Ethan arrived at the construction site before the sun had fully risen. Dew covered the rails and the morning air carried a chill that bit into his skin. Workers were already gathering around the half completed track. They spoke in hushed voices mixed with excitement and nervousness. Today would be the first real test of the system. Not with passengers yet but with a simple unmanned carriage that Ethan had designed using wooden frames metal braces and mana stones arranged to stabilize weight. It did not look elegant but it was strong enough for a prototype run

Emberclaw waited near the starting point. The drake’s wings were partially open catching the warm light creeping over the horizon. Ethan approached the creature with calm confidence. Emberclaw lowered its head taking a slow breath that washed over Ethan like a burst from a hot furnace. The creature was ready. Ethan placed a hand on the drake’s snout for a moment. The connection between them continued to grow with every day he spent observing its rhythms. He whispered that today’s test was important and that they would take it step by step

Workers cleared the area around the track and positioned themselves along the designated safety zones. Some climbed onto raised platforms Ethan had built to allow good visibility without standing too close to the danger line. Earth mages checked the stability of the support columns while metal forgers tested the tension of the rails. Ethan walked the entire track himself feeling the metal under his fingertips checking for any irregularities. Everything needed to be perfect

When he completed his inspection he returned to the starting platform where the prototype carriage rested. It sat on the rails with a soft hum as the embedded mana stones aligned with the track. Ethan checked the wheels the locking bar and the weight distribution. He remembered hundreds of similar moments on Earth when preparing new rides. The mix of fear and excitement was almost nostalgic

He signaled to the workers to stand clear. Then he stood before Emberclaw and gave the first whistle pattern. Emberclaw tilted its head acknowledging the cue. Ethan pointed toward the acceleration marker drawn on the ground. Emberclaw walked to the position with surprising precision for such a large creature. Workers watched in stunned silence as the drake stopped exactly where Ethan needed it

Ethan lifted a red flag signaling the beginning of the cycle. Emberclaw’s chest glowed faintly as it inhaled. The air shifted with heat and pressure. Ethan lowered the flag. Emberclaw released a controlled burst of fire toward the back of the carriage. The flame did not strike the carriage directly but hit the mana stone reinforced accelerator plate behind it. The heat surged through the system and the carriage shot forward along the track

Workers gasped shouting with excitement. The carriage raced along the rails gaining speed at a controlled but exhilarating rate. Ethan ran alongside for several steps before stopping to watch. The carriage soared through the first curve leaning smoothly into the turn. Dust flew behind it in a thin trail. It passed the first checkpoint where workers recorded its speed on parchment notes. It passed the second checkpoint and the third without losing momentum. Then it approached the unfinished end of the track where workers had placed a series of soft earth mounds to stop it safely. The carriage hit the mounds and slowed to a halt with a rolling hiss

For a long moment the entire site was silent. Then workers erupted in cheers. Some threw their arms in the air. Others pounded their fists on the ground. They called Ethan’s name and shouted that the impossible had been done. Ethan smiled but he was already analyzing everything he had seen. He checked the timing written by workers at each checkpoint. He compared those with the expected numbers in his mind. The carriage moved slightly slower than planned at the third checkpoint. He would need to make adjustments to mana stone spacing. He made a mental note for later

As he walked back toward Emberclaw the drake lowered its head and breathed a soft warm gust toward him. It was the drake’s version of pride. Ethan offered a piece of dried fruit. Emberclaw ate it gently without snapping. The bond continued to grow

Workers asked when they would build the full track. Ethan told them soon but not until they perfected the system. Safety first always. He explained that they needed to test multiple fire cycles in a row and simulate several runs before adding the remaining sections. He told them that a functioning ride needed reliability not just a single success. The workers nodded with newfound respect. They were learning his principles quickly

Throughout the day they conducted more test runs. Emberclaw delivered fire bursts with increasing accuracy following Ethan’s whistles without hesitation. Ethan adjusted the mana plates and stone patterns each time making the system more stable. By sunset the crew had completed five successful tests. The track supported the pressure the carriage held its speed and Emberclaw followed every cue perfectly

As workers packed up Ethan walked onto a slope overlooking the site. The half constructed attraction looked like a shining silver path through the darkening field. He imagined the final structure with towering supports flame tunnels themed decorations and a loading platform shaped like a dragon nest. He imagined guests screaming with excitement riding through rings of fire while Emberclaw soared beside them. He imagined parents holding their children’s hands while walking through the queue system filled with glowing runes and dragon statues. He imagined the spark of joy that theme parks were built to create

He whispered to himself that this world had no idea what was coming next. The park had not yet begun but the future was already unfolding