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Chapter 4 - Alterac

"I agree!"

Modera was the second to respond.

She was the only female Archmage in the Six-Man Council, holding a prominent position, possessing profound magical attainments, and extremely powerful spellcasting abilities, giving her a supreme status among female Archmages.

Her agreement represented the agreement of most female Archmages in Dalaran.

Magic is not physical; mages rely on their minds, unlike warriors who rely on muscles, and in this aspect, women are not at a disadvantage compared to men.

Among Dalaran's thousands of mages, female Archmages accounted for over one-third, making Modera's influence considerable.

"I agree as well."

Drendan followed closely.

He was the most inconspicuous member of the Six-Man Council, ranking last in terms of status and magical attainments.

He agreed for two reasons:

First, Kael'thas, Antonidas, Krasus, and Modera held too high a status and possessed too great abilities for him to offend them.

Second, the High Elves had studied magic for tens of thousands of years, inheriting most of the magical knowledge of the ancient Night Elf Empire, far surpassing Dalaran in both depth and breadth.

He was very interested in ancient magic, and all of that could be found in the Silvermoon City library.

"I also agree, Kael'thas, my students and I will fully support this."

The last council member, Kel'Thuzad, also expressed his agreement.

His agreement was entirely due to his pursuit of forbidden magic, especially the least popular Necromancy among the nine schools of magic, which is Undead magic.

Although Dalaran also had magic books in this area, the restrictions were too numerous, which had long made him dissatisfied and even led him to contemplate defection.

Kael'thas's promise to open the Silvermoon City library gave him hope.

Human magic was learned from the High Elves, so Silvermoon City must have many Undead magic books!

"I agree as well."

Other Archmages also agreed, including Kadgar, whom Kael'thas valued most.

This white-haired Archmage was actually only in his twenties, the sole disciple of the last Guardian of Tirisfal, Medivh, and he wielded the true Archmage artifact, 'Atiesh, Greatstaff of the Guardian'.

His spellcasting ability might not be inferior to Modera or Drendan.

Of course, not all Archmages agreed.

Everyone had their own thoughts, and it was impossible to force them.

Since the vast majority of Archmages agreed to provide support, gathering 1000 mages capable of Flame Strike would not be difficult.

Antonidas reminded them, "The Orcs could attack at any time, and Dalaran cannot be without council members to oversee it. Krasus and I will go to support, Modera, Drendan, Kel'Thuzad, you three stay behind, how does that sound?"

He was proficient in all nine schools of magic, and although his strongest was defensive magic, he was also a master in the school of evocation.

Krasus was a rare magical genius among the Red Dragons; Red Dragons, who govern the domain of life, could inherently manipulate the Flame of Life. Krasus's mastery of fire magic rivaled Kael'thas.

Compared to them, the other three council members were clearly far less capable.

"As you wish, Speaker." The three immediately agreed.

"Good, it's settled then."

Antonidas looked at Kael'thas, "I will try my best to select mages with strong fire magic to go to Silvermoon City. You also need to quickly dispatch mages from your side to complete the handover."

Kael'thas smiled, "That's not difficult. I await you all in Silvermoon City!"

He teleported to Silvermoon City and reported to the King, the Silvermoon Council, and the other ministers and generals.

Anasterian Sunstrider was overjoyed: "All Seven Human Kingdoms have agreed? That's wonderful! Kael'thas, you have rendered a great service!"

Alleria, Salorian, and others also beamed with joy; this was a sure win!

"Not the Seven Human Kingdoms, but six."

Chief Archmage Belo'vir calmly stated, "The Kingdom of Alterac did not agree. They didn't even attend the meeting, which is not normal."

Anasterian nodded, "It seems the allied kingdoms are not so united. There might be some change in Alterac."

Kael'thas's words were astonishing: "I suspect the Kingdom of Alterac has already defected, joined the Horde, and become a collaborator."

Everyone's expressions changed drastically upon hearing this.

Anasterian quickly asked, "Kael'thas, what's your reasoning? Did you get any intelligence?"

"No."

Kael'thas shook his head, "This is just my personal guess, but in my opinion, this guess is very likely true. I know King Aiden Perenolde; he is timid and afraid of trouble, lacking responsibility. His defection is too normal."

Anasterian frowned, "Did you mention this at the meeting?"

Kael'thas smiled, "Of course not. Speaking too candidly with new acquaintances is a big taboo."

"The Kingdom of Alterac is one of the Seven Human Kingdoms. To them, I am an outsider, and our relationship is far less close than with Alterac."

"Even if I had evidence, I couldn't just blurt it out. In their eyes, that would be sowing discord, making them resentful, and how could we achieve cooperation then?"

"Kael'thas, you've grown up." Anasterian sighed, greatly comforted.

He was old, and the throne would eventually pass to Kael'thas.

Before, he was worried, believing that while Kael'thas was a magical genius whose spellcasting ability had surpassed his own, he had character flaws, being too proud and looking down on others.

Moreover, he had long focused on magic, was not interested in governance, had no talent in that area, and lacked experience and tempering.

He was truly uneasy about handing the throne to Kael'thas.

But now, it was different!

Even if he died today, he wouldn't have to worry about Quel'Thalas being destroyed in Kael'thas's hands.

Kael'thas snorted, "King Aiden Perenolde is too foolish! When the Horde defeats the Alliance, can the Kingdom of Alterac really survive alone? The Horde will never let them go."

Those not of our race are sure to have different intentions.

Even among the Human Kingdoms, there were conflicts, and between the High Elves and Humans, there were frictions, let alone Orcs from another planet.

If one's own kin cannot be trusted, how can aliens be?

Alleria's pretty face was cold, and she said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, my lords, if the Kingdom of Alterac truly defects to the Horde, the Alliance's situation might be dire."

"Currently, the main force of the Horde has broken through Thoradin's Wall and entered the Hillsbrad Foothills. The Alterac Mountains are the last natural barrier."

"Once the Kingdom of Alterac allows passage, the main Horde force can march straight through within a month, heading directly for Dalaran and Lordaeron!"

She traveled extensively and was very familiar with the geography of the Human Kingdoms.

Kael'thas cast a spell, conjuring a map of the Eastern Kingdoms, and said, "Dalaran is protected by magic arrays, and the Horde won't be able to break through it quickly. Their target must be Lordaeron. Alliance forces are scattered across various battlefields—at sea, Southshore, Stromgarde, etc.—and won't be able to provide timely aid. Lordaeron probably won't hold out for long."

"Three months, at most three months!"

As the Farstrider leader, Alleria had participated in wars for many years, possessed high military literacy, and had witnessed the wars between Humans and the Horde more than once. She understood the strengths of both sides well and immediately gave a precise answer.

Anasterian nodded, "Therefore, we must eliminate the Amani Trolls within three months and go south to support Lordaeron. Otherwise, once the Horde breaks through Lordaeron, we will be next."

Everyone felt heavy-hearted.

The Horde was sweeping through, and the Alliance was retreating step by step.

Even if the Amani Trolls were eliminated and the nation's full strength was used to help the Alliance, could they truly defeat the Horde?

Their confidence was severely lacking.

Kael'thas smiled, "Support is for later. We must do things one by one. What we need to consider now is how to eliminate the Amani Trolls."

Anasterian asked, "Kael'thas, do you have any ideas?"

"Your Majesty, I only know magic, not military strategy. I am only responsible for organizing mages to set a great fire in Zul'Aman."

He looked at General Lireesa, "As for how to mobilize the army to eliminate the Amani Trolls, that will depend on our Ranger-General."

General Lireesa was completely surprised and pointed to herself, "Me?"

"If not you, then who?"

Kael'thas smiled, "General Salorian is the commander of the defense forces, responsible for guarding Silvermoon City, and is not suitable for campaigning. You are the Ranger-General; the Ranger forces are inherently responsible for resisting foreign enemies. If you don't go, are we supposed to send the Chief Archmage and the High Priest?"

Everyone laughed without speaking.

The Windrunner family, since ancient times, has been the undisputed choice for Ranger-General, having achieved countless military exploits over 7000 years.

After General Lireesa took office, she repeatedly defeated Troll invasions, and her capability was beyond doubt.

Anasterian announced, "In the war to conquer the Amani Trolls, Kael'thas will be the supreme commander, responsible for overall planning, and General Lireesa will be the deputy commander, responsible for specific command."

"Quel'Thalas will be on full war footing, all resources will be at Kael'thas's disposal, and everyone must obey Kael'thas's orders."

"Quel'Thalas will work together with one heart and mind to eliminate the Amani Trolls!"

Everyone quickly assented.

Kael'thas looked at Salorian Sunstrider, "General Salorian, the Horde's attack will either be by land or by sea. If by sea, they will certainly sail directly to attack Silvermoon City, so please be extremely careful."

He knew, of course, that in the original history, the main Horde army set out from the Hinterlands, crossed the mountains, and entered Quel'Thalas.

However, because of the flapping of his great butterfly wings, everything had changed, and the Horde might alter its plans.

Besides, the World of Warcraft has a multiverse, and events on each timeline are different. Who knows which timeline he is on!

Salorian said in a deep voice, "Your subordinate has also thought of this. I will immediately send more personnel to the fleet and closely monitor the ocean."

Kael'thas looked at the Chief Archmage, "Master Belo'vir, please quickly dispatch 2000 mages to support the various battlefields, and clear an area for mages from various kingdoms to practice joint spellcasting."

"Additionally, dispatch mages from across the nation to join the Ranger forces, under the command of General Lireesa."

"Understood!" The Chief Archmage immediately went to carry it out.

Kael'thas looked at the High Priest, "High Priest, please also send people to join the Ranger forces and the fleet. Your priests are the greatest guarantee for the safety of the warriors' lives."

"Rest assured, Your Royal Highness." The High Priest also went to make arrangements.

Kael'thas looked at the Ranger-General, "General Lireesa, the Firewing, Sunfury, Sunwell, Flamewing, Dawnblade, Flameblade, Bloodhawk, Shadowblade, Farstrider, and other units are all under your command. My requirement is: you must reach the vicinity of Zul'Aman within seven days and launch an attack from the outside, driving the Amani Trolls into Zul'Aman as much as possible!"

The Ranger-General immediately felt the immense burden on her shoulders and said in a deep voice, "Yes, Your Royal Highness!"

On the second night, 2000 High Elf mages rushed to the front lines of the war.

Subsequently, 1900 mages arrived in Silvermoon City.

The vast majority of them were Human, with a small number of Gnomes and Red Dragons.

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