"It is a pity that Sargeras did not entrust the construction of the portal to me, nor did he authorize me to activate it. Those tasks are handled by Azshara, Xavius, and certain Legion demons. Though I have successfully gone undercover, Sargeras only requires me to assist, not to lead," Rhodes said.
He felt a sense of helplessness. In truth, if he simply wanted to stop the invasion, he could do so right now. By unleashing his Heroes of Might and Magic army at full power, the Legion's current forces on Azeroth would be no match for him. His Holy Archangels and Phoenixes could steamroll them in minutes.
Furthermore, he possessed world-shaking skills like the Light Giant and the Light-Clad Wooden Golem. To put it bluntly, everyone in the Burning Legion currently on-site was trash. Even Archimonde or Kil'jaeden wouldn't fare much better; only Sargeras himself, or perhaps the enslaved Death Titan Argus, were beyond Rhodes's current reach, being entities of true godhood.
As for Queen Azshara, Rhodes had already subdued her. If he spoke up and showed her Sargeras's true colors, the Queen wouldn't refuse him. The problem was that he had to ensure the timeline remained intact. Moreover, the Bronze Dragon King had mentioned a "singularity" in this timeline. Rhodes had been back for a year and had yet to find anything truly anomalous among the Highborne, the Night Elves, or even with the Moon Goddess. What—or who—was this singularity?
"Since you can be a double agent, so can I," Illidan said, looking toward the distant Fel altar. "I've realized that these green, malevolent energies are indeed powerful. Perhaps we should study this power."
Illidan knew that if he wasn't accepted by the Highborne or the demons, he would never reach the inner circle. He didn't entirely trust Rhodes's secondhand info, so the best way was to receive the Fel power himself. Besides, he felt a strange affinity for that green energy—it felt more "right" than traditional magic. He told himself that accepting the power didn't mean joining the Legion; he would always fight for Azeroth.
"We're thinking along the same lines," Rhodes said with a smile. "I've become a familiar face to Sargeras. I can take you to see him, and then it'll be up to your performance."
Rhodes knew this was a win-win. Illidan could play the spy, and Rhodes could further cement Sargeras's trust. As a Titan, Sargeras possessed prophetic abilities; he knew of the "Child of Light and Shadow" destined to end his Burning Crusade. Rhodes intended to hand the genuine article over to him. Sargeras, in his arrogance, wouldn't kill such a weak Illidan; instead, he would try to "break" the prophecy by corrupting the child with Fel.
"I am ready," Illidan said. "To protect Azeroth and ensure my beloved Tyrande can live in this beautiful land, I am willing to make any sacrifice."
"Then prepare yourself, Illidan. I will take you to see Sargeras. Remember: do not blow our cover. No matter what I say, do not contradict me. Understand?"
A few days later, Rhodes found an opportunity to propose to Azshara that he bring a "talented Night Elf mage" to see Sargeras. He claimed the youth had a unique understanding of the Arcane and a "profound interest and extraordinary adaptability" for greater power. Azshara, trusting Rhodes's judgment after he "disciplined" Tichondrius, agreed, merely reminding him to ensure a "preliminary screening of loyalty." To her, this meant loyalty to her and Rhodes, as she was already planning her own power base for the Fel-ruled future.
Under a night sky choked by green Fel mists, Rhodes led Illidan to the deep underground hall. This time, the guards were accompanied by Highborne mages recording data; the portal was nearing completion. Because Rhodes was a regular visitor to the Titan, they passed through without issue.
"Whatever happens, stay calm. Follow my lead, but don't be too submissive. Show some of your natural arrogance and hunger for knowledge. Sargeras likes souls with an edge—the kind he feels he can 'forge' and 'conquer,'" Rhodes whispered before they entered.
Rhodes had realized that while Sargeras was a god, his political maneuvering was somewhat lacking compared to true schemers. Born a Titan and raised in the Pantheon, he had known nothing but success until the Void's corruption drove him mad. To Rhodes, a true warrior should fight back against despair, not turn on his own kind.
Illidan took a deep breath, his golden eyes filled with resolve. He was stepping into the abyss for Tyrande, for Malfurion's beloved nature, and for Azeroth.
The ritual began. The Fel pool boiled, and the avatar of Sargeras manifested. The sheer pressure made Illidan stiffen—a natural biological terror in the face of absolute chaos. But he held his breath and bowed slightly, refusing to kneel.
"Rhodes, what do you wish to discuss today?" Sargeras greeted him. Over the past weeks, he had come to appreciate Rhodes's vast knowledge and advanced concepts for the Legion—specifically the idea of building an elite army of demigods rather than relying on low-level fodder to fight the Void.
"Great Sargeras, as I reported, I have brought a local talent of Azeroth: Illidan Stormrage," Rhodes stepped forward.
"An orc recommended by you? If he were a demigod, I would be pleased."
"Regrettably, he is not a demigod, but I believe his value is greater than one," Rhodes said. "He is a brilliant Arcanist with a perception of power beyond his years. He is unsatisfied with the status quo. I see in his eyes not just the light of Arcane wisdom, but a primal hunger to break boundaries. I believe he is worth your gaze."
"The little fellow next to you? Lift your head and let me see you," Sargeras commanded.
Illidan looked up. Golden pupils met green ones. Initially, Sargeras looked at him with the indifference one might show an interesting tool. But after a few seconds, his burning pupils contracted. The Fel flames around him flickered with instability.
Sargeras went silent, his gaze piercing through Illidan's flesh to scan his very soul. He saw the intense essence of Holy Light burning in this Night Elf's eyes—a light he was born with. It reminded him of an ancient prophecy by Xe'ra, Mother of Light—a prophecy he publicly mocked but privately dreaded.
"Interesting... very... interesting. Hahaha! Young Night Elf, your name is Illidan Stormrage?" Sargeras's tone changed completely.
Rhodes smiled inwardly. The big boss has taken the bait.
"Yes," Illidan stood tall, his voice a mix of stubbornness and hidden nerves. "I crave knowledge. I crave the power to transcend the limits of this Well. Lord Rhodes told me you are a True God, the Great Creator Titan, and I wish to follow you."
"Truth? Hahaha, yes... I can grant you truth. I can grant you the power of Fel!" Sargeras laughed darkly. What a surprise, he thought. First a multi-force wielding demigod, and now the Child of Light and Shadow, the Prophecy's Child destined to end me.
Sargeras had a fleeting thought of killing him, but his pride won out. He was the Dark Titan; he would not fear a child. Instead, he would break the prophecy. The legend said the Child's eyes shone with golden light? Fine. He would destroy those eyes and make the Savior his general.
"Fate has brought you to me, Illidan Stormrage. You have made the right choice," Sargeras's voice was seductive yet ice-cold. "Xe'ra wants to mold you into a blade against me? Ridiculous! Light and Shadow are one; they shall all return to the greatness of Chaos! Embrace the Fel, and break this pathetic destiny!"
Rhodes sneered silently. Sorry, Sargeras. By giving him Fel, you are literally creating the Demon Hunter who will end your crusade. Fate is playing you.
"I only know that my current strength cannot protect what I cherish. If you give me the power to see the 'truth,' I will pay any price," Illidan declared.
"A fine sentiment. I shall grant you the rank of a high commander. But unlike Rhodes, you cannot hold multiple forces," Sargeras proclaimed. "Let me break your shackles and show you real power!"
A pure, terrifying torrent of Fel energy erupted from the avatar, striking Illidan directly in the head.
"AAAAAAARGH!!!" Illidan screamed as the Fel struck his eyes. This wasn't simple corruption; it was a deliberate baptism by Sargeras to scour the innate Holy Light from his soul. His golden eyes flared one last time before the Fel fire consumed them.
Rhodes watched calmly. This was the birth of the Demon Hunter. He could feel Illidan's body being torn apart, his Holy Light traces being shattered and replaced by something wilder and more fierce.
Illidan was blinded, but in the darkness, he saw something else—a different layer of reality. He saw energy flows, the fragility of life, and the cracks in the world more clearly than he ever had with eyes.
"Suffer! Struggle! And embrace this new life!" Sargeras roared. "When you endure this, your eyes will no longer see illusions of light or shadow; you will see the Truth!"
Fel fire wreathed Illidan, turning him into a creature of the Legion. But deep within his soul, a flickering candle of memory—of Tyrande, of the scent of Azeroth's forests—refused to go out. This was the foundation of the complex, rebellious man who would one day protect his world in his own way.