Danger in the Dark

The identities of the cardinals are a closely guarded secret of the church.

Yet Aelfric's status was disclosed in that letter. Could this signal a power struggle within the church?

Or perhaps that's what they want us to believe. Either way, we should pay close attention.

According to the legend that Aelfric shared with us, the chalice has the power to bring back the dead.

Are his captors hoping to resurrect someone?

Hmm. Or perhaps they simply intend to sell it for an exorbitant payoff...

So it turns out ol' Aelfric is a cardinal, huh? Hard to imagine such an important figure getting abducted.

And whoever took him somehow knows we have the chalice.

I bet they know how to use the thing too. I doubt they just plan to decorate their mantle with it.

I was speaking with Hapi earlier, and it dawned on me that she may possess a unique Crest.

Perhaps it's linked to the Four Apostles. If so, then in the chasm... No. There isn't enough to back that up.

Hm? Oh, sorry, Professor. I need to think on this longer before sharing my theories.

Aelfric's been taken hostage... Who could do such a dishonorable thing?

It doesn't matter. Abyss needs him. We've got to form a rescue party.

I just hope we're not getting in over our heads. We don't exactly know what we're dealing with.

We were hoping the chalice would protect Abyss, but it's the reason Aelfric got captured. That's ironic.

The people here really adore him. I'm sure they'd appreciate our help getting him back.

Then again, are we getting too involved? Maybe we should leave before we make things any worse.

Things were dicey for a bit there. Gotta say I'm relieved that no harm befell anyone in Abyss.

I've made sure that the elderly and children are hidden in their homes. They need to stay safe.

So that's the deal. People are safe for now. But I can't shake the feeling that something's just...off.

All we can do at this point is focus on the problem staring us in the face.

You ask me, we can't expect to just mosey on by, hand over the chalice, and make it out alive.

Nothing sounds better than saving Aelfric and roughing up the jerks who took him. It's just...

Well, as the Relentless King of Grappling, I'll be fine. But I'm worried about the others.

Might I have a word? It concerns the blackguards who abducted Aelfric.

I alluded to it before, but I sincerely believe there is a spy in Abyss.

Yuri is exceedingly devoted to his friends, but there are times that he can be a bit too trusting.

We've gotta get Elfie back.

I was abducted once, when I was younger. My captor used me as a test subject in her twisted experiments.

Maybe we can just give them the chalice and they'll release him unharmed.

Hey, you. Listen up. I've got something to report. And it's me. I...I'm a failure. A farce. An insult to the noble title of Abysskeeper.

Master Aelfric's done so much for me. I wanted to pay him back one day, but instead...I let this happen.

I'll never make this up to him. Ugh! I'm disgusted with myself! Don't look at me—I'm a monster.

It all happened so fast. They forced their way in and took Aelfric. There was nothing I could do.

We all wanted to fight, but Aelfric stopped us.

He always thinks of others first...even if it means sacrificing himself.

The leader of the group that took Aelfric... I've seen him before.

He wouldn't hesitate to slaughter an entire town... if he stood to gain even a little by it.

His laugh chills me to the bone...

The Ashen Wolves are strong. I don't think even they can do this on their own...

You'll lend them a hand, won't you, Professor? Please, save Aelfric!

Aelfric is a prominent figure in the church.

If the archbishop hears what happened, she might send the Knights of Seiros.

That'd make things complicated. Folks down here don't trust 'em.

I have seen nothing. I have been here in this place, where I always am.

You cannot think it was me who did something. I am full of innocence!

It's gotten pretty dangerous around here, so we've sent all the children back to their homes.

I hope Aelfric's all right...