Episode: 5
The announcer opens the trial by challenging competitors to cross a boiling lava river to reach the central platform. Derek summons a white ice dragon and walks across a frozen path. Cassius calls a red magma dragon from the heat and rides its head over the lava. Layla begs Kane to back out, while elders and rivals tell him to yield. Kane refuses, comforts his sister, and approaches the edge alone.
The trial announcer explains the rules of the first test. Each competitor must cross the boiling river of lava safely to reach the central platform. The spectators watch from the stands as the magma bubbles.
Derek steps forward to face the heat. He summons a white ice dragon that breathes frost over the lava. An icy bridge forms across the gap, and Derek walks over it while the crowd cheers.
Cassius mocks Derek for moving too slowly on foot. He calls a giant red magma dragon directly out of the molten pool. Cassius stands on the dragon's head and rides across straight to the stone platform.
The judges and elders praise both pure-blood riders for their skills. Layla grabs Kane and begs him not to attempt the crossing without a bonded beast. Kane tells his sister to stay calm and trust him.
Derek calls Kane a bondless bastard from across the gap. Cassius and the grandfather tell Kane to surrender now. Kane comforts Layla, turns away from the crowd, and steps to the very rim of the lava pit.
“A simple lava river? No challenge for my ice dragon.”
“An ice dragon on the ground is too slow. Watch how I do it.”
“A dragon bond isn't the only way to pass a trial. Just watch and trust me.”
“These flames won't touch me.”
Kane ignores the shouts from the judges and steps straight off the ledge toward the bubbling molten pool with no dragon to carry him. Can Kane survive the fall and cross the burning pit on his own feet, or will the heat destroy him in front of the clan?