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Speaker 1: Hello, friends from across the nation, around the world. I'm Martin,

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and you are listening to Dad's Bedtime Stories. It's become

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a bit of a weekend tradition to do a compilation

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episode on a Saturday, and I thought, what better than

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Cards of Power for this compilation episode, or even better

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than that, the Cards of Power novel. That's right. Today,

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I'm going to put together the first few chapters of

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the Cards of Power novel, and if you're interested in it,

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I've been finishing this novel on a different podcast called

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Dad's Anytime Stories. So if you like what you're hearing

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and you want to hear the rest of the story,

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you can go check that out. Dad's Anytime Stories, available

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anywhere you get your podcasts. The local looks similar except

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it's blue and Yeah. That's about all I have for

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you today, So we'll start with the story after a

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special word from a possible sponsor. Now it's time to

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close your eyes, get as comfy as you can in

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that bed, and imagine yourself doing what the kid in

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the story does. Chapter one, Choosing Day, Carter woke to

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the soft light of the morning and a single undeniable

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thought today was choosing day. It was the day that

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every young person in the land waited for, the day

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they received their very first magic card, and for Carter,

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it was finally his turn. The possibilities filled his mind

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even before he left his bed. What kind of card

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would he get? Maybe one that let him fly, or

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one that granted super strength, Perhaps something rarer, like a

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magical companion, or a creature he could summon in battle.

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Every card was different, and each one had its own

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unique magic. He jumped out of bed, rushed through breakfast,

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and dressed faster than he ever had before. With hardly

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a glance at the clock, he darted out the door

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and made his way straight to the center of town

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where the ceremony would take place. A group of children

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had already gathered, some talking nervously, others standing quietly, all

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of them filled with anticipation. Carter found a spot among them,

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his heart beating fast. Then the crowd parted and a

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tall wizard stepped forward. He wore long robes and carried

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a heavy wooden staff topped with a glowing gem. His

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beard flowed down to his chest, and he had the

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kind of presence that made people stop and listen. Welcome

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young ones, the wizard said. His voice was calm and deep.

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Today is an important day. Today you become cod holders.

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The group erupted and cheer. But before you can receive

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a cod, the wizard continued, you must be given your cod.

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Col Carter hadn't heard this part before. A cod cause

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what allows you to store and activate your CODs, the

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wizard explained. It becomes part of you, deep inside your being,

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and lets you connect with the magic you collect. The

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wizard stepped forward and tapped his staff on the stone

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ground three times. A soft light bloomed from the gem

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at the top, and a collection of glowing orbs floated

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out from it, one for each child. Carter watched as

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the orb nearest to him drifted forward. It stopped just

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in front of his chest, then gently moved toward him.

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As it touched his skin, a tingling sensation passed through

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his body, followed by a warm, steady glow that spread

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through his arms and legs. Something had changed. He could

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feel it, as though a new sense had been added,

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something quiet but powerful, something that hadn't been there before.

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The core is also what allows you to create new cards,

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the wizard said. When you explore the world, You'll come

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across wild magic, creatures, forces, sometimes even storms of pure energy.

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If you learn to understand them, and if you have

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the strength of will, you can capture that magic and

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form it into a card of your own. Carter listened carefully.

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It sounded exciting, but also a little overwhelming. He was

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supposed to go out into the woods and find wild

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creatures and magic and just just turn them into cards. Still,

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this was the way things were done, and now the

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wizard said, smiling, it's time to choose your first god.

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With a wave of his hand, a spread of cards

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floated into the air and hovered above the crowd. They

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grew larger, clear enough to read, each one with its

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own illustration and description. Carter looked up and scanned through them.

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There were cards that granted flight, swift wings that looked

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like energy made solid. Others gave strength or healing powers,

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or armor formed from rock or metal. And then there

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were the creature cards, magical companions known as pet cards.

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That is where Carter's eyes stopped. Each pet card featured

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a different kind of creature. One had sharp spines and

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an icy breath. Another was covered in vines and moss,

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able to summon plants at will. A few looked like

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birds or cats, or strange floating things with glowy eyes,

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but one card stood out. It showed a small, dark

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scaled dragonling with glowing red veins running down its limbs

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and across its wings. Its description was simple dragonling primary ability,

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fire breath. But Carter didn't choose it for the ability.

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Something about it just felt right. He couldn't explain why,

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but he believed it could become something powerful. Maybe not

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right away, but someday. Knew there. The wizard called out,

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it's your turn. Which cod will you choose? Carter stepped forward.

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I I choose the fire Dragonling. Oh, a fine choice,

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the wizard said with a nod. The card rose up

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in the air, sparks flickering along its edges. At the

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same time, Carter's card core began to glow as the

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card floated towards them. The sparks grew brighter, and then,

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with a sudden flash, the cards shot forward and merged

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with his core. He could feel it. The fire Dragonling

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was now a part of him. He could sense it

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in the same way he sensed his arms or legs,

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a living presence waiting just beneath the surface. One by one,

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the other children made their selections until all had received

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their cards. Very good, said the wizard. Now go out

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and explore the world, But do be careful. Many cardholders

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believe they can rely on only duels to find their way.

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But if you ask me, dueling is a foolish path.

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Carter frowned. Duels. What were duels? Before he could ask,

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he turned and accidentally bumped into someone standing behind him.

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There was a thud, a yelp, and then a loud splash.

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Carter looked down in horror. The man he'd bumped into

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had fallen face first into a pile of dog poop.

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The crowd burst out laughing. The man, however, did not no,

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I challenge you. The man snapped, rising to his feet

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with a face full of anger and unfortunate smells. To

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a duel. Carter froze a duel. The man stared at him,

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still brushing the poop off of his face. The crowd

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had mostly stopped laughing, but a few giggles lingered in

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the air like unwanted background music. Before Carter could say anything,

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the Wizard's voice rang out again. Who oh, yes, he said,

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I forgot to explain about duels. Knew I should have

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read the whole script. Any ways, your card call allows

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you to accept duels with other card holders, but be warned,

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once you accept, you're bound by the rules of the match.

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Whatever terms you agree to you must follow. Carter turned

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back to the man, who was clearly still furious and

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still a little smelly. I say we play for cards,

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the man growled. Whinner gets their choice of cod from

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the loser's deck. Carter's mind raced. That seemed like a

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terrible idea. He hadn't even had time to figure out

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how his own card worked yet. Okay, he said, without thinking. Immediately,

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a voice echoed in the sky. Duel accepted. What do

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you mean duel accepted? Carter asked, the sky, or perhaps

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the magical system that governed duels, you said okay, the

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voice replied. It sounded faintly smug. Carter sighed, But then

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a thought struck him. The one who accepted the duel

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set the terms. That was something. At least my terms,

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he said, quickly, are one card each, one on one?

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The angry man grumbled. Toms accepted. Light began to pulse

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from both of their cores. Carter took a breath and

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focused inward. He could feel the fire Dragonling card waiting

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just beneath his awareness. All he had to do was

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call it forward. A bright beam of light shot from

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his core, and the fire Dragonling appeared in front of him.

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It was smaller than he expected, about the size of

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a housecat, with smooth black scales streaked with glowing red lines.

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Its wings fluttered as it landed softly on the ground,

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looking up at Carter with wide eyes and what might

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have been mild amusement. Dragonling attack. Carter called out. The

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dragonling blinked, then it sat down, licked its paw, and

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casually wiped it across the top of its head. It

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looked remarkably unconcerned. The crowd chuckled again. Having done much

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train in have you, the man said, He smirked, and

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then called out, I summon my body of stone. Cawed.

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A deep rumble echoed through the air. As the man's

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core glowed, light burst forth and wrapped around his body,

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hardening into thick, jagged stone. It formed a suit of

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granite lake armor, covering him from head to toe. With

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a grunt, the man reached down and hunched the earth.

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He lifted a massive sphere of rock from the ground,

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perfectly round and clearly very heavy. He raised it above

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his head and aimed directly for Carter. The fire dragonling

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looked up at the man, sighed. Carter was almost sure

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it was a sigh anyways, and then opened its mouth.

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A blast of fire erupted. Not a spark, not a puff,

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A full column of flame burst out, hot and wild

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and roaring, like a dragon ten times its size. The

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fire struck the stone covered man with force, and the

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granite armor began to glow red. Then it cracked, Then

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it exploded. The man flew backward through the air and

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landed flat on his back with a thud. There was

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a long pause. The crowd stared in stunned silence. Then

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once again, the mysterious voice returned. Battle one choose one,

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cad Carter's eyes widened. He watched as the man's cardcore

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lit up. From it, a series of floating lights emerged,

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each one transforming into a glowing card suspended in the air,

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like options on a magical menu. Carter stepped forward and

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read through the cards carefully. There were a few healing cards,

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a couple of defensive ones, but one caught his eye.

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Power Wings. According to the description, the card would grant

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him a pair of wings made of pure energy. They'd

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let him fly through the sky like a jet, hover

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and midair, and even perform some aerial maneuvers. He reached

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for it. As soon as his fingers touched the card,

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sparks flickered around its edges. His core appeared again, glowing brighter.

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This time, the card dissolved into energy and flowed into

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his chest. Immediately he could feel it. A second card,

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a second presence inside him, just waiting to be activated.

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He didn't wait. Carter focused on the new card and

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with a single thought, triggered its power. A tingling sensation

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ran down his back. Then, too glowing blue wings of

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pure energy unfolded from his shoulders. Stretching out wide and

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humming gently, he rose into the air without effort. The

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sensation was unlike anything he'd ever felt. He wasn't just floating,

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he was flying, really flying. The wings responded to his

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thoughts forward, backward, left, right. He moved in perfect sink,

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as if he had been flying his entire life. He

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tested them, spinning and looping through the sky. Then, with

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a burst of curiosity, he imagined flying faster. He shot forward,

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faster and faster, wind whipping past his face, trees blurred

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below him. He felt the press rusher build, and then

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suddenly boom, A sharp crack echoed through the sky. He'd

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just broken the sound barrier. Eyes wide, Carter slowed down

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and hovered, scanning the land below until he spotted the

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familiar rooftops of home. He angled his wings and descended,

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landing gently in front of the door. With a thought,

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he reabsorbed the wings into his core. They shimmered once

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and disappeared. Back inside, everything felt strangely quiet. His body

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was tired, more tired than he expected. The duel, the flight,

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the weight of the day, and had all caught up

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with him. He climbed into bed and pulled the covers

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up over his shoulders. His muscles relaxed, his breathing slowed.

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Carter let himself fall asleep. Chapter two, Magnus the Dragonling.

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Carter woke up with a strange feeling. Not the kind

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of strange that comes from forgetting what day it is

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or realizing you left the window open overnight. This was

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something deeper, A low rumbling sensation like a stomach ache

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that had gotten confused and ended up in the wrong

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part of his body. It wasn't his stomach, though, it

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was his card core. Something inside it was shaking. He

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reached inward with his mind, and sure enough, the sensation

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was coming from his Fire Dragonling card. It felt like

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the little guy was trying to break free. Carter summoned

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the card and it materialized in front of him as

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a large, glowing rectangle. The illustration of the fire Dragonling

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stared back at him, magma vanes glowing across its dark

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scaled body. The card began to shake hard. Carter hesitated

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for a moment, then let it do what it needed

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to do. The card exploded into a beam of light,

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and when the glow faded, the fire Dragonling stood in

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his room, small, dark, and oddly adorable. It stared at

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him with glinting eyes, then calmly licked the back of

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its paw and ran it over the top of its head.

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Well thanks for finally letting me out of there, the

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Dragonling said, casually. Carter blinked. You you can talk, of course,

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I can talk. How do you think I'm talking to you?

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Speaker 2: All?

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Speaker 1: Right? Good point, Carter murmured, Still, processing can all magical

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creatures talk now depends on their intelligence level, the Dragonling replied,

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and I am very intelligent. Carter opened his mouth to respond,

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but only managed a huh. The Dragonling raised an eyebrow,

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or would have if it had eyebrows. Let me explain,

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it said, You're not the first person to choose me

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as their companion. In fact, I've been through this twice already,

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but I have never evolved, not once, so people keep

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thinking I'm just a beginner card Man, putting me back

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into the pool for the next choosing day. Carter stared, wait, what,

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how does that even work? Well, the Dragonling said, settling

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into the story. The first time I picked man was

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this really angry kid. He just wanted to fight everything,

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and that's exactly what we did. We tore through the

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beginner area, fought wild Magic's left and right. I got

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stronger fast. Then we reached the intermediate and advanced zones,

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and he started using me less and less. Eventually he

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traded me, in the Dragonling's voice, flat and slightly, and

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then I ended up in a wizard's pocket. Carter didn't

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know what to say. The second kid was a bookwarm,

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the Dragonling went on I'm always researching, always reading. Took

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me everywhere, but rarely used me. I got smarter. He

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even learned how to talk from that one, but no evolution.

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Eventually he traded me too, and then came you. Oh,

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Carter said, unsure whether to feel honored or sorry. Well,

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nice to meet you. Nice to meet you too, But

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if we're gonna work together, we need to set some

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ground rules. Uh sure, Carter said, Like what, First, the

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Dragonling said, flicking its tail, I don't want to be

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stuck inside that card all the time. It's fine for naps,

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but it gets cramped and honestly, it feels a bit

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like prison. Carter nodded, I can do that. Second, the

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Dragonling continued, I'm not your servant. I can be your

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friend and trust me with my knowledge and power. That's

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a pretty good deal. That's fair, Carter said, I don't

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want a servant. The reason I picked a magical creature

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card was because I always wanted a little magical creature

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as a friend. The fact that you can talk, that's

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even better than I expected. The Dragonling stared at him

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for a moment, then gave a satisfied nod. Well, then

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I guess it's time we got moving. Uh what do

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you suggest we do first? Carter asked, Well, we need

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to head to a beginner forest. The dragonling said, that's

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where you'll find wild magic and creatures that are actually

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at your level. And I'm weep as that, obviously, but

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you'll catch up. Carter grinned, I think there's a beginner

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for us nearby. Let's go. Oh and by the way,

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Carter added, do you have a name or should I

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just keep calling you fire Dragonling? The dragonling paused, no,

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no human has ever asked me that before. My name

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is Magnus. Magnus it is, Carter said, let's go. The

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two of them headed outside. As soon as they reached

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an open area, Carter reached inward again, focusing on the

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car that granted him flight, the power Wings card. A

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surge of energy passed through his body, and, with a

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tingling sensation in his shoulder blades, glowing wings burst from

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his back. They lifted him gently off the ground. Huh,

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do you need a ride, Carter asked, glancing at Magnus,

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Or do those little wings of yours actually work? I

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can't believe you'd ask such a thing. Magnus huffed, I

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don't need a ride from a human with rapid wing

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beats more like a hummingbird than a dragon. Magnus lifted

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off the ground and zipped into the sky. Follow me,

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he called. Carter took off after him, the wings responding

302
00:27:52,960 --> 00:27:58,160
instantly to his thoughts. They soared higher, leaving Carter's house

303
00:27:58,279 --> 00:28:04,400
far behind. As they crossed forests and fields, Magnus guided

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them into a mountainous region until the trees below became

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spaced out and the terrain opened into wide meadows surrounded

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by rocky peaks. This, Magnus said, circling down is one

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of my favorite beginner areas. They landed in what looked

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like a trailhead parking lot, complete with a small log

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cabin and a wide wooden gate. A sign arched above

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in bold letters beginner Forest. They passed through the gates

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and followed a winding path. Other cardholders, most of them

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around Carter's age, had already set up campsites nearby. Some

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were dueling each other. Others faced off against wild magic

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and magical creatures. Some cardolders wielded personal power, lightning from

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their fingertips, bursts of fire, icy wind. Others relied on

316
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summoned creatures to do the battling. Up ahead, something sparked.

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A cluster of people ran towards Carter and Magnus, eyes

318
00:29:20,799 --> 00:29:25,799
wide with panic to not go in there. One of

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00:29:25,839 --> 00:29:29,640
them shouted, that thing is way too strong for this area.

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Carter looked past them and saw bolts of lightning flashing

321
00:29:34,599 --> 00:29:39,720
in the distance. Another cry rang out, Uh, do you

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00:29:40,160 --> 00:29:44,200
think we should go battle that thing? Carter asked, and

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I'd have no problem, Magnus replied, it's you I'm worried about.

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You don't even have protection against lightning. I should have

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picked armor instead of wings. Carter muttered, Actually, Magnus said,

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your wings might be just what we need. Follow me.

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Without another word, he shot into the sky. Carter summoned

328
00:30:10,480 --> 00:30:16,240
his wings again and followed. They flew high above the mountains.

329
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To protect against that lightning creature, you need one of

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two things, Magnus explained. Rubber armor, which is useless against

331
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almost anything else more rock armor, rock grounds electricity and

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has the added bonus of looking very cool. Okay, where

333
00:30:43,960 --> 00:30:47,400
do we find rock armor? And there's a lot of

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wild magic around here, Magnus said. Most beginners can't fly,

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so some of the magic goes untouched, we'll find something.

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As they passed over peak, Carter spotted it, an unusual

337
00:31:03,880 --> 00:31:10,920
pile of stones, shifting and reshaping itself far below there,

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Magnus said, exactly what we need. They landed a short

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00:31:17,920 --> 00:31:24,880
distance away. Do we attack it? Carter asked, ian cud

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Magnus said, but this one seems calm. Try to win

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it over. Approach slowly, Let it sense you wild magics

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00:31:36,839 --> 00:31:43,440
can feel your emotions. Stay calm, send good energy. Carter

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nodded and walked forward. Extending his arm. He focused on

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peaceful thoughts, curiosity, friendliness, a desire for connection. The rock

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creature shifted as he approached. First it formed a stonehenge

346
00:32:02,640 --> 00:32:07,799
like circle, Then it coiled into a rock serpent, then

347
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a pile of balanced boulders. Finally, it gathered itself into

348
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a large stone formation and bowed. And you've done it,

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Magnus said. Now reach out, focus on the energy and

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imagine it forming into a card. Carter closed his eyes.

351
00:32:32,720 --> 00:32:37,799
He could feel the strength of the card, grounded, unshakable.

352
00:32:38,799 --> 00:32:42,359
He pictured that energy forming into a glowing card in

353
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his hand. Light gathered into a sphere, and his palm

354
00:32:47,119 --> 00:32:52,319
growing brighter and brighter. The creature dissolved into the light,

355
00:32:53,000 --> 00:32:58,680
which flattened into a single card, Rock Armor. This card

356
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allows you to murder merge with Stone. At the beginner level,

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you can summon rock Armor to protect your body. As

358
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your bond deepens, your control will grow. Carter held up

359
00:33:13,960 --> 00:33:20,000
the card Merge with Stone. Huh, I wonder what that

360
00:33:20,079 --> 00:33:25,079
could do? He activated it. The card burst into light

361
00:33:25,200 --> 00:33:30,920
and wrapped around his body, forming thick, jagged armor. He

362
00:33:31,039 --> 00:33:37,759
felt unstoppable. Nearby, a tree grew from the rocky soil.

363
00:33:38,720 --> 00:33:43,799
Carter walked over, grabbed the trunk, and without much effort,

364
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ripped it out of the ground. He spun it once

365
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over his head and hurled it into the sky. The

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tree yarked and then disappeared into the forest far below. WHOA,

367
00:33:59,480 --> 00:34:04,039
the arm was perfect. I won't deal with that lightning

368
00:34:04,119 --> 00:34:09,119
creature tomorrow, Carter said, looking up at the setting sun.

369
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Time to find a place to sleep. Back at the

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forest gate, Magnus suggested he release the armor. It shimmered

371
00:34:19,800 --> 00:34:25,079
back into a card and returned to his core. Carter

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00:34:25,280 --> 00:34:29,880
summoned his wings one more time. He and Magnus flew

373
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above the mountains and gently descended to the log cabin.

374
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Near the entrance. Inside, a clerk handed on a key

375
00:34:40,000 --> 00:34:45,599
without a word, It read Room three. He found the

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door unlocked. It stepped inside, with Magnus close behind. The

377
00:34:52,679 --> 00:35:00,360
room was simple bunk beds, a small desk, and Quietness.

378
00:35:00,400 --> 00:35:04,239
Curled up on the bed and began licking his paws again.

379
00:35:05,199 --> 00:35:10,679
His purring was soft and steady. Carter climbed into the bed,

380
00:35:11,239 --> 00:35:17,239
pulled the covers over himself, and closed his eyes. Chapter three,

381
00:35:17,800 --> 00:35:22,159
The Lightning Rabbit. Carter awoke to the soft rustle of

382
00:35:22,239 --> 00:35:28,480
movement across the room. Magnus, his fire dragoning stretched with

383
00:35:28,519 --> 00:35:33,760
a contented sigh. After learning that Magnus didn't particularly enjoy

384
00:35:33,880 --> 00:35:36,800
being trapped in his cart all night, Carter had let

385
00:35:36,840 --> 00:35:40,880
him stay out, curled up like a warm, purring rock

386
00:35:40,960 --> 00:35:44,480
lizard beside the bed. He climbed out of bed and

387
00:35:44,519 --> 00:35:48,159
opened the door to their small guest cabin. The scent

388
00:35:48,280 --> 00:35:54,760
of breakfast met him immediately, eggs, toast, something vaguely maplish.

389
00:35:55,119 --> 00:35:58,639
All in the main lodge, a full buffet had been

390
00:35:58,679 --> 00:36:03,000
set up complete eat with cereal fruit and an impressive

391
00:36:03,119 --> 00:36:08,400
variety of pastries. Carter grabbed a plate and began collecting

392
00:36:08,480 --> 00:36:12,400
food as he sat at the table. Magnus landed in

393
00:36:12,440 --> 00:36:15,719
the seed across from him, balancing a full plate on

394
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top of his head. With a deft swipe of his paw,

395
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he slid it onto the table. They began eating in

396
00:36:23,960 --> 00:36:29,679
comfortable silence until Carter looked up. Magnus, Can I ask

397
00:36:29,760 --> 00:36:35,920
you something? Sure, Magnus replied, his snout halfway into a croissant.

398
00:36:36,840 --> 00:36:40,360
In school, they taught us the basics about getting our

399
00:36:40,400 --> 00:36:44,280
first card, how the forests work, how to level up

400
00:36:44,320 --> 00:36:50,440
and get stronger. But how does it actually work? Magnus

401
00:36:50,480 --> 00:36:54,960
wiped a few crumbs off of his chin. Ah that's

402
00:36:55,039 --> 00:37:00,639
a good question, all right, here's the rundown, he said back,

403
00:37:00,719 --> 00:37:06,840
looking uncharacteristically serious. Most of the places humans live these

404
00:37:06,960 --> 00:37:13,239
days are completely safe, hardly any wild magic left. But

405
00:37:13,480 --> 00:37:19,840
the forests they're different. They're full of wild creatures and

406
00:37:20,039 --> 00:37:25,360
powerful magical energy. Some forests are more dangerous than others.

407
00:37:26,199 --> 00:37:30,960
Carter nodded, already sensing where this was going. In the

408
00:37:31,079 --> 00:37:36,199
old days, the wizard's counsel let adventurers go wherever they wanted,

409
00:37:36,800 --> 00:37:42,599
Magnus continued, Beginner expert didn't really matter. You could waltz

410
00:37:42,639 --> 00:37:45,320
into a high level forest if you felt like it.

411
00:37:46,400 --> 00:37:52,199
What happened, Carter asked, Well, a lot of adventurers didn't

412
00:37:52,440 --> 00:37:58,239
come back, Magnus said bluntly. So now each forest is

413
00:37:58,280 --> 00:38:03,159
surrounded by a magical no one gets in or out

414
00:38:03,639 --> 00:38:08,960
except through the official gates. I didn't know that. Most

415
00:38:09,000 --> 00:38:13,960
people don't, Magnus said. And here's the important part. And

416
00:38:14,000 --> 00:38:17,039
if you want to move to the next level, you've

417
00:38:17,079 --> 00:38:23,440
got to defeat a guardian. Cardholders tasked with battling challengers

418
00:38:23,960 --> 00:38:29,199
to ensure they're ready. They're powerful, sure, but their job

419
00:38:29,320 --> 00:38:32,960
isn't to destroy. They are just there to make sure

420
00:38:33,159 --> 00:38:39,239
you're ready. Carter looked thoughtful. So we should probably work

421
00:38:39,280 --> 00:38:44,719
on getting stronger exactly, Magnus said, polishing off a muffin.

422
00:38:45,320 --> 00:38:49,079
Let's get to it. They left the cabin and headed

423
00:38:49,199 --> 00:38:53,000
back into the Beginner forest. The trees were tall and

424
00:38:53,119 --> 00:38:56,800
bright in the morning sun, and Carter could hear birds

425
00:38:56,960 --> 00:39:02,719
chirping somewhere high above. Thinking, he said, now that I've

426
00:39:02,719 --> 00:39:06,320
got the rock armor, maybe we could check out that

427
00:39:06,519 --> 00:39:11,239
lightning creature from yesterday. I was thinking the same thing,

428
00:39:11,920 --> 00:39:17,000
Magnus said, If I had to guess, it's probably a

429
00:39:17,159 --> 00:39:23,199
lightning rab or something similar. Carter raised an eyebrow. Are

430
00:39:23,199 --> 00:39:28,639
they hard to fight? No, definitely for most people, Magnus said,

431
00:39:28,639 --> 00:39:32,840
with a confident grin. Not for me, though Carter was

432
00:39:32,880 --> 00:39:38,039
still getting used to Magnus's unshakable self assurance. They followed

433
00:39:38,079 --> 00:39:41,360
a dirt path deeper into the woods until they reached

434
00:39:41,360 --> 00:39:44,239
an area where bolts of lightning had been flashing the

435
00:39:44,320 --> 00:39:50,039
day before. As they approached, another adventurer ran past them,

436
00:39:50,320 --> 00:39:54,360
smoke trailing from the edges of their cloak. Carter turned

437
00:39:54,360 --> 00:39:58,159
to Magnus. I think it's time for the rock armor.

438
00:39:59,119 --> 00:40:02,360
He reached in ward, feeling the card in its core.

439
00:40:03,119 --> 00:40:07,599
It appeared before him, glowing with power. As he activated it,

440
00:40:08,039 --> 00:40:13,239
the card dissolved into energy and wrapped around him, solidifying

441
00:40:13,320 --> 00:40:21,719
into stone. He stood tall, encased in powerful rock arms, legs, hands, everything.

442
00:40:22,559 --> 00:40:26,559
The armor didn't just feel like protection, it felt like

443
00:40:26,760 --> 00:40:32,599
strength itself. He stepped forward, the ground shaking slightly with

444
00:40:32,719 --> 00:40:36,880
each footfall. Around a bend in the trail, the trees

445
00:40:37,000 --> 00:40:40,519
opened into a clearing. In the center of it sat

446
00:40:40,559 --> 00:40:45,039
a small bunny, adorable really, he except its eyes were

447
00:40:45,079 --> 00:40:50,960
sparking with electricity. The rabbit turned towards them and growled.

448
00:40:51,719 --> 00:40:56,320
It began to charge its legs, twitching with energy. Then

449
00:40:56,559 --> 00:40:59,880
it launched into the air, surrounded by a sphere of

450
00:41:00,119 --> 00:41:06,480
crackling lightning. With a flash, the electricity shot forward. Carter

451
00:41:06,639 --> 00:41:10,400
crossed his arms just in time. The lightning struck him,

452
00:41:10,719 --> 00:41:14,880
but his rock armor absorbed it completely, the energy flowing

453
00:41:14,960 --> 00:41:18,639
down through the stone and discharging harmlessly into the earth.

454
00:41:19,440 --> 00:41:23,360
So this is what you meant about grounding, Carter said,

455
00:41:23,719 --> 00:41:30,400
impressed exactly, Magnus replied, Now, let me give it a shot.

456
00:41:31,159 --> 00:41:34,679
Magnus flew into the air and began circling the rabbit.

457
00:41:35,440 --> 00:41:40,000
The rabbit fired bolts of lightning in every direction. Magnus

458
00:41:40,039 --> 00:41:44,960
twisted through the air, rolling left, dodging right, even looping

459
00:41:45,000 --> 00:41:48,559
in mid air like a dancer with wings. Then he

460
00:41:48,760 --> 00:41:52,199
dropped to the ground and faced the rabbit. The two

461
00:41:52,360 --> 00:41:57,159
stared each other down, sparks danced across the rabbit's fur,

462
00:41:57,800 --> 00:42:03,679
Smoke curled up from Magnus's nostrils. They both charged. At

463
00:42:03,719 --> 00:42:07,280
the last moment, the rabbit leaped into the air and

464
00:42:07,400 --> 00:42:11,760
fired a bolt of lightning. Magnus swiped it aside with

465
00:42:11,840 --> 00:42:15,960
a paw, rolled three times mid air, and blasted a

466
00:42:16,039 --> 00:42:20,480
stream of fire from his mouth, but the rabbit summoned

467
00:42:20,519 --> 00:42:24,880
a shimmering shield of electrical energy. The fire hit it

468
00:42:25,440 --> 00:42:30,719
and fizzled out. The two faced each other again. This

469
00:42:30,920 --> 00:42:36,119
one's better than I expected, Magnus admitted, I might actually

470
00:42:36,159 --> 00:42:41,599
need your help. I need a distraction. Carter was already

471
00:42:41,719 --> 00:42:45,800
scanning the area. He spotted a large boulder buried in

472
00:42:45,840 --> 00:42:50,199
the ground nearby. On it, he said. He ran to

473
00:42:50,280 --> 00:42:54,519
the rock, drove his stone fingers into its surface, and

474
00:42:54,800 --> 00:42:58,159
ripped it up from the earth. With a deep breath,

475
00:42:58,280 --> 00:43:02,480
He hurled the boulder towards the rabbit. This rock armor

476
00:43:02,559 --> 00:43:06,719
was pretty amazing. It landed with a crash just beside

477
00:43:06,760 --> 00:43:11,760
the creature, startling it and sending it leaping sideways. The

478
00:43:11,880 --> 00:43:16,719
rabbit's focus shifted to Carter, and it fired another bolt

479
00:43:16,760 --> 00:43:22,079
of lightning. Carter braced himself and again the energy was

480
00:43:22,159 --> 00:43:27,239
grounded by the armor. Meanwhile, Magnus shot into the air again,

481
00:43:27,840 --> 00:43:31,400
circling the clearing. He opened his mouth and released a

482
00:43:31,519 --> 00:43:36,480
stream of fire, which formed itself into a ring surrounding

483
00:43:36,519 --> 00:43:41,639
the rabbit. The flames rose higher and higher, glowing brighter

484
00:43:41,679 --> 00:43:46,360
and hotter. The rabbit spun in all directions, bolts of

485
00:43:46,480 --> 00:43:51,880
lightning flying outward, but the fire hemmed it in, closing tighter.

486
00:43:52,639 --> 00:43:57,800
The rabbit stumbled, then, with a final weak spark, it

487
00:43:57,960 --> 00:44:05,639
collapsed on the ground, still breathing but unconscious. Magnus extinguished

488
00:44:05,639 --> 00:44:10,880
the fire. Smoke rose gently from the scorched earth. Now

489
00:44:10,920 --> 00:44:17,079
it's year turn, Magnus said, hovering beside Carter. Carter approached

490
00:44:17,119 --> 00:44:21,039
the rabbit. His stone feet thudded softly on the earth.

491
00:44:21,679 --> 00:44:25,679
He knelt beside it and released the armor, watching as

492
00:44:25,679 --> 00:44:29,280
it dissolved back into the cart and returned to his core.

493
00:44:30,000 --> 00:44:34,719
He reached out with his hand, focusing inward. The rabbit's

494
00:44:34,840 --> 00:44:41,079
energy was different, fast, sharp, tingly. He imagined it gathering

495
00:44:41,119 --> 00:44:46,159
in his palm. A soft glow appeared. It grew brighter,

496
00:44:46,480 --> 00:44:50,079
forming into a ball of light and sparks that hovered

497
00:44:50,199 --> 00:44:55,800
just above his skin. The rabbit disappeared completely as the

498
00:44:56,039 --> 00:45:02,440
energy coalesced into a single, storm like sphere. Carter focused again.

499
00:45:03,760 --> 00:45:08,960
The energy flattened and solidified, forming a floating card with

500
00:45:09,039 --> 00:45:12,840
a glowing border and a familiar image on its face,

501
00:45:13,920 --> 00:45:19,199
Lightning rabbit. His core lit up. The car flew into it,

502
00:45:19,519 --> 00:45:23,280
becoming a new part of him, a new sense he

503
00:45:23,280 --> 00:45:30,400
could feel control and one day master, the clearing grew quiet.

504
00:45:31,159 --> 00:45:35,760
Good job, kid, Magnus said. They spent the rest of

505
00:45:35,800 --> 00:45:41,159
the day exploring the forest, watching battles, talking to other adventurers,

506
00:45:41,760 --> 00:45:47,519
and discovering new paths. As evening approached, Carter felt the

507
00:45:47,559 --> 00:45:51,800
weight of the day settle into his limbs. He summoned

508
00:45:51,800 --> 00:45:56,119
the power Wings card one more time. With a gentle hum,

509
00:45:56,480 --> 00:46:02,360
The wings appeared, lifting him smoothly into the Magnus let

510
00:46:02,400 --> 00:46:05,639
out a long yawn as they reached the tree tops

511
00:46:05,679 --> 00:46:10,199
near the edge of the beginner area. I hate to

512
00:46:10,320 --> 00:46:15,559
admit it, he muttered, but I'm exhausted. Carrying all that

513
00:46:15,880 --> 00:46:20,320
coolness around really takes it out of you. Carter smiled.

514
00:46:21,039 --> 00:46:23,000
Want me to return you to the card for the

515
00:46:23,079 --> 00:46:29,400
ride back. Magnus hesitated, then gave a tiny knod. All right,

516
00:46:30,039 --> 00:46:34,559
just this once, but don't get used to it. Carter

517
00:46:34,760 --> 00:46:39,360
shuckled and summoned Magnus back into his card form. The

518
00:46:39,400 --> 00:46:44,280
little dragoning shimmered into light and vanished, returning to the

519
00:46:44,320 --> 00:46:47,760
warmth of the card core for a well earned rest.

520
00:46:49,159 --> 00:46:54,000
Carter flew quietly through the air, watching the sunlight fade

521
00:46:54,039 --> 00:46:58,000
from the tree tops. He followed the trail back to

522
00:46:58,039 --> 00:47:02,800
the lodge, opened the familiar door and climbed the stairs

523
00:47:02,800 --> 00:47:06,880
to his room. Key in hand, he found the door

524
00:47:07,000 --> 00:47:13,360
marked three, entered and closed it behind him. Sleep came quickly.

525
00:47:15,880 --> 00:47:21,280
Chapter four, a new ally, Carter woke up in his bed.

526
00:47:22,039 --> 00:47:26,400
The sunlight streamed in through the window, casting soft golden

527
00:47:26,480 --> 00:47:31,119
lines across the floor. He sat up, rubbed his eyes,

528
00:47:31,559 --> 00:47:35,679
and glanced around the room. Everything was just as he'd

529
00:47:35,760 --> 00:47:42,400
left it. But then he felt something, a tapping, not

530
00:47:42,519 --> 00:47:46,519
on his shoulder or the door, but deep inside him

531
00:47:46,920 --> 00:47:50,679
from his card core, the place where all of his

532
00:47:50,800 --> 00:47:56,639
magical cards were stored. He focused on the sensation. The

533
00:47:56,719 --> 00:48:01,760
tapping was coming from the fired dragonling car card Magnus

534
00:48:01,800 --> 00:48:07,480
wanted out. Carter reached inward, summoned the card, and watched

535
00:48:07,480 --> 00:48:13,760
as it appeared before him, glowing with energy. The light shifted, reshaped,

536
00:48:14,199 --> 00:48:18,119
and then formed into the small black scaled dragon with

537
00:48:18,280 --> 00:48:23,159
glowing magma vanes. Ah. You finally let me out of there,

538
00:48:23,800 --> 00:48:29,119
Magnus said, stretching, and it was getting pretty cramped. Good

539
00:48:29,119 --> 00:48:32,679
morning to you, too, Magnus, Carter replied with a smirk.

540
00:48:33,559 --> 00:48:37,840
What do you think we should do today? Wow, Magnus said,

541
00:48:38,519 --> 00:48:41,039
I think we should do the same thing we do

542
00:48:41,239 --> 00:48:45,559
every day. Head back to the beginner training area and

543
00:48:45,760 --> 00:48:50,760
try to get more power. All right, Carter said, I

544
00:48:50,880 --> 00:48:55,320
guess we can do that. After breakfast, Carter stepped on

545
00:48:55,480 --> 00:48:59,800
to his front lawn. He closed his eyes and reached

546
00:49:00,119 --> 00:49:05,320
the power wings card inside his core. A tingling passed

547
00:49:05,360 --> 00:49:09,280
through his body, followed by a shiver up his spine

548
00:49:09,880 --> 00:49:13,679
and a flash of light. Two glowing wings burst from

549
00:49:13,679 --> 00:49:18,239
his shoulder blades. He hovered gently off the ground, and

550
00:49:18,360 --> 00:49:23,880
Magnus flapped his smaller wings, lifting off beside him. Together

551
00:49:24,039 --> 00:49:30,719
they soared into the sky, passing over rooftops, city blocks, highways,

552
00:49:30,719 --> 00:49:36,239
and forests until the familiar wildlands came into view once again.

553
00:49:37,360 --> 00:49:40,920
For now, Carter was only allowed in the beginner area.

554
00:49:41,559 --> 00:49:44,920
The other regions remained off limits until he gained enough

555
00:49:45,000 --> 00:49:48,559
power to defeat one of the gatekeepers, but that was

556
00:49:48,599 --> 00:49:52,719
a problem for another time. As they neared the forest,

557
00:49:53,119 --> 00:49:57,679
Carter noticed something new, a glowing dome surrounding the area,

558
00:49:57,840 --> 00:50:02,119
like a massive protective bubble. That must be the magic

559
00:50:02,159 --> 00:50:07,239
that keeps everything else out, he said, yep, Magnus replied,

560
00:50:07,800 --> 00:50:12,840
that's exactly right. They landed outside the beginner area and

561
00:50:12,920 --> 00:50:18,079
the familiar dirt lot beside the small wooden chalet. After

562
00:50:18,199 --> 00:50:22,679
passing the hotel style lodge, they followed the winding forest

563
00:50:22,760 --> 00:50:29,199
trail into the woods. They moved past familiar paths and landmarks.

564
00:50:29,679 --> 00:50:34,239
Maria's Carter had already explored so far. He'd collected the

565
00:50:34,360 --> 00:50:38,679
rock armor, the lightning Rabbit, the wing card, and of

566
00:50:38,760 --> 00:50:43,400
course Magnus, but he was still hoping to find something new,

567
00:50:44,039 --> 00:50:48,480
maybe a water type to round out his deck. Eventually

568
00:50:49,000 --> 00:50:53,239
they reached a new area, one Carter hadn't seen before.

569
00:50:54,239 --> 00:50:57,639
A broad clearing opened up in front of them, dotted

570
00:50:57,679 --> 00:51:02,480
with lakes and ponds of every side. Other card holders

571
00:51:02,559 --> 00:51:07,039
were already battling creatures in the water, magic flashing and

572
00:51:07,119 --> 00:51:13,239
splashing across the surface. Carter scanned the area hopeful. Then

573
00:51:13,599 --> 00:51:19,719
Magnus stopped in mid air. His expression changed. Hey, I

574
00:51:19,840 --> 00:51:23,800
think I know that guy, he said, pointing toward the

575
00:51:23,880 --> 00:51:28,880
largest lake in the center. A blue dragonling hovered above

576
00:51:28,920 --> 00:51:33,199
the water. It looked a lot like Magnus, same shape,

577
00:51:33,280 --> 00:51:37,760
same wings, but its scales were shimmering blue instead of black,

578
00:51:38,280 --> 00:51:43,920
and its energy radiated cold instead of heat. The dragonling

579
00:51:44,079 --> 00:51:47,039
was engaged in a fierce battle with a massive water

580
00:51:47,159 --> 00:51:51,199
serpent trading blasts of water that struck with the force

581
00:51:51,239 --> 00:51:55,000
of a fire hose, but neither seemed to be doing

582
00:51:55,119 --> 00:52:01,079
much damage. The blue Dragonling changed tactics. It flew high

583
00:52:01,159 --> 00:52:04,679
into the air, summoned a cluster of water, shaped it

584
00:52:04,719 --> 00:52:08,320
into jagged ice spikes, and hurled them at the serpent.

585
00:52:09,079 --> 00:52:14,000
The spikes hit directly, but still did little to affect

586
00:52:14,039 --> 00:52:19,840
the beast. Magnus shook his head. Now, man, you can't

587
00:52:19,880 --> 00:52:23,320
fight water type with a water type and expect much.

588
00:52:23,800 --> 00:52:30,159
They're basically immune and ice attacks barely tickle. Also, I'm

589
00:52:30,199 --> 00:52:35,119
sure I know that dragon, you do, Carter asked. I

590
00:52:35,280 --> 00:52:39,760
think so, Magnus said, And it looks like he needs help.

591
00:52:40,760 --> 00:52:46,559
But aren't fire types weak against water types? Yeah, Magnus said,

592
00:52:47,119 --> 00:52:52,360
But at least I can do something. Watch this. Magnus

593
00:52:52,360 --> 00:52:56,239
shot toward the lake with incredible speed. As he reached

594
00:52:56,280 --> 00:52:59,480
the edge, he opened his mouth and sprayed a wide

595
00:52:59,599 --> 00:53:04,960
plume of fire, circling the entire area in a spinning blaze.

596
00:53:05,000 --> 00:53:08,679
He flew in tight loops, creating a wall of fire

597
00:53:08,760 --> 00:53:13,199
that surrounded the lake. Then he flew above it, focused

598
00:53:13,239 --> 00:53:19,239
his energy downward, and the fire grew hotter, higher, more intense.

599
00:53:20,199 --> 00:53:23,280
The heat became so powerful that the surface of the

600
00:53:23,400 --> 00:53:28,840
lake began to evaporate, steam rising into the sky in

601
00:53:28,920 --> 00:53:34,840
thick clouds. Carter watched in awe when the flames died down.

602
00:53:35,360 --> 00:53:39,760
The lake had nearly vanished, leaving the dragon laying and

603
00:53:39,800 --> 00:53:46,000
the serpent standing in a muddy, steamy basin. Now, Magnus said,

604
00:53:46,519 --> 00:53:51,679
watch this. He summoned a cluster of fireballs, spinning them

605
00:53:51,679 --> 00:53:55,760
around his head before launching them into a wave. Each

606
00:53:55,880 --> 00:54:00,719
fireball exploded against the serpent's body, sending plume of flame

607
00:54:00,840 --> 00:54:05,280
into the air. At the same time, the blue dragonling

608
00:54:05,400 --> 00:54:10,719
flew high, wings, humming with energy. Then it shot forward,

609
00:54:11,119 --> 00:54:15,480
streaking through the sky. With one fist extended, it slammed

610
00:54:15,480 --> 00:54:18,800
into the serpent's head with a thud, sending the creature

611
00:54:18,920 --> 00:54:24,639
crashing to the ground, knocked out but unharmed. Then a

612
00:54:24,800 --> 00:54:30,719
voice called out from nearby, good jobbies, ling. Carter turned

613
00:54:30,760 --> 00:54:35,119
and blinked. Standing beside him was something he'd never expected

614
00:54:35,119 --> 00:54:40,920
to see outside of textbooks, unevolved Terranosaurus Rex wearing the

615
00:54:41,039 --> 00:54:46,440
robes of a cardholder. My name is Rex, the dinosaur,

616
00:54:46,599 --> 00:54:51,280
stead extending a massive clod hand. Nice to meet you.

617
00:54:52,280 --> 00:54:57,000
Carter hesitated, then shook the hand three times, just like

618
00:54:57,039 --> 00:55:00,920
a normal greeting. Nice to meet you, too, oho, he said,

619
00:55:01,760 --> 00:55:05,280
that dragonling of yours, it looks a lot like mine.

620
00:55:06,199 --> 00:55:09,719
Magnus flew down and landed on Carter's shoulder, while the

621
00:55:09,760 --> 00:55:14,119
blue Dragonling did the same with Rex. Oh where are

622
00:55:14,159 --> 00:55:21,079
you from anyways? Magnus asked, you look familiar. That's because

623
00:55:21,119 --> 00:55:25,920
we grew up together, the blue dragonling said, with perfect clarity.

624
00:55:26,920 --> 00:55:32,199
Carter's eyes widened. You can talk, of course I can.

625
00:55:32,639 --> 00:55:38,280
The dragonling replied, I'm a very smart dragon, just like Magnus.

626
00:55:38,880 --> 00:55:42,760
Although if I were really smart, I wouldn't be with

627
00:55:42,920 --> 00:55:48,239
this meanie. Don't listen to him. Rex said quickly, I'm

628
00:55:48,280 --> 00:55:51,639
not a meanie. I am the nicest owner he's ever had,

629
00:55:52,119 --> 00:55:57,840
and he better remember it. Something about Rex's tone made

630
00:55:57,880 --> 00:56:04,519
Carter uneasy, say. Rex added, would you be up for

631
00:56:05,400 --> 00:56:12,679
a battle? You mean like a duel? Carter asked, yes exactly.

632
00:56:13,360 --> 00:56:19,840
Rex said, winner gets one card. Carter hesitated, I mean,

633
00:56:20,199 --> 00:56:22,920
I guess I'll duel you if I get to set

634
00:56:22,920 --> 00:56:30,679
the terms. Very well, set your terms, Rex agreed, one card.

635
00:56:30,719 --> 00:56:37,039
Each winner gets one card from the loser's deck. Deal accepted,

636
00:56:37,599 --> 00:56:43,360
Rex replied. Carter's core pulsed with light. The dual contract

637
00:56:43,400 --> 00:56:49,320
had been made and the terms were binding. I'll go first,

638
00:56:49,760 --> 00:56:56,000
Rex said, a'sling attack. The blue Dragonling flew into the air,

639
00:56:56,400 --> 00:57:00,639
gathering streams of water into a swirling vortex round him,

640
00:57:01,039 --> 00:57:06,559
a miniature tornado of water. Let me guess, Rex laughed,

641
00:57:07,239 --> 00:57:11,000
you've forgot I have a water type and you've got

642
00:57:11,000 --> 00:57:16,679
a fire type. Carter smirked, yeah, but I didn't say

643
00:57:16,719 --> 00:57:21,480
I was using magnus. He reached inward again, feeling for

644
00:57:21,559 --> 00:57:26,239
the card. With the electrical tingle. The Lightning Rabbit card

645
00:57:26,400 --> 00:57:29,800
rose to the surface, and he summoned it into the air.

646
00:57:30,559 --> 00:57:37,559
The little rabbit appeared, already sparkling. Carter nodded, Lightning Bunny attack.

647
00:57:38,400 --> 00:57:43,360
The rabbit began to crackle, sparks turned to arcs, then,

648
00:57:43,679 --> 00:57:47,079
with a high leap, it launched a massive ball of

649
00:57:47,239 --> 00:57:53,800
lightning directly into the swirling water. Electricity exploded through the vortex,

650
00:57:54,239 --> 00:58:00,440
traveling along every strand of water straight into asling. The

651
00:58:00,559 --> 00:58:05,880
Dragonling spasmed, then dropped from the sky and landed softly

652
00:58:06,000 --> 00:58:11,119
on the grass. The voice, strange voice that came from nowhere,

653
00:58:11,199 --> 00:58:19,480
returned winner choose your card. Rex's chest lit up and

654
00:58:19,559 --> 00:58:23,199
his deck fanned out in front of Carter. Images and

655
00:58:23,360 --> 00:58:30,760
names displayed like holograms. So many options. Carter muttered, Hey,

656
00:58:31,360 --> 00:58:35,920
Magnus whispered, get that Azling guy away from this weirdo.

657
00:58:36,079 --> 00:58:40,000
He seems all right, but Rex, I'm not so sure.

658
00:58:40,920 --> 00:58:44,960
Carter nodded, good point, and we could use a water

659
00:58:45,039 --> 00:58:48,960
and ice type. He reached out and selected the card

660
00:58:49,039 --> 00:58:56,079
with Aasling's image water slash ice Dragonling accepted. The card

661
00:58:56,199 --> 00:58:59,920
shot out from Rex's deck and flew into Carter's core,

662
00:59:00,639 --> 00:59:07,039
merging with it. A new sensation formed, cold, powerful and sharp.

663
00:59:07,960 --> 00:59:15,360
Well played, Rex said, turning away. Perhaps we'll meet again, maybe,

664
00:59:15,760 --> 00:59:21,719
Carter replied, watching him disappear into the trees. Satisfied, he

665
00:59:21,880 --> 00:59:26,559
summoned his wings once again. Magnus returned to his perch

666
00:59:26,639 --> 00:59:30,920
on Carter's shoulder, and they rose into the air, floating

667
00:59:31,000 --> 00:59:36,599
gently back towards the forest's entrance. At the lodge, Carter

668
00:59:36,800 --> 00:59:40,679
checked in. The attendant handed him the room three key.

669
00:59:40,800 --> 00:59:46,079
Once again. He unlocked the door, stepped inside, and found

670
00:59:46,079 --> 00:59:50,559
the same cozy bunk beds waiting. Magnus leaped onto the

671
00:59:50,559 --> 00:59:54,800
bottom bunk, curled up and began his usual grooming routine,

672
00:59:55,320 --> 00:59:59,280
licking a paw, rubbing his head, then settling down with

673
00:59:59,360 --> 01:00:04,599
a soft per carter followed, slipping into bed beside him.

674
01:00:05,119 --> 01:00:08,320
He let his head rest on the pillow, letting his

675
01:00:08,480 --> 01:01:16,320
breathing slow.

676
01:01:16,559 --> 01:05:17,440
Speaker 2: New York much more than n no, no no more,

677
01:06:34,239 --> 01:14:02,560
a new un.

678
01:15:05,600 --> 01:17:19,560
Speaker 1: M m.

679
01:20:50,920 --> 01:31:26,640
Speaker 2: More than thre nan more union no no no more,

680
01:35:02,840 --> 01:38:34,199
and no more th.

681
01:40:03,680 --> 01:40:37,800
Speaker 1: M m.

682
01:44:03,279 --> 01:55:05,159
Speaker 2: M never m m m m