<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Day 25 of Month 4: Lindela - District 5</span></span><br/><br/><br/>"Man..! That was intense..! I can still feel the adrenaline in my veins!" a knight mouthed off while doing his hundred and fiftieth push up.<br/><br/>Other knights he was similarly training with turned their attention to him, "Do you mean.. adrenaline from the last set?" the female one asked him in return.<br/><br/>"Chigusa..." Seven huffed out her name between labored breaths, "Olen meant our... first mission.. as a squad!" he groaned after pushing himself up for the last time.<br/><br/>Eight collapsed just after spending his final spurt of energy, "Yeah..." he wheezed, "He's been on about it for days now..."<br/><br/>Six knights deflated to an exhausted bunch after finishing the final set of their daily training routine.  Some of them took the effort to find shade from the blazing sun, while the rest showered themselves with the water from their canteens.  Their bespectacled squad mate, after settling underneath a tree for shade, began looking around.  "Hey.." he turned to his squad mates, "I don't suppose any of you have seen our Vice Captain today as well have you?" he asked curiously, earning himself headshakes from the others.<br/><br/>"I think the Captain sent her on a mission.." Eight speculated, forcing healing magic to his burning arm muscles.  "She is after all, probably the one truly reliable knight among us." he ended with sad expression.<br/><br/>"A mission hard enough to keep her away for days?" Chigusa tossed her own question. "You think she... went back to Knight Commander Sigfried because... of us?" she then added.<br/><br/>A melancholy air descended upon the group, thoughts loitering around the idea of their weakness.  They all knew and understood the reason they had to go through hellish training everyday since this squad came to be; the truth became painfully obvious during their first mission.  None of them were up to par with future battles ahead of them, and their Captain knew that.  Seeing how their Captain fought off and eliminated that Reaper single-handedly, it reminded them humbly of their capabilities.  It became no question why their Captain just ordered them to stay back and wait that time.  If he could take the Reaper down on his own, then the reason they were all brought along was to show them a glimpse of their future as Pristine Knights through that mission.  Harsh as it may seem, it was for the better that their Captain chose to show them firsthand.<br/><br/>"I really wish the Vice Captain was here to lift our spirits..." Reinhardt, their resident four-eyes, thought out loud.<br/><br/>The words reached the well-hidden Yulia behind a wall; she felt a pinch in her heart.  How many days had it been since she started skipping her duties? It had been more than a few.  Still, after that night?, there was just no way she could possibly face that man again.. not now, and probably not any time soon.  But... she peeked at her current squad mates.  If they think that highly of her, what she's doing now is letting those guys down right?  Yulia gritted her teeth, indecision warring inside of her.  For their sake, she needed to be on that squad now more than ever, but for her own sake, it's better if she kept her distance.<br/><br/>"How selfish..." she grumbled, looking at her brother's necklace she held in one hand.  Half of her knew what she should do, yet the other half kept her at a standstill, seeking solace from the memento of her late twin brother.<br/><br/>"What should I do?"<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">Day 26 of Month 4: Barrens</span></span><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"There is no telling what this would do to you given daily intake! I have yet to figure out if there are any side-effects to it at all!"</span><br/><br/>Knight Hyuga's reminder rang ominously in Akira's ears.  Five days, it had already been five days since he set foot on this desolate wasteland to gather intel on the enemy, yet the fruits of his endeavor remained unripe for the picking.  The exhausted scout laid still behind a large rocky formation, resting his weary body while he gazed at the last bottle of Hyuga's 'miracle powder' in his inventory.  He had already consumed four, just to sustain his magic reserves during this prolonged stay, and it seemed like he needed to consume this last bottle as well to keep his Prayer up...<br/><br/>A thought suddenly crossed his mind; he needed to save this bottle for the trip back to the rendezvous point. Should he consume it now, he would no doubt run out of magic to protect himself from the taint when it was time to get back.<br/><br/>It was hard enough to have to move as fast as he possibly could to cover more ground, yet even harder to maintain a delicately controlled Prayer for protection as he did so.  Akira's magic proficiency had been put to the ultimate test.  His Prayer needed to be strong enough to protect him from the Essence of Sin that plagued the land, yet it must also be weak enough for him to remain undetected.  Still, having to keep Prayer up non-stop, it was exhausting given that he had been doing it since day one.  Tired eyes averted their gaze from the bottle, only to land back at the map he held with his other hand.<br/><br/>He had just crossed out another possible location—the twenty-ninth he had checked.  Where are they?!<br/><br/>Akira sighed in defeat, it looked as if he was going to have to come back empty handed.  Surprisingly, he has yet to encounter Sinners in this journey!  Should he be thankful? Or should he be frustrated?  A frown contorted his usually stoic expression.  He was specifically looking for the enemy's main camp, yet he was feeling thankful he has yet to encounter a Sinner or any dark force that now inhabited these dead lands?  Pathetic.  Akira began to feel anxious.  Perhaps his exhaustion was starting to get the best of him?  Or maybe it was sleep deprivation?  He bet on the latter.  Maybe he should sleep, even for just an hour...<br/><br/>Purple eyes suddenly snapped back open the instant he felt them close, simultaneous with the momentary flicker in the shroud of Prayer that surrounded him.  What was he doing?!  He couldn't afford to sleep!  Otherwise his Prayer would collapse absent conscious control and then everything that led him up to this moment—everything he was fighting for again will all be for naught!  Akira looked at his right hand; a speck of red around his ring finger caught his attention..<br/><br/>No.  He would not give up!  He would not return empty-handed!<br/><br/>Battling the colossal urge to sleep, Akira forcefully willed himself back to his feet despite the silent screams from his body.  His weary eyes stayed trained at the vast expanse of dismal land before him.  There was one more place he could afford to check given what little time and resources he had left.  Looking at the map one last time, Akira marked the location and began mapping his course.<br/><br/>Best get to it while he was still cognitively functional.<br/><br/><br/><div><hr style="height:2px; width:100%; border:0; color: white;background:white;"/></div><br/><br/><br/>Golden eyes slowly creaked open upon feeling an unwanted sensation; the Light was near.  A crooked grin broke out on his lips after taking a moment to trace the origin.  For one so weak to have the audacity to wander in their territory.. what a foolishly admirable deed.  The newly awakened man tried to sit up, only to stop upon realization that there was weight on top of him.  He looked down, until his eyes could finally see the bulge beneath the lavish blanket that draped him.  With a careful motion of his right arm, the man grabbed hold of the blanket's edge and gently lifted it up, only to see a lightly snoring Eve rested on top of him.  He smiled at the sight of her little queen that rested peacefully in his presence.  She had done so much for him, the least he could do to repay her was to let her rest a while longer.  Whoever this intruder was, would feel his wrath another way...<br/><br/>The man closed his eyes again, focusing on the presence of Eve's faithful subordinates,<span style="color: #FFBF00"><span style="font-style: italic">"Hear me servants of Eve, we have a visitor.  Find him and destroy him!  Give no quarter! The Light does not belong here."</span></span><br/><br/>Hearing his voice echoing inside their heads, Eve's Dark Valkyries turned to one another, nodding in acknowledgment of their lord's orders.  Moments later, three of the Dark Valkyries headed out from Eve's fortress.  Even though they could feel no presence of the Light nearby, if their lord said there was such a presence, they would find and take it out.<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">Day 27th of Month 4: Grand Cathedral - Magic Research Division, 4th Floor</span></span><br/><br/><br/>The Grand Cathedral's fourth floor, the place where the Magic Research Division does their 'magic'.  Though Guilford knew of its function, he hardly ever sets foot in this place (for the sake of not being a guinea pig) unless he absolutely has to.  The male Seraph was currently standing outside Councilor Margarette's office, waiting for the Councilor to have time for him.  He had turned over Fiona's gift to Councilor Margarette for analysis days ago and was looking forward to results.  Right now, they needed every bit of hope and means they can get their hands on to fight the God of Sin and defeat it again.<br/><br/>His thoughts were interrupted when the doors to Councilor Margarette's office opened, followed by a Scribe coming out to approach him.  "Sorry to keep you waiting Master Guilford, the Councilor will see you now." the Scribe moved to the side to give way for him.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Thank you."</span><br/><br/>Inside, Guilford found himself suddenly frozen at the unusual sight of the Councilor.  Piles and piles of books and research materials were scattered all around her table, and the female Councilor paced endlessly back and forth behind her desk. She held the scroll he gave her delicately in one hand, the other searching her overly large bookcase expertly, obviously for another book.  The only semblance of organization could be seen at the center of her desk, where a sheet of paper riddled with words lay undisturbed by the surrounding mess.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Did I come at a bad time, Councilor?"</span>he asked, more out of keeping appearances than politeness.<br/><br/>"How could there be a good time when..." she stopped abruptly, having enough presence of mind to realize that she was not in a warded zone, "I'm swamped with work?" she added needlessly.<span style="font-style: italic">When the God of Sin has been revived</span>, was what she really wanted to say, "Forgive me Master Guilford," she gathered her composure in an instant, "did you come to check on the progress about this scroll?" her tone became more mellow and accommodating.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"I apologize for having to rush you, Councilor."</span>he looked around, taking note of the Scribes and researchers loitering in the back portion of her office,<span style="color: #0080FF">"If you could please give me an update."</span><br/><br/>Councilor Margarette waved her hand that held the scroll dismissively, quietly telling the Seraph to dispense with the formalities.  She motioned for Guilford to come closer and take a look at the sheet of paper she had on her desk.  "As you have initially said, this is connected to the Rite of Ascension Master Guilford, but the steps and procedure greatly differ. This is more.. archaic."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Differ? More archaic? What does that mean?"</span><br/><br/>Councilor Margarette let out a contemplative hum at the question.  Truth is, she still had no idea even after going through the oldest magic records and books she had at her disposal.  "I can't say." she finally admitted and let out a long sigh, "All I have right now are half the instructions on how to conduct it.  I need to finish decrypting the scroll if I am to have an idea of what this means, or its true purpose."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Hmm.. maybe it's a ritual to make <span style="font-style: italic">miracles</span> happen?"</span><br/><br/>She felt her heart skip a beat at the mention of<span style="font-style: italic">miracles</span>.  What was Master Guilford getting at?  There's no way the Rite of Ascension would be related to<span style="font-style: italic">that</span>.  "Is there something else you wanted to ask me about, Master Guilford?" she turned to him, intuition tingling.  There was only one spell in existence that has the power to grant miracles, but that was best kept forgotten.  Has Master Guilford found out about it?  Is he thinking it could be used as a last resort in these 'trying times' as Councilor Cornelius mentioned days ago?  Her train of thoughts were interrupted by the sudden softening in the male Seraph's expression.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Ahh, forgive me councilor, I was being wishful—such magic spells don't exist.. right?"</span>the male Seraph chuckled.<br/><br/>"Of course they don't.  Life would be too easy if they did." she said flatly, eyes still locked on her guest.<br/><br/>The two stared at each other for a good minute before the male Seraph bowed,<span style="color: #0080FF">"Well then, I'll let you get back to it and stop pestering you with my wishful thoughts, Councilor."</span>he flashed the old woman a professional smile,<span style="color: #0080FF">"Please, do notify me and Master Lethe of your findings should anything substantial come up."</span>the smile left his lips,<span style="color: #0080FF">"May the Divine Light bless you with its guidance, Councilor."</span><br/><br/>"Of course, Master Guilford. May the Light grace your path too." she bowed as well and watched the Seraph step out of her office.<br/><br/>What was he looking for exactly?<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">Day 27th of Month 4: Gless - d'Arques Mausoleum</span></span><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><div style="text-align: center;">We give our everything<br/>We ask for nothing<br/>We stay loyal and serve the Light<br/>We act with purpose for what is right<br/>All of this we shall do with pride<br/>And for all of this we give our might<br/>Let this be our code, let this be our life<br/>All for the greater good</div></span><br/><br/>Abel stared at the withered stone plaque hanging atop the mausoleum doors.  Engraved on it was the d'Arques code; the one thing that had kept him going.  For the longest time he had avoided this place, kept his distance, and mourned their losses on his own.  What was once a great bloodline of knights, now reduced to crumbling memories, threatened to be forgotten with the passage of time.  All because of the God of Sin, all because they tried everything in their power to stop him, but to what end?  Where had all their effort led to?<span style="font-style: italic">He</span>was back again, and Abel was the one true knight left in their bloodline to stand in his way.<br/><br/>The old knight sighed as he pushed the mausoleum doors open.<br/><br/>Though considered hallowed ground, inside was still a sad and lonely sight.  Numerous tombs lined the sides of the entire hall that led to an altar of the Light; all belonged to their bloodline.  Abel proceeded further in, flowers carried in one hand.  Today he would pay his respects for the last time, make one last promise, and see it through.  The old knight stopped at the end of the hall and turned to his right.  Abel knelt on one knee and placed the flowers before the one tomb in front of him.<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Nygel d'Arques</span></span><br/>Requiescat in Pace<br/>Fallen but not forgotten<br/>A true hero among many<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Yves Linser</span></span><br/>Requiescat in Pace<br/>A noble heart and inspiration<br/>May your fierce love and loyalty forever enlighten us</div></div></blockquote><br/><br/>"It has been a while since I last visited you two..." he trailed off, settling to a more comfortable position, "but I'm afraid I don't have good news." he continued and closed his eyes, recalling the fondest memories he had of his fallen subordinates.  The old knight lost himself in nostalgic memories, and his musing went on for minutes, until a good hour had passed.<br/><br/>"I thought you two should know... Eve has returned," Abel's voice echoed within the halls once more, "and so did<span style="font-style: italic">he</span>." the knight added, his face darkened and further crinkled by a frown, "We couldn't stop her back then..." his tone fell solemn, "but I intend to now, even if it's the last thing I do." he vowed, balling his right hand to a fist, "Yves," Abel paused and took a deep breath, "I'm sorry.  I know I promised you that I won't ever use your gift again, but this is the one chance I have left to see this through."<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div><span style="font-style: italic"><div style="text-align: center;">La Gamme</div></span><br/><br/>A battered and bloodied Abel was sent back flying by a hit from Eve's harvester scythe, as did several members of squad seven.  They honestly thought they had her cornered, but now that she revealed her true form, a grim fate now seemed to await their squad.  It was a terrible miscalculation of her power...<br/><br/>"Captain Abel!" their mage and Vice Captain, Yves, yelled his name in warning.<br/><br/>He heard it just in time for him to raise his sword and deflect a Sin bolt meant to take his life.  Eve was about to attack him again but was suddenly held at bay by another knight, their tank Nygel.  Taking the distraction as a chance, the younger mage joined Abel's side and erected a defensive barrier while he started poorly healing a deep cut.  "Abel," her tone was filled with worry, "at this rate, we're all going to die!" she said, watching the rest of their squad get back to their feet and re-engage.<br/><br/>The words rang true enough for him to disregard them.  He had seen how hard-pressed they became after Eve's transformation, but they couldn't let such a monstrosity continue to roam freely.  If they retreat now, more knights will die at the hands of this monster.  "I know." he pushed himself back up with the help of his sword, "That's why I'm going to use it—your gift to me."<br/><br/>The words came as a shock to Yves; La Gamme was never intended to be used in such a way as this. "Wha..? No! You can't be serio—"<br/><br/>"I am." Abel cut her off, "Gather the rest of the squad and retreat. Leave her to me."<br/><br/>"B-but—!"<br/><br/>"Do it now! This is an order! I am going to do this for the greater good and you know that all too well!" he yelled at her, his determined gaze far too strong to dissuade.<br/><br/>"You have to promise me!" she hissed back, "Promise me this is the first and last time you'll ever use it!"<br/><br/>The man only nodded once at her words.  There were no other words left for her to say, no other choice left for her but to obey.  With a sad expression, Yves released the barrier and watched her Captain dash off to face that monster again.  With a deep breath, Yves steeled her resolve and fired multiple Penance chains, all targeted at her other squad members. With a strong yank at her magic, she pulled them all to her location.<br/><br/>"Vice Captain! What are you doing!?" Estella roared at her, as well as Daria and Nike too.<br/><br/>"We've been given the order to retreat. Captain will buy us time so we can get reinforcements!"<br/><br/>"No! I'm staying! I'm not leaving the Captain alone with that thing!" Nygel rebutted, getting ready to jump back into the action.<br/><br/>The hilt of Ingram's sword blocked Nygel's advance, "Look at us Nygel, we're all half dead!  I may not be smart, but I'm not dumb enough to buy that excuse from the Captain either! However, I do agree with the idea of getting reinforcements! Let's not waste the Captain's effort! We should heal up and get more knights and then fight it again when we are able!"<br/><br/>"Nygel, he said it's for the greater good. You of all people should understand what he meant." Yves added and looked at the rest of them sternly.  "Let's go! The longer we stand around, the higher the chances of Eve getting away!"</div></blockquote><br/><br/>His eyes then turned to the name at the top of the tomb.  "Nygel," he began, a melancholy smile parting his old lips, "Up until today, I never really understood why you took my place that time," he trailed off, memories of their battle with Eve in mind, "but now I think I finally do..." he glanced at the name below Nygel's, the smile he had fading in an instant.  He had seen it back then, he just didn't want to admit it.  Nygel loved the same woman he did, and even though he never admitted to it, Nygel's actions were more than evidence enough.<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic">La Gamme</span></div><br/><br/><br/>"I'm heading back." the voice of their Vice Captain prompted six other knights to stop, "I can't do this after all!"<br/><br/>"Then we're coming too!" all of them said in unison.  Yves only shook her head, "This is non-negotiable! You are all going to heal up and get the reinforcements! Leave the Captain to me, I'll bring him back in one piece." she vowed determinedly and began making her way back.<br/><br/>After a moment of indecision, five knights continued the trek down to the nearest knight outpost in haste.  Nygel on the other hand, stayed behind.  He turned around only to catch a glimpse of their Vice Captain's back while she rushed to their Captain's aid.  <span style="font-style: italic">For the greater good</span>, he knew exactly what it meant.  A breath later and he too was on his way to their Captain's aid.<br/><br/>The moment he got back, the first thing he saw was a kneeling Abel, separated from Yves who was now taking the brunt of Eve's onslaught.  What was she doing?!  She never was good with close-quarters combat!  Realizing it was only a matter of time before Eve finds her opening, Nygel dashed towards Yves without second thought.  It was just as he feared, Eve realized Yves's flawed swordsmanship and went for her opening.  There wasn't much time to mount a good defense, and against a skilled opponent who wields a scythe, mounting haphazard defense simply won't do.<br/><br/>He threw himself before Eve's onslaught, managing to stop her scythe from even grazing Yves with the use of his body.  Nygel grimaced at the pain that shot through him but held on and stayed on his feet.  He now had Eve locked down, and an opening can now be exploited.  He grabbed the scythe's handle and refused to let go, looking back at Yves as he flashed a bloodied smile..<br/><br/>"Now's..your..chance!"<br/><br/>Reacting almost instantly, Yves fired her strongest spell, blowing Eve back away from the two of them.  At that instant, Abel had already completed the final anchor point and was already in the air.  The moment his target came to his range, he bashed Eve to the ground with his sword, placing the demon queen at the center of his magic circle.  Without hesitation, he activated the binding runes he added and started La Gamme's incantation.<br/><br/>The ground rumbled, chains of light shot up from the ground, wrapping themselves around Eve's monstrous form to keep her at bay.  Eve struggled to free herself, breaking the chains that bound her in place. However, no matter how many chains she broke, another came in its place.  It was only a matter of time before the demon queen found herself brought down to her knees.<br/><br/>Moments later, Abel's magic circle began to glow, until fissures of light erupted from the ground around them.  He was entering the Third Verse when his entire magic circle began to flicker, the light surrounding them dimming by a notch.  Yves felt a chill run down her spine; something was wrong, and she knew exactly what it was.  Their Captain was running out of magic.<br/><br/>Not wanting to waste the only chance they had of defeating Eve, Yves stopped treating Nygel's wound and ran towards her Captain, carving her own magic circle in conjunction with Abel's main one.  Seconds later and she was already a part of the ritual..<br/><br/>"Yves! What are you doing!?" Abel roared at her, struggling to squeeze out the last bits of magic in his reserves.<br/><br/>"Taking over and helping you! Don't think I don't know what's going on! I taught you this spell, I know exactly how much magic is needed to pull it off! You clearly don't have enough!" she countered, weaving her own magic to take over Abel's spell.<br/><br/>"Do you understand what you're doin—"<br/><br/>"Yes! I do!" she cut him off, "If you're willing to give up your life for us, then I am willing to give my life for you!" she smiled at him a bittersweet one, "You should have known this by now you insensitive blockhead!" tears fell from her eyes, "Live on! I got this!"<br/><br/>At her words, Abel formed a Unity rune and joined their magic circles together. "<span style="font-style: italic">We</span> got this." he firmly corrected her, flashing Yves a smile of his own. "Now, don't hold back! Give me everything you go—" his words broke after someone yanked him back, hard enough to toss him behind.  The gravely wounded Nygel then forced himself into Abel's spot with a triumphant grin.  Abel was just about to get back to his feet but Nygel locked him inside a defensive barrier spell known only by their bloodline.<br/><br/>"N-Nygel..?!" Yves stuttered, confused by his act, "What ar—"<br/><br/>"Look at me..." he heaved, showing Yves how grave his wounds were, "I'm done for..." he paused, smiling as he began weaving his own magic into the spell. "By the time both of you pull this off, I would die soon enough. d'Arques was never known to be good with healing." he chuckled, spitting out blood quickly after.  "I would save you... but I don't have as much magic as you do... and with me and Abel combined, this won't work.  I'm sorry..."<br/><br/>"B-but! You won't know unless you try! You can heal yourself!" she tried to encourage Nygel.<br/><br/>"Hehe.." he chuckled again, "believe me Yves, I know." he then glanced at Abel who was struggling to break his barrier, "You're stronger than me... You're a good leader... Your role must not end here!"<br/><br/>Yves followed Nygel's gaze, a sad smile broke out of her lips upon a sudden realization.  For the greater good, Nygel was right, Abel must live.  After all, she did promise their squad she would bring him back in one piece.  Now was not the time to be selfish.  She nodded at him in agreement with Nygel's thought and mumbled silent words, <span style="font-style: italic">I'm sorry</span>.<br/><br/>"Let me die with honor and without regret Yves, let my life be of use for the last time. So I ask you, please, accept this as my final gift to you.. my life.. for his."<br/><br/>She felt sadness encompass her being, but she would not falter now, not at this crucial moment.  "For the greater good, Nygel, I accept!" Yves roared with tear-filled eyes as both of them looked back at Abel, giving him their nods of approval.<br/><br/>As the owner of the spell, the activation was at his behest.  He had no options left, no cards left to play, this was it and he knew it needed to be done... for the greater good.<br/><br/>"La...Gamme..." he mumbled and slammed his right palm to the ground, activating the spell.</div></blockquote><br/><br/>Blinking the memories away, Abel's expression sharpened.  These two gave up their life following the d'Arques code, the least he could do now was to see it through that their sacrifice was not in vain.  Abel then offered a silent prayer to all of the departed around him and picked up his sword.  "Nygel, take care of her..." Abel slowly rose to his feet, "I'll see you guys soon."<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">Day 27th of Month 4: Gless - Caletta, Guilford's Manor (night)</span></span><br/><br/><br/>Two old men watched Guilford train in his backyard.  Master Jung, his guest for the night, was enjoying Corwin's company as well as his masterfully made tea.  His keen eyes watched every move Guilford executed during his routine, nodding his head in approval time and again upon witnessing several moves he recognized.  He turned to the butler with a wide smile after setting his cup down.<br/><br/>"Oh dear, he has grown quite a lot since the first time I saw this kid." he mumbled appreciatively.<br/><br/>Corwin bowed in response, "While I do not claim to understand combative arts, Master Jung, I have watched Master Guilford train to the best of his abilities time and again.  Even a novice such as I could understand how skilled he had become over the years." he proudly said, turning his gaze at the Seraph in training.<br/><br/>Master Jung nodded in approval again, "Yes, he truly is something: His foundations are strong, most of his techniques are refined, and his instinct is on a completely different level! An excellent swordsman in my book." he bowed graciously after Corwin filled his tea cup again. "Oh look! He can even do Light Step!" Master Jung exclaimed after seeing the Seraph flash around the backyard, "I haven't seen anyone do that aside from Caldwell, the Divine Flash!" he continued excitedly, "How did he come across such a technique?"<br/><br/>Corwin paused to think for a good minute.  "Well, Master Caldwell's daughter, Lady Brynhildr, was in the same class as Master Guilford when they were still in the PKA." Corwin helpfully supplied the answer, "I believe Lady Brynhildr taught Master Guilford the basics for uhh... Light Step."<br/><br/>"Is that so?" Master Jung turned his attention back at Guilford, "It's unrefined and lacks control, but this much is to be expected without proper guidance." he commented offhand, "But for him to be able to take it to this level on his own, that is quite an accomplishment." he smiled at the butler, "Would you be so kind as to hand me that wooden sword? I wish to give him guidance on its usage."<br/><br/>Corwin suspiciously eyed the old man, thinking that there could be no way he would be able to keep up with a youngster such as Master Guilford.  Still, it would be a shame to turn down an offer to help the male Seraph improve further.  With a polite bow, Corwin handed the wooden sword over and watched Master Jung step out to the backyard.<br/><br/>"Master Guilford?" the old man called to him from afar, "This is how you use Light Step." he said and poised himself to strike.  Before Guilford could react, he felt a single tap on his ankle and the next thing he knew, he was on his back and Master Jung had the wooden sword pointed at his neck.  Two moves.  He was down and out in just two moves!  "It is not meant for distraction or defense, Master Guilford, but for offense." he instructed the Seraph, offering a hand to help Guilford back to his feet.  "Light Step was created to dispatch multiple enemies in the least amount of time, using it for any other means is a waste of a good move."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Thank you for your guidance, Master Jung. I shall take it to heart."</span>Guilford bowed in respect,<span style="color: #0080FF">"Have you already considered my request then?"</span>he asked.<br/><br/>"I did." was the immediate answer, "However, I have yet to see Master Lethe's skill.  My training is not easy Master Guilford—I need to know first if she can handle it before I train both of you."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"And how do you wish to see her in action?"</span><br/><br/>"Ahh such a trivial question." the old man laughed, "I want to see you two in a duel."<br/><br/>Guilford's eyes widened, thoughts of Lethe's Heaven's Judgment giving him immediate chills that ran down his spine.  It was hard enough to fight her when she only had four of those swords, but now that she had eight? plus Luna? Guilford shuddered at the thought.  Still, if it was Master Jung's only condition for him to agree training them, he would have to oblige.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Of course. We can arrange that. I would let her know."</span>he bowed appreciatively,<span style="color: #0080FF">"Thank you Master Jung."</span>