Glim Vex's Arc

Chapter 1 of 5

Glim Vex shuffled his tentacles across the worn stage of the Dusty Comet Theater in Zyzzle Junction. His webbed fingers gripped a deck of cards as he practiced the same move for the hundredth time that morning. One perfect trick—that's all he needed to prove he belonged among real magicians. The card flew from his hand and sailed past the wooden target he'd set up backstage. It clattered against the wall and dropped to the floor. Glim's tentacles drooped as he retrieved it. The target had five rings painted in bright colors, each one smaller than the last. He'd made it himself last week, thinking practice would make perfect. So far, it only made him tired. He walked to the bulletin board near the stage door to clear his head. Colorful papers covered the wood—market sales, lost pets, job postings. Then he spotted it: a notice about the Grand Magician's Competition in three months. The winner would perform at the Crystal Palace and earn the title of Master Illusionist. Glim's orange eyes widened. His webbed fingers traced the words on the paper. This was his chance. He pulled the notice down, folded it carefully, and tucked it into his purple jacket. Three months to master one perfect trick. Back at the target, Glim picked up his cards again. He read the competition notice one more time. The final round would be held at a place called the Transparent Magic Hall. Walls of glass that caught the light. A stage where everyone could see every move. No shadows to hide behind, no curtains to cover mistakes. His tentacles trembled at the thought. But that's exactly where he needed to be. He shuffled the deck, aimed at the center ring, and threw.