I sat alone in the silence of my sanctuary, the library. It was the first time in two days that I had been without Kalliphae. Even though I could feel exactly where she was and she was still chattering away inside of my head, I still felt lonely. She projected concern and stopped thinking about how amazing the school was for a moment to ask, What’s wrong?

I quickly zipped up my emotions and thought of a lie.

I’m just worried about my mother.

Kalliphae comforted me. Don’t worry. We will find a way to make her life easier.

I focused on walling off my emotions from the connection. It was going to take a lot of effort, but I couldn’t continue to bleed every strong thought in my head through the group connection. I knew I could always leave the group and regain sole access to my head, but that was the last thing I wanted to do.

To distract myself, I opened the fanny pack and took out the catalog.

Magical Appliances and Gadgets Weekly

The cover of the magazine felt like nothing I had ever felt before. The surface was silky smooth but it felt as though there was water flowing rapidly just under the surface. On the cover of the magazine, there was a picture of a car with wings that were actively flapping in real-time. I had thought that kind of thing only happened in Harry Potter.

My worldview suddenly shattered as I had a thought.

What if Harry Potter is real?

Who? Kalli replied with a thought of her own.

Never mind. Just thinking out loud.

I could hear the laughter in her thoughts and she replied. They are giving me so many classes. Do you think they will let me go to school part-time?

I laughed at Kalliphae’s request.

Hah. School is compulsory here. Part-time isn’t an option now that you’ve registered.

She started to panic. Oh no. What if I can’t manage it.

It was my turn to cheer her on.

Don’t worry. You’ll have me in your head if there’s anything you don’t understand.

I felt warmth through our connection. I was going to have to figure out how to send emotions like that. Thanks, Melvin. I mean it.

I stopped looking at the car on the cover. It wasn’t like I could afford something fancy like that. I flipped open the magazine.

Table of Contents

Household Widgets - Page 7

Electronic Replicas - Page 22

Portable Goods - Page 32

Clothing - Page 40

Furniture - Page 51

Classified - Page 82

I decided to start at the beginning and flipped to Household Widgets. There were a variety of items designed to make life easier without requiring things like electricity or any wiring for that matter.

Looking in my bag, I discovered that I had 50 of the strange Golden Crests, along with 100 of the copper and silver ones. I asked Kalli a question.

How many silver crests go into a golden one?

Her reply didn’t come right away. She finally replied. I don’t know about crests, but in my world, 1 Gold Standard is worth 100 Silver standards. A silver is worth 100 coppers. Lavender said that our worlds trade on a 1 to 1 ratio, so I’d assume your crests are the same.

I turned the gold coin over and over in my fingers as I looked at a personal light that crawled along the ceiling following the homeowner around the house.

Thanks for the info, Kalli.

No problem Mel. She did reply, but her thoughts seemed distracted. I decided she must be busy enrolling.

The good news was that magical things were dirt cheap. Either that or Lavender gave me a fortune. The first item that caught my eye was a Box of Unending Fast Food.

Box of Unending Fast Food (BUFF)

Do you enjoy the cheap delicacies of the uninitiated? Fear not, you don’t have to wait in their silly lines. Your BUFF will supply you with a limitless supply of classic favorites like McDonald’s, White Castle, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Just think your order and infuse the box with mana and out comes fresh delicious fast food. Price: 3 Gold Crests

Without thinking, I clicked the Purchase button. A system message flashed before my eyes.

REMOVING 3 GOLD FROM YOUR WALLET

I looked down into my pouch and, true to its word, 3 Golden Crests were gone. In its place was a small token with a red button on it. It had a label around the side.

PRESS THE BUTTON WHEN READY FOR DELIVERY

I decided to hold off. I didn’t want to be forced to haul around a magical fridge. I couldn’t tell from the magazine how big it was going to be. 3 gold also seemed cheap for such a useful magical box. I quickly shopped around for more magical goodness.

The Cradle

Apply this magical spray to any bed or other surface to get the best sleep you’ve ever had. The magic will make even the hardest surface as soft as you want. It will also conform to your body for perfect lumbar support. A single bottle contains 100 sprays that last over a year. Price: 1 Gold Crest per bottle

I clicked BUY NOW. When the token appeared I snatched it out of my bag and turned it over. The bottle was small enough to fit in my bag.

I wonder how long it will take to get here?

Kalli was listening in again. How long for what?

Nothing. Sorry, was just reading a magazine and thinking out loud.

I pressed the button on the token and a bottle appeared on the table in front of me in a cloud of what I hoped wasn’t smoke. I looked it over for a second. It looked like a can of bug spray. I climbed out of the chair and gave it a quick spray. Rummaging through my bag to find something to dry it off, I looked up to discover that the surface of the chair wasn’t wet.

The chairs in the library were undersized wooden chairs that slid easily under the desks scattered among the stacks of books. They were not built for comfort. The only comfortable thing about the chair was the slightly curved back support. My butt still hurt after sitting in one too long.

Deciding I didn’t have anything to lose, I plopped down in the chair. The feeling was incredible as my backside sunk into the suddenly pliable material. I also leaned back ever so slightly, changing my center of gravity and making me much more comfortable. I heaved a sigh of relief and marveled at the ultimate recliner, wooden library edition.

I was now down to 46 Gold. I flipped over to the Electronic Replicas section. The very first thing caught my eye. I could have my very own phone. Not just any phone either. This catalog had every phone ever made. Even the top of the line ones that even the rich students struggled to get their parents to buy them. They only cost 20 Silver Crests.

I was in complete shock as I flipped through the pages of devices. I could get an iPhone. Or an android. There were even phones that sported both operating systems. The farther I went, the fancier they got. I finally settled on an M-Phone 22.

M-Phone 22

This magical phone is part phone, part personal computer. Take your pick between Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux. The screen is expandable between 4 inches and 50 inches. Built-in adhesive allows the phone to adhere to any surface for movie viewing. Unlimited connection to both internet and magi-net. Cost: 50 Silver Crests

I was a little confused. Not only were the phones super cheap, but they didn’t tell me who the carrier was for cell service. When I had it instantly delivered, I was surprised to discover that it came activated and ready to make calls.

From the home screen, I scanned through the apps and muttered, “Which one of you is magi-net?”

The phone answered in a soft feminine voice, “Greetings young master. I am your Phone Access Assistant or PAA for short. I would be delighted to help you get acclimated to your new device today. The flashing icon will connect you directly to magi-net. Is there something you would like me to search for you?”

I nodded at the phone. Under normal circumstances that would be a silly thing to do, but I had a feeling that my phone was alive and she was watching me. I requested, “I’d like to know more about monsters on Earth. Why have I never seen one.”

PAA took a moment to compose a reply. Suddenly the screen expanded in my grip until it was tablet-sized. A map of the world appeared with PAA narrating, “Monsters around planet Earth have been subjugated by a powerful enchantment rendering them in a ghost-like state to both the un-initiated and awakened without proper licensing. Various monsters reside on every continent and reside amongst the human populace. Licensing may be obtained by visiting your local Mage’s Guild after coming of age.”

I blanched at the phone. I had True Sight.

Why can’t I see them?

When Kalli didn’t reply, I heaved a sigh of relief that I finally managed not to broadcast. Either that or she wasn’t paying attention. I asked PAA, “How are we blocked from seeing monsters?”

The phone paused again. I guessed it must be some kind of magical lag. It finally replied, “The skill Monster Vision is necessary to interact with the monster populace on Planet Earth. This buff can be temporarily or permanently bestowed by the Mage’s Guild. Be warned, humans possessing this buff can also be detected by the monsters.”

I pulled up my menu.

Name

Melvin Murphy

Class

Manipulator (Unlocked)

Level

2

Hitpoints

200

Mana

200

Stamina

200

Strength

25

Dexterity

25

Agility

25

Constitution

50

Intelligence

85

Wisdom

30

Charisma

10

Luck

20

Nothing had changed there. I was surprised that I hadn’t ninja leveled to 3 without realizing it again. I was still slightly worried about my stats not going up, but I was more interested in my skills at the moment, so I focused until another screen showed up.

Skills

Traits

World Editor

Bloodline M

Manipulation

True Sight

Buff (Edited)

Enhanced Regeneration

Enhanced Mana Regeneration

Absorption

I had to add a trait this time.

Monster Vision (Edited)

A part of me expected to see monsters in the library or to hear screeching off in the distance. As it was, nothing happened. I asked the phone, “Do I have the Monster Vision skill?”

“Unable to scan”, PAA uselessly announced.

I gave up on that for the moment and returned to the magazine. The next section was Portable Goods.

Hey, Kalli. Did you still want a new wand?

A sense of excitement spread through our connection. Yes! I mean, why aren’t you studying magic?

I was used to people asking me why I wasn’t studying. I gave the usual reply.

I was taking a break. I found some magic wands in this catalog.

I would tell she was excited. Wait for me. I’m almost done here. I’ll be back soon.

There were some other fun items in the portable section.

Mega-Utility Knife

This knife does it all. It's a knife. It's a dagger. It's a sword. Did we mention it also sutures wounds and can even pick locks? For the MacGuyver in your life. Cost 20 Silver Crests

I bought one with no questions asked, slipping it and my fancy phone into my bag. The Clothing section looked more like something I would expect from an armor vendor in a video game. Everything came with special stats attached to it. I found defense on every item listed in the section. However, some items added other stats.

Boxers of Fortitude

These bad boys will make you last all day long. +10 to constitution while clean. Cost 10 Silver Crests

Training Bra of Voluptuous Proportions

Use this bra to enhance your shortcomings. Special Effect: Cleavage Manipulation. Cost 10 Silver Crests

“Whatcha lookin at?”, a familiar voice called over my shoulder.

I nearly jumped out of my chair. It was too comfy though and I just sunk deeper into its wooden recess. Kalli giggled at my discomfort and noted, “Those bra things are very popular on your planet. We only have items called corsets in my world. The model for that bra is quite cute though.”

I don’t think I could have turned any redder. I stammered, “That’s not what I was looking at. It just happened to be on the page.”

She sat next to me and whispered, “Sure. Whatever. Is this one of those books you got from Lavender?”

I looked at the stack of papers she was holding. She also had a familiar set of gym shorts and the matching t-shirt that they made us all wear to PE. I asked, “Couldn’t you just make your phoenix suit into gym shorts if you wanted to?”

She glumly shook her head and replied, “I tried. Mrs. Hodgins doesn’t think the coach will go for an outfit with a phoenix on it no matter what it is.”

“That's too bad”, I laughed, “Then you wouldn’t have to wear these hideous clothes.”

She held the shirt up over her chest and asked, “Do you think they will look horrible on me?”

I quickly backpedaled, “No No No. You’ll look great in them.”

She laughed again at me and then switched to group chat. So, show me this wand you found.

I flipped back a couple of pages to the page where I found the wands. Kalliphae ripped the magazine from my hand and started rapidly flipping through the pages. She finally settled on a page and I felt a ripple of excitement, unlike anything I had felt through our shared connection before. She nearly screamed in my head. Oh my, Mel. This wand is level 5 and it has fire affinity. That means bolster any fire spells I cast. I have never seen anything this powerful before.

I was riding a wave of euphoria that crashed into me with the surge of emotions emanating off of the girl. She seemed oblivious to the effect she was having on me. She suddenly sagged and dropped the magazine onto the table. Aw. It costs 40 Gold Crests. I only have 10 Gold.

I picked up the magazine and read the advertisement for the wand

Dragon’s Breath Wand

Have you ever wanted to wield the ultimate Game of Thrones power? If so, equip yourself with this bad boy and scream Dracarys until your heart's content. (Disclaimer: You must still use the proper words of magic for the spell to work).

Level Required to Equip: 5

Item Level 5

Accumulated Mana: 23,773

Magical Attack: 10

Additional Effect: Fire Affinity +10

Cost 40 Gold

With one last glance at the suddenly depressed Kalliphae, I took a deep breath and pressed the purchase button. A token plopped into my bag. I yanked it out in front of her and pressed the button. The wand appeared magically on the table between us. Kalli looked at the wand in disbelief before turning to look at me. I grinned at her and said, “Take it. It's for you.”

She was so shocked, she didn’t even chastise me for not using group chat. In a low timid voice just above a whisper, she said, “Thank you. Nobody has ever given me anything so valuable before.”

“You’re welc…”, I started to say, but she tackled me in a hug and we both toppled to the floor.

The newly sprayed chair was awesome. It totally cushioned my fall by adjusting itself as we fell. I lay there on the floor crushed by the excited pyromancer. Suddenly realizing what she had done, Kalliphae pulled herself off of me, helping me to my feet after.

I said, “Hold on”, and took out The Cradle spray and sprayed her chair.

She gingerly sat down in it and said, “That’s comfy”, as her butt sunk into the chair.

I sat down in my chair and observed how each chair transformed differently seeming to know the preferences of the occupant. Kalli heaved a wistful sigh and looked at the wand sitting on the table and asked, “Are you sure? I mean really sure? Once I take this, it is going to attune itself to me.”

I grinned at the girl, remembering to use group chat for once.

I’m not the Pyromancer. That wand is pretty much useless to me.

She thought back at me. You don’t understand. A level 5 wand would make you powerful even without the affinity.

It’s a gift for you. Take it. I insist. I’m not even level 5.

She beamed at me and picked up the wand. I started to worry as the wand burst into flames in her hand. The blue fire of the wand radiated from the wand to her arm where a red flame of her own rose to meet it. The flames mingled and raced up and down her body and then back to the wand where it turned red and was absorbed by the wand.

The surge of emotion I got from the girl was a strong sense of affection as she cradled the wand in her hand. She informed me, It is done. The wand now recognizes me as its master.

Wasn’t it dangerous to do that indoors? What if the alarm went off?

Kalliphae put the wand in her bag reluctantly and informed me, Bonding flames don’t produce heat or smoke. The effect you saw was the internal magic of the wand touching mine. The magic inside of the wand now belongs to me and will aid me when I channel through the wand. Where did you get the money to buy that wand?

Lavender gave me some spending money.

She looked at me curiously. That much?

Yup

Kalli let out a heavy sigh and asked, You didn’t just spend all of your money on that wand, did you?

I lied.

No. I still got plenty left.

A glance in the fanny pack revealed that I currently had 6 Gold Crests, 30 Silver Crests, and 100 Copper Crests left. It was fine. I’d figure out a way to make more money

The girl surprised me when she fished another wand from her bag. It was the wand she wouldn’t let me touch back at the mall.

Kalliphae’s Training Wand

A stick infused with magic that has become a young girl’s first wand

Level Required to Equip: 1

Item Level 1

Accumulated Mana: 1,064

Magical Attack: 1

She reached out and offered it to me. I want you to have this.

I looked at the stick greedily. At that moment, I knew. That was going to be my wand. No other would ever suffice.

Are you sure I can have this?

She smiled and nodded. I want you to have it. You need a wand and the one you gave me is so much better.

I reached out to accept the wand, and then…I exploded. A blinding white flash nearly blinded me. Through the haze, I could see a red flame dancing on the wand traveling down the wood to meet me. I felt a warm sense of comfort as Kalli’s magic mingled with mine. The essence that returned to the wand was pure white. It seeped into the wood before vanishing, leaving nothing but the 6-inch twig that it was before in its wake.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RENAME YOUR NEW WAND?

I smiled and clicked no. Running footsteps ruined the moment as Mrs. Hodgins raced over to my office. She gasped, “What on Earth was that? A bright light just flooded the entire library. We’re lucky nobody else was in here.”

“Sorry”, Kalli stammered, visibly shaken, “We were practicing magic and it got out of hand.”

Mrs. Hodgins frowned, “Do try to be careful. If you need to do anything that could be dangerous, take it outside.”

“Yes, Ma’am”, Kalliphae promised.

She was silent for a moment as Mrs. Hodgins walked back to her desk. Once the old woman was gone she gave me an intense look. I’ve never seen anything like that. Your mana exploded out of you and filled the whole room. Are you sure you’re only level 2?

I looked down at my new wand lovingly.

Yup. Just level 2.

Kalli rolled her eyes at me. Why are you always so proud of that?

I just shrugged. Suddenly all business again. Kalli’s thoughts flooded my head. Put that catalog away. Let's get back to work learning the language of magic.