Entry 003 - Liam’s Journal

I still can’t believe today actually happened.

This morning I was just some uni kid from Montreal, stressing about exams and whether I’d ever figure out what to do with my life. By tonight? I’ve walked through a secret door under Banff, stepped into an underground magical city, held actual runes in my hand, watched a blacksmith the size of a fridge (wearing a Santa hat, no less) explain blood-bound artifacts like it’s normal, and eaten conjured food that literally vanishes if you don’t finish it.

The Banff Bazaar… man, there’s no way to describe it properly. It’s like someone took Venice, a Middle Eastern souk, and a fantasy novel, shoved them into a glowing canyon, and lit the sky with stars that aren’t even real. Gondolas floating on a river underground. Workshops full of gears that turn themselves and spirits made of earth hauling tools around. Gary basically gave us free chisels to carve our own runes one day. And Father Smithmas fist-bumped Jordan like they were old mates.

Professor MacGorne just strolled through it all like it was a casual Saturday, dropping bombs like “yeah, we use bitcoin because we can turn lead into gold” and “legendary artifacts are possible if you’re good enough.” He even bought us lunch—moose sausage and elk steak that appeared out of thin air.

I kept waiting to wake up. I didn’t.

Jordan’s already planning what flying animal he’ll shift into first. Typical.

There was one weird moment at the end—some drunk guy yelling about a “Blightweaver” being spotted in France. The professor’s face changed completely. He rushed us out after that, portaled us straight home through a bathroom door. He told us to hide the orientation packages when they arrive. So… yeah, maybe not everything in this world is safe and shiny.

But standing on my front porch tonight, staring at my totally normal house, all I could think was: nothing feels normal anymore.

And honestly? I’m okay with that.

Classes start in September. I’m in.

Whatever this is… I’m all in.

-Liam