In Blackrock Mountain, Jaina's expression was incredibly serious. She and the mages from Dalaran stared intently at the barrier, which was being repeatedly struck by lava and flames, fearing that the magical barrier might suddenly crack from taking too many blows.
Fortunately, with the help of Water Elements and the continuous influx of seawater into Blackrock Mountain, the magical barrier managed to withstand these impacts.
However, Archmage Ansirem Runeweaver, Dalaran's defensive Archmage, looked at the unmoving barrier, his entire face almost twisted into a pretzel.
"You seem conflicted? Master Ansirem, is there something wrong with the shield?"
Jaina noticed the Archmage's expression beside her and was worried if there was some hidden flaw in the magical barrier.
To her surprise, Archmage Ansirem quickly shook his head and said with a very firm tone, "No, no, no, there's nothing wrong with this shield at all, and… its condition is much better than I anticipated. We've only input the most basic Arcane energy, yet it shows no signs of reaching its limit."
Jaina breathed a sigh of relief, "Thanks to your superb skill, Master Ansirem, otherwise we—"
"Apologies, Lady Proudmoore, but I'm afraid this has nothing to do with me," Ansirem was equally puzzled. "In my calculations, even with the help of those Water Elements, it would be quite difficult for us to maintain this barrier. But now…"
Master Ansirem's eyes lit up with a faint Arcane glow. "The barrier's structure has undergone some changes—positive ones. These changes have elevated the entire shield's strength and stability by several levels. For a temporarily constructed large barrier, this is simply incredible."
It was rather embarrassing, but even Ansirem, who specialized in magical shields and barriers, hadn't fully understood what exactly had happened to the barrier they constructed to cause such a change.
But before everything ended, Ansirem didn't have time to study the anomaly of this magical barrier. He could only temporarily attribute it to the influence of active Elemental power on Arcane magic in the current situation.
As for whether this was a false premise or a true one, that would have to wait for subsequent research.
It was still wartime, and Ansirem had to focus on the shield's stability. Although it currently seemed flawless, who knew if another explosion of that scale would occur again.
The safety of the entire Alliance army was in his hands, and Ansirem dared not be negligent.
"Is that so?" Jaina listened to Ansirem's statement and agreed somewhat, as she also felt that the shield was incredibly stable.
Facing such an impact, there wasn't even the slightest sign of faltering.
However, now was not the time for wild thoughts or calm research. This massive volcanic eruption already indicated that the ancient being underground had awakened.
"Master Ansirem, I'll leave this to you. I need to find Arthas and ask him what to do next."
Ansirem nodded, not replying, but meticulously checked the barrier's integrity to prevent any accidents.
Jaina also found Arthas's location and instantly teleported to his side. On the terrace, she also saw a fully armed Thoras and Magni.
"Jaina, you're here?"
While greeting Jaina, Arthas looked helplessly at Thoras and Magni. "You two are armed to the teeth, what are you planning to do?"
"Of course, we're going to give that Ragnaros a good beating. What else could we do?"
Magni spoke as if it were obvious, and then he looked at Arthas with suspicion, "You're not thinking of sneaking off by yourself, are you?"
"You two are the leaders of the combined forces. It's not time for you to lead from the front yet." Arthas earnestly advised. Frankly, although these two were strong enough, the problem was that Ragnaros was not an opponent who could be defeated by simple physical means. Why were these two smelly warriors joining in the fun?
Thoras asked, "Then what about you? You're not planning to face an Elemental Lord who can destroy half a mountain range by yourself, are you? We are the leaders of the combined forces, aren't you?"
Arthas's mouth twitched. He knew this would happen, but unfortunately, the scale of Ragnaros's awakening couldn't be hidden. Even Bolvar and those on the outermost perimeter probably knew by now.
Jaina seized the opportunity and said, "Yes, Arthas, since we are all members of the Alliance, we should fight together. We can't let you fight alone anymore."
Seeing their insistence, Arthas could only compromise. "Alright, although I never intended to go solo, if you insist on joining, then let's go meet Ragnaros together—"
"Wait, did you forget someone?" A voice, lazy yet carefree, echoed from the shadows nearby. The High Elf's "former" Ranger-General stepped towards Arthas.
"That dragon before, you fooled me then. Do you still want to fool me again?" Sylvanas crossed her arms. "Be careful, or I'll tell Nathanos to slack off."
What else could Arthas say? She was threatening him with his "good student's" work. He could only make a "please" gesture, inviting Sylvanas to join their team.
"Jaina, have you confirmed the coordinates Duke Hydraxis gave you?"
Hearing this, Jaina nodded, "It's been ready for a long time. We can depart anytime—my captain."
"Good, then let's count down, three, two…"
Before he finished speaking, blue Arcane energy enveloped them. The scene before the five of them shifted from the black and red Shadowforge City to an area that was half water and half lava.
They appeared on a large "island" made of rock. In front of them, Water Elements, fearless of death, were charging at the Fire Element minions beneath a massive column of fire.
Wait—
That was not a "column of fire" at all, but a colossal Fire Element whose body was as towering as a mountain. In his hand, he wielded a battle hammer burning with raging flames, inscribed with runes that pulsed like fire. Just looking at him made one feel incredibly small.
His body was a storm of flames, his face was scorching lava, and within the awe-inspiring inferno, a terrifying Elemental power surged.
"Ragnaros, he is older than this world itself! You have no idea what kind of great being you are fighting against!"
A hoarse yet impassioned voice spread across the entire battlefield from beneath Ragnaros's feet. Steward Exoratus raised his trident high, shouting his master's name.
"Let the flames cleanse everything!"