Arrival

The three of them arrived at a city where a huge cathedral was located in the middle of it. It has a tall tower and a wall made out of stained glass.

Lydia and Steve passed the city's gate with ease but James had to answer some question before receiving the permission to access the city. Upon entering, James could felt he had entered a barrier or some kind.

"What was that?" asked James.

"What is it? Oh, you mean the defensive barrier? Yea, it is here to prevent any malicious being from entering. It is the Church's first line of defence. I'm surprised you can detect it. It definitely means you are not any normal person. Just to give you an upfront, you will sense another one when you enter the Church's main entrance," explained Steve.

"Thanks."

They walked past the city residents and reached to the tall building in the middle of it. As they walked past the streets, the onlookers all gave them a gentle bow. James could see that the institution was well respected by the locals.

They entered the church and walked to the chapel where a man in a similar uniform was standing on the altar with his hand behind his back. The light behind him that shone through the stained glass that was shaped like a sun was bright and James had to squint his eyes from it.

On top of the chapel was shaped like a dome and there were many chandeliers hanging on top of it. At the walls were the pillars and some more decorative glass that brightened up the place.

"I have heard the news. So this is the boy that you brought back?" said the man.

"Yes, Father," they bowed their heads. James did not.

"A boy who could kill a demon. Hmm," the man was inspecting James with his eyes.

"Very well, we will see what is this boy made of. Let him join the training session with the other recruits and we will evaluate him from there. Moving on, we have detected abnormalities in the west. Go and investigate what is going on," ordered the man.

"Yes, Father." Steven and Lydia turned and left the place.

"You, what is your name again?" asked the man.

"James Charter."

"Nice to meet you, James, my name is Rick Kyrie. Please call me Father Rick from now on. Follow me. I will show you to your room and your routine from now on."

He walked to the left and opened a door. James followed him into it.

They reached a courtyard and James saw that there was a sparring session going on. Young boys and girls were sparring with each other under the open sun.

"Over here," said Father Rick.

They turned and walked up a series of stairs.

"Here is your room. Room 136. I hope you remember the way to reach here. The Church is quite big and you can get lost easily." Father Rick opened the door and handed James the key.

"Rest now, James and we will begin your session starting tomorrow. Make sure you come down to have dinner later at 6 pm in the chapel. We are serving roasted turkey tonight. I hope you like roasted turkey." He closed the door.

James looked around the room. It was well facilitated. There's a wardrobe, a single bed, a table and chairs and there's a huge window that allowed James to have a direct view of the city outside the Church.

After taking a short nap, James looked at the clock to find it was already 5 pm. He decided to reach the chapel earlier so he left his room. Outside, the sky turned into a light yellow as the sun was about to set.

James was recalling the route he took when he followed Father Rick to go back to the chapel. But, no matter how he looked at it, he found out that he was lost.

"Oh no," thought James.

"You, over there!" someone called out to him. James turned.

"What are you doing here?" a girl with twin ponytail wearing the usual white uniform was standing over there with her hands on her hips and doing a power stance.

"Erm, I am a bit lost here. Do you know the way to the chapel?" asked James.

"Tch, just follow me and don't wander around the church like you own the place. You might end up getting yourself killed! Thank me for almost saving your life!" said the girl.

"Thanks? What's your name? I'm new here. My name is James Charter."

"Lilian Srien."

"Nice to meet you, Lilian."

"Just call me Lily."

"Alright, whatever you like."

"Hey, what does that supposed to mean! I don't like the tone you used just now." Lily's voice bounced back from the empty walls and it created a series of echoes.

"Stop making so much noise Lily." James covered his ears.

"You are the one who needs help! Show some respect to your senior!"

"Ok, ok. Sorry, senior." James did not know how their conversation escalated to this degree. He did not want to make enemy this early. Some more with a fellow Exorcist.

With the help of Lily, the two of them made it to the chapel. It was 5.30 pm.

"Lily, is there anything I can help? We still have time before the dinner starts right?" asked James.

"You can help set the tables," said Lily.

"Alright, let me set the tables."

Lily looked at the initiative James took to help set the table and she was impressed by this newcomer. At the very least, Lily thought that James had at least some basic manners.