Darwin enters the GMS, looking a bit tired but accomplished, carrying a strange book under one arm. As he steps in, confetti explodes around him, startling him. Tally and Saffrey stand near the door, both holding party poppers.

  Tally: Kid, you made it! Three whole months here at Ashbain’s General Magical Services! You’ve made it further than A LOT of people in the past.

  Saffrey: So proud of you, Darwin! Three whole months of hard work, life-threatening nonsense, and Merrick’s delightful personality. Who knows, maybe you’ll even make it to six months!

  Darwin: Wow, time really has flown. I still remember walking through that door for the first time and wondering what I’d gotten myself into.

  Saffrey: {noticing the book} Hey, what’s that? Corliss giving you homework or something?

  Darwin: Oh, this? While I was helping Corliss clean up the last of the spell books, I found it in the back. It doesn’t have a name or any markings on it. Not even a single word inside—just blank pages. Corliss said I could have it.

  {Darwin sets the book down on a nearby table. Saffrey eyes it suspiciously but doesn’t say anything. Merrick appears at the top of the stairs, his staff in hand, descending slowly with his usual commanding air.}

  Tally: {patting Darwin on the shoulder} Well, kid, to celebrate your 90 days, you’re finally getting your first official training session… with Merrick!

  Darwin: Really? What kind of training?

  Merrick: Let’s go, young one.

  Darwin: Uh… go where?

  Merrick: You’ve been here 90 days. It is time for you to learn… and meet the Cyclops.

  {Darwin freezes for a moment, his face going pale. He looks at Tally and Saffrey for clarification.}

  Tally: {grinning mischievously} The Cyclops. Yep, it’s the real test. Survive this, and you’re one step closer to being an official part of the team. Don’t survive? Well… It was nice knowing you, kid.

  Saffrey: {laughing} Hope you had a big breakfast because you’re going to need the energy. Oh, and I really hope your mom kept up with your health insurance.

  {Darwin stares at them, his nerves kicking in. Tally and Saffrey just laugh, clearly enjoying his unease. Merrick, unimpressed with the antics, clears his throat.}

  Merrick: Enough nonsense. Darwin, let’s go. Your destiny won’t wait all day.

  {Merrick heads toward the door, and Darwin follows hesitantly, throwing one last worried glance back at Tally and Saffrey, who wave cheerfully.}

  Saffrey: {grinning} Don’t trip on the way out, newbie!

  Tally: And hey, don’t forget—if you fail, we get your room!

  Darwin: But I don’t live here.

  Saffrey: {with a sinister grin} We know…we mean the one at your house!

  Darwin gulps and steps out the door after Merrick as Tally and Saffrey share a laugh. Merrick and Darwin fly through the air on the trusty Grandmear, Merrick’s old but loyal magic broom. The wind rushes past them. Darwin thinking the fresh air would help with the knot forming in his stomach. His mind churned with possibilities of what was up ahead. How dangerous could the Cyclops even be?, he thought to himself.

  The scenery below began to change, transitioning from the bustling streets of Havenmere to rolling fields and scattered woods. Darwin’s unease only deepened when he spotted a massive figure standing in the distance. The Cyclops’s silhouette loomed like a small mountain, unmoving, its single eye unmistakable even from afar. This is fine, he thought. It’s just training… probably. He clung to that shred of hope as they descended toward the grassy field, his heart racing with every inch closer.

  Darwin glances nervously between Merrick and the towering Cyclops standing in the distance. As they fly closer, the Cyclops grows even more imposing—a hulking figure at least 12 feet tall, with broad shoulders, wearing surprisingly formal attire: slacks, a dress shirt, suspenders, and a tie. Despite the odd clothing choice, Darwin is too intimidated to question it.

  They land a few feet away from the Cyclops. Darwin’s hands shake slightly as he steps off the broom, his eyes wide with fear. The Cyclops frowns as he looks down at them, his single massive eye narrowing. Darwin stiffens, expecting the worst. But then the Cyclops breaks into a wide, gentle smile and extends a hand.

  Toro: {in a deep, booming voice} Ah, welcome! You must be Merrick’s new Apprentice. Darwin, isn’t it? Three months in, and you’ve made it all the way here. That’s impressive!

  {Merrick folds his arms, nodding slightly as if in approval. Darwin hesitates, his fear still evident, but he steps forward and shakily extends his hand to meet the Cyclops’s.}

  Darwin: {nervously} Y-yes, sir. It’s, uh… a pleasure to meet you.

  Toro: {laughing heartily} Sir? Oh, come now, lad, no need to be so formal. I am Torin Toro, but you can call me Toro. Though I must ask—why do you look so scared? Let me guess… Tally and Saffrey painted me as some sort of man-eating monster, didn’t they?

  {Darwin glances at Merrick, then chuckles sheepishly.}

  Darwin: Well… maybe a little.

  Toro: {grinning} Those two rascals! Wait until I see them again. I’ll show them a real monster.

  {He laughs again, the sound reverberating through the valley.}

  Darwin: {relaxing slightly} So, um… why am I here today?

  Merrick: {stepping forward} You’re here to learn something your little university would never dare teach you. Today, you’ll learn how to use The Mage’s Eye.

  Darwin: {confused} The Mage’s Eye?

  Merrick: {nodding} Of course. They never mentioned it to you, did they? Some skills can only be learned in the field, under the guidance of a true master. Luckily for you, I am such a master.

  {Darwin stands a bit straighter, his curiosity piqued.}

  Merrick: Let’s start with the basics. Do you know how your mana is formed?

  Darwin: {confidently} Yes, sir. Mana is formed in our ki points, which are connected by meridians. Each ki point contains the type of mana we’re most efficient with. The larger ki points hold our main type of mana, while the smaller ones store other types we have access to.

  {Merrick smirks slightly, pleased with Darwin’s textbook knowledge. Toro listens attentively, giving a slight nod of approval.}

  Merrick: Good. That’s the foundation. But what they don’t tell you is how to manipulate those flows to see the unseen. That, my boy, is what we’ll work on today.

  {Darwin’s curiosity begins to outweigh his nervousness as Merrick gestures for him to step closer. Toro watches silently, a kind but observant presence. Merrick stands in front of Darwin, his expression sharp as he taps his staff lightly on the ground. He takes a steady breath, and suddenly his left pupil begins to glow faintly. A small arcane circle forms within his eye, its intricate patterns shifting slightly as if alive.}

  Merrick: {his voice low and analytical} Hmm. Interesting.

  {Darwin, feeling his skin prickle under the weight of Merrick's gaze, fidgets slightly.}

  Darwin: Interesting? What’s interesting?

  {Merrick doesn’t answer immediately, scanning Darwin head to toe. He strokes his beard as if deep in thought. After a beat, he turns to Toro, gesturing toward Darwin.}

  Merrick: Take a look for yourself.

  {Toro tilts his head, the single glowing eye narrowing slightly in focus. A faint hum resonates as his eye begins to emit a soft golden light. As the arcane patterns within it spin and lock into place, he steps closer to Darwin.}

  Toro: {his voice deep but calm} Well now... That is unusual.

  Darwin: {growing anxious} Unusual? What’s unusual? Someone tell me already!

  {Merrick folds his arms, clearly deliberating how much to reveal.}

  Merrick: Your mana flow... it’s different.

  Darwin: Different how?

  Toro: Most mana streams are like rivers—straight and steady, flowing to their destinations without much resistance. Yours, though…

  {Toro gestures toward Darwin, his large hand moving in small swirling motions.}

  Toro: Yours has whirlpools. Small eddies that spin and churn within the streams.

  Merrick: I’ve seen hundreds of mana flows in my time. Yours is... unique, but then again you might just be defective

  {Darwin’s spirit crashes, his face becomes long and sad.}

  Darwin: I’m defective?

  Toro: Merrick, don’t say things like that to the young one. There is no such thing as a defective wizard.

  Merrick: It means your mana behaves in ways most don’t. Which can be a bother and a pain if not managed correctly. Only time will tell.

  Toro: I wonder if you even realize the gift—or the burden—you carry young Darwin.

  {Merrick clears his throat, breaking the moment.}

  Merrick: Enough speculation. We’re not here to marvel at your weird mana. Today, you’re learning to activate your Mage’s Eye.

  {Darwin’s curiosity momentarily overrides his anxiety.}

  Darwin: Right… The Mage’s Eye

  Merrick: A technique that allows you to see the flow and nature of magic around you. With it, you’ll be able to discern the type of magic your opponent wields and figure out the best way to counter it.

  Toro: {grinning slightly} It’ll also help you spot traps before you trip over them.

  {Merrick steps back, motioning for Darwin to stand still.}

  Merrick: Now, focus. Draw your mana to your core and channel it toward your left eye. Chant this incantation, you will need it at first. No incantation needed once you master it, but for now, you’ll need these words: Oculus Arcana Aperta.

  {Darwin closes his eyes, his brow furrowing as he tries to follow Merrick’s instructions. The energy in the air seems to shift as he attempts to concentrate and repeats the incantation Oculus Arcana Aperta. After a moment, he cracks one eye open.}

  Darwin: Nothing’s happening.

  Merrick: Keep trying.

  {Darwin holds his breath, grunting and contracting every muscle in his body, looking like he is about to pass out}

  Toro: {chuckling deeply} You’re trying too hard, kid. You’re all tension and no flow.

  {Toro steps forward and gently places a hand on Darwin’s head.}

  Toro: Breathe with me. In... {he inhales deeply} and out... {he exhales slowly}. Let your mana settle. Find your center.

  {Darwin hesitates, then matches Toro’s breathing. With each breath, his posture loosens, and a faint glow begins to form around him. He whispers the short incantation Merrick taught him, his voice steady but soft. Suddenly, his left pupil glows, and an intricate arcane circle appears within his eye.}

  Darwin: I did it!

  {Merrick and Toro exchange glances. Merrick, ever reserved, simply nods in approval. Toro, however, grins broadly.}

  Toro: Look at that. Told you it was in you.

  Merrick: Don’t celebrate yet. It takes years to master this. You’ll need to balance the strain of using your Mage’s Eye with your other abilities in a fight. Now, tell me what you see.

  {Darwin looks at Merrick, the arcane glow in his eye intensifying as he focuses.}

  Darwin: {excitedly} I see it! Your magic... it’s Enchantment and…Arcane, with some elemental mixed in…right? Lightning magic with something else…, right?

  Merrick: Close enough. Now look at Toro.

  {Darwin turns toward the Cyclops, his Mage’s Eye flickering slightly as he struggles to maintain the focus. He scans Toro, his brow furrowing as he processes what he sees.}

  Darwin: It’s a very strong magic. I see... Nature? But also something else—Enchantment? Wait, your mana’s weird too! It’s layered.

  Toro: {laughing deeply} That’s right, kid. My magic’s all about strength, healing, and some nifty tricks like my roar and one more you’re gonna see in a few minutes. Not bad for your first try.

  {Darwin beams with pride but suddenly winces, clutching his eye. The glow fades, and he blinks rapidly.}

  Merrick: Alright, I’ll give you a few minutes to rest your eye. The real test begins shortly…

  {Back at the GMS office, an unusual quiet hangs in the air. Tally and Saffrey are at their respective workstations, tinkering and mixing in silence. The hum of magical devices and the occasional clink of a vial are the only sounds.}

  Tally: Ugh, I need a break. And by a break, I mean a monster sandwich. Yeah, the works. Cheese, meats, lettuce—oh, maybe even that hot spicy mustard.

  Saffrey: {not looking up from her project} Sounds great, Tally. Don’t forget to make one for me.

  Tally: Do I look like your personal chef? You want one, make it yourself.

  Saffrey: Woooowwwwww! All the times I have picked you up something to eat and you do me like that? Ok. I’ll remember that.

  Tally: Remember it. Write it down. I do not care ma’am.

  {Saffrey throws a dirty towel at Tally as he heads to the small kitchen area. After a few moments, he returns with an absolutely ridiculous sandwich stacked high with layers of meats, cheeses, greens, and sauces. He places it triumphantly on the table next to the mysterious book Darwin brought in earlier.}

  Tally: Behold! A masterpiece in sandwich engineering.

  Saffrey: {glances over briefly} Why is it dripping so much. Bleh…Looks gross. Probably tastes like machine grease and regret.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Tally: Oh, ye of little faith. Hmm… Needs one more thing…onion.

  {Tally strolls back to the kitchen, leaving the sandwich alone for just a moment. When he returns with a plate of sliced onions, he freezes. There's a small, very visible bite taken out of the sandwich.}

  Tally: Hey! What the heck, Saffrey?

  Saffrey: {startled, looking up from her project} What?

  Tally: You took a bite out of my sandwich!

  Saffrey: {rolling her eyes} Are you serious? Why would I touch that monstrosity?

  Tally: Because you’re jealous of its perfection, obviously! Admit it, you couldn’t resist.

  Saffrey: {getting annoyed} I’m busy, Tally. I didn’t touch your sandwich. You probably just cut it unevenly and think a chunk is missing.

  {They argue back and forth for a few moments, their voices rising. Midway through the bickering, Tally stops and points again.}

  Tally: LOOK!

  {They both turn to the sandwich. Another bite is missing, clear as day. They stare at it in stunned silence.}

  Saffrey: Okay… That definitely wasn’t me.

  Tally: {wide-eyed} Then who or what—?

  Saffrey: It’s a rat. Gotta be a rat. A huge one.

  Tally: {grimacing} A sandwich-stealing giant rat in my workshop? Not on my watch.

  Saffrey: {cracking her knuckles} Let’s catch it. If it’s bold enough to mess with us, it’s about to get a taste of some magical pest control.

  The two start brainstorming their “rat-catching” plan. Tally pulls out a small drone-like gadget from his workbench and begins modifying it with enthusiasm, while Saffrey digs through her stash of experimental potions for something “rat-appropriate.” Meanwhile, the mysterious book on the table remains quiet… for now.

  Tally’s drone hums quietly as it hovers just above the ground, its mounted "seer" crystal ball scanning the floor. Tally grips a small handheld device, a smooth oval-shaped panel with a glowing interface, showing the drone’s perspective in real-time.

  Tally: {whispering} All right, little guy. Let’s see where you’re hiding.

  {Saffrey, crouched nearby, rolls her eyes and shakes a tiny vial of her mini sleeping potion. The liquid glows faintly, and she tightens the stopper.}

  Saffrey: Whatever it is, it seems to just want food and not to hurt us. So we catch it alive and free it…understand? I’m not about killing something over your dumb sandwich

  Tally: {snapping back} YOU need to understand! This isn’t about just the sandwich. It’s about respect. {tearfully} The respect of me and my fallen sandwich.

  Saffrey: Idiot.

  {The drone sweeps silently across the floor. The hum of its movement mingles with the soft creaks of the building. Both of them creep forward, their eyes darting between the drone’s feed and the room around them. Suddenly, a faint thump echoes from the main table, followed by the sound of chewing.}

  Tally: Did you hear that?

  Saffrey: Yeah. Sounds like it’s back at the sandwich. Figures.

  {They both turn slowly to the table. The sandwich is toppled over, and faint crunching sounds fill the air. They scan the area, but there’s nothing in sight.}

  Tally: {frustrated} Where is it?!

  {As the chewing grows louder, Saffrey inches forward, gripping one of her potion vials like a weapon. The faint scuttling of tiny feet darts across the floor. Tally adjusts the drone’s view, trying to follow the noise.}

  Saffrey:It’s fast… Whatever it is.

  {Suddenly, the two of them collide as they creep toward the same spot. Tally stumbles, dropping his viewing device.}

  Tally: Watch it! This is precision equipment!

  Saffrey: Precision my ass. I’m doing you a favor even caring about your sandwich.

  Tally: Just hand me the viewer. PLEASE!

  {Saffrey picks up the device and shoves it toward him. Tally fumbles with it, shaking it in frustration.}

  Tally: {grumbling} Great. Just great. Now it’s busted.

  Saffrey: {mocking} Oh no, the universe mourns your loss.

  {As Tally shakes the device again, a sudden poof of smoke escapes from it. Both of them freeze as something small and furry pops into existence, squeaking loudly. Tally yelps and throws the creature in the air. The creature screams in surprise, and then Saffrey screams as well.}

  Tally: {screaming} WHAT IS THAT?!

  Saffrey: {screaming back} I DON’T KNOW!

  {The small creature, round and covered in soft fur, scurries across the floor. Its big eyes gleam mischievously, and its tiny paws leave faint magical sparks with each step. It looks like a cross between a Mogwai and an armadillo, rolling into a ball to bounce off a wall before darting toward the kitchen.}

  Tally: {pointing after it} IT’S A DEMON BALL!

  Saffrey: It’s adorable! But yeah, also probably a demon.

  {The two race after it, Tally nearly tripping over his own feet as Saffrey storms ahead. The creature skids into the kitchen and disappears behind a row of cabinets. They stop at the doorway, catching their breath.}

  Saffrey: {whispering} Okay, whatever it is, it’s cornered.

  Tally: YOU catch it. I’ll supervise.

  Saffrey: {glaring, raising a middle finger} Supervise this.

  {They creep into the kitchen, both tense as they scan the area. The faint sound of tiny claws scratching against metal echoes softly, but they still can’t see anything.}

  Tally: hold on…He transformed from my viewing unit…so it can transform? Damn it! It can be anything in here then.

  Saffrey: If it wasn’t already a pain looking for the little cute bastard…now we are trying to see if the toaster moves on its own.

  Merrick and Darwin stand in the middle of the vast, open field. The sun is high above, casting long shadows from the tall grass surrounding them. A gentle wind blows, rustling the grass and making it ripple like waves. Toro looms nearby, cracking his knuckles and grinning widely, his towering frame seeming even more imposing

  MERRICK: {looking sternly at Darwin} This is your first real test. You’ll need to activate your Mage’s Eye, track Toro in this field, and dodge his attacks.

  DARWIN: W-What kind of attacks are we talking about here?

  TORO: Oh, nothing too dangerous, lad. Just a little roar blast or two. Let’s see if you can handle it.

  {Toro lets out a soft chuckle, but even the sound of his laughter reverberates through the air, shaking the grass slightly.}

  MERRICK: He’s going to hold back. But don’t take it lightly—three hits, and you’re out. You have thirty minutes to not only dodge his attacks but to catch him.

  DARWIN: {gulps} Catch him?

  MERRICK: Yes. He’ll be moving, and you’ll need to find an opening. Use your Mage’s Eye to detect where his magic is coming from and predict his moves.

  DARWIN: He’s huge! How’s he going to be running around in all this grass and how am I supposed to catch him?

  TORO: {grinning} Oh, don’t worry about me, lad. I’ve got a few tricks.

  {Toro suddenly shrinks down to the size of a cat, disappearing into the tall grass with a faint shimmer. Darwin’s eyes widen, and he instinctively takes a step back.}

  DARWIN: H-he shrunk! Did he just—?!

  MERRICK: {impatiently} Focus! He can’t hold that size for long, but you’ll need to figure out when and where he’ll reappear. Now activate your Mage’s Eye and start tracking!

  {Darwin takes a deep breath and places his hands together, concentrating and breathing as Toro had taught him. He mutters the incantation under his breath. Slowly, his left pupil glows faintly, the arcane circle forming within it. The grass around him seems to shift and shimmer as the world comes alive with faint magical auras.}

  MERRICK: Good. Now, remember, watch for fluctuations in the grass and focus on the magic flow. He’s using the mana to maintain his small form. Track it.

  {The grass sways unnaturally to Darwin’s left, and he turns just in time to hear a low growl. Toro suddenly bursts back into his full size, roaring loudly. The air ripples visibly as the roar blast sweeps toward Darwin like a shockwave.}

  DARWIN: {yelping and diving to the side} Whoa!

  {The roar grazes past him, shaking the ground where he had been standing moments before. Darwin scrambles to his feet, breathing heavily.}

  TORO: {laughing heartily} Not bad, lad! Better be quicker than that though!

  {Toro shrinks again and vanishes into the grass. Darwin, still panting, narrows his eyes, trying to focus through his Mage’s Eye.}

  DARWIN: {grunting under his breath} Not now… I can’t— gotta keep going.

  {The circle in his pupil flickers again, and Darwin grabs at his head. A sudden wave of nausea hits him as the Eye begins to fade. He stumbles and blinks hard, trying to force it back. He can’t lose the Eye now—not when he’s so close to figuring out Toro’s pattern. Darwin’s vision blurs momentarily, and he narrowly avoids another blast of Toro’s roar by diving to the ground. The impact knocks the wind out of him, and he struggles to push himself up.}

  MERRICK: {sternly} Get up, Darwin! If you lose focus now, you’ll never pass this test!

  {Darwin clutches his head, his voice shaking as he yells back.}

  DARWIN: I’m trying! It’s… it’s too much!

  TORO: You’re pushing too hard, kid. The Eye’s not about brute force—it’s about balance. You keep burning yourself out, you’re done for.

  {Darwin takes a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. He lowers his hand from his head, his expression turning determined. He tries a different approach, the Mage’s eye fades out as he shifts his attention to listening and feeling the mana around him. He begins to pick up on the subtle vibrations in the air and ground. The faint ripple of Toro’s energy trails through the grass once more.}

  DARWIN: Okay, okay… I’ve got this. Just focus…

  {The magical energy flows through the field like faint, glowing streams. Darwin spots a small whirlpool of energy swirling rapidly about twenty feet to his right. He turns toward it just as Toro bursts from the grass, letting out another directional roar. Darwin leaps backward, barely avoiding it.}

  MERRICK: Stop flailing and start thinking! This isn’t about dodging forever! Use your head, boy!

  {Darwin mutters under his breath, frustrated but determined. He tries to steady his breathing, scanning the area again. He notices that each time Toro shrinks, the mana flow shrinks with him, but they never disappear entirely.}

  DARWIN: {thinking to himself} His magic never fully vanishes… He’s leaving a trail when he moves.

  {Toro reappears again, roaring toward Darwin, who ducks and rolls away. As he regains his footing, an idea starts to form in his mind. He notices that Toro takes a moment to transition between his small and large forms. The shrinking only lasts a short time, and when Toro reappears, he briefly stands still to stabilize himself.}

  DARWIN: {smiling slightly} That’s it…

  {Darwin crouches low, following Toro’s movements through the swirling trails of magic in the grass. He begins to anticipate where Toro will reappear, counting the seconds between each transition.}

  MERRICK: {to himself} Good. He’s learning.

  DARWIN: {exhausted} Damn it... I can’t keep this up.

  TORO: {his voice echoing through the field} You’re in the wild now, kid. No time for resting. I’m still coming for you!

  {Toro, in his shrunken form, darts around the field, his movements swift and erratic. Darwin steadies his breathing, closing his eyes briefly to concentrate. He reaches out with his senses, like he did when detecting magical residue on spellbound objects at the archives. Faint traces of Toro’s mana linger in the air, rippling like the wake of a boat in water. Darwin furrows his brow, focusing on the surges.}

  DARWIN: The transformations...they leave traces of magic. Strong when he shrinks, weaker when he grows back.

  {Darwin takes a moment to assess the pattern. Each time Toro shrinks, a surge of magic ripples through the grass, and when he grows back to full size, another pulse follows. Darwin’s expression shifts to one of realization.}

  DARWIN: {a small grin forming} And right before he roars, he has to stop moving. Just for a second.

  {Darwin opens his eyes, now using only his magical sense to track Toro. A strong pulse behind him alerts him to Toro’s next move. Darwin leaps to the side just as Toro returns to full size, a massive roar shaking the ground where Darwin had just been standing.}

  TORO: {laughing deeply} Not bad, kid. But thinking won’t be enough—you need to act.

  {Toro shrinks again, disappearing into the grass. Darwin’s head tilts slightly as he tracks the lingering magic from the transformation. He begins to anticipate Toro’s movements, moving just before Toro unleashes another roar. Darwin’s confidence grows with each dodge, but his exhaustion is evident. Sweat drips from his brow as he mutters to himself.}

  DARWIN: {panting} Okay, I’ve got the timing down...but how do I grab him?

  {Darwin knows he is getting more and more exhausted, with that, he’s getting alot slower. He has to make the decision to try and use the eye well before it is ready. He will hold out as much as he can, but he is thinking there is a way he can combine his sense ability along with the Mage’s Eye.

  Toro grows back to full size again, releasing another deafening roar. Darwin barely dodges, the force of the blast throwing him off balance. He tumbles into the grass but quickly scrambles back to his feet. He closes his eyes for a brief second, summoning all his remaining focus.}

  DARWIN: {to himself} He has to stop moving to roar. That’s my moment.

  {The pain in his head starts to fade, and Darwin risks activating the Mage’s Eye again too early. He grits his teeth as the arcane circle glows faintly in his left pupil, the pain duller but still present. He scans the area, spotting the rising surge of magic as Toro shrinks again. He uses his last bit of strength to combine the two skills to pinpoint almost exactly where Toro is the very moment he changes size.}

  DARWIN: {smirking slightly} Gotcha.

  {Toro darts around, his movements swift but predictable now that Darwin can sense the magical patterns. Darwin sees the moment of change when Toro stops. It's now or never, Darwin shifts in his direction and before Toro notices, he's standing right above him right before he grows big again}

  TORO: {grunting in surprise} What the—?

  {Toro grows back to his original size and there is Darwin, sitting right there on his shoulder.}

  MERRICK: {smirking} Well, well. You’re not completely hopeless after all.

  {Toro lets out a hearty laugh, his deep voice resonating through the field.}

  TORO: Not bad, kid. Not bad at all. You’re starting to think like a real wizard.

  {Darwin collapses onto the grass, his chest heaving as the glow in his left pupil fades. His head throbs, but the sense of accomplishment outweighs the pain. Merrick stands over him, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.}

  DARWIN: {between breaths} Did I...pass?

  MERRICK: You survived.

  TORO: {helping Darwin to his feet} You indeed survived and passed. But it’s just the start, kid. Next time, you’ll need to do more than just react—you’ll need to dominate. But this? This was good. Hey look at it this way, Neither Tally or Saffery passed on their first time. You make sure you rub it in their faces for me when you see them.

  {Darwin nods, his exhaustion evident but his determination unshaken. Toro nods at them both and begins to walk away back towards his home. Merrick summons his broom and helps Darwin on and they begin the journey back to the GMS}

  DARWIN: {to himself, smiling faintly} One step closer…

  {Back at the GMS, Saffrey and Tally are in the kitchen, moving quietly as they look for the creature that has been wreaking havoc on their workspace. Tally adjusts his goggles, muttering to himself while holding the handheld crystal seer panel, which is synced to the drone hovering silently above them.}

  TALLY: {whispering frustrated} This thing is picking up magical traces everywhere. It’s useless. The stove, the fridge, the utensils—everything in here is magical or has traces of magic on them. It’s like trying to find a grain of sand on a beach.

  SAFFREY: Then maybe stop relying on your fancy toys and go old school.

  TALLY: Old school? What do you mean?

  SAFFREY: Bait. The little guy is hungry, right? So, we lure it out with food.

  TALLY: You want to put out food for the thing that already ate half my sandwich?

  SAFFREY: {smirking} Exactly. And I know just the thing.

  {Saffrey opens the fridge and pulls out a perfectly preserved slice of Whipplenut Cheesecake, its glossy surface shimmering in the dim light of the kitchen.}

  TALLY: Wait, isn’t that Darwin’s cheesecake?

  SAFFREY: {shrugging} We’ll get him another one. Besides, this is an emergency.

  TALLY: Fine. But you’re paying for it.

  {Saffrey places the cheesecake in the center of the table and sets it down carefully, positioning it like a prized treasure. Tally grabs a small powered fan, placing it next to the cheesecake. He activates it, and a gentle breeze begins wafting the cheesecake’s sweet aroma throughout the room.}

  TALLY: If this doesn’t lure it out, nothing will.

  SAFFREY: Alright, now we wait.

  {The two of them move into the other room cautiously, with Tally glancing at his seer panel and Saffrey keeping an eye on the cheesecake. The drone hovers quietly above them, scanning the area. After a few tense moments, the drone picks up movement near the counter.}

  TALLY: {excitedly} There! Look at the flour container…it’s moving.

  {Both of them turn their attention to the counter. The flour container begins to tremble, its surface shimmering faintly. Suddenly, with a soft "poof," the container morphs back into the small, furry creature.}

  SAFFREY: {wide-eyed} A Furric... I haven’t seen one of these in years.

  {The Furric scampers down from the counter, heading straight for the cheesecake. Its large ears twitch as it sniffs the air, inching closer and closer. Just as it takes its first bite, Tally presses a button on his seer panel, and a magical net shoots out from the drone, ensnaring the Furric.}

  FURRIC: {squealing and thrashing}

  TALLY: {triumphantly} Gotcha!

  SAFFREY: Tally, look at it. It’s terrified… I feel so bad now.

  TALLY: {defensively} It ate my sandwich!

  {Saffrey steps forward and carefully deactivates the net, much to Tally’s protest. The Furric stops thrashing, looking up at her with wide, frightened eyes.}

  TALLY: Seriously, Saffrey?

  SAFFREY: {holding out a piece of cheesecake} It’s okay, little one. We’re not going to hurt you.

  {The Furric hesitates for a moment, glancing nervously between Saffrey and Tally. Then, it inches closer and takes the piece of cheesecake from Saffrey’s hand, nibbling on it cautiously. Its fear melts away, and it gives her a small, grateful smile.}

  SAFFREY: See? Not so bad.

  TALLY: It still ate my sandwich.

  {The front door opens, and Merrick and Darwin walk in. Merrick freezes in the doorway, taking in the chaos.}

  MERRICK: {yelling} What in the name of all that’s magical happened here?!

  {Darwin walks in behind him, stopping in his tracks as he sees the Furric sitting on the table, happily munching on the cheesecake. His face lights up with recognition.}

  DARWIN: {excitedly} Quizzle? Is that you?

  {The Furric’s ears perk up, and it lets out a delighted squeak before leaping into Darwin’s arms. Tally and Saffrey exchange baffled looks.}

  TALLY: You know this sandwich stealing furball?

  DARWIN: Yeah, I found him at the archives. He used to hide from Corliss and the others, but he warmed up to me when I shared my lunches with him.

  SAFFREY: Well you know once you feed a stray it’ll follow you everywhere?

  DARWIN: Well, I didn’t think he’d follow me here. In fact, I never even noticed it on the way here.

  MERRICK: You’re telling me that you didn’t see this creature following right behind you? That’s why the training today was so important…for situations like this.

  SAFFREY: Well he could have been transforming into different things along the way to hide from him. I didn’t know they could transform into household things though.

  MERRICK: They can’t. furric’s can only transform to camouflage themselves in nature from predators. Rocks, shrubs, things like that.

  DARWIN: So how did you even sneak in here without anyone noticing little guy?

  {The furric runs over to the table and then poof, transforms into the book that Darwin brought home, then back into his furry form}

  MERRICK: {shocked} That’s impossible! How did it do that?

  {The Furric reaches into its pouch and pulls out the small ball called a Morphling Core. Tally’s eyes widen as he examines it.}

  TALLY: {awed} That’s a Morphling Core. Where in the world did you get one of these, little guy?

  SAFFREY: What’s a Morphling Core?

  TALLY: Morphling Cores are ancient arcane tech. They were designed to allow objects—or in rare cases, creatures—to alter their form by channeling raw magical energy.

  SAFFREY: Wait, didn’t these things get outlawed?

  TALLY: Yep. Ages ago. Too unstable. People were using them for all sorts of dangerous experiments. I’ve read about them in old tech manuals, but I’ve never seen one in real life.

  DARWIN: So how did you come across such a rare item little one?

  MERRICK: Maybe it’s a little thief and stole it

  {The Furric shakes it’s head furiously, clutching the core tightly}

  TALLY: Hey, let me see that. Just for a sec.

  {Quizzle hesitates, clutching the Morphling Core closer. It glances at Darwin, clearly looking for reassurance. Darwin nods encouragingly, and the Furric slowly places the core in Tally’s hand.}

  TALLY: {examining it closely} Huh. Looks like this one was custom-modified. These runes weren’t part of the original design. Somebody tinkered with it specifically for this little guy.

  SAFFREY: {grinning at Quizzle} So someone made you a clever little thief.

  {Quizzle squeaks indignantly but then playfully sticks out its tongue, making Saffrey laugh.}

  MERRICK: {crossing his arms} Clever or not, it can’t stay here.

  DARWIN: Understood, but I will have to find a way to convince my mom to let him stay, at least for a little while. She’s not really a pet person.

  MERRICK: {gruffly} I don’t care, as long as it’s not here. I don’t need furric droppings around here.

  {Merrick turns on his heel and heads toward his office, muttering under his breath. Saffrey and Tally turn to Darwin to ask him about the test. He lets them know he passed and that Toro has a bone to pick with them when he sees them again. They pat him on the back for a job well done}

  SAFFREY: Your celebration cheesecake is waiting for you. Great job!

  TALLY: Your first time too? I feel like Toro was taking it easy on you…but don’t tell him I said that. And you owe me a sandwich…since your little rat thing ate mine.

  {Darwin smiles and heads to the table, but his face falls as he sees the cheesecake with several bites already missing.}

  DARWIN: {exasperated} Hey! Who ate my cheesecake?!

  {Quizzle looks up at him with wide, innocent eyes, its cheeks covered with cheesecake crumbs and goes in for another bite.}