Word of the test run spread through the kingdom by nightfall. By the next morning crowds gathered near the northern field hoping to see the strange new invention. Guards had to block curious citizens from entering the construction zone as Ethan organized the workers for the next stage. The excitement grew so quickly that it reached even the nobles and the mage conclave. But for every person who was excited there were others who felt threatened. And Ethan soon learned that success brought attention from those who preferred the old ways

Before the second day of testing could begin Aradine the High Mage returned. She arrived with five other mages wearing deep blue robes and silver pendants. Their faces were stiff and unreadable. Aradine stood with her arms crossed. She said the Conclave demanded a full explanation for how a flame drake had been trained without their approval. Ethan explained that Emberclaw was not trained by force but through observation trust and predictable rhythm. Aradine stared at him as if she expected that answer but did not know what to make of it. She warned that the Conclave would not tolerate misuse of magic. Ethan told her he intended to create safe controlled experiences not weapons

Aradine did not look convinced. She said magic was not meant for entertainment. Ethan replied that fear of magic kept people ignorant and that controlled experiences could teach respect instead of panic. Aradine hesitated. This idea seemed to trouble her more than she expected. She told Ethan they would observe the next test run and left to stand with her group on a ridge overlooking the site

Ethan gathered his workers and continued preparations. As they brought Emberclaw to the starting point he noticed something different. The drake appeared uneasy. Its breath came in shorter bursts and its wings twitched. Ethan checked the area and realized the heavy presence of unfamiliar mages might be affecting Emberclaw’s senses. He stepped closer and spoke softly until the creature calmed a little. But the tension remained

The test run began with Ethan’s whistle pattern. Emberclaw inhaled. The heat pulsed. The first fire burst shot forward. The carriage accelerated. But during the second cycle something unusual happened. A flicker of wild mana surged from the ground near the track. The rails vibrated. The carriage wobbled slightly but stayed on course. Workers gasped. Emberclaw sensed the disturbance and released a fire burst half a second earlier than expected. The flames bent to the right instead of following the marked path. The carriage still managed to reach the stopping mound safely but the control had been broken for a moment

Ethan signaled everyone to hold position and went straight to inspect the track. He found a mana stone beneath the support column cracked in half. It was not like that yesterday. Earth mages examined the stone and said it had been tampered with. Aradine descended from the ridge with her group. She demanded an explanation. Ethan asked her if she knew anyone who would sabotage the site. She denied it but her expression tightened. She said powerful groups disliked change and that the Conclave was not unified in its views

A sudden shout came from the workers. Someone had left a message on the supply crates. A threat written with burned marks in the wood. It said that magic belonged to its keepers not to outsiders. Ethan felt a chill though he refused to show fear. He told the workers they would increase security and inspect every mana stone before installation

Aradine watched him closely. She asked why he was not panicking. Ethan replied that theme park operations taught him one truth. When trouble appears you deal with it and keep moving. Aradine said he reminded her of engineers who built ancient marvels long before the current Conclave existed. She admitted she still did not agree with using dragons this way but she respected discipline and structure. She promised that she would not allow sabotage within her ranks

As evening approached Ethan gathered the teams for a meeting. He explained that the project had enemies but also supporters. He said they would not stop. He emphasized safety even more strongly insisting on new routines checking tools mana stones and equipment every day. Workers nodded. They believed in the project now. It gave them purpose and pride

After the meeting Ethan visited Emberclaw who rested quietly under a temporary shelter. The drake’s eyes glowed softly in the dim light. Ethan placed a hand on its snout. He told Emberclaw they would face more challenges. The drake rumbled in a low tone that almost sounded like agreement. The bond between them strengthened with each moment

As he walked back toward his tent he looked up at the stars. This world was full of beauty danger and potential. He understood now that building a theme park here was not just about entertainment. It was about reshaping culture. About proving that magic could be controlled shaped and guided with respect. But change always met resistance. And he felt that the forces working against him had only begun to act

Yet he would not stop. Not after coming this far. Not after seeing what was possible. He whispered to himself that the future park would rise no matter what obstacles appeared. Because once an idea takes shape no one can erase it from the world