Apocalypse Forecast

A paradox stood before Annan:

The complaint about Michael's misuse of the Carriage meant Annan's travels had become dangerous—

To ask the Blue Dragon for help, Annan had to leave Breeze City for the secluded outskirts—

To make his travels safe, Annan needed the Blue Dragon's help—

And to reach the Blue Dragon, he needed the protection of a Mage Tower Carriage—

"Leave it to me."

Michael left the Tavern after saying that. Before long, a Mage Tower Carriage stopped outside the Tavern. Its white paint wasn't freshly applied, and its Mage Tower emblem looked genuine.

"This is a Mage Tower Carriage?"

"I borrowed it from another friend." Michael answered Annan's astonished look. "She doesn't mind one more complaint against her."

Annan gave him a thumbs-up. "You're as reliable as Mr. Fast."

"I help you, and you insult me?"

Annan climbed into the Carriage, left Breeze City, and arrived at the same forest clearing as before.

The familiar Summoning Spell tore a rift through space. Beautiful, artlike scales and a massive limb appeared on the other side, while a deep rumble drifted into the clearing—

The gauzy Ghost floated up to the Rift. It seemed to study Annan, then twirled about excitedly before going to wake the sleeping Blue Dragon.

The scales shifted. The rumble ceased, replaced by a deep, rough voice edged with sleepiness. "Human, you are disturbing a Dragon Clan's magnificent slumber."

"Sorry to disturb you. I'd like to buy some Magic Items from you."

"I am a Dragon! Not a Merchant!"

The grass beside the Rift rippled under its furious roar. Coins tumbled down the mountain of treasure, and the Ghosts and Skeletons hurried to put it back in order. Even so, bare Rock remained exposed beneath the coins.

Annan felt as though he had uncovered a