The sound of metal striking metal echoed across the field. Sparks flew in bursts of orange and white as the metal forgers hammered glowing steel into curved shapes. Today was one of the most important days in the project. Construction of the first full coaster train had begun. Workers gathered inside the forging tent while Ethan stood in the center giving instructions. The blueprint lay unrolled on a large wooden table. The sleek dragon scale pattern shone under the lantern light

Ethan explained that each row of the coaster train needed reinforced panels capable of enduring both heat and mana flow. He also described the safety locking bar a mechanism none of the craftsmen had seen before. He showed them a wooden prototype of a lap bar that rotated down and locked into place. Workers asked why passengers needed restraints if the train moved along a stable track. Ethan said people felt safer when held securely especially during high speed curves. Trust was essential for joy

The forgers shaped metal into long curved segments. Each segment represented a part of the train’s body. The front of the train was designed to resemble a small dragon head not a fierce monster but a spirited companion. Emberclaw inspected the shape curiously and snorted in amusement. The workers laughed. Ethan smiled too. It felt like Emberclaw approved of the tribute

Throughout the morning Ethan oversaw assembly of the frame. Earth mages stabilized the base while metal forgers attached plates. Mana channelers placed small energy stones inside the wheels giving them smoother rotation. Craftsmen carved scale patterns along the sides making the train feel alive. Ethan moved from group to group offering guidance. Every step felt like shaping the heart of the future attraction

Aradine arrived with more Conclave apprentices to help embed mana flow stabilizers in the train. She explained that the train needed to channel heat without overheating passengers. Ethan compared it to heat resistant materials used in high speed rides on Earth. Aradine found his analogy odd but useful. Together they positioned stabilizer runes underneath the seating structure. The train began to hum softly with a calm glow

As construction progressed the operations team practiced safe loading procedures. Ethan drew chalk lines on the ground marking queue paths, loading zones, and evacuation routes. Workers stood in designated points practicing how to guide imaginary guests. Lina supervised each drill giving firm but supportive instructions. Ethan felt the team becoming more confident with each session. They were starting to behave like a real operations department

In the afternoon the coaster train’s skeleton was complete. Workers carefully lifted the frame using a combination of manpower and mage levitation spells. They placed it gently onto the rails. Ethan climbed onto the walkway and inspected the wheels alignment connection points and mana conduits. Everything fit perfectly. For a moment he simply stood there staring at the train. It looked like a dragon forged from steel. Strong. Fast. Beautiful

He called Emberclaw over for the next calibration. The drake approached with slow rhythmic steps. Its fire core pulsed in steady waves. Ethan signaled the operations team to take positions. They stood tall at their posts wearing simple uniforms Ethan had designed using canvas and dyed cloth. Not formal. But organized. A real team

Ethan placed his hand on the side of the train and whispered that today they were going to test the heat balance. Emberclaw lowered its head as if accepting the challenge. Ethan stepped aside and raised the red signal flag. The air grew still. Workers watched with anticipation. Emberclaw inhaled a deep breath. Ethan whistled the cue

Emberclaw released a steady burst of fire toward the train’s rear mana plate. The flame splashed across the metal and the stabilizers glowed. The train absorbed the heat without shaking or warping. Ethan checked the rune plates. The temperature remained stable. Workers cheered softly. Emberclaw repeated the test several more times. Each burst balanced perfectly through the stabilizers

Ethan recorded every number. Heat flow. Cooldown time. Stabilizer response. Flame duration. The train performed better than expected. He felt excitement spreading through his chest. This was no longer a simple test vehicle. This was the first real ride vehicle for the park. A symbol of what modern engineering and ancient magic could achieve together

But just when they prepared for the final check wind swept across the field carrying a faint smell of burned cloth. Emberclaw lifted its head and growled. Ethan turned toward the ridge. A lone figure stood there again. Cloaked. Watching. They raised two hands this time. In one hand a burning ember. In the other a small glowing rune stone. The message was clear. Fire and spell. Threat and destruction. Choice and consequence

Before the guards reached them the figure dropped both items. The ember burned a circle in the ground. The rune stone exploded in a flash of red light. When the smoke faded the figure was gone

Workers panicked. Emberclaw roared shaking the ground. Ethan raised his hand telling everyone to stay calm. He walked to the burned circle and knelt. The mark was similar to the earlier ritual symbols. But stronger. More forceful. A signature of intent. A declaration that the cult was not simply warning them anymore. They were escalating

Ethan stood and faced the workers. He told them the truth. The cult wanted to stop progress. But progress would not stop. They would strengthen defenses expand training and continue building. And when the park opened everyone would see that magic shaped by structure created wonder not chains

The workers rallied. Emberclaw settled but kept its eyes fixed on the ridge. The coaster train shimmered softly on the rails waiting for its first full run. Ethan touched the metal frame and whispered that no matter what the cult attempted this dream would not break

Because fire could destroy. But when given purpose fire could create light powerful enough to guide the world