Linde became unusually wary; judging from the words it uttered, it seemed he had long been on the list.
It's just unclear whether this list is black or white.
Kael'thas, the dragon, narrowed its molten gold-like vertical pupils slightly, revealing a hint of human-like scrutiny. Its deep and majestic voice echoed directly in Lind's mind once again:
“There’s no need to be so tense, Lind. The dragon list is not a wanted poster or invitation in the conventional sense. We are merely… observers. Observing everything on this continent that may disrupt the balance or touch upon the deep rules of the world.”
Its enormous head was slightly raised, exuding the arrogance and ancient vicissitudes unique to the dragon race.
"The energy eruption you caused in the western border of the continent was far beyond the scope of ordinary legendary battles in terms of scale and nature."
That was not a simple arcane or elemental fluctuation; at its core lay a... near-rule-level erasure effect, which even briefly disturbed some of our ancient monitoring arrays located among the mountains.
Kael'thas's wings flapped slowly, maintaining his hovering position, and his tone became increasingly interested:
"The elders of the clan are very interested in this. Not to interfere or judge, but simply out of curiosity—how does a human who does not originate from any known ancient lineage master and drive such power? Your existence, your power system, is a new variable worth recording and analyzing for us."
Linde quickly weighed the options in his mind.
The dragon's posture did not seem hostile, but rather more like a condescending, academic inquiry.
They see themselves as observers detached from worldly affairs, recording the changes in the world and the rise of the strong.
“So, ‘Guardian of the Sky,’” Lind’s voice came through the loudspeaker, calm and even, “your arrival is merely to… satisfy the dragons’ curiosity?”
"That's certainly true."
Kel'Thalas let out a low chuckle, like a muffled thunderclap, "Of course, let's also check whether this suddenly appearing powerful force will cause unpredictable damage to the foundations of the world, or... whether its controller is rational enough."
After all, history is replete with examples of people who, upon gaining power, became arrogant and ultimately brought disaster upon themselves.
Its words carried a calmness born from witnessing the rise and fall of countless civilizations.
"So, what's your conclusion?"
Linde asked, while secretly increasing the energy flow efficiency of the "Starry Sky Apostle" in preparation for any eventuality.
When facing a fully grown golden dragon, you can never be too cautious.
Kael'thas's dragon eyes scanned the "Starry Sky Apostle" once more, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate the dark blue crystalline armor and perceive its exquisite and extraordinary internal structure and energy.
"The conclusion is... interesting, very interesting."
The dragon's tone was more admiring than wary, "Your creation, and you yourself, are unlike any technology or magical system we know. Your power is immense yet restrained, your energy core stable and profound. More importantly..."
It paused, as if organizing its thoughts:
“You seem to know exactly what you’re doing and are effectively controlling this power. At least for now, there’s no indication that you’re abusing it. According to our intelligence, the conflict in the Principality of Oak was not instigated by you either. This is good news for observers. We prefer stable, predictable variables.”
Linde relaxed his guard slightly.
It seems that the dragons are more inclined to observe from a neutral perspective. As long as he does not do anything crazy like destroying the world, they seem to be happy to see it happen, and may even be studying a rare species with a mindset of doing so.
"Thank you for your 'positive review'...?"
Lin De's tone was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger. "So, the dragons' observation is over? May I continue my journey?"
"Of course, your freedom is not restricted by the dragons."
Kel'Thalas nodded elegantly at his massive head. "However, since we've met, I can offer you some advice, traveler."
"Speaking."
"The place you are going to, that place that mortals call the 'Forest of Eternal Silence,' is more ancient and exclusive than any text you know."
The dragon's tone became serious. "Valak, that 'Deep Roots Elder,' is far more integrated with the forest than you can imagine. It is not a relatively stable ley line spirit like Camran; its consciousness is more dispersed, and more... sensitive and unpredictable. Any aura that is not of nature will cause the entire forest to violently repel it."
It looked at the "Starry Sky Apostle" with a meaningful gaze:
"Especially someone like you, and your vehicle... imbued with the power of stars and cold technology. If you just barge in like this, you might not be facing the test of a legend, but the hostility of the entire ancient forest's will. That would be endless trouble."
Lind paused for a moment. The golden dragon had clearly guessed his destination and provided extremely valuable information. This confirmed his earlier assessment that visiting Valak was extremely risky.
"Thank you for your advice, Kel'Thuzad. I will consider it carefully."
"Linde said sincerely. Whatever the dragon's purpose, this information certainly saved him from the enormous risks he might have faced."
"Very good. Rationality is a quality that a strong person should possess."
The golden dragon seemed satisfied with Lind's reaction. "Then, traveler, continue your journey. Perhaps in the future, when your path has stretched far enough, we will meet again. Dragons always pay attention to those who can reach the pinnacle."
After saying this, Kael'thas let out a long and resounding dragon roar. His huge wings suddenly spread out, stirring up powerful air currents. With an elegant turn, he glided towards the endless northern horizon, quickly turning into a golden dot of light and disappearing into the sky.
Linde stood in the cockpit of the "Starry Sky Apostle," watching the giant dragon disappear.
The appearance and pronouncements of the dragons painted a deeper picture of the continent for him—in these realms inaccessible to mortals, there existed transcendent observer forces like the dragons. They did not directly interfere, but constantly monitored forces that might affect the balance of the world.
The warnings about the Everlasting Forest forced him to reassess his plan to search for the legend.
“It would be unwise to directly pilot the ‘Starry Sky Apostle’ into the area…” Linde pondered for a moment, his eyes flashing with data again.
"Perhaps... we need a more 'natural' vessel, or... a way to shield ourselves from 'unnatural' aura to the greatest extent possible."
His gaze fell upon the clouds to the north, and his mind began rapidly calculating and planning new solutions.
The unexpected encounter with the dragon, while bringing new layers of information and potential attention, also provided crucial intelligence, averting a possible crisis.
The road ahead still requires him to explore cautiously, step by step.
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