Draserraney

*****WPC OCT 2024 Entry*****
When Carl Suis, a fresh zoology graduate, lands an internship with MECCP (Mythical and Endangered Creatures Care and Protection), he expects to work with exotic animals—not be magically whisked into Mythica, a realm brimming with dragons, mermaids, and other magical creatures.

What starts as a dream job quickly spirals into chaos. Feeding creatures is the least of Carl’s worries as he tackles ecosystem meltdowns, interspecies feuds, and cultural clashes straight out of a fantasy fever dream. Forget the myths—these creatures are nothing like the books said.

With Mythica’s fragile world teetering on collapse and MECCP’s future at stake, Carl must rely on his zoological skills, quick thinking, and unexpected allies to save the day. But in this unpredictable land, survival means embracing the wild—and the wildly hilarious—at every turn.

Can Carl protect this magical world, or will his internship be his last adventure?

A Zoologist’s Guide to Surviving Magical Creatures

Dr. Philippe quickly handed me another letter before I could fully spiral.

"Read this one too," he said with a knowing smile.

The second letter bore the same seal. I opened it cautiously, and my eyes widened as I read.

"Congratulations, Carl! You're no longer an intern," Dr. Philippe said, his smile widening.

This letter stated that I'd been promoted to a permanent position, assigned to a special department that handled "unique problems."

"Wait. I'm being promoted? Permanently? To a special department?"

Philippe nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Unique problems require unique solutions. You've proven yourself capable."

"Unique problems?" I repeated. "Am I solving Mythica's version of cold cases now?"

"Something like that," Dr. Philippe said.

Agnos, who had been silent throughout, finally spoke. "It suits you."

The Road to Tír na nÓg