A random resource from the Block World could be drawn!
It had already been established just how scarce and powerful the resources of the Block World were.
Dragon Eggs and Dragon Bones were among them, even setting aside those mod-specific and rare magical items.
Even in the vanilla game, drawing an Iron Block or Gold Ore would be an excellent outcome.
The mineral resources from the Block World were purer and more convenient to use; current technology struggled to produce minerals with 100% purity.
Crucially, perhaps recalling the Samurai Nation's previous tragedy, this draw included a special provision to ban one type of resource.
By choosing to ban lava, the reward obtained certainly wouldn't be lava.
However, the moment Headmaster Quill saw the result of the draw...
"Our National Destiny reward was stolen!?"
Hearing the shout, Fries sprang from his chair like a coiled snake.
Could a National Destiny reward actually be stolen?!
He looked at Headmaster Quill, hoping to hear that it was all a mistake, a mere auditory hallucination.
"Yes, our National Destiny reward has been stolen."
"Who would have thought the Freedom Nation had such deep foundations? They even possess an item capable of stealing a National Destiny reward."
This was truly unexpected.
None of the previous rewards had run into trouble, so why this one!?
"What kind of item can steal a National Destiny reward?"
Frowning, Fries felt a surge of irritation.
Granted, given the current state of the Nine Provinces, they weren't exactly hurting for Block World resources.
Unlike the early days of constant defeats and ruined lands, Galen Yu's repeated rewards and the activation of Steve's Body had changed everything.
The entire Nine Provinces were now brimming with life and national strength, having completely cast off their former decline.
A few veins of iron or gold weren't that significant anymore.
But having something that rightfully belonged to them snatched away was still incredibly frustrating!
"Headmaster Quill, did you see the result? What did the Freedom Nation get?"
Since Headmaster Quill had initiated the reward, Fries directed the question to him.
If they couldn't have it, at least they could know what it was.
Confronted with this question, Headmaster Quill's expression turned odd.
"Was it lava? Like what happened to the Samurai Nation?"
Noticing the look on the Headmaster's face, Fries's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope.
If it really was lava, then giving it to the Freedom Nation was no big deal.
Headmaster Quill shook his head, his face growing even more peculiar.
"It wasn't lava, but... sigh."
"Just look at social media. It should be leaked soon."
Not lava?
Left bewildered by the Headmaster's cryptic response, Fries could only wait for the social media storm to break.
In the Black House, the Blonde Elder was beaming with excitement.
"Dragon Bones! Dragon Eggs! Dragon Hearts!"
This National Destiny reward was arguably the most bountiful one in history!
Before, it was just a few iron ores, some tools, or specific resource boosts.
This time, it was full of mystical elements and related to magic!
"Those are Dragons! The Nine Provinces would never trade those away. It's fortunate we had that previous civilization."
In one of their past civilizations, their player had awakened a special skill: Thief.
Though it sounded disgraceful, and that player had indeed died in the Block World during the second game...
He had left behind a special item: the Thief's Ender Pearl.
A normal Ender Pearl teleports the user, but this item could steal a National Destiny reward.
Such a precious item was the only one of its kind in the Freedom Nation. They hadn't used it before because they hadn't seen anything worth the effort.
But now, the Blonde Elder was truly coveting the Dragon materials, so he had finally brought it out.
Unfortunately, due to the Ender attribute, the stolen reward was randomized, and he had only managed to steal the draw attempt itself.
"Still, it's not bad. At least we'll have a new, high-quality, and self-sustaining resource!"
The matter was of such importance that the news quickly leaked out.
Social media platforms were flooded with insults directed at the Freedom Nation.
"Disgusting! Thieves!"
"As soon as you see something good, you steal it? Why don't you go steal your own brains for once?"
"All you do is skulk around and steal. Why aren't you this bold inside the Block World!?"
"Is this what you call heroic? Mark should just hurry up and get eaten by a zombie!"
"I actually felt a bit sorry for the Alliance's situation, but now? Screw them!"
"The most disgusting trash—even worse than the Samurai Nation!"
The Blonde Elder chose to turn a deaf ear to the outcry.
If he didn't hear it, the insults didn't exist.
The prize was in his hands now. People could say whatever they wanted as long as he reaped the benefits.
"Already drawn? We should thank that Headmaster Quill of yours!"
The moment the reward was received, the ban on lava applied, ensuring a different item was drawn.
"The Freedom Nation and the Alliance need a victory to boost morale. This reward will be the perfect tonic!"
With that thought, he opened the reward.
Under an intensely expectant gaze, the reward that Headmaster Quill had rolled was revealed.
[SYSTEM: CONGRATULATIONS ON DRAWING A RANDOM BLOCK WORLD REWARD: WATER RESOURCES!]
[SYSTEM: FREEDOM NATION'S WATER RESOURCES INCREASED BY 500%!]
"Water resources?"
Hearing this, the Blonde Elder's brow furrowed slightly.
It was a bit worse than he had imagined, but it was still acceptable.
After all, this wasn't ordinary water—it was Block World water. Hadn't they seen how Galen Yu used it?
Two buckets of water could create an infinite source, and it was directly drinkable. The nation would never lack water again.
Two buckets of water could create an infinite source, and it was directly drinkable. The nation would never lack water again.
"Sir! I heard you successfully stole the Nine Provinces' National Destiny reward!"
Upon hearing the news, various departments outside the Black House came to offer their congratulations.
"What? How did I—?"
"No, it was through your unparalleled wisdom and our profound foundations that you reclaimed the reward that rightfully belonged to us, but had accidentally fallen into the hands of the Nine Provinces!"
Realizing he had misspoke, the congressman quickly corrected himself.
Seeing the Blonde Elder look satisfied, he continued.
"So, what resource did we actually get? Was it Dragon Bones, Dragon Hearts, or a Dragon Egg!?"
"Magical creatures! If we got a Dragon Egg, could we have our own dragons too?"
They had all seen Galen Yu's exploits and fantasized about becoming dragon knights.
Shaking his head, the Blonde Elder said regretfully,
"We didn't steal any dragon materials, but we drew water resources."
"From now on, we will have infinite water!"
He spread his arms wide, expecting the congressmen to join him in celebration with cheers of surprise.
Instead, upon hearing 'water resources,' their expressions turned remarkably strange.
"What's wrong? Isn't this something worth celebrating?"
"If it's Block World water, it's certainly worth celebrating. But exactly how much water was rewarded?"
"A full 500% increase! It's incredibly abundant!"
"What? 500%!?"
Hearing that number, the congressmen were horrified. Every single face turned from joy to sheer terror.
Still not grasping the severity of the situation, the Blonde Elder remained confused.
"What's the matter? Isn't this a good thing?"
"Sir, our nation's water resources are currently very abundant. We don't lack water at all."
"And since other resources have become plentiful, we haven't invested much in dams or water conservancy projects in recent years."
"So..."
The rumbling sound of rushing water seemed to echo in their ears.
"A flood is coming!"