With the village’s blessing Evan began scouting land with Dalen and a small group of volunteers They walked beyond the ridge into rolling hills thick forests and shallow streams Magical beasts roamed everywhere Some watched them with suspicion some with mild curiosity some with silent grace

Evan studied each habitat comparing it to what he knew Real conservation required understanding land water food migration and territory If the station was to succeed it needed space terrain and safety

After hours of searching they reached a natural basin surrounded by tall stone ridges Water flowed from an underground spring forming a small pond Trees created shade and the air was filled with soft glowing insects that drifted like floating embers Evan knelt touched the soil felt its richness

This is it he said The perfect place to build They can rest without hunters reaching them They can drink move and hide The ridges act like natural barriers This is the land I choose

The volunteers exchanged hopeful glances even Dalen smiled

By sunset they returned to the village where Evan presented the plan to the elder and the council The elder tapped the map thoughtfully The land is sacred to some tribes but abandoned for decades They feared the magical creatures there too much If you believe it is the right place then let it be so

Work began the next morning Evan guided the villagers in building enclosures using branches stones and rope He designed wide open spaces rather than cages emphasizing comfort and safety rather than restriction The villagers questioned his choices Why so much room Why no iron bars Why not chain them

Because they are not prisoners Evan answered They are patients

He worked tirelessly clearing brush stacking stones setting posts The dawnclaw lynx he rescued earlier was brought to the station carried gently on a wooden platform It opened its star shaped eyes and surveyed the enclosure before curling on soft hay Evan checked its wound found the swelling reduced and the breathing stronger

Good you are healing he whispered The lynx blinked slowly in reply

Each day more work followed Volunteers brought lumber bricks herbs and water The station grew from a patch of dirt into a network of connected spaces A main treatment hut rose from timber Three enclosed fields were shaped with natural terrain Shadows from trees fell across each enclosure protecting resting beasts from harsh sun

Soon the villagers who once feared magical beasts began to help One old woman wove blankets for the injured A young man carved wooden signs A group of children brought fresh berries for the herbivores

But Evan knew the station was not enough They needed knowledge They needed a system

He gathered Dalen and several volunteers under the treatment hut As thunder rolled in the distance he opened a blank scroll and drew lines sketches and notes

This is our field guide he said We will document every species we encounter habitat behavior sounds diets breeding seasons This guide will teach future rangers how to respect and protect each creature

Dalen nodded impressed This is more than a station This is the first step toward a law

Evan met his eyes Yes One day we will build the Magical Species Protection Act But first we must show the kingdom that these animals matter that they are part of the land not monsters to destroy

As night fell a strange sound echoed from the forest A low cry eerie yet gentle The volunteers froze Dalen gripped his spear Something approaches

Evan stepped into the darkness of the trees Lantern light cast shifting shadows between branches The cry sounded again closer this time like a song of sorrow mixed with wind

From the underbrush stepped a creature unlike any he had seen before A deer like shape with bark textured skin and leaves sprouting from its antlers glowing faint green It staggered one leg trembling its eyes dim

A forest warden spirit Dalen whispered in awe It only appears when the land itself is in pain

Evan approached slowly heart pounding You are hurting Let me see

The creature lowered its head trusting him as though sensing the same calm presence the other beasts felt Evan touched its flank and felt heat beneath its bark skin Some form of poison or corruption was spreading through its body

He looked back at Dalen Bring herbs water and the herbalist Tell them we have another life to save

The creature leaned against him as though seeking strength

Evan held it firmly This is why we build This is why we fight

Another life another species another piece of a fragile world placed in his hands

And the work of the Arcane Beast Conservation Station had only just begun