Pointing into the distance, the atmosphere was somewhat silent.
Thinking Galen Yu hadn't heard, the NPC pointed outside again.
"I said, there's a dragon over there!"
Nodding, Galen Yu's expression was one of confusion.
"I know. And?"
"And? Shouldn't you be surprised?"
Shocked by Galen Yu's reaction, the big-nosed NPC repeated himself.
"That is a dragon! A naturally powerful magical creature that soars through the sky, free and unrestrained!"
"Humans are like ants before them. They are the overlords of the Sky City chunk. Aren't you afraid of them?"
It certainly sounded extraordinary.
Dragons, magical creatures, chunk overlords.
Any of those terms would make one shudder and tread carefully.
Outside the screen, almost all the high-level officials adjusted their views to Galen Yu, listening intently.
This wasn't just the only NPC to appear during the Crisis; he was their channel to understanding the Block World.
In previous civilizations, many crafting recipes and item tips were taught by NPCs, who couldn't be recruited as thralls.
It would be good to hear some useful news for once.
At the Research Institute, Headmaster Quill had specifically come to watch.
"Magical creatures... dragons? *Hiss.*"
"Fries, your Parkour Civilization never encountered monsters like that, did it?"
Facing this question, Fries forced a bitter smile.
Not only had he never encountered such a monster, but the Parkour Civilization barely had any monsters to fight at all.
Even the land was made of single blocks separated by gaps, serving the parkour experience in every way. Where would monsters come from?
The fundamental conflict came from parkour levels; he only needed to think about how to improve his parkour skills to promote his level.
"No. In my opinion, the Crisis is already very tricky and hard to deal with. Dragons..."
It was said that when certain monsters descended, someone once captured the silhouette of a dragon.
It blotted out the sun, pitch black, letting out a cry in the sky.
Its massive body truly made humans look like ants; the pressure was immense.
"The Crisis, dragons... they just keep getting harder to deal with."
The more one understood the Block World, the more one could feel the intensity of this civilization.
Things like the Infinite Rail Machine, Automatic Irrigation Farm, and Monster Spawners could have ended a civilization in the past.
Now, they were just the beginning.
Using chunk civilization rankings, Fries felt that the Parkour Civilization he experienced was, at most, a medium-sized chunk.
Besides the Research Institute, the Blonde Elder, Takeshi Sable, and others were also discussing it.
That there were dragons beyond the Crisis was indeed shocking news.
While high-level officials worldwide were in heated discussion, the person who had actually heard it...
Galen Yu appeared utterly calm.
"Oh."
A simple 'oh' as a response, showing not a hint of emotional turbulence.
He truly didn't think it was a big deal.
The Block World already had a dragon; it was the final boss of the vanilla game, appearing in the End.
With good enough skills, one could beat it in iron gear.
He had already cleared the Twilight Forest, wore Fiery Iron and Yeti armor, and wielded a Tri-Bow and a SlashBlade.
Afraid of the Ender Dragon?
Even if it wasn't the Ender Dragon but content from another mod...
Unless it was one of those top-tier, ridiculously overpowered ones, there was truly no need for fear.
Even if it were one of those overpowered bosses, if the boss was strong, the equipment and weapons were even stronger.
Instead of fear, Galen Yu felt a surge of competitive spirit.
"You—those dragons could swallow countless people like you in one gulp. They are born with supernatural power, breathing fire, frost, and lightning..."
"Their size is likely larger than your entire chunk. They are absolutely terrifying!"
Thinking Galen Yu didn't understand the power of dragons, the NPC tried to describe them vividly.
Waving his hand, Galen Yu nodded repeatedly.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. Very impressive."
"You have a trading system on you, don't you? Let me see what you have."
When the trading panel opened, the NPC's name suddenly appeared.
"Black Mage"
Galen Yu was a bit surprised.
Despite looking scruffy with tattered robes and withered skin—exuding an air of poverty inside and out—this guy was actually a mage.
Strangely, although there was a trading panel, it was empty when opened.
Nothing could be exchanged.
"Don't look yet, the goods aren't ready."
As if knowing what Galen Yu was looking for, the Black Mage interrupted.
His tone carried a hint of pride.
"It's a pity, really. I was once a high mage of great renown on Sky Island, unparalleled in my prime."
"In any chunk, I was treated with the utmost respect. Countless people begged me for potions."
"Unfortunately, Sky Island isn't what it used to be. Since we've crossed paths today..."
His eyes darted around, revealing a single yellow tooth as the Black Mage generously spread his arms.
"Those lords of large chunks have to beg and wait for the potions I forge. Today, I might consider selling you a few at a discount!"
Unlike ordinary villagers, it seemed NPCs could actively control their trades.
Noting this, Galen Yu opened the trading panel again.
Indeed, it had changed. A new exchange channel for potions had been added to the panel.
"Daring to ignore dragons, God Yu is truly arrogant!"
"He's mastered almost all the gun mods; the key is that the man actually has the capital to be arrogant."
"Now he's run into a random NPC who's actually the famous Black Mage of Sky Island?"
"I haven't heard of the Black Mage, but since he knows about dragons, his status shouldn't be ordinary, right?"
"God Yu's luck is incredible. He's about to strike it rich again!"
Many viewers looked forward to what good items they could get from the Black Mage's trades.
He wasn't asking for the Apotheosis Mod; an Infinity Sword or Bedrock Armor would be nice.
But when he actually saw the items inside, his expression froze.
"Emerald * 64, Emerald * 64 — Potion of Strength"
Two stacks of emeralds for a single Potion of Strength?
With a brewing stand, a Potion of Strength only required Blaze Powder and an Awkward Potion.
The cost really wasn't that high. Even if it were for exchange, it certainly wasn't worth two stacks of emeralds.
His mouth twitched as he continued looking.
Since his name was the Black Mage, there should be something good, but until he reached the end...
Things got more and more ridiculous. No good items were to be found.
Three stacks of emeralds for a Potion of Slowness, two and a half stacks for a Potion of Weakness, and two stacks for a Potion of Harming.
The most absurd part was that none of these were splash potions—they could only be drunk by the user!
What use did he have for these?
"How about it, little thrall? Shocked by my potions, aren't you!"
"Have you ever seen anything like them? Hahaha! Every item sold by this mage is of the finest quality!"
A sharp, unpleasant voice rang out as Galen Yu closed the trading panel.
Looking at the Black Mage again, there was a bit more coldness in Galen Yu's eyes.
Unaware of this, the Black Mage's tone softened with a bit of magnanimity after his laughter.
"It's normal that you can't produce the resources to exchange for premium potions all at once, but you did save me, after all."
"I'll give you a few pieces of intel about Sky Island for free!"
The coldness eased slightly, and Galen Yu unclenched his fist.
Since coming to the Block World, aside from Zane Wu, he hadn't seen many people he could communicate with.
He was currently a newcomer in the outskirts. He was curious about the core area and what those notes from the gun mod were all about.
He was indeed curious about the so-called Sky Island content.
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