Twenty cadets, four groups. Guilford and seven of his knight squad assigned two knights to babysit one group. Each cadet group were deployed in different sectors of Lindela. Guilford and his men were to grade the cadets while keeping their presence well hidden. Under no circumstance were they to intervene with the cadets' actions, unless the situation called for it. Guilford along with his lieutenant decided to pick the group deployed in the market square.<br/><br/>As they trailed the cadets, Guilford's lieutenant matched his pace and talked in a hushed tone. "Captain, was it really alright for you to wind up numbers Seven and Eight like that?" he asked, a quizzical look evident in his eyes. Without breaking stride, Guilford slightly looked to his left and met his lieutenant's eyes, a smile played on his lips,<span style="color: #0080FF">"You are mistaken Alfrei, I will keep my word. In fact, I have already sent out my carrier pigeon with a note for Lethe."</span>he said and returned his gaze back to the cadets.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Lethe is here in Lindela right now. I only asked her to write 'Sorry I couldn't meet you two but well done' and to put her seal on the note."</span><br/><br/>The quizzical look in Alfrei's eyes became that of confusion. "Is that some sort of reward for those two? Should they manage to do well?" Guilford nodded lightly in response. "But—! I fear that those two might lose focus on their task because they would be too worried about meeting Master Lethe." Alfrei said with a worried tone. Guilford stopped for a brief moment, chuckled, and then continued walking.<span style="color: #0080FF">"I believe the effect of my words on them would be the opposite. Lethe can be quite oblivious to the effects of our rank, especially her popularity, but I find it quite useful for things like this."</span><br/><br/>Alfrei's jaw nearly dropped after hearing his Captain's words. Of all the years he spent under Guilford's wing, never had the man shown any side of playfulness towards anyone else but Master Lethe. "You're being devious Captain." Alfrei mumbled.<span style="color: #0080FF">"No it doesn't count, I'm not doing this for personal gain. I would prefer you call me <span style="font-style: italic">tactical</span>."</span>Guilford rebutted.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Numbers Seven and Eight will do their best so that when they actually get the chance to meet with Lethe, they can stand before her with confidence. In turn, the note I asked of her will serve the purpose of not having to force her out of her way just to meet those two, while avoiding crushing their hearts."</span>he continued.<span style="color: #0080FF">"It's a win-win situation Alfrei. For both those two and Lethe."</span>Guilford finished.<br/><br/>Despite needing to weave through the packed streets of Lindela, Alfrei still managed to sink his face into his right palm. He just clearly understood his Captain's true intentions and the worst part is, he actually thought it was a clever idea. The lieutenant could not help but feel a little scared that even when being playful, his Captain still has the capacity to think several steps ahead. However, his little moment got interrupted when he heard his Guilford's voice.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Have that prowess report ready and pick up the pace Alfrei. It seems our cadets found something."</span>the man said and with just a single bound, leaped to the low rooftops of the bungalows lined up at the side of the streets. Alfrei did the same and began to move along the rooftops while keeping a close eye on their designated group.<br/><br/>__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br/><br/>"<span style="font-style: italic">There he is! Don't let him get away!</span>" yelled one of the cadets as he and four others from his team chased a man in tattered robes along the market streets.<br/><br/>Leaping over people, forcing their bodies in tight squeezes, burning their leg muscles in short sprints, the cadets chased the lone man with all their might. When all the innocent bystanders realized what was going on, they paved a clear path for the cadets giving chase. It went on for minutes then dragged on for even more. The cadets passed by a group of knights in some parts of Lindela's streets but received no help; it was because of the armband they wore that bore the cadet symbol.<br/><br/>"<span style="font-style: italic">How can... that guy... be so fast?!</span>" one of the cadets yelled beneath labored breaths.<br/><br/>They could already feel their lungs burning for air, leg muscles screaming in pain, but the distance between them and their quarry did not grow shorter. One of the cadets pulled out throwing knives and aimed for the man's legs. He threw the knives with all the arm strength he had in hope of immobilizing their quarry but to his surprise, the man evaded them with ease and took a sharp turn in another alley. With a cry of frustration, the cadets pursued and finally came to a stop. It would seem that the man took a wrong turn. Whether it was sheer luck or cunning, they managed to back the man into a corner with the high walls at the end of the alley. As they moved in to subjugate, the man turned around, eyes white and teeth bared at them.<br/><br/>The cadets froze. Something did not feel right. The air about the man brought immense pressure to the cadets, like they were knocking on death's door. It was only when two others came out of hiding and boxed them in that the cadets realized they were led into a trap. Guilford and his lieutenant caught up to the group and observed from afar. With just one look, the situation the cadets were facing became clear. Alfrei already had a hand on his sword and was getting ready to jump in when Guilford stopped him.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Stay your sword Alfrei."</span>he said firmly with his left hand, gesturing his lieutenant to lower his weapon. "But Captain—! Three Sinners about to transform against five cadets!? Those kids are not ready to face a small pack of Sinners! I don't understand!" he yelled with great concern.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Alfrei, should you jump in now, the only good it will do the cadets is to save them. They will not grow, they will not gain confidence, and they will lose their sense of purpose. Should you be the one in their shoes, would you have wanted a knight to jump in and save you?"</span>he asked but received no response from Alfrei.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Look at their eyes Alfrei. I believe that they are on top of this. Stand down lieutenant, that's an order."</span><br/><br/>Alfrei gritted his teeth so hard. He had been so focused on protecting the cadets that he lost sight of the training's true purpose. In his mind, had he been with another knight in their squad, he would have no doubt ruined these cadets' hope, dreams, and beliefs. Soon the battle started within that cramped space and all he could do is grimace when some of the cadets got smacked around by the Sinners. The tide of battle turned many times, and every time it looked dire for the cadets, Alfrei would turn to his Captain only to see his unwavering eyes that reflected his belief in the cadets.<br/><br/>It was when number Seven, the group leader, rallied his companions for a basic strategy that Guilford smiled. It was simple, against sinners who have considerable speed, three cadets were to engage the three Sinners in physical combat to limit their movements. By doing that they could buy time for the remaining two to cast Penance. The goal is to immobilize two Sinners at once, absolve them from Sin simultaneously and converge on the remaining Sinner for the final blow. Guilford watched the cadets execute their strategy flawlessly and couldn't help himself but feel impressed. It was a hard fought first battle for them, but they managed to pull it off.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Now I really need that note from Lethe..."</span>Guilford trailed off and looked at Alfrei.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Finish this group's prowess report. I'll go check on them."</span>