"What do you want from me?"44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoEOAj5Xpg
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBFVQPArF9
The question hung in the night air between them. Hestia remained perfectly still in her meditation pose, crimson eyes fixed on him with that same intense assessment she'd worn since the first day.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k3IjagWHO
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4NDNFIjaI
Silence stretched.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vL5sIzQn2
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Then she rose in one fluid motion, brushing invisible dust from her uniform with careful hands.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy1XAWzysJ
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ649MKXDCk4
"I'm uncertain what you mean, Celvian." Her tone carried the practiced neutrality of noble deflection. "If my presence disturbs you—"44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjs3rI79GOb
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXegCr2uMI
"That's not an answer."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmi4Us0NbK
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnTXoBpcr2
Cel's voice came flat. Direct.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LdZo9gpB8
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLsOaDzWkt
Hestia's fingers stilled on her sleeve. Something flickered across her expression - too quick to name, but there.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qlnKZXJXB
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKhknhiC2j
"You've been inching closer every night," Cel continued. "So I'm asking again. What do you want from me?"44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVn5zDQ73V
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYKbg21Y91
The silence that followed felt heavier than before. Hestia's crimson eyes studied him with renewed intensity, as if recalculating some internal assessment.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxNgtACtbL
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NjgZWmyZR
Finally, she spoke.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRaDgxkXK2
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth72Rs4CHD
"Are you familiar with House Mortveil's position within the Death Clan?"44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYHjF4AiS0
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMAldI6ZgN
The question caught him off-guard. His brows furrowed.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13ueeuaDMh
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR3CEblxD2
"House Mortveil leads the Death Clan. Everyone knows that."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UhriYJIkL
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw38ZIfmfZ1
"Yes. But do you know why?"44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08odZM8pOZ
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheX1VQfeM3
Cel's jaw tightened. "No."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dyXqjKS21
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3oc4TlQ1L
Hestia moved closer - just a few steps, maintaining careful distance. "In the other Great Clans, leading houses rise and fall. The Mountain Clan, the Ocean Clan - their leadership changes when stronger houses emerge. Political maneuvering. Martial superiority. Strategic marriages."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15qso5FRoB
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXEAa0wyYI
She paused.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbvUzbVKvt
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiFveBnSux
"Yet House Mortveil has led the Death Clan since its founding. No other house has ever successfully challenged our position."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7jikE0gV9
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC32Aw2gBq
Cel's mind worked through the implications. "Why?"44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfI0XUlbR9
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaKaPN4KL3
"Because we bear a gift." Her voice softened slightly. "A blessing granted directly by the Death God himself. Every member of House Mortveil possesses it - from the moment we're born until the moment we die."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N6YQ4cVJ1
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nRhLTu4EY
She lifted one hand, studying it as if seeing something beyond.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RwSLyXRdy
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyJP4wMey6
"We can smell death."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlP0f0zXZm
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86zFXFi3mD
She paused.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppakkhN6Yt
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"And this gift ensures House Mortveil's eternal leadership. Because no one can challenge a mandate given directly by a god."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXIcpOKdDP
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcrOBnyZxx
Cel's pulse quickened. "What does that have to do with me?"44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jyz1E35NU
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pQy1GR0o1
Hestia took a step closer. Then another. Until only a few paces separated them.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDHljqG2s7
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV91mCKrLd
"You reek of death."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT9290FHjZ
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXTUhM7nea
The statement landed like a blade between his ribs.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gNZk3muR5
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa97zUNZsM1
His resurrection. The new body the Moon Goddess had forged. He'd assumed it wiped away all traces of his death - made him fresh and unmarked.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG10mzGaaEj
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkydxu3T04j
But death itself still clung to him. Invisible. Undetectable to everyone except those blessed to perceive it.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzBygKUI3q
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGLZOtuXfS
'Raven.'44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TfLPeijuv
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The pieces clicked together with cold certainty.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuY9u8sf0cL
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TVfPrnU6M
Their encounter in the Ashlands. He'd assumed it was chance. But what if it had never been coincidence at all? What if Raven had tracked the scent of death clinging to him like a beacon, drawn to it the same way Hestia was now? 44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxmVIrPKpp
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ7x4bA9ZC
Something cold settled in Cel's chest. 44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvzV5aCF9t
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb3tRZkLHr
"Being near you helps me replenish my Divine Essence." Hestia's tone remained neutral.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DfX85G2hU
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY3WBtXpWK
"How does it smell?" The question escaped him before thought could stop it.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTdQw3JlVy
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagHTjO5rzU
Hestia's expression shifted - something that might have been surprise.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYhA6VJUAT
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH3nHXbGy3
"Pleasant," she said after a moment. "It's... comforting. In a way."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo11Vz2Zfca
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP75eiXt7Qa
She'd been drawn to him not despite what marked him, but because of it. Because death was familiar. Comfortable, even.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvUr25kGFJ
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The irony was almost laughable.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC9aMgDiE2
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAxnrhzexp
"So you've been using me." The words came flat. Accusatory. "Sitting close to replenish your essence."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfrr3QAN21
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1FYBAMm00
She met his gaze directly.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4pHmi04pl
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlFjDMWooG
"I didn't lie."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB2m1c4Nz6
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBS35x1uW8
"You didn't tell the truth either."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8dfMhdAHr
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlYEBTFz63
Silence stretched taut as wire.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8BaB4Qk1w
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Then Cel made a decision.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HHie7Is4z
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"Fine. I'll help you."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYkeQjQhNL
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0TGGfY0Fo
Hestia blinked. "What?"44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLSk54Kg0c
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXIfVUVYAw
"You want to be near me to replenish your essence. I'll let you. But I want something in exchange."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡun8QYmVNzP
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y0v6nQXDj
Her eyes narrowed. "And what might that be?" 44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LizrWbCsk
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl0SI1wPnj
"Spar with me." He summoned Silent Moon, the blade materializing in his grip. "Every night. Real fighting. No holding back."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDzIBtnXh7
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8YhG6FLQN
"You want to fight me?"44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzexfuajbJU
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiP1J2gsER
"I want experience against someone skilled." Cel's grip tightened on the hilt. "Instructor Calder's lessons are useful, but there's nothing better than actual combat. And you're ranked third in the entire academy."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPVWE350ib
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgElyUkS5M8
For a long moment, Hestia simply watched him, utterly still. Then something shifted in her expression - calculation giving way to something that might have been respect.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5V1KEdVWp
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bTOGJJfwr
"That was extraordinarily rude."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWZaPX7X7r
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu54p62xSPO
"I know."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp5iThEsI8
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkftuTs5E0g
"Accusing me of using you. Making demands of a noble."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoAcXH5vPq
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVPknCZfdc
"I know."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNfeOOGKA0
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCGB6UUgzL
Her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnS6UhIz3S
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGV0HLAlzC
"Very well. I accept."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJslV6xlEWs
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg1KjqPWtO
She stepped back, hands moving to summon her artifact. "Though I suspect you'll regret this arrangement quickly enough."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXbVL5AojH
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xIuT8PFni
Darkness coalesced in her hands, solidifying into something that made Cel's breath catch.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUy2iiBMVWF
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAh2E8ew8F
A longsword.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm1upI9bPG
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oDmCMxvsI
It was beautiful and terrible in equal measure. The handle, wrapped in black leather, led to a golden crossguard with a crimson gem embedded at its center - the exact shade of her eyes. The blade itself glowed with deep red light, looking less like steel and more like congealed blood given solid form.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5fsq5XybR
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NsMuaqktr
It matched her perfectly. Elegant. Deadly. Precise.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl86Yd3nj6q
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSv32UrBfq
Cel's grip tightened on Silent Moon.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfxXf4l9qL
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlrU5rCxzK
They moved to the center of the training grounds, taking positions across from each other. The moon hung overhead, flooding the space with silver radiance that made the crimson blade glow even brighter in contrast.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncT95s6x5f
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNHvi1A38W
"Begin whenever you're ready," Hestia said softly.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbYmyGVIsE
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDCOxP6YcO
Cel moved first.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVI2kquWhf
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aiKXWbZdR
He closed the distance in three quick steps, Silent Moon rising for a diagonal slash aimed at her shoulder. Fast. Controlled. Using only a fraction of his actual strength.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWZut3jKaq
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu5mT3PT1r
Hestia's weapon intercepted.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVJNyw42KW
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW6odKu2q6
The impact rang across the training grounds. But she didn't just block - her blade redirected his momentum, sliding along Silent Moon's length before the crossguard caught his guard and forced it aside.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlUR8pBOrC
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGFrTdNOk1
Cel stumbled, balance breaking.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nMuZNZEXE
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyjm9YFc8a
The longsword's pommel drove into his stomach.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MgiPD6tce
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9wHshSF6c
Air exploded from his lungs. He bent double, gasping—44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmRhCvUHQh
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoADwyIsVF
Her knee caught him under the chin.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMJQYV4FOf
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMmr88FCfp
His head snapped back. Stars burst across his vision. He tried to recover, to bring Silent Moon up—44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeYHORol7a
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOqsOEThjE
The flat of her blade slammed into his ribs.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6pcwzmGtx
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIjT1Rciin
The impact launched him sideways. He hit the ground hard, rolled, came up on one knee with his weapon raised—44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qrxEG7xsL
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS00sdrQoQq
Hestia's crimson blade pressed against his throat.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcjUszlKAU
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSztvY0BfWy
"Yield?"44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAag4Y9538
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa3SOW4NSa
Cel stared up at her. At the perfect composure. The absolute control. The complete absence of mercy in those crimson eyes.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUMpkSzqI4
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnCefETupl
"Yes."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3xlLSSmXd
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSdNBEfkyO
The blade withdrew. She stepped back, weapon still raised and ready.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIcWP0mFi8
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvxc2k1cID
Cel pushed himself upright slowly, chest heaving. His ribs throbbed where she'd struck him. His jaw ached. His pride burned worse than both.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqSjzNtiAU
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIIZvBALrR
"Again?" Hestia asked. Her tone remained polite. Almost gentle.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpkHNRausZ
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcUwHG77yQ
Like she was offering tea instead of another beating.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6jDnq7cWs
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe243kPFPc
Cel raised Silent Moon again.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFSDasuW7v
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQXPm44gtZ
They fought.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkObxmwqRy
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXAmAbjLU7
Or rather, Hestia dismantled him with clinical precision.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaH66fFHwA
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsrm38e8OV
Every strike he made, she countered. Every opening he tried to exploit, she closed. Her artifact moved like an extension of her body - not just weapon but partner, flowing through forms that suggested decades of practice compressed into sixteen years of life.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsZWnrVKEQ
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F8CPHX7m4
She didn't just beat him. She punished him.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB67I5Fnci
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ322jEENLPO
Each victory came with unnecessary force. Each strike landed harder than required. When he tried to yield early, she pressed the attack until he had no choice but to acknowledge complete defeat.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGElcGSFIk
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2ZQc0eDGy
By the fifth match, understanding settled in his chest like ice.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgQjpIoUs9
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2cNIhwx5k
"You're angry." He stayed on the ground this time, delaying the next beating.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf26sTfP36
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlFxEnqWOF
"I'm uncertain what you mean." Hestia's blade remained pointed at him. Crimson light reflected in her eyes. “You asked me not to hold back. I merely honored that request." 44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jgmuY6o1a
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But the slight tightness around her mouth said otherwise. The extra force behind her strikes. The way she'd targeted ribs he'd already bruised.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5s2xhnry7
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPkChK1jIl
"I apologize." The words came rough. "For being rude."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RT2keac5b
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTTUSRv8kf
"Your apology is noted but unnecessary." She dismissed her artifact, the deadly weapon dissolving into a cloud of darkness. "I did use you. You were correct to call it what it was."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvTlRD0SeT
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She stepped back, leaving him on the ground. 44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYTwNzRaci
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM5xufZ18Y
"However," she continued, adjusting the sleeves of her uniform, "rudeness carries consequences. Consider tonight's spars a reminder that courtesy serves practical purposes beyond mere tradition." 44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0zdseUV7Y
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh2k2A5i3h
Her lips curved into that cold smile again.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk19Hj23Wu
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOtVoOY7vp
"Tomorrow evening. I trust you'll maintain better manners."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA1Ls6HIRO
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTVEHAatV6
She turned and walked away, jet-black hair swaying with each step.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTPQi9qZWB
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqU3r6Ahmz
Cel watched her go, ribs aching and pride thoroughly trampled.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GXNA6aOVf
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZuakBXu1q
'I really do regret this.'44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8lKYyTGVY
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAOYsLTzD4
Weeks blurred together in a rhythm of classes, training, and nightly defeats.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA1cxfkBpX
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTIw9Ja9JG
Lior had found something in himself after that conversation. His posture straightened. His voice grew steadier. During combat drills, he stopped apologizing for every mistake and simply corrected them.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslVMQvUOmQ
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxJOdcj1lA
The rankings reflected it.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLnQ0WRy1j
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3tmtsFBdj
Rank 38: Lior44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzs0r8kwuK
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWqnUSPI4U
Still near the bottom. Still struggling. But no longer dead last.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtg2EA8Xp8
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9Cz4OG7uM
The change was small enough that most wouldn't notice. But Cel saw it in the way Lior held his practice knife, the determination that replaced hesitation.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ubshlOstt
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cPBIKjIFo
Progress. Real progress.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdG7EiUwkX
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTXBUgSKTV
Meanwhile, Cel's own nightly training sessions continued with brutal consistency.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsGpwuqFQR
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ynOPmwSy6
She was merciless. Every match ended the same way - him on the ground, her standing over him with that bloody longsword at his throat.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mfdA3cmeW
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He tried different tactics. Defensive forms. Aggressive rushes. Feints and misdirection.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU06ozMz7EJ
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS7x0EGvKH
None of it worked.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA49mJurnt
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By the fourth week, Cel had started to recognize patterns in her fighting style. The way she favored her left side slightly. How she created distance before committing to heavy strikes.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUjxYfiUpx
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeCYcYIc2Z
He still couldn't capitalize on the knowledge. But at least he could see it now.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oQ4omOtnJ
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqoHQFDcQl
The losses piled up. His body adapted to the constant punishment, healing faster, growing resilient to impacts that should have left him stunned.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8JSt1fnvW
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVbNs5SSdJ
Sometimes, during their matches, Hestia would pause and correct his stance. Adjust his grip. Point out openings in his defense with the same clinical precision she used to exploit them.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FvpX3otPx
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH8RxEkVJ7
It was... helpful. Frustrating. But helpful.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuDh75OLpm
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwdIdQ1jt9
And every night, she meditated nearby afterward. Close enough that the scent of death apparently served its purpose.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7w9xbdu7e
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpKPXWmKNy
They didn't speak much outside the sparring. Just existed in the same space, using each other for their respective needs.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbFvkHwGTG
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s5JW20PRu
Mutual exploitation. Strangely honest.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpzk1hq9LS
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvHIH6S50t
The routine held until one particular morning.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYl3qjmhIH
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCCWviwqxz
Light filtered through the classroom's tall windows, painting long rectangles across tiered benches.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4VLubFY9N
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KXxYbKwRk
Cel sat in his usual spot, Lior beside him. Hestia occupied the bench behind them.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2ecDAm364
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3Abnl9FdY
Students filled the remaining seats in their usual clusters. Nobles near the front. Commoners scattered through the middle and back rows.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhOxGW5UwB
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NF3RURfxr
Instructor Saren stood at the podium, hands folded, waiting for complete silence.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHXtZ2jGDv
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When the last conversation died, she spoke.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVs2ax18u2
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJb5Nas9Go
"Today's lesson will be abbreviated." Her tone carried unusual formality. "We have a special guest."44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QXjtoi0DA
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo8yFDvxNj
Murmurs rippled through the class. Special guests were rare. The Academy maintained strict protocols - even noble parents couldn't simply appear without advance notice.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjAUSB4Flb
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrRfTX4jvi
"She is humanity's greatest defender," Saren continued. "One of few in all of history to have reached the pinnacle of human capability." 44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWexov0mGv
44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkML0oyHWV
She paused.44Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UzfE1sNd5
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"Lady Esrin of the Chosen Legion, also known as the Hallowed."1234 copyright protection40ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUzkiNnGEb 尼

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