Three days passed in relentless preparation as workers, mages, and the operations team rebuilt every damaged component and fortified the eastern field. Ethan barely slept, spending nights reviewing diagrams and sketching new stabilizer systems lit by lantern light. Emberclaw slept nearby, acting as a silent guardian whose presence alone reassured everyone on the site

By the third morning the track gleamed once more. The rails hummed with stable air mana. The protective field glowed brighter than ever. And the prototype racer floated with new reinforced stones. The repairs had turned into improvements. The setbacks had forged better solutions. The workers moved with renewed purpose. And the kingdom itself felt closer to the dream than ever

Ethan gathered the entire team near the central ridge where both attractions could be seen. To the north the Dragonfire Coaster stood strong, rails shimmering faintly under Emberclaw’s warm gaze. To the east the field for the Mana Flying Racers stretched like a spiraling river of light. To the center the foundation of the Phantom Theater buzzed with glowing crystals and anchored illusions drifting like tiny fireflies

He explained that tomorrow would be the first combined attraction test. Dragonfire Coaster and Mana Flying Racers would run in sequence. Two attractions operating in a single day. Two experiences forming the birth of the park. He said the test was more than engineering. It was proof that magic could be controlled safely and shaped into wonder. The workers listened in awe. Some whispered that history would remember this day

Aradine stepped forward to address the team. She told them that the Conclave now officially recognized the project as a magical advancement of historic value. She promised that any mage who threatened the project would face swift judgment. Her voice was sharp and resolute. Ethan felt grateful. Even the most skeptical mages now respected the structure and purpose he brought into their world

Later that afternoon Ethan conducted the final training drills. Lina led the operations team through guest handling simulations. Workers practiced whistle cues, flag signals, and emergency maneuvers with precision. Emberclaw followed commands flawlessly during fire pulses. The newly enhanced stabilizers guided each burst of flame in smooth arcs. Emberclaw’s eyes shone with pride as it worked beside Ethan and the crew

At the eastern field workers tested turbulence absorption runes. Mana channelers pulsed air conduits in sequence. The wind rails glowed steady without flicker. Ethan placed the racer above the rail and guided it forward. The hover movement was smooth and stable. Lina timed the glide and smiled. Perfect speed. Perfect alignment. Tomorrow the racer would complete the entire loop

But as evening fell a strange hush settled over the land. Birds flew away in sharp flocks. The wind paused. The air took on a faint metallic taste. Ethan scanned the horizon. Nothing moved except grass swaying gently. Emberclaw’s tail curled slightly as if sensing a distant disturbance. Aradine looked uneasy, though she tried not to show it

Ethan decided to reinforce perimeter patrols for the night. He and Lina walked the ridge as guards lit torches along the boundary. Emberclaw followed, occasionally lifting its head toward the distant mountains. The air remained still. Too still. It felt like the world itself was holding its breath

When Ethan returned to his tent he found a folded piece of cloth lying on his table. Dark red. Embroidered with the symbol of a flame with wings. The emblem of the Ember Priests. He unfolded it slowly. A single sentence was burned into the fabric

Tomorrow the sky burns

Ethan tightened his grip on the cloth. His heartbeat slowed rather than quickened. He stepped outside and saw Emberclaw watching him. The drake lowered its head in quiet solidarity. Workers slept nearby. Guards stood vigilant. Aradine meditated near the Phantom Theater site. The dream was alive. The team was ready. And Ethan felt something he had not felt since crossing into this world

Absolute certainty

He whispered to Emberclaw
Let them come
Let them try
Tomorrow the park begins to rise

Dreams do not burn
They ignite