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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjqullHPR8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoALikeahc
"Weak!" Another blow. "Pathetic!" The voice thundered through the dining hall.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbDm86tNOL
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwWNHMG5SO
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—73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPGqoWauPx
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybda4A2sGd
His eyes snapped open.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnok2Vr6zOO
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztSL8nJ3sX
The ceiling of his room stared back. Wooden beams. Familiar cracks.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82m48ex0PN
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLTAhjVlT2
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4icbm8w86r
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlsJLblHQz
‘Just a dream.’73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTjZzSdWWv
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh6oG1AV3A
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3oUcxRyze
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUme20DfcS
His body could push indefinitely. His mind couldn't.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt38cYTSYH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaLwVXn5gL
So he slept. Not often. But sometimes.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm8cVFYgoF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdjoTdbCya
And the nightmares always waited.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYO6pz8ttZ0
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMCw0kRncd
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfJxOQ4jNA
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWZULqjb9j
An off day. Their weekly rest from training.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tLoZW1nMT
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjGlPTFJsF
One day before the nobles would arrive.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMRFrs2UBd
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6ZgFPh45Z
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL5vPdh8cO
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCDkLIfnjq
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3NAByrcsp
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd9AgCUvnz
The building rose ahead - simple stone, unmarked except for the crescent carved above its door. Cel's hand found the handle and pulled.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmChwGgwJv
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K7hVmnYxI
The door swung open.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZItTQxy8a
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjVPLYY9Px
He froze.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUNhUYfR5f
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuKSpLYh8F
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJAqY8jjSg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg6Q1Ix8Yv
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUtd3GcAx2
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp8VVvFBBA
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSjY0lWQAi
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog2u0yNSYC
Cel stared at her. At the bucket filled with murky water. At her reddened hands.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wRBhGDeq2
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KQhCNG8bd
"What are you doing?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgNmg6zjcQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe18B9QC2m
"Cleaning." She said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIjMMwUVN6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncw8IpOiCM
A sharp voice cut through from the shadows near the entrance. ”And that's exactly the problem, my lady.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHap1aJ3JfB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XmJamHgfB
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTKJikUcDu
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhsgb3oQkp
"You shouldn't be doing this," the woman continued, her tone gentle but firm. "It's not proper."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0ZFtquKkE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz8uoKiLMH
“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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpklm09ZI5Q
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEFRmmrYtH
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07Rh011A3l
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IlEt0FCxH
Cel scanned the church interior. Empty benches. Dusty corners. Just Lyra and the two maids in the entire space.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyXCSOwVJm
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D4OoXwfl4
"Is there no one else maintaining this place?" he asked.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7aNVWsAMd
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7lDfAm32F
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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqwYgpqBMe
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnuFzgJQiT
“That’s why I do it.” Lyra cut in proudly, as if announcing good news rather than confessing to doing a servant's work.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAhLO0g0D2
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtpanukCdb
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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwtkEAXJiQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fJbx9B1Mg
The younger servant nodded vigorously, her agreement silent but emphatic.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa7veIySUj
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjRRxWIqpi
Cel looked at Lyra again. At her smile. At the way she knelt on cold stone.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNq7ay4G3h
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGbyMq3QbS
Their father would have beaten her senseless for this.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWXrwJSUIe
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqVIIcVlJ3
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdK1ycd1Lc
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9bW96stRA
But Lyra simply smiled and went back to her scrubbing.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflr3NqYce0
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DQp5EvWoI
"I'll help." 73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLuidU67b9
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSQFDiNt44
The words left Cel's mouth before thought could catch up.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuuZ6Kmx81
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccKp3DZQRa
Margaret's eyes widened. "Young master, you don't need to—"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB8tZkvDHV
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJLkzYsk7l
"I want to."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMd7YPqJUq
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCm7VKydsv
"Really?" Lyra’s face brightened, voice lifting with genuine warmth. "That would be wonderful."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrWXVnEuJY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEOgfdgURA
Margaret and the younger servant exchanged glances, clearly uncertain how to refuse a Chosen who'd already made up his mind.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KtitfJahB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd0OmSHHk5
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVHhuwWxmU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5ZS4fDzmV
The work began.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1EJlQGsBP
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOslzZKlOmh
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64owueY1PE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ly69B0dkd
"You don't have to press so hard," Lyra said, demonstrating with her own cloth. "Just steady circles. Like this."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXn3GceJwY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviimMZuM4J
Margaret worked on the benches, her movements efficient and practiced. The younger servant cleaned the windows with careful strokes.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CFpqkaFq6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLVBRCH6Bn
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQn2BujI7k
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIUCXHs2xv
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcrVLznpT8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtCdoLG4Lw
"The Moon Goddess deserves better," Margaret added from her position at the benches.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbk7hhvay0b
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSixxsSjBi
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUiwPtKRIZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBPekJFkEe
Cel's hands stilled for just a moment. Then resumed their circular scrubbing.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17BFjQkmmZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4kNKGScWb
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXud99eQZWy
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9MLMonXTM
By the time they finished, afternoon had faded toward evening. The church looked... better. Not perfect, but cared for.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwOIzQU4u2
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzNvNK7XWx
"Thank you," Margaret said, bowing deeply to Cel. "Your help made this go much faster."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx2KhyGpZF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DR7Ywd1r9
"Yes, thank you." Lyra glanced back inside. "It usually takes us hours longer. Having another person really makes a difference."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSQE6GH1IX
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxdNllS145
The other maid bowed as well, gathering the buckets.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MzHPcRXqc
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMQigdR5HO
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8jaEM3o5S
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtJliHKvNu
He pulled his hood back up and stepped into the evening streets, his feet turning toward familiar ground.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY6aA1NlIX
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLUsIgzctX
The Golden Hart's door swung open beneath his hand.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWvj5T1ufL
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCux7ES4sE
Sound crashed over him like a physical wave.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YHZgx512o
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9POj6XAo7F
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM7Sl9hwH0
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiIclgEV33
Cel paused in the doorway, momentarily overwhelmed.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw5G5FsBTH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSDwWK1iZT
The bartender spotted him immediately. His weathered face split in a wide grin.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsx7JLqVCM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vpALn2M9w
"Ah, there you are!" He beckoned with one hand, the gesture exaggerated. A wink followed. "Come here, boy!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq5icZ3miY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJKHpx2UpW
Cel navigated through the crowd, confusion clear on his face.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUaTBh7lH7
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknkir33EF0
‘What's going on her?’73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUAIAaGkxL
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi9D4KnlBN
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFHXzvy5Fs
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbVlx00c48
"This is Cel!" the bartender announced, his voice carrying over the din. "If someone beats him, everything goes on the house!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjqCkjd7VJ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPd00nr0Kx
The tavern erupted.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KVZ1yadyZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjbvWguo3t
Cel twisted his head, staring at the bartender. "What the hell are you talking about?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ20crDF3j
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GYdWoFYUL
"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?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4c10wAefc
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoqmHrVjtP
"You think that boy can drink?" someone shouted from across the room, laughter following the words.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N4l6brf8a
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQBSfqkBOm
"He looks barely old enough to hold a tankard!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqx5EXs8nEN
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp8yaULWox
"You sure you want to lose all your money, old man?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDjNhyPeab
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz1HPMZWPe
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!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusrXZwYsfZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRcnUH19MG
"Then I'll take first challenge!" A broad-shouldered man pushed through the crowd, already swaying slightly. "Easy coins!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT05ShyZQf
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUrW9rOnph
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAcPOr2uOt
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNsO6HqiMD
The man dropped into a chair with a heavy thud, gesturing at the seat across from him.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QQFrsDZ9I
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMPFhqSQAi
Cel looked at the bartender.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSqR1AdUo1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbuxkw8B8e
The bartender's eyes gleamed with anticipation.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ72u4h2Br
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3La03KFEhQ
Cel sat.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6qaFbcrOo
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNusCHPdO90
Two massive tankards appeared on the table, filled to the brim. Foam spilled over the edges.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJj6LGlWVY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs23IX86Mtf
"First one to stop loses," the challenger announced, lifting his drink. "Simple enough for you, boy?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47Wv1kYTNC
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAf0V9UNNg
Cel lifted his own tankard.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRKZ2SHvlh
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKG87Ewzc3
They drank.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYDIhTodN7
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwpElGip7y
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBbZ3js97z
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yOHOk52MO
Cheers erupted from those who'd bet on Cel. Groans from those who hadn't.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbftiLxMWQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOZGmEC8M5
"Next!" someone called.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliO5ceIWyb
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cHuzvs78p
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh9KukAvvk
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDrFNPKiLl
Then another challenger. And another.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqwlCqirDl
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexOmpCgre0
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkv9AofRpX
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4S8P0C3jd
"How is he still standing?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDE3l0ER5H
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ybulfu1oc
"That's his tenth opponent!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEtxwGzoo8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CVrIX3HeB
"I've never seen anything like it!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUULYrnTMmZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX26f3ENyf
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKWLwfosXT
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda4K8NqWWB
The alcohol was finally affecting him.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILQlq1rIqY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiJSi2Ckd0
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH9vQFawz4
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8cHl8BAJg
Strangely, he didn't care.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66Ki9jOE8Z
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIID7rfBS7f
The warmth felt... good. Pleasant. Like the weight he carried had lightened just slightly.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QOLlLx1zS
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTY0Af7PY9
A man collapsed face-first onto the table after round four. The crowd roared.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl0s5CccWM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFThE1HGjpb
Another challenger sat down. This one massive, his arms thick as tree trunks. He glared at Cel across the table.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR965qwCKcx
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYvN9KOM1Z
They drank. One tankard. Two. Three.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zVS4zVmP1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmyxKkS5Qy
The man's face grew redder with each round. Veins stood out on his temples. But he kept pace, determination written across his features.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfRhceghM4
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq65B9ZXk5
Seven rounds passed.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCzf2EWYFU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh81dMBYEdB
The man slammed his empty drink on the table. "That's it. I'm done."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTzTi5TUjF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVUPFutBpQ
But his expression shifted immediately - anger replacing defeat.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ieAOVRtJe
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc562PECRSy
"This isn't fair!" He pointed at Cel, his words slurring. "I'd beat you easily if this were an arm wrestling contest instead!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAbe8RdHvX
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPOiFhGuKM
The crowd turned on him immediately.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSTp9A2qDg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC223rm6JWM
"You lost! Accept it!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOYqbFusEG
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1Pnik8V03
"Don't be a sore loser!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHbcdbWjKy
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUBGwgcSrE
"You want to arm wrestle a boy half your size? Have some shame!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrGo6lSqEZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbNkczivNn
Cel's mouth moved before his mind caught up. The alcohol made everything feel distant, decisions easier.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLFmJXlbpa
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQA6rxeFmN
"Fine by me."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroNYzNWzxp
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuijT3hH5c
Silence crashed down.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6kjPa6vmK
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMyy1HC296
The crowd stared. The massive man blinked, clearly not expecting agreement.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSSVXyrlxB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W9yw7njbU
"You... you sure, boy?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwr09u1okN
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RBuz7r8Qr
"Why not?" Cel answered without thinking. "Let's do it."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlR2ZMHzCL
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZkPR93r0F
The table cleared. They positioned themselves, elbows planted, hands clasped.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCmoclmhd3
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi03lJZYSOb
"Three!" someone called. The crowd joined in. "Two! One!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevuaUNsIHE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SBdbMEBQw
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84Ctz2TOVU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqNH1KpgGu
But only slightly.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCFo5REfid
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDpXyaNtkJ
The man's hand slammed to the table within seconds.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NGwCD2AxI
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ073hisMTbL
The tavern exploded.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VYjDHdCNa
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wxi77G2TH
"Did you see that?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnpDySrgl7
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwvjx9BQZu
"The kid's a monster!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uBIXdSmUV
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3v69wI3po
"Who else wants to try?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZofbe07lut
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfkk5P3k5G
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf6eKJvird
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTcbGxwQBp
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhqRk5wPhO
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9zdvXBHoq
The crowd loved it. They cheered for him. Clapped his shoulder. Treated him like he belonged.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfcBBwjpn6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBCobaiJoS
It felt... really good.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rn8yv7fEU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjjkLLlLTY
A new figure approached through the crowd. Hooded. Moving with confidence that suggested sobriety.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgAV0K5mY0
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYCbQXBIsE
He sat across from Cel and pulled back his hood.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8xV9w0cvz
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaSpljQ3sv
A face Cel's age looked back at him. Broad features. Stone-gray eyes, steady and direct.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2flKzUzrF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uzzTTRQuZ
They clasped hands.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyl7jqeBLN
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S1JPO3Rfi
The countdown began.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgav5zt8Kx
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN5hfZNots
The moment their match started, Cel felt the difference. Real strength. Not just muscle and determination - something more. Divine enhancement.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KpPRse8OU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC9fRw1HcH
Another Chosen.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzxRXCRIRh
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKhVqgNciU
Cel had to actually push. Had to engage more of his strength than he'd used for any previous challenger.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVxuJ3yzC1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSFvSKoGVE
The wood beneath their elbows groaned.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNUv3Ora9Q
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSK6BacW9uI
Both of them pushed harder.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYUA3gav8i
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO70s2zKqNO
The table exploded.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0jdzECACQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogZI2O8Su0
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLTG0anyts
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX0khsvctR
Complete silence followed.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnpNnKKz0j
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLuFEg1tAc
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujG1OYik0g
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7skk7lDpnA
"AHHH, MY BEAUTIFUL TABLE!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WO99uJYy8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmsGUfwpou
The bartender's wail broke through. He clutched his head, staring at the wreckage.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML1h6SOKoo
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC2UDLAeiU
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHA07AUbAr
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7ITKpR9js
It landed with a heavy clink.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1TzU7Aj8w
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgOBKgmbVk
"Fair trade," he said. A brief nod toward Cel.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70YH9OlNoy
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnlhDc320N
Then he turned and walked toward the door.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC30cWJw7hM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98LTcrWm2a
The crowd parted automatically, too stunned to speak.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DMR9YJaZC
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoPjYUSL4u
He vanished into the street.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4NdOVRCQf
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNE0F7oOEk
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Fs1E40KJH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MifgpZ3fr
Cel sat among the destruction, staring at the doorway where the stranger had disappeared.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqAZAzrWz9
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7OGBIgpnr
His vision swam. The room tilted slightly.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r8jRKUcPo
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhIcNzd7C6
The bartender appeared beside him, still clutching the money pouch. "You alright, boy?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3oQ96MEdL
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XRpCwJCcv
"Sure," Cel said. The word came out slurred.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Nzd3mkgSB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTgudDtq2n
"Right. Well, enjoy your winnings. You certainly earned them."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo8P9irzOb
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj3Zk3K95I
Cel blinked. ‘Winnings?’73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LseeD1Kkd
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HPoravWQa
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6e6lkRF9f
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0teGXy4p2
The tavern spun.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrnjKaH3G0
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCkopXFz3w
Everything after became haze.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOpvt2TwcO
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZLU11MFlB
Sensation returned slowly.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiBvupuPZa
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDYNz6WAx9
Cool ground beneath him. The scent of flowers.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPATyPGBEYL
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo98hb5x5eL
Cel's eyes opened.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L3MjXyfSH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRb4ouvs2L
A face hovered above him. Silver mask catching light. Rose-colored lips curved in a gentle smile.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nVD7vhVcw
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGotKddhx4d
Selina.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRVJn1z6mr
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5dOlNrSjJ
“Chosen One, I'm pleased you found joy. Though I wonder if you'll remember doing so.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigDRdzIxeD
1234 copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7toz3NEum 尼

216.73.217.22