A Zoologist’s Guide to Surviving Magical Creatures

Great.

How could I forget the fact that each fragment should have a guardian?

Apparently, the fifth fragment's guardian had been peacefully slumbering, tucked away in some remote corner of the world, probably dreaming of epic naps or trying to decide whether or not to eat a second breakfast.

And now that I'd unlocked the memory hidden inside the fragment?

Yeah, it was awake.

And it wasn't exactly happy about it.

The creature stood in front of me, towering and ominous, its shadow casting a long, twisted silhouette across the stone floor of the throne room.

Even the warriors—those indomitable, battle-hardened gods who would normally walk into a battle with nothing but a swagger and their weapons—took a hesitant step back.

They were... backing away.

Standing behind me.

What?

I glanced down at myself, suddenly aware of how out of place I must have looked. Here I was, a mortal, no weapon, no powers, just a guy with a ridiculously oversized utility vest that probably looked absurd in this grand, ancient throne room.

And now, I was standing face-to-face with an ancient creature that could probably flatten me without even breaking a sweat.

Not to mention, the whole "backing off" thing?

Yeah, that wasn't exactly boosting my ego. If these seasoned warriors were scared, I wasn't sure if I should be proud or terrified.

"So, this is how I die," I muttered under my breath.

The creature didn't respond. It didn't even flinch. It just stood there, massive and unblinking, staring at me with eyes so intense they seemed to bore straight through my soul.

I could practically hear the tick-tick-tick of an imaginary countdown clock ticking away in the background. Oh yeah, that's comforting.

I sighed, realizing I had no choice but to say something. Anything. At least attempt to break the tension. "Uh... hello? You must be the guardian of the fragment, right?"

The creature's eyes didn't leave me. There was no acknowledgement, no movement at all. I was starting to wonder if it was even aware I was here.

Maybe it was just one of those "all-powerful beings" that only acted tough but was secretly daydreaming about a more relaxing existence. Maybe it was contemplating the finer points of breakfast pastries.

But then, out of nowhere, the creature did something unexpected. It... yawned. A massive, jaw-unhinging yawn.

It was one of those yawns that was so dramatic, you had to wonder if it had been practicing. Its mouth stretched wide, revealing rows of gleaming, razor-sharp teeth that glistened in the low light, and when it closed its jaw again, I could practically hear the yawn echoing through the room.

I blinked. Wait a second... Is it sleepy?

I mean, sure, I'd faced some pretty intense enemies in my time here in Mythica, but none of them had ever yawned at me. I took a cautious step forward, not sure if I should be intimidated or concerned about the creature's sudden lack of energy.

"You unlocked the memory," it said, its voice deep and rumbling, with a hint of grogginess in it. Like it had just woken up from a solid thousand-year nap. I nodded slowly, wondering if I should apologize for disturbing its beauty sleep.

It didn't seem too bothered by it though. In fact, it yawned again, making sure to show off its impressive fangs before speaking again.

"Since you've already unlocked the memory... can I leave now? The shard binds me not to leave its side. Now I'm free."

I stood there, completely dumbfounded. Wait... What?

The creature was free? It didn't want to, like, fight me?

"Uh... sure, buddy. You can go." I blurted out, still trying to process the situation. I wasn't sure if this was the anticlimax of the century or if I was missing some monumental cosmic joke.

The creature didn't respond. Instead, it gave me another big yawn, turned, and started trotting away like it was heading off to take a nap in a sunbeam or something.

I stood there for a few seconds, watching its massive form disappear down the hallway, barely able to comprehend what had just happened. It had been like one of those moments where you prepare for a life-or-death showdown, but then... nothing.

Absolutely nothing. It was like I'd been expecting fireworks, and instead, I got a pillow and a blanket.

Well... okay then.

I looked over my shoulder, catching the stunned expressions of the warrior gods behind me. A few of them were exchanging bewildered glances. Some were still clutching their weapons like they expected the creature to suddenly reappear and eat us all for a late-night snack.

"You're... letting it go?" one of the warriors asked, blinking in disbelief. He still looked mildly concerned, like he thought I was making a grave mistake.

I shrugged. "It's tired. Maybe it's had a long few centuries."

The warrior sighed, clearly frustrated but not willing to challenge me. He glanced at the others, and they all exchanged uncertain looks. "Well, if that's how you want to handle it..."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not going to fight something that just wants a nap. You guys do that."

nd just in time, Hades groaned and slowly lifted himself. The warriors, seeing their lord alive, rushed over to help him.

I took this opportunity to leave the throne room and head out to the main lobby, mounting Cerberus, who was obediently waiting for me outside.

I was surprised that the emergence of the creature hadn't alarmed Cerberus, as if he knew the creature was harmless.

********

Finally, I turned and made my way out of Domos Haidou, dragging my new companion—Manty the Manticore—behind me. I'd gotten him under control after an impromptu tug-of-war session with Thanatos, who insisted on taking care of the little guy.

Yeah, like that was going to happen. I wasn't going to hand over a baby Manticore to someone who thought death was more important than actual parenting.

A little bit of coercion from Hypnos—who just happened to be nearby—finally convinced Thanatos to relinquish Manty. I could practically see the gears turning in his head as he reluctantly agreed.

I didn't trust that, but I figured it was better than starting an argument with one of the gods of death right then.

Once outside, we made our way back to the lower Underworld, past the vibrant lights of the underworld casino area. As usual, Charon was there, chatting up the patrons and running his ferry service with an ease that made everything look effortless.

"Carl!" Charon greeted me, his voice smooth like honey. "Back again so soon? And with a... Manticore?"

I nodded, glancing down at Manty, who was clinging to me like I was the only stable thing in the universe. "Long story short. The ancient guardian woke up. It's free now."

Charon raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure that was... an interesting encounter. Anyway, I'm guessing you're heading to the other side?"

"Yep." I said, adjusting my vest. "I need to drop off the rock candy shard to an ancient unknown god. He'll want to get a look at it."

Charon chuckled. "Interesting. You have a peculiar way with humor, Carl. That ancient god being he must have... an appetite for those rock candies."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," I said with a grin, knowing full well that Agnos had a habit of consuming things that were better left uneaten. Case in point: the fragments.

When we reached the meeting spot, I was greeted by Agnos, Dr. Philippe, and Eldrin, all of whom were in surprisingly high spirits.

Eldrin's face lit up when he saw me alive and well, and carrying Manty. "Well, I wasn't sure if I'd see you again after all that. Alive, no less. And... with a baby Manticore?"

"Yeah, he's pretty cute, huh?" I said with a smile, watching Manty curl up in my arms. "Anyway, I got the fifth fragment. Here."

I handed over the glowing purple shard to Agnos, who, as usual, didn't hesitate. With a flick of his paw, he snatched it from me and immediately took a bite. Like rock candy. The sight still never failed to blow my mind.

And just like the fourth fragment, the runes inside the fifth one began to glow. Agnos's golden eyes shimmered with renewed brightness, and his purple fur sparkled in the dim light of the room. It was like watching a star being born in front of me.

"Quite a sight, isn't it?" I said, pulling out my phone to take a picture. "Just like the last one."

Agnos didn't even glance at me as he continued devouring the fragment. "Mm. Yes. This is important. These fragments are... not just memories. They are power."

Dr. Philippe raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by power?"

Agnos didn't respond. He was too busy finishing his... snack.

I sighed, pocketing my phone. Yeah, this was definitely going to get interesting.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from outside, followed by the unmistakable sound of clattering furniture.

"I'll get that," Eldrin said with a grin. "Probably another break-in."

Before I could say anything, Eldrin was gone, vanishing into the shadows. I looked back at Agnos, who was now glowing so brightly, I was half-expecting him to burst into flames. He looked satisfied.

"Power…" I muttered, wondering exactly what kind of power was hidden in these fragments.

And then, as if on cue, the ground trembled beneath us. Something was coming.