"You heard me right, Drak'thul. I want you to teach me some Shadow or Warlock spells—even Necromancy, if you know any. I know you were once a member of the Shadow Council and the sole survivor of Gul'dan's expedition here. You're definitely no weakling," Rhodes said with a firm nod.
Drak'thul shot Rhodes a look of surprise. He hadn't expected this youngster to see through his disguise. But then again, if a mage of this caliber couldn't gauge his power, that would be the real mystery.
"I'm just a useless old man. I don't know how many years I have left. If you want to learn, I can teach you, but even with your talent, it would take at least a year to master all my spells," Drak'thul said, shrugging. While Fel magic offered a shortcut to power, it still required time to study.
Rhodes smiled back at the old Orc. You're going to live a long time, old man. You'll still be handing out quests thirty-five years after the Dark Portal opened during the Legion invasion.
In other words, Drak'thul had at least another fifteen years in him. He was nowhere near the grave. The six primal forces of the universe—Light, Life, Death, and Fel included—could all extend one's lifespan. And if one chose to become a demon, they gained functional immortality. In the current Horde, this old boy's power would rank among the very top.
"I only need a few minutes of your time. Just list the spells you know and explain the principles. Whether I can learn them or not isn't your concern," Rhodes said. "In exchange, I can guide you to Kalimdor. The Orcs have established a new home there under a new Warchief named Thrall. He has returned to the path of Shamanism and will welcome you back into the Horde."
"Hmph, sounds nice, but I doubt he'd accept me. I'm a Warlock; I wield Fel magic," Drak'thul countered. He wasn't being modest—Fel was a taboo among the Orcs. Ever since Gul'dan brought that curse upon their race, Orcs might have feared the power, but they loathed it in their souls.
"Things aren't as dire as you think. Thrall's New Horde actually has Warlocks within its ranks. Studying Fel magic isn't an unforgivable sin anymore, provided you don't use it on your own kin or serve the Burning Legion. Use it against the Legion, and you'll be fine," Rhodes explained, catching the Orc up on the current political climate.
"Fine! Since you're so eager, I'll teach you. But could you write me a letter of recommendation? You seem to be on good terms with this Warchief Thrall."
"No problem. A small favor. I'll write it for you shortly," Rhodes agreed. Currently, he and Thrall were maintaining a civil relationship—as long as neither crossed the "red line," they were allies. If that line was crossed, however, they'd be at each other's throats in an instant.
"I like a straightforward human. Let's start with the basics of Fel—"
"No need. Just give me the names and the underlying theory of every spell you know. Nothing else."
"You're quite confident, human. Fine, it saves me the effort."
Drak'thul began detailing various Warlock spells. Many were Gul'dan's personal creations: the legendary Hand of Gul'dan, Liquid Hellfire, Fel Bindings, Eye of Gul'dan, Fel Scythe, and Fel Rage. He moved on to Destroyer's Storm, Soul Siphon, Dark Harvest, Soul Corrupt, Flames of Sargeras, Soul Vortex, and Haunting Spirits.
These offensive Fel spells were incredibly potent, known only to the inner circle of the Shadow Council. Most Warlocks on Azeroth had never even heard of them. Better yet, Rhodes realized these could be bolstered by his fire magic and his raw strength. As Drak'thul detailed the schools of Destruction, Affliction, and Demonology, Rhodes rapidly transcribed every bit of it into his magical grimoire.
"There. That's everything. Some are Gul'dan's, some are my own," the old Orc grinned. Living on this dangerous island for twenty years meant he had to constantly refine his magic just to stay alive. He seemed satisfied that his legacy would finally leave this shore.
"Thank you. As payment, let me teach you a powerful Fel spell," Rhodes said on a whim. He decided to try teaching Drak'thul Rain of Chaos, which he had learned from Archimonde. Since it wasn't a "Hero" spell but a native Fel art of the world, Rhodes could pass it on.
"This... this is incredible!" Drak'thul's eyes glittered. "The scale of it... summoning multiple Infernals... but the cost is immense. These old bones could barely handle it." He realized this was a high-tier Legion spell. He couldn't spam it, but it was a perfect "ace in the hole."
"Hahaha, don't sell yourself short. You're among the top tier of Warlocks on Azeroth. I'll tell Thrall as much; he'll find good use for you," Rhodes said with a smirk.
Drak'thul narrowed his eyes, leaning back. "We're both smart men. Let's stop the games. What do you really want?" He didn't believe for a second that someone who could casually hand out a "secret ultimate" like Rain of Chaos was here just to learn "the basics."
"I like dealing with smart people," Rhodes chuckled, his tone turning playful. "If you go back to the New Horde now, you probably won't be given much responsibility. But I have an opportunity for you, if you're willing to take it."
Drak'thul sighed, the "I knew it" expression plastered on his face. "I should have left this island years ago. What is it? These old bones can't do heavy lifting."
"No heavy lifting. And I'll give you even more benefits. I want you to go to the Eastern Kingdoms and join the Night Elf Demon Hunter, Illidan. Your job is simple: follow him to Draenor and help him seize control of the Fel Horde."
"Draenor? That world was torn apart."
"On the surface, Illidan will lead. Behind the scenes, it will be you. As for Draenor, it wasn't destroyed; a massive continent remains, now called Outland. Most of your people still live there. Some are still 'pure,' but many have been corrupted."
"My poor kin... always the target of some conspirator. So, what's in it for me?"
"You get to save your people, and I'll grant you even greater power. When Illidan reaches your world, he intends to use the blood of a Pit Lord to mutate your kin into 'Fel Orcs'—red-skinned, spiked monsters. Your current green skin might fade back to normal in a few generations, but Fel Orcs are demons forever. If you don't want to save them, that's your business."
Rhodes knew that when the Dark Portal reopened, he couldn't let Illidan be outplayed by Kil'jaeden and crushed by the Alliance and Horde so easily.
"Understood. And what is this 'power' you promised?" Drak'thul asked. If it was just one more spell, he was going to look for the first chance to run.
"I'll give you something better." Rhodes clapped his hands.
In a swirl of dark energy, a five-meter-tall Arch Devil appeared, clad in black-and-red plate armor and wielding a massive scythe.
During the victory at the Tomb of Sargeras, Rhodes hadn't leveled up, but he had claimed several resources—including a "Demon Gate." He had captured the dwelling, recruited a standard demon, and used his resources to upgrade it into a Tier 7 Arch Devil.