The blue ghostly light in Arthas's eyes gradually faded, and the terrifying aura emanating from him slowly disappeared. Kel'Thuzad, seeing that his master had emerged from meditation, quickly reported, "Gruul has fallen at the feet of our champions. The greatest threat in Blade's Edge Mountains has thus vanished."
"That's enough. Although there are various indigenous tribes in Blade's Edge Mountains, they pose no threat compared to the Gronn and Ogres. Find a high ground close to Netherstorm and establish a semi-permanent base there."
Without Kel'Thuzad needing to say more, Arthas had already sensed Gruul's vigorous life force gradually dissipating. The once invincible Dragon Killer had also become a defeated foe of the Scourge.
And the price of failure was not only his life but also his soul.
"Kel'Thuzad, personally go collect Gruul's body and soul. Take your most elite Necromancers with you. Our war beasts still have some flaws, and Gruul's body and soul are excellent materials to help us overcome those flaws."
Arthas waved his hand, and a mist of ice rose before him, revealing Gruul's battered corpse and Sabelian, who was absorbing necrotic energy and slowly recovering from his injuries.
The Dragon Lich's strength was formidable; even against Gruul, he did not fall behind. However, to completely eliminate this terrifying fierce beast, it still relied on the help of Grommash and others. Otherwise, he alone, as a Dragon, could only ensure he wasn't torn apart by Gruul. To defeat this giant beast, he still lacked some crucial power.
But Sabelian's strength was considered top-notch within the entire Scourge, especially the uniqueness of the Dragon Lich, which gave him the characteristics of both a Bone Dragon and a Lich. Even if Arthas were to pull Sindragosa from beneath the ice of Icecrown Glacier now, she would not be as good as Sabelian.
Sindragosa's bones naturally couldn't be used for resurrection. Arthas never intended to target her anyway. Otherwise, Malygos would probably fight the Scourge desperately regardless of the cost. Both from a moral and a practical standpoint, it completely went against Arthas's needs.
It's just a Bone Dragon. Even using the bones of the Mother of Blue Dragons, it wouldn't necessarily be much stronger. For the undead, the most important standard of strength is the soul contained within. In terms of the Shadowlands' standards, it's the amount and strength of Anima.
Arthas deeply understood a principle: strength that cannot be replicated is sufficient for an individual, but to build an army that can strike fear into the hearts of enemies, relying solely on these unreproducible powerful individuals is unreliable. What the Scourge truly needed was a method to elevate its overall strength.
The undead sea tactics, relying on Ghouls and Skeleton Soldiers to overwhelm one living being after another, couldn't even be considered attrition when facing stronger enemies. The Scourge needed more advanced and profound knowledge to arm itself. The Dragon Lich and Gronn armaments were Arthas's attempts, and he would not stop there.
The birth of Frostmourne was a massive conspiracy, but now the loopholes in this mournful sword had been erased by Arthas. He didn't care if the sword's original owner would jump in anger. Even if Azeroth had many peculiarities, the other party certainly didn't place all their bets in one place.
Moreover, the veil between the material world and the Shadowlands wasn't that easy to break. Otherwise, the other party would have personally entered the fray long ago, instead of relying on his few agents in the material world.
The threat of the Shadowlands was still too far away. Arthas didn't care about The Jailer's conspiracy he had glimpsed, or the true meaning of "destiny," nor did he want to get involved in the murky waters of The First Ones' holy city, Zereth Mortis.
Speaking of which, he himself should have been one of The Jailer's "agents," and Frostmourne was a chess piece the other party had meticulously set up. Unfortunately, without the "income" from the Scourge, it would probably be even more difficult for Helya and the other few to complete the other party's grand scheme.
"Put the research on Gronn on the agenda. These massive beasts are perfect blueprints for building more mature constructs. You should know, they are top-tier overlords carefully selected from Draenor's harsh nature, so they naturally have their advantages."
Arthas didn't just want to research the technique of stitched constructs. Although this technique, originating from the realm of death, had undergone a long period of testing, it was still the other party's technique. Using it completely would expose his weaknesses to the other party.
"Also, that Primal Thornbeast seed, keep it safe for me. There should be some scholars among the Highborne phantoms who have studied nature magic. You'd best consult with them. I don't want it to be so corrupted by death energy that it can't grow before it's put to use. Before that, any unused flesh materials that haven't been too severely contaminated can be used as fertilizer for that seed."
Kel'Thuzad recorded Arthas's instructions one by one in his notes. Arthas saw that he was mostly done recording and stood up, "That's all for now. For the next period, I will be dealing with matters concerning the reopening of the Dark Portal. I hope to see you all have achieved sufficient results when I return."
"As you wish, my master," Kel'Thuzad bowed. "Oh, and master, if that Elf sends someone to find us, what should I do...?"
"No matter what he says, ignore him. If he comes to find us, it means he has confirmed what I said. As for how he confirmed it... Heh heh..."
Arthas sneered a few times. The Scourge temporarily had no need to attract Kil'jaeden's attention. If Illidan was courting death, he didn't want to be dragged along.
With that, Arthas was slowly swallowed by a swirling gray mist imbued with frost, and his figure disappeared within the mist. Kel'Thuzad's gaze couldn't help but reveal a hint of envy and awe.
His master had reached a height unattainable by most mortals. This power of walking between two realms indicated that Arthas's understanding of the power of death was no less than that of certain death deities.
Perhaps, even those Gronn that struck fear into the hearts of Black Dragons were no different from ordinary beasts in Arthas's presence—death is the bane of all life, and what Arthas wielded was perhaps the most suitable for slaughter and destruction.
This further solidified Kel'Thuzad's resolve to serve the Scourge and Arthas. His entire life had been dedicated to the pursuit of power and the true meaning of death, both in life and in death.
And Arthas, was like the embodiment of death in the mortal world.
*********
Months later, in the embassy in Lordaeron, Arthas leaned his hands on the edges of the war sand table, looking down at the simulated scene of the Blasted Lands within it. Beside him was a very special "envoy," and this envoy was constantly challenging Arthas's bottom line.
"Your Royal Highness, it has only been a year since the Battle of Mount Hyjal. The Silvermoon Council believes that our people have not yet recovered from the wounds of the last war, and launching another grand expedition at this time is not a good idea.
The Alliance's covenant has only recently been revised. Quel'Thalas truly does not wish for an expedition with an uncertain future to damage the friendly ties between us and our allies—you see, over the past decade or so, we have already experienced too much devastation from wars. First, those crude and barbaric orcs, then the Demons from the Twisting Nether, plus the Trolls who constantly harass our borders, the people of Quel'Thalas are physically and mentally exhausted from the entanglement with these hateful enemies.
Could you please give us a little more time? Of course, Quel'Thalas will not mistreat the Alliance's allies; we will provide all the help we can. You see..."
The envoy spoke earnestly, seemingly thinking only of the Alliance's people, not wishing to harm the entire Alliance with one war after another. But he did not notice that Arthas's expression was growing increasingly grim as he rambled on.
"The Alliance is not a dictatorship, Mr. Dath'Remar Sunstrider. As I said in previous discussions, the Silvermoon Council's proposal will be jointly voted on by the members of the Alliance. This is not something I alone can decide—and whether to open or keep the Dark Portal closed, the answer has already been given in the meeting."
Arthas patiently listened to Dath'Remar Sunstrider's words, then replied without hesitation. For the past few days, he had been harassed too many times by this "pawn" sent by the Silvermoon Council. But what angered him was not this Elven mage in front of him, but the "Silvermoon Council" he represented.
Dar'Khan pursed his lips, still wearing that hypocritical smile, like a good person devoted to his country and people. But Arthas had already spoken to such an extent, coupled with repeated setbacks over the past few days, which made this mage, who had always prided himself highly, somewhat weary. However, he had already accepted the Council's mission and could not directly fall out with the Prince of Lordaeron, so he continued:
"Quel'Thalas is also a member of the Alliance. If Your Highness insists on forcing us, then Quel'Thalas may not be able to fulfill its obligations."
As soon as he finished speaking, Dar'Khan suddenly felt a palpitation. The Prince, who had originally been looking at the sand table, had now turned his gaze to him. His eyes no longer held their usual kindness and friendliness, but an incredibly coldness that shocked Dar'Khan.
Cold sweat suddenly broke out on his forehead. He was somewhat confused as to which of his words had offended Arthas. What he said was clearly the most basic diplomatic rhetoric.
"I remember that the supreme ruler of Quel'Thalas should be the Sun King, right? Why do you keep mentioning the Silvermoon Council? Although I deeply regret the passing of His Majesty Anastarian, the current Sun King Kael'thas should be the ruler of Quel'Thalas. Is the Silvermoon Council overstepping its authority?"
Arthas's words no longer held the calm and gentleness of his previous reply; instead, they carried a hint of coldness and an aggressive stance.
However, Dar'Khan was an old Arcane master who had lived for an unknown number of years, and he had spent countless years in that decadent environment to secure a place in the Silvermoon Council. Logically, he should not have been intimidated by a human Prince barely in his twenties, yet Dar'Khan felt an inexplicable fear.
It was like a sheep standing before a lion, an innate, irresistible, instinctive timidity.
Dar'Khan stammered for a long time, unable to utter a complete sentence. Arthas also did not want to waste any more time on him and the Silvermoon Council, and simply said, "It seems Mr. Dath'Remar Sunstrider is tired. Standing with me in this war room for so long, a mage's physique can indeed feel fatigued. Someone, escort Mr. Dath'Remar Sunstrider back to his residence to rest."
Two guards walked in and led Dar'Khan out of the war room. As Dar'Khan walked out the door of the meeting room, he suddenly seemed to awaken from a dream, feeling both resentment and terror. He wanted to utter some harsh words, but looking back at the dark, bottomless abyss-like doorway, he swallowed the words on his lips.
He could only silently curse in his mind, "Arrogant human monkeys, daring to disrespect Quel'Thalas, you will pay the price sooner or later."
After Dar'Khan left, a slender figure gradually emerged from the shadows in a corner of the meeting room. Sylvanas glanced in the direction Dar'Khan had departed, saying with a hint of amusement, "You have such a good temper. If it were me, I would beat him until he dared not speak nonsense again."
"Then you'll have to change your temper, but then you wouldn't be you. Otherwise, how would the Silvermoon Council have driven you out?" Arthas replied unhurriedly, "Also, loosen your clenched fist. It's just the two of us here, no need to pretend. If you really want to beat him, you can go after him now. I guarantee those guards will pretend not to see anything."
"I wasn't pretending. I really wanted to beat him." Sylvanas was very indignant at the Prince's words. "Not just him, but also those old foxes in the Silvermoon Council..."
At this point, the former Ranger-General changed her tone, saying somewhat dejectedly, "But what's the use of just beating him up? The old masters of the Silvermoon Council are still sitting comfortably in their chairs, washing their hands of the matter. Dar'Khan is just a scapegoat they pushed out to do this thankless job."
"I really want to beat Kael'thas up. This guy, to mourn his father, is unwilling to officially take the throne for a short period, insisting on settling all these trivial matters as a Prince before taking office."
Arthas mentioned his old friend's name with a sense of disappointment. He had given Kael'thas enough time and space, even disrupting Illidan's plan, making him temporarily abandon his ideas about the Sunwell. But Kael'thas, who was usually so graceful, was actually terrifyingly stubborn.
He didn't want to drag down the Windrunner family, so he feigned revoking Sylvanas's position, making it unnecessary for her to clash with the Silvermoon Council. Kael'thas intended to subdue the Silvermoon Council to avoid the Windrunner and ranger corps being caught in the middle, and also indirectly provided a legendary powerhouse to the Alliance.
Sylvanas alone could be said to rival half of the ranger corps. Kael'thas's idea was good, but he still hadn't figured out how difficult the old foxes of the Silvermoon Council were. Without Sylvanas's help, although she wouldn't be implicated, Kael'thas himself stepped into the mud and couldn't pull himself out for a long time.
"His Royal Highness also has his difficulties..." Sylvanas sighed when she heard Kael'thas's name. She naturally understood Kael'thas's intentions. If she hadn't been unable to go against the future Sun King, she wouldn't have temporarily "left her home." "But now it seems the Silvermoon Council has probably been plotting for a long time. I'm worried he can't manage alone..."
"What, you want to go back?" Arthas glanced at Sylvanas, immediately seeing through the Ranger's thoughts. "I won't let you go easily. A legendary Ranger is an extremely scarce resource for the Alliance right now."
"Isn't Nathanos here? Her strength is no less than mine, and besides, if the situation is urgent, my sister Vereesa is also in Dalaran." Sylvanas seemed genuinely eager to return to her homeland to help the unpromising Kael'thas, even going so far as to offer her sister, who had just given birth.
"Your sister just gave birth, and you're willing to let her go? And, compared to them, your main advantage is that your position and status are very free," Arthas said. "Putting that aside, my advice is that you'd best not return to Quel'Thalas. Kael'thas has probably just sorted things out and has found the Silvermoon Council's weak point, otherwise they wouldn't be so eager to send someone to negotiate with the Alliance. If you go back now, it will only give the Council leverage—
If you ask me, you're still better suited to be a General. You can't outplay them in the Silvermoon Council's games. I can assure you, I will not move against your homeland. Quel'Thalas is, after all, still a member of the Alliance."
Sylvanas looked at Arthas for a while before sighing in defeat, "You're right... Then I'll stay in Lordaeron for now... And please, remember your promise, my dear Prince."
The days the Ranger spent in Lordaeron made her clearly understand what kind of person the Prince before her truly was. She could only say that in all of Quel'Thalas, apart from her and Kael'thas, probably no one realized the terrifying power Arthas wielded.
That pervasive intelligence network, the iron cavalry unswervingly loyal to the Prince, and that group of "fanatics" Sylvanas couldn't comprehend, who spoke of the Holy Light all day. The Prince's fiancée was the designated successor to the Archmage of Dalaran, the Prince's father-in-law controlled the world's most powerful naval force, the Dwarf King and Prince were Arthas's teachers and close friends, the Gnomes and Lordaeron had very close ties, and even her Kaldorei distant relatives, in matters concerning the Eastern Kingdoms, all deferred to Arthas.
The King of Stormwind Kingdom was Arthas's good friend, and the godfather of his son was precisely Arthas. Even the Tauren in Kalimdor received most of their support and assistance from Lordaeron.
Not to mention Gilneas and Stromgarde, who joined the Alliance because of Arthas, and the new Alterac, who simply completely sided with Lordaeron.
Unbeknownst to them, almost all the forces and powers of Azeroth had converged under Arthas's guidance, forming a terrifying force that was gradually becoming irresistible. The Alliance now almost looked to Lordaeron as its leader, and the old King placed immense trust and support in his son.
Moreover, what sent chills down Sylvanas's spine the most was that she always felt that Arthas carried far more than met the eye. Her mother had once warned her, "As a Ranger, what you need to be most vigilant about are not enemies in the sunlight, but threats lurking in the shadows."
She had seen Arthas use the power of the Holy Light. Even though she was not a follower of the Holy Light, her discernment was far beyond that of ordinary people. The Ranger-General always felt that Arthas's Holy Light power was different from others, and the biggest question was, what was hidden beneath Arthas's Holy Light?
The setting sun streamed through the meeting room's doors and windows, casting Arthas's shadow long, so long that half of the meeting room was obscured by the darkness, and Sylvanas stood within this shadow.