Their worst fear came to pass. Bryn and the others trembled at the fierceness of the manifestation. It greeted them with a blast of negative energy, nearly leveling the entire room had Master Lethe not jumped in to block and disperse it. In most cases, Brynhildr can keep her calm, but getting hit wave after wave of that fearsome negativity made her skin crawl. It brought back with it memories she had thought she'd forgotten. The entity standing before them, though looking much like Master Lethe, reminded Bryn of the God of Sin. She couldn't move, she couldn't speak, she was afraid...<br/><br/><span style="color: gray">“Get out of here!”</span><br/><br/>The words rang crisp and clear, an order to withdraw. She had to obey, she had to follow, but why wouldn't her body move?! Brynhildr stood there, behind Lethe who defended against the fury of their attacker. In her mind she was amazed at how the Seraph could withstand such an onslaught that normally would have wiped out a squad or two. Can she do it too? The answer was clear, she can't. It was then that she remembered Guilford's words to Vlad when they first met the man.<span style="color: #0080FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"There are things one can and cannot do well. Find that which is yours and you shall find your strength."</span></span>Her mind cleared, her fear washed away by courage. She can move again.<br/><br/>"Master Lethe! Let's go! It's impossible to fight it in this cramped room!" Bryn yelled and ran back with the other knights.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">"Trying to escape? Tee hee! Like I will let you!"</span><br/><br/>The entity closed its crimson eyes, pulled her arms to her body hugging herself and began to harness more negative energy from within, it only took a few seconds. The moment she reopened her eyes, the negative energy burst out with fearsome strength. The walls crumbled, then exploded outwards, exposing the hidden room out in the open. Multiple screams resounded in the air as clouds of dust and chunks of debris flew outward. Among them were the bodies of seven knights struggling to regain their balance as they were tossed out like rag dolls.<br/><br/>What was left of the structure now revealed the two who stood face to face. Guilford who had positioned himself atop one of the nearby roofs was shocked to see the manifestation. A quick glance at his squad who landed safely, Guilford felt relief, at least they were safe and mostly unharmed. He then drew his sword and steeled himself to jump in at the most opportune time.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">"Hmm? What's this? You're still here?"</span>it asked Lethe, a slight hint of amusement in its eyes.<span style="color: #FF0000">"You're stronger than the others, it might be worthwhile to play with you."</span>it said followed by a giggle.<span style="color: #FF0000">"Now then, shall we begin?"</span><br/><br/>____________________________________________________________________________________<br/><br/>"What power! That thing is exactly as strong as the Captain's manifestation!" Hyuga commented while picking himself up from the ground.<br/><br/>"Exactly! That is why Master Lethe would need all the help she can get especially since her squad isn't here!" Brynhildr roared, sword drawn on one hand. "I'm not going to let that thing lay a hand on her! On your feet! We're going in!"<br/><br/>"I thought you'd never ask!" Afrei said, weapons at the ready. "We may not be much help as we are now but we can't let the Captain keep shouldering our mishaps!" he continued, tossing a glance over to the rooftop where Guilford stood at the ready.<br/><br/>The others gathered themselves and channeled what remaining holy power they had for another round of Prayer. The knight squads that were stationed there, although confused, had also prepared for combat as per Guilford's orders. Now that they can see the target in sight, all of them drew their weapons and waited for the chance to attack.<br/><br/>When the entity moved in to attack Lethe, Guilford's reflexes kicked in. He may not have much holy power left but his physical prowess is not to be taken lightly. With a mighty kick to the rooftop, cracking it in the process, he vaulted himself over with great speed, just in time to strike at the entity with his sword before she reached Lethe. But a loud clang resounded, indicating that his attack was blocked. However, in that split second that it was, Guilford already spun around in mid-air to deliver a back fist with his gauntlet that hit the entity squarely in the jaw. It was sent skidding back by the force of Guilford's strike but no indication of damage whatsoever could be seen.<br/><br/>Landing neatly beside his fellow Seraph, Guilford took his battle stance beside her.<span style="color: #0080FF">"I'm here Lethe. Let's do this!"</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">"Ho? You're quite skilled too, for someone almost on empty."</span>it giggled.