“My god… my stomach is full!”

“It’s because you ate two full dishes, you asshole glutton! Ah! I didn’t get to taste that whole meat!”

“Ehh?! It’s your fault, being so slow and all.”

“Tch!”

“Please, I know we’re all wearing casuals, but if someone sees us from command like this—” Sora consoled Enna and Gen, who were fighting due to the food inside a public restaurant. Needless to say, patrons of the shop who were trying to eat quietly were starting to put skeptical faces against them. Even the waiters were spectating their rabble.

“…Just don’t be rash and start a food fight.”

Before long, the captain intervened. He calmly finished his spoonful of food before tucking it back to the plate. He stood up, went to his two troublesome colleagues’ side of the table, and slammed both of their foreheads against each other.

Finally, this calmed them down.

“I’ll have you know I paid for this table. If something happens that will embarrass this establishment, which is quite literally what’s happening now, I will put this into both of your tabs.”

“Just eat the food, you two.” Gris remarked while happily munching into a drumstick. “If this comes to it, why didn’t you cook your own food back out, Gen?”

“I’m not in the mood.” He muttered. “Sorry for our misbehavior, captain. We’ll pay for the table.”

Enna raised an eyebrow, but as she saw Gen’s face, she knew he was serious, and has no choice but to nod and agree.

“Good. Now everyone, eat up. This’ll be a little celebration.” Fein sat back into his seat.

“So… Mido… after this you should take a rest. We’ll sort out your application tomorrow…”

Mido was not listening. At his side of the table, he was too busy eating food at the platter he called ‘delicious’. These dishes were not the top-notch of the restaurant, and admittedly, some were a little bland, but to a boy who came from an isolated rural town in the middle of an icy valley, his palate was sure to adapt heavily to this region’s food. Adding to the fact that he was skinny and did not eat much until now…

Well, no one can blame his enthusiasm to the food that was presented before him.

“Hmm. Let him eat for a while. Look at him, without a care for the world. Hahaha!” Gris laughed.

Everyone went on to finish their dinner. It was an odd occasion, as Gen would usually cater their food, but a change in routine won’t hurt if it’s to give way to their new “recruit,” Mido. After the dinner, everyone decided it was time to report. The actual personal reporting is taken charge by the group’s captain, and it is up to them to condense their investigation into one paper.

Meanwhile, the others split up to tour the district a bit more. It was nighttime, so everything was surrounded by warm light from the different buildings constructed around them. The structures were modern, so Mido was naturally fascinated and curious.

However, Wizbette made sure to cater to his questions…

“Let’s go here!” She nudged him.

At the distance, Enna waved for them, along with Sora, Gris, and Gen, the latter unusually timid at this situation.

“Oi, we’ll be at the lobby!”

Wiz replied with a wave. She towed Mido, whose head was turning frantically at every nook, into an avenue. People passed by to and fro, and into and outside buildings. Bonsai trees lined up one side of the alley as decorations, but their color was diffused with the lights and the dark. The avenue soon opened to a small plaza, laden with intricate brick flooring that complemented the surrounding buildings. It was the usual night life: people hanging out at the tables, drinking, and admiring the scenery. The citizens of the city of Henwales were unusually active during the night. But what captivated both of their eyes was the centerstage of the plaza: A wisteria tree dominated it. What was strange however was not it’s unusually vibrant pink flowers, but the fact that it was somewhat emitting a turquoise gleam from its branches.

Both of them leaned unto the metal fence surrounding the tree and took its marvelous sight.

“…I’ve never seen a tree light that before. It’s… glowing.”

Mido remarked. Focusing on its branches, the wisteria seemed to radiate its turquoise energy all around, but the people around them do not even appreciate this wonder.

Wiz gasped. “You—you see it?” She asked.

“Mhhmm. Why?” Nodded Mido.

“You see, that tree ‘absorbs’ the moonlight. Sora told me about that.”

“Sora?”

“Yeah, the… ‘small’ guy.” She chuckled.

“Then, that light from the moon is used by the tree to make its flowers bloom and grow. It’s essentially a nocturnal flora.”

“I thought plants only grow under the sun?” Mido was seriously curious. Noticing this, Wiz laughed.

“You’re really clueless, aren’t you…? Well, that glow you see on the trunks? That is probably the excess energy it does not need, and instead of hoarding it, it emits the energy back to the world.”

After a mouthful of words, Wiz exhaled.

“It’s beautiful, huh? Even in simple life, you can find something that’s not selfish for its own good. For me, that makes anything beautiful.” She stretched her arms outward to relax herself.

“I’ll hold on to that…” Mido said silently on his side.

“Hm?” Wiz turned to him as she put down her arms to her sides.

“Nothing… It’s just that… everything’s happening to fast. I think it was just a day since I was almost killed. I got treated and transported out of nowhere. And now, I’m about to join your team. In just a day.”

“I still don’t remember much about… Mido. My town. But what I feel, it urges me to—"

“But you are safe now.” Wiz looked at his eyes. She had to look a bit up, however, as Mido was taller than her. Her bangs covered some of her view, as the fringes of her hair flowed gracefully with every passing breeze.

“Sometimes…” She had the urge to touch his hand, still holding at the cold metal fence, but forced herself against it, slowly tucking her hand to her chest.

“Sometimes, the world makes you want to forget. But it is its way of offering you a new chance.”

It was an intimate feeling. Something really unusual for the two of them, as they had only met. But somewhere, deep inside, a longing for someone to look up to was ignited by a peculiar matchstick.

“I’ll take it upon me: We will help you find justice.” Wiz’s eyes were now hazy from not blinking.

“I… Thank you. I guess…” Mido said enough thanks for course of their company, but he had nothing in mind to answer their hospitality. He was still weak, and the only acts he could do to repay them right now was his word and the assurance of him joining D-7. For the sake of finding answers.

“Welcome, Mido.” She softly said. Their locked state was soon interrupted by a strong breeze of cold wind, whooshing across the park. The sheer coldness made Wiz shake. She had light clothing, so she took the brunt of the cold on her back.

“Uhmm… We should go back to command…” She slightly whimpered.

“Yeah, it’s starting to get cold.” Mido commented as he was starting to also react from the cold breeze.

“Lead the way, Miss Wizbette.”

Wiz was startled. The way her name was called out to her made her queasy.

“You really know how to get along, do you?” She tried to laugh it off. Mido was confused.

“Right! So, I’ll lead the way… If we’ll go through here…” And off they went to the Organization’s Ability Apprehension Headquarters. Sure, it was an unusual experience for Wiz to get along to him as fast as that, but deny it if she can, she somewhat enjoyed his company.

They reached their destination. Their altitude was now higher than the plaza they went moments before, so they were visibly tired from the hike upwards. As Mido looked around, he noticed the populace started to change: People with uniforms were all around them. Their coats were made to be fit for the cold climate, so they were a tad bulky when worn. Wiz and Mido looked at their left. A long balcony overlooking the land below the mount was seen. As the moon hailed and peeked from the clouds, most of the trees below formed spiky visages, and some lights were lit not far from where they were.

Possibly some small settlements.

At their front, they were greeted by a huge building, seemingly attached to a part of the mountain itself. Even further, large texts were plastered:

Vassal United Headquarters.

Quite an imposing name.

The Builders must have been ingenious on their craft at building this base of operations, but it was said that the Henwales themselves built the infrastructure of this city. Most likely the rumored earth-shaper Vassal.

They got in through the hotel-like revolving doors and were greeted by a grand lobby. It was exquisite and gave off the vibe of a cozy, yet sophisticated atmosphere. Mido felt outlandish, however, as he was so used to the rural life, he was somewhat alienated by the new faces he’s seeing.

“Come with me.” Wiz grabbed him by the hand and went to the lobby desk, grabbing something from her pocket. Mido let his legs get tugged along Wiz’s pacing. As they approached the desk, the ‘concierge,’ dressed in their usual suit, seemed to recognize her face.

“No need to flaunt your card, Officer Wizbette. You’re clear.” Both smiled. Wiz nodded and proceeded to tow Mido into the seats, but not before the man commented on her companion.

“Who’s that man?”

“…An acquaintance.”

It was a spacious lobby. The seats were enough for a whole class, lined up perfectly from the grand stairs leading above, until just a few meters to the entrance. People with uniforms chat and do their businesses all over the vicinity. As they sit, both of them sank into the fluffy cushion, ushering a verbal reaction. Because they were so exhausted because of their small trip, it took them a while to notice they had company.

“Hey, hey. Look who’s here?” She heard a familiar voice.

“Sora? Guys?!” Wiz snapped out of her comfortable position. She looked at her side but saw Mido was starting to doze off into the seat, without a word.

“Did you nab ‘em, princess? I have to say, as a priestess, you’re really fit for a caretaker…” Enna jutted out from behind Sora in a comedic fashion.

“W-Whaat?! I just accompanied him, that’s all!” She stammered.

“Oh, and look at the boy! All shriveled up into a vegetable. He needs some good sleep. Like this fat ass!” Enna pricked into Gen’s shoulder beside her, as he was also on the verge of sleeping. The sudden pain made him jump from his seat.

“By the way, where are the others?” Wiz tried to offer a topic.

“Well, first we figured Mido’s going to need temporary housing. Gris volunteered to use his space, as it is spacious enough. He’s probably done arranging his room. Since you’re both here and exhausted, I’ll call him now.” He went to fetch his phone from the table in front of them and proceeded to speak to it.

“Captain hurried above. He needs that report filled out and the director’s approval.” Enna said.

“You mean the secretary. Director Henwales does not currently entertain new recruits.” Gen remarked but was half-asleep while doing so.

“Ah. Yes.” Enna clicked her tongue.

After a moment, Enna noticed Wiz’s face. She was staring into nowhere.

“My, my… Why the pouty face?” Wiz looked at her, still somewhat pouting.

“You want your room to be used instead of Gris, don’t you?” She grinned.

She snapped out of her trance, and deciphered the voices, slowly turning red in the process. “No! I’m not thinking about that, Enna!”

Enna just glared at her flushed face, and threw into fits of laughter.

“You’re really open today! And that’s a change… Usually you’re a shy girl, always timid. But now…” She went on and on.

“Shut up… Shut up…” Gen, still half asleep, tried to extend his hand and slap Enna in the face, but to no avail. Meanwhile, Wiz was covering her face, embarrassed by Enna’s banter, and Sora was suddenly nowhere to be found.

And that, because of the appearance of a new companion, Mido, D-7 became a bit livelier.

A few floors above them, Fein attended to their report. Due to the director’s trust, reports submitted by Apprehension Groups are directly processed to and by the Office Secretary. He stood in front of a desk, and a woman tended to the papers he submitted before initiating.

As the captain inhaled the air inside the room, he smelled hints of sweetness and tang.

“Fein. Are you sure there are no reachable connections to the disaster? He is the only confirmed witness?” She asked with an authoritative voice.

“As of our investigation and the testimony of the witness, ma’am, yes.”

“It’s such a sad situation for that enclosed Vassal town. Sheer Mental shock must’ve broken his memory. Nevertheless, I’m intrigued by the ‘purple flames’ he said.”

“Why is that, ma’am?”

“…I’ve had a run-in with that same description. Hmm… but that was long before I took this work.”

Fein started to feel unease. The secretary also used to investigate Rogue Vassals, until the director pushed her up to office work. It was from a long time ago, however, so Fein had reasons to feel troubled.

“Still, this investigation may take a while. I could not assure that this survivor is truly innocent, but the possibility of it still stands. There are many entities that harbor distrust among us Vassals that I don’t even know their ranks anymore.” She added.

“Is it a terrorist group, ma’am?”

“You could put it that way. But sadly, that is the only information I can give to you. You do not have clearance to access classified information.”

Fein knew it, but if that’s what they need in order to gather even a hint of information…

“We do not have any leads. Is there any way I could do to access that?” He asked.

“You can file a notice for the director, but he is too busy at the moment.”

“He’s always busy.” Emphasized Fein, with a hint of disappointment lingering between his lips.

“Trust me, Fein, I want to help. But these restrictions are what makes us a stable organization. The ‘rules are made to be broken’ saying is nonsense when it comes to the general order of things.” She remarked.

“…I understand.”

“Still, would you continue this investigation? The threat may be high. I cannot assure that your chain of success for the past year will still persist…”

That was a warning. Fein thought she knew what she was saying, and in truth, she does.

But, without hesitation, Fein answered her.

“We will. We promised him.”

“Promise?” She chuckled. “To a survivor you just met?”

Fein only stared at her figure.

His answer impressed the secretary, who expected them to consider the unknown risk and let it be handled by the higher-ups. She smiled before addressing him.

“You are piquing my interest… Well, with the specifics… A boy who does not know he’s a Vassal, and has made Designation Seven, one of the esteemed Apprehension Groups of Henwales, hold a promise for him?” She chuckled.

“It seems as if he wants me to meet him.”

“That would be the opposite, ma’am.” The two looked at both eyes. Azure and ruby locked, building up slight pressure in the atmosphere.

Eventually, the secretary cleared her throat, and stood up. “Well then. You will continue to handle the investigation of Mido, but with the town blown to bits, finding another lead would be a miracle. Do not say I didn’t warn you, though.”

“I hope that you’ll do your job safely and properly. You are dismissed, Captain Van Rosa.”

Fein gestured a half-bow. “Thank you for your time, Secretary Hiroudo.”