Traebus stirred slowly back to consciousness, his head pounding rhythmically as if he'd spent the night personally taste-testing an entire dwarven brewery. Groaning dramatically, he sat up and squinted against the intrusive daylight streaming through the edges of the door. He rubbed his temples, muttering sourly, "Fantastic. I haven't felt this bad since that one wizard party where someone spiked the mana potion."

  Blinking sleep from his eyes, he glanced around the dimly lit room. Vaelya slept soundly, wrapped snugly in her reptilian blanket. Sparky was sprawled across the floor nearby, twitching and occasionally crackling in his sleep—probably dreaming about tormenting murder chickens. Oddly, the elemental lizards and Dusk were nowhere to be seen, though he could clearly hear suspiciously energetic scuffling from outside.

  With an exasperated sigh, he stumbled to his feet and shuffled to the door, cracking it open. Sunlight flooded in aggressively, causing him to squint painfully. As his vision cleared, he stared dumbly into the yard, mouth falling open in shock.

  The six elemental lizards—formerly tiny, adorable nuisances—were now easily the size Dusk had been just yesterday. Their sleek scales shimmered brightly, elemental energies practically dripping off them. Fire danced subtly over crimson scales, while frost sparkled along icy-white spines. Their muscular frames flexed powerfully as they bounded playfully around, clearly thrilled by their sudden growth.

  "Oh, sure," Traebus muttered sarcastically, throwing his hands up in exaggerated despair. "I spend all my time carefully rationing food, measuring growth rates, meticulously documenting each change... and these jerks just decide to skip the awkward teenage phase overnight? Very considerate."

  A low, throaty chuckle rumbled from above, filled unmistakably with smug amusement. Traebus's gaze shot upward, and he nearly stumbled backward in shock.

  On the roof lounged Dusk, now dramatically larger than before—his sleek, shadowy body stretched impressively, muscles rippling beneath lustrous, midnight-black scales. The once-small drake now carried himself with the calm, regal confidence of an apex predator, lazily flexing a pair of newly powerful wings against the morning sun. He dropped smoothly to the ground, landing lightly, his angular head coming comfortably level with Traebus’s chin.

  Traebus blinked slowly, taking in his transformed companion with a critical, slightly bewildered stare. "Well, aren't we looking dignified this morning," he remarked dryly, feigning offense. "One good night's sleep and suddenly you're taller, stronger, and practically glowing with majestic intensity. Meanwhile, I get a headache and morning breath. Life's perfectly fair."

  Dusk chuffed quietly, giving Traebus a gentle, playful head-bump that nearly knocked him off balance. Traebus steadied himself, shaking his head in mock dismay. "Careful, big guy. You've clearly graduated from small lizard to scaly wrecking ball overnight."

  He patted Dusk’s neck affectionately, grinning wryly. "Well, at least someone around here is maturing gracefully with age. Come on, let's go assess whatever else decided to evolve spontaneously overnight—before the murder chickens start plotting revolutions again."

  Vaelya stepped out of the house, blinking in the morning sun. She yawned softly, stretching her arms, then froze mid-stretch as her gaze landed on the transformed creatures in the yard. Her eyes widened dramatically, and her mouth dropped open.

  "Traebus!" she exclaimed, astonishment clear in her voice. "Am I still dreaming, or have our companions grown impossibly overnight?"

  Traebus flashed her a wide, slightly dazed grin, nodding in agreement. "Oh, it's very real—trust me, I checked. Welcome to our very own island wildlife preserve, home to magical reptiles that casually ignore the laws of nature and biology."

  She approached cautiously, marveling at the elemental lizards as they pranced about, leaving trails of fire, frost, and tiny sparks in their wake. She turned slowly toward Dusk, her eyes wide in disbelief at his newly imposing form.

  "Dusk," she murmured, shaking her head in awe. "You were formidable before, but this…" She reached out hesitantly, gently running her fingertips over his sleek, muscular scales. Dusk emitted a soft, approving rumble.

  Vaelya glanced sharply back at Traebus, curiosity mingling with amazement in her expression. "How is this even possible?"

  Traebus took a deep breath, settling into his self-appointed role of overly-enthusiastic magical scientist. "All right, here's my theory—feel free to take notes. We already knew these lizards weren't exactly typical jungle critters. After all, I've never seen ordinary reptiles casually summon fire or lightning before I met this cheerful bunch."

  Vaelya nodded cautiously, clearly uncertain whether she should be amused or concerned.

  Traebus continued, growing increasingly animated as he spoke. "I believe certain creatures on this world have the ability to absorb ambient mana—like a sponge soaking up water. Normally, it would just let them survive better, maybe slightly boost their strength. But these guys took it several steps further."

  Vaelya tilted her head thoughtfully. "You believe this absorption of mana is why they developed their elemental abilities?"

  "Exactly!" Traebus snapped his fingers enthusiastically. "Remember my earlier rune experiments? I may have, purely by accident, enhanced them when I fed them runes designed specifically for elemental manipulation. Essentially, I think their bodies used the runes as a blueprint—telling their natural mana how to evolve their internal energy channels, allowing them to generate and control elemental powers."

  Vaelya’s eyes widened with growing excitement and understanding. "You gave them the magic they now wield?"

  "Basically, yes," Traebus confirmed proudly. "Think of it as... magical rune vitamins. I just didn't anticipate how quickly or drastically they'd adapt. It seems their internal mana reserves have grown significantly in response."

  Vaelya glanced toward the baskets of melon-like fruits they had harvested the day before, suddenly piecing things together. "And you think those melons—"

  "Exactly!" Traebus interrupted excitedly, practically bouncing on his heels. "The melons are extraordinarily charged with mana—more than anything else we've found. Eating them probably supercharged the lizards’ mana absorption. It's like pouring fuel onto a fire—an extremely magical, rapidly evolving, fire."

  She smiled, nodding slowly as understanding fully dawned. "So the fruit acted as a catalyst."

  "Precisely," Traebus said, spreading his arms wide in triumph. "I created mana-powered super lizards. What could possibly go wrong?"

  Vaelya gave him a skeptical glance, amusement creeping back into her expression. "You have an interesting way of welcoming potential disaster."

  He chuckled, giving a mock shrug. "Life is all about rolling with the magical punches. Now we just have to hope they stop growing at 'majestic drake' size, instead of continuing straight into 'giant scaly apocalypse.'"

  Dusk emitted a soft snort of amusement, clearly entertained by Traebus's dramatics.

  Vaelya shook her head fondly, gently stroking Dusk’s powerful shoulder again. "At least we know our home is safer with these powerful allies protecting us."

  Traebus nodded cheerfully. "Very true. And, let's face it, if nothing else, we now have undeniable proof that vegetables are good for growth. Moms everywhere would be proud."

  Traebus and Vaelya made their way over to the thriving farm, stepping carefully among the rows of oddly shaped vegetables, fruits, and mysterious tubers. The plants seemed suspiciously eager and vibrant, as if aware of their newfound importance.

  Vaelya bent down, picking up a large, oddly-shaped purple tuber. It was bulbous and slightly lumpy, with a rough outer skin that looked deceptively ordinary—like a potato that had lost a fight with an angry turnip. She glanced at Traebus, holding it out warily. "Alright, farming genius. What about this one? Should we be concerned?"

  Traebus eyed it skeptically, taking it carefully from her and holding it out at arm's length as though it might explode at any moment. "Hmm. It's purple, lumpy, and unsettlingly potato-like. Basically, it looks like something I'd create if I were actively trying to poison myself."

  Vaelya laughed softly, shaking her head. "That doesn't exactly inspire confidence."

  Traebus gave her a dramatic shrug, smiling wryly. "Relax. What's the worst it can do—explode with mana and wipe out our entire island ecosystem? Actually, now that I say that aloud, perhaps I should be careful."

  Vaelya narrowed her eyes slightly, mildly concerned. "Perhaps just a quick check would suffice?"

  "Alright," Traebus sighed theatrically. "But if my brain melts again, I’m blaming you."

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  He closed his eyes, holding the lumpy purple tuber firmly, and focused. Carefully, slowly, he activated his identification ring, bracing himself for the inevitable overload of information. Mana surged through him, and for a brief moment, he swayed dizzily on his feet.

  Vaelya steadied him gently, watching closely. "Well? What does the mysterious purple lump have to say for itself?"

  Traebus cracked open one eye, looking dazed but triumphant. "Good news! It's edible. And—surprise!—highly nutritious. Like everything else in this absurd garden, it’s practically overflowing with mana."

  Vaelya raised an eyebrow curiously. "No atomic lessons this time?"

  "Oh no, there's plenty of atomic nonsense still rattling around up there," Traebus sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I now know this tuber’s family tree back twelve generations, and probably its favorite type of fertilizer. But luckily, it didn't try to aggressively educate me about genetics this time."

  Vaelya laughed, taking the tuber carefully from him and turning it over thoughtfully. "Perhaps we can cook it?"

  Traebus nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, absolutely. Purple magical potatoes—imagine the possibilities. Roasted magical potatoes, mashed magical potatoes… magical potato salad. Our culinary options have officially skyrocketed."

  Vaelya chuckled softly. "Just promise me this one won't turn our friends into house-sized monsters."

  "No guarantees," Traebus replied cheerfully, already selecting another handful of tubers. "But really, if we're going to create an army of mana-infused super-lizards, we might as well keep their diet exciting."

  She rolled her eyes fondly. "You truly enjoy tempting fate, don't you?"

  He flashed her a broad grin, utterly unrepentant. "What can I say? Fate clearly enjoys being tempted."

  Traebus pulled the heavy stone gate open, shaking his head in amused resignation as Vaelya practically sprinted past him onto the stone bridge. He followed at a slower pace, keeping a cautious but curious eye on the assembled elves.

  As soon as Vaelya reached them, the largest elf—clearly their leader—wrapped her in a powerful embrace, lifting her briefly from the ground. Vaelya laughed in relief, hugging him tightly and speaking rapid-fire words in their native tongue. Her voice was filled with emotion and relief, making Traebus feel slightly awkward, standing off to one side like an unexpected guest at a family reunion.

  He watched closely, catching fragments of Vaelya’s speech thanks to the translation ring he'd made for her. She was speaking quickly, detailing the attack on her village, her narrow escape through the jungle, and how she'd eventually stumbled onto the island. She paused dramatically, gesturing emphatically toward Traebus as she recounted their first meeting.

  "...And then he appeared," Vaelya explained eagerly, eyes bright with enthusiasm. "He wielded strange magic and powerful knowledge—he saved my life, healed my wounds, and provided shelter. I have never seen magic like his. He reshapes stone and metal as easily as we weave cloth. His home is protected by creatures that have bonded with him."

  The massive elf leader raised a questioning eyebrow at Vaelya, glancing toward Traebus with a mix of curiosity and guarded caution. He asked her a rapid-fire question, his voice deep and serious. Traebus couldn't understand him directly, but it was clear from Vaelya’s response what the question must have been.

  "No, Kaelen'varis," she reassured him firmly, shaking her head. "He is no enemy. Strange, yes—occasionally reckless, definitely—but kind-hearted. Without him, I would have perished."

  Kaelen'varis nodded slowly, thoughtfully observing Traebus as he posed another pointed question, his voice calm and authoritative.

  "Yes," Vaelya answered quickly, glancing toward Traebus with affection and respect. "He speaks of a land far from ours, where magic and metal combine into incredible things. He is a mage beyond anything we've known. He defeated the predators easily when they attacked his island."

  The gathered elves murmured in shock, eyes widening as Vaelya described the battle. Several exchanged glances of awe, respect, and disbelief.

  Traebus shifted awkwardly under the combined scrutiny of Vaelya's kin, giving a hesitant, slightly awkward wave. "Hello," he said, smiling with exaggerated politeness. "Welcome to my humble abode. Apologies for the homicidal wildlife and the mildly threatening magical landscaping. It wasn’t intentional. Mostly."

  Vaelya continued quickly, clearly sensing Traebus’s discomfort and eager to reassure her leader. She continued her animated explanation, describing in detail Traebus’s creations—the fortified home, the magical lighting, the reinforced gates, the strange crops and magical fruits that had even affected the island’s wildlife.

  Kaelen'varis listened attentively, occasionally interrupting with short, sharp questions that Traebus still couldn’t understand—but from Vaelya's patient, excited responses, he could guess at their meaning. The big elf kept glancing at him periodically, a careful mixture of curiosity and cautious appraisal evident in his gaze.

  Traebus chuckled softly to himself, leaning slightly toward Vaelya. "Tell your large friend he doesn't have to worry. I'm not planning any diabolical schemes—at least, not intentionally."

  Vaelya shot him an amused glance, suppressing a laugh before she quickly translated his assurance to Kaelen'varis. The massive elf turned toward Traebus, eyes meeting his briefly before nodding once, seeming satisfied—at least for now.

  Traebus sighed inwardly with relief. At least his next magical potato dinner wouldn't be accompanied by suspicious glares—well, not as many as he'd expected, anyway.

  Traebus turned back toward the elves, spreading his arms in a welcoming gesture. "Well, since we're apparently hosting an unexpected family reunion, how about you all come inside? I promise, it’s only slightly more dangerous than staying out here."

  Vaelya quickly translated, a hint of laughter in her voice. The elves exchanged cautious glances before nodding carefully. With Kaelen'varis in front, they began following Traebus and Vaelya back across the bridge toward the fortified gate, their eyes darting warily around, taking in every detail.

  As they stepped onto the island proper, the entire group halted abruptly, tension surging back into their forms. Standing in a loose semi-circle was Tank, the massive three-horn eyeing them placidly, flanked by the impressive line-up of elemental lizards—led proudly by Dusk and Sparky, who watched the elves with curious yet intense gazes.

  Traebus winced slightly, recognizing potential trouble when he saw it. "Oh, fantastic. Welcome party of giant magical reptiles. Nothing says ‘friendly and welcoming’ like an army of overgrown murder lizards."

  At that precise moment, Dusk chose to stretch his powerful new wings, spreading them wide, their dark membranes rippling impressively in the sunlight. He lifted his head regally, his sleek black scales glinting dangerously, suddenly looking very much like the apex predator he was rapidly becoming.

  Instantly, the elves fell into defensive positions, hands gripping weapons tightly, eyes wide in alarm.

  "Whoa, whoa!" Traebus called, stepping forward with his hands raised placatingly. "Dusk, for crying out loud—must you flex like a dragon at the worst possible time? You’re going to give our guests a heart attack before they’ve even had their first magical potato."

  Dusk chuffed softly, a clear note of amusement in the sound as he folded his wings again, settling into a more casual stance—though he didn't seem remotely apologetic.

  Vaelya quickly stepped forward, urgently explaining the situation in rapid-fire elvish. "No—calm yourselves! They are our friends, our protectors. Traebus has bonded with these creatures through magic and trust. They protect us, and we care for them in return."

  The elves hesitated, eyeing Tank's massive frame warily. Slowly, reluctantly, they lowered their weapons slightly, though their gazes remained cautious. Traebus gave Dusk a pointed glare, crossing his arms in mock irritation.

  "Seriously, you couldn't wait five minutes to show off the impressive wingspan? Do you have any idea how long it takes me to convince people we're peaceful, what with our fortress walls, aggressive gardening practices, and you looking like you're about to conquer a village for breakfast?"

  Dusk snorted softly, nudging Traebus with gentle amusement, clearly unconcerned by the scolding.

  Traebus sighed dramatically, shaking his head as he turned back to Vaelya and the elves. "Apologies for my overly dramatic lizard companion. He's still adjusting to his new look. Welcome, friends—this is our very safe, not remotely terrifying, absolutely peaceful home."

  Vaelya stifled a laugh, translating swiftly, and the elves visibly relaxed, some even managing cautious smiles. Kaelen'varis finally stepped forward, meeting Traebus's eyes with newfound respect—and perhaps just a bit of wary amusement—before glancing back at Dusk and giving a slow, appreciative nod.

  Traebus breathed a silent sigh of relief, smiling weakly. "Well, now that we've gotten through our customary 'near-catastrophic misunderstanding' welcome, how about we get inside and introduce you all to the magical potato?"

  Traebus led the group toward the house, pausing briefly at the door to shoot a meaningful glance at Sparky and the cluster of elemental lizards hovering hopefully behind him. "Sorry, gang," he said apologetically, gesturing with exaggerated sympathy. "No magical reptiles allowed at this particular dinner party. You're going to have to practice your table manners outside."

  Sparky gave a disappointed trill, crackling gently with tiny sparks, while the elemental lizards settled into a semi-circle, looking dramatically offended.

  Dusk, however, gave Traebus a flat stare and deliberately pushed past him, squeezing his sleek, newly impressive form through the doorway with a stubborn determination. The drake settled himself casually along the far wall, wings tucked neatly against his sides, watching the elves calmly.

  Traebus sighed deeply, shaking his head with exaggerated resignation. "Alright, I suppose you can stay. Just remember, you’re a dignified security presence, not an oversized, scaly housecat."

  Dusk snorted softly, clearly ignoring him, and settled more comfortably, chin resting lightly on his forepaws.

  Traebus turned back to the elves with a wry grin, spreading his hands invitingly. "Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable. I promise the large, menacing drake is completely harmless. Mostly."

  The elves filed inside carefully, glancing frequently at Dusk as they crowded awkwardly around the dining table. It quickly became clear there weren’t nearly enough chairs for the sudden influx of guests. Traebus blinked, suddenly aware of his oversight.

  "Oh, fantastic," he muttered dramatically, rubbing his forehead. "Apparently, I forgot to account for an impromptu family reunion when designing my furnishings. Hold on—I'll fix this."

  He raised his hand calmly, and with a gentle pulse of mana, several new chairs rose smoothly and fluidly from the stone floor. The elves gasped sharply in astonishment, murmuring quietly to one another as they watched the stone flow and shape itself effortlessly into functional, comfortable seats.

  Ignoring their shock, Traebus flashed them a reassuring grin. "Don't worry, they're perfectly safe. At least, I haven't had furniture explode yet, which by my standards is excellent."

  Kaelen'varis exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Vaelya, who simply shrugged, giving a soft laugh as she gestured for everyone to sit down.

  Traebus moved briskly toward the makeshift kitchen area, hands flying as he pulled out a selection of the strange purple potatoes and the magical melons, slicing and preparing them swiftly. The elves continued to watch with fascinated curiosity, clearly unsure how to react to the casually miraculous feats he performed without a second thought.

  "You know," he announced lightly, slicing into a melon with dramatic flair, "I find dinner conversations are much easier after everyone's had something to eat—preferably something magical enough to distract from any lingering concerns about the overgrown guardian lizard."

  Vaelya translated with quiet amusement, causing a ripple of cautious laughter and slowly relaxing shoulders among the elves. They settled into their new seats, clearly impressed despite their lingering confusion and wariness.

  Traebus grinned again, continuing his preparations. "Dinner will be ready shortly—assuming I don’t accidentally start a minor magical catastrophe in the kitchen. No promises, though!"