"You're saying the Naga are running rampant in Zangarmarsh, constantly encroaching on the local creatures' living space, and the Draenei are in no small amount of trouble?"
Lothar looked at the intelligence report in his hand and confirmed with the Gargoyle scout in front of him. The Gargoyle nodded and spoke in a hoarse voice, "The Naga have taken over most of Zangarmarsh. The local creatures there are helpless, and even the Ogres have had to give up the central and eastern swamp areas, retreating to the westernmost Sporewood. However, there's no water in the Sporewood, and the Ogres are still mining spore stalks to build fortresses, so the Naga probably won't fight them to the death."
"I understand. Keep a close eye on the situation to the south. Report immediately if the Naga show any intention of entering Blade's Edge Mountains."
"Understood, Highlord."
Lothar's face was as cold as frost. It seemed those Naga had finished dealing with the demons and were now expanding their influence in Outland. However, the environment of Blade's Edge Mountains was completely unsuitable for Naga activity, making an attack here highly unlikely. Moreover, according to the scout's report, it would take a long time for the Naga to establish a firm foothold in Zangarmarsh. By then, the Scourge should have completely controlled Blade's Edge Mountains.
"I hope these guys don't come causing trouble now."
After igniting the intelligence report in the Soul Furnace, Lothar sent more spies to gather information between Blade's Edge Mountains and Zangarmarsh, and had Anub'arak lead the Nerubian to set up traps and defenses there in case of emergency.
Although he knew it was highly unlikely for the Naga to come to Blade's Edge Mountains, the necessary defensive preparations still had to be made. Anyway, the Ogres to the north had quieted down for now, and the work of mining and researching the apexis crystal, as well as transferring the Primal Thornbeast seeds, was at its most critical stage. The Naga absolutely could not be allowed to disrupt it.
According to Kel'Thuzad, once the research on the apexis crystal was initially completed, he would be confident in transferring a naxxanar to Blade's Edge Mountains. At that time, even capturing Gruul, the Gronn chieftain, would not be difficult.
Most importantly, due to the unique nature of that Primal Thornbeast seed, completely removing it also required the power of a naxxanar. Besides that, it would take some time to research its biological characteristics.
For this purpose, Kel'Thuzad had again transferred two capable assistants from the Cult of the Damned. These two "individuals" both possessed extremely deep knowledge and research in biology.
Hildgay Ravendreth, a former Kirin Tor Council member from Dalaran, possessed unparalleled talent and expertise in botany, microbiology, and animal modification throughout Dalaran. His personality was reclusive and eccentric. If not for his extremely high academic achievements in toxicology and curse studies, he probably would have been ostracized from Dalaran long ago.
After what could hardly be called an invitation, this Dalaran wizard also joined Kel'Thuzad's ranks, becoming a member of the Scourge.
To other creatures, he might be known by another name, "Filthy Hildgay." This fellow, who spent his days with plague-ridden plants and animals, was difficult to get along with, even within the Scourge.
This fellow had another reason for coming to Outland: "That madman Putress, I don't want to be destroyed by his inventions before I can grasp the truth."
"Professor Putress… is a bit unique," Noth the Plaguebringer said with a wry smile. A Frankenstein's monster that even the undead feared, he was probably the only one in all of Azeroth.
"I must apply to get him a separate laboratory. My lovely experimental animals are all going to be ruined by his slime," Hildgay was quite displeased with his colleague, mainly because his research results affected his own experiments.
"Icecrown Citadel is still being reinforced and modified. I will ask His Majesty to reserve a special laboratory for him." Kel'Thuzad had also heard of Putress. He was the only one who could give headaches to a group of mages and Archlich obsessed with dark magic.
However, the Archlich glanced at Noth the Plaguebringer and asked, "Why are you here too?"
Noth the Plaguebringer stiffened, then chuckled, "Ah… I… I came to lend a hand, there might be a place where I can be useful."
"You are an excellent Necromancer and alchemist, but… I don't think the Primal Thornbeast is within your area of expertise." Kel'Thuzad was indeed a bit strange, because this fellow was not on the original list.
"This guy, he insisted on coming with me."
Kel'Thuzad looked over at the sound and suddenly understood, "I see. Then let Noth the Plaguebringer be your assistant. Although this is not his area of expertise, his strength should still be of some help to you."
"Hmph, I don't want such a useless assistant who only gets in my way."
The enchanting Black Witch Farina cast a cold glance at Noth the Plaguebringer, then looked respectfully at the Archlich, "I assure you, Archlich, we will unravel the secrets of that life form as quickly as possible."
"His Majesty and I trust your abilities. Your laboratory is in the cave where the Primal Thornbeast is hidden. Hurry up, I have a premonition that we will have other tasks soon."
Kel'Thuzad nodded. He seemed to have great faith in the power of the Scourge. The reason was simple: in this world, perhaps the one who understood you better than yourself was your mortal enemy.
The Primal Thornbeast itself was a life form developed to its extreme, while the Scourge was the epitome of death.
If they couldn't figure it out, even those rigid Druids, or even the Titan Pantheon, might not be able to thoroughly study the Primal Thornbeast.
Kel'Thuzad had already received news from Arthas that the matters in the Eastern Kingdoms were basically concluded, with only the High Elf side remaining, and some Trolls hiding in the mountains who dared not show their faces recently.
And as Arthas had planned before, once the matters in the Eastern Kingdoms were over, his gaze would return to that frozen land. This time, he would command not the Legion of the Alliance, but the emissaries of death. As for their enemies…
Kel'Thuzad nodded thoughtfully. If it was as he thought, the Primal Thornbeast would become their secret weapon, because no one would expect a furious life to be hidden in the stronghold of death.
"Oh, and Noth the Plaguebringer, after you're done with Farina, go help those useless Necromancer under me. It's been quite a while, where have their Bone Dragons been resurrected to?!"
The Archlich's cold and undeniable voice echoed throughout the Scourge camp. The Necromancer who were slacking off due to slow resurrection progress trembled, revealing a smile uglier than crying—it was over, more overtime.