Note: This post is a short story set in The Magical World of Zealandia. Each story offers a glimpse into the wider universe behind the book series — including side plots, hidden moments, and character perspectives.
While these can be read on their own, they’re best enjoyed after reading Zealandia: The Dreadstones Grasp to avoid confusion and get the full context.
This week’s short story has been postponed.
Last week, the bell tower at Aetherium School exploded.
Or more accurately, it frothed.
A huge amount of green and pink foam burst from the top of the tower and poured down the walls. It took most of the morning to stop it.
No one was seriously hurt.
The person responsible was Professor Scruffles, a bear, and the Head of Advanced Explosions at Aetherium.
What followed was a difficult week.
While the school was being cleaned up, there was an accident at our own offices that left our previous Head of Marketing mysteriously injured.
Around the same time, Professor Scruffles was briefly taken into custody. The details are still unclear.
He is no longer working at Aetherium School.
After a lot of pressure, and with very few other options, we have hired Professor Scruffles to be the new Head of Marketing at Zealandia Publishing.
We are aware this may raise concerns.
We share them.
Please be aware that Professor Scruffles is now part of the team. You may be seeing more of him soon.
Thank you for your patience.
Short stories resume next week.