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    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


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    Done.” The Lion bowed his head, and stretched out a hand, as the five of them moved in front of the portal. Carmina and Catalina held hands, Cyrus readied the rifle, just in case he had to use it to clear the LZ. Bartleby and Dad supported each other, like a pair of old drunks staggering home. He’s had practice with that, at least,


    “


    True, they had been worn down in the battle against the elves. But the Lion carried multiples of the charms that were proof against projectiles. They canceled the speed of projectiles as soon as they got within a foot of him, causing them to bounce harmlessly off his armor, as if they’d been hurled by all the force a particularly petulant baby could muster. It was just common sense to carry those, when you were up against elves.


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    “Make Lion forget how to do this.”


    Memory wipe Guardian: Lion!


    Committed chakra: 0/44


    Cost: 5.


    Remaining free chakra: 3/39


    “


    Magic resistance detected... bypass?


    Additional cost – 130 chakra


    …


    Rune: Corruption has been integrated into your chakra network.


    Total usage: 10/51


    First Rune attuned. Chakra system awakened. Rune usage unlocked. Assensing unlocked. Consumption unlocked. Companion manifested.


    UNDERSTAND.


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