The air in the campsite was buzzing with energy. A small, card-sized device floated in the air, glowing pink and lighting up the night like it was the most important thing around.

Zane pointed a finger at the device. “Okay, seriously, how is this thing even floating? Is it stuck to something? And why does that compass keep changing size like a magic squishy toy? It’s giving me a headache.”

“Oh, honey, relax,” LoreKeeper said, its needle spinning lazily. “It’s called magic. Maybe you’ve heard of it? Kind of a big deal around here.”

Zane frowned, leaning closer. “Magic? That’s it? That’s the whole explanation?”

The needle snapped to attention, pointing right at him. “Yes, magic is the explanation. Need something to float? Magic. Want it to grow and shrink? Magic! It’s not rocket science. Or maybe it is. Who knows with magic?”

Zane crossed his arms, clearly not convinced. “So, magic can do anything? No rules? No limits?”

“Oh, there are limits,” LoreKeeper said. “But those are for amateurs. For a superior being like me, it’s just another Tuesday.”

Lyra, scribbling in her notebook, looked up with a grin. “Zane, you’re overthinking this. It’s like asking why a star shines. It just does. Let it happen. Go with the flow.”

Zane threw his hands up in frustration. “Fine, fine. Magic does whatever it wants. But it’s awfully convenient, isn’t it?”

The compass spun again, this time vibrating with a giggle. “Convenient? Sweetie, convenience is the whole point! Magic makes life easy. Except when it makes things a lot more... entertaining.”

Zane’s lips twitched. “Alright, you got me. But a bit more information wouldn’t hurt. I mean, I hate thinking, but I’m still curious.”

LoreKeeper hummed, glowing brighter as if deep in thought. “You remind me of this one time—actually, never mind. The point is, magic is everywhere. It’s in the air, the ground, even in that grumpy face you’re making. Some of us just understand it better.”

Lyra nudged Zane. “See? Easy-peasy! Now, can we talk about the important stuff? Like how we can use these magical gadgets to get super rich?”

Zane sighed. “Fine. But I’m watching you, magic thingy. Don’t think you’re off the hook.”

Before LoreKeeper could fire back, the tent flap swung open. Darius walked in, his usual serious face even more intense. He looked like a cat that had just heard the word “vet.” Moving carefully, he scanned the group.

Lyra’s smile softened. “Everything okay with Finn?”

Darius nodded. “He is safe. But he has a lot on his mind, just like we do. We need to be ready.”

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Zane gestured at LoreKeeper. “Perfect timing. We’re getting a crash course in Magic 101 from our new floating buddy here. Apparently, magic can do anything. Except explain itself.”

Darius raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond to the joke. “We need to understand these MagicBeasts if we want to succeed. What can you tell us, LoreKeeper?”

LoreKeeper hovered higher, glowing a bit brighter. “Finally, a real question! Let’s start with the basics. MagicBeasts are like... special helpers.”

Lyra leaned forward. “Helpers, you say? We’ve got a farm, a mine, and a forest that could definitely use some help. Tell me more about these handy friends.”

LoreKeeper chuckled. “MagicBeasts go where they feel needed, where their skills can shine. For farming, go to the meadows at dawn. BloomBounces love fresh soil and seeds, especially in the morning dew.”

Lyra grinned, tapping her fingers on her notebook. “BloomBounces? Sprinkle some seeds, add a bit of magic, and bam! Instant farm helpers! This is going to be awesome!”

“For mining,” LoreKeeper continued, “head to the rocky hills. MiningMoles dig deep. They’re loners, but they love shiny things. Glittery rocks are perfect for attracting them.”

Zane’s eyes lit up. “MiningMoles? Digging tunnels all day? That’s my kind of creature. And finding shiny rocks? Not a problem.” He paused, grinning. “Might keep a few for myself.”

“For woodcutting,” LoreKeeper went on, “go to the deep woods in the evening. TimberTails love cleaning up fallen trees. Leave a messy pile, and they’ll come right over. They love keeping things tidy.”

Darius tapped his chin. “TimberTails... creatures of order. They could be good allies.”

LoreKeeper’s needle pointed at him. “Wise words, but relax, darling! With these CaptureCubes, you don’t need to negotiate. Just a bit of magic and—bam! Instant friends. No awkward conversations needed.”

Zane’s eyes widened. “Wait, you’re telling me these cubes make the MagicBeasts like us? Just like that? No arguments. No drama. Just magical friendship?”

LoreKeeper giggled. “Exactly! The cube’s magic is more persuasive than a goblin at a flea market. Instant bond, loyalty included.”

Lyra clapped her hands. “So we just snap our fingers and boom! Instant workforce? Now that’s my kind of magic! I’ll take a million CaptureCubes, thank you!”

Darius leaned in. “And this bond... it is unbreakable? No risk of betrayal?”

LoreKeeper’s glow deepened. “Unbreakable, as long as you treat them well. Magic starts the bond, but respect keeps it strong. Think of it as a partnership, not ownership. They have needs too.”

Zane shrugged. “So basically, don’t be a jerk and they’ll stick around. Got it. Simple enough.”

Darius nodded. “We must treat them with respect. Misusing magic always has consequences.”

Lyra slapped her knees and stood up. “Alright, team! Tomorrow, meadows at dawn. We’re gonna have the most magically productive farm anyone’s ever seen!”

Zane groaned. “Dawn? Why does everything have to happen so early? Can’t we have one adventure that starts after lunch?”

“Oh, darling, you’ll survive.” LoreKeeper’s voice had a teasing tone. “Think of it as a pre-breakfast adventure. You might even like the sunrise. Maybe.”

Zane mumbled, glaring at the compass. “As long as we get the farm going, fine. But if a magical rooster eats me, I’m blaming you.”

Darius spoke up, his tone sharp. “We leave at first light. Gather the seeds, the CaptureCubes, and anything else we need. Our success depends on this.”

Lyra winked at Darius, full of confidence. “Don’t worry, Darius! Our magical friends are waiting. The BloomBounces are gonna love us!”

LoreKeeper’s glow faded like it was settling down for the night. “Alright, off to bed, all of you. Big day tomorrow. Meadows at dawn. Don’t be late. We’ve got magic to make!”

The group started to go to their own tents.

Zane stayed for a moment, looking up at the stars. They blinked back, not really caring. But it felt comforting anyway. He took a deep breath of the cool night air.

As the trio headed to their tents, the air buzzed with excitement and a bit of nervousness. The plan was set. Tomorrow, their adventure with the MagicBeasts would begin.