I sank into the couch, its cushions swallowing me like a greedy mimic with a taste for adventurers. The fabric hugged me with an almost magical persistence, daring me to escape its plush embrace. Above, the vaulted ceiling shifted in a slow, hypnotic dance—golden light swelling into the shape of a sun before retreating into the cool twinkle of a starlit sky. The colors pulsed, alive, as if the ceiling itself were breathing.

  "Phei?" I called out, my voice breaking the comfortable stillness. I hadn’t seen him since he was clearing the table before I passed out on the couch.

  "Sir, how can I assist you?"

  The voice came from directly behind me.

  I yelped and flailed, the cushions refusing to let me go as I nearly tumbled off the edge. Spinning around, I found Phei standing there, completely unbothered, hands clasped behind his back like he hadn’t just appeared out of nowhere.

  "Where is my minion?" The thought had been nagging at me since I woke up. The announcement had clearly said my first minion. That meant more would come, right? And who wouldn’t want their own magical minion? I had dreamed of this ever since devouring The Chronicles of Claeffen, where minions ranged from wild nature-born creatures to hybrid tech-magic wonders. Some were living wisps of fire, others were sleek, enchanted machines humming with arcane energy.

  "You will need to take your special token to The Gotcha Goblin Grotto in the Thralls & Thrills section of the park."

  "The what? Gotcha Goblin Grotto? Am I getting a goblin?" I asked, then muttered under my breath, "That would be lame."

  Phei let out a barely perceptible sigh. "No, sir, that is simply the name of the game you must play to obtain your minion. There are far more options than just goblins." He rolled his eyes ever so slightly before adding, "Would you like me to explain how the games work, sir?"

  I turned to look at him, and once again, as if sensing my movement, he appeared in front of me. I let out a laugh.

  "No, we’ve got gacha games on my planet."

  Phei tilted his head ever so slightly. "Sir, I detect a particular emphasis in your pronunciation that suggests your version of gotcha might differ from this establishment’s."

  "No, I think we’re on the same page." I pushed myself up from the couch, feeling a surprising bounce in my step. "Is there a map or something I can use?"

  "Ah, yes, sir. Your personal agent, Dev, has already informed me of your status and limitations. The Magi Claeffen is well known to Multiversal Studios, and management has instructed me to ensure there are no incidents where he might become… disagreeable."

  Phei’s tone remained perfectly neutral, but something about the way he said disagreeable made me suspect they’d had to deal with him before.

  "As such, I have been given specific guidance on how best to assist with your requests. It is my understanding that you are not to use your UTI while in the park. I have been granted access to funds and have hired a tour guide to accompany you for the day. They will take you through the park to various attractions, but first, you will go directly to obtain your minion."

  He sniffed. Just slightly. Just enough to make me suddenly self-conscious.

  "Sir, perhaps you would like to refresh yourself with a bath and change into something more… befitting your station. I have laid out some attire options in the changing area. Once you are refreshed, call me, and I will send for your guide."

  Before I could respond, he vanished.

  I glanced around the room, then down at the outfit I had worn to the book signing. It definitely didn’t scream magical apprentice. More like random guy who got lost on the way to a convention.

  Sighing, I made my way toward the opening near the bed, expecting to find a standard hotel bathroom with tiles, ceramic fixtures, and maybe a complimentary soap that smelled like disappointment.

  Instead, I stepped into what could only be described as an enchanted oasis.

  A waterfall cascaded gently down a rock formation, its water shimmering with an almost ethereal glow. Lush tropical plants in vivid shades of purple and teal lined the space, their leaves shifting as if adjusting to my presence. A lagoon spread out before me, the water crystal clear with flickering motes of light dancing just beneath the surface.

  Blinking, I followed a winding stone path through the dense foliage, my curiosity piqued. On the other side, I found a stone basin that shifted and stretched the moment I approached. Before my eyes, it reshaped itself, morphing smoothly into what was unmistakably a toilet.

  I stared. Then leaned in.

  It looked like lapis, its deep blue surface veined with glowing gold. The sheer craftsmanship or enchantment was mesmerizing.

  Then reality hit. Right. This was a necessary stop.

  As I turned, I realized the foliage behind me had shifted as well. What had once been an open path was now a solid wall of thick greenery, closing me off in a private sanctuary.

  Magic was weird.

  But I had to admit, this was probably the fanciest bathroom I had ever seen.

  After finishing up, I stepped out of the plant-lined path, still bewildered by the three scales. No matter how I tried to figure them out, they remained a perfect mystery—some seamless blend of science and magic beyond my understanding.

  Shaking my head, I turned toward the waterfall. That was my next stop.

  Stripping down, I placed my clothes and shoes on a nearby stone covered in thick, velvety moss. Stepping forward, I let the water pour over me, its warmth just right, like it had been set to my ideal temperature by an unseen hand.

  The gentle cascade massaged my shoulders as I ran my hands through my hair, already feeling the travel grime melt away. But something felt… off. I glanced around, expecting shelves or alcoves with bottles of soap or shampoo. Nothing. No bottles. No bars.

  I rubbed my arms, and while I felt cleaner, it wasn’t the usual slick, soapy feeling I was used to. It was subtle, like the water itself carried some kind of purification magic.

  Still, a part of me couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing a crucial step in this magical bathing process.

  I wandered over to the lagoon, still searching for any sign of body care products. Nothing. No soaps, no shampoos, not even a suspiciously glowing crystal labeled cleansing stone.

  The thought of calling Phei in here just to ask was not appealing. He would either materialize instantly with an obviously, sir look on his face or worse, lecture me on the superior hygiene methods of the Multiversal elite.

  I sighed and decided to just go for it. Stepping into the lagoon, I found the water cool at first, but it quickly adjusted to the perfect, soothing warmth of a hot spring. It swirled gently around me, rippling with an almost sentient touch. I let myself sink deeper, hoping this magic water was as effective as it was mysterious.

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  I’d ask Phei about the soap later, after I had my minion. Priorities.

  I walked over to the rock and grabbed my shirt, using it as a makeshift washcloth. After scrubbing myself off as best as I could, I drifted back into the lagoon, letting the water carry me. It was perfect—warm, soothing, and almost unnaturally relaxing.

  As I floated, a thought crossed my mind. Was I getting a buff just from using this room? And if so, how long would it last? I was itching to start testing the lengths and durations of buffs, but for now, I’d have to be patient.

  I floated a while lost in thought about everything since the book signing. It was a lot to take in. I wondered about some of the choices I made and why somethings didn’t make me stop and wonder more before taking actions.

  I got out of the water and draped my shirt over the rock. I froze as the wall to my right was gone.

  In its place stood a towel rack and a walk-in closet, its entrance seamlessly blending into the natural design of the room. The towels on the rack were unlike any I had ever seen, each folded with precise care, their fabric shimmering faintly with magic. Some were deep sapphire blue, embroidered with silver thread that seemed to shift in the light, while others had a soft, cloudy-white texture, rippling as if made of woven mist.

  I reached for one, and the moment it touched my skin, it came alive, flowing around me like liquid air. The fabric curled and circled me, wicking away every drop of moisture in seconds before settling lightly against my skin. It was impossibly soft, weightless yet perfectly warm.

  Still in awe, I draped it around my midriff before stepping into the closet.

  The outfit I had left behind hung perfectly in place, as if an invisible valet had whisked it away for laundering the moment I entered the water.

  A moment later, my shirt appeared, now hanging neatly with the rest of the clothes. I blinked in surprise.

  For a brief moment, panic bubbled up. My bracer. My bag of holding. Where are they?

  I spun, scanning the closet until my eyes landed on a sleek countertop built into the wall. It had a designated area for obvious mage accessories like wands, rings, and other trinkets, but it was empty except for my bracer and bag of holding, both untouched and perfectly intact.

  Relief washed over me as I inspected the bag, finding everything still inside, exactly as I had left it. Satisfied, I tucked my clothes and shoes into the bag, watching as they vanished into its seemingly endless space.

  I looked over the five different outfits Phei had laid out for me, each one elegant and undoubtedly tailored to perfection. My fingers traced over the fabrics, lingering on silks that shimmered like starlight and robes embroidered with patterns that seemed to shift when viewed from different angles.

  None of them really spoke to my personal taste. I had thought I would enjoy wearing traditional mage attire, but the reality of running around without pants didn’t seem all that practical, especially after everything that had happened so far since the book signing.

  Robes and flowing fabrics might look dramatic, but I needed something that wouldn’t trip me up the moment I had to move fast. Like when I dashed out of the cave, if I had been wearing a robe, I could have easily gotten caught up in it.

  Even Claeffen didn’t wear standard wizard robes. He dressed like a battle-mage, purposeful, blending function with elegant style. Well, except maybe for his shoes.

  With that thought, I looked around and noticed a shoe rack with several variety style pairs neatly set out.

  I inspected the outfits again, running my fingers over the fine fabrics before settling on a deep red-orange coat attire. Its surface was adorned with embossed geometric shapes that shimmered under the light, their intricate patterns suggesting the presence of runes, glyphs, or sigils woven into the very fabric. Beneath it, a light teal shirt, the material soft and cool to the touch, offering a striking contrast to the bold hues of the coat. Loose black baggy pants completing the ensemble, their airy fit will allow for ease of movement, while a black and white ascot added a refined, almost scholarly touch.

  I pulled on the pants, expecting them to be too loose, only to find the fabric molding to my legs with a snugger and more comfortable fit. They moved with me, stretching just enough to keep from feeling restrictive.

  I finished dressing before making my way over to the shoe rack, scanning the selection of boots, sandals, and sleek dress shoes, each looking far more fitting for my outfit than the bright yellow sneakers I had arrived in. There was no way I was ruining the entire look with those.

  I reached out, running my fingers over the smooth scales of one pair boots, then the woven straps of the sandals. Fine stitching. Engraved details along the soles. The faintest shimmer, like magic barely holding still beneath the surface. What were the chances these were enchanted?

  I couldn’t read the inscriptions yet, and my interface was still locked, but I wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip by. If there was magic here, I wanted it.

  After a few test runs, pacing back and forth to see if any of the shoes made me feel lighter or faster, I settled on the scaled boots. They had the best balance of comfort and agility, each step feeling just a little more effortless. In the end, they won out.

  As I bent down to adjust the fit, something shifted. The deep black scales shimmered, a faint ripple of energy running through them, and before my eyes, the color bled into a rich red-orange, perfectly matching my coat. I shifted my foot, watching the hues deepen and subtly change with the movement, as if the boots had always been part of the outfit.

  Definitely enchanted. Definitely mine.

  Dressed and ready, I took a moment to admire the outfit. It was practical, stylish, and carried an undeniable presence, perfect for a mages apprentice who wasn’t going to sit in a classroom, but to step into something far more exciting.

  I wandered back to the accessories area, scanning the space with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The shelves were empty. I opened a few drawers, hoping to find something useful. Most were completely bare, but in one, a single set of earrings rested against the velvet lining.

  Not exactly an accessory jackpot, but hey, at least I wasn’t leaving empty-handed. Well, technically I was. More like… not empty-eared?

  I turned and went back to the outfits, gathering them up one by one. As I placed them into my bag of holding, the fabric folded in on itself, vanishing into the endless space within. It never hurts to have options. Who knew what kind of situation I might find myself in next, right?

  After grabbing and storing the shoes and towels I walked through the bathroom to step out of the entrance, I came to a stop in front of the bed and called out, “Phei, I’m ready.”

  "Sir, please follow me." I followed, watching as ethereal blue flames pulsed across him, trailing like ghostly embers.

  I expected him to lead me to the entrance, but instead, we walked past the couches toward a massive stained-glass window. The intricate panes shimmered with shifting colors, casting patterns of light across the floor. Without hesitation, he lifted a hand and traced an arcane gesture through the air.

  The glass responded instantly, its surface rippling like molten light before cascading downward in a shimmering waterfall of liquid rainbows. Colors bled and swirled together, dissolving into luminous mist before reforming into an open archway. Beyond it, the balcony stretched out, bathed in the glow of the world beyond.

  Multiversal Studios was far larger than I had imagined. From my room’s vantage point high above, the sprawling expanse of buildings and attractions stretched endlessly below. Towering spires gleamed under shifting colored skies, while enchanted rides soared effortlessly through the air, some vanishing beyond the clouds before looping back down in dazzling arcs of light and motion. The entire park pulsed with energy, a seamless blend of magic and wonder brought to life.

  Glowing billboards floated effortlessly in the sky, their shifting text and images forming from swirling constellations of light. Golden letters shimmered before unravelling into cascading sparks, reforming into announcements for attractions and events. Some displays pulsed with illusionary scenes, bringing the rides to life in miniature before dissolving into glittering mist.

  The balcony extended into what looked like a docking station, its smooth platform edged with faintly glowing runes. Nearby, a table and chairs, sculpted from what appeared to be condensed clouds, hovered just slightly above the floor. Wisps of mist curled lazily from their edges, shifting and reforming as if responding to the breeze.

  "Sir, please stand here to the side. Your guide will be with us in just a moment," Phei stated, gesturing toward a spot beside the ramp leading down to the docking station.

  Umm, is Multiversal Studios on the same planet I entered from? The area I came through looked completely abandoned.

  “No, sir. Multiversal Studios has many entrances and exists outside of any specific planet.” Phei replied. "You say yours was abandoned? That is unusual. Did Magi Claeffen open the entrance from somewhere notable?"

  Oh. Was the entrance supposed to be a secret? I hadn’t exactly been informed about where I was going or why. Probably best to play it safe.

  I shrugged, keeping my voice as casual as possible. "It was hidden, if that’s what you’re asking."

  Phei let out the smallest sigh, the kind that barely made a sound but carried an entire paragraph’s worth of judgment. "Ah, yes, sir. All the entrances are hidden. That is why a test is required to gain access." He adjusted his stance, his expression just neutral enough to make me wonder if I had somehow failed an unspoken etiquette exam.

  A green and blue gryphon soared into view, its wings beating the air in slow, powerful strokes before coming to a graceful stop at my balcony. With practiced ease, a short, thin figure leapt from its back, landing lightly before straightening.

  I watched as the short-statured figure strode up the ramp with a confidence that suggested they had done this a thousand times before. Their goggles, now resting on their forehead, reflected the shifting lights around us, making their wide eyes seem even larger. Without hesitation, they stopped in front of Phei and thrust out a gloved hand, fingers wiggling expectantly. The motion was casual, but the intent was unmistakable, a silent but universal demand for payment.