Azeroth: Starting with Eagle Eye in the Necropolis

Page 133

Turalyon's expeditionary force was quite large, with almost all the races in the Alliance giving their full support, and many heroes voluntarily joining this expedition from which there was no return.

Dalaran naturally sent many mages along, including several archmages whose magical power was no less than their own.

“I understand, Lord Rhodes. Since those expeditionary forces are still alive, it is our duty to bring them back. I am willing to join your expeditionary force.” Ronin agreed to Rhodes’ request after only a moment’s thought.

Rhodes is right. It's time to bring those warriors from the Outer Lands home. To be honest, if he hadn't been deeply in love with Vereesa back then, he would have wanted to join General Turalyon's expedition.

Now that his child has been born, he has another opportunity to travel to the outer realms, and he naturally won't miss it.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll write a letter and have the goblins deliver it to Princess Calia of Kalimdor. I believe that after receiving the message from Dalaran, those mages will be willing to return,” Rhodes said with a satisfied smile.

The two then exchanged pleasantries and pleasantries before Ronning took his leave. He would lead several elite mages with him when Rhodes went to the Outer Realms.

After Rhonin left, Rhodes received a message from Jaina that Ashbringer Alexandros and Dathrohan, one of the first paladins, had arrived outside the military camp and were waiting for Rhodes to receive them.

“I understand. Go and invite the two paladins over! We will discuss the expedition to the outer realms to rescue the expeditionary force next,” Rhodes nodded and said.

A moment later, the tent flap was lifted, and two middle-aged paladins, clad in armor and of imposing stature, entered. The one leading them was none other than Ashbringer Alexandros Mograine.

Rhodes recognized the Ashbringer on the other person's body at a glance; it was the most famous weapon in World of Warcraft. Back in the day, whoever possessed a Corrupted Ashbringer was incredibly prestigious. They would visit Scarlet Monastery all the time, watching the monsters there kneel and worship them.

Back when I started playing as Rhodes in the level 60 Earth version, I didn't have the chance to get the Fallen Ashbringer, which I regretted for a long time. After obtaining Kazaz's Shadow Core at the beginning of my transmigration, I immediately crafted a similar Holy Light weapon, the Holy Light Judgment. Now this weapon has been given to the Holy Light Archangel.

Beside him was Saidan Dathrohan, the first paladin, who was on par with Uther, Tirion Fordring, and Turalyon, all being one of the five first paladins.

The opponent still possesses powerful holy light, indicating that they were not killed by the dreadlord Balnazzar's sneak attack and were merely impersonating him.

"Greetings, Regent of Lordaeron, Grand Marshal Rhodes." Alexandros's voice boomed as he bowed first, followed by a nod from Dathrohan.

Rhodes and the other two had witnessed the alliance's strength firsthand. They had previously thwarted Arthas and the Dreadlord's plot in the royal city, saving the only remaining bloodline of the Lordaeron royal family.

Afterwards, he went to the continent of Kalimdor and won a valuable victory for the Allied Forces, defeating the Burning Legion. Now, he has returned to the Eastern Kingdoms to take charge of the overall situation.

He learned of Rhodes's deeds from his son Reno, so upon learning that Rhodes had returned to the Eastern Kingdom, he immediately led his army to join him.

"Welcome, Your Excellency Mograine, Your Excellency Dathrohan. Please have a seat." Rhodes rose to greet them, his attitude very friendly.

In the old version, the Scarlet Crusade was created by Dathrohan and Mograine, but in the new Chronicles, there was no Scarlet Crusade at all before Alexandros' death; there was only the Knights of the Silver Hand.

Uther is still alive, and the Knights of the Silver Hand are still around. For now, both of them have to obey Rhodes' orders, but Rhodes won't put on airs in front of them.

Rhodes had a very good impression of these two paladins.

"The Silver Hand played an indispensable role in the battle to defend Lordaeron. Thank you for your efforts. Princess Calia has always been very worried about the situation in the Eastern Kingdoms."

After the Battle of Mount Hyjal ended and things calmed down a bit on the continent of Kalimdor, I was immediately ordered to return and check on the situation in the Eastern Kingdoms, and to see if we could retake the capital city of Lordaeron.

“Princess Calia is the sole heir to Lordaeron. We all pledge our loyalty to Her Highness. Lord Rhodes, when will Lord Uther be able to return and lead the Knights again?” Alexander Dross asked.

After obtaining the Ashbringer, his strength increased greatly, making him even more formidable when dealing with Wang Lin. As a result, many members of the Knights have even suggested that he temporarily assume the position of Grand Lord.

However, Uther is still alive, and he possesses Titan weapons. Alexander Dross doesn't think he can shake Uther's position, and he has never even considered it.

“Princess Galiya is currently building a settlement for humans on the continent of Kalimdor, and Lord Uther is protecting her closely. This time, I plan to welcome the princess back after I reclaim the capital city of Lordaeron, at which time Lord Uther will also return,” Rhodes revealed his plan.

Now that the Forsaken have been sent away, as long as the forces of the Dreadlord are annihilated, the capital of Lordaeron will be restored, even though it has been corrupted and is in ruins by the undead.

However, the symbolic significance of the capital city to humanity is self-evident. As long as the capital city is reclaimed, the Kingdom of Lordaeron will still exist, and all the remaining resistance forces in the Eastern and Western Plaguelands will respond and join.

"We are willing to contribute to this, Lord Rhodes. When shall we begin our war plan?" The two paladins exchanged a glance and then nodded.

They had an unshirkable responsibility to reclaim the kingdom of Lordaeron. They had originally planned to reclaim Stratholme first, but now that the Regent had a better objective, they were naturally willing to assist him.

"With the addition of the two of you, this operation is sure to succeed. The Scourge is now at its weakest point, and it's time to launch a counterattack," Rhodes nodded and said.

“I’m a little curious about this. The Scourge seems to have weakened a lot lately. Do you know why?” Old Mograine asked.

“That’s right. It seems you’ve also noticed that after we defeated the Burning Legion at Mount Hyjal, these undead Scourge lost their driving force.”

Just recently, my new ally, Lidan, used a powerful artifact to launch a ranged attack on the Frozen Throne, inflicting significant damage on the Lich King.

As a result, the Lich King's power began to decline, and some of the undead even gained free will and betrayed the Lich King. At the same time, Arthas was also summoned back to the continent of Northrend by the Lich King.

"Now, the only remaining Scourge forces in the Eastern Kingdoms are Stratholme, the capital city of Lordaeron, and the floating city of Naxxramas." Rhodes briefly explained the current situation.

"This is truly fantastic news. It's such a pity we didn't shatter the Frozen Throne and kill the Lich King," Dathorhan said with a regretful expression. Mograine, standing beside him, nodded in agreement. Their hatred for the Scourge surpassed everything else.

“Using that artifact to weaken the Lich King through ranged attacks is already the limit, and the Lich King’s head should be cut off by our own hands, not achieved by relying on others,” Rhodes said.

Dathrohan and Mograine the Elder nodded in agreement with Rhodes's words.

"Grand Marshal Rhodes, we heard on our way here that you are planning a major military operation, targeting that broken world known as 'Outland,' in order to bring back General Turalyon and the brothers of the expeditionary force. Is this true or not?" Old Mograine asked.

“That’s right, it is true. The sons of Lothar, the heroes of the Alliance, should not be forgotten in a distant otherworld. Their return will be a huge boost to the morale of the Alliance and will greatly enhance our strength,” Rhodes said.

Dathrohan interjected, "There are many outstanding members of the Silver Hand in the expeditionary force, including my former comrades. For both public and private reasons, we have a duty to do so. We want to know the specific plans. How do you intend to go to Outland?"

Chapter 215 Old Mograine's Misunderstanding: This Guy is a Demon

"As far as I know, the Dark Portal is closed and cannot be opened again. Or have you found something? A way to open the Dark Portal?"

"Is it really okay to open that dangerous door again?" Old Mograine asked Rhodes.

Long ago, King Terenas convened a meeting and consulted the archmages of Dalaran, but even Antonidas and the high elf mages were helpless.

The group eventually came to the conclusion that only the reappearance of the Guardian Medivh, and the use of Guardian-level power, would allow for interstellar teleportation.

Otherwise, they would have absolutely no chance of bringing back the expeditionary force that was far away in the outer regions.

And most importantly, the Alliance does not want to open the Dark Portal, because once the Dark Portal is reopened, Draenor and Azeroth will be connected once again.

The reason the heroes bravely crossed the Dark Portal was to close it permanently, so that it would never again pose a threat to humanity.

Their decision to reopen the Dark Portal is an insult to the heroes' sacrifice.

“We won’t be using the Dark Portal, so don’t worry,” Rhodes said, shaking his head.

Both Alexandros and Dassohan showed expressions of surprise.

"Without using the Dark Portal? Then how do we get to that broken world called Outland?" Dathrohan asked, puzzled.

"That's exactly what I'm going to talk about. My ally, Illidan, is an ancient figure who has lived for 1 years and was once a great hero of the night elves."

During the War of the Ancients 1 years ago, he saved the entire Night Elf race and the world of Azeroth. He possessed a teleportation technology that could traverse worlds.

"And we've successfully located Outland, so we can now rely on Illidan's power to open a stable portal," Rhodes said.

Just after Rhodes returned to his camp near the ruins of Dalaran, Illidan also contacted Rhodes via magic, informing him that he had completed all preparations.

Now, with just a command from Rhodes, he can open a portal connecting the two worlds, taking Rhodes and his army to the Outer Realms.

“If he is your friend, then he is trustworthy. Marshal Rhodes, when shall we depart? Shall we wait until we have conquered Lordaeron, or shall we depart now?” Dathrohan nodded and asked.

"I plan to set off tomorrow. We'll first head to Outland to help the humans there return to Azeroth, then we'll help our new ally, Illidan, before returning to Azeroth to reclaim our capital city," Rhodes stated his plan.

Illidan's cooperation this time was due to an agreement with Rhodes: after rescuing the Alliance members, Rhodes would help Illidan become the ruler of Outland.

Rhodes said he had no problem with that, and frankly, the Outer Worlds weren't a good place.

Although Netherstorm has a lot of Nether energy and Nagrand is a vast grassland, its overall ecosystem is far inferior to that of Azeroth.

Illidan's establishment of a foothold in Outland is a good thing for humanity, as it can at least help them develop some of Outland's resources.

It can also serve as a bridgehead world to defend against the Burning Legion.

"Then, Grand Marshal Rhodes, how many men do we need? I have over 2000 soldiers, dozens of Silver Hand paladins, and over a hundred priests at your disposal," Alexandros nodded and said.

“The core of this operation will be a small, highly mobile elite team,” Rhodes explained.

"A streamlined workforce makes it easier to respond to emergencies and reduces the pressure of maintaining the portal. The main force will consist of myself, Jaina, Master Rhonin and his chosen mages, the blood elves of Quel'Thalas led by Prince Kael'thas, and the Silver Hand warriors who volunteer to go. Our sole objective is to locate and bring back General Turalyon and his expeditionary force."

"So the number of people this time will not exceed 100." Rhodes stated his plan.

"Grand Marshal Rhodes, you're not kidding, are you? With less than 100 men, you're going to launch an expedition to the outer realms? What can we do with such a small force?"

"That world has a large number of orcs, and they're not very friendly to us humans. I think we should bring at least a few thousand troops there," said Old Mograine.

As a veteran of the Second War, Old Mograine also had no good feelings towards the orcs, so he naturally had to make many preparations before heading to the orcs' homeland.

"If nothing unexpected happens, we won't have any major conflicts with the native orcs, since we're going to pick up people, not to fight."

"So don't worry, and if the orcs dare to attack us, I'll teach them a lesson." Rhodes said with a smile.

Just kidding, I've made thorough preparations this time. Illidan even has a spy named Darkus on his side!

This former member of the Shadow Council, a high-ranking warlock under Gul'dan, and with the fel-elemental demon bestowed upon him by Rhodes, may not be able to become the Warchief in the open, but he could certainly be the mastermind behind the scenes, just like his boss Gul'dan.

Fel orcs can surrender to Illidan, which could be a good weapon against the Burning Legion.

"It is our duty to welcome back the expeditionary force, Marshal Rhodes." The two paladins exchanged a glance and nodded to Rhodes.

"Thank you for your trust and support. Each of you will take ten paladins and a small number of priests. We will set off from the military camp early tomorrow morning."

"Go to Illidan's side, then use the portal to Outland," Rhodes said.

After seeing the two paladins off, Rhodes ordered someone to inform Kael'thas, instructing the blood elves to prepare to depart early the next morning.

The following morning, Rhodes, Jaina, Alexandros, Dathrohan, and others led 20 paladins, along with 10 priests, and 10 mages brought by Archmage Rhonin.

Kael'thas and his 30 spellbreakers and 20 blood elf mages have all assembled.

"Everyone is here."

"As you instructed, Your Excellency Rhodes, our army has been assembled." Everyone nodded in unison.

Rhodes surveyed the elite team of fewer than a hundred people, which comprised top-tier human, blood elf, and spellcaster warriors, and nodded in satisfaction.

"Then let's go! Don't keep our allies waiting." Rhodes nodded and immediately led the team toward Illidan's camp!

On the way, Rhodes specifically spoke with the two old paladins and Archmage Rowling about Illidan's situation. He was indeed a night elf, but had now become a demon hunter.

"Marshal Rhodes, you're not kidding, are you?"

"That guy is a demon. He uses fel energy. Can we trust him? What if he launches a sneak attack on us? If we're all wiped out, the entire Alliance is finished," Dathrohan said, his face filled with shock.

He originally thought that this being named Illidan was a powerful archmage, just like the Guardian, after all, he was a person who had lived for 1 years, but the other party turned out to be a demon hunter.

Although he didn't know what a Demon Hunter was, the fact that the other party used fel energy made him feel uneasy.

“Power itself is neither good nor bad. Li Dan does use fel energy in battle, but his ultimate goal is to destroy the Burning Legion,” Rhodes said.

"Although you say so, Lord Rhodes's fel energy has a serious effect on the mind. People who use fel energy tend to be psychologically twisted and perverted."

"I'll be watching that guy named Illidan. If he's a threat to us, Ashbringer will be the first to strike him down," said old Mograine.

Even Archmage Rhonin, who was standing to the side, nodded in agreement. During his investigation of the Death War quest, he had also come into contact with the Burning Legion's demon, the dog king Hakkar.