The attack changed everything. By dawn the king’s banners flew across the northern fields and squads of royal guards patrolled the perimeter with sharpened vigilance. Workers moved with a mixture of fear and determination. Ethan stood with Emberclaw at the center of the site watching teams repair scorched areas. The drake’s movements were slower than usual but steady. Ethan rubbed its neck gently whispering gratitude. Emberclaw had fought not because it was forced but because it chose to protect him and the dream they shared

The king arrived shortly after sunrise. His face carried cold anger as he examined the damage. He asked Ethan if he believed the project should continue. Ethan said yes without hesitation. Not because of pride but because stopping now meant surrendering to fear. The king studied him for a long moment then declared the project a royal priority. He promised more guards more resources and more mage support. The workers cheered. Ethan felt relief but also responsibility. The park was no longer just his dream. It had become a kingdom effort

Aradine gathered Conclave elders to assess the ritual damage. They examined the burned symbols and confirmed that the cult had used ancient fire rites long outlawed by the Conclave. The elders whispered among themselves clearly disturbed by the implications. Aradine approached Ethan and said the Conclave would formally oppose the cult. She looked almost ashamed that her order had not acted sooner. Ethan told her that fighting darkness was easier when people fought together. Aradine nodded with grim respect

Despite the chaos Ethan insisted on returning to operations training. He believed the best response to fear was competence. Lina gathered the team and practiced new emergency signals. Ethan introduced a layered response plan for mana disturbances. He taught workers how to protect guests if rituals disrupted illusions or fire cycles. They rehearsed evacuation routes until everyone could run them with eyes half closed. Discipline grew stronger and worry shifted into determination

But Ethan also knew morale mattered as much as training. So he gathered workers on the slope overlooking the entire site. He asked them to imagine what the park would look like when finished. He spoke of families from every kingdom coming to see dragons fly safely. He described the Phantom Theater glowing with lights illusions and music. He described pathways filled with travelers buying enchanted treats. He described laughter echoing where now only construction noise filled the air

He said the park would not only be a place of rides. It would be a kingdom of guests. A place where magic created joy instead of fear. Where tribes and nations could stand together and watch wonders shaped by cooperation. He told them the cult wanted a world divided by belief. But the park would be a place united by awe

Workers grew silent. Then they applauded softly. Then loudly. Emberclaw lifted its head and released a low rumble that felt like agreement. Even Aradine appeared moved

In the afternoon Ethan worked with the construction team to begin repairs on the coaster track. The damaged section near the stopping mounds needed replacement rails and stabilized supports. Earth mages cleared scorched soil while forgers shaped new rails. Emberclaw watched from the protective field resting its wings but keeping a vigilant eye on the ridge. Ethan walked over and fed the drake dried fruit from his pouch. Emberclaw nudged him gently almost affectionately

Ethan then visited the Phantom Theater site. Workers marked the foundation and placed the first stabilizer stones. Mana channelers practiced sending pulses into illusion anchors. Ethan walked through the marked layout imagining where guests would sit how they would react to illusions sweeping overhead and how light would reflect from the crystal towers during the final scene. The vision pushed away exhaustion

Later that day the king called Ethan to the temporary command tent. Maps and troop positions filled the table. The king asked if Ethan believed the cult would attack again. Ethan said yes. The king asked if Ethan intended to leave the project or the kingdom for his own safety. Ethan answered no. He said he had built parks under storms heat waves riots and mechanical failures. He was not afraid of fire. The king laughed and said Ethan reminded him of the generals who built the first fortresses of the kingdom

Then the king revealed something unexpected. He wanted Ethan to help design future attractions in the capital. Ethan hesitated. He explained that one park was already a lifetime of work. The king smiled. He said he did not mean now. He meant someday. After the magic park showed the world a new path. Ethan felt a strange warmth. For the first time since crossing into this world he saw a future that stretched far beyond simple survival

That night Ethan sat beside Emberclaw under a sky shimmering with starlight. The drake rested quietly its body curled protectively around the charred ground. Ethan leaned against its warm side letting fatigue settle into his bones. Workers slept in tents nearby. Mage torches lit the fields. Guards patrolled the ridge. The world felt fragile yet full of potential

Ethan whispered that tomorrow they would rebuild. The next day they would test again. And one day the gates of the park would open. Not just to locals but to travelers from distant kingdoms. People who had never imagined dragons could dance or illusions could sing. People who had never believed magic and safety could coexist. People who needed a place of wonder

Emberclaw breathed softly as if acknowledging the vow. Ethan closed his eyes for a moment feeling the warmth steady him

The cult had declared war.
The kingdom had chosen hope.
And Ethan had chosen to build

The dream would not burn.
It would blaze