart's door swung open beneath his hand.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XzS2qHP0t
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVrG5dfIEC
Sound crashed over him like a physical wave.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Yr2pUa4Lo
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhyI70mMQ6
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkbtiHZiaG
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUjP3hfkjS
Cel paused in the doorway, momentarily overwhelmed.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaO5AMsrJ8
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5R7ICg55HT
The bartender spotted him immediately. His weathered face split in a wide grin.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE8TtnPQEE
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwh5Khbc4W
"Ah, there you are!" He beckoned with one hand, the gesture exaggerated. A wink followed. "Come here, boy!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkz77p8K9K
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRr4bpYMRF
Cel navigated through the crowd, confusion clear on his face.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUNIjrL7vH
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KqF8F2AP6
‘What's going on her?’215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNwGXFrRBu
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom1mAJAFbB
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhWZIExkuK
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah0WQgAZxY
"This is Cel!" the bartender announced, his voice carrying over the din. "If someone beats him, everything goes on the house!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Bzsy3mNe
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0XGQjfXke
The tavern erupted.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27ttw2wosp
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2WAnhtjg5
Cel twisted his head, staring at the bartender. "What the hell are you talking about?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQluOvcq8b
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5asfIxQneR
"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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGpD3EwJz1
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbhRoILgMK
"You think that boy can drink?" someone shouted from across the room, laughter following the words.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvErRGPXAv
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYWyFfVeoI
"He looks barely old enough to hold a tankard!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnJgh6R8MV
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSNXN0vncg
"You sure you want to lose all your money, old man?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3dtLpTjBz
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9ZyzuRQZP
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!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH86Z5uTjF
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDrcSmtleS
"Then I'll take first challenge!" A broad-shouldered man pushed through the crowd, already swaying slightly. "Easy coins!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsgPfPV30c
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRSFUnEkpr
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95jzErzh8Z
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVi3JvS33Xb
The man dropped into a chair with a heavy thud, gesturing at the seat across from him.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCmQ9pcUET
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasjZYqhiNu
Cel looked at the bartender.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96aPpnN5QQ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9ZoqNZsTe
The bartender's eyes gleamed with anticipation.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DenhND2an
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqafvc7XYym
Cel sat.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOhvMbsE96
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3wZDBEGA3
Two massive tankards appeared on the table, filled to the brim. Foam spilled over the edges.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLTxLQG18y
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc9RYlUgMd
"First one to stop loses," the challenger announced, lifting his drink. "Simple enough for you, boy?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlK69y7Ms7
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jf3d8Kdvg
Cel lifted his own tankard.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGVkScxEbo
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8GuJ2iR18
They drank.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZQmVni0Yh
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Mbz05gsT4
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci09mkfhyk
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21plnGzLuO
Cheers erupted from those who'd bet on Cel. Groans from those who hadn't.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDywKnFHDf
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikOw7D58mL
"Next!" someone called.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmA7jh9wIc
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUdl0jIJRV
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5meUoLYxNU
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudzxcagqiD
Then another challenger. And another.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcpHoEQbp7
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0AOBb8hgQ
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3LtFCnVk5
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDju9f8ldNx
"How is he still standing?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ9pScVeeE
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEMwTMAEb9
"That's his tenth opponent!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXX3Tmft51
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMyglMpj1H
"I've never seen anything like it!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8nKytHOaT
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1sjVAoBSd
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGeU93yVJd
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioaqViU5zM
The alcohol was finally affecting him.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtloSjJv4E
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKICXAV0XD
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm9FkathY0
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLEvAVVvGe
Strangely, he didn't care.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb7olcti3a
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsrt4BugGJ
The warmth felt... good. Pleasant. Like the weight he carried had lightened just slightly.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpliP8LTAlE
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzolQEGpmXu
A man collapsed face-first onto the table after round four. The crowd roared.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc7jhbLlGp
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDYG9E27sr
Another challenger sat down. This one massive, his arms thick as tree trunks. He glared at Cel across the table.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOpHydLiRh
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WDrHBo5WB
They drank. One tankard. Two. Three.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05loP5ifIR
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFByRwDMM3Z
The man's face grew redder with each round. Veins stood out on his temples. But he kept pace, determination written across his features.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPEy41fRKg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiJ9CczdMo
Seven rounds passed.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr24AJ12Bim
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg4pPCYXzz
The man slammed his empty drink on the table. "That's it. I'm done."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTATsRgpKNZ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXhNeJs5mg
But his expression shifted immediately - anger replacing defeat.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbHtEyWXsj
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhIRnWivZF
"This isn't fair!" He pointed at Cel, his words slurring. "I'd beat you easily if this were an arm wrestling contest instead!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs4NE0mWn9
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJLYAtTKim
The crowd turned on him immediately.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloj6ofvMEV
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzwc0hHp0e
"You lost! Accept it!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqjlVcAoGS
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBc4O7Egel
"Don't be a sore loser!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelzWaiMPwb
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMpUREcbW4
"You want to arm wrestle a boy half your size? Have some shame!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEkl54UdPD
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkk8mmGkiX
Cel's mouth moved before his mind caught up. The alcohol made everything feel distant, decisions easier.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FFVPciYog
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLuc9302vN
"Fine by me."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Q0ff4234b
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mraBCcTFA
Silence crashed down.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4aReuMRWo
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIYGIPvojV
The crowd stared. The massive man blinked, clearly not expecting agreement.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI28uGpoYuz
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoUfgUV9oY
"You... you sure, boy?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSjU4bfdFN
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf3x7wiaJb
"Why not?" Cel answered without thinking. "Let's do it."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjfo85jGoG
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTVW4bUo9a
The table cleared. They positioned themselves, elbows planted, hands clasped.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SH0BGCj5V
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKesNTqPL47
"Three!" someone called. The crowd joined in. "Two! One!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxqraFEp9P
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwqQwoudq1
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjTekNR3FW
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7FDZP39Kg
But only slightly.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjHPEBCMXx
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXerjDhowOG
The man's hand slammed to the table within seconds.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y3ngB6fwf
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3VkLyJ6xP
The tavern exploded.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTZMDWRMEB
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah8BmoXfzO
"Did you see that?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHeVD3atuK
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWiHosC6dz
"The kid's a monster!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMhzKKPG2d
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXbcfuG1Ca
"Who else wants to try?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rDezfZsG6
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgBfZutQpi
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXS31m9BDs
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYomD9mti1
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgr88gNcW2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkZcthMAhR
The crowd loved it. They cheered for him. Clapped his shoulder. Treated him like he belonged.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1sfRUqsR3
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizM60EFWlS
It felt... really good.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH9WyK7u6f
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uPG2Q9ArC
A new figure approached through the crowd. Hooded. Moving with confidence that suggested sobriety.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYpLNZGSw0
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7RlpjrosW
He sat across from Cel and pulled back his hood.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm89aqHYil
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu1OW9xB4K
A face Cel's age looked back at him. Broad features. Stone-gray eyes, steady and direct.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2ZuDCS8fg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSRT0Ot3Hd
They clasped hands.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57I7DrlTBU
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IRmwNckNP
The countdown began.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndCsgZu3bc
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNEFbFUf4A
The moment their match started, Cel felt the difference. Real strength. Not just muscle and determination - something more. Divine enhancement.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaNQIsl7xs
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSFcEb9M7o
Another Chosen.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4C0yias6t
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NIhNzbcAM
Cel had to actually push. Had to engage more of his strength than he'd used for any previous challenger.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTQS4EXxzt
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ8ap9Mak6
The wood beneath their elbows groaned.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9pRCSNFMP
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FDPd0rNRq
Both of them pushed harder.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0KFxOEQ2M
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJnPHNyGhJ
The table exploded.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoWeDMvd3g
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡip51MypnjE
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UNs87dOQi
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sYD90i1Hx
Complete silence followed.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS7fFoW4Ea
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmfj2exi4S
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVEqSSCSG3
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXdOFQ8Qrm
"AHHH, MY BEAUTIFUL TABLE!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E5fwmqWKD
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8jqgqoQ0x
The bartender's wail broke through. He clutched his head, staring at the wreckage.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUTy5stAPh
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy07SHhDHj
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgkqMWlml7
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YIGpxgrRs
It landed with a heavy clink.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7M2eXex3J
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbazs2c5pkO
"Fair trade," he said. A brief nod toward Cel.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8faiPg4y45
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUuQkr3BlG
Then he turned and walked toward the door.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohyLY5GpSM
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIQOINBKI3
The crowd parted automatically, too stunned to speak.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKLttyBr8E
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHWpc0mnkZ
He vanished into the street.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IjxMqMCxS
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1f5FZOAz5
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjqAI1qrIJ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAH0fl8rXv
Cel sat among the destruction, staring at the doorway where the stranger had disappeared.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS7Zfa04QE
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZZuVPDTYR
His vision swam. The room tilted slightly.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNvuYwl1mU
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBWVcZvbop
The bartender appeared beside him, still clutching the money pouch. "You alright, boy?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5WuUs2K47
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86frbm2OD8
"Sure," Cel said. The word came out slurred.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEvEcoYNx8
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86NnrsXTBq
"Right. Well, enjoy your winnings. You certainly earned them."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiLESg3nDX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpH43ejIZ7
Cel blinked. ‘Winnings?’215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtlTsQ1MSN
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSE9x0gIV32
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q7mBqqBb1
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfQUfEsRzP
The tavern spun.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaOJ5SOIXP
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAhFXk8mYA
Everything after became haze.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kPeQBONPN
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgGeWL4MyC
Sensation returned slowly.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3braHFuLV
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOXVA34YZQ
Cool ground beneath him. The scent of flowers.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwF5bmgbKX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwAzG5bGxX
Cel's eyes opened.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBUiioYaVM
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6vSNw9VyE
A face hovered above him. Silver mask catching light. Rose-colored lips curved in a gentle smile.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfMlq36bYH
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuQOa8I5rT
Selina.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0D0wIbW8t
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwXUqSd8Oz
“Chosen One, I'm pleased you found joy. Though I wonder if you'll remember doing so.”215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RYcaY7U6x
1234 copyright protection211ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIkMluIian 尼

216.73.216.136