"What do you want from me?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYPbtFSxLn
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl0JOPJHJp
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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbI3tA6f8A
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Silence stretched.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpPhJVtyBu
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjCGOMAdTE
Then she rose in one fluid motion, brushing invisible dust from her uniform with careful hands.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dOwIzvnKN
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnGDLTRz3b
"I'm uncertain what you mean, Celvian." Her tone carried the practiced neutrality of noble deflection. "If my presence disturbs you—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ADnFk6Fmz
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOxtx3Lqqt
"That's not an answer."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXvhB77vPi
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VZDNxX2Aj
Cel's voice came flat. Direct.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7o821UDbw
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cP0I3Pn4V
Hestia's fingers stilled on her sleeve. Something flickered across her expression - too quick to name, but there.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk9mEEU0Ke
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxxdlyzQvN
"You've been inching closer every night," Cel continued. "So I'm asking again. What do you want from me?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92rSD0cUH6
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8J6Lh4tzh
The silence that followed felt heavier than before. Hestia's crimson eyes studied him with renewed intensity, as if recalculating some internal assessment.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYo5eYkURP
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg3qZFUbnL
Finally, she spoke.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNXOH8JIxg
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCG0Qfb03P
"Are you familiar with House Mortveil's position within the Death Clan?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PtzSld6Qy
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5aPnfmFnT
The question caught him off-guard. His brows furrowed.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF5DXc1n9R
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCHghudioe
"House Mortveil leads the Death Clan. Everyone knows that."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wv0ZFhPeq
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMsLn43JHF
"Yes. But do you know why?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJVd5XACSf
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8cUB33LgE
Cel's jaw tightened. "No."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0gGRrLi8k
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99JJjqG0BO
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."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDGf1PjINu
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdaCIi1ZPl
She paused.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jZxptxkr4
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF5xj7bGhx
"Yet House Mortveil has led the Death Clan since its founding. No other house has ever successfully challenged our position."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlWWMnfxMm
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcXDH7ufF9
Cel's mind worked through the implications. "Why?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ug9tzA770
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeFaaUPEN1
"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."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGkdmd3gYO
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6ybDU2Byz
She lifted one hand, studying it as if seeing something beyond.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuHJwNyJmW
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfjlQUWgIY
"We can smell death."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfGVJUyhDy
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She paused.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk29D25dq1W
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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."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6FSZa0To4
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZOv8Ot1hE
Cel's pulse quickened. "What does that have to do with me?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXeucaUrrp
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhXRFQKukI
Hestia took a step closer. Then another. Until only a few paces separated them.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtR97vpSPA
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgXpNk8ika
"You reek of death."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGfcgDh5WI
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The statement landed like a blade between his ribs.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T0nTOS9k3
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HgsolmRuR
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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmsGZh3cd3
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQemGGIr8r
But death itself still clung to him. Invisible. Undetectable to everyone except those blessed to perceive it.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhGIrDYC9B
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiZNfnhIGY
'Raven.'55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I4tCCyLIA
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The pieces clicked together with cold certainty.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxFeJUEOV8
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7odcPmfVzt
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? 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4pFRcCR9A
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEp4OS8koO
Something cold settled in Cel's chest. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl8AvscHZc
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1P0OP09fm
"Being near you helps me replenish my Divine Essence." Hestia's tone remained neutral.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPXerrayYc
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUOjRZanFF
"How does it smell?" The question escaped him before thought could stop it.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHpkk5Nh4e
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVaLHSl3Es
Hestia's expression shifted - something that might have been surprise.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6498tpjQb1
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwlig9VoVI
"Pleasant," she said after a moment. "It's... comforting. In a way."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutVQMrxUwh
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyZ5GHTyIS
She'd been drawn to him not despite what marked him, but because of it. Because death was familiar. Comfortable, even.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVpQcVNDZ5
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The irony was almost laughable.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6pkHvtMiu
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQpwc6QGlb
"So you've been using me." The words came flat. Accusatory. "Sitting close to replenish your essence."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0YRT9RhUe
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She met his gaze directly.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImukFEMu5l
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZvFN1egZU
"I didn't lie."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB7PmVg9s5
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnEdYjaD2R
"You didn't tell the truth either."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkgvDHsDYW
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeG5u9254A
Silence stretched taut as wire.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWrGRMNoAA
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Then Cel made a decision.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgrzPCrAAK
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"Fine. I'll help you."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1mIgUfk3Q
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Hestia blinked. "What?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj22mCoa7XS
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYMoMZM7Kw
"You want to be near me to replenish your essence. I'll let you. But I want something in exchange."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LfhBf2tDb
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKUUzsiomT
Her eyes narrowed. "And what might that be?" 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOChEs7ohUy
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ31hQ43igU
"Spar with me." He summoned Silent Moon, the blade materializing in his grip. "Every night. Real fighting. No holding back."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoic0Mg2aSF
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFpVZHWGsM
"You want to fight me?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqx5DQpohGj
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcuEFdmUGc
"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."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiYGud1eBN
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMnI4jkNoP
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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1EB2KmxIw
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9Y0SAoARU
"That was extraordinarily rude."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7szXzpPDSH
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zJXb5iDEc
"I know."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBBWQCfTdW
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo3GLf1jPC
"Accusing me of using you. Making demands of a noble."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EXGdPshxS
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X2rUYVM8C
"I know."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYTuqTT7mf
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwmHwuF6gg
Her lips curved slightly. Not quite a smile, but close.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdaBIe1tYq
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy6UuMi80I
"Very well. I accept."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDO0bXBlk90
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYxjtTn7pz
She stepped back, hands moving to summon her artifact. "Though I suspect you'll regret this arrangement quickly enough."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnY1PnbOBQ
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODUthxXpuA
Darkness coalesced in her hands, solidifying into something that made Cel's breath catch.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX9lCAl3zQ
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbouUUYkTc
A longsword.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuDs0MmrjJ
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9kc8u1Tfp
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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeVe4M0ZoB
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMlxa2obaS
It matched her perfectly. Elegant. Deadly. Precise.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu67ZkKCl4e
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6jA132TDv
Cel's grip tightened on Silent Moon.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsnD1s0mhM
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR5Kh7vKqR
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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXppEE4WsT
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbsjlHdFNM
"Begin whenever you're ready," Hestia said softly.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmJy9uyMTI
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqQ62GdEiS
Cel moved first.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1coLXcCQgY
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyJ6Pv1dxy
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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxeQvHwgd8
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr5mhU00Cd
Hestia's weapon intercepted.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WCsMg2XYn
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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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgagVcSb63d
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDx5W2NKjX
Cel stumbled, balance breaking.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexoGI28ubH
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ30ZMVW20f
The longsword's pommel drove into his stomach.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHQur7sBuG
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFulpTF8qH
Air exploded from his lungs. He bent double, gasping—55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FpzMvAIpD
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Her knee caught him under the chin.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqOALjgm1Y
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vYQVDwQNw
His head snapped back. Stars burst across his vision. He tried to recover, to bring Silent Moon up—55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPxCe9OquM
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The flat of her blade slammed into his ribs.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAzFIFKt9a
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlwucox5TM
The impact launched him sideways. He hit the ground hard, rolled, came up on one knee with his weapon raised—55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwx0v2b7G8h
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bKTSI0t8D
Hestia's crimson blade pressed against his throat.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBE3zawp0B
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9clbylrusy
"Yield?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NA2JHOZpV
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrbdnAWUnn
Cel stared up at her. At the perfect composure. The absolute control. The complete absence of mercy in those crimson eyes.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac6MKGZ0DG
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTyqjbcDjS
"Yes."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PFv8BztwP
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzMcMN5eCT
The blade withdrew. She stepped back, weapon still raised and ready.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLB1gGRvWl
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQF4gJXCii
Cel pushed himself upright slowly, chest heaving. His ribs throbbed where she'd struck him. His jaw ached. His pride burned worse than both.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFSWyEzgxM
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97CAX8Xq8j
"Again?" Hestia asked. Her tone remained polite. Almost gentle.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIiS4CeQIR
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK5b0wOyYt
Like she was offering tea instead of another beating.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDjR7rW6ze
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhIs3x7mX9
Cel raised Silent Moon again.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBfnam1oKG
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxANhGfW2F
They fought.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBffDdWyix3
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZZ0JB3Owd
Or rather, Hestia dismantled him with clinical precision.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Vgt9IMVos
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvvMHS9GHH
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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU5jleobvv
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgTuVu4vIF
She didn't just beat him. She punished him.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtNGzOjmU6
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaSoWZ7bA0
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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26pUsBNFRC
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY1lpgBLXW
By the fifth match, understanding settled in his chest like ice.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2E1xGvYA5
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"You're angry." He stayed on the ground this time, delaying the next beating.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRESCWMIkz
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUO7Nqx49p
"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." 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToErFv1VOZ
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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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7PKd1RDX3
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdzW6wQDaG
"I apologize." The words came rough. "For being rude."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWILJlo1vq
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQM3uIMpgS
"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."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM3WhAXyGO
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyEuWxsbuI
She stepped back, leaving him on the ground. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR03mqYH2lo
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MtGL4dXqK
"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." 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJHsXru5aq
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMLunAmjgE
Her lips curved into that cold smile again.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI19YXANMfu
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"Tomorrow evening. I trust you'll maintain better manners."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH8btAExGK
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d6F4pfKeN
She turned and walked away, jet-black hair swaying with each step.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLGf9z8odg
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TAMwhgbNl
Cel watched her go, ribs aching and pride thoroughly trampled.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7I7rz1Q0K
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu41nZZQS6w
'I really do regret this.'55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xsmFCQIol
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wht0QBp91
Weeks blurred together in a rhythm of classes, training, and nightly defeats.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuS39xlXWV
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MAsHyqehs
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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoH9jbpzNE
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The rankings reflected it.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iaP0ufKSl
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUftYgPNdh
Rank 38: Lior55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIf9JzSMno
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Still near the bottom. Still struggling. But no longer dead last.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ1HAT1lCJ
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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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEYpFmnizW
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvgcdMyAet
Progress. Real progress.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdHsFzmUyj
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGbsTWA9ec
Meanwhile, Cel's own nightly training sessions continued with brutal consistency.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KS29Sl1Xe
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She was merciless. Every match ended the same way - him on the ground, her standing over him with that bloody longsword at his throat.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcogIKvcNqN
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He tried different tactics. Defensive forms. Aggressive rushes. Feints and misdirection.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyCFsIb2vA
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None of it worked.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJgr0RfPl0
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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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrBmuNSyK1
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He still couldn't capitalize on the knowledge. But at least he could see it now.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV8GeG35WE
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The losses piled up. His body adapted to the constant punishment, healing faster, growing resilient to impacts that should have left him stunned.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMsPgeTH6h
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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.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kSlXDX8nd
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It was... helpful. Frustrating. But helpful.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MA4ceK1oW
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And every night, she meditated nearby afterward. Close enough that the scent of death apparently served its purpose.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcd8cRPc8K
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They didn't speak much outside the sparring. Just existed in the same space, using each other for their respective needs.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNZNZOt86X
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkNDPJMpXk
Mutual exploitation. Strangely honest.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5rgJEzYfp
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The routine held until one particular morning.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGSNu8Pi1O
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Light filtered through the classroom's tall windows, painting long rectangles across tiered benches.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQdUqG9HTG
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZREMC2CIU
Cel sat in his usual spot, Lior beside him. Hestia occupied the bench behind them.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0XPGu6J4g
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Students filled the remaining seats in their usual clusters. Nobles near the front. Commoners scattered through the middle and back rows.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKPtRxJtLs
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tpsgS514y
Instructor Saren stood at the podium, hands folded, waiting for complete silence.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5axEKBcwV
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When the last conversation died, she spoke.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq70pnVmtJc
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"Today's lesson will be abbreviated." Her tone carried unusual formality. "We have a special guest."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2Is2XsSrR
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTxkGN3gZq
Murmurs rippled through the class. Special guests were rare. The Academy maintained strict protocols - even noble parents couldn't simply appear without advance notice.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRr37l26Pc
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4yamGbWdH
"She is humanity's greatest defender," Saren continued. "One of few in all of history to have reached the pinnacle of human capability." 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6xdJaa60C
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She paused.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdJj5TQMN0
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"Lady Esrin of the Chosen Legion, also known as the Hallowed."1234 copyright protection51ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xiZjJYVmi 尼

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