The Vault of Focus

This article is about the episode. For the location, see Vault of Focus.
“If Thunderfang has gathered enough souls to attempt to become a Source Dragon, the immense power will be visible from all the Merged Lands.”
— Bleckt

The Vault of Focus is the seventeenth episode of the third season of Ninjago: Dragons Rising and the 57th episode overall.

Synopsis

Synopsis[]

LEGO's YouTube Channel[]

Full Episode[]

🔥 In this full episode, the Ninja find guidance from an unlikely source in the City of Temples, while Cole, Kai, and Frak battle the Hollow Ones in Imperium. The Ninja race against ThunderFang to fill the Well of the Lost — tensions rise, and every move counts![1]

Ninja vs Robots in an Epic BATTLE[]

The Ninja face off against the robots in an epic battle! That is, until Wyldfyre makes a shocking discovery that could change everything.[2]

Streaming services[]

Netflix[]

As they look for clues about Thunderfang's next move, the Ninja enlist the help of an old rival. Cole duels Nokt without a proper Prismatic Blade.

Extended[]

The Ninja explore the Hollowed City of Temples and are lead to an unlikely source of help. Upon learning of the trials to summon the Arc Dragon of Focus, the Ninja split up in a race against ThunderFang filling the Well of the Lost. Arin and Lloyd gear-up for a treacherous journey back to the Spectral Lands, while Cole, Kai and Frak battle the Spectral Invasion in Imperium.[3]

Plot

Plot[]

A flashback shows Cole's first days with the Finders in the Land of Lost Things. While searching through a junkyard, Fritz excitedly discovers a copy of Boobytraps and How to Survive Them. After Spitz accidentally scares him while wearing a Yeti costume, Fritz suffers a panic attack, believing the monster that destroyed his village has returned. Geo explains to Cole that Fritz's village was attacked by a Yeti years ago, which was how Fritz ended up in the Land of Lost Things. Cole comforts Fritz and promises that the Finders will always be safe with him. The flashback ends as Kai calls Cole's attention back to the present. Following the trail to the City of Imperium, Cole, Kai, and Frak arrive in the city aboard the Ninja Combat Vehicle and find Spectral Dragonians extracting the souls of Imperians. Cole leads the group into the city to confront Nokt while Percival urges everyone to flee from the invasion. As the Spectral Dragonians advance on the fleeing civilians, the ninja split the Ninja Combat Vehicle into separate machines and move to defend the city.

In the City of Temples, the ninja discover that Roby has become hollow after his soul was extracted by the Spectral Dragonians. Wyldfyre desperately tries to get him to respond, while Lloyd realizes that Roby's condition is the same as the people of the Land of Lee. Jay attempts to lighten the mood by joking about Roby's hollow state, angering Wyldfyre, who nearly burns him with her fire. After Lloyd intervenes, he points out that without Roby, they have lost their best chance of learning how to stop Thunderfang and the Spectral Invasions. Arin and Sora notice two Security Bots approaching and ask if they can help. Lloyd requests information about the Battle of the City of Temples, but the Security Bots refuse, explaining that such knowledge cannot be shared without authorization from Games Master Roby. Since Roby is now unable to grant permission, the bots reject Lloyd's request, leaving the ninja at a dead end. Realizing there is still someone who possesses the knowledge they need, Wyldfyre proposes visiting Bleckt in the city's dungeons.

Kai saves Percival from a Spectral Dragonian by striking it with his Prismatic Blade while performing a backflip on his bike. Grateful, Percival thanks Kai, while Frak unsuccessfully attempts to fight off the Spectral Dragonians with his own Prismatic Blade. Cole joins the battle and encourages Frak despite his lack of success. During the fight, Percival notices that Kai's blade is made of Prismatic Steel, the same material as the lenses in his goggles. Realizing its importance, he asks if the blades can be used against the invaders, but Kai is too busy fending off the Spectral Dragonians to answer. The group then spots Nokt using his magical flute to absorb the stolen souls of Imperians. Cole realizes that the flute is collecting the souls of those being drained and concludes that it is the key to restoring the Finders and everyone else who has been hollowed.

Meanwhile, Lloyd, Nya, Jay, Wyldfyre, Arin, and Sora head into the dungeons beneath the City of Temples. As they descend, Jay complains about the long walk and questions Wyldfyre's plan. Wyldfyre reveals that she intends to seek help from Bleckt, believing that his former position as the city's Ledger-Meister means he possesses knowledge about Thunderfang and how to defeat him. Arin is surprised that Wyldfyre wants to speak with Roby's uncle, while Jay objects to trusting someone who previously allied with Ras and betrayed his own nephew. Despite his doubts, the group continues toward Bleckt's cell, hoping he can provide the information they need to stop Thunderfang. The ninja are stopped outside Bleckt's cell by several Security Bots, who refuse to grant them access without authorization from Games Master Roby. Nya explains that the fate of the Merged Lands is at stake, but the bots remain bound to Roby's orders. Jay attempts to force his way through by attacking with his Lightning, only to discover that the bots are immune to Elemental Powers because they were designed to provide security during the Tournament of the Sources. When he tries to fight them physically, the bots prepare to arrest the group. Before the situation escalates, the Security Bots identify Wyldfyre as Roby's designated successor in the event that he becomes incapacitated. Following Roby's standing orders, they grant Wyldfyre full access and authority over the city's security systems. After Lloyd reminds her of their mission, Wyldfyre orders the Security Bots to escort the team to Bleckt, and they comply.

The Security Bots escort the ninja to Bleckt's cell, where they find the imprisoned former Ledger-Meister reading The Sagas of the Eternal Sources. Although initially dismissive of their visit, Bleckt listens as Lloyd and the others explain that the Merged Lands are under attack by Spectral beings that are hollowing people, including Roby. Bleckt admits he has heard lore of such an invasion but never thought it would come to pass. The ninja explained that Thunderfang was responsible. Arin noted that they had defeated Thunderfang after his release, leading to the Shatter Dragon's demise, yet it only escalated the situation. Bleckt remarked that some entities thrive in the decay of death, acknowledging that Thunderfang being example was not a surprise to him. He also highlighted that Thunderfang's past efforts to become a Source Dragon were an act beyond evil. When Lloyd asks how Thunderfang was defeated, Bleckt insists that can show them rather than telling him. However, he can only do so if he is released from his cell. Jay immediately objects, warning that Bleckt cannot be trusted after betraying Roby and allying with Ras. Nya argues that, despite his crimes, Bleckt's devotion to the Source Dragons means he understands the threat better than anyone else. Wyldfyre agrees that the risk is worth taking, while Sora and Arin also support freeing him because his knowledge may be their only chance to stop Thunderfang. With the group divided, Lloyd points out that Wyldfyre is the only one with the authority to release a prisoner, leaving the decision entirely in her hands as she considers whether to free Bleckt.

Cole resolves to confront Nokt and recover the souls trapped within his magical flute, but Kai stops him, reminding him that Nokt is one of the most dangerous members of the Forbidden Five. Cole insists that saving the Finders is more important, while Frak points out that their Prismatic Blades are barely effective against the Spectral Dragonians. Percival then reveals that, after learning of the Spectral Invasions, Imperian scientists designed improved Prismatic Blades called Reveal Blades, which are capable of permanently destroying the Spectral Dragonians. However, they were never completed because they require Prismatic Steel forged with soul energy. Realizing that the ninja's existing blades can be upgraded, Percival urges Kai to accompany him to the laboratory. Cole refuses to wait, believing there is no time to lose while Nokt continues stealing souls. Despite Kai's attempts to reason with him and warn that he is acting out of guilt over failing to protect the Finders, Cole ignores him, entrusts Kai with protecting Percival and upgrading the blades, and flies his jet toward Nokt alone. Kai, Frak, and Percival then head for the laboratory to complete the upgrades as quickly as possible.

After considering the team's arguments, Wyldfyre struggles to make a decision and briefly delays by jokingly requesting a shoulder massage from one of the Security Bots, much to the annoyance of the others. Lloyd urges her to make a choice, reminding her that time is running out. Accepting her new role as the acting leader of the City of Temples, Wyldfyre authorizes Bleckt's release. Acting on her command, a Security Bot unlocks and opens Bleckt's prison cell, allowing the former Ledger-Meister to lead the ninja in their search for a way to stop Thunderfang. Bleckt assures the ninja that he has no intention of escaping and leads them to the Temple City Museum. There, he reveals the existence of the Vault of Focus, a hidden chamber concealed behind a statue and protected by a secret passphrase. After opening the entrance, Bleckt guides the group into the vault. Inside, Bleckt explains that the City of Temples was built upon a deposit of raw Prismatic Ore, which was combined with soul energy to forge the chains that once imprisoned Thunderfang. He reveals that Thunderfang's natural enemy is the Arc Dragon of Focus, the Source Dragon of Focus' personal mortal avatar, which can only be awaken upon a vote by the Council of Sources. Upon learning that the Source Dragons are currently deadlocked over whether to aid mortals, Bleckt feared that chaos would reign. However, Lloyd mentions the Trials of Focus, the method used by mortals to summon the Arc Dragon of Focus. Although Bleckt warns that doing so without permission could cause the Source Dragons to view them as enemies, Lloyd argues that Thunderfang could destroy both the Source Dragons and the Merged Lands if they do nothing. Accepting the risk, Bleckt opens a hidden compartment within the vault and reveals a glowing relic known as the Unbidden Storm, explaining that they will need it if they intend to summon the Arc Dragon of Focus.

Nokt continues using his magical flute to steal the souls of the city's inhabitants while Cole pursues him in his jet. Cole opens fire, but Nokt effortlessly evades the attacks before counterattacking with Brute Force energy blasts. Although the assault heavily damages Cole's jet, he regains control of the aircraft and continues his pursuit, determined to recover the stolen souls. Meanwhile, at the Advanced Systems Lab, the Imperian scientists begin upgrading Kai's and Frak's Prismatic Blades to Reveal Blades using Imperium tech. Growing increasingly worried about Cole facing Nokt alone, Kai urges the scientists to work faster as the upgrade process nears completion.

Bleckt explains that the Trials of Focus has never been done. When dormant, the dragon separates into two halves, each resting in a different caves called the Caves of Bells. Both halves must be awakened individually with the Spell Song of Wakening before the Unbidden Storm is taken to the place where the Arc Dragon is to be summoned. Bleckt suggested to the ninja that the must take the Unbidden Storm to the Source-Henge, Thunderfang's source of power, as possible. He reveals that two halves of the Arc Dragon rest in Mysterium and Djinjago. Although Bleckt believes the second resting place was destroyed, Sora explains that Djinjago has since returned, albeit only as a fragment of its former self. The revelation raises concerns that the cave may no longer exist. Jay points out that even if both halves are awakened, reaching the Spectral Lands to summon the Arc Dragon would be nearly impossible because of the danger posed by the Spectral forces. Wyldfyre agrees that entering the Spectral Lands is extremely risky, recalling the team's previous narrow escape. Sora then suggests visiting the junkyard, believing it may provide a solution to reaching the Spectral Lands.

The scientists complete the upgrades to Kai's and Frak's Prismatic Blades, transforming them into Reveal Blades. Armed with the enhanced weapons, Kai and Frak rush to aid Cole. Meanwhile, Cole continues his assault on Nokt, attacking him after leaping from his damaged jet. Before he can land a decisive blow, two Spectral Dragonians seize him, allowing Nokt to extract Cole's soul into his magical flute. Frak catches Cole before he hits the ground, while Kai arrives and discovers that Cole has been hollowed. Using their Reveal Blades, Kai and Frak makes the Spectral Dragonians visible and satisfied that the upgraded weapons can destroy them permanently. As they eliminate the Spectral Dragonians, Nokt stops playing his flute and joins the battle himself. Kai throws his Reveal Blade at Nokt's magical flute, releasing most of the stolen souls. Realizing the battle has turned against him, Nokt retreats with the remaining Spectral Dragonians. With the attack repelled, the Imperians celebrate their rescue and thank the ninja. However, the victory is bittersweet, as not every stolen soul is recovered. Although many victims are restored, Cole remains hollow, leaving Kai and the others to watch helplessly as their teammate walks away without his soul.

Lloyd, Nya, Jay, Wyldfyre, and Bleckt wait for Arin and Sora to return. Bleckt warns that if Thunderfang gathers enough souls to complete his attempt to become a Source Dragon, the immense surge of power will be visible throughout the Merged Lands. Before he can elaborate further, Arin and Sora arrive with two newly constructed machines: the Spinjitzu Battle Mech and the Jet Mech. Sora explains that she built the mechs at the junkyard and had Wyldfyre use her authority over the Security Bots to obtain Prismatic Ore, allowing the machines to be coated with the material and making them resistant to spectral attacks. Arin realizes that the mechs will enable the team to travel safely through the Spectral Lands and reach Thunderfang at the Well. Encouraged by the plan, Lloyd orders the team to prepare for their mission. Before departing, Wyldfyre instructs the Security Bots to return Bleckt to his cell, warning him that she will hold him accountable if he has deceived them. Although Bleckt remains doubtful that the ninja will succeed, he offers a final prayer that the Source Dragons forgive them for the path they are about to take.

In the Spectral Lands, Nokt arrives at the Well of the Lost and empties the remaining stolen souls, except Cole's, into the Source-Henge using his magical flute. Thunderfang is displeased by the small number of souls Nokt has collected, but Rox soon arrives with a much larger harvest, satisfying the dragon. As the newly gathered souls combine with the healing elixir within the well, the Source Dragon tablets surrounding the Source-Henge become fully charged. Their glowing symbols activate the dragon-head statues, and a powerful beam of energy erupts from the well, shattering its seal and greatly increasing Thunderfang's power. Declaring that he has finally obtained all the power he requires, Thunderfang prepares to begin the next stage of his plan.

As the ninja witness the storm created by Thunderfang, Lloyd realizes that the dragon has begun the next phase of his plan and orders the team to leave immediately. Back at the Monastery of Gates, Lloyd divides the ninja into three groups to carry out the Trials of Focus. Lloyd and Arin will bring the Unbidden Storm to the Well of the Lost and summon the Arc Dragon of Focus once its two halves have been awakened. Sora and Wyldfyre will travel to Djinjago aboard Zanth to search for the first Cave of Bells, while Nya and Jay are tasked with traveling to Mysterium to awaken the other half of the Arc Dragon in the other cave. Jay refuses to participate, arguing that he has already fulfilled the job he was hired to do and has never been paid or helped in his pursuit of Ras. Nya reminds him that saving the world is what ninja do, but Jay insists that he is not a ninja and bitterly accuses the team of breaking their promises. Although Lloyd admits they have not treated him fairly, Jay remains unmoved. Disappointed, Nya tells Jay that she believed he still had the heart of a hero, but realizes she was mistaken. Before departing, Jay tells the others not to die before paying him, then leaves in the Mech Dragon. Nya bids Lloyd farewell and joins the mission as the three teams head through separate portal gates. As the heroes depart, Ras emerges from behind a nearby pillar, wearing a bone armor.

Appearances

Appearances[]

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Cast[]

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Trivia

Trivia[]

  • This is Chris "Doc" Wyatt's favorite episode from Season 3.[4]
  • When Fritz stumbled upon a copy of Boobytraps and How to Survive Them, he remarked on how people seem to frequently misplace the book. This highlights a recurring theme since Master of the Mountain, where various instances of Boobytraps and How to Survive Them have appeared, either left behind or held by different characters.
  • This episode marks the first time Kai has been to the City of Imperium since "The Power Within" and it also marks the first time Cole and Frak have been to the City of Imperium.
    • Additionally, this makes P.I.X.A.L. the only members of the ninja team to not have visited Imperium yet. Since Jay later would visit Imperium in "Birthright".
  • The tone to awaken the Arc Dragon of Focus is a variation of the Ninjago Overture.
  • On Netflix, the episode is titled Vault of Focus instead of The Vault of Focus.
  • When told about the spectral invasions, Bleckt explained that he had read about such phenomena where ghosts steal the souls of the living, but he never thought it could be real. It remains unclear whether the type of invasion he encountered in his readings is related to the ghost invasion, in which the Preeminent tried to take over the realms.

Continuity[]

  • Lloyd mentions his vision in "Casket of Bones," where he witnessed the Source Dragons arguing about the possibility of summoning the Arc Dragon of Focus, with the result ending in a deadlock, as three of them (Motion, Energy, and Flow) agreed to summon them and the other three (Strength, Life, and Focus) denied.
  • This episode marks the first time Jay, as he is about to use his powers on the Security Bots, shouts the word "Lightning" in Ninjago: Dragons Rising and the first time in an episode since "Endings".
  • Bleckt and Wyldfyre mention the term "disastrous consequences", similarly to how Master Wu told the original four ninja that incorrectly doing the Tornado of Creation would have disastrous consequences.
  • Roby giving Wyldfyre complete access authority to the Security Bots should he be incapacitated is most likely brought on from his exprience with Kur's Decay.
  • Lloyd saying that it's not a voting situation on whether or not to free Bleckt is very similar to what his father said regarding the noodle trucks in "The Greatest Fear of All" when he said "This isn't a vote, Jay. This is stopping the end of our world as we know it".

Errors[]

  • The opening flashback takes place shortly after Cole meets the Finders. However, Zane's techno-cocoon can be seen even though it isn't supposed to be there in the Land of Lost Things until after the events of the Battle of the Second Monastery where the Monastery of Imperium and most of everything inside of it was destroyed and sent there.
  • It is unknown why Nya confused the Arc Dragon of Focus with the Source Dragon of Focus given that she and Kai had read about them in The Sagas of the Eternal Sources in "Fallen Wishes".
  • The mural in the Vault of Focus depicts the tan half of the Arc Dragon of Focus in Mysterium and the purple half in Djinjago. However, when the two halves are seen in "When Doves Cry," it's the opposite.
  • In this episode when Cole's soul is sucked out, his soul appears to be orange but in "Wishmasters" when he and Lloyd were wished into the Djinn Blade by Clancee, Cole's soul is black instead of orange, It is unknown why Cole's soul was black back then but orange this time. It's possible that what surrounded his soul was the Elemental Power of Earth and that the Djinn Blade absorbed both the body and soul given how Jay was struck by it to enter it in Operation Land Ho! to rescue the ninja team and Misako. It's also possible that the way souls appear when they're taken by either means are different due to the unique tools used.
Videos

Videos[]

Translations

Translations[]

Language Name
Arabic رصيد التركيز
قبو التركيز
Chinese (Simplified) 专注神龙宝库
Dutch De Kluis der Concentratie
French Le Caveau de la concentration
German Die Fokus-Gruft
Japanese 神殿の町、地下金庫に眠る秘密
Polish Skarbiec skupienia
Spanish (Latin America) La Bóveda del Enfoque[5]
Spanish (Spain) La Cámara de la Concentración
References

References[]

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6pItY2f-dg&list=PLRNbTEZ7dhL1C0Syxmnj1lFxsAzE3Uyvw&index=17
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02ciSXNnu6U
  3. ↑ https://www.nowtv.com/watch/ninjago-dragons-rising/iYEQYZfjU8Mz2WENgF78Pw/seasons/3/episodes/the-vault-of-focus-episode-17/A5EK3TJRBXpv6xjyNCSgj
  4. ↑ https://bsky.app/profile/docwyattbeyond.bsky.social/post/3ldm2tegcok2d
  5. ↑ File:DR3NewZeleandVPN2.jpg