Marcus stood in front of the mirror in his PCA-issued uniform.
Dark grey military garb, tailored perfectly to his build thanks to the measurements taken days ago. The black combat boots shone with polish, and white gloves covered his hands. On the back of the shirt was the PCA's symbol: a silver circle with a phoenix rising from a chain of shadows—symbolizing rebirth through pain.
He felt like a soldier… but also something more.
> "It suits you," Geoffrey said, nodding in approval. "Newbie or not, you look the part."
On the equipment table beside him lay his starter kit:
Blessed talismans to repel minor spirits
Healing potions in small glass vials
Spirit seals, for binding malevolent entities
Purification beads and a Reiki flare stick (used for signaling distress)
A compact black case containing a collapsible baton made of exorcist silver
Tyrese walked in with a clipboard, going over last-minute paperwork.
> "Marcus Reynards," he began, "you're now officially a Field-Class Exorcist of the Paranormal Control Association."
Marcus nodded solemnly.
> "From now on, your life's about more than survival. It's about balance. Protecting people—and spirits who just want to live peacefully."
> "Wait… spirits can be peaceful?"
> "Of course," Tyrese said. "Not every supernatural creature is a monster. Some are just… lost. Others want to live among humans without harm. Our job is to protect both sides. We don't hunt blindly. We judge."
Geoffrey added, "Break that rule and you're no better than the threats we fight."
Marcus understood. The PCA wasn't a hunter's guild—it was a balance-keeper.
As they left the locker room, Tyrese's voice echoed down the corridor:
> "Reiki is a double-edged sword, Marcus. Learn to use it—not let it use you."
And so, Marcus took his first steps as an exorcist—not just wielding power, but walking the tightrope between light and shadow, justice and judgment.