“You’re coming with me.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpgtsyP4RB
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Cel stood frozen, his mouth half-open with a question that hadn’t formed yet, while around him the other students shifted with visible confusion. But Hestia had already turned away, her attention flowing back to the group leaders as if the matter was settled, her crimson eyes tracking across the map still spread on the flat rock.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbn5S5a7Ug
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Lior shifted closer, worry creasing his forehead. His hands worked at his pack straps again, finding comfort in repetitive motion. He opened his mouth twice before words emerged, quiet enough that only Cel could hear.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyLgPeGnyR
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“Are you sure about this?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWeh8JdYfL
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Cel had no answer. Because no, he wasn’t sure. Wasn’t sure about any of it.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UCQ945Q5J
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But what choice did he have? Arguing with Hestia in front of everyone would draw exactly the kind of attention he’d spent months avoiding. Would raise questions about why a commoner student felt entitled to question a Great Clan heir’s tactical decisions.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJ55xN0IIB
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“It’ll be fine,” Cel said instead. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenBb2AzEZ0
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Lior didn’t look convinced. His gaze cut toward Hestia, then back, mouth pressed into a thin line of suppressed objection. But he nodded anyway, accepting what couldn’t be changed.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoJRgjdGrK
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The briefing concluded. Group leaders straightened, rolling up their individual map copies, reviewing their assigned teammates one final time. Hestia stepped back from the rock, her posture shifting into something more commanding.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCY8db05oH
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“One more thing.” Her voice carried across the assembled students without strain. “Those of you who received an armor at their first blessing - summon it now. Keep it manifested throughout the journey. Those with weapons should be ready to call them forth at any moment.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ9yWX0fhm
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She demonstrated without ceremony. Divine energy flared around her in a brief swirl of dark mist, and then the armor materialized.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiICLU3ZMV3
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Deep black robes with a close-fitted top that flared into a long skirt, split at both sides for movement. Thin dark red trim along the collar and cuffs, subtle enough to complement the rather dark design. Black leather straps crossed over waist and hips, cinched by a belt. A high collar framed her neck, trimmed in that same muted red.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6wtaEVutv
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But what stood out most was the wine-red ribcage frame layered over her chest - thin, metallic bands curving from collarbone to sternum like exposed bone. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bvbseKYSq
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The effect was striking. Elegant and lethal in equal measure.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zcdTRXXRn
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Around the clearing, other students who possessed armor artifacts began their own summoning. Divine energy sparked and flared as protection materialized - leather reinforced with metal plates, lighter cloth enchanted for defense, pieces that varied wildly in style but shared the fundamental purpose of keeping their wearers alive.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtENYtDN7m
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Cel watched the display, cataloging which students had received this type of artifact. Fewer than he’d expected. Perhaps a dozen.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi6rxc8PRe
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Hestia’s gaze swept across them one final time, checking that everyone had complied. Then she nodded once.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkCCZ0DTdz
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"Move out." 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeO8VrAgfB
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The groups moved. Leaders calling their assigned teammates, students clustering together, checking their maps and supplies before departing. The forest waited ahead - trees pressing close enough that sunlight barely penetrated, undergrowth thick with the kind of vegetation that grabbed at clothing and slowed progress.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVlxhUfaGY
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One by one the groups entered. Disappeared into shadow and green. Their voices faded, swallowed by distance and foliage.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3DYl9KGai
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Lior lingered longest. He’d joined his assigned group but kept glancing back, worry still evident despite the reassurance Cel had attempted. Eventually one of his teammates said something and he turned away fully, following them into the woods.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsXvNWOPj1
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Then silence.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FZNDcwKjl
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The clearing stood empty except for Hestia and Cel. Birds called from somewhere deeper in the forest. Wind rustled through leaves overhead. The dirt path leading toward Life Clan territory stretched ahead, patient and indifferent.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmolXXpn7r
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Hestia adjusted her bag with economical movements. Checked that her waterskin was secured properly. Touched the wine-red vambraces on her forearms as if confirming they’d manifested correctly.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaxmkM7RZ3
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Then she set off.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQerk7U0HYE
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Just started walking. Like everything was obvious and required no discussion. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4Z35XJmPd
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Cel stood frozen for another moment, watching her back recede. The wine-red ribcage frame caught light as she moved, standing out stark against the black robes. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLljskeQYRO
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Then he followed.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfewU0hjor
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His feet carried him forward, closing the distance. He settled into a pace close enough for conversation but far enough to keep the space a commoner should keep from a Great Clan heir. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpD4YF5vTi
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They walked in silence for some time. The forest closed around them gradually - trees growing denser, underbrush thickening, the path narrowing to something that required more attention to navigate.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sQdEeWCeL
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Eventually Cel’s confusion outweighed caution.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DJYfVDw0k
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“Why didn’t you put me in a group?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p2KcL1Cc0
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Hestia didn’t slow. Didn’t turn. Just continued walking with that same steady gait.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiv3XsJuvS
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“The purpose of this examination is to gain your first real experience fighting rift-creatures.” Her tone carried the clinical precision of someone explaining something obvious. “You already have that experience.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X8SxGyxK8
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The words hit like cold water.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr8g5oF6vJ
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Cel’s steps faltered. His mind scrambled, trying to understand how she could possibly know that. What mistakes he’d made again to expose such a truth.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrq77ZbVFt
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“You figured that out too?” The question emerged before he could stop it. Disbelief bleeding through despite his best efforts at control.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZjOKJi4Oh
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“Of course.” She glanced back briefly, crimson eyes meeting his with something that might have been amusement. “Did you think I wouldn’t?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYiE2c4Ebz
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Then she turned forward again, continuing as if this revelation was nothing remarkable.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUixSHknjM1
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Cel forced his legs to move. Caught up to her, mind racing through possibilities.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFGzF1GyIj
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“How?” His voice came strained. “How did you figure it out?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOWoTUG6tA
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Hestia ducked beneath a low branch without breaking stride.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrajl9zsq1Y
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“You possess a katana as your artifact. You have a physical enhancement as an authority. And you have at least two traits.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcK7rAtW48
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Cel’s chest tightened.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdwUEAxGER
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“One trait that conceals your divine energy completely,” she continued. “Making you invisible to the sixth sense most Chosen rely on. And another that...” She paused. “That apparently involves resurrection.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr2bkGguFG
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The memory surfaced - that conversation in his room, when Hestia threatened him and forced Cel to confess that he died and returned.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3bN5JEWr2
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“During the first blessing,” Hestia said, her pace never slowing, “a Chosen receives only one trait. To possess two means you’ve already earned an achievement. And based on what Esrin told me about finding you in the Hollow Realms...” She glanced back again. “The most logical achievement would be killing your first rift-creature.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUzp4UkGKw
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The reasoning was flawless. Brutal in its simplicity.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCUDnkytbp
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Cel’s hands clenched. Of course she’d figured it out. Of course she’d taken scattered pieces of information and assembled them into a complete picture. That’s what she did - saw patterns others missed, drew conclusions from insufficient fragments.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEBFkoyhHc
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Still… relief threaded through the dismay. Because her reasoning, while accurate in outcome, was wrong in critical details.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsfYjJZAe2
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She thought his physical strength derived from an authority. His true authority remained something she hadn’t identified.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlwwljOGK2
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She thought he had one achievement. Didn't know about the second one - or the third. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7CdEDMXih
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She knew he’d killed rift-creatures. Didn’t know the full extent of what he’d survived in the Hollow Realms. The torture beforehand. The year of systematic destruction that had preceded his entry into that nightmare dimension.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZuuGwAKkt
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The gaps in her knowledge felt like small mercies. Windows where privacy still existed despite her frightening ability to deduce truth from fragments.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXbSXBkbZk
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Pride stirred in his chest. Unexpected and maybe inappropriate, but undeniable.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsSjKfAW4V
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If she thought he only had one achievement, if she’d misjudged the source of his physical capabilities, then he could correct at least one of those assumptions. Could show her that she didn't have all the answers after all. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDN2gEKanP
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Soft moonlight appeared around him and Cinderward materialized.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrt2xUU1Mm
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The fitted grey tunic formed first, settling against him as the base layer. Then the mantle draped across his chest and shoulders, flowing down his back, followed by the pale shoulder plates that crowned each side, bearing the weight of the long cloak that fell to his knees.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dWttczWY8
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Dark bracers encased his forearms, and dark trousers covered his legs beneath them. Last came the boots - solid steel, rising from foot to knee.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqBq8StAU7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLghQ34KVe
The armor settled around him with familiar comfort. Not heavy exactly. Just present. A second skin that reminded him he was harder to kill than he looked.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr9BJtW1Gp
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He raised his eyes.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGX2ddxNmw
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Hestia had stopped walking. Had turned to face him fully, crimson eyes wide with surprise that cracked her usual composure.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cHrWrR67F
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For several heartbeats she just stared, taking in the armor.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMPUsjTpqo
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“Two achievements.” The words came quiet. Almost wondering. “You’ve earned two achievements already.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOTcoklBMs
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Cel nodded once. Let the confirmation stand without elaboration.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H5zV6Ga3n
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Hestia's expression shifted - surprise first, then something quieter. Reluctant respect, if he had to name it. She took a step closer, examining the armor with the same analytical attention she applied to everything.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepI4uEU78M
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“That’s...” She paused, searching for appropriate words. “Exceptionally difficult. Achievements require extraordinary action under specific circumstances. Most Chosen earn their first within the final examination of the Academy. Their second could take years.” Her gaze tracked across the coat’s reinforced hem, the helmet’s design. “To have two this quickly suggests either remarkable luck or remarkable capability.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiFBtrzPjh
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“Or both,” Cel offered.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhz7esI6AD
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A smile ghosted across her lips. Brief and genuine. “Or both,” she acknowledged.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDtNZGcUaj
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She turned back toward the path, resuming her steady pace. Cel fell into step beside her now rather than behind, the earlier distance feeling less necessary.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqGdO3Lbbj
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They walked in silence for a few steps. Then Hestia spoke again, her tone shifting back to clinical assessment.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex2aIsLgcZ
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“But that wasn’t the only reason I didn’t assign you to a group.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGxuqMNub7
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Cel’s attention sharpened. “What do you mean?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcguB9CRmq
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“You don’t fit.” She said it simply. Factually. Like stating the color of the sky. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBka1ZGQFY
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His jaw tightened. He'd heard variations of that sentence his whole life - that he was different from others. Too weak. Too emotional.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ43V0TfKBZ
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“Your physical capabilities far exceed anyone else's. Your speed, your strength - even those with enhancement blessings can’t match what you’re capable of.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17exjk42xK
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He said nothing, the words sitting strangely against years of being called insufficient instead. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcNiaFsvdW
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“No one could keep up with you in actual combat,” Hestia continued. “You’d be constantly holding back to avoid leaving your group behind. Or you’d charge ahead and fight alone, making the group assignment meaningless.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbADG8nS1T
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She glanced at him, and something mischievous entered her expression. Almost teasing.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowcaQ9JErh
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“Though your technique is still useless, of course.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa7aSZdze8
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Heat crawled up Cel’s neck.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiyn72CEtZ
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“You could have left that last part out, you know?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K9ktlOAoO
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Hestia’s smile widened fractionally. A rare expression that transformed her features from severe to something almost approachable. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTuFfAFqC9
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They continued walking. The forest deepened around them, sunlight filtering through leaves overhead in scattered patches. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2AzaOvYB9
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Cel’s thoughts circled back to what Selina said about his fighting style. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHbbx1yMRr
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“My priestess suggested something,” he said carefully. “Regarding the technique problem.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvijJk2YH9V
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Hestia’s attention turned toward him without her pace faltering. Waiting.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU0lCF9fNc
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“She said I should create my own fighting style. What do you think about that?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas82LxYXxj
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The words hung between them. Hestia’s expression remained neutral, but something shifted in her eyes. Consideration replacing casual attention.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ8yTolstn
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She continued walking for several steps before giving an answer.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61LmMgnqCj
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“I’m not sure.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HTJBXxSSB
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Cel’s disappointment must have shown because she continued immediately, her tone taking on the measured quality of someone working through a complex problem aloud.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqCfOcx2nW
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“It’s not without reason that all learn established styles.” Her gaze tracked across the forest ahead, though her focus seemed internal. “In combat, a single mistake can mean instant death. That’s why fighters rely on techniques developed and tested over centuries. Styles that work. That have been proven through countless battles against countless opponents.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTo23cVbChR
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She ducked beneath another low branch, the movement fluid and automatic.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rPEVIf925
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“On the other hand,” she continued, “it’s true that a personalized style fitted to one’s specific capabilities is superior. That’s why masters who excel take established foundations and make adjustments. Small modifications that account for their particular strengths or compensate for weaknesses.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX2glvBWYZ
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Cel absorbed it, trying to understand where her reasoning led.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPzBA5QFAx
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“But creating a style from scratch is entirely different.” Hestia’s voice dropped slightly, taking on weight. “Everything must be tested. Every form. Every move. Every transition. Each time you try something new, it’s a first. And first times bear the possibility of catastrophic failure. Of death.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO4D4sphok
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She glanced at him, crimson eyes serious.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf6A1ijEsW
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“And beyond the danger, there’s the knowledge requirement. To create an effective fighting style, you need a deep understanding of technique - which only comes from years of experience.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIclamrrEK
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The path narrowed further. They moved single-file for several steps before it widened again.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd22YwYFDMZ
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“I don’t think that’s possible for you,” Hestia said quietly. Not cruel. Just honest.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSRNnZnEIh
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Frustration built in Cel’s chest. Of course he knew that this wasn’t something he simply could pull off. Still, knowing it and hearing it stated outright were two different things. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoJBernzvl
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“But all styles started from scratch once,” he said. The argument felt weak even as he voiced it. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdyAbYS6ye
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“True.” Hestia acknowledged the point with a slight nod. “But they had centuries for development. Generations of practitioners refining techniques, discovering flaws, making corrections. The styles we learn today are the accumulated knowledge of hundreds of masters, each building on their predecessors’ work.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc87u9Rtr6
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She paused, then added, “You don’t have centuries.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd88NugzzR
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The blunt assessment hit harder than intended. Because it was true. Time pressed against him with increasing urgency. Rift-creatures. His father. The Children of the Voidmother. All of them waiting, existing, continuing their lives while he struggled to become strong enough to make them pay for what they’d done.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4t2rGNmbm
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“So you don’t recommend it?” Cel asked. Needing clarification despite already knowing the answer.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47yEERwK7M
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Hestia fell silent. Her pace slowed fractionally.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WyIkS4QaE
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The forest sounds filled the gap - birds calling, wind moving through leaves, their boots crunching against the dirt.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQO4qkVueP
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“Like I said,” Hestia began slowly, “I’m not sure.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14T6VXHkUL
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She turned to look at him fully, stopping in the middle of the path. Her expression carried something close to sympathy, though filtered through her characteristic directness.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJXXFK5njL
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“What you lack is talent. No matter which established style you learn, your technique will remain mediocre. And creating your own style from scratch...” Hestia shook her head slightly. “That’s not something anyone can simply decide to do. It requires genius-level understanding combined with extensive experience. You have neither.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6k4ZORYon
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Silence stretched between them. 139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheJEV7gOpn
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“I’ll be honest,” she continued, her tone remaining clinical. “I have no idea what to recommend in your situation.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWmOWTEcKN
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“In my eyes…” She paused for a moment, holding his gaze. “You’re a lost cause.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn3Txv1hy6
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