The afternoon sun beat down on Zane’s back as he tripped over yet another loose rock. Seriously, why couldn’t these MagicBeasts just live somewhere nice and cold? Was that too much to ask?

All Zane wanted was a nap under a shady tree. Maybe a sandwich or two.

But instead, here he was. Sweating like crazy. Chasing after something called a MiningMole. Just because they caught one fluffy creature earlier, everyone suddenly thought they were pros.

“Remind me again why I’m doing this?” Zane groaned. These rocks had it out for him. He was sure of it.

Lyra hopped over the rocks with ease, giving him a big grin. “Think of all the sunshine, Zane! It’s practically a vacation! You might actually get a tan for once!” She shaded her eyes with her hand and pretended to inspect his skin.

“Right, because nothing says ‘good time’ like heatstroke and sweaty socks.” Zane shot back, rolling his eyes. He stumbled a bit, grabbing onto a sharp rock to steady himself. “Can’t wait to tell everyone about my fun adventure of almost falling off cliffs.”

Up ahead, Darius didn’t even turn around. “It’s simple, Zane. We lure the MiningMole with shiny stones. Catch it with the CaptureCube. And then it helps us mine.”

“Aye aye, Captain Obvious,” Zane said, giving a weak salute. “Can’t wait to impress it with my sparkling personality.” He slipped again, barely catching himself.

“Oh sweetie, it’s not your personality we’re worried about,” LoreKeeper said, its compass spinning with a sassy glow. “It’s your talent for finding trouble. But don’t worry, I’ll be here to keep things from getting too messy.

After what felt like forever of slipping on gravel and dodging rocks, they finally reached a good spot. A small hill overlooking a canyon. The rocks sparkled with minerals, glinting in the sunlight.

“This will do,” Darius said. “The minerals here are rich. MiningMoles should be close.”

Lyra’s eyes lit up like she was about to open a birthday present. She tossed Zane a heavy sack, almost making him fall over. “Time to show off those artistic skills, Zane! Make it look amazing! Like, ‘Hey, shiny mole friend, come check out these awesome rocks!’” She was clearly loving this way too much.

“Artistic skills? Lyra, I’m tossing rocks, not painting a masterpiece.” Zane grabbed the shiny stones and started spreading them around half-heartedly. “Maybe if I spell out ‘HELP ME’ in rocks, someone will rescue me from this nightmare.”

“That’s the spirit, Zane!” Lyra leaned back on a boulder like she was at the beach.

Zane picked up a sparkly stone, holding it up to the light. “You know, this would look pretty good on a necklace. Maybe with a little silver—”

“Focus, darling,” LoreKeeper interrupted. “We’re not here to accessorize. We’re here to catch a MiningMole.”

Zane snickered, still arranging the stones. “What? Maybe the mole’s into jewelry. I bet it appreciates good bling.” He threw the last one onto the pile and dusted off his hands. “So now what? Do I just stand here and look charming?”

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Lyra burst out laughing. “Your natural charm should do the trick. You’ve got that ‘I’m desperate and sweating buckets’ look down perfectly.” She made herself even more comfortable, using a large leaf as a pillow.

Minutes felt like hours as they passed. Zane shifted from one foot to the other. He squinted against the bright sun, scanning the horizon. “Are we sure these things even exist?”

“Patience,” Darius said.

“Patience is for people who aren’t about to burst into flames,” Zane shot back, wiping sweat off his forehead.

A faint scratching came from behind a boulder.

Everyone froze. Zane’s heart jumped.

A soft blue glow appeared. Slowly, a small creature came out. Plump body. Brown and white fur. Blue claws twitched as it approached the stones.

image [https://i.imgur.com/DkwjJN5.png]

Lyra clapped her hands. “Oh my gosh! It’s so cute! Like a furry little miner with a love for shiny things!”

“Now, Zane!” LoreKeeper urged, her compass needle spinning. “Before it runs off!”

Zane grabbed the CaptureCube, his hands slippery from sweat. “Okay, here goes…” He pulled back his arm to throw. But the cube slipped out of his fingers.

“Oh no!” He kicked at it without thinking.

The kick was perfect. Too perfect. The CaptureCube flew straight at the MiningMole’s face like a missile.

Thunk!

The poor creature squeaked and crumpled to the ground.

Silence.

Lyra burst into laughter. “Zane… did you just… knock it out?”

“What? No!” Zane’s face turned bright red. “It was an accident! I didn’t mean to—I mean, it slipped—”

“Bold strategy, darling,” LoreKeeper said. “Knock it out first, ask questions later. I’ll have to remember that.”

Zane glared at the floating device. “It wasn’t a strategy! It was just… bad luck!”

Darius studied the creature. “Your methods are strange, Zane. But they worked.”

“Yeah, real great,” Zane said, crouching next to the MiningMole. “Wait… is it… dead?”

LoreKeeper floated closer. “No, just knocked out. CaptureCubes have healing powers, after all. Though this is the first time I’ve seen one used as a blunt weapon.” There was almost a hint of approval in her voice.

Lyra was still giggling, pretending to kick. “This is too good! Zane, the Beast-Basher!”

Zane picked up the unconscious creature carefully. “Sorry, little guy. Didn’t mean to give you a concussion on our first day.” He activated the CaptureCube, and the MiningMole disappeared in a flash of light.

Lyra wiped away her tears. “You know, Zane, they say first impressions are everything. Maybe next time, try a handshake instead of a flying cube!”

“Yeah, yeah, very funny,” Zane said, rubbing his neck. He knew he would never hear the end of this. “Let’s just get going before I knock myself out next.”

“Indeed.” Darius nodded. “Now that we have the MiningMole, let’s check its skills.”

LoreKeeper’s compass spun, glowing with energy. “Alright, little guy, let’s see what you can do.” A soft pink light swirled around the cube. The needle slowed, and LoreKeeper’s voice sounded pleased. “Basic skills include ‘Ore Mining,’ good for stone and bronze. And ‘Ore Sense,’ which helps find nearby stone and bronze ore.”

Lyra’s eyes sparkled. “We are so in business! Bring on the treasure!”

Darius nodded. “This will help us a lot.”

Zane dusted off his hands. “Great. Can I take a break now? I think I’ve done enough ‘heroic’ stuff for today.

“Oh, come on, Zane!” Lyra said, poking his arm. “We’ve still got a TimberTail to catch!”

Zane’s shoulders sagged. “More creatures? Awesome. What could possibly go wrong?”

LoreKeeper’s compass pointed towards the distant forest. “Oh, sweetie, the fun’s just starting.”

Zane followed along, muttering. “All I wanted was a nap and maybe a sandwich…”

Lyra skipped ahead. “Adventures, Zane! Think of the stories! This one’s going down as ‘Zane the Mighty Mole Masher!’”

Zane sighed, staring at the horizon. “If I survive this, I’m writing a book. Title: ‘How I Got Dragged Around by Crazy People.’” He shook his head, but a small smile played on his lips.

LoreKeeper floated beside him, chuckling softly. “Don’t worry. If you make it, I promise you a nice, long nap.”

“If I make it??” Zane asked, eyeing the pink compass. “Your pep talks need work.”

“If you wanted comfort, you should’ve stuck to the BloomBounces,” LoreKeeper teased.

Zane shook his head again. As much as he complained, he couldn’t deny he was curious. He straightened his shoulders, took a deep breath, and followed. Whatever came next, at least he wouldn’t be bored.