The announcement fell across the classroom like a stone into still water.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg88OQShDnv
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLdZbUt575
Every noble straightened instantly. Even Theron, who usually maintained a relaxed posture, sat with rigid attention. The commoners shifted nervously, uncertain how to react to such a presence.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLS33IkuaI
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbWwTGdN29
Cel's hands tightened on his desk.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpEKPaynyB
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUmlJqqYbv
'Esrin.'55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1h4B4CSZx
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Pi70mGg22
The woman who'd nearly killed him. Who'd dragged him from the Ashlands to the Reckoning. Who wielded power that could reshape battlefields with casual thought.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPBiyVYb9m
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxm9jXeiY0
The door opened.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXPdW7LV9d
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWTrIUUo8C
She entered with the same quiet authority Cel remembered. She wore the Chosen Legion's dress uniform, ash-white hair pulled back in a practical style. Ruby eyes swept the classroom once - comprehensive, assessing - before settling into neutral observation.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnnx9673Pc
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoudNDGN5es
Every student seemed to hold their breath.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFdJOVdapD
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswN98TiiN2
Instructor Saren bowed - deeper than required. "Lady Esrin. The students are honored by your presence."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UxNBpvO0G
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbfaOUR2cO
Esrin's gaze tracked across the tiered rows. When it passed over Cel, there was no flicker of recognition. No acknowledgment. Just the same clinical assessment she gave every other student.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXcn814O6B
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetAIaU3qra
Good. He'd worried she might somehow reveal their connection.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50MOeTwUio
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9taFxvOfkd
"I'll leave them in your care," Saren said, already moving toward the exit.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuisIXHYitN
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW22w7e5F0
The door closed with soft finality.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6uyEijO4p
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI75GzPXl3
Silence pressed heavy across the classroom. Forty students watching the Hallowed with varying degrees of awe and terror.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqh60OkDn5E
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0DEu7QE0U
Esrin walked to the podium with unhurried steps. She didn't consult notes. Didn't adjust her uniform. Simply stood there, perfectly composed, and spoke.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo2DZ9DvBS
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAc2ScpWj9
"There are two purposes for my visit. First - to answer some of your questions. About being a Chosen. About the Chosen Legion. About what waits beyond these walls."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl3y58xDcd
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabFMEJ04JG
Her tone carried no warmth. No encouragement. Just statement of fact.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89A3ib0cYo
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbldkr3JrFm
"Second - this evening, the Academy is hosting a formal ball. To test your etiquette in a practical environment."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoGq2gyF0h
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXcD4dPckE
Murmurs erupted. A ball? The commoners looked nervous. The nobles appeared intrigued.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2RtdOyHkt
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb0iI6KPtk
"Ask your questions," Esrin said.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjpW25KAQ5
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b5WoFEdYv
Silence held for several heartbeats. Finally, a few hesitant hands rose among the back rows.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdInQyGrXcd
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvoflaYBhb
A commoner girl stood, voice trembling. "Lady Esrin, if it pleases you... what's the Chosen Legion like? How does it differ from serving a Great Clan?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3KNVwnNyu
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi3iiavOTs
"The Legion accepts all Chosen regardless of patron deity or birth." Her answer came without hesitation. "Advancement depends solely on capability. No bloodlines. No affiliations. Just competence."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5JrPwdQ9N
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqenfCzBIWw
She met the girl's gaze directly.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheRzW0R8Pa
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt4wv69IZr
"If you're weak, you'll be assigned simple tasks. If you're strong, you'll face greater threats. The Legion doesn't waste talent, but it doesn't shelter incompetence either."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUDtiYCfht
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The girl sat down, clearly satisfied. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT00tWGChX9
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy4Th5stMq
Another hand rose immediately. A boy near the back stood nervously. "Lady Esrin, our final examination is near - a patrol mission. Do you have any advice for us?” 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpqaeRf0CJ
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQwqUBPBHJ
Esrin's expression didn't soften, but something shifted in her tone. Practicality, perhaps. Or the closest thing to concern she would show. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpyLViyhMs
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKEz36NRjB
"Don't be heroes. The examination tests judgment as much as strength. Know when to fight and when to retreat. Overconfidence kills more Chosen than any creature." She paused. "And never split your group unless absolutely necessary. You're students, not veterans. Act accordingly." 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpP0il41tU
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedGV759VeQ
The boy nodded, sitting down with a sobered expression. Another voice called out from the middle rows. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwoD5xXxzI
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6dkwUNl8r
"Do you see the royals often? What about the princess?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnrQsUIy90
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBKskuGRRq
Something that might have been amusement flickered across Esrin's features. "Occasionally. When duty requires it."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2oz6YY2ah
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMetNK0sCh
"What about the Emperor?" The voice carried genuine interest. "Or the Empress?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDClDDabOvj
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF9zAvlXoV
"Less frequently." Esrin's tone suggested the topic held no particular interest to her. "Next question."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkZ3IgJBq5
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBuB8KAERg
Another hand - a girl near the middle rows, barely able to meet her eyes.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDeKf1XCvK
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKAkoqklyv
"Lady Esrin... are you the strongest person in the Empire?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ050EqfxxES
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgasSRKQMx
The question hung in the air. Several nobles shifted, as if the directness bordered on improper.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW9QIrtQcd
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNJ9F59d81
Esrin's expression didn't change, but Cel noticed the slight pause. The way her jaw tightened almost imperceptibly before she spoke.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrdHJ2SYP9
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16mpjmNmMx
"Yes."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtLZBQvWfy
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSj4SracUU
The answer came flat. Final.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCngptXW7q
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53zuZlETSA
But Cel understood why she'd hesitated.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR7aJqLgS4
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2xWGCGo8Q
'She may be the strongest in the Empire. But within the Reckoning, she's only second.'55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs89bcNz8rn
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LncY63ZcQ
Veyron held the rank of the First Reckoning. The hooded figure whose presence commanded even Esrin's respect. Whose power Cel couldn't begin to estimate.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG2o0X9AC9
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But she couldn't reveal that. Couldn't acknowledge the organization's existence.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamiDEVz1xI
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkjCNhBSHy
So she simply claimed the title everyone expected her to hold.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngEqJra6Bw
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYSog6y7pN
"How does someone become Hallowed?" The same commoner girl asked, voice still trembling slightly. "If... if that's permitted to ask, my lady."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsgQVmjG1B
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PCF1Yi945
Interest rippled through the classroom.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppZ8Ih3LV4
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvhDkzP0Ec
Esrin's expression shifted slightly - not quite approval, but acknowledgment that this was the right question to ask.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthZc4lWvpG
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr6kcYCW8B
"There are four steps. First - being marked and chosen by a deity. You've all completed that."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3UM9aPfB3
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJMFbevZMf
She lifted two finger.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrljxhR2zc
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsVrwqXKHy
"Second - master your Divine Essence completely. Prove to your deity that choosing you was worthwhile. Show them you've mastered their gift."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIyQxBMw1W
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC0Zhoascf
Cel's jaw tightened.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqdqNTHPKW
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeAGhc2wAO
'What about me then?'55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAqFBfl2Cv
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPPlg8QZtm
The question screamed through his mind. He had no Divine Essence pool. Nothing to expand. Nothing to grow.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDWTY4trKZ
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP052VO8n2s
How was he supposed to evolve when the fundamental requirement didn't exist?55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo2xeTU97i
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePSzGvmqhm
"In accordance," Esrin continued, "your deity will expand your Divine Essence pool beyond its birth limits. As you all know, the pool you're born with cannot naturally grow. This expansion is an gift. Recognition that you've earned more."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdkdmuyTkC
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8T5krc7tb
She raised a third finger.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw7e5ZIazy
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Zuqbu7TI7
"Third - achieve a World Creation.” 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LgwzGKSJD
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGoNHKl462
Murmurs rippled through the students. Several looked confused. Others showed recognition.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ42RFFvTp
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSI5zWUw5s
“This requires not just mastery but understanding. You must comprehend the fundamental nature of your Divine Essence. Its truth."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFf9kRRVfu
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI01LEZjWU
Her expression remained neutral, but her voice carried weight.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudZOZu7yII
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmBwpQg7fh
"It is the most difficult step. Every Chosen's essence is fundamentally unique. There are no instruction manuals. No proven methods. No shortcuts."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWHmFl2E9n
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeUNGE2Jfe
She paused, letting that sink in. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnhOoZ7dUH
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOm6oDCmoY
"Most Chosen never achieve it.”55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZLU1Snyup
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A fourth finger joined the others. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQ5vXFNSgh
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcbSwZrYK7
"Fourth - raise your affinity with one paragon to the maximum. To reach perfect resonance with your deity's nature. To become one with their will.”55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5d4FgPiiu
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0olGShbp1j
She lowered her hand.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zQiZ92f4V
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5v8E3IcOuX
"Only a handful in history have reached this level."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmoEh8nbHM
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSrGqpjjcV
"Could you show us your abilities?" A reckless boy called out. "Like your World?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP0bpbHmAu
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHQGjudPE1
Several students still looked confused. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZFxboxpZQ
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq9yxX1OSm
Lior leaned toward Cel, whispering. "What's a World?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjmG2ffljd
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfcG8WMToi
Before Cel could answer, Esrin spoke.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBLBSpzgqG
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2bi9ZvK9i
"A World is the manifestation of your Divine Essence's true nature. An expression of power so complete it creates its own reality." Her tone carried the weight of someone explaining a fundamental truth. "It's not something to show off."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSakxVvE9QT
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Her ruby eyes swept the classroom.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFsma1zRHC
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mYAhe6y6f
"Besides - if I manifested my World here, the pressure alone would tear most of you apart."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZMBN63sn3
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJAo45KEjW
The classroom went very still.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZMu01467O
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo4qtEieUy
Several students paled. The excitement drained away, replaced by uncomfortable awareness of the gap between them and the woman standing at the podium.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmkRYNjKyd
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjfqTCt4Yz
Another hand rose.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUg4pDuYg9
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBqwZCGzUD
A commoner boy Cel didn't know well. His voice came uncertain. "Lady Esrin, why were you announced without a family name? If you're a noble."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmOLzpBlmc
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX7cXXcz6F
The question was innocent. Curious.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTCDaUrFL4
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But every noble in the front rows went rigid. Glaring at the boy who'd asked such an impertinent question.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllXG857RwJ
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJvrkbOhkG
Cel watched their faces, noticing something else.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxtVWK2hUy
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0EXRgWdiD
Only Percival Tempest reacted differently.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUFKlUj9fh
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKojYNj9EjF
His emerald eyes narrowed not at the commoner who'd asked.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1irU6oX6q
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gEAH5JGXC
At Esrin.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0etHdcJx1
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5Cqd7u56E
His gaze locked onto her with an intensity that bordered on hostile.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0fDvkrOWQ
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV2lWIYy7Z
'Did something happen between them?'55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlPBzyo9Kf
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVyUzveRIu
Cel filed the observation away as Esrin answered. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0sZowwTYX
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQvMuSqfsS
"I forsook it."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ564d407bpX
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlP5DmfpHN
The answer was cold. Final. Brooking no further questions on the subject.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxMtqoK8tK
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbiUp6ZJwC
The commoner who'd asked paled, clearly realizing he'd touched something sensitive.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0P7MuOS36
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic3d7vkeMZ
But Esrin's attention had already moved on.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oWaLVFGYC
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lhIgiEiYb
"Any other questions?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9mr5NXcZO
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp96EeoyYR
More hands. More inquiries about the Legion, about missions, about what life looked like beyond the Academy walls.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGKcHbia0o
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuBM3PvMlF
Esrin answered each with the same clinical precision.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SUJrydemW
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfFgWPBWDA
Finally, she glanced toward the window. "That's sufficient. Prepare yourselves for this evening. The ball begins at sunset."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8BvXD15hh
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgWzDt0dhK
She walked toward the exit without ceremony.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4IaAKhS9z
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE9RNU5IBO
Her boots clicked against stone - steady, unhurried. Every student tracked her movement, watching the Hallowed leave with the same presence she'd arrived with.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRA0Jk2zfs
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TDQBkfJ54
The door closed.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7bLE2h7Vw
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8qJuQpr6u
Breath rushed back into the room like a tide returning.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVck0i89si
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrEL0nWtrP
"Did you see her eyes?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdL79a29c7
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfZp3tPoCF
"The way she moved—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHXMhboqmE
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cXwvclSdC
"A Hallowed! An actual Hallowed!"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VtPvCVSRU
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0rEPig4Sm
Even the nobles couldn't fully contain their awe. They'd seen powerful Chosen regularly. But a Hallowed was something else entirely.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXY6qtstWS
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsTkbUBHTv
Cel sat quietly, processing.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcKgFZlXTs
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtWViBbwBC
His mind churned through everything Esrin had said. The four steps. The requirements. The impossibilities stacked against him.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgd0FeOHrp
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYGdHpEJNB
'How the hell am I supposed to become stronger?'55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCynOvo7Zji
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpo0g0R8A5
The question burned without answer.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Hyehbwlno
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmZ7NAKiRW
Instructor Saren returned, calling for attention and dismissing them to prepare for the evening. Students rose in clusters, still buzzing with energy. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjltV0Oh7Z7
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwZUuL42Mp
But Cel barely heard her, staring at the empty podium where the Empire's greatest defender had stood.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7y5Z8UiKL
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgrZTgT7dd
And wondering if he'd ever reach even a fraction of that strength.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyOufZX5D1
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His thoughts were interrupted by Lior's elbow nudging his ribs.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAq9pcmhVU
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzq303get6
"Can you believe we'll actually get to see a real ball?" Lior's voice carried nervous excitement.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldzTWOC0fA
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5zBOVAlbw
Cel glanced at him. "You know you have to dance, right?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNuwlj0bL4
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTxlC2WnBC
Lior's excitement evaporated instantly. "Oh no. I forgot about that. I'm—I'm going to make a fool of myself."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk66bvcJU7L
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"All of us are," Cel said.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWufioujZE
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The truth settled between them. The commoners had learned basic steps in a few months. The nobles had been training since childhood.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPTEHDLTyv
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Tonight would make that gap painfully visible.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHHEqtsD2g
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But as the students filed toward their dormitories to prepare, Cel found himself thinking about something else entirely.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MAjOEKRdP
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Esrin would be there. Teaching. Demonstrating proper form and grace.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQBOSixNSC
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And despite everything - despite nearly killing him, despite the cold brutality she'd shown - he couldn't deny one simple truth.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xHxDSfvtW
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She was the most elegant woman in the Empire.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbugiQHCnbx
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The ideal every noble daughter aspired to become.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD5slkktCA
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Tonight, he'd see that grace in its proper context.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecroNU3i5B
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He was… curious to see.1234 copyright protection51ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDLjek1ar9 尼

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