The prince of Renais has faced many trials in this championship run, but Kato presents a new challenge. While Ephraim's mighty polearm Sigmund's strength has served him well until now, it will take a greater resolve to do so under Kato's status-filled assault. However, unlike so many lancemen in his realm, Ephraim has studied and trained for all aspects of warfare, and whethering magical assault and the debilitating effects they can produce is something from which he's well prepared. While a sustained assault may be too much for him, Ephraim should easily strike the first blow, and will need to sustain only one or two blows before finishing the battle. It will push him to his limits, but that's exactly the sort of battle Ephraim prepares himself for.