Chapter 11. The First Assignment

Understanding that he needed points to purchase his first magical template, Arthur spent several hours studying the available tasks through his magic card. The task system was one of the academy's key features, allowing students to accumulate points by completing various assignments—ranging from cleaning the grounds to participating in dangerous expeditions.

The tasks varied greatly: some required specific knowledge, others demanded combat skills, and some seemed dangerous even for experienced wizarding students.

For a newcomer like Arthur, the choice was difficult. He was beginning to doubt whether he would find anything suitable when his gaze landed on a task titled "Assistance in the Eco-Park."

The description read:

"A student is needed to care for magical animals. Low-difficulty task. Accuracy, patience, and an interest in magical creatures are welcomed."

"Caring for animals?" Arthur murmured, recalling stories about magical creatures from school. "Sounds interesting."

Having made up his mind, he accepted the task through his card and received detailed instructions along with the address.

The ecological park was located on the lower level of the academy, beneath the main buildings of the vast complex.

As Arthur approached the entrance, an astonishing sight unfolded before him. The park was enormous—hundreds of enclosures, dense forests, meadows full of flowers, a massive glowing sphere that replaced the sun, and even small hills with waterfalls. The air was filled with the scent of various herbs.

Every part of the park was unique. Some areas were covered in lush greenery, while others resembled deserts with blazing sands. In the distance, Arthur noticed a transparent dome under which exotic trees grew.

"Incredible…" he breathed, unable to take his eyes off the beauty before him.

At the entrance, a man was waiting for him—clearly someone in charge. It was Professor Merlins. His appearance was unmistakable: a long green robe adorned with patterns of magical creatures and a large white owl perched proudly on his shoulder.

"Ah, the newcomer!" Merlins exclaimed upon noticing Arthur. "You're the one who took the task, correct?"

"Yes, sir," Arthur nodded, trying to appear confident.

Merlins looked him over from head to toe, as if evaluating whether he was fit for the job. Then, he broke into a wide smile.

"Excellent! Welcome to the heart of our academy's life," he said, spreading his arms as if embracing the entire park. "Here, you will find more magical creatures than anywhere else in the academy. These beings are not just animals—they are the keys to understanding the magical nature of the world."

Arthur listened intently, trying not to be distracted by the owl, which was staring at him with its piercing yellow eyes.

"The park is a special place," the professor continued. "Every corner is tailored to its inhabitants' needs. We create ideal conditions for them to feel at home. But it's not just about comfort—it's a blend of science, magic, and nature."

"You're saying that magical creatures help us understand magic itself?" Arthur asked, unable to hide his curiosity.

"Exactly, young man!" the professor exclaimed. "Magical creatures reflect the world's magical energy. They show how it interacts with matter, how it shapes life. Many students think magic is just spells, but true understanding begins here. Think—where did the first spells come from? They were observed in phoenixes, who can rise from ashes, and dragons, who breathe fire. Studying magical creatures allowed our ancestors to unravel the secrets of magic, and over time, they learned to harness this power themselves."

The professor paused, giving Arthur time to process his words. Then, he handed him a small book titled "Care Guide for Enclosures 132-136."

"This is your guide. It details how to care for each creature, their diet, habits, and safety measures. Read it carefully before you begin. Mistakes can be costly."

"Understood, sir," Arthur replied, accepting the book.

Merlins smiled and lowered his voice slightly:

"And one more thing—working in the park is not just an assignment. It's a chance to connect with nature. Don't miss this opportunity."

Arthur felt a spark of inspiration ignite in his chest. This was turning out to be far more interesting than he had expected.

Meeting the Magical Creatures

Following the instructions, Arthur headed to his designated area. He struggled to contain his amazement as he passed the enclosures. In one, he spotted a small Fire Stag, its antlers glowing like a sunset. In another, a school of transparent fish floated in the air.

"This isn't just a park… it's a whole world," he murmured, glancing around.

Upon reaching his section, he found five enclosures, each uniquely designed. The enclosures resembled miniature worlds, carefully crafted for their inhabitants.

"Well, time to begin," he said to himself, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation.

After the initial awe, Arthur finally focused on his task. Opening the guide, he started studying the creatures under his care.

His fascination only grew as he learned how unique they were. Each was not just an animal but a masterpiece of nature, imbued with special abilities.

Lunamice

"Lunamouse—A small, furry creature resembling a white mouse. Its fur bends moonlight, making it nearly invisible. They are nocturnal and feed on berries and mushrooms. Lunamice are friendly and curious, possessing weak telepathic abilities that allow silent communication. The species is endangered."

"Almost invisible? Telepathy?" Arthur grinned, imagining them.

The guide detailed their care: they loved acai berries, and maintaining a soft lunar atmosphere in their enclosure was essential for their well-being.

Approaching their enclosure, Arthur saw a small, fenced-off area with a pond surrounded by moss and tiny berry bushes. Despite it being daytime, he noticed faint movements in the grass.

"So, you're not completely invisible after all," he mused, crouching to get a better look.

Suddenly, he felt a gentle nudge in his mind, as if someone was knocking on his thoughts.

"Is that you communicating with me?" he murmured, surprised. In response, he felt a warm sensation in his mind, like a friendly greeting.

Rock Bear

"Rock Bear—A peaceful, ancient creature living in the mountains. Its fur is covered in stones, making it resemble a boulder. These beings can live for centuries and spend most of their time in deep sleep. They feed on rare minerals."

Reaching the rock bear's enclosure, Arthur saw it lying still, resembling a massive gray-brown boulder. The enclosure was designed like a miniature mountain landscape with towering rock formations.

"At first glance, it really does look like just a pile of rocks," Arthur murmured. "I wonder what it dreams about?"

Forest Spirits

"Forest Spirit—A small, fluffy creature with large eyes. Their fur comes in various shades, though white and gray are most common. These beings don't need food, as they feed on positive emotions. They love playing and observing people."

Arriving at their enclosure, Arthur saw a tiny woodland area encased in a magical barrier. Inside, several fluffy creatures scurried around, their enormous eyes giving them a toy-like appearance.

"I've never seen anything cuter," he whispered, watching one play with a glowing magical orb.

As soon as the spirits noticed him, they stopped and stared at him with their oversized eyes.

"Are you studying me? Or waiting for me to play with you?" he chuckled, feeling intrigued.

A New Journey Begins

Arthur's tour of the park and its inhabitants left him in awe. He felt a deep connection to these creatures and admired how the academy cared for each one.

"These beings are incredible," he said to himself, returning to his area. "Maybe one day, I'll have a few of them to study properly."

He had a lot of work ahead, but all he felt was anticipation.