Night Rock Cave

Chapter 2

The park was vibrant and bursting with color.  Aner spotted at least two massive roller coasters as they strolled through the park.  Alongside smaller rides that dotted the landscape, each offering its own unique charm.  A whimsical carousel caught his eye, its cats bobbing up and down in a playful rhythm.  Nearby, a spinning teacup ride showcased cups crafted to resemble vintage pottery, each one adorned with intricate patterns and a distinct personality.  Despite the park's lively atmosphere, it felt strangely empty, with only a handful of employees scattered about.  As they ventured further, various game booths beckoned with their alluring prizes.  Aner spotted an array of plush creatures, from quirky axolotls to majestic unicorns, cuddly cats to ancient mammoths, and even regal polar bears.  Lanar was the first to be assigned, finding himself at a dart game adorned with horses in every imaginable color, from classic shades to bold pink and blue.  Aner, on the other hand, found his place at a ring toss booth, where elephants reigned supreme.  The grand prize, a colossal pink elephant, promised glory and bragging rights to the lucky winner who could claim it.

"Alright, listen up," the woman explained, echoing the instructions she had given Lanar.  "It's five bucks for three rings per play.  One win gets you a small prize, three wins or three small prizes for the medium, and six wins for the big kahuna."

Aner flashed a grin and nodded. "Got it, boss lady."  She watched as he confidently strode into the game booth before giving a curt nod and walking away.  Pulling out his phone, Aner checked his schedule for lunch and dinner breaks. The device was securely tethered to his belt by a cord attached to its bright blue case, a custom job Lanar had commissioned to keep Aner from constantly misplacing it.  Aner's fingers absently played with the employee ID card dangling from his neck, a silent reminder to keep it close at all times.

Surveying his surroundings, Aner noticed the other game operators engrossed in their own tasks, some meticulously setting up their booths. His own game seemed fully stocked and ready to go. "So, am I supposed to just stand here twiddling my thumbs?" he mused aloud, hoping to catch the attention of the lanky guy manning the neighboring game.

"First day on the job?" the guy inquired.

"Yep, fresh meat," Aner confirmed.

"Well, your game's all set for the day. They restock everything each morning. If you run out of anything, just radio for more."  Aner's brow furrowed as he realized he hadn't been given a radio.  He patted his waist pouch, searching for the missing device, but came up empty.  Glancing over at his colleague, he spotted a small radio clipped to the guy's belt.

"Seems like I didn't get that memo," Aner admitted, silently praying he hadn't already lost it.

Before the other guy could respond, a woman's voice chimed in from behind. "That's because any requests or reports go through me." Aner spun around to find a young woman, likely in her twenties, stationed at a nearby game. Her long, black hair was intricately braided, the plaits cascading past her shoulders. "I've been tasked with keeping an eye on him, making sure nothing goes missing. Thankfully, it's just for a week before he's reassigned."

"Lose stuff?" the lanky guy questioned, raising an eyebrow.

The woman shrugged. "That's what I was told. I guess his real value lies in being a mage."

"Hold up, you're seriously a mage?" The lanky guy's voice was laced with awe.

"He's not the only one in the park," the woman pointed out matter-of-factly.

"I know, but it's not like they're a dime a dozen," the guy countered.

As park guests began to trickle into the game area, Aner discreetly whispered, "Cool," manipulating the temperature around his booth.