"Well, that isn't a no," the voice hummed, as if pleased by his answer.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQpaBBaC36
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"And it isn't a yes," Cel shot back, anger bleeding through his words.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxyssw0Lob
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The retort left his lips before he could stop it. But how was that even possible? His throat should have been clogged with blood, his lungs pierced and failing. He should be—267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjVZ4r2LS7
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His hands flew to his chest, fingers probing desperately where claws had torn through flesh and bone. Nothing. Smooth skin met his touch, unmarked and whole. His heart hammered steadily beneath his ribs, strong and alive.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJifLTZiQZ
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The memories crashed over him - the creature's amber eyes, the crushing impact of claws, the taste of his own blood as he tumbled into darkness. Yet here he was, breathing, his body responding to every command.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr3pCevw0y
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Cel pushed himself to his feet, legs steady beneath him. The ravine, the obsidian stones, the ash-covered wasteland - all of it had vanished. In its place stretched an endless expanse shrouded in pearl-white mist. The fog coiled around his ankles like a living thing, thick enough to hide whatever solid surface lay beneath his feet. Above, that same pale moon watched with cold indifference, its light filtering through the haze in silver streams.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PPSvxMJ8p
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A figure emerged from the mist, causing Cel's breath to catch in his throat.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmLPDyjVqL
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She moved like moonlight given form, each step sending ripples through the fog at her feet. Silver hair flowed down her back in long, straight strands that seemed to shimmer with ethereal light. An ornate mask covered the upper half of her face - flowing, curved patterns in gleaming silver adorned with golden gems that sparkled in the lunar glow.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNzzBxHmwy
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Her pale robe flowed around her like liquid light, the fabric so fine it appeared translucent in the moonlight. Patterns of constellations and lunar phases danced across the material, shifting and glimmering with each movement. (Necklace)267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyjfRfqlS7
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She was tall - taller than most women he'd known - with an otherworldly grace that made her seem untouchable. Beautiful, yes, but in the way distant stars were beautiful. Remote. Divine.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatH5yXDT2y
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Cel found himself staring, his mind struggling to process what stood before him. After a year of seeing nothing but rotting walls and purple-robed torturers, the sight of her was almost too much to comprehend.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg9urGZJoI
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"Welcome, Chosen One." Her voice drifted through the mist like a lullaby, each word perfectly measured. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Selina, a priestess of the Moon Goddess."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyR82o1sJy
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The formal introduction snapped him back to awareness. He was gawking like a fool, mouth half-open in wonder. His face flushed with heat as he realized how he must look - wild-haired, probably reeking of the cell despite his miraculous healing, stumbling over his own tongue.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt1J6UA6v9
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When had he last spoken to another person? Months ago, when Ren had simply... disappeared from the neighboring cell.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcdzjPJZS7
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The words felt rusty in his throat. He cleared it twice, then managed a clumsy bow. "It... It is my pleasure, Lady Selina. I'm Celvian. Though, I suppose you already know that."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gYLSnJgMO
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"Yes, I do." The smile that curved her rose-colored lips held secrets he couldn't begin to fathom.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzRr4cKUEQ
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Priests served as intermediaries, he knew that much. Divine messengers who guided the Chosen Ones through their journey. But standing here in this impossible place, watching the way moonlight seemed to bend around her like she commanded it, Cel couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was something else entirely.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWq1f2S0GH
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Something far more personal than divine duty.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8lR16BIrN
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"I have a question, my Lady," he began, the words catching in his throat.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy47FxAfqdp
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"Ask whatever you wish. I will answer to the best of my abilities." Her voice carried the same ethereal quality, but something warmer crept into it. "Also, there is no need for such formality. I serve the goddess, but I am also here to serve you, Chosen One."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFACcymGsi
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The correction sent heat crawling up his neck again. He cursed silently at his own awkwardness.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NITSzIwjh
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"I-I see..." He swallowed hard. "Can you tell me where exactly we are?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIC3wYLPlx0
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"Of course. We are currently inside your soul."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlShe31G4w
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Cel's mouth opened, then closed. He turned in a slow circle, taking in the endless fog and empty space. "My soul? But here's… nothing. Absolutely nothing."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhPf2jLS80
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Every child knew the stories. Chosen Ones could enter their souls - vast forests that sang with life, golden palaces that stretched beyond sight, coral reefs that shimmered with ancient power. But this barren expanse?267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOVQi291VE
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His hands clenched at his sides. 'Should I be worried? Maybe a year of torture broke more than just my body. Great - assuming I survive this, I'll need a healer for my soul.' The thought brought another wave of uncertainty. 'Wait, am I even alive? Or is this some kind of afterlife?'267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mbLL9cUnx
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"Fear not, Chosen One."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEP1Am9IQL
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Cel's head snapped toward her, eyes wide. Could she—?267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bHnihdmQ9
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"Your soul will evolve and grow with you," Selina continued, her tone reassuring. "What you see now is only the beginning."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5pxeUijpP
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Relief flooded through him, followed immediately by embarrassment. 'Right. She was talking about my soul, not reading my mind like some omniscient—'267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUQ22JOgyg
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For the first time, her serene smile wavered. Though the mask hid her eyes, he felt the weight of her gaze as she leaned closer. 267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpBeIltPF8
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"Are you alright, Chosen One?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElHMhAg9US
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Cel took a step back, heat flaring in his cheeks. "Yes, I'm fine. Or... am I fine? I don't know." The words tumbled out faster. "Can you tell me what's happening to me? I'm pretty sure I was... dying."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol4MRLjiJH
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Her smile returned, radiant and untouchable.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6iOKFZHxr
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"Yes, your body is dying. Even as we speak, time continues outside your soul."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyAqhjqnRY
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'Why are you smiling while saying that?' Cel's eye twitched. 'I could cry...'267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4bb3EIpgO
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"The goddess called you here to bless you," Selina continued. "Through her blessing, you will be granted the physique of a Chosen One. Your body will be transformed, and you will survive."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8JfbJbEw9
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Cel stared at her. Just like that? After everything - the torture, the starvation, bleeding out in some cursed wasteland - it all came down to divine timing? 'Happy birthday to me, I guess.'267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzzsGqLiDz
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"How exactly do I receive this blessing?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiDoI64huv
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He knew the basics, of course. Every god had their own method, but it was typically straightforward. At the age of sixteen, you enter your soul, get blessed, become a Chosen One. Simple. Though he'd never bothered learning the specifics about the Moon Goddess - why would he? She was weak, irrelevant, barely worth acknowledging among the seven gods.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWueKn7NyKr
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"You must first pass a trial to demonstrate that you are worthy of the goddess's favor."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVuinLyyib
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"A trial?" The word came out sharper than intended.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddQJPc1BLb
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That wasn't how it worked. Most Chosen Ones met their priest, received their blessing, and emerged transformed. No tests. No trials. Just divine power handed down like a birthright.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSsxWc0stE
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Understanding dawned like a cold sunrise. 'Is this why so few serve the Moon Goddess? They don't just fail to receive her blessing - they die trying.' His jaw clenched. 'And here I am, about to join their ranks. Wonderful.'267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkno4Vc6Mr
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Bitterness rose in his throat like bile. All those years dismissing the Moon Goddess as beneath his notice, secure in his position as part of a Noble House. Destined for greatness, never needing to concern himself with the lowest deity. 'Look how well that turned out.'267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa4sEJudSP
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He forced his voice to stay steady. "Can you tell me anything about this trial?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUHwgAiU6a
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"I am sorry, but that does not lie within my authority."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNURPaw64oz
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'Of course it doesn't.' Cel sighed, the familiar frustration of dealing with divine knowledge settling over him like an old coat.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEV9LH4CHG
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"Will you challenge the trial, Chosen One?" Her gentle tone carried quiet gravity beneath the silk.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZCKslJ1N8
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Cel looked around at the empty fog, then back at her serene, untouchable beauty. His shoulders sagged with resignation.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0CtC09L7M
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"Yes. I don't have much of a choice if I want to survive, do I?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5V2ZybxTK
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The words hung in the misty air between them. Cel straightened, something hardening in his expression.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN6sMmF6FW
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"But before I begin this trial, I have one last question.” The words came slower now, heavy with meaning. “Why me? Why did the Moon Goddess choose me?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj9ogF1pVS
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The irony still burned. Every child of the Sun Clan grew up hearing the same stories - glorious warriors blessed by solar fire, leaders who commanded respect wherever they walked. Cel had been groomed for that destiny from birth, shaped to follow in those golden footsteps. Instead, he'd been marked by silver light.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNCHgYhLYd
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Once, he'd raged against that cruel fate. The Moon Goddess had destroyed everything - his place in the Clan, his father's approval, his future. If she'd simply left him alone, maybe the Sun God would have chosen him eventually. Or the Ocean Goddess, according to his mother's bloodline. Perhaps no Divine Calling at all would have been kinder than this.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyB0eO6AgC
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But the fury had cooled over months of suffering, replaced by something sharper. Something clearer.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMizM3pBKna
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'Without her, I'd still be chasing after that bastard's scraps of approval.' The thought made his stomach turn. That naive boy who'd hungered for his father's praise, who couldn't see the poison beneath every word - Cel wanted to strangle him.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOShJ8LuuE
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His father had cast him aside the instant he proved useless to his ambitions. One blessing from an unwanted deity, and fifteen years of calculated investment had been written off like a failed business venture. 267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDKoYbWk3Q
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'How pathetic I was.'267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p0s1c04hp
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The Moon Goddess hadn't ruined his life - she'd ripped away the blindfold. Shown him exactly how little his father had ever cared for him. The Sun God's rejection wasn't a punishment - it was mercy. Better to serve a deity who wanted him than beg for scraps from one who found him worthless.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D3JF9e24z
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Pain had been his teacher, and its lessons were carved deep. He wouldn't trade this harsh clarity for all the false comfort in the world.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCHHBf5vJh
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"I am sorry, but that does not lie within my authority."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWjnt9sG4g
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Cel bit back a bitter laugh. The gods' favorite deflection. "I figured as much."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3yQ0USHFx
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The silence stretched between them. Well, what had he expected? Divine revelations handed out like coins at a charity gathering? He'd learned enough hard lessons to know better.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjQ78JgmaP
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"Then let's get on with it." He rolled his shoulders, working out the tension. "I'm ready for the trial."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsJMrWQTIz
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Selina's silver hair caught the moonlight as she nodded, her serene expression brightening with unmistakable pleasure. Her shoulders lifted slightly, as if a weight had been removed.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaDMyd7YTw
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"May the Moon Goddess light your path."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt35Uw0wCQ
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The words carried weight beyond their simple meaning, final as the turning of a key. Cel's eyelids suddenly felt like stone, his limbs turning to lead as drowsiness crashed over him in waves. The fog around them seemed to thicken, pressing against his consciousness like a physical thing.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJY4Xx6J9z6
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He fought to keep his eyes open, to stay alert, but the pull was irresistible. As darkness claimed the edges of his vision, a voice that wasn't Selina's resonated through his mind - ancient, vast, carrying the overwhelming weight of divine will.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZQvHtM8p7
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<Your trial begins: Find the moon.>1234 copyright protection263ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwj2p8SoRQ 尼

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