Episode 14: The Wizard and the Firework Staff

The door to The Enchanted Wrench slammed open with a burst of smoke and the faint smell of burnt hair. A lanky wizard stumbled in, his robes singed, his beard half-curled at the edges. He looked like someone who had been way too close to an explosion — probably because he had.

"I require assistance!" he announced, coughing up a small puff of smoke. "I am Magnus the Infernal Flame! Master of Fire!"

Felix squinted at him. "You look more like Magnus the Lightly Toasted."

Zira giggled from her perch.

Magnus ignored the jab, slamming a battered staff onto the counter. "My staff is cursed! Every time I try to cast a mighty fireball, it… misfires."

Felix inspected the staff. It was blackened, cracked, and smelled suspiciously like sulfur and regret. "Define 'misfires.'"

Magnus shifted awkwardly. "Instead of fireballs… it, um… produces fireworks. Very festive fireworks."

Zira snorted. "So you're a walking magic show?"

Magnus flushed. "It's hard to maintain an intimidating reputation when, instead of incinerating your enemies, you accidentally launch a sparkling dragon that sings 'Happy Birthday.'"

Felix coughed to hide his laugh. "Alright, alright. Let's fix it. You want proper fireballs, no more pyrotechnic surprises?"

Magnus nodded fervently. "Yes. Firepower! Destruction! Fear!"

---

An Hour Later…

Felix unveiled the newly repaired staff. It gleamed with fiery runes, faintly glowing red.

"There you go," Felix said confidently. "Fixed the misfire rune, stabilized the core. Give it a whirl."

Magnus took the staff, stepped outside for safety, and aimed at a barrel. He chanted, his voice rising with power.

"Inferno Blastus Magnificus!"

The staff glowed… then erupted.

With a deafening BOOM, the sky lit up in a dazzling cascade of multicolored fireworks. Sparkling phoenixes soared, spiraling around exploding stars and glittering meteors. The finale was a giant, flaming sign in the sky that read:

"MAGNUS THE INFERNAL FLAME — NOW AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES!"

Felix stared. Zira fell off her perch. Again.

Magnus looked horrified. "WHAT DID YOU DO?!"

Felix winced. "Okay, so… I may have accidentally fused the fireball rune with the original enchantment."

Zira gasped between laughs. "He's… he's a battle wizard and a party planner now!"

Magnus groaned, face in his hands. "I'll never live this down…"

The door burst open again. A nobleman stuck his head in. "Excuse me — was that you, Magnus? My daughter's birthday is next week. How's your rate for entertainment?"

Magnus whimpered.

Felix patted his shoulder sympathetically. "Look on the bright side. You'll be the most memorable wizard in the kingdom."

Magnus groaned louder. "I wanted fear and respect, not applause and cake requests."

Zira wiped a tear. "Well, you're definitely on fire… just not the way you hoped."

As Magnus shuffled out, muttering about dignity and refunds, Felix leaned on the counter.

"Alright, who's next? Please tell me it's someone normal this time."