"It's magic, fire magic!"
Jaina coughed twice, mimicking Antonidas: "The Humans and High Elves gathered all their mages, cast a joint spell, and wove a super-large fire spell, annihilating the main force of the Amani Trolls in one fell swoop!"
"Correct answer!"
Kael'thas gave a thumbs up, almost saying, "Kul Tiras gets 10 points."
Antonidas mused: "Kael'thas, you want to draw mages from various kingdoms, emulate the past, and set Zul'Aman ablaze?"
Kael'thas said solemnly: "Yes, Speaker."
"2800 years ago, the High Elf mages were less than a third of what they are now, Human mages were less than one percent, and the Amani Trolls' forces were ten times greater than now, yet they were still able to wipe out the main Amani Trolls force in one go."
"Now, we only need to draw a third… no, a fifth of the mages from each kingdom, and we can turn all of Zul'Aman into a sea of fire!"
"This… it's not impossible," Antonidas was tempted.
Mages can teleport, so they can gather within a day to eliminate the Amani Trolls.
A round trip on the same day would not greatly affect the various battlefronts.
As long as the Amani Trolls are eliminated, it would be like cutting off an arm of the Horde, allowing the High Elves to fully participate in the war.
Although the High Elves have a very low birthrate, their population is even smaller than that of Alterac, the weakest of the Seven Human Kingdoms.
However, their proportion of spellcasters is even higher than Dalaran's, their numbers far exceed any single kingdom, and their quality is superior.
The number of High Elf High Mages and Archmages is almost equivalent to the sum of the Seven Human Kingdoms.
Once the High Elves fully join the war, the Alliance will gain a powerful new force, and the scales of victory will inevitably tip towards the Alliance.
"I agree."
"Dalaran will dispatch 1,000 mages to participate."
After careful consideration, Antonidas was the first to speak.
His agreement, besides the fact that it truly benefited the Alliance, was also related to his personal relationship with Kael'thas.
As the Speaker of the Kirin Tor Council, he and Kael'thas were colleagues, often discussing magic together.
Even his most well-known and greatest contribution, "Theory of Nine Schools of Magic," contained Kael'thas's efforts.
Both publicly and privately, he had no reason not to support Kael'thas.
"Thank you, Speaker."
Kael'thas bowed respectfully and said: "Under your leadership, the Kirin Tor Council has flourished, both in quantity and quality, far surpassing the past. I believe Master Allodi would be greatly comforted to see this. The waves behind push the waves ahead; the Speaker has indeed surpassed his predecessors!"
Antonidas's wrinkled old face immediately broke into a smile, and he stroked his beard, saying: "I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it."
This flattery was precise and effective, making him feel incredibly pleased.
Kael'thas looked at Grand Admiral Daelin of Kul Tiras.
"Your Highness, with the Orcs invading in full force and the front lines stretched thin, many areas rely on mages for crowd control, burning supplies, and teleporting provisions."
Daelin frowned: "Do you know that for every mage withdrawn, even for just one day, many more people will die on the front lines?"
"I know."
Kael'thas looked at the Grand Admiral, who would be killed by his son, and said solemnly: "But I also know that if we eliminate the Amani Trolls one day earlier, and the High Elf forces move south one day earlier, many more lives will be saved on the front lines, ten times, a hundred times more."
Daelin was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Alright, I agree as well, but Kul Tiras mages are primarily water-based, and with the Horde Fleet being so large right now, our fleet is under immense pressure. We can't spare many… one hundred people, only one hundred!"
Kael'thas smiled: "That's quite a lot! During the Troll Wars 2800 years ago, there were only a hundred Human mages in total. Your support is comparable to Emperor Soladin!"
"Admiral, after the Amani Trolls are eliminated, the Quel'Thalas Fleet and Dragonhawk Riders will immediately head south to join the Kul Tiras Fleet and block the Horde Fleet, absolutely preventing the enemy from crossing our sea defense line!"
Daelin instantly beamed with joy, finding Kael'thas more and more pleasing to the eye. He thought, who said the Elf Prince was arrogant, aloof, and looked down on Humans?
He's quite easy to get along with, isn't he? If he can talk, he should talk more!
Kael'thas looked at Lothar.
Lothar looked at Varian Wrynn.
This young but remarkably mature king, who made Arthas jealous, was always decisive: "Stormwind Kingdom will fully support this. The exact number of people to be drawn will be decided by the Regent."
He had just ascended the throne and was learning to handle state affairs, so his understanding of the domestic situation was far inferior to Lothar's.
Lothar bowed with a hand over his chest: "Your Majesty, as you wish."
He pondered for a moment and said: "Stormwind Kingdom has suffered a great calamity. The mages accompanying the army north are fewer than five hundred, and most are already deployed on the front lines… one hundred people, we will also send one hundred!"
Kael'thas praised: "The Regent is truly a descendant of Emperor Soladin, possessing the spirit of his ancestor!"
He looked at Varian Wrynn: "With the High Elves and Humans working together, we can retake the continent of Azeroth within a year, recapture Stormwind, and rebuild Stormwind. If you need anything then, please do not hesitate to ask. Whether it is manpower or resources, Quel'Thalas will do its utmost."
Varian was overjoyed: "Thank you, Your Highness!"
The Stormwind Kingdom had already fallen. He had brought twenty thousand soldiers and one hundred thousand citizens to Lordaeron, and the pressure on his shoulders was immense. He saw no hope of defeating the Horde and returning to his homeland.
Kael'thas, however, asserted that they could return to the continent of Azeroth within a year, which undoubtedly gave him a sense of reassurance.
And Kael'thas's promise to help rebuild Stormwind was an unexpected bonus.
He felt a growing fondness for this newly met Elf Prince.
Kael'thas looked at King Thoras of Stromgarde.
Thoras was silent for a moment, then said: "Stromgarde is still besieged by Orcs, and most of the Arathi Highlands have fallen. I will try my best to draw mages proficient in fire magic… one hundred people, Stromgarde will also send one hundred!"
Among the Seven Human Kingdoms, besides the fallen Stormwind Kingdom, Stromgarde was the southernmost, the first to face the Horde's attack, and in the worst situation.
Other kingdoms sent a hundred people because they only *wanted* to send a hundred.
Stromgarde sent a hundred people because it could *only* send a hundred!
Kael'thas was moved: "Your Majesty is truly noble! Stromgarde, the capital of the Human Empire personally planned and built by Emperor Soladin, must not fall. After the Amani Trolls are eliminated, the High Elf forces will immediately head south to relieve Stromgarde."
"By then, Your Majesty will be able to continue the glory of Emperor Soladin and restore Stromgarde's brilliance!"
Thoras breathed a sigh of relief.
The reason he made such a painful sacrifice was to gain Kael'thas's promise.
Kael'thas looked at King Genn Greymane of Gilneas.
This famous "Wolf King" of later generations said: "You know the situation in Gilneas without me having to tell you. We will also send one hundred people."
Gilneas is a peninsula nation, and like Kul Tiras, it has more water mages and fewer fire mages.
It also faces the threat of the Horde Fleet, so the pressure is immense, and not many people can be spared.
Kael'thas had a good impression of this old king, who lived until the War Within:
"I have long heard that Your Majesty's bravery is no less than Emperor Soladin's, and seeing you today confirms it."
"Gilneas has not yet been invaded by the Horde. After this battle, Quel'Thalas will send troops by land, sea, and air. At that time, our two nations will work together to ensure not a single Horde soldier sets foot in Gilneas!"
Genn immediately held Kael'thas in high esteem.
He had a tough exterior and a resilient personality, and he generally disliked the gentle-looking, pleasure-seeking, aristocratic High Elves.
Kael'thas's appearance changed his perception, and he even developed a feeling of "mutual appreciation."
Everyone looked at King Terenas of Lordaeron.
Among the Seven Human Kingdoms, Lordaeron had the largest territory, the most people, the strongest military, and was the northernmost. It was the only country not yet attacked by the Horde and was the leader of the Alliance.
Whether this matter could succeed still depended on Lordaeron.
The old king smiled slightly: "Your Highness, as you wish, Lordaeron will dispatch five hundred mages. After the task is done, I hope Quel'Thalas will send troops as soon as possible. Every day of delay will result in countless Humans, Dwarves, Gnomes, and even High Elves losing their lives."
Five hundred mages, more than Stormwind Kingdom, Stromgarde, Kul Tiras, and Gilneas combined.
Kael'thas was overjoyed and quickly said: "With the Seven Human Kingdoms forming an Alliance, and Your Majesty as the leader, we will surely eliminate the Horde. This achievement will be no less than that of Emperor Soladin in his time."
"Although Your Majesty is not a blood descendant of Emperor Soladin, he is the spiritual inheritor of Emperor Soladin!"
Everyone: "…"
Everyone is Emperor Soladin, huh? Can't you use a different phrase?
Of course, they were happy in their hearts.
Emperor Soladin was the first unified Human emperor and the greatest hero in Human history.
To be compared to Emperor Soladin was the highest honor for them.
"This Elf Prince really knows how to talk," everyone thought.
Kael'thas stood up and said solemnly: "Thank you all. The High Elves and Humans have a friendship spanning 2800 years. 2800 years ago, Humans paid a heavy price to save the High Elves. Now, 2800 years later, the High Elves will never let the Humans down!"
"From today onwards, Quel'Thalas joins the Alliance!"
He bowed deeply.
Everyone smiled, relieved.
Antonidas asked: "Your Highness, when do you plan to act?"
Kael'thas said decisively: "Time is pressing, and there's no time to lose. Please return immediately to gather your mages. We will rendezvous in Silvermoon City tomorrow night!"
"Tomorrow night?"
Everyone was stunned.
Terenas voiced everyone's question: "Only one day to prepare, isn't that too rushed?"
Your Highness, I know you're in a hurry, but can you not be so hasty?
Wolf King Genn said in a deep voice: "A single Flame Strike can at most burn the Amani Trolls in Zul'Aman to death, but most of the Trolls are in the continuous mountains. Without a large army to cooperate and annihilate them in one fell swoop, the Amani Trolls will return once the fire dies down!"
His meaning was clear:
One day is enough to gather mages, but your Quel'Thalas army won't be able to reach Zul'Aman!
Kael'thas explained: "It's not just one day of preparation; it's one day for everyone to dispatch mages. Once they arrive in Silvermoon City, they still need to be organized into teams and trained. Even at the fastest, it will take seven or eight days, which is enough time to mobilize a large army to the front lines."
Upon hearing this, King Thoras's face changed drastically: "Seven or eight days? No! That's too long. Without a hundred mages, Stromgarde won't last that long!"
In a one-on-one duel, a mage might not defeat a hunter, rogue, or warrior.
But on the battlefield, the role of one mage is greater than that of ten warriors.
Especially during a siege, with city walls for cover and soldiers for protection, mages can cast spells without restraint, burning the attacking Orcs to death.
They can even create a wall of fire around the city, preventing the Orcs from entering.
The effect of a hundred mages is comparable to several thousand elite soldiers.
If they leave for one day, they can still hold on with the help of siege weapons.
But if they leave for seven or eight days, by the time they set Zul'Aman ablaze, Stromgarde might have already been breached by the Orcs and ceased to exist!
Terenas looked at Antonidas: "Does it really take that long? Isn't it just setting fires? Can't you all just cast Flame Strike together?"
He didn't understand, and neither did the others.
Compared to Kael'thas, they trusted Antonidas, who had a good relationship with them, more.
Antonidas nodded: "Kael'thas is right."
"Zul'Aman is too big, and the coverage of Flame Strike is limited. Even if thousands of mages cast it simultaneously, it wouldn't cover the entire city."
"Moreover, the casting range is limited; very few people can cast spells from hundreds or thousands of meters away."
"In other words, unless they enter Zul'Aman, mages simply can't set the entire city on fire."
A flash of inspiration struck Terenas's mind, and he remembered Jaina's earlier words: "So, it requires Joint Casting?"
"Exactly."
Antonidas said: "As long as mages stand at different positions outside Zul'Aman City and cast spells together, connecting their mana and spells, they can form a super-gigantic spell large enough to cover the entire Zul'Aman."
Daelin himself had some spellcasting ability and had more contact with mages, so he pondered: "United spellcasting is very difficult and requires mages to cooperate tacitly, so concentrated training is necessary?"
Kael'thas said: "Yes, if there's no concentrated training, the spell's effect will be greatly reduced at best, and at worst, it won't succeed at all, making all efforts futile."
Thoras gritted his teeth: "If that's the case, Stromgarde might…"
"Don't worry, Your Majesty."
Kael'thas was well-prepared: "Quel'Thalas will send an equal number of mages to Stromgarde, and I guarantee that their spellcasting ability will be stronger, not weaker, than Stromgarde's mages."
He scanned the crowd: "The same goes for all other nations!"
United spellcasting only requires mages who know the Flame Strike spell.
High Elves are born with spellcasting abilities, have a large number of mages, and their preferences vary, dabbling in all nine schools of magic.
While those proficient in Transmutation spells are the most numerous, they still account for less than a third.
Among them, those who know Flame Strike are less than a third.
Out of Quel'Thalas's tens of thousands of mages, fewer than a thousand know Flame Strike!
The other mages, having nothing to do for now, can be sent to assist the human nations. This also provides an opportunity for them to practice spells, gain experience, and feel the atmosphere of the battlefield.
After the great war 2800 years ago, the Amani Trolls were in decline, confined to Zul'Aman, posing little threat to Quel'Thalas. The Ranger forces were sufficient to deal with them, leaving no room for mages.
In fact, High Elf mages hadn't seen much battlefield action for over two thousand years.
They possessed abundant mana and extremely strong spellcasting abilities, far surpassing humans.
However, their lack of combat experience meant that their effectiveness on the battlefield might not necessarily match that of humans.
Helping the human nations defend their cities offered both safety and experience—why not?
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
This way, it was equivalent to the two races exchanging mages for support, creating a mutual dependency that would further strengthen their relationship, bringing only benefits and no harm.
"Everyone, please make arrangements as soon as possible."
Kael'thas and Antonidas returned to Dalaran, accompanied by the novice mage apprentice Jaina.
"Rhonin, come here!"
Kael'thas waved, calling over a red-haired young mage: "Take your junior sister on a tour. No causing trouble, or you'll be locked in the darkroom."
"Yes, Master." Rhonin shivered and quickly complied.
Kael'thas looked at Antonidas: "Speaker, I would like to convene an expanded meeting of the Kirin Tor's Council of Six, expanding it to include all Archmages."
Antonidas knew Kael'thas's purpose and used arcane summoning.
An hour later, over twenty Archmages gathered in the Violet Citadel.
Antonidas said: "These are all that can be gathered in a short time. The rest either have important missions or are on the front lines and cannot come. Everyone, this meeting was called by Kael'thas; he has something to discuss."
"It's not something to discuss, but something to ask for."
Kael'thas explained the entire situation and said: "As a member of the Kirin Tor's Council of Six and the Crown Prince of Quel'Thalas, I ask for your help. I implore you to assist me in setting a great fire in Zul'Aman."
"Once it's done, the books in the Silvermoon City library will be available for you to borrow freely!"
Dalaran was different from the other six nations.
The other six nations all had a king + noble council system, similar to Quel'Thalas.
The king held great power, and matters like dispatching some mages could be decided with a single word.
Dalaran, however, was purely a council system.
Although Antonidas was the Speaker and held the most personal power, the power of the council itself superseded his.
Although Antonidas had agreed to dispatch 1000 mages, it still required a resolution from the Council of Six—
No, not yet.
Dalaran, though called a nation, was essentially a city, a magical city composed of human and High Elf mages.
The status of Dalaran mages was extraordinary.
Not all mages belonged to Dalaran; many were affiliated with other nations, such as Kael'thas himself.
Even if the Council of Six passed a resolution, these mages might not agree.
That's why he convened an expanded meeting, extending it to all Archmages.
Every Archmage had many students.
As long as the Archmages present agreed, then not to mention a thousand mages, two or three thousand would be no problem.
After a brief silence, Krasus was the first to speak: "I agree."
He was a Red Dragon mage, the strongest in mana, oldest, and highest in status among all mages, because the entire Red Dragonflight stood behind him—
Although the Red Dragonflight was in a somewhat dire state at the time, with their Queen imprisoned by the Orcs, their strength and influence were far from what they once were.
As soon as he spoke, everyone else responded in agreement.