Kyros stood over Lior, fire-red outfit drenched and dripping. The expensive fabric clung to his chest, wine spreading across the embroidery in dark stains that would never come out.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce2Hy7bCLU
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His amber eyes blazed with fury.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWgjbUYc49
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"You clumsy bastard," he hissed.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzpeG0310Y
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Lior's entire body shook. "It was an accident, I swear, I just—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYMQaZn3Fz
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu9Z2EBOIA
"An accident?" Kyros's laugh was sharp enough to draw blood. "You bumped into me."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbJ6CNJ6i5
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The crowd pressed closer. Students formed a tightening circle - nobles in the front, commoners hanging back nervously. The music had stopped entirely. Even the servants had frozen mid-step.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd1MvLZpph
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlt4AV5VGW
Cel pushed forward through the ring of onlookers, Hestia just behind him. But there were too many bodies, too much space between him and where Lior knelt.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbyKRI0pN3
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"Please," Lior whispered. His sky-blue eyes were wide with terror, locked on shattered glass fragments. "I'll—I'll clean it. I'll find a way to fix it. Just please—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtJ6tV4fNd
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"Fix it?" Kyros's voice rose, carrying across the ballroom with perfect clarity. "An outfit of that quality? You think you can fix it?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiIFVinQgf
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Lior flinched as if struck.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW4pNSa5AK
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Kyros took a step forward. The movement was deliberate, calculated to intimidate. "But I suppose that's fitting, isn't it? A worthless Moon Chosen destroying things of actual value. It's what your kind does."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCHxAKVTxa
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Several students shifted uncomfortably. A few commoners looked like they wanted to speak up but couldn't quite find the courage.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymC4XWRR1m
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"You'll pay for this." Kyros's amber eyes gleamed.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfn1koST6Z
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The blood drained from Lior's face. His lips moved soundlessly for a moment before words finally came. "I... I don't have—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRhqBzaCgq
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"That's not my problem." Kyros crossed his arms, heedless of the wet fabric. "Your clumsiness, your responsibility. Unless you're suggesting I should just accept the loss? That House Solgrand should simply absorb the cost of your incompetence?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX93VzAYYjN
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He tilted his head slightly, voice turning thoughtful in a way that made it worse. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95F7Wtr4Oo
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"Maybe I should send the bill to your family. Let your parents understand exactly what kind of burden you've become."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pgZAYhQLU
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiLxpYBQhZ
The blood drained from Lior's face. His lips moved soundlessly for a moment. "Please—my family—they can't—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XXb49isW5
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPnSS1Uomd
"Can't what? Afford it?" Kyros's voice dripped with false sympathy. "Then perhaps they shouldn't have sent you here in the first place."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrrfQA6W3o
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwXerKTDsf
The words hit like physical blows. Lior swayed on his knees, face going gray. His breath came in short, desperate gasps.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz21Tlw24H
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The world tilted. Darkness crept in from the edges of his vision.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViHvt24Y5j
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Cel finally broke through the crowd. His jaw was tight, hands clenched at his sides. The air around him had gone cold - frost beginning to form on his palm.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmUlf84Lsc
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But before he could speak—55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sk1BYplVb
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"That's enough."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0ShVaPKiN
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The voice cut through the tension like a blade through silk. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZbCLVBnoP
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Theron stepped forward from the gathered nobles. His brown eyes were serious, the perpetual smile gone from his face. He moved with quiet confidence, positioning himself between Kyros and the kneeling Lior.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGehk7PYD8o
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"Lior didn't bump into you," Theron said simply. "You stepped backward into his path. I saw it."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jD7enDfP9
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The ballroom went absolutely still.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pYORuf8io
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Kyros's face went through several expressions in rapid succession - surprise, confusion, then anger. "What?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPV0oXOveK
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"You gestured while speaking and stepped back without looking. Lior was already walking past with a glass. You moved into him, not the other way around."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLH6UpLpP0
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Several students who'd been nearby shifted, exchanging glances. Their faces suggested Theron's account matched what they'd seen but been too afraid to say.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx68iYNiNz
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Kyros's hands twitched. His jaw worked as if chewing words he couldn't quite spit out. "That's—you're mistaken. Obviously you didn't see clearly—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHb9bRgJDu
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"I saw perfectly well." Theron's tone didn't waver. "It was your movement that caused the collision. Not his."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLN5ownSiU
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Color flooded Kyros's face. Not embarrassment - rage. His entire posture had gone rigid. "How dare you—do you even know who—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe4ZnGdHNk
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He cut himself off, jaw snapping shut. His amber eyes darted between Theron and the watching crowd, clearly trying to calculate his next move.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mp7YsMBG8
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Everyone knew who Theron was. The All-Blessed. Possibly - probably - the emperor's unacknowledged bastard. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilSLVNdz6N
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But Theron was still technically a commoner. No family name. No official noble status. And yet—55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqyil4cvqP
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Kyros's hand moved unconsciously to touch the Sun mark at his chest. The gesture was brief, almost invisible.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2g9bGZMpC
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"Even if—" Kyros's voice had lost some of its certainty. "Even if I moved first, he should have been more careful. He should have—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZctpVQZUE
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"Anticipated that you might step backward without warning?" Theron's expression remained wilful. "I don't think that's reasonable."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxl6SsnJffW
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The crowd was completely silent now. Every eye tracked between Kyros and Theron, waiting to see who would break first.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjovE4PuVqs
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Kyros opened his mouth. Closed it. The hand at his collar clenched and unclenched rhythmically.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBT5yPLrC3
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Then a new voice cut in, smooth and controlled.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RvLF8B6GJ
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"Lord Kyros."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f6LMMciIH
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Sylvaine's voice carried across the silence, gentle but unmistakable in its authority.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R8hZB9iRP
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She moved to stand beside Theron, light green eyes calm and assessing.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoLNzhllET
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"Perhaps it would be best to let this go," she continued. "The evening has been lovely so far. It would be unfortunate to let one mishap sour the entire event."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1iA5LdB7h
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Kyros's jaw worked. Every line of his body screamed that he wanted to press the issue, to salvage something from this disaster. But Sylvaine's presence beside him, the weight of the watching crowd,  Esrin observing from near the wall—55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq16kAL5vl
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"You may be right." The word came out tight. Forced. "Accidents do happen. But do try to be more careful in the future." 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfM2K8ZRYC
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He turned on his heel and strode toward the exit, his wet clothing squelching with each step. Several of his usual followers hesitated, glanced at each other, then hurried after him.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aXDGpGo2Q
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The tension didn't immediately break. Students remained frozen for several heartbeats, as if afraid moving might somehow restart the confrontation.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByOcZNLMPe
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Then Theron knelt beside Lior, who was still on the floor, trembling.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcIDwG5EyI
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"Hey." His voice had lost the stern edge, becoming warm and genuine. "Are you alright?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmN631wMeB
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Lior stared at him with wide, uncomprehending eyes. Tears had gathered but not yet fallen. His breathing remained rapid and shallow.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qOhMllSCl
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"Come on." Theron extended his hand. "Let's get you up."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkS11WKHen
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After a long moment, Lior's shaking hand reached out and grasped Theron's. The All-Blessed pulled him to his feet with gentle strength, keeping a steadying hand on his shoulder until Lior stopped swaying.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzpkkAqfz7
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"It's over. You're okay." Theron's voice stayed reassuring. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgarnu3PXh
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"Try to enjoy the rest of the evening, alright? You deserve to be here just as much as anyone else."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxANAJUKTO
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Then he turned and walked back toward the gathered nobles, leaving Lior standing there with tears finally spilling down his cheeks.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDL4pmH4w1
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The crowd began to disperse. Conversations resumed in hushed tones. The music started again, tentative at first, then building back to its previous volume.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrzCZJl90M
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Cel reached Lior's side. His friend was still trembling, still crying silently.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh7ihjjuBg
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"How about some fresh air?”55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPFfpUnvFh
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He guided Lior toward a side door, away from the watching eyes and whispered conversations. Behind them, the ball continued, but neither of them had any interest in returning.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXOeEQ9j20
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The evening ended with hollow formality. Students filtered out in clusters, nobles departing first with practiced grace while commoners lingered uncertainly before following.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH92Tl8cF7
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Cel returned to his room and changed out of the formal attire with mechanical efficiency. The dark fabric whispered as he folded it, placing it carefully aside for the Academy to reclaim.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8VwiXifFB
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His regular clothes felt like armor in comparison. Simple. Unremarkable. Safe.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeGlE0SxRo
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He left the dormitory and crossed the grounds toward the training area.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOhyQPc2mx
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The training grounds waited in near-darkness, lit only by the pale crescent moon hanging overhead. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJFZSwXnsP
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He started his training in silence.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0U25M51VY
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Eventually, footsteps approached from behind. Light, measured. He didn't need to turn to know who they belonged to.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9cnG3ay9t
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Hestia emerged from the darkness in her usual training attire - black and practical, stripped of the evening's elegance. Her crimson eyes tracked his movements with clinical precision.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQEMUPImn4
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"You're here," she observed.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvGv8XrWCy
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"So are you."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH4J2DCnut
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She settled into her familiar meditation spot. "How is your friend?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSTeOtqYIm
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The question carried genuine concern despite its neutral delivery.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRpBsrYJzj
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"Shaken." Cel shifted his stance, beginning a new form. "But alive."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8l4tayQuy
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They fell into their usual rhythm - Cel working through forms while Hestia meditated nearby, replenishing her Divine Essence through proximity to his death-scent. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wvXR0d6Jy
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After a while, Cel broke the silence. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadf5cjxFuG
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"That was unexpected. What Theron did." 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgn0HJinUC
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Hestia's eyes opened. "Was it?" 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN02mEB7JO5
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"Standing up to Kyros like that. In front of everyone." Cel shifted his stance, beginning a new sequence.  "Most people would have looked away. Especially someone in his position."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUR8GATDz4
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"His position makes it easier, not harder." Hestia resumed her forms. "Kyros couldn't risk offending someone who might end up as emperor."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzybRH3YbGH
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Cel considered that as he raised his blade. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz0L9DLWTt
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"And Sylvaine supports him and ensures that he stays loyal to the Life Clan, I suppose." 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSQkBRztWW
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“That’s right." A pause. "She's good at her role. Tonight proved that."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHLXYT3AXQ
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"She gave Kyros an escape. Made it easy for him to back down without losing too much face." Hestia's tone carried something that might have been approval.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3oIXj8tRJ
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She tilted her head slightly.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQSH0L15RH
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"Though I suspect Kyros will remember. The Sun Clan doesn't forget humiliation easily."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8ckr5RACi
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Cel dismissed Silent Moon, the blade dissolving into moonlight threads. He studied his hands for a moment.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ0jftvqHZ
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"May I ask you something?" He looked up. "About what you said before. About death."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowsSQgedOa
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Hestia's expression shifted slightly. "You may."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaFj8tvQdc
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpWJJnDAfk
"Esrin. She must have killed thousands of creatures by now. How does she compare to me? The scent I mean."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFVUzn9JAZ
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLDKT7O98a
Hestia's expression shifted - surprise flickering across her features before settling back into neutrality.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprxE9tULiM
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"You're curious about that?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVDAiMK15m
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1p83X9exYL
"Yes."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxf1LZ5iVl
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She considered for a moment, crimson eyes studying him with renewed intensity.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDyfffCynM
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"There's a difference," she said finally. "Esrin does carry death's scent. Faint but present. The accumulation of countless killed creatures."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa2baI34Of
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A pause.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpN8092PM7
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"It clings to her. Like smoke clinging to cloth after passing through fire.”55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLDaPne9CB
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Her gaze held his.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03vNLnXViX
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"You're different. The scent doesn't cling to you - it emanates from you. It's not something you've accumulated. It's something you are."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoa4sLNWSg
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U5gmwvejo
The words landed with uncomfortable weight.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPgjOH4QAa
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"What does that mean?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVmHCUX0tN
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"I don't know. I've never encountered something like that before."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9PMrmFkGP
55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHmqX2rrcQ
"But whatever you are..." Her voice dropped lower. "It's unique." 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHZWSpmXom
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Silence stretched between them.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFTCsiABPK
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Unique. The word settled over him without the weight it should have carried. He'd died and come back changed - he'd accepted that fact long ago. He even found himself grateful for the power it brought. Either way, dwelling on it changed nothing. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVT0ww675k
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"Shall we spar?" The question came casually - routine reasserting itself.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVtWOt9isI
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Hestia didn't respond immediately, crimson eyes studying him with that same clinical assessment he'd grown familiar with.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pQhtxB7Ls
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Then she shook her head.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZgGCeXoT5
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"No."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dauM1v12e
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Cel blinked. "No?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOqWFa1515
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"Not tonight." She rose from her meditation, movements deliberate. "Actually, not anymore. Not like this." 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKkKDCYTH6
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Something in her tone made him go still. "Why?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShPy3Ehb0e
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Hestia turned to face him fully. Her expression was serious, carrying none of the neutral composure she usually maintained.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wMKjscPZm
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"I need to be honest with you." She paused, as if weighing her words. "These sparring sessions - they're useless."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMssRkvMBQz
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The word hit like a physical blow.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh1BZk6FQn
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"You're not improving," she continued, voice steady. "Not beyond the basics. Not in any way that matters."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxjI8hL0Dn
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Cel's jaw tightened. "I know my technique needs work—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlfJ1QGbKl
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"It's not about technique." Hestia's crimson eyes held his without flinching. "You understand everything I've taught you. Every principle, every adjustment I suggest - you comprehend it immediately. You know exactly what needs to change."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDovNVbLxfB
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"Then what—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NJRMLrTkE
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"But you can't execute it. Not consistently." She crossed her arms. "It's not a problem of understanding. It's a problem of talent."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnpSNrvize
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The night air suddenly felt colder.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63oL308Ags
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"The only things keeping you functional in combat are your instincts and your physique," Hestia continued. "Your body is extraordinary. Your reactions are good. But actual skill? Technique? Understanding how to read an opponent and adapt?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79M0FPNOmy
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She shook her head slightly.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyh5igR4Hmj
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"You don't have it. And I don't think you ever will."55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9N0eWmkB7
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Silence pressed heavy between them.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJPpmlGL7F
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Cel wanted to argue. To deny. To prove her wrong.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yKjPy7Cyt
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He'd always known it. Even as a child in the Sun Clan, failing again and again while others excelled. The disappointment in his father's eyes. The whispered comparisons. The undeniable truth that no amount of effort could bridge the gap between him and those born with real talent. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbeGkyGxgZ
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In the Ashlands, it hadn't mattered. Survival required only stubbornness and a body resilient enough to endure. The Tremorborne didn't care about technique. The Ashlurker couldn't exploit poor form. Raw strength and divine resilience had been enough. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfdNNZnalK
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But eventually, he would hit a wall. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94g5utvNlT
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The moment he faced an opponent as strong as himself - someone he couldn't simply overpower with divine strength or outlast through endurance - he would die. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqcEbHvuDW
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The divine body masked the truth but couldn't erase it - Cel had never possessed talent, and resurrection hadn't changed that fact. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CNunZrqt4
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"I know you're not a fool," Hestia said, her voice gentler now. "You must have realized this yourself. So I don't understand—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDu7sRxKRs
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She stopped, clearly debating whether to continue.55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgLX9Yl6qN
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"I don't understand why you try so hard. You're the only student who comes here every single night to train." She hesitated, then added quietly, "And that with me. I’m not the gentlest sparring partner after all." 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxh3TFDy2m
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'That's an understatement,' Cel thought, remembering bruised ribs and blood in his mouth. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJn1f6ixG7
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"What is it you’re trying to achieve, Celvian?" The question came quiet but weighted. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU5Roc9SdW
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Cel knew exactly what his goal was. Becoming strong enough to destroy everyone who'd wronged him. Strong enough that his father, the cultists, everyone who'd watched him suffer - none of them would ever touch him again. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEStmIMF4T
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But he couldn't say that. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl11pylaxFx
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His mind scrambled for something believable. Something that wouldn't raise questions. 55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh887hArKOg
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"I—"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gv5LJdWup
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"Does it have to do with your noble status?"55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2qxW2eaKF
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---55Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LtnLJK67a
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1234 copyright protection51ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2ZCuMdgGc 尼

Heyho, Author here!1234 copyright protection51ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnH7Swz0p8 尼

I wanted to apologize that the chapter on saturday was left out. I would recommend you to join the Discord to stay updated on those matters: https://discord.gg/Uduxc48wfm1234 copyright protection51ＰＥＮＡＮＡatzeprO1iF 尼

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