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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq8m49Ur25
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzzkMPhze7
His amber eyes blazed with fury.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs07oRLU4i3
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZDsVZgSdG
"You clumsy bastard," he hissed.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYag57EWaQO
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmMGjiVCw1
Lior's entire body shook. "It was an accident, I swear, I just—"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlrRP6Lyyj
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglhaDvXksT
"An accident?" Kyros's laugh was sharp enough to draw blood. "You bumped into me."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fe55W3tPm
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYKQVFRLqL
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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl1yNBmkt9
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQajmOR0luI
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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThTmk5ZUL3
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9UjPzNJ5y
"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—"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtrvu4D4c8
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ru2F8BJgc
"Fix it?" Kyros's voice rose, carrying across the ballroom with perfect clarity. "An outfit of that quality? You think you can fix it?"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotRWl4Sq8Z
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KLnlAYOsK
Lior flinched as if struck.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqDMnynqOI
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ8Y6Bn7Ce
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."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbfQQbp8N9
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqIpnTuown
Several students shifted uncomfortably. A few commoners looked like they wanted to speak up but couldn't quite find the courage.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJIuuYkKX3
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZE0s1goLg
"You'll pay for this." Kyros's amber eyes gleamed.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVSnNFMRtD
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLqWKCmoU1
The blood drained from Lior's face. His lips moved soundlessly for a moment before words finally came. "I... I don't have—"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQXQUwgv0w
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsreSBHUuD
"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?"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rIWPyGLXN
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFx3kX6RTx
He tilted his head slightly, voice turning thoughtful in a way that made it worse. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0T2kDyPO9
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dDzyOHafj
"Maybe I should send the bill to your family. Let your parents understand exactly what kind of burden you've become."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xvzo2ZQIO
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70oriicisj
The blood drained from Lior's face. His lips moved soundlessly for a moment. "Please—my family—they can't—"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNN8Ih4iJC
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5Cc8W9wQj
"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."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh25Qlm6t3r
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADsMpWBlAg
The words hit like physical blows. Lior swayed on his knees, face going gray. His breath came in short, desperate gasps.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h8keqUQVO
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLqpKnDQTw
The world tilted. Darkness crept in from the edges of his vision.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6yb2sey44
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFLaxKC8RA
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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXMkGpQTMA
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyWOLzi3Ps
But before he could speak—38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczmHCt3rP3
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aIFH3QSIz
"That's enough."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9HmKsWa1d
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWhoY3IRtP
The voice cut through the tension like a blade through silk. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfyaVWL84Z
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeKDvPyIW7
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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BI3lEScP5
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr43p5W1N4
"Lior didn't bump into you," Theron said simply. "You stepped backward into his path. I saw it."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6D36n7UPh
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrpivM7Inx
The ballroom went absolutely still.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE9Bun6Odh
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyC7zXHfwG
Kyros's face went through several expressions in rapid succession - surprise, confusion, then anger. "What?"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwIs2pnVLT
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1V23sew2e
"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."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0OjZhN02d
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYMRpj8mNA
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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS5W6lJj0i
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFBPEhqtTH
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—"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV4zUonhwy
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbNLeNp3pQ
"I saw perfectly well." Theron's tone didn't waver. "It was your movement that caused the collision. Not his."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqR0yw9vsz
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TaRAA6Jce
Color flooded Kyros's face. Not embarrassment - rage. His entire posture had gone rigid. "How dare you—do you even know who—"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVFdALL4ha
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTQabbf94w
He cut himself off, jaw snapping shut. His amber eyes darted between Theron and the watching crowd, clearly trying to calculate his next move.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlJGcIFIF1
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcBUiHCKlF
Everyone knew who Theron was. The All-Blessed. Possibly - probably - the emperor's unacknowledged bastard. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrg8tlEXkJ
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NQi45656D
But Theron was still technically a commoner. No family name. No official noble status. And yet—38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK47PfD61qe
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZclMV7R9XG
Kyros's hand moved unconsciously to touch the Sun mark at his chest. The gesture was brief, almost invisible.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UJuSITh8R
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXHdetx7en
"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—"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pH577LtmL
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDt3NrewgN0
"Anticipated that you might step backward without warning?" Theron's expression remained wilful. "I don't think that's reasonable."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1HOyWacGJ
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiauiql60uu
The crowd was completely silent now. Every eye tracked between Kyros and Theron, waiting to see who would break first.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UlyG71Iyu
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN95LP2fnK7
Kyros opened his mouth. Closed it. The hand at his collar clenched and unclenched rhythmically.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnNiHyjvXx
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lnm22IB2S
Then a new voice cut in, smooth and controlled.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUdE3BLtu5
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiPm6jrGrz
"Lord Kyros."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ccKVGIMco
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRBTaXHPhX
Sylvaine's voice carried across the silence, gentle but unmistakable in its authority.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEG4WZcVec
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MYD7JJouF
She moved to stand beside Theron, light green eyes calm and assessing.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqbqxPfbcE
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5MMEFkuOP
"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."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBqFgh3lR3
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrzI2qUOVK
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—38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dDaAWJpyW
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IiUCCTAez
"You may be right." The word came out tight. Forced. "Accidents do happen. But do try to be more careful in the future." 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3aEupYYcc
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPNtaSWgHs
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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Kq6Go1hoK
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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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b94OPk3a5
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJFS4pNQ4Y
Then Theron knelt beside Lior, who was still on the floor, trembling.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLll63uTTbM
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfmcNIoRln
"Hey." His voice had lost the stern edge, becoming warm and genuine. "Are you alright?"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2nW8PpiQr
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe289nUuCE9
Lior stared at him with wide, uncomprehending eyes. Tears had gathered but not yet fallen. His breathing remained rapid and shallow.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflA3lP1Yn4
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrRqXXNRtl
"Come on." Theron extended his hand. "Let's get you up."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY457oYbElS
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQf52t6vaqZ
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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zk7gV7vZJ
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgSD21axqh
"It's over. You're okay." Theron's voice stayed reassuring. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDm8FcHNzG
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O3OrWTCRz
"Try to enjoy the rest of the evening, alright? You deserve to be here just as much as anyone else."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQ2eKs36GX
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq7yfNL0IG
Then he turned and walked back toward the gathered nobles, leaving Lior standing there with tears finally spilling down his cheeks.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H65wvMoeA
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtpfqKTEpa
The crowd began to disperse. Conversations resumed in hushed tones. The music started again, tentative at first, then building back to its previous volume.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WPGUna5DI
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLS6V6yt2c
Cel reached Lior's side. His friend was still trembling, still crying silently.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwm1OFb9y1
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg6LTu9n0l
"How about some fresh air?”38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdWWtOWnUx
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1EHvMAeFb
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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC96m9z0XNJ
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LuOaxOyJK
The evening ended with hollow formality. Students filtered out in clusters, nobles departing first with practiced grace while commoners lingered uncertainly before following.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCnSdQKcXo
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Fc7p6mhIw
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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV2bf7IYDd
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybJNLMwLAK
His regular clothes felt like armor in comparison. Simple. Unremarkable. Safe.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tdjh3vMve
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAny3KWIpH
He left the dormitory and crossed the grounds toward the training area.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxM6ZJjWNF
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnoKHoBZlX
The training grounds waited in near-darkness, lit only by the pale crescent moon hanging overhead. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcQgXZ9ePu
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIHAQsEByL
He started his training in silence.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhNdzk3qb4
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79Wozs7dNg
Eventually, footsteps approached from behind. Light, measured. He didn't need to turn to know who they belonged to.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoGySTZEqE
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTERoJSs0j
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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm8QcTJzCY
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrGWYXmSek
"You're here," she observed.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT2GgaEPR3
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2yhHsnyjG
"So are you."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoprnFmRCO
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZwOZgFxFn
She settled into her familiar meditation spot. "How is your friend?"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIFJV0JAEr
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjefLnEpxA
The question carried genuine concern despite its neutral delivery.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkLDcbv8Ku
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqw99XOPVcd
"Shaken." Cel shifted his stance, beginning a new form. "But alive."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aFdkDLgz6
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFQ2SEZd7x
They fell into their usual rhythm - Cel working through forms while Hestia meditated nearby, replenishing her Divine Essence through proximity to his death-scent. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPntkT9V8KB
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZTfOnTfE3
After a while, Cel broke the silence. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSZ5Zj3IFm
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jgzwywa7k
"That was unexpected. What Theron did." 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw42NEU3Wb
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jjJB0u01M
Hestia's eyes opened. "Was it?" 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWT56e3MTT
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80sPAKb95p
"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."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWtwQUTTM8
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQtu6C22zp
"His position makes it easier, not harder." Hestia resumed her forms. "Kyros couldn't risk offending someone who might end up as emperor."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gaBi5idZL
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzvooth2yj
Cel considered that as he raised his blade. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q5MdtFzhb
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5w0StW0nJ
"And Sylvaine supports him and ensures that he stays loyal to the Life Clan, I suppose." 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKYK55e7iG
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMraVQIKiX6
“That’s right." A pause. "She's good at her role. Tonight proved that."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDw0Vh0KYR
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi3X2r7WtB
"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.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HAzqQ6PaB
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1qwf9CtBd
She tilted her head slightly.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc42d3tKkIK
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t2XnSEvvZ
"Though I suspect Kyros will remember. The Sun Clan doesn't forget humiliation easily."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiNBmKA3ZO
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6tnx5GQG6
Cel dismissed Silent Moon, the blade dissolving into moonlight threads. He studied his hands for a moment.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLwqLYUY8i
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlTEPV0U05
"May I ask you something?" He looked up. "About what you said before. About death."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmzKHB5oZl
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7HHYQPgIT
Hestia's expression shifted slightly. "You may."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AT2iWBGzO
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRDJ2SRKUo
"Esrin. She must have killed thousands of creatures by now. How does she compare to me? The scent I mean."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGvAdj1dmI
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElDlEuPINJ
Hestia's expression shifted - surprise flickering across her features before settling back into neutrality.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8Wc9GzE2I
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgiBJrkivo
"You're curious about that?"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsUZPNX0KJ
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfTg6WPyqm
"Yes."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowuTAZGKb5
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0uD4Qqh3e
She considered for a moment, crimson eyes studying him with renewed intensity.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZefqBNWdzA
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aW2OMHXOP
"There's a difference," she said finally. "Esrin does carry death's scent. Faint but present. The accumulation of countless killed creatures."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N2wo8O78K
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyb9VvWdM9
A pause.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsl9fhIbrfZ
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy4LS1T68M
"It clings to her. Like smoke clinging to cloth after passing through fire.”38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDi1sfPRyx
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhntzeo57zy
Her gaze held his.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFtjwaKTRy
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgXzROl9uE
"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."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBni081Ixp
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhyZTGRW5L
The words landed with uncomfortable weight.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqReGspAS9P
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeml1lupF2v
"What does that mean?"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbcQ4EhJId
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqNdUdRIZf
"I don't know. I've never encountered something like that before."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlymtebdP2V
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI5eWLKb4v
"But whatever you are..." Her voice dropped lower. "It's unique." 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw0sn5v0Gi
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLewpJICKfp
Silence stretched between them.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbDrtw0014
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsTdbqrA8R
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. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5FdGrYRUf
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvquKCxPIt
"Shall we spar?" The question came casually - routine reasserting itself.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXCd7Wj7Ip
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBci7rdY9O
Hestia didn't respond immediately, crimson eyes studying him with that same clinical assessment he'd grown familiar with.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhxCc4xcvd
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Then she shook her head.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCctlYgforz
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"No."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7gGmMJm8r
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Cel blinked. "No?"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jpkcTpXsX
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"Not tonight." She rose from her meditation, movements deliberate. "Actually, not anymore. Not like this." 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfqE76PTTD
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAc0jgMGEF
Something in her tone made him go still. "Why?"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudf0tJoLZj
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHusKyCCL62
Hestia turned to face him fully. Her expression was serious, carrying none of the neutral composure she usually maintained.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX4mcZA4wG
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD7Z97oE53
"I need to be honest with you." She paused, as if weighing her words. "These sparring sessions - they're useless."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHqGrGj7sH
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboUVU73pps
The word hit like a physical blow.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChh6RYt4AM
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"You're not improving," she continued, voice steady. "Not beyond the basics. Not in any way that matters."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGeFyx4yYi
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BmdcnaOiT
Cel's jaw tightened. "I know my technique needs work—"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlyn38Spbp
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA6Q5Tzwmf
"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."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmZVHlyCCs
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oRvFAWjN2
"Then what—"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6nzMrKRVG
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPvaq0rYDG
"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."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxMVCiVKCh
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADweWpIcNc
The night air suddenly felt colder.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDZNsVCBGP
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Xxw35pQrI
"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?"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba9MM4gHxt
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uecYrtARY
She shook her head slightly.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLWbheStgU
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84SIZWxVKV
"You don't have it. And I don't think you ever will."38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4esowfmyFi
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkTadBi3tb
Silence pressed heavy between them.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVufwaAF8C
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Cel wanted to argue. To deny. To prove her wrong.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOeEtLhbwY
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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. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHtWW8qkEp
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyALYmkfyia
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. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFGbGAFUHA
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But eventually, he would hit a wall. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg41pzVnGL
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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. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTErdrSuGYU
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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. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAsMqUx58A
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwHTEAZHBs
"I know you're not a fool," Hestia said, her voice gentler now. "You must have realized this yourself. So I don't understand—"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP4y520CCN
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She stopped, clearly debating whether to continue.38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMYtrB78cq
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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." 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw6NB5jrMR
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'That's an understatement,' Cel thought, remembering bruised ribs and blood in his mouth. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElRFkzJwAb
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9TymMur97
"What is it you’re trying to achieve, Celvian?" The question came quiet but weighted. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wqUuEDNpZ
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamiTqvmaaz
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. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ1CLvxMBk
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But he couldn't say that. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMluAnYZPiZ
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His mind scrambled for something believable. Something that wouldn't raise questions. 38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMscjxzCXa
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"I—"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg2vtdGZSP
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"Does it have to do with your noble status?"38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpvIfvIIsT
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---38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0dge9HJCh
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1234 copyright protection34ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbYEW0Zzxg 尼

Heyho, Author here!1234 copyright protection34ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAOZ9Hx06Y 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 protection34ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84whf65MqM 尼

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