The early morning sun filtered in through the window, bathing Tōga's quarters in a warm glow as he contemplated the task before him. Though honored by Captain Lionel's request for assistance, doubt gnawed at his mind. Was he truly ready for such a grave undertaking? Ferreting out corruption within their own ranks required discernment and insight that often came only with age and experience - qualities Tōga lacked in his youth.

Yet, as a Rune Knight himself, duty compelled him to serve when called. Proving his capability now could open doors in the future. With a resigned sigh, Tōga accepted the list of five suspect knights from Captain Lionel and set out to observe each one in turn.

He trailed them throughout the day as they went about their tasks, watching every interaction and conversation. Though tedious at times, Tōga remained diligent in his surveillance, knowing the importance of thoroughness. As afternoon faded into evening, unraveling threads of deceit began to emerge.

To Tōga's dismay, three of the five showed unmistakable signs of corruption - accepting bribes, using their authority for personal gain, even outright abusing those they were sworn to protect. Each trespass struck a blow to Tōga's spirit. How could those entrusted to uphold justice stray so far into darkness? The realization pained him deeply.

Yet all was not lost. The remaining two knights demonstrated integrity in their actions, upholding the values of the order. Some good still survived amidst the rot Tōga had uncovered. Determined to nurture those embers of justice, he swiftly reported his findings to Captain Lionel under the cloak of night.

The next morning dawned grim and overcast, matching the somber mood that hung over the citadel. Swift retribution had swept away the corrupted knights in the dark hours before sunrise. Though necessary, the loss weighed heavily on the Captain and others who had called those disgraced men friends and brothers.

Tōga stood stoically through Lionel's muted words of thanks, numb to any sense of accomplishment. In his mind, the ordeal represented a failure - of the knights who had fallen astray, of the order for allowing it to happen, and of himself for not recognizing it sooner. The world felt a little less hopeful than it had just days before.

Yet as Tōga lifted his gaze, faint rays of sunlight filtered through the clouds overhead, kindling a glimmer of hope within him. This shadow was not the end, but merely part of the endless cycle of light and dark. Though evil lurked always in the hearts of men, good would rise in turn - if only people cared enough to nurture it. Tōga understood then that the battle against corruption was never truly over, but must be fought anew each day.

Comforted by that truth, Tōga resolved to rededicate himself to the values of the Rune Knights. If he could help nurture those sparks of justice and integrity in others, perhaps one day the light would blaze brightly once more, driving out the shadows that clung stubbornly to the edges.

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WC: 509
THREAD END