A Zoologist’s Guide to Surviving Magical Creatures

I know I've said this many times, but today really feels like the day I'm going to die.

The ground shook violently beneath me, and I clung to Creation's sleeve like it was a lifeline, as if my sheer desperation alone could keep me tethered to life.

Then, something happened that left me utterly baffled. Destruction—the psychotic, bad-tempered power—suddenly began to float in midair. And before I could even process that, Creation followed suit, rising off the ground as if pulled by some unseen force.

"No… my lifeline!" I cried out, panic squeezing my voice as I tried to yank Creation back down. But it was no use—the force pulling him was far stronger than my pitiful grip.

Both Creation and Destruction floated higher, their forms now side by side. Then, the truly bizarre happened: they began to merge.

Yes, merge. Like two puzzle pieces slotting together in a surreal cosmic display.

A brilliant, blinding light exploded from their union, engulfing everything around me. Instinctively, I threw my arms up to shield my eyes. My heart raced as I braced for the inevitable explosion that would surely obliterate me.

Goodbye, Mythica, I thought mournfully, squeezing my eyes shut. Guess this is it.

But then… silence.

Wait—why was it silent? Shouldn't there have been a massive explosion? Or at least some kind of dramatic sound effect to mark my demise?

Hesitantly, I lowered my arms and squinted through the fading light. What I saw made my jaw drop. Standing where Creation and Destruction had been moments before was a single figure. Their body glowed with an otherworldly brilliance, their form radiating power so intensely it was almost overwhelming.

"Oh my," I muttered in awe, unable to look away. "Such radiance…" My brain scrambled to process the sight. "Are you God? Am I in heaven?"

The figure didn't answer right away, and as I glanced around, confusion replaced my awe. "Wait. This isn't heaven." I frowned, noticing the same desolate landscape around me. "I'm still here. This is still that wasteland!"

The glowing figure began to descend slowly, their light dimming just enough for me to make out more details. My pulse quickened. What in the world had Creation and Destruction become?

What stood before me was nothing short of divine. And when I say that, I mean divine.

He didn't have the stereotypical golden hair that most gods seem to sport in mythology, but he more than made up for it with an aura that screamed godly authority.

His presence was overwhelming, like standing in the path of a tidal wave, except the wave was made of pure majesty. His long, dark hair cascaded down his back, framing a face that was eerily familiar—eerily similar to Destruction's, actually. But where Destruction's face was always twisted into a scowl, this being had an expression of serene confidence.

As he touched down on the ground, his intense gaze locked onto me. He was studying me, scrutinizing every detail as though I were a puzzle he needed to solve.

Instinctively, I crossed my arms over my chest. What is it with mysterious beings and their X-ray stares? Seriously, give a guy some personal space!

"W-who are you?" I stammered, my voice cracking slightly. "And what… what do you want from me?"

He smiled—a calm, disarming smile that somehow only made me more nervous. His eyes, sharp and regal, softened as he spoke.

"Carl," he said, his voice warm yet impossibly commanding. "I've been waiting to meet you."

His gaze softened further as he took me in, and for a brief moment, the overwhelming aura felt less like a tidal wave and more like a warm breeze.

I studied him, my eyes narrowing as the resemblance clicked. He looked so much like Destruction, but calmer, regal, almost… perfect. And then, like a lightning bolt to the brain, the realization struck me.

My eyes widened. "Wait… you're Kaleon?" I whispered, barely able to form the words.

He smiled, a soft, knowing expression that carried centuries of wisdom. "Is that so hard to believe?"

I blinked. "B-but… you're supposed to be asleep in a coffin. Don't tell me you just got up and decided to take a stroll? No, wait…" My brain scrambled for an explanation. "You're not Kaleon Kaleon. You're his will, aren't you?"

"Exactly," he confirmed with a nod. "I knew you were quick. As expected."

I stood there, utterly awestruck. So this was him—or at least, a part of him. The Kaleon. The god of creation and destruction. Founder of Mythica. The being everyone whispered about but no one truly knew. And here he was, smiling at me like we were old friends.

Then it hit me—this was my chance. If the god himself, even just his will, was here, I needed answers.

"Uh…" I hesitated before diving in. "Is it true? That you… um… you imbued your essence and will into me?"

Kaleon's smile widened. "You certainly have a lot of curiosity," he said, his tone almost playful. "Yes, Carl. I did."

"But… why me?" I blurted out, my mind reeling. "I'm just a mortal. There are way more capable people out there! People who, you know, fit the job description."

Kaleon's expression turned contemplative, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered my words. "I'm not entirely sure what you're seeking with that question," he admitted after a moment. "But let me be clear: even if I were given another choice, I would still impart my will and essence to you."

He paused, his gaze softening. "And I'm just glad you're alive, Carl. That's what truly matters."

What? Alive? What does he mean by that?

The gears in my head were turning at full speed. Had I died before? If so, why didn't I remember it? My mouth opened to ask, but Kaleon raised a hand, stopping me mid-thought.

"Save your questions for another time," he said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "We don't have much time. My presence here is only temporary. Right now, you must focus on restoring the leylines. Listen carefully, Carl."

And I did. Kaleon began to explain the steps I needed to take, his voice steady and deliberate. I hung on every word, committing them to memory.

And then he dropped a bombshell.

"You must find the Space-Time Leylines," he said gravely. "They're not destroyed. They've been hidden as a precaution."

My jaw practically hit the floor. "W-wait… the Space-Time Leylines are safe? And hidden?"

Kaleon nodded. "It's a failsafe measure," he explained. "Those forces you've been contending with—they've always sought the Space-Time Leylines. So I concealed them in advance. Now, you must find Fenrir. He knows what to do. Tell him Kaleon sends his will. He must honor our pact."

"Fenrir?!" I practically yelped. "You mean the Fenrir? Giant wolf, destroyer of gods, now CEO of Wolfwork Solutions, that Fenrir?"

But before I could get another word out, Kaleon's glow began to dim. His form shimmered, growing fainter by the second. "Wait!" I called out, panicking. "What do you mean honor the pact? What pact?! You can't just drop cryptic hints and—"

A final flash of light cut me off. When it faded, Kaleon was gone, and in his place stood Creation and Destruction, looking exactly as they had before.

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "You've got to be kidding me."

Creation looked at me with a faint smile. "Well, that went better than expected," he said lightly.

Destruction just snorted. "I still think we should've let me smack him around a bit."

I threw my hands in the air. "Great. Just great. Not only do I have to meet again with the ancient wolf with an appetite for chaos, but I also have no idea what kind of pact we're talking about! This is just perfect."

I buried my face in my hands. Why does this always happen to me?

The two powers exchanged a glance, then turned back to me.

"Well," Destruction said with a nonchalant shrug, "time is of the essence. We're going to kick you out of here now."

"W-wait! I still have more questions!" I blurted, my voice pitching higher in desperation.

"Save it for later, Carl," Creation said calmly. "You must leave this place immediately, or you risk dying if you don't."

I sighed heavily, realizing they were right. The leylines needed restoring, and Mythica's balance was more important than my personal curiosity. Fine, I thought. Let's save the realm first, then I'll write out an FAQ list of all the baffling things about this place.

"Alright," I said, mustering up what little courage I had. "How exactly are you guys going to get me out of here? What do I have to do?"

Destruction's grin widened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Oh, you don't have to do anything. Just stay right where you are."

Somehow, his tone and that mischievous smile sent a wave of unease rippling through me. My instincts screamed that something was very wrong.

Creation's serene voice interjected. "Be gentle, Destruction. He is Master's—"

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Destruction replied, rolling his eyes. "Quit nagging me."

"Why does Destruction need to be gent—"

SMACK!

Before I could finish my sentence, Destruction's hand came flying out of nowhere, connecting with my face like a magical freight train.

The world blurred. Stars exploded in my vision.

"YOU IDIO—!"

And then… darkness.