The world inverted. Violet light consumed everything, then spat him out onto stone. Cel stumbled forward two steps before his balance returned.70Please respect copyright.PENANA24doWv3aZb
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Behind him, the rift sealed itself with a soft whisper of collapsing space. 70Please respect copyright.PENANAftBICBXL29
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He straightened slowly, forcing his breathing to steady while his eyes adjusted.70Please respect copyright.PENANAT4XcCgfuNE
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The dimension stretched wrong in every direction. Not a sky overhead but a void - deep and absolute, broken only by veins of violet energy that crackled through the darkness like lightning. The bolts moved without sound, illuminating nothing, casting no shadows despite their brightness. They simply existed, decorating the absence with proof that something was here even when everything else insisted nothing could be.70Please respect copyright.PENANAVbisMbBZ8m
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He stood on an island. Floating. The stone beneath his boots extended in any direction before simply ending at open space. No shore. No ground below to catch him if he fell. Just the island suspended in crackling energy and darkness.70Please respect copyright.PENANAyYDLDx1Wmx
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The manor occupied the island’s center. Three stories of gray stone and dark wood, windows glowing with warm light that seemed almost offensive against the impossible backdrop. Practical. Mundane. A normal building sitting in a place where buildings had no business existing.70Please respect copyright.PENANAJihnm9AWMc
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Cel’s mind tried to process what he was seeing and came up with nothing useful. A separate dimension - that much was obvious. His achievement had called it that once. But how? Who could create something like this?70Please respect copyright.PENANA4qmzl3UabP
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His thoughts turned to Esrin’s World Creation. The storm-wrapped platform. The fractured sky. The absolute authority she’d wielded over every aspect of that space. But that had been temporary. A manifestation of power that existed only as long as she sustained it.70Please respect copyright.PENANAY1Ml1skqTT
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This felt different. More stable. Like someone had carved a permanent hole in the fabric of existence and decided to build a house there.70Please respect copyright.PENANAEmaNUMnzX4
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Unless it was something like a World Creation too. Just one maintained constantly, sustained by power he couldn’t begin to imagine. The energy cost would be staggering. Impossible for anyone except maybe… a deity.70Please respect copyright.PENANANBi630dUjl
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He dismissed the thought before it could take root. Speculation was pointless. He was here. The manor waited. And somewhere inside, two members of the Reckoning expected him.70Please respect copyright.PENANANJc3pno0ZD
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Cel started walking, boots echoing against stone in the oppressive silence. The void didn’t make sound - no wind, no ambient noise, just his footsteps and the occasional crackle of energy around him.70Please respect copyright.PENANAwrbu2zqJvf
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The manor grew larger as he approached. Details emerged from the gloom - shuttered windows on the upper floors, a door of dark wood, stone walls that looked like they’d stood for decades.70Please respect copyright.PENANAN3VEbKUlHY
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He stopped at the threshold. His hand found the door handle. Cold iron against his palm.70Please respect copyright.PENANAc1SR0BsLwr
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He pushed.70Please respect copyright.PENANA6PDWagoIDn
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The door swung inward with the soft creak of well-oiled hinges, revealing an interior that made the exterior’s mundanity seem almost reasonable by comparison.70Please respect copyright.PENANACuust5v3ws
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A proper entrance hall stretched before him. Polished wood floors. Walls painted in muted colors. A staircase ascending to upper floors with carved banisters. Chandeliers hung at regular intervals, their light warm and steady. The space looked like it belonged in a noble estate, not floating in a void dimension.70Please respect copyright.PENANAm13904QkHz
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Cel stepped inside, letting the door close behind him with a soft click. The air smelled faintly of wood polish and old paper. Normal smells. Comfortable smells. Completely at odds with everything else.70Please respect copyright.PENANAuSu0qEZLo8
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“Oh!”70Please respect copyright.PENANAiLyRWjK7oz
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The exclamation came from deeper in the manor - bright, surprised and far too cheerful for the circumstances.70Please respect copyright.PENANAX0cdLrEfD6
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Footsteps approached rapidly. Not threatening - just quick, eager steps that suggested someone hurrying to greet an expected guest.70Please respect copyright.PENANAgXivFHLJPk
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A figure emerged from a doorway to his left.70Please respect copyright.PENANAxAc0VbjhKw
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Young. Perhaps his early twenties. Above average height with a lean build that suggested youth rather than any particular dedication to combat training. Light purple hair fell almost carelessly, styled with effortless charm. Green eyes bright with genuine warmth. He wore dark clothing that might have been formal on a noble but sat comfortably casual on him - expensive but not ostentatious.70Please respect copyright.PENANAqmnoXHUtRS
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And he was smiling. Actually smiling. Not the practiced expression of someone performing courtesy, but real warmth that reached his eyes and softened his entire face.70Please respect copyright.PENANA5ubxrCveVS
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“You’re here!” The words came out almost lilting. “I heard the rift but wasn’t sure if it was you or someone else. Come in, come in - you don’t need to stand in the entrance hall like a lost puppy.”70Please respect copyright.PENANACGDWnw7JUJ
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Cel stared at him, completely unable to form words.70Please respect copyright.PENANAzC6JxK3oB1
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The young man crossed the remaining distance and stopped perhaps two steps away, still smiling like they were old friends meeting for tea rather than strangers in an impossible location.70Please respect copyright.PENANALuN4xgX7Lw
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“I should introduce myself again, shouldn’t I?” He extended his hand. “Silas of House Mortbane, Death Clan. Also known as Death’s Friendliest Face, which I know sounds ridiculous but apparently it stuck.” A pause, his grin widening slightly. “You can call me Silas. Everyone does.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAJayhip5Cnc
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Cel’s hand moved on reflex, clasping the offered hand. 70Please respect copyright.PENANA2vrFO0NwPE
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“I’m the Eighth Reckoning,” Silas continued, releasing his hand and gesturing vaguely around them. “Though that’s more of a formality than anything meaningful. Rank just determines who’s stronger.”70Please respect copyright.PENANArR7pt0DQjC
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He tilted his head slightly, studying Cel with open curiosity. “You’re settling in at the Academy alright?”70Please respect copyright.PENANA7yYsBkYivF
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The dissonance of tone was staggering. Cel had expected cold professionalism at best, open hostility at worst. Not this. Not warmth and casual conversation like they were discussing weather.70Please respect copyright.PENANApl71vQO9tC
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“I—” His voice came out rough. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I’m managing.”70Please respect copyright.PENANACxpXPfaDJP
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“Good, good.” Silas nodded enthusiastically. “The Academy’s intense but it’s excellent training. Nothing quite like being thrown into combat with people who actually want to hurt you.”70Please respect copyright.PENANA6r5Z5fWvQ4
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A pause. His smile gained a slightly mischievous edge.70Please respect copyright.PENANAWUWVAMOGZu
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“Speaking of which, I should introduce your other trainer.” He turned, raising his voice slightly. “Zara? Come meet our new collegue.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAsz0UA1qtCK
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Silence answered.70Please respect copyright.PENANAW4xRWUGlAq
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Silas’s expression didn’t change, but something in his posture suggested he’d expected exactly this response. He glanced back at Cel with a shrug. “She’s shy.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAokzvkW5jLd
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“I’m not shy, you bastard.”70Please respect copyright.PENANATRGPETWc4k
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The voice came from the same doorway Silas had emerged from - flat and hostile.70Please respect copyright.PENANA3pL9ajHSVz
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A woman of average hight appeared in the doorway, moving to lean against the frame with arms crossed over her chest.70Please respect copyright.PENANAxzVvzyIZMc
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She stood with lean hardness, the kind carved by brutal training. Dark-red hair hung to her shoulders, unkempt and indifferent to fashion, as if she couldn’t be bothered with maintenance. Blue eyes that burned with barely contained rage, locked on Cel with an intensity that made his skin prickle.70Please respect copyright.PENANAvR8z1yJBJK
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Everything about her radiated coiled tension. Like standing near something ready to explode.70Please respect copyright.PENANA0IJjAxh4JQ
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“This is Zara,” Silas said brightly, apparently unbothered by the hostility radiating from her direction. “Also known as Wrath’s Only Daughter. She’s the Sixth Reckoning, which means she outranks me by two positions. But I try not to let that intimidate me.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAD2F5dnmX5W
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Zara’s glare shifted from Cel to Silas. “Shut up.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAGhs3mfKYQz
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“She’s also extremely friendly once you get to know her,” Silas continued, his tone suggesting he was either oblivious to or deliberately ignoring the death wish in her eyes. “Just needs time to warm up to people.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAnuprLLllHX
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“Silas.” Her voice dropped lower. “I will rip your tongue out of your throat.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAOAzyVYKKF9
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“See? Already showing affection.” He grinned at Cel. “You’re going to love training with her.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAHikxlOeXxO
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Cel said nothing. His instincts screamed that speaking would only draw Zara’s attention more fully, and her current level of attention already felt sufficient to peel skin.70Please respect copyright.PENANA1bFoThi6hv
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Silas clapped his hands together. “Right! So, the situation. Lady Esrin has tasked Zara and me with training you every night until your final examination at the Academy begins. We’ll work on combat technique, tactical assessment, survival skills - basically everything you’ll need to not die immediately when facing real threats.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAsHpoqYhoqE
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“I won’t train him.” Zara’s voice cut through like a blade.70Please respect copyright.PENANAyUUsMcvjjY
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Silas turned to face her fully, his expression remaining pleasant but gaining an edge of genuine curiosity. “Oh? Are you certain you want to disregard Lady Esrin’s direct command?”70Please respect copyright.PENANAmiJ18BnGSE
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The question landed with deliberate weight.70Please respect copyright.PENANAw4lV48BtJi
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Zara’s jaw tightened. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides - not threatened, just angry at having the obvious stated.70Please respect copyright.PENANA5EDoToDKcT
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“As long as you keep your mouth shut, there won’t be a problem.” 70Please respect copyright.PENANAbipbO59GDy
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Silas’s grin returned, gaining a mischievous quality that suggested he’d been waiting for exactly this. “And what’s in it for me?”70Please respect copyright.PENANAcsI0WQNr9V
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Silence stretched. Zara’s glare intensified, boring into Silas with enough force that Cel half-expected him to burst into flames through sheer willpower.70Please respect copyright.PENANASySNDbZOuB
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“You’ll have something good by me,” she finally ground out. The words sounded physically painful to produce. “One favor. Within reason.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAXFcMvDnt38
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“Within reason,” Silas repeated thoughtfully, as if seriously considering his options. Then his smile brightened. “Deal! I accept your generous offer.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAuyp0QQM4ie
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Cel’s mouth opened before his better judgment could stop it. “And what’s in it for me?”70Please respect copyright.PENANAPBrngD9OEY
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Both of them turned to look at him. Silas with surprise and something that might have been amusement. Zara with the expression of someone who’d just watched an insect demand equal seating at a dinner table.70Please respect copyright.PENANAdF9k7fje5h
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She pushed off from the doorframe and crossed the space between them in three long strides. Each step deliberate. Predatory.70Please respect copyright.PENANAPfJUcdzdA1
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She stopped directly in front of him, close enough that he could see the fine scars marking her fair skin. Close enough that the rage in her eyes became almost physical.70Please respect copyright.PENANAiGgfvvp3ET
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“You get to keep your head on your shoulders. How does that sound?”70Please respect copyright.PENANAhMB9al3ROC
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The threat landed with absolute clarity. Not bluster. Not exaggeration. A simple statement of fact about what would happen if he continued being difficult.70Please respect copyright.PENANAufTBwi6PD5
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Cel’s throat worked. “That... sounds acceptable.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAfwHi1TKeWS
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Zara held his gaze for another heartbeat, then stepped back with a sound that might have been disgust or satisfaction. Hard to tell.70Please respect copyright.PENANA5LzxAI0edv
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Silas laughed - bright and genuine, like he’d just witnessed the funniest thing all week. “Oh, you two are going to be a perfect match.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAR7Akt1nyz5
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“Fuck off,” Zara said without heat, already turning back toward the doorway she’d emerged from.70Please respect copyright.PENANApTXR9GxQ8X
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“Such language! And in front of our new colleague too.” Silas shook his head in mock disapproval, still grinning. He gestured for Cel to follow. “Come on. Let’s head to the training area before Zara decides to demonstrate exactly how she earned her codename.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAkFyO0eweuv
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Cel followed, acutely aware that he’d just agreed to spend every night with two people who might be more dangerous than anyone he’d face at the Academy.70Please respect copyright.PENANAR6XB1xKM45
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They moved through the manor in silence - or rather, Silas moved in cheerful silence while Cel walked with growing tension. Zara disappeared back into whatever room she’d emerged from. The interior maintained its impossible mundanity. Hallways with worn carpet. Doors leading to rooms whose purposes Cel could only guess at. Walls adorned with paintings that looked expensive and old.70Please respect copyright.PENANAzd6yObBq42
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At the manor’s rear, a door of the same dark wood as the entrance waited. Silas pulled it open without ceremony, revealing—70Please respect copyright.PENANA2LJkL4cZ5l
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Nothing.70Please respect copyright.PENANAvJlw9jbE7Q
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Not a yard. Not a training ground. Just the dark stone of the floating island extending perhaps fifty steps before ending at open void. 70Please respect copyright.PENANAgX1sSW39tf
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“Here we are!” Silas stepped out onto the stone, spreading his arms wide. “Our training facility. Bit sparse, I’ll admit, but it has character.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAmMYraVWZiG
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Cel followed more slowly, his eyes tracking to the island’s edge. The distance suddenly felt very finite. Very fragile.70Please respect copyright.PENANACR2bmisDqC
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“What happens if someone falls off?” The question escaped before he could stop it.70Please respect copyright.PENANAjRkcdHx3yo
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Silas turned back, his expression shifting to genuine thoughtfulness. “You know, I’m not actually sure. It’s never happened.” A pause. “Yet.”70Please respect copyright.PENANAqjEifkkB3P
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The addition did nothing to ease Cel’s concern.70Please respect copyright.PENANAX8JojLXPYw
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“But don’t worry!” Silas continued brightly. “The training won’t be dangerous. We’re just going to start with assessment - figure out where you are now so we know what needs work.” He moved to the center of the open space, turning to face Cel fully. “Attack me. Use everything you have. Don’t hold back.”70Please respect copyright.PENANA9u0Yrz07W1
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Cel’s hand moved to summon Silent Moon. The blade materialized in his grip - straight violet-dark steel with an indigo sheen.70Please respect copyright.PENANAKBIAcONysg
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Silas’s weapon appeared in his hand with a shimmer of dark energy. A spear. A spear. Simple black shaft perhaps six feet long, ending in a narrow blade that seemed to absorb the light around it rather than reflect it. He held it loosely, the weapon’s weight distributed comfortably across both hands.70Please respect copyright.PENANAoBlXaas8p8
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They faced each other across empty stone. Violet energy crackled through the void above, silent and purposeless. 70Please respect copyright.PENANAfyLniSaQIS
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Cel shifted his stance, preparing to—70Please respect copyright.PENANAGPBs27Dzlu
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The backdoor opened again.70Please respect copyright.PENANAXtm9yqhklL
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Both of them turned.70Please respect copyright.PENANAVSMcL3GLWD
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Zara emerged carrying a couch above her head. Not struggling. Not straining. Just walking with a full-sized piece of furniture balanced in both hands like it weighed nothing.70Please respect copyright.PENANAI7jb1uyWQa
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She crossed to a spot perhaps twenty steps from where they stood and set the couch down with surprising gentleness. Then she collapsed onto it in a sprawl that suggested zero concern for dignity or appearance, one arm draped over the back, her legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles.70Please respect copyright.PENANASLzePpOHiw
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For several heartbeats, no one moved.70Please respect copyright.PENANA4JVUEAOsTs
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Zara looked up, noticing them staring. Her expression shifted to annoyance. “What? Mind your own business.” A pause. “And make it entertaining.”70Please respect copyright.PENANA0uG2R2SaVU
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Lunar Legacy
Author:
Celastos
ISSUE #74
Chapter 73: Strange Welcome
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Lunar Legacy
Fantasy
Action
Dark
Last updated: Aug 8, 2026
Total word count: 165,510
Total reading time: 766 Minutes
Writer:
fantasy
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demons
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