<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Gless - Grand Cathedral, Squad Eight Quarters</span></span><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Guilford, it is but an easy feat to overlook all manner of possibility in the face of great danger.  Any normal human would be limited to two options: fight or flight, it's in our nature.  However, Pristine Knights should not, and must not be limited to those two options alone.  We have tempered our bodies, our minds and our spirits, to thrive in situations where danger is commonplace.  It is our duty to seek out those possibilities, ascertain the best course of action, and to act on the decision we deem beneficial for the good of many.  Never forget that."</span><br/><br/><br/>For some odd reason, the words of his former captain, spoken from the first ever lecture the man had given him upon his assignment to Squad Seven, ceaselessly echoed inside his head.  It was a combined lecture on decision making, cause and effect, and as always, the duties of a Pristine Knight.  For all intents and purposes, that first lecture served as his guiding pillar throughout his knight career, up until this point in time where he was now one of the two Seraphs, hailed leaders of the Pristine Knights.  There have been many times that his guiding pillar had been put to the test, yet in every single one of those trials and tribulations, he was able to pull through with those words held in heart.  So why does he feel so helpless now?  Why does his heart feel so lost?  Guilford once again shuffled the documents he had on hand, much like the many times he'd already done so, coming to understand the fact that he<span style="font-style: italic">could not</span>—for the love of Light—understand any of the stuff written in the missives, not when he was<span style="font-style: italic">this</span>distracted from the task at hand.<br/><br/>Today was the day.<br/><br/>Captain Abel and a select few of the veteran knights would be departing for the Barrens soon, under the guise of a counteroffensive (a hasty one at that), orchestrated by old pencil-pushers, utterly clueless as to who and Light forbid what else those men would be facing down there.  Back in the day, victory was pinned alongside the old captain's name.  He was the Lightbringer, once one of, if not the brightest beacon of hope the knighthood ever had, but now, the Seraph was not so sure.  Uncertainty dangled in every aspect of this operation, and as for the outcome, no matter how hard he meticulously tried to simulate the offensive playing out, even with every detail and all possibilities taken into account, still remained a question mark.<br/><br/>What was his former captain thinking?!<br/><br/>Even with the knowledge of who was truly waiting for them down there, and with the awareness of what it took to grasp victory once, how could he so willingly stake his life for a victory that was nothing short of delusional?  What was he truly hoping to achieve?  What was the underlying motive for his actions?  What does he hope to accomplish by subjecting himself to such danger?  Surely Captain Abel knew that there was just no way seven knights would suffice.  Did he have a plan?  The questions kept coming, and the more Guilford thought about it, more questions spawned in the wake of his musing.  No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't get inside the head of his old captain.<br/><br/>He had to know.<br/><br/>Tossing the papers aside, the male Seraph sharply rose from his seat, confused yet irritated eyes trained on the door leading out of his quarters as he walked towards it, slamming the same door that became an outlet for his frustration shut behind him.  Guilford briskly walked the halls of the Cathedral, destination set towards the Wyervia Docks, hoping to catch the men before they set off to what he could only think of as a one way trip.<br/><br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: white;background:white;"/></div><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Gless - Wyervia Docks</span></span><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Just like old times eh?"</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"It's so like you to take things at face value. It's depressing."</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Hey! As long as we're doing something right?"</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"But we haven't even been briefed of the mission details yet! How can any of you be excited about this?"</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"I couldn't care less where they send us to. It was never my forte to question orders."</span><br/><br/><br/>Abel finally dismissed the chatter from the knights walking a fair distance behind him.  These knights were now his men, personally handpicked by the three council members that planned their mission.  Hardy knights the lot of them, tough down to the last bone in their bodies and all carried quite a hefty weight of experience under their respective belts.  If it counts for anything, he was lucky enough that knights of their caliber still lingered around.  Such a shame that those three idiots couldn't realize the fact that these knights would be far more valuable to them alive than dead somewhere in Lightforsaken land.  Well, that's what he was here for anyway, to ensure that these fine knights would live to fight another day after this, or so he was specifically instructed by the three clowns, much like the way they 'instructed' him to bring home victory.  It took all the restraint he had in every fiber of his being to stop himself from telling the fools that what they were asking of him, is something akin to turning a stone placed in the palm of his hand into bread.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Victory</span>was a tall order, yet it was one that they desperately needed the most, now more than ever.  After such a crushing defeat in Lindela, and after having stayed on the defensive for the longest time, a small victory would come a long way.  The knighthood needed something to keep the fire in their hearts alive, inspiration and propaganda alone was just not enough to cut it this time, and as much as he hated to admit it, these were the exact same thoughts that spurred those three councilors into action, the very same thoughts that he cannot fully condone or in turn disregard.<br/><br/>His conscience and logic had debated the issue the night before, with neither of the two coming to terms with each other.  Be that as it may, as dangerous as it can and will be, this was actually the best time for them to counterattack, right when the God of Sin was busy licking his fingers in triumph.  It doesn't have to be grand, nor does it have to be an overwhelming victory.  All he was tasked to do was to figure out how to,<span style="font-style: italic">and</span>strike a devastating blow against the enemy, under the watch of the God of Sin, with only a grand total of seven men under his command,  and to finally return home alive with the news and all will be well, it was that simple—<span style="font-style: italic">if only</span>it was that simple...<br/><br/>"Hey Abel," one of the knights casually walked up to him, "I can't help but notice that we're missing one to form a proper squad. Are you sure we shouldn't be eight?"<br/><br/>Paying no mind to the lack of decorum by the other knight, Abel simply kept his eyes on the road.  "We will be joined by another knight.  He should be waiting for us up ahead in the docks."<br/><br/>True to his word, another knight was indeed waiting for them by the dock entrance when they got there.  Said knight was all packed and ready to go, save for the fact that this particular knight was not like the rest of them semi-wrinkled, battle-hardened lot.  He was a youngster, and a scout no less!  Save for Abel, the other six exchanged skeptical looks with one another, painting an air of confusion borderline disapproval around them.  Their disbelief was so evident in their faces that the last member of their little 'expedition team' failed to resist the urge to smirk.<br/><br/>"Hit fast and hard." he said, both arms folding across his chest. "It wouldn't be much of a counteroffensive if you lot got lost there trying to locate the enemy camp now would it?"<br/><br/>Taken aback by the snide comment, one of the veteran knights took offense. "You cheeky grasshopper! Who do you think you're—"<br/><br/>"Enough!" Abel interrupted, glaring at the veteran knight before softening his features and turning towards their last member, "Apologies. These men are more 'suited' to open combat so<span style="font-style: italic">your ways</span>are lost on them.  I hope you understand." Abel mustered a faint smile to his lips. A short 'hmph' was all he got in response.<br/><br/>"Right. Now then, I think a short introduction is in order?" he turned to the rest of the other knights, "This is Akira Takeuchi, and I know some of you may have heard the name. Don't let his age deceive you, he is far more capable than he looks." Abel shot a glance at Akira who looked like he was grumbling. "Believe it or not, he is currently the best scout that we have on active duty."<br/><br/>One of the knights suddenly raised his hand in question.  "A'right, remind me, why'd we need a scout again?"<br/><br/>"Because you have no idea where you're going, I do." Akira jumped in before Abel could answer, "I also know the fastest way to get there so like it or not, you need me." he turned around and picked up his pack. "Besides, I don't think any of you would still be standing here if you knew..." he suddenly lowered his voice, "Look, do me a favor and do what you do best, just don't slow me down." Akira finished, leaving a dumbfounded group of knights as he headed toward their Wyervia.<br/><br/>"Kid's got a temper in him." another knight commented.<br/><br/>"You don't say.." agreed another.<br/><br/>Abel took a deep breath as he turned his attention back towards the knights.  "You can't blame that young one. Our mission had been planned based on the information he brought back from the Barrens. I'm sure he's not looking forward to setting foot there again after<span style="font-style: italic">almost a week long stay</span>down there<span style="font-style: italic">alone</span>.  Not to mention he's still recovering from the near fatal injuries he sustained during that mission, all of which happened not too long ago." he paused, watching as each knights' expressions drastically changed.  "We all know what a few hours in the Barrens feels like.  So I suggest you discard any lingering doubt you have in that man right here and now. He won't let any of you down, that I can promise you."<br/><br/>Some of the knights sighed, the rest shook their heads sideways, but regardless, all of them had mutually decided to drop the issue with their last member.  If any knight, scout or not, survived an ordeal like that in the Barrens, it could only mean two things: either he was extremely lucky, or highly skilled, the other seven agreed that it was the latter.  Luck played very little part when in the Barrens after all.<br/><br/>Before more words could be spoken, the trotting sound of a steed running like the wind became audible from behind them.  All knights turned to see a familiar black horse ridden by none other than its rightful owner.  When both steed and rider came to a halt before them, the knights saluted in unison just after Guilford had dismounted his horse. The male Seraph returned the gesture but quickly turned his attention to Captain Abel.<span style="color: #0080FF">"A word if I may?"</span><br/><br/>"Of course." Abel responded, turning to look at one of his men and nodding towards the direction of their wyervia.<br/><br/>"Right.  If you'll excuse us Master Guilford, we'll be on our way then." one of the knights spoke, a tad disappointed as he urged his other companions to follow him and give the Seraph and Abel some privacy.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"May the Light guide you and keep you safe."</span>A blessing, that was all that he could afford to give them.<br/><br/>Left alone to their own devices, both men lingered in a moment of silence, each undoubtedly trying to grasp the unvoiced words from one another.  What more was left for them to say?  The mission was as good as underway and both men knew that a stop to it was not going to happen.  The Seraph took a breath, the determined glimmer in his former captain's eyes only served to stifle any and all thoughts of trying to dissuade him.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"I'll get straight to the point then,"</span>Guilford paused, letting a gust of wind blow across them before continuing.<span style="color: #0080FF">"what do you hope to accomplish?"</span><br/><br/>The older man smirked as he closed his eyes.  What does he hope to accomplish?  Indeed the question had a lot of weight behind it, enough so that it would be accurate to say it was impossible for an old man to carry on his own, and even with a handful of strong knights at his disposal, he was still unsure if he had what it takes to achieve that small victory.  Regardless, he was not about to back down from this monumental task laid out before him.  Abel opened his eyes and met Guilford's gaze.  "What we all need in times like this." he finally answered. "Hope."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Hope?!"</span>the surprised Seraph parroted.<span style="color: #0080FF">"How could you speak of hope even knowing full well that what awaits you and those men down there are nothing but darkness, despair, and..."</span>he hesitated,<span style="color: #0080FF">"and possibly death..."</span>he didn't want to be blunt about it but there was no toning down hard facts about a knight's fate when in the Barrens.<br/><br/>"And this is exactly why I speak of hope, Master Guilford." Abel calmly argued, "Even the words of our Seraphs have no traces of it." he blatantly pointed out his observation.  "I know what awaits me and my men down there Master Guilford, and contrary to what a select few may think of me, my<span style="font-style: italic">Judgement</span>has not dulled with the passage of time." Abel puffed his chest out a little.  "I am not called the Lightbringer for nothing."<br/><br/>The Seraph sighed in defeat.  It wasn't only until his former captain pointed it out that he realized how hopeless he had been these past few days.  Now it made perfect sense why he felt on edge lately; he had lost hope somewhere along the way.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Then how do you propose to bring us hope?"</span><br/><br/>Abel chuckled, Guilford never really was any good at conveying his emotions.  "My job is to figure that out. Yours is to make sure I still have people to bring hope back into." he took a step closer to Guilford, one hand diving into his pouch.  He pulled out two rings and handed it over to Guilford.  "Here, Akira asked me to give these to you. He said they both belong to your newest knight and asked that you return it to her."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Akira?"</span>Guilford had a confused look as he took the rings.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Why not give these to her personally?"</span><br/><br/>Judging from how clueless Guilford appeared to be, Abel instantly knew that the scout made extra effort into making sure that his participation in this operation remained a secret even from his friend, and that he had just blew that secret out into the open.  "Akira is coming with us. He didn't want you to know because he knew you would worry, so don't. I'll make sure he gets back home."<br/><br/>Could he help it?  Even if everyone tells him not to worry, he would still do so.  Perhaps the right thing to do at this time is to put his faith in these men, to hope for the better.<span style="color: #0080FF">"All of you must come back home."</span><br/><br/>"That goes without saying."<br/><br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: white;background:white;"/></div><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Palaugrim - Kaiser Outpost</span></span><br/><br/><br/><br/>Morale is at a low upon hundreds of knights that remained to form the ranks of the force entrusted to defend Palaugrim's Western Coast.  They were now fewer than they were originally, especially after news of the attack on Lindela reached their ears.  About a quarter of their brothers-in-arms within this region of Palaugrim had families in Lindela, and most of those knights requested to travel off-island to personally see to their loved ones there.  As much as Sigfried wanted to keep them here, he knew he had no use for knights who have their hearts and minds set elsewhere other than the defense of Kaiser Outpost, but even knowing he made the right call to grant them leave, he now felt that it was the one call he would come to regret far too soon.<br/><br/>From the outpost's lookout, heavy rain battered the armor of the vexed Knight Commander.  He was staring down at death—in the form of a large army—as it shored up near the outskirts of their camp.  Of all the times they could pick to launch an attack, why did they have to pick<span style="font-style: italic">now</span>?  But who was he to complain about it?  He would do the exact same thing to them had the situation been reversed.  The enemy was looking to capitalize on their recent victory over at the second island, and much to his horror about the accuracy of his insight, this was exactly just as he predicted.<br/><br/>Perhaps he should have been more forthcoming about this fact in his recent reports sent over to the Grand Cathedral, maybe then one of the Seraphs could have made certain preparations in advance, or perhaps he should have made mention that an attack on any strongholds they have in Palaugrim was imminent, maybe if he did he would have reason not to grant the leave to those knights under his command.  Then again, there's no use crying over spilled milk.  They've seen it coming, given how enemy activity on the island spiked just before the hit Lindela took, every knight commander on this island already knew what was lurking around the corner; it was only a matter of time when the enemy would strike at them.  Still, why now of all times and why Kaiser Outpost?  Did he have the worst luck out of all the Knight Commanders here?  He couldn't recall ever drawing the short stick among them.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"How does it look sir?"</span><br/><br/>The lack of grit in the knight's voice made Sigfried sigh out loud.  Half of him missed the optimist in Yulia, yet the other half was glad she was anywhere but here in this instance.  This particular knight with him now made the worst temporary sub-commander of all he had taken under his wing.  If there was anything this knight was good at, it was writing his reports for him and tidying up his workplace, that and he was also an excellent practitioner of the arcane arts.<br/><br/>"You tell me." Sigfried deadpanned. "By my estimate, we're possibly outnumbered seven—maybe eight-to-one." he added.<br/><br/>Maybe it was more accurate to say they were outnumbered three-to-one, considering the difference in caliber between a Palaugrimian and Lindelan knight, of course.  Still, complacency had no room on the battlefield.  One could never really tell the outcome until the battle has been decided, and one should not count their chickens until the eggs have hatched.<br/><br/>"We should send word to Knight Commander Heinrich. We definitely need reinforcements, and his forces would reach us the fastest." the other knight helpfully suggested.<br/><br/>"No." Sigfried replied as he stood firm. "We cannot afford to have the other strongholds spread out their forces. This could be a trap for them if not for us. Only send a word of warning, tell them to pass it on to the other commanders and that we'll deal with this ourselves."<br/><br/>The way his jaws dropped was enough telling that this particular knight was shocked to the point of disbelief.  He had always revered<span style="font-style: italic">Ferus Ensis Sigfried</span>—he had heard the tales of his valor in combat way back when he was still in the academy, and while he respected the man's achievements, he was content to just be hearing about them and not being a part of them, that is until graduation day when he found out he was going to be stationed in Palaugrim.  They asked him who he wanted to be assigned to, and at that time he was led to believe by word of mouth, from one of his former classmates, that being under this man's command was the safest place to be if any of them ever get assigned to Palaugrim duty.  He was not so sure then, now was not any different.  If not for that guy telling him otherwise, perhaps the Ice Bitch was a whole lot better bet as he initially had in mind.  Oh why did he ever change his first pick? And why did Lady Schneider have to ask to transfer? She was the one person that kept him sane with all the crazy, gung-ho missions they were used to getting under Sigfried's command...<br/><br/>"What are you still standing around for?! Get a move on! The enemy won't wait for you to finish writing!"<br/><br/>"Y-yes sir!"<br/><br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: white;background:white;"/></div><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Gless - Grand Cathedral, Magic Research Department</span></span><br/><br/><br/>"Fascinating!" An absorbed Margarette exclaimed as she delved further into the gory details of her research.  The old female councilor paced around her personal archive, eyes shifting left and right from the text handed to him by Guilford to the translation script she had recently acquired, unmindful of the fact that she was now messily surrounded by books, journals, scrolls—anything that can be written on or hold text.  She was so close to unlocking the secrets the scroll had that she couldn't afford any distraction.  Margarette even failed to acknowledge the arrival of her faithful aide, an older scribe and one who had been with her for the longest time, who sighed heavily at the sight of her still up and about, and even heavier as he looked at the mess that followed her around.  Lights! He had just finished cleaning her office an hour ago too!<br/><br/>"Do you know what this means?!"<br/><br/>The older scribe's head suddenly turned to the owner of the voice, ready to say his practiced 'I have no idea' when he realized that Margarette was still alone in her own little world, mumbling words of speculation, probability, and a lot more that he couldn't make out from where he stood.  Accepting the fact that he was invisible to her, like the many times he had been when she was deep into study, the scribe simply continued into the lab, stepping on a book or two along the way as he trekked the small distance to his desk.  He was just about to start the latter half of his day which included reading reports sent to the councilor, addressing concerns received from practitioners of the arcane arts in the academy, as well as keeping track of progress from any ongoing research they had, when he heard a call for him.<br/><br/>"Weiss, which Seraph is still in the Cathedral?"<br/><br/>Perhaps he was not so invisible after all like he thought he was.  He even gave extra effort to be as quiet as he could too!  Weiss thought to complain about a Scribe's stealth aptitude—mostly because he hated being interrupted right when he was just about to start something—but then decided against it.  Usually, when a councilor asks about the whereabouts of their Seraphs, what follows is a matter of importance that requires their attention.  Now was not the time to play grumpy.<br/><br/>"I believe Master Guilford and Master Lethe are both present at this time, Lady Margarette." he answered to the best of his knowledge.<br/><br/>"Perfect. Weiss, could you go and get Master Guilford for me? Tell him I have new information about the scroll he brought me."<br/><br/>"Certainly. I'll be back with Master Guilford shortly, Lady Margarette."<br/><br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: white;background:white;"/></div><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Palaugrim - Outskirts of Kaiser Outpost</span></span><br/><br/><br/>"Keep your formations tight!" Sigfried barked orders while expertly maneuvering around the battlefield, slashing down any Sinner that came across his path.  "Do not let them through!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, bashing another Sinner in the face with his fist as it tried to claw him to pieces.  These small fry were nothing to worry about but the battle was proving to be difficult thanks to the rain from above and the mud forming beneath their feet.  Visibility was poor, and the battle conditions only getting poorer with the passage of time.<br/><br/>Together with his best offensive men, Sigfried was trying to set up a foothold and intercept point right between the outskirts and the outpost.  His plan was to hold the enemy at bay while keeping well within the range of Kaiser Outpost itself for strategic bombardment, but the enemy responded in kind by sending them its vanguard of Sinners, aiming to disrupt their operation.  Catching another Sinner that crept up at him by the neck, Sigfried hurled the poor creature to another one of its kind, toppling it and sending both down to kiss earth.  He then channeled a bit of magic with his free hand and blasted the damned out of the two, leaving only unconscious humans in the aftermath of the blast.<br/><br/>"Tch!" The Knight Commander clicked his tongue.  He had meant to fry them dead but he subconsciously used Absolve instead.  Now he had to look after them in the middle of combat too!  There was little time to think.  More Sinners were on their way to him, hellbent on taking him out of the equation as soon as they understood the value of his presence on the field.  This time, Sigfried widened his stance and gripped his sword's handle with both hands.  If they were going to come at him in numbers, they were definitely going to need more than just a handful of Sinners.  They can try to take him out, but the outcome will remain the same for them.  Infusing his weapon with magic, Sigfried brought his sword up and swung down with all his might, cracking the earth he struck sending shockwaves of magic towards their intended targets.  The Sinners he hit were blown back by the force of his magic, temporarily clearing his immediate surroundings of Sinner presence.<br/><br/>Taking a few seconds to catch his breath after a big attack, Sigfried was just about to call for a cleric to take care of the ones he accidentally absolved when the sound of Kaiser Outpost's horns pierced the air.  Moments later, a group of scouts came running towards him filled with dread in their eyes.<br/><br/>"Commander! The enemy's main force! They are almost upon us! Your orders sir?" one of them informed him.<br/><br/>Sigfried gasped at the knowledge.  How did the enemy already reach this point in so little time?!  They haven't even finished setting up the ambush point yet!  He was still trying to find answers when a volley of magic bolts from Kaiser Outpost blew by them from overhead.  Not a moment too soon, a reversal came from the other side where the bolts landed, raining down the area just around the outpost.<br/><br/>It has begun.<br/><br/>"Take those two with you to the outpost, have them treated." he nodded toward the unconscious humans. "Tell the outpost we'll slow the enemy down and I need them to keep firing! Provide cover fire for the vanguard—which will be us—and to keep their eyes open for flare bolts! Most importantly, tell them not to hit any friendly squads! Also let all knight captains on standby in the outpost know they are cleared to ride out! Tell them to reinforce us as soon as they can!" Sigfried ordered one of the scouts, turning his attention quickly to the rest, "As for the rest of you, let all scout parties under my command, know that I need you to do what you do best and scout the area for detached forces! Remember, we don't have enough manpower to deal with sneak attacks! Clean them up if you can! If you can't, fire flare bolts to let the outpost know where they are! Move out!" he finished giving the last of his orders to the scouts and turned towards the general direction of the enemy, sword in hand and gripped tightly.<br/><br/>"Pristine Knights to me! We'll be the vanguard! Let's go say hello to their main force and show them why they picked the wrong outpost to attack!"<br/><br/>In his mind, this wasn't just another battle they could not afford to lose, it was also a test, a trial they need to overcome.  Given what was at stake and who the real enemy was, should they lose here, then there wasn't going to be any hope for them when the time to finally confront their true enemy comes to pass.  Tossing any and all unnecessary thoughts aside, Sigfried steeled himself for the upcoming fight.  With a fierce roar from their Knight Commander, the rest of the knights charged bravely towards the enemy's main force.<br/><br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: white;background:white;"/></div><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Gless - Grand Cathedral, Magic Research Department</span></span><br/><br/><br/><br/>"Master Guilford. Please, come in." Margarette welcomed the Seraph standing respectfully before her doorway.<br/><br/>Weiss had a hard time locating the male Seraph until he had returned to the Cathedral from a trip to the Wyervia Docks.  The scribe was well on his way to call for the female Seraph instead when he happened to run into Guilford on his way back to his squad quarters.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Councilor. I trust you found something?"</span><br/><br/>The female councilor paused momentarily at the bluntness from the younger Seraph.  "My, my. You do like to be direct to the point. Are you always this uptight?" she teased. "Would you care for some tea?" she then offered, gliding around the mess that surrounded her office desk to her personal teapot.<br/><br/>A brow slowly raised at the comment.  Guilford didn't respond to the offer but instead took the time to look around the office.  The sight was definitely an eyesore, especially for one who likes to keep things organized.  However, if it means results have been achieved, he would gladly confine himself within this pigsty for a couple more minutes.<br/><br/>"Your scroll is very... fascinating." Margarette grasped for words as she began while stirring her tea.  "I wonder why you had to turn to me to decipher it when one of your knights is a Pure."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"She may be a pure but she can't read or speak in their archaic tongue."</span>was the monotonous answer she received.<br/><br/>"Well, isn't that convenient? Very well then." she submitted to his lack of interest. "I'll tell you now that it was not easy deciphering its contents." she sighed, sipping some of her freshly made tea before continuing.  "I had to pull every string I had at my disposal, use every connection I've accumulated, even had to dig up old ones, and pull quite a bit of sleepless nights just to make sense of what we have here."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"I'm sorry to have put you through that, Councilor."</span>a tempered response was all she got out of him.<br/><br/>They both know what lies ahead.  Master Guilford believed something in this scroll could give them hope, and it seemed he was right... well, partially right at least. "Hmph. It doesn't matter. What matters is that we now know what this scroll contains." she motioned at the piece of paper rolled out undisturbed on top of her desk.  "It's the Rite of Ascension's third and final phase as you initially told me, and what it holds is not something I think we should use at all."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"What do you mean?"</span><br/><br/>Margarette hesitated at the question.  She wanted more time to look further into the subject but she had already exhausted every resource and connections she had and with that, all further efforts into finding out more about the scroll had hit a brick wall.  "Master Guilford, as I said, the scroll tells us how to conduct the third phase of the Rite of Ascension. But it also says here that only someone deemed worthy can complete the third phase of the rite. In turn, they will be granted immense power."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Then I don't see why we shouldn't use it. We need power, now of all times. You are well aware of that are you not, Councilor?"</span><br/><br/>Margarette deflated at his words—they couldn't be any truer than that.  The God of Sin walks the earth once more, and defeating it a second time was not going to be any easier than the first. However, she also knew that power comes with a cost, one that she was not so sure they could afford... now of all times.<br/><br/>"You don't understand Master Guilford." she shook her head in frustration. "The scroll also indicates that the third Rite of Ascension is the judge, jury, and executor of those who wish to undergo it. Should you be deemed unworthy, it will take your life in an instant." she explained, watching the Seraph's expression change at her revelation.  "There isn't even any mention about qualifications, o-or what needs to be done to be worthy of the power it says it will bestow!" she added, a touch of helplessness in her tone. "I'm sorry Master Guilford... as tempting as it may be in our time of need, I doubt this scroll will be of any use to us."<br/><br/>A long silence descended upon the two, neither one wanting to break it until Guilford spoke.<span style="color: #0080FF">"I want the translated copy of it on Master Lethe's and my desk at the soonest."</span><br/><br/>"You can't be..." Margarette gasped in horror.  "Surely you don't plan on using this?! Master Guilford this is insane! What happens if it doesn't work and it kills you both?! We can't lose any of you two!"<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"With all due respect Councilor, it is not for you to decide that."</span>the male Seraph turned his back on her.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Just so you know, I don't plan on dying any time soon, and I'm sure neither does she... not when that thing walks among us again."</span><br/><br/>Margarette sighed in defeat.  "Fine. It will be at both your desks as you requested."<br/><br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: white;background:white;"/></div><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Palaugrim - Outskirts of Kaiser Outpost</span></span><br/><br/><br/><br/>The tide of battle had shifted, both sides suffering casualties as it raged on.  At first, Sigfried's men were overwhelmed by the enemy numbers, but when the rest of his men from Kaiser Outpost arrived, along with surprisingly accurate magic artillery support, they began pushing back—they were winning.  Bolts of magic flew from nearly all directions across the battlefield, the sound of clashing steel and battle cries echoed within the combat zone, a testament to the fierceness of the confrontation between the two forces.  Sigfried who valiantly led the charge tore through the enemy ranks like a hurricane, undaunted by the resistance their enemy was putting up.  He couldn't afford his men to fall here, and it fell upon his shoulders to make sure they survive, and as if that wasn't pressure enough, Palaugrim will not suffer the same fate as Lindela, he and all other Knight Commanders stationed here had mutually agreed to it after the incident.<br/><br/>"Commander!!"<br/><br/>The call for his attention had more than just dread in it.  He had just pulled back his sword from decapitating a Pure Sinner when he turned to look, only to spot one of his more experienced captains bloodied and with a broken weapon running towards him.<br/><br/>"What happened?!" he immediately inquired, spinning right after to land a back-fist right into the jaws of a clumsy Sinner and knocking the lights out of it.<br/><br/>"The left flank! My squad!" he clutched his chest wound, forcing healing magic into it, grimacing as he did. "We tried to stop it but we couldn't! It's just too strong! The other captains are doing their best but I don't think they can..."<br/><br/>He had a feeling the enemy still had a card to play; it felt like they were more focused on wearing them down rather than destroying Kaiser Outpost.  Had they been the real target all along? His men and not the actual outpost itself? Did he just walk into their trap?  Sigfried shook the thoughts away, his left flank was in trouble and he needed to be there.<br/><br/>"Can you still fight?" he asked the injured captain who immediately nodded in response.  "Good. I need you to take command over here and hold the line. Leave the left flank to me."<br/><br/>His men were by no means pushovers—they were battle-trained by this island.  If they were having trouble, then that just means it was that bad.  When Sigfried reached his left flank, horror gripped his heart at the sight of some men lying lifeless on the field.  The rest of his left flank were still fighting desperately to slow down a single adversary, surrounding that cobalt armored thing sporting a huge sword around for a weapon.  One look was all he needed to know that this particular being demanded special attention from him. Wasting no more time catching his breath, Sigfried dove right into the fray.<br/><br/>"Get back!" he yelled at his men as he charged through them, aiming for the source of their troubles.  He raised his swordarm and slashed down as soon as he got in range, taking that armored thing head on.  A loud clang followed by an outward burst of wind blew across the field as their blades met.  Sigfried's eyes widened at the realization that his sword strike had just been easily blocked, a thing that rarely happens especially when he was tapped into the divine realm.  He was even more surprised when he felt the balance of power between their swords shift out of his favor and he got forcefully pushed back.<br/><br/>That thing was strong.<br/><br/>"Commander! We'll assist!" his other captains yelled.<br/><br/>"No! Leave this one to me and see to it that the rest of the left flank stays out of the fight! Focus on the others! Don't let them through!" he countered.  After that brief exchange, as much as he hated to admit it, his men were not a match for this thing, and even he himself was now questionable at best.<br/><br/>"Ferus Ensis Sigfried. This will be your grave." the armored thing spoke to him, the deep and menacing voice rumbling within its helmet.<br/><br/>Sigfried tensed.  It knows who he was?!  Suddenly, it became clear to the knight commander what the enemy was really after, or more specifically, who.  "Bold words, considering you know who I am."<br/><br/>It laughed, confidence and mockery bonded together with the way it did. "I know all about you. That's why I know you'll meet your end here," it pointed that huge sword at Sigfried. "by my own hands."<br/><br/>"Let's put that to the test shall we?" the knight commander braced himself, waiting for his opponent to make the first move.