<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><div style="text-align: center;">Day 6: Palaugrim - Edge of Silverknife Trail</div></span></span><br/><br/><br/>The sound of fighting. Screams of pain resounded in the air as numerous white lights shot up simultaneously. Guilford and his squad encountered several packs of sinners carrying crates of Sin Crystals on the edge of the trail. They took the packs by surprise and subdued the ones carrying the crates first before engaging the vanguard. It was a ferocious battle. Whoever wanted these Sin crystals must have threatened the Sinners to fight like their lives depended on it.<br/><br/>Ducking low to avoid a slash at him, Alfrei countered with a revolving slash of two<span style="font-style: italic">Banish</span>imbued swords. His fighting style now changed into a dual sword style, the once graceful style he favored molded into a deadly one. Having successfully knocked the Sinner backward, Alfrei then fired an Absolve spell that hit squarely in the target's chest. The Sinner writhed in pain as the holy light pierced through him and tore away the caste of Sin that consumed him. This was his fifth Sinner.<br/><br/>Georg and the rest of the squad had already cleared out the rear and were now dashing to form their ranks again for the next assault, only to be stopped short upon seeing their Captain choking the last Sinner with his right hand. It was writhing and struggling to break free of Guilford's powerful grip.<br/><br/>"My Light... the Captain didn't even hold back did he?" Hyuga asked with an amazed expression and started counting the newly absolved Sinners still glowing with holy light. "I was only able to take out four, yet the Captain's count is already at twenty-four." he continued.<br/><br/>Alfrei shrugged his shoulders and sheathed both swords. "He's a Seraph for crying out loud! Feats like these are as common as they would come. Master Lethe and our Captain could be left alone with more than several packs of Sinners and still come out unscathed. What are you so surprised for?" he said with a quizzical look towards Hyuga.<br/><br/>Vlad calmed his holy power down and sheathed his weapons as well. "It's been a while since we last saw him fight like that. It's no wonder we would feel surprised."<br/><br/>Georg, Joaquim and Natalia nodded in approval. The squad walked up to their Captain who still held the clawing Sinner by the neck.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Who owns you?"</span><br/><br/>"I would never betray my master!" it hissed, white eyes staring furiously at Guilford as it tried to swipe at him.<br/><br/>Guilford simply blocked the swipe and kicked the Sinner's gut, mellowing down its struggle greatly.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Your loyalty to your master is admirable, but can the same be said of your master's loyalty to you? Look at you, about to be absolved by me and yet your master is nowhere to be seen."</span><br/><br/>"You don't understand filthy knight! My master is more terrifying than you!" it spat at the Seraph, eyes beginning to falter at the lack of air.<br/><br/>Guilford chuckled.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Surely you already know that I was not meant to be terrifying did you not? Creature of the dark?"</span><br/><br/>"Your self-righteousness will come to an end knight! He will once again rise and plunge this world into chaos! And you are all powerless to stop his second coming!" It roared followed by a hellish laughter.<br/><br/>An irritated Seraph gripped its neck tighter and listened to the Sinner gurgle beneath its already labored breathing.<span style="color: #0080FF">"You're an eyesore. If you don't want to give up your master, I'll send you to the Light instead!"</span><br/><br/>Without a word, Guilford channeled<span style="font-style: italic">Absolve</span>in his right hand and watched the Sinner scream as all traces of malice and negativity burned away from his being, to be replaced by a limp and weakened man. Loosening his grip, Guilford caught the man in his arms before his body slumped to the ground. Using hand gestures, he ordered his squad to gather the redeemed Sinners and call for the scouts.<br/><br/>Guilford made arrangements with the scout unit to have a knight detail come and take the Sinners to knight controlled territory for rehabilitation. His eyes then turned to the crates of Sin crystals the Sinners were transporting. There were far too many for them to contain on their own.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"It's too dangerous to leave those things lying around in the open. We'll wait for the knight detail to have these contained. We'll set up camp here until they come. Tell them to hurry."</span>he ordered the scouts and dismissed the unit.<br/><br/>Half an hour later and Guilford's squad have already set up temporary camp. Alfrei was killing time practicing his swordsmanship with Georg and Joaquim. Vlad and Natalia were busy making a light snack for everyone. Hyuga was as usual, tinkering with his notes. Guilford noticed that his smart knight's eyes kept going back and forth to the crates then to his notes.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Hyuga. Something on your mind? You've been glancing back and forth at the crates for a while now."</span>the Seraph finally asked.<br/><br/>A startled Hyuga fumbled his notes but gathered them quickly and turned to his Captain. "I uhh.. I was wondering if you would let me experiment on a Sin crystal since we have quite a bit stockpiled over there."<br/><br/>The ladle Natalia was using slipped from her hand upon hearing Hyuga's outrageous request. "Are you crazy!? Have you forgotten the last two times we handled that thing? First it was the Captain's manifestation that Light knows nearly killed us all! Then it's Master Lethe's which again Light knows nearly killed us all!" she protested.<br/><br/>Hyuga sighed heavily. "Listen you normal, I know that! I wouldn't be suggesting this if I have no countermeasure to begin with!"<br/><br/>This time, Vlad turned to the Dreamer. "Oh? What's your countermeasure this time you nerd?"<br/><br/>"It's like this you brute, we'll just have to make sure that the Captain isn't the one who touches the Sin crystal!" Hyuga exclaimed with an intellectual smirk.<br/><br/>Guilford, Natalia, and Vlad's jaws nearly dropped upon hearing the aforementioned countermeasure. Natalia soon found herself throwing the still-hot ladle at Hyuga, which the other dodged with a sway of his head to the left. "You fool! Like that is gonna work! Who's gonna hold it huh?! However you look at it, each of us here will have a formidable Sin version of ourselves!"<br/><br/>"Listen Nat, I haven't been studying this crystal that I have for nothing. I found out that it also reacts to one of our fundamental spells,<span style="font-style: italic">Absolve</span>, so I figured that since it's the spell that we use to rid ourselves of Sin, why not try it on these crystals." Hyuga explained while trying to sound convincing.<br/><br/>"But<span style="font-style: italic">Absolve</span>only works on a set amount of Sin Rate, beyond that and it's ineffective. How much Sin do you think is contained in these crystals? Do you think its about the same or lesser than that which a Sinner holds?" Vlad inquired, right hand finding his chin in contemplation.<br/><br/>"Definitely not. These crystals contain sin essence that varies in size and magnitude. The bigger the chunk, the more sin it holds. That's why I studied the basics of<span style="font-style: italic">Absolve</span>and modified it with the use of runes and created an entirely new, more potent spell. Of course, not every knight will know how to use such a complex and highly advanced spell but I'm sure Master Guilford or Master Lethe or any skilled knight/mage can grasp the concept of this spell I created."<br/><br/>By this time, the other three who were sparring joined the conversation. "So this spell you created based on<span style="font-style: italic">Absolve</span>, what do you call it?" Alfrei curiously asked.<br/><br/>"Hehe! Glad you asked Lieutenant, I call it... High Absolve!" Hyuga proudly announced.<br/><br/>"Lame."<br/>"That's... lame."<br/>"Sucks..."<br/>"You're not going to hear me shouting High Absolve."<br/>"Hahaha!"<br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Be serious or I'll shoot you with <span style="font-style: italic">Banish</span>."</span><br/><br/>A blushing Hyuga tried to hide his crumpled facial expression upon hearing his squad berate the name he thought so hard to come up with. "Oh yeah? You think that's lame? Let me see you try to name it then!"<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"To prove one's innocence, <span style="font-style: italic">Vindicate</span>. Let's call it that."</span><br/><br/>"I like it."<br/>"Sounds a lot better!"<br/>"That I can imagine myself shouting."<br/>"As expected of the Captain."<br/>"Not bad."<br/><br/>Sighing in defeat and actually finding the other name sounding a little better, Hyuga accepted the proposal and laid out the runes required to modify the absolve spell. "Normally, runes need to be etched before we can harness their effects, but the process of etching doesn't really stop at the physical level. We can use our holy power to draw these runes before we cast Absolve, if we do that, we can modify the spell to morph into Vindicate."<br/><br/>Alfrei leaned in closer to the document and noted the amount of runes needed. "So basically, we'll need Light, Blessing, Focus, Empower, and Release runes is that right?"<br/><br/>Hyuga nodded. "Also take note of the rune order and strokes used. They should be drawn exactly at the same order and with the same strokes indicated here or else you'll end up with an entirely different spell that could backfire on you. It's quite dangerous so I would leave it in the hands of an expert like myself, Natalia or the Captain. In Master Lethe's squad, I think the ones that could pull this off would be YunQiao, Valiar, and Master Lethe. Vice Captain Adair might be a good candidate too."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Yet all these are hypothetical unless proven otherwise, correct?"</span>Guilford interrupted.<br/><br/>Hyuga's excitement was toned down a bit upon hearing reality from his Captain's words. "Unfortunately, yes Captain... that's why with your permission, I would like to try it out before the other knights arrive and contain these crystals."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Fine. Let's do it. However, I will hold the crystal."</span><br/><br/>"Captain are you sure?! What if--"<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"I trust Hyu. I know he won't let us down."</span><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><br/>Several hours later, the knight detachment arrived to take custody over the redeemed Sinners and the former Sin crystal crates. Guilford spoke with the squad leader and handed him a sealed note containing instructions on the new Vindicate spell to be used in neutralizing Sin crystals. Now there won't be any need for modified fruit jars and constant holy suppression in order to contain a sin crystal. With the new<span style="font-style: italic">Vindicate</span>spell, they can finally render these dangerous things completely harmless.<br/><br/>The Seraph then turned to Rai, the fastest and most skilled Scout that had been following his squad since day 3 in Palaugrim. He handed the same sealed note to him and instructed him to find his fellow Seraph with great haste and deliver the message. This breakthrough will definitely help them wherever they are. It's a complicated spell but Guilford trusted Lethe and her men would be able to grasp its concept and master it.<br/><br/><div style="margin:20px; margin-top:5px"><div class="quotetitle"><input class="button2 btnlite" onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = '';      this.innerText = ''; this.value = 'Hide'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerText = ''; this.value = 'Show'; }" style="text-align:center;width:100px;margin:0px;padding:0px;" type="button" value="Show"/></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">To: All Knight Commanders and skilled Knight/Mages<br/>From: Guilford Rosenwulf<br/>Postmark Location: Silverknife Trail<br/>Priority: Highest<br/><br/>Note: Over the course of my knight Hyuga's intensive study with regards to the Sin Crystals, he has found a way to safely neutralize the taint contained within the said crystals. Modifying our most basic spell Absolve with the use of Runes, Hyuga was able to create a more potent and balanced spell that we can use. We call it <span style="font-style: italic">Vindicate</span>. It was tested to work two hours ago by myself and my squad when we encountered several packs of Sinners transporting the said items. <br/><br/>We managed to successfully neutralize all tainted crystals within the crates with zero incidents of them breaking. Below will be the detailed instructions on how to cast <span style="font-style: italic">Vindicate</span>. Follow the steps to the letter to avoid spell backfire and any unfortunate accidents.<br/><br/>First you will need to memorize these runes and their strokes. They will be listed in order of usage as well.<br/><br/>Light Rune<br/><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="postlink" href="http://i58.tinypic.com/11tvgqd.gif">[ img ]</a></div><br/><br/>Blessing Rune<br/><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="postlink" href="http://i57.tinypic.com/308l4s9.jpg">[ img ]</a></div><br/><br/>Focus Rune<br/><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="postlink" href="http://i58.tinypic.com/2vdihj8.gif">[ img ]</a></div><br/><br/>Empower Rune<br/><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="postlink" href="http://i57.tinypic.com/amv0cj.jpg">[ img ]</a></div><br/><br/>Release Rune<br/><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="postlink" href="http://i59.tinypic.com/1zbq8n6.gif">[ img ]</a></div><br/><br/>Channel the basic Absolve spell in one hand and hold it in, then using your other hand, allow your holy power to freely flow and start drawing the runes with it. Engrave the channeled <span style="font-style: italic">Absolve</span> with the runes one by one in order as listed above. This is a tedious process that has no room for error. Do not attempt to do this unless you have absolute confidence that you have mastered the rune strokes and its given order.<br/><br/><br/>May the Divine Light guide our paths.<br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="http://i59.tinypic.com/a0kveu.png">[ img ]</a></div></div></div><br/><br/>With the message safely in the hands of Rai, Guilford and the rest of his squad continued their journey towards Hiribah. They have already wasted an easy four hours and now they have to push harder if they want to make it to Hiribah by nightfall. The rest of the journey was uneventful, a fact Guilford's team was thankful for once. As the darkness enveloped the land, Guilford and his team finally found themselves in front of the Hiribah fortress town.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><div style="text-align: center;">Day 7: Palaugrim - Gramhold</div></span></span><br/><br/><br/>Thanks to the knight's tireless effort led by Abel, and with the cooperation of the villagers, Gramhold was finally on its way to being completely rebuilt and fortified. The people rejoiced at the help they received from the Divine Light and will forever be grateful. Sierra seemed to have finally overcome her hesitancy with the knights and was leading the other women with providing the good knights with refreshments. From the corner of her eyes, she noticed Abel standing at the edge of town, seemingly lost with his own thoughts.<br/><br/>With a jug of cool water and an empty cup in her hands, Sierra made her way towards the old knight and poured him a drink. The knight graciously accepted but his mind still wandered far off into the distance. Mustering the strength to pry, Sierra voiced out her thoughts. "Are you worried about Ms. Lethe and her squad?"<br/><br/>Abel looked down lightly, "Aye milady. Though she may be a Seraph like Master Guilford, I fear that she is fighting Palaugrim's harshness on her own. I worry that it may be too much of a burden for her to carry."<br/><br/>"I can tell that you care about her deeply sir Abel." Sierra replied.<br/><br/>Abel smiled, remembering the days of old. "Not just her, she and Master Guilford used to be under my command before I retired. I have known those two since the start of their knight career. With that knowledge, I fear that they will one day reach their limits with the way they are going now."<br/><br/>Sierra paused, taking the time for Abel's words to sink in and relating it to her own childhood experiences. "I can somehow understand. Sir Abel, if you want to go after her, please do. I'm sure we of Gramhold will be fine."<br/><br/>"While that is what my heart desires, my duty to see this order through will always be the priority. I cannot leave until we have made sure that Gramhold is rebuilt and well defended."<br/><br/>Sierra chuckled. "I can see where sir Guilford got that uptight attitude. Sir Abel, if I may be so bold, sometimes duties can be a hindrance to your heart's desires, and that can lead to a life full of regrets. If you are worried about Gramhold, you can leave it in my hands. I have not been born the daughter of this town's mayor for nothing." she proudly informed, chest a little puffed out.<br/><br/>Understanding the wisdom behind the words, Abel smiled gently. "Then I will be the only one to leave. The rest of these knights will remain in Gramhold to make sure that rebuilding sees completion."<br/><br/>"But would you be alright on your own? The trail to the nearby towns from here is dangerous."<br/><br/>It was Abel's turn to chuckle. "Milady, I was not a captain of the two Seraphs now for nothing. Do not worry." he winked and began to make his way to his horse.<br/><br/>Several minutes later and he was on his way to Alera, in hopes of finding out about Lethe's whereabouts and hopefully catching up with her.