Instructor Calder's gaze swept across the assembled students like a blade testing for soft spots.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFHu9erzSv
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLKiQFmtZs
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sNZy2i8tR
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8CU7vcCsi
He let the words hang.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OSnybvAN8
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYtScZvvLK
"You're not."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfqWTZ3kxk
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK1mHYlMS5
The declaration landed with the force of a physical blow. Several students straightened defensively. Others shifted their weight, uncertainty flickering across their faces.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvUtz5GUVR
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNrxjEaw6c
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS8LkwSK9m
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDbPcvZpoq
He uncrossed his arms and gestured toward the training grounds around them.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyvYmtvbHb
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfvZPOmmOb
"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?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWhnLWZhjY
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEieBMJDxKW
His expression hardened.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75KxFcFhHv
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhlCqFAUhM
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzD1sluo3m
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIon9yuZxB
Calder's hand dropped to his side.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYJJvvVsxN
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gIo8zKegh
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI1RDvpMvA
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9jvUDI9M9
The words settled over Cel like cold water.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7YrXzXAhG
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhH3tSIWgnB
Lunar Vigor. Active only under moonlight. Variable intensity based on the moon's phase.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3lWWYg09i
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclhic0588K
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rx9i0ogFe
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPj991b8B4
How strong was that foundation compared to other Chosen?83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU3yrIA2cR
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKt5R8M41h
Cel's hand unconsciously closed into a fist, testing the strength there.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzX4Ox1X7Eg
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJrM8Ana3f
"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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8FEKkNbfS
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmkq7LiLf1
"That's when you become worth the divine investment."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ145XdKd4Q7
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoPVDDlxsM
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc83LkQBGYA
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wW4gwDM2f
"After your theoretical classes each afternoon, you return here." His gaze swept the assembled students. "That's when we teach you to kill."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQeJqlNv4I
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNC0cngDWm
The word landed with deliberate weight.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIurmK8XC9L
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMuaAy0fzc
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VpIO66ljy
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvQD5lBKj9
Cel's attention sharpened.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNTJOcpGTN
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPoLOXK6KG
Control Divine Energy. The fundamental skill every Chosen possessed naturally.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB1aib4CQY
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXiHP2bIgg
Except him.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF6juHFb0b
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIqMsb90Nl
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…83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW7WUVHNH5
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk2bYxR6gE
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIBF9nYHII
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84BvhoPDhp
"Question." Calder’s voice cut through his thoughts. "What is Divine Energy?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4pUSMeKpY
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW0zs7PZgP
Hands rose. He pointed to a girl in the second row.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMieKOno5k0
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmQ9DDEp4g
"It's a gift from the gods. The power we need to activate our authorities."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrFKHpgGaf
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnyR5VxYrA
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgljNZV7Gcv
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwBfpWji9s
He paused.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn9haaeDFT
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfSiVQalPA
"It's also a sense. Your sixth sense, if you want to think of it that way."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ1zzgV7XO
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oCcdtI6bE
Cel went very still.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk33m98X9Od
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXWvQ24sNs
A sixth sense. Something every Chosen possessed naturally. Something that let them perceive and manipulate the energy flowing through them.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYsSCsND7P
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXCcSmzcxR
Something he completely lacked.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQU3rdeF49
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyip2fDfEe
Wait.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyz9NsBKMv
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxPhtEcMXv
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQpgJKCnNf
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmvaloHuJH
Other Chosen had six senses. Normal humans had five. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNpQ3xSqsl
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMHxoZ2F6T
He had four.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzA7nofRBq
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQANO2ysvOp
The absurdity of it would have been funny if it wasn't so completely fucked.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCjCbxrYVw
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5rscbaD0H
"Let me demonstrate," Calder said.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG5nFoGcR3
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kShd8qY30
He closed his eyes.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAieIWoig4l
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIoUXxkOBT
The ground trembled - barely perceptible, like the earth itself had taken a breath.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KiYftJClV
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNTgOPJ1RR
Students around Cel gasped. Some stumbled backward. Others went rigid, eyes wide with something between awe and fear.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4p8PkUtKe
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRxyGtDq8g
A boy near Cel dropped to one knee, breathing hard. The girl beside him pressed both hands to her chest.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jSX5q6MXm
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsi7jouHlt
Cel saw nothing.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbqSzYie9R
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZcHFVerVF
'This is going to be annoying.'83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQdv6BbL6j
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4N8ADPDmv
Calder opened his eyes again and the pressure - whatever it had been - vanished.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaNP9tN269
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJHg6ScP2m
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQYoD08Ym6
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3lfXOSvEG
His expression hardened.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkHwPuFfoQ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfkqzcv6qd
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2H5KuqSeL
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNISbZexMN
A hand rose.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFcBpY88VY
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNVRdW2ZKT
"Couldn't we just use the Ledger of Nightmares?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazfvzZ7jf1
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d8wpcxXzr
Confusion rippled through the group. Several students exchanged questioning looks.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26BZr75MCO
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVmIw3OsKV
Calder's expression shifted - something that might have been approval.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk2BLeUE78
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuBrzal2GB
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57KBnFC8Pp
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2Y1HLxw1i
The mention of the Ledger pulled at Cel's attention.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsMnyRRGDW
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2Zuh5GvXB
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1hF2GAcXj
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHutiLdvXo
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?83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFowWorfdd
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmEsVGph1Y
The questions circled through his mind as Calder continued explaining the training regimen. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DvSLTqMho
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z8WqvkBEo
A structured routine designed to transform blessed individuals into functional warriors.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJzwQ5KPJf
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6Ov3tFCQc
"Dismissed," Calder eventually said. "Dawn tomorrow. Don't be late."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFRYzwy02c
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5Nf2kEtIR
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJJfGAVOsX
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLKzkckDmk
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. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKIWNLRhuX
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOKHLUFzNE
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHUCCLxAkr
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH5hlKyFAg
Lior took his first bite and went still.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJGaNH3Ibl
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTxb3BZevt
His eyes widened. He chewed slowly, almost reverently, then swallowed and immediately reached for more.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3Pfxi1ZML
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpJHDoBQLR
"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."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW9Ji6sX5p
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHERzMEPpt
Cel cut into his own portion. The meat separated cleanly under his knife. He brought a piece to his mouth, chewed, swallowed.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9YxgbIlv7
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyRroKJ4XP
Nothing.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgiWsj2qJK
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83aZ2dVzTU
‘Four senses, huh?’83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAAsg7Ix5b
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3sOD0yYAj
Lior had already finished his first serving and was eyeing the remaining dishes.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD7De3eHDt
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBwKDEdLgs
"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—"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhyj5tEK9q
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznDisdS8rB
He caught himself, glancing at Cel's plate.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgCFSPHYXt
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMDxltctAb
"You're not eating much."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvs0BuVNsa
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnl1plE9Xd
"I'm eating."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSn0vzKL8q
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSuG5G2L1B
"Right. Sorry." Lior returned his attention to his food with renewed focus.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4dXSFonvq
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mIC3lWFYU
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqT5nEj0mF
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm0oCJ2JNt
Cel ate because his body needed fuel. Lior ate like someone storing memories against future hunger.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DuAWoXRnV
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkycXwIS2w
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEXYq7XBV3
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIQtlZl2tj
Lior watched them go, his expression troubled.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjfqQTUWbC
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKS9UWXHF9
"I should head to the classroom too." He glanced at Cel. "What will you do with your evening?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rVjCFQhFe
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaH35rTJVBi
"Read."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEYjtZzjhe
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjfNiivZv9
"I see." Lior's smile was brief and self-conscious. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfN32cEyAG
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ066gT2WXZW
He left with the stream of other students, his posture carrying that particular tension of someone facing something difficult but necessary.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5HHaOr8K1
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXQORpIWYR
Cel remained seated as the dining hall emptied. When only a handful of them remained, he rose and made his way through the corridors.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGvGiGyIfN
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldLq3aQvsL
The commoner dormitory was silent when he reached it. He unlocked his door, stepped inside, and closed it behind him with a soft click.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuL7yH6JkBq
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZzLoJATeT
The room looked exactly as he'd left it. Narrow bed. Empty desk. Wardrobe with the commoner clothes he'd worn in the city.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Fs0ddKPLa
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQeSAP9xUU
Cel moved to the center of the space and reached for the bond.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SSAdoKN9e
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgAvwZ1plv
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWLo75AqBh
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoQ1vFvsBI
He caught it before it could fall, the leather cool against his palms.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO1D5UnQvN
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WShTj1hbx
His fingers found the edge and opened to the first page.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKMYOxcmrA
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyfiT5tBMM
Ledger of Nightmares.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2zLPVIryJ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEviLIvSZkC
The title stared back at him in stark black ink.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfQtpZ2Gw9
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxOEVITOKn
Cel's fingers found the page's edge and turned.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJpmyZ1Gey
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BMpdFY0TA
<Anathema: Endless Shambler>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCtBuxQHv7
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23uS558iPG
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r9e52reeu
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOklB0xUESE
His eyes dropped to the text.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbhGE5EkIY
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0VxXvRKtF
<Race: Creature> 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMJNJjKl0r
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4ckf20vaK
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM1Y9hMCyr
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcqAt924Zk
<Blight: Cursed>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB7WNEJ4ax
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e0Rd4h2vO
Cursed. The lowest classification of all ten.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18UrjSlE1B
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh68xCTex6
<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.>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCN2iaaLT3
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIIGQsmDBC
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpJaTDb0QH
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OBBdfw8F7
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckMXcJaxmc
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlMneZ0njR
<Legacy: [incomplete]>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiuS0MEcZ9
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPOBhGQGi3
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTkaxV8P84
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZazvAN3y5c
Caught by the maze. Transformed. Reduced to shambling husks that existed only to inflict the same fate on others.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAloLAWRYmb
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD02sjXJkV
He turned the page to the next entry - the mirror lake.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRUmD19Qbs
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFFSWgcYFn
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFOQswS99u
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeSKgM9HPz
<Anathema: Memory Eater>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LXpHsdXyA
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxgYnywcBN
<Race: Creature> 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmF0VhY6Fm
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxvDDJpZMa
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmtVLwk4gg
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap1jl5wQGh
<Blight: Ruined>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgA6aipUr7
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39POhvZpqn
Ruined. Sixth tier. Higher than any other creature he had encountered in the Ashlands.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOv053f6aMc
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2vEYuk1WW
<Behavior: Responds to proximity and emotional disturbance. Expands territory following acts of violence or destruction within its mirror realm.>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehSj1ikzVY
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE31wz7Qhv
<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.>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oIm2Ndw9B
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHHUpFzuLr
Cel's eyes narrowed. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsx7Vfh6yVY
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1crBXdIKIK
Feeds on fear and despair.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KibCInCBZ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fOeiS0qpR
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0ENyjKQ1T
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnueOMD6Xn3
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? 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpHrl4d3H6
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLTGxZDNXK
A shudder ran through him. He turned the page before the thoughts could spiral.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJyG0I8ifh
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnJZhkCZX5
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQfiijTfhM
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWufXq32vVV
Recognition struck immediately.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDTVREAS4W
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsr7SCpNki
The creature that had carried him across the maze.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMybriAvnJa
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI1dMtisdR
<Anathema: Spinebreather>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk7hkcvfyc
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8Hcyx9Zb3
<Race: Creature> 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqZd83dwkq
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzMSkC4XHn
<Realm: Crystal Maze> 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqENuXfk0Q
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyTZFd3KAj
<Blight: Fallen>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaJzhFnOGJ
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlloLCfJUwv
Fallen. Fifth tier. One below Ruined.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHbRXi6yFX
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFo6nYJSUE
<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.>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4TgZ5h5ID
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjagMs6jUqL
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcVZVxDwGB
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHTfBShOPc
But it hadn't been luck at all.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3Tm75a3BP
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUNqT0ixm0
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqInXeL6qo
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifqkPlzz7j
<Hunting Pattern: [insufficient encounter]> 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQmrbagVO6
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmVZzgGHAe
<Territorial Marks: [insufficient encounter]> 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUcOLN9Qzd
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2Gzg0bwh7
<Legacy: [insufficient encounter]>83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2YFsJJEoi
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyk1dQfitY
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPWO3D4gmt
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0PT7byv82
His fingers hesitated at the page's edge.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPkfpySk13
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkgKDrpLzg
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.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoXUGNgrAx
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MpigX1e47
His throat tightened. But the information was there. Waiting.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFSzpJy3fF
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCOEbvlvRg
Cel turned the page.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsieGlf3S6F
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUfhYgmiAr
<Anathema: Crystal Monarch>1234 copyright protection79ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAznAUJ3PH 尼

216.73.217.22