"I can't believe it, I-I engaged in sexual intercourse with Marcus, *still blushing* it was incredible," Alex whispers in disbelief.

"But this was my first time, so I never thought about doing it with a girl, much less having him do it to me," Alex adds, feeling pain in his lower back.

Unexpectedly, Marcus approaches and embraces Alex, triggering heightened sensitivity in Alex's body to Marcus's touch.

"Good morning," Marcus smiles, beaming. 

"G-Good morning, Marcus," Alex replies, blushing.

Alex and Marcus sit at the breakfast table, a sausage cooks in beer, accompanied by two potato patties and two sunny-side-up eggs. In the center is a jar of golden-dark liquid that Alex assumes is syrup.

Alex takes his first bite of the sausage, and he can taste the distinct sizzling flavor of a particular boar, accentuated by spices and beer infusion. The potatoes and eggs are perfectly cooked and well-seasoned with salt and pepper. Furthermore, when Alex adds syrup to the sausage, its rich thickness further elevates the flavor.

"We ought to head back to college after breakfast; it will take a day to reach there," Marcus states while wiping his mouth.

"*thinking* *swallowing breakfast* Uh, it took me weeks to get here, on the wagon. So, how are you going to do it in a day?" Alex asks, confused about what Marcus is saying.

"That's simple," Marcus states, casually sipping his drink. "We can use a portal," he adds, maintaining a matter-of-fact tone.

"What?" Alex exclaims, letting a piece of potato slip from his fork.

"And before you inquire, it will be quite expensive to utilize one," Marcus responds earnestly.

"What will the cost be?" Alex inquires.

"You're looking at around 20 Etherian gems to 20 Platinum coins," Marcus replies.

Alex's eyes widen in shock upon learning about the high cost of teleportation; they may need to save up or seek alternative transportation options.

"*realize* Wait, don't tell me you have enough to use those portals?" Alex asks.

"Perhaps my job does pay quite well," Marcus remarks, playfully teasing Alex about his work.

"What is your job, if you don't mind me asking?" Alex inquires, looking concerned.

"*Lean in* Let me pose this question: do you have the stomach for the answer?" Marcus inquires with a playful smirk.

"What do you mean by that?" Alex inquires.

"*sigh* I'm a bounty hunter. I pursue criminals and either capture or eliminate them," Marcus replies.

Alex is shocked to learn that Marcus is a bounty hunter who captures criminals. However, after witnessing Marcus's impressive magical skills during their date night, Alex realizes he can defend himself against those hooded figures.

"I-I see, that does explain how skilled you are when those dark wizards attack us," Alex adds.

Marcus reached over and touched Alex. He suddenly experienced a sensation he hadn't felt in months. A sharp pain struck his head, and lights flickered in his vision. Alex was having a vision: he saw a town adorned for All Hallow's Eve, suddenly besieged by dark creatures. He glimpsed a dragon's silhouette, roaring mightily, and amid it all, he heard babies crying.

Once Alex's vision returned, he realized he was lying on a bed and felt coldness on his forehead. Just as he lifted himself to sit up and remove the rag from his head, a female dwarf appeared, dressed in robes similar to Brother John's.

"Oh, good, you're awake," the female dwarf says with relief.

"What happened to me?" Alex asks.

"Your friend brought you here; your eyes were glowing. I told him you were going through a revelation," the female dwarf replies with a smile.

"A revelation, *thinking* do you mean vision? I use Infernus and Lux. Sorry, I don't have any revelation," Alex replies, confused by her remark.

"I understand, and regardless of revelations or visions, your eyes shine like golden jewels. By the way, your friend will be back in twenty minutes. Enjoy your time, young man," the female dwarf remarks as she leaves the room.

Alex is surprised to hear someone say his eyes shine like golden jewels. As he finally gets out of bed and heads out of the building, he's taken aback to see Marcus returning and smiling when he notices Alex coming down the steps.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" Marcus asks.

"I'm fine, *blush* thank you for bringing me here," Alex replies, scratching his chin.

"You're welcome, now, then follow me to the transporter," Marcus says.

"Sure," Alex replies, trailing him.

***

Alex looks around, he's amazed to see a city nestled within the mountains, with lava flowing like a lake through the canals. Suddenly, in one part of the city, he senses magic and observes dwarves in this area using magic, just like the students from college. Alex also notices an arch of stone, with a filigree wooden frame and symbols intricately carved into the stone.

"Wow," Alex exclaims in amazement.

"I know, this is amazing and very expensive for us. So in the future, we might need to think about mounts for traveling," Marcus replies.

"Okay, so how does it work?" Alex inquires.

"It's straightforward: put your payment in the offering dish here. Contributes 30 platinum coins, and the arch will illuminate. Arch illuminates. Now, visualize your desired location, and it will transport you there," Marcus responds to Alex's question.

Alex sees that the arch displays a magical swirl and shows the city of Crystalcliff. Amazed by the sight, Alex feels a sense of wonder as Marcus grabs his hand and starts walking through. Suddenly, Alex notices that they're back in Crystalcliff, as the magic of the teleport vanishes behind them. 

"Ah, one last question about the portal: who is responsible for collecting the payment if we leave it on the offering dish?" Alex asks.

"That would be a collector from the Magic Council, responsible for collecting the payment," Marcus replies.

"I see," Alex says.

Marcus and Alex begin their journey back to Strasmiara. Alex is still shocked by the revelation that Marcus is a bounty hunter and the substantial pay involved. Despite the surprise, Alex is excited about the adventure but believes it should include something more.

***

Time passes, days bleed into weeks, and it's the dawn of All Hallows' Eve. Alex is in a bedroom that is not his dorm room. Once he heads downstairs, he sees his grandpa and brothers in the dining room.

"So, boys, what do you think of our home?" Benjamin asks, playing with the lunch on the table.

"I'm taken aback. But if this is your home, why did you live on Earth with us for three years?" Alex inquires, formulating his question.

"Yeah, why is that, grandpa?" Kevin asks.

"If we're being honest, this place is better than our old home," Nate adds.

"Yes, we recognize you three are still mourning your mother's death, and suddenly telling you that magic is real and that we're taking you here. Doesn't that seem overwhelming?" Benjamin says.

"Now that you've mentioned it, I understand your point, and I'm pleased with how you both approached it," Alex responds.

"I'm glad," Benjamin says with a warm smile.

"Alright, boys, let's savor our lunch, and afterward, we'll prepare for All Hallows' Eve tonight," Benjamin says.

While eating lunch, Alex gazes out the window at the stunning ocean view and the small town of Evershore, where his grandparents live.

Evershore is a small town located south of the capital city, adjacent to Charms Magic High. The town is famous for its Rainbow Coral Reef and the Legend of the Golden Kiss. It is also an excellent place for magic shops and seafood restaurants.

Alex strolls down the streets. He revels in the sights and observes how everyone is preparing for Halloween. Suddenly, he comes across a statue depicting two humans—one adorned with horns and a tail, while the other is a female figure. Both statues illustrate their love for one another, and the horned figure is decorated with golden scales.

"Is this the Legend of the Golden Kiss?" Alex wonders as he gazes at the statue. 

Alex could see how beautiful they both were. He glances over and notices that the male statue has golden eyes. Upon closer inspection, the eyes resemble a dragon's, and Alex suddenly remembers three years ago when his own eyes looked just like the statue's. 

***

The night approaches, Alex and his brother gear up for an evening of fun. Back on Earth, children would don costumes of their choice. In Etheria, Alex watches them revel in similar enjoyment, albeit without outfits, which he finds somewhat odd, given that they resemble monsters or various creatures.

"Wow, this is amazing," Nate says excitedly.

"I know, this place makes Earth downgrade," Kevin adds excitedly.

"Hold on, you two. Earth remains our home, so let's not undermine it," Alex responds.

"Kay," Kevin and Nate say simultaneously.

Alex and his brother arrive at the main square with their grandparents, experiencing its festive atmosphere for the first time. Suddenly, an explosion erupts from across the square, as townspeople in that area scream in terror. Alex also sees eerie flames of dark magic rising nearby.

"That can't be good," Alex says, concerned for his brother's safety.

"Why is the Mistress Guild here?" Miranda inquires.

"The Mistress Guild?" Alex asks, having never encountered that party name before.

The explosion erupts into chaos, and Alex catches sight of dark wizards clad in eerie black robes. Accompanying them is a familiar cat—the same demonic Cheshire cat Alex encountered on his date with Marcus. 

"YOU!" Alex exclaims in astonishment upon seeing that cat again.

"Well, well, it's a small Etheria, after all," the playful demonic cat says teasingly.

"Remember, boys, the first one to catch him wins our little test," the demonic cat commands, leading the troupe.

Each member of the Mistress Guild directs their attention towards Alex. Suddenly, a magical circle appears directly beneath him, and his ring emits a glow as he lifts it.

"Come forth, Sagittarius," Alex summons a zodiac.

Sagittarius emerges from Alex's magic and fire, ready for battle; Alex is prepared.

"Master," Sagittarius says, awaiting orders.

"Defend my brothers with your arrows, but also strike against them," Alex commands her.

"Understood, master," Sagittarius replies, firing her arrows.

Both Kevin and Nate witness Sagittarius shoot her golden arrows, striking their limbs as they fall to the ground, crying out in pain.

"I see you're summoning one of them," the cat says in a pissed-off tone.

Some of the mistress guild members blend their magic as a tidal wave approaches Alex and his brothers. Suddenly, magic sparkles around them, enveloping Alex and his siblings. Alex notices his grandma using her magic, observing a sparkling silhouette of a dragon forming around her.

"Leave my grandsons alone!" Miranda exclaims, waving her wand.

"Arcane, Draconic Fireblast!" Miranda invokes her magic.

The magic emanates from the sparkling dragon; a tidal wave of eerie energy discharges from Miranda's spells. Suddenly, the demonic cat appears between Alex and his brothers. They are too late to react, and the cat attacks both Alex and his brothers; however, his brothers sustain worse injuries than he does.

Lying on the ground, Alex searches for his brothers but sees them bleeding on the floor, while the cat laughs as if delighted to be attacking them.

"Now it's time to tie up some loose ends regarding Mr. Griffin's family," the cat says as he prepares to strike at his brother once more.

Alex observes as if the world around him has entered slow motion, helplessly witnessing the imminent murder of his brothers before his eyes. Suddenly, he perceives vivid images invading his mind; they are depictions of his mother, smiling and lying on her deathbed, as she silently mouthed words into Alex's ears.

"Keep them safe," Serena pleads, resonating in Alex's thoughts.

*thread snapped*

Suddenly, a burst of golden light erupts beneath Alex, swirling around him like fire. While Miranda is aware of this phenomenon, she has never witnessed it firsthand.

"What's going on?" the demonic cats inquire, utterly astonished.

***

A silhouette of a person emerges from the magical firelight, revealing glowing golden eyes. The flames start to swirl around Alex as he begins to grow larger, and something unexpected unfolds in his features. 

"ROOOWWWAAARRR!" Alex yells while staring directly at the demonic cat.

The flames swirling around him grew more chaotic, revealing Alex's enormous form in part. When the fire finally dissipated, to their horror, everyone saw that where Alex had stood was now a golden dragon.

"ROAR!" Alex screams in a frenzied dragon's rage.