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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7wqsGQpg5
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5wjFgwl4X
"Weak!" Another blow. "Pathetic!" The voice thundered through the dining hall.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADbOjeNULN
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A820IJSq8
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—72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprmQrrJj6Q
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHJZg6Ovgk
His eyes snapped open.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnpAf4WsDR
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCIwwV8q9d
The ceiling of his room stared back. Wooden beams. Familiar cracks.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3IcTohuwG
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoOZbuObVI
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u2KEYxc2E
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzjLeJ3flb
‘Just a dream.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYR7iH2oE2
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1WHaKkELN
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Xl0aG9kKN
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf1OLSDuvt
His body could push indefinitely. His mind couldn't.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNFEUfYVxz
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbGm5S3UrL
So he slept. Not often. But sometimes.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxitoyis1d
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6V9oXXsq3
And the nightmares always waited.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lmvbbbusk
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspB64kXZpK
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQajvBaYpWQ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3wibXZsur
An off day. Their weekly rest from training.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lTSvz6Z8i
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R5VowLruz
One day before the nobles would arrive.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnfJjwGu4O
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8AycNQ2Hf
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgHTSuV0GD
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSjPDhfv7k
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6Xl9OgVHX
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg6gnjKfuk
The building rose ahead - simple stone, unmarked except for the crescent carved above its door. Cel's hand found the handle and pulled.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTUQohhxEv
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs77PqY3He
The door swung open.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0YptwttKN
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKSPiREvv7
He froze.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1Lzdk8cvZ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilYPANIQc8
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBEDSu6jpG
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTfkBLt3aV
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGU1PrGUDE
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMgbGes8kK
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYmsOynBF6
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAzO7HYgUX
Cel stared at her. At the bucket filled with murky water. At her reddened hands.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5r2ujEwWP
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B0wMnJZ7I
"What are you doing?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ksbQalntx
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrY9gkyHT0
"Cleaning." She said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYUzbzATR5
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRY9hSDMg6
A sharp voice cut through from the shadows near the entrance. ”And that's exactly the problem, my lady.”72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cbdNNw0FZ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbjxB6eWrf
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3peQv8YDMs
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhb9iNw7J9
"You shouldn't be doing this," the woman continued, her tone gentle but firm. "It's not proper."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdJKzeA3uW
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8LxZjZVhX
“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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft2C3C0TFn
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YQQcx7or0
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnMoR4JIoL
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hO2saK4vg
Cel scanned the church interior. Empty benches. Dusty corners. Just Lyra and the two maids in the entire space.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWACcsEcNWA
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhA26LNHRr
"Is there no one else maintaining this place?" he asked.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTbn7KVqzG
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHriyQ8pVPb
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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5kZjA0aoh
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP5u4jhENb
“That’s why I do it.” Lyra cut in proudly, as if announcing good news rather than confessing to doing a servant's work.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybS3qvBJTY
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYrQThgVQt
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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kYgHGsJeL
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BJFY1AyD1
The younger servant nodded vigorously, her agreement silent but emphatic.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa8ZqziE63
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7hDPKnzGL
Cel looked at Lyra again. At her smile. At the way she knelt on cold stone.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEc1EhTkT0
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZewvr2VmuR
Their father would have beaten her senseless for this.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdk8PYJSUE
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLxr0LRJOT
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqF3alIHA4
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00gkCx9lkV
But Lyra simply smiled and went back to her scrubbing.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fIxhayrUv
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQJEIUqayD
"I'll help." 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvLr2YV08J
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEd4wlMRcE
The words left Cel's mouth before thought could catch up.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0miq08Octv
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jIfHK2J2r
Margaret's eyes widened. "Young master, you don't need to—"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NyFdzzE1M
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IuvOE4yGz
"I want to."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9ydyfbJNo
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdUPrR8nHC
"Really?" Lyra’s face brightened, voice lifting with genuine warmth. "That would be wonderful."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FlNhhHkXU
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhwjqxKFw9
Margaret and the younger servant exchanged glances, clearly uncertain how to refuse a Chosen who'd already made up his mind.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxOxD40hpG
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AyYD7jkwK
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG1awdKGh3
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapiJ9kUvLd
The work began.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBtrTshjHe
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmky1XEmiwH
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSogm9tjzYG
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWCNFDFxPC
"You don't have to press so hard," Lyra said, demonstrating with her own cloth. "Just steady circles. Like this."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNJgYp7KdN
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkFH7QL0mJ
Margaret worked on the benches, her movements efficient and practiced. The younger servant cleaned the windows with careful strokes.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAbVPxrXiy
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUMNFSdS8J
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFEtMqCDZl
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPbL3voX40
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE9e2lNLaP
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdd4EMLM2x
"The Moon Goddess deserves better," Margaret added from her position at the benches.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJGMQ9UIyO
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENxwgr8279
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgbaghRYN0
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmcSOc5LlL
Cel's hands stilled for just a moment. Then resumed their circular scrubbing.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDWbki7xRR
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS8kkZJEt1
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWgkiQfifz
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcU8cLI68r
By the time they finished, afternoon had faded toward evening. The church looked... better. Not perfect, but cared for.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiek3wL26X
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcAVVHN79D
"Thank you," Margaret said, bowing deeply to Cel. "Your help made this go much faster."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadhNRktZOp
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXFnYwdKhQ
"Yes, thank you." Lyra glanced back inside. "It usually takes us hours longer. Having another person really makes a difference."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5UumpzWJi
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI52xmOy3q5
The other maid bowed as well, gathering the buckets.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgMiVRt19h
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNKKvctqJu
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sbEpqecjx
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIdG6oITX8
He pulled his hood back up and stepped into the evening streets, his feet turning toward familiar ground.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFEAAFiixl
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj19EvHJZI
The Golden Hart's door swung open beneath his hand.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbre4MYngU
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ7J2Q7smZ
Sound crashed over him like a physical wave.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOJKlJIKsN
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaVb6Wbtos
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8pY6zoIKJ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoz1255H1A
Cel paused in the doorway, momentarily overwhelmed.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vR7d0HOi8
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUzcGmWIfi
The bartender spotted him immediately. His weathered face split in a wide grin.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0ujKMmRnu
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOiuAPR7RU
"Ah, there you are!" He beckoned with one hand, the gesture exaggerated. A wink followed. "Come here, boy!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEAcdisQug
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBrXHO4Pif
Cel navigated through the crowd, confusion clear on his face.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdZR01TD6q
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkufC5AXrg4
‘What's going on her?’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEGXIhQmHR
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCvIWAwz9r
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N2kEbtrkx
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv05PCzAVoU
"This is Cel!" the bartender announced, his voice carrying over the din. "If someone beats him, everything goes on the house!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1GpF20sgF
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCwIpBphw4
The tavern erupted.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51Ne1HnF2I
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZw1tVSREO
Cel twisted his head, staring at the bartender. "What the hell are you talking about?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2uu3YVo44
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDKtUMbVa4
"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?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNkzU3NgNB
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAUXn86VJ8
"You think that boy can drink?" someone shouted from across the room, laughter following the words.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuf4NVH7Yj
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡml5FUuidLp
"He looks barely old enough to hold a tankard!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw79R9ukBZ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2j201tTzE
"You sure you want to lose all your money, old man?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVuDLHcs1n
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnPRasV5BD
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!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwMUIJF4DA
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWfVNDoX5r
"Then I'll take first challenge!" A broad-shouldered man pushed through the crowd, already swaying slightly. "Easy coins!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJnOrWsIFU
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGlZ5hLog5
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q3v0FGqqg
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuk94KO7cX
The man dropped into a chair with a heavy thud, gesturing at the seat across from him.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROKPRzX6h4
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2ShucWn88
Cel looked at the bartender.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmXvIZCRHb
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVjsnIvlkI
The bartender's eyes gleamed with anticipation.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5XVyXcarT
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqLTlCF4ZU
Cel sat.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlMA9VrjN9
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90uVUlVGXZ
Two massive tankards appeared on the table, filled to the brim. Foam spilled over the edges.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpSCyyl5AF
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3TBlqC3nT
"First one to stop loses," the challenger announced, lifting his drink. "Simple enough for you, boy?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjNxEkzjL7
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsoqboL27b
Cel lifted his own tankard.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr0UZAzZHA
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1ua5tl68n
They drank.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0WaZlUkwd
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJe1ulUq8w
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFjKzCXGtu
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD7VGvBSgW
Cheers erupted from those who'd bet on Cel. Groans from those who hadn't.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSiIrIWcRU
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBN6XncOTj
"Next!" someone called.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqY1uPyukL
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9TpefVg3r
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMpqrYqLdy
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNMQhavYZ5
Then another challenger. And another.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rejJrcDUX
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Dxz3etT5q
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE29mcZek67
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQXVf1Ipj4
"How is he still standing?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYiDY92HMc
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNPjq27TDC
"That's his tenth opponent!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto9JOjDhDf
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKpcvywvuZ
"I've never seen anything like it!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1f1Nkf3PH
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfmR29ZoQc
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaSWwIJVIq
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92nkZiUKls
The alcohol was finally affecting him.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYzkcjrb0V
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkR2eoQBZc
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hZxCH4ZU0
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcyTmyZZV3
Strangely, he didn't care.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfekqDNi94L
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE6QY3LcCu
The warmth felt... good. Pleasant. Like the weight he carried had lightened just slightly.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dOVNb8bG0
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lZTQGY59t
A man collapsed face-first onto the table after round four. The crowd roared.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTbq8KJUdJ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtb3huB22A
Another challenger sat down. This one massive, his arms thick as tree trunks. He glared at Cel across the table.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR1Ro7CTzp
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZxtcVlk9G
They drank. One tankard. Two. Three.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN3PAUAYjP
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBW4P7IQon
The man's face grew redder with each round. Veins stood out on his temples. But he kept pace, determination written across his features.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunTVr7b8F4
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdVpPJC3bk
Seven rounds passed.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD6hwa8PJl
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhBPCtd4Ng
The man slammed his empty drink on the table. "That's it. I'm done."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL1FWf4X9k
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSvuolagfe
But his expression shifted immediately - anger replacing defeat.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMbpWCWoV5
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpUYuMGZmK
"This isn't fair!" He pointed at Cel, his words slurring. "I'd beat you easily if this were an arm wrestling contest instead!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaGnSHmG2B
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS2WXSIEPW
The crowd turned on him immediately.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4PIm8521C
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi16ddNzENh
"You lost! Accept it!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeYDuh89cj
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg1zGvpfPo
"Don't be a sore loser!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34uMCFPWHg
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKRxAkAIW2
"You want to arm wrestle a boy half your size? Have some shame!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSouGarADPA
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo9BjJxyH5
Cel's mouth moved before his mind caught up. The alcohol made everything feel distant, decisions easier.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU5WFWVr2J
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHP94P2Axp
"Fine by me."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qIyGtMu9a
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxJbwpfev0
Silence crashed down.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGklDn9c9hc
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl71l8FiqhP
The crowd stared. The massive man blinked, clearly not expecting agreement.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc57C3AWhe
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYlcwn1eRo
"You... you sure, boy?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6lv6XqdXS
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0SjkhewDW
"Why not?" Cel answered without thinking. "Let's do it."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbOb7wFVvj
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9kTu1aNr4
The table cleared. They positioned themselves, elbows planted, hands clasped.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKBVZCeMq0
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONvsr5RjdU
"Three!" someone called. The crowd joined in. "Two! One!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTXs6PXQmK
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eblio6vgu
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2W0yqJvyS
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIGgMJi7pk
But only slightly.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW1ei5Dp1G
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXdNYcXK3v
The man's hand slammed to the table within seconds.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1BlaNqHLc
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUSBT075XA
The tavern exploded.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiK4A0F9nDS
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsKqEwsp2n
"Did you see that?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLzqFrTZYP
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKJnRTXr77
"The kid's a monster!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0UnLzm6OX
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoysj4JhuF
"Who else wants to try?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09ZU0QhZsx
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWivuXuabv
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJv9ip9OTe
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjLsyy4xev
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB9aMn6cMo
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5fvzmAEvo
The crowd loved it. They cheered for him. Clapped his shoulder. Treated him like he belonged.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwasb1EmhU
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYij8rBA3Sf
It felt... really good.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbamGQuX1gT
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqpnIC05bI
A new figure approached through the crowd. Hooded. Moving with confidence that suggested sobriety.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOXmuAvras
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqwkzyXaX7
He sat across from Cel and pulled back his hood.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOEE7CRj4q
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHsWDbk3kt
A face Cel's age looked back at him. Broad features. Stone-gray eyes, steady and direct.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsI3OwxxSo
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y9gc4x1XJ
They clasped hands.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0pLGVT4dC
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52p0RcHdOv
The countdown began.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK5je3jN7l
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIg8AnMf5E
The moment their match started, Cel felt the difference. Real strength. Not just muscle and determination - something more. Divine enhancement.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU7UQoDWq9
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkMTpCEStU
Another Chosen.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzRVCp1V3s
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7knD7wWlE
Cel had to actually push. Had to engage more of his strength than he'd used for any previous challenger.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ8AXOTs2k
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKM0z9pSFLm
The wood beneath their elbows groaned.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Qi0PQffD
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aHGJ0J8ki
Both of them pushed harder.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwxrd9X7e7
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuTGHkJ3OF
The table exploded.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDTV96UN5q
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYHe9NSkTT
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4rXAiiy68
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KrYD19gPn
Complete silence followed.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lUYTSyfDE
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNIBCRjS74
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgMNvJUxKk
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZLto728Qk
"AHHH, MY BEAUTIFUL TABLE!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r26I1oas5
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylGg6qUWpZ
The bartender's wail broke through. He clutched his head, staring at the wreckage.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKGgYAYy21
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlhlquaKmI
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL7YFRGfsI
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSHFGHfeSO
It landed with a heavy clink.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRxq2TLQaN
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRSEIZqrQQ
"Fair trade," he said. A brief nod toward Cel.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t7s2vFekJ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJuEXsYS1L
Then he turned and walked toward the door.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrEHepaqyd
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iSzGlQP96
The crowd parted automatically, too stunned to speak.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYn5Ly33BI
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dDASUVd2C
He vanished into the street.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoEPuVITM8
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJjGrx2k5J
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyz22Ojc4o
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiaekCrCKn
Cel sat among the destruction, staring at the doorway where the stranger had disappeared.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZcVDqZ905
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uETYpt3bm
His vision swam. The room tilted slightly.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyALYpeQN9l
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zz3QDbABy
The bartender appeared beside him, still clutching the money pouch. "You alright, boy?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94XjvAjIK1
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcIGCcmAC9
"Sure," Cel said. The word came out slurred.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB1vEIpToI
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAXT9bkwrV
"Right. Well, enjoy your winnings. You certainly earned them."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpP0uKdMul
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIKyNdIRol
Cel blinked. ‘Winnings?’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnojMMaXgM
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yv2InoOpe
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYfXqpboAd
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvL1ZZfNZ7
The tavern spun.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYkWUPYJ2Y
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHKAKRGoTI
Everything after became haze.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCaH2kOsrd
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3AzosqHGR
Sensation returned slowly.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KE1sEI4ck
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOevnVVK7T
Cool ground beneath him. The scent of flowers.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSOMjF8SK9
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZYnIIAcuI
Cel's eyes opened.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbxo7PZuxh
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdtNYAuepD
A face hovered above him. Silver mask catching light. Rose-colored lips curved in a gentle smile.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VVhqUqxrp
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgIL7PMQha
Selina.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMiLTR40iX
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEw148u064
“Chosen One, I'm pleased you found joy. Though I wonder if you'll remember doing so.”72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAWFp1lZzj
1234 copyright protection68ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh54f4GMBQ 尼

216.73.217.22