General Ernst and Lt. General Hemmingway exited Major Galahad’s office. Mitchell and Lucia were waiting outside, having exchanged a few tense words earlier. Lucia, noticing Mitchell's tension, felt shy around him as well.

Major Galahad emerged from his office, looking pleased. It was the first time Mitchell and Lucia had seen the major in such high spirits. Mitchell stood up and approached him.

“Oh, I didn’t notice you there, Mitchell!” Major Galahad exclaimed.

“Yes, sir. You called for us?” Mitchell replied.

“Well, yes… I need to have a word with you first,” Major Galahad said, continuing, “Please wait for me while I prepare.”

The major re-entered his office. Trying to break the earlier awkwardness, Lucia stood up. “Hey, Mitch… I mean, is it okay if I call you that?”

“Sure, Lucia,” Mitchell replied.

Lucia was glad that Mitchell did not object. Mitchell also noticed that Lucia was trying to get closer to him. He did not know what to say or do, but he gave her a smile and said, “Let’s be friends, Lucia…”

“S-sure!” Lucia replied, blushing.

Lyla suddenly called Mitchell’s attention as she exited Major Galahad’s office. “It’s your turn, Mitch…”

Seeing Lucia with him, she teased the two, “Oh, aren’t you the lovebirds!”

While Mitchell’s face turned red, Lucia remained silent on the bench. Lyla noticed something between the two but only kept a grin on her face.

“Hurry up, Mitchie, the major is waiting for you!”

Hearing this, Mitchell hurried inside the Major’s office while Lyla joined Lucia on her seat. The two had a lively conversation outside.

Inside Major Galahad’s office, Mitchell noticed it was better arranged. Unlike before, there were no papers strewn about on Major Galahad’s desk. “It must have been Lyla helping with the upkeep of the office,” Mitchell thought.

Major Galahad then spoke to Mitchell, “I guess it’s been a long time since I’ve been away, Mitchell.”

“I agree, Major Galahad,” Mitchell replied.

Major Galahad took one document from his desk. It was Vashni’s papers. Then he focused on Mitchell. “I see you found an exorcist who controls a different element.”

“Yes, sir!” Mitchell replied.

“We can still accommodate him here. However, if you find another holder of the pure element, please encourage them to join us!”

“Yes, sir, I will!” Mitchell replied.

“I talked with Vashni a day before. He’s a fascinating guy. I have no problems with people of different races or orientations. As long as they can perform their tasks, I am willing to accept them!”

Mitchell was glad to hear the Major’s words about Vashni. Having a partner for future missions would be beneficial.

“By the way, Mitchell, have you received your commission?” Major Galahad asked.

Hearing this, Mitchell turned silent. He had forgotten about the matter and was about to raise it with the Major. Seeing Mitchell’s face, the Major noticed that he might not have accepted it yet.

“About that, Major… I don’t know if I should say it…” Mitchell’s reluctance was obvious in his voice.

“No need to worry, Mitchell. If there are problems with the release of your commission, I will head to the treasurer’s office to have it sorted out,” Major Galahad replied.

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“Thank you, sir, I appreciate it!” Mitchell replied.

“No worries, Mitchell. I would gladly help!” Major Galahad assured him and continued, “If you have anything you would like to ask, please, let me know!”

“Thank you again, sir, but I believe I am fine at the moment,” Mitchell replied.

“Good!” Major Galahad said.

“I will take my leave now, sir!” Mitchell said.

“Thank you for your time, Mitchell. Please, take care!” Major Galahad said as Mitchell exited his office.

Mitchell saw Lucia sitting on the bench, humming her favorite song. He was captivated by her voice and decided not to disturb her.

Lucia stopped humming when she saw Mitchell leaning against the wall. “I didn’t notice you were there!” she exclaimed in surprise.

“I’m sorry, I just heard your beautiful voice earlier,” Mitchell replied.

Lucia cleared her throat and proceeded to the Major’s office. She was embarrassed but glad of Mitchell’s praise. Mitchell shrugged his shoulders and left.

It was almost 1200 hours. Mitchell was getting hungry and decided to go to the mess hall. He was looking for Gary, but he was not around. Instead, he went alone and lined up for his food.

The mess hall was almost full, with most tables occupied. He looked around and saw Vashni eating alone at a table with one empty seat. Mitchell approached and sat down.

“Hello, Mitchell… It’s been a while!” Vashni greeted him.

“What do you mean? We just saw each other this morning!” Mitchell replied.

“Anyway, I met with Major Galahad. He’s a fine guy, but I feel something peculiar about him,” Vashni said.

“What about it?” Mitchell asked.

“I may not be a good judge of character, but I suggest you don’t judge a book by its cover,” Vashni warned him.

Mitchell fell silent, and Vashni continued, “I’m sorry about earlier. I just have a hunch about him. Or maybe I’m wrong. Better to tread with caution around people.”

“I see…” Mitchell replied with a hint of disagreement in his tone.

Vashni noticed that Mitchell seemed attached to the Major and felt indebted to him, so he didn’t continue discussing his suspicions.

“By the way, Mitchell. Are you not going to eat that?” Vashni referred to Mitchell’s untouched pork chops.

“Aren’t you followers of Jingo not allowed to eat pork?” Mitchell asked, surprised.

“Who said I still believed? I may have been a monk before and practiced meditation, but I’m not devout like the others. So hand me your pork chops!” Vashni said.

“What a sinful monk!” Mitchell thought and gave up half of his pork chops.

Seeing this, Vashni was delighted and grabbed the fat first. Mitchell was taken aback since he was not accustomed to consuming the fat of the pork. Vashni chewed the fat in delight, surprising him.

Meanwhile, at Major Galahad’s office, the Major was deep in thought. As Lucia exited, he was considering how to execute his next plans. After recruiting Mitchell to the legion, he had completed the first phase.

Someone knocked at the door. Major Galahad, expecting his guest, allowed them in. Two mercenary captains entered in their dress uniforms. One, a woman named Ellaine Garfield, and the other, Ronald Sawfield, saluted him.

Ellaine was short with well-kept long hair, blue eyes, and a well-proportioned figure. Ronald had short brown hair, wore glasses, and had a smart appearance.

“At ease, both of you, and take your seats,” Major Galahad said.

The two captains sat in front of Major Galahad’s desk. “You may now speak,” Major Galahad said.

“Sir, our informants are telling us that the Salamanders, an order of Flame Exorcists, are investigating the incident at Emille Village,” Captain Ellaine said, continuing, “They’re looking at the possibility that a rogue Abler exorcist is on the loose.”

“I see…” Major Galahad reflected and continued, “Were they able to find any leads?”

Captain Ronald looked at Captain Ellaine and replied, “They’re looking for a rogue hunter and exorcist. Two of their members visited the Legion’s headquarters to ask questions.”

“Any word from the Generals?” Major Galahad asked.

“No, sir. The General kept denying any knowledge of exorcists in the Legion,” Captain Ellaine said.

“I have good news for both of you!” Major Galahad said to the two captains.

The captains were surprised, knowing what the Major was planning all along. The Major interrupted Captain Ronald just as he was about to speak.

“The success of my plans won’t be realized without the help of you two. I am glad that both of you were on my side. General Ernst and Lt. General Hemmingway were here earlier. I believe that you two have guessed what happened today?” Major Galahad ended his statement with a question for the two.

“What is it, sir?” Captain Ellaine asked.

Major Galahad’s smile made the two understand what he meant. Seeing their faces, the Major told them, “I would like to inform you that our Paranormal Department is approved! Budgeting and allotment of resources are also being planned.”

Both captains showed reluctance to the Major’s plans but kept silent as the Major continued to speak.

“With this, we will know how to end the Phantasmic Phenomenon and mitigate the damage it has done to our world. The primary goals of our department are research. Therefore, we could find ways in the future to deal with the problem of possessions and their damages caused.” The Major ended his explanation.

The two captains did not bother to raise their objections. They knew when the Major started to get what he wanted. Nothing would stop him in his tracks.

“Do you have any questions?” The Major asked the two captains.

“No sir!” The two replied in unison.

“Good! I will talk to the Generals about your transfer to my office. I hope that we will make a good team!” Major Galahad said.