Inside his office, Major Galahad wrote a letter intended for his friend. He thought of sending it to him after the news of Mitchell’s disappearance. If they were to succeed, they needed Mitchell’s potential. With him out of the picture, Major Galahad and his friend would be back from scratch.

Layla wasn’t with him since she did not return. It was almost a week since her leave, and probably would return in two days. Major Galahad did not keep it in mind. He had pressing matters to think. His affair with Lyla could wait. Finding Mitchell or replacing him was his priority.

After he wrote his letter, Major Galahad read it with his mind:

“Dear Felix,

Thank you for your help. How is our faction doing? The Ablers from the Salamander Order are aware of my identity, but they cannot harm me because I am under the Legion's protection. They may be hostile, but they are powerless.

I am writing to you urgently because my friend, Mitchell, has disappeared after his mission in the town of Wales. According to my troops in the field, it seems like someone may have taken him somewhere.

I believe the portal event may be the cause of his disappearance. I need your help to find Mitchell in your jurisdiction. I also suggest finding another Pyro exorcist of his caliber, operating independently or not affiliated with any order. This will allow us to continue our plans and put an end to this Phantasmic phenomenon causing suffering in the world.

Yours sincerely,

Erwin Pendleton"

Major Galahad took his courier pigeon. After transferring his letter to a small Pyro paper. A paper that would disclose the message when burned. He placed the letter to the letter holder at the leg of the pigeon and then released it.

After releasing the pigeon, Major Galahad returned to his desk. He continued on his paper works. Taking a sip of coffee from his new mug. He calmly leaned behind of his chair.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the town of Baine. Vashni lead a group of mercenaries. After the disappearance of Mitchell, he became the leader. He reported directly to Major Galahad, which he disliked. He had no choice but to fill the gap Mitchell had left.

The mercenaries liked Vashni because of his observation and organizational skills. He may not be an expert in military tactics and strategy, but he was a natural leader. Lucia and the others followed him as well, with Captain Ellaine as their supervising officer.

“What did you see?” Captain Ellaine asked Vashni, who paused.

“I sense something, the smell of the undead.” Vashni replied.

“It must be a horde!” Captain Ellaine replied and gathered all the mercenaries.

They all formed a tight circle under the mild heat during that morning. Pausing near a huge rock overlooking a small river. Captain Ellaine laid out her plans.

“We will use these noise bombs to lure them out of their caves. I believe we have enough manpower to eradicate these undead.” Captain Ellaine confidently said.

Vashni shook his head and replied, “We don’t know that yet, Captain.”

“What do you mean?” Captain Ellaine replied.

“We need to scout the area first. Finding the stragglers are one thing. Eradicating a horde would be an impossible feat if we don’t know their exact numbers.” Vashni replied.

“If you say so,” Captain Ellaine did not object to what Vashni had said.

“I suggest we send a scout team first.” Vashni said.

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“That would be risky!” Captain Ellaine replied.

Sergeant Ajax suddenly interfered with Vashni and Captain Ellaine’s conversation. Overhearing what Vashni said, he agreed on his idea and then looked at Captain Ellaine.

“I agree with Vashni, Cap!” Sergeant Ajax said and continued, “We don’t know how many they are. We might face a horde of hundreds or thousands.”

“I understand Sarge!” Captain Ellaine replied to him.

Sergeant Ajax knew that facing such a risk was better compared to risk everyone in the squad. He bravely volunteered and said, “Captain, I will lead the scouting team.”

“That’s nonsense!” Vashni replied.

“What about it? Water exorcist?” Sergeant Ajax asked.

“I will go with you!” Vashni added.

“What for?” Sergeant Ajax again asked, thinking that Vashni may get in the way.

“You will need me, trust me. My experience and my abilities.” Vashni said.

“Fine!” Sergeant Ajax replied to Vashni’s persistence.

At the headquarters of the Order of the Salamander in Darumia. Micah presented herself before the leaders. She covered part of her face on the left side of her cheek, burnt during the incident at the town of Wales. Beside of her was Lyon, her assistant and partner.

The leaders were looking at Micah, intently. They wanted to hear about her report about the incident.

“I apologize for our late arrival!” Micah genuflected before the leaders of the Order.

“We understand!” A leader replied, wearing a red robe and veil over her long black hair.

“We would like to investigate further about your report about your last encounter. Based on the report you made, I saw lapses and disregard in the protocols.” The leader continued to speak. “I would like to ask you. What made you think you’re authorized to sacrifice the lives of non-exorcists?”

“With all due respect, my grace! The townspeople were not cooperative. About the rogue exorcist, it was our only way to survive the night…” Micah explained.

The loud voice from the supreme leader of the order interrupted her. She stopped speaking and her lips quivered.

“With all due respect, exorcist!” The supreme leader, an enormous man wearing a distinct red robe with a ring on his finger with the crest of the dragon, said. “Your lives over others, and empathy towards the people. Have you forgotten your oath?”

“If I may speak… I would explain about the need for self-preservation under the odds…” Micah tried to protest.

“That was not the case here. At the end, you tried to sacrifice an unsanctioned Pyro Exorcist and cost him his life!” The supreme leader yelled.

“No, sir… it was…” Micah again tried to explain herself.

“That’s enough, Micah!” Lyon tried to stop his friend.

Micah was silent and awaited for the verdict about her actions. Lyon did the same, reflecting about his mistakes earlier. As the supreme leader opened the letter, he spoke.

“The Salamander Order will ensure that the misdoings of the two high-ranking exorcists do not go unnoticed by placing them under probation. The organization will assign a new mission will be assigned to the two of them to the two of them. A delegate from the Legion requires aid in their attempts to pacify towns affected by the Phantasmic phenomenon. The two Pyro exorcists, Micah Heart and Lyon Stevens, will be assigned to the Legion…”

As Micah could not believe what she heard. Lyon, looking at her face, knew that she was not pleased. Knowing that they may serve under Major Galahad, Lyon couldn’t bear to think of the idea.

“With all due respect, Supreme Leader!” Lyon, unable to stop his mouth, said and continued. “I believe it would be dangerous to send us both to cooperate with the Sindler kin. An enemy of our kind to a single camp.”

The Supreme Leader asked, “Why is that? Lyon Stevens?”

“We had problems earlier with the man they called Major Galahad. He was a Sindler plotting something against us, our kind, disguising for a beneficial cause!” Lyon replied.

“Then that is why I am sending both of you… Both of you will spy on the man and keep him in check!” The Supreme Leader replied.

Micah signalled for Lyon to stop talking. Lyon conceded and bowed down as the Supreme leader looked at him. “I understood… my duties, Supreme Leader!”

“Good!” The Supreme Leader replied and threw away the letter to the flaming candle beside of him. “I will send other five exorcists of the same caliber as both of you. Your mission is not only to assist the legion. You are to keep this Sindler in check!”

Watching over the cliff. A man wearing a shirt and black trousers stood before the mountain. He enjoyed the fresh air and relaxed from the scenery. Behind him were his aides, preparing his meal at his picnic. The sound of a flute, played by one of his aides, harmonized with the surroundings.

“Can you play a different tune?” The man said to the aide, playing the flute.

“Yes, sir!” the aide said, and a different melody played.

“Away from the city, and such a wonderful sight to marvel.” The man said.

The man’s relaxation interrupted when one of his aide, carrying a message from Major Galahad, ran towards him. “Sir, a message!” The aide said.

“Thanks, you can leave!” The man replied to his aide. “What could Erwin be doing this time?” The man added, seeing his aide leave.

Taking a lighter from his pocket. The man ignited the Pyro Letter, and the words written by Major Galahad appeared before him like that from a projector. After reading the letter, the man smirked after reading Major Galahad’s name. “Erwin Pendleton, huh?”

The man continued and said, “Fine, you needed Felix’s help. I will help you, dear nephew!”