Only a small portion of the soldiers escaped from Watch Keep. Archmage Saszalan led these survivors through numerous hardships to return from the Blasted Lands, while General Lodenson, who guarded Watch Keep with him, died heroically in the city. Kazzak killed him—the power of this Doom Lord was completely beyond their ability to resist. General Lodenson was killed in just two rounds.
Saszalan had the adjutant lead the soldiers to break through the encirclement, while he remained hidden near the demons, witnessing Kazzak use the Dragon King's Blade in his hand to open the Dark Portal that had been sealed for more than a decade.
Now Saszalan is in Dalaran, holding a water glass in both hands, still looking frightened.
"The Dark Portal"—this name made everyone's heart ache.
For twenty years, it had brought too much suffering to Azeroth.
Hearing this news, Anna and Aiden were shocked—although Archimonde's method of arrival had deviated due to historical changes, and the marching route and battle results were very different from the original history, they still did not expect Archimonde to send Kazzak to open the Dark Portal.
Kazzak certainly had such ability.
Aiden and Anna both remembered that the Dragon King's Blade in the Doom Lord's hand was a divine weapon forged with the divine power of the five Dragon Aspects. In the original history, which was the "Burning Crusade" version, he used fragments of the Dragon King's Blade to activate the Dark Portal. Now that he held the complete artifact, opening the gate would naturally be easier.
"Anna, in your memory, how was this sword destroyed?" Aiden asked.
Anna pondered and said, "It was shattered by the Fury of Teldrassil."
She spoke a piece of history that even Aiden didn't know: This Dragon King's Blade was forged during the War of the Ancients. At that time, the five Guardian Dragons also participated in the war, and Archimonde seized some of their essence to create this artifact.
During the Battle of Mount Hyjal, Archimonde was already invincible. He initially tried to extract the power of the World Tree but failed because Nordrassil had its own ancient consciousness, and it was blessed by the three Dragon Aspects, so its power was not easily leaked. After the failed attempt, Archimonde picked up the Dragon King's Blade and inserted it into Nordrassil's trunk, and the power from the Guardian Dragons caused the leakage of the World Tree's power.
Later, after Malfurion successfully released the Fury of Nordrassil, not only did it explode and kill Archimonde, but the Dragon King's Blade inserted into the tree trunk was also shattered.
"In that case—if I really want to destroy Nordrassil, it would be difficult to succeed without the Dragon King's Blade?" Aiden frowned and asked.
Anna said, "That's very likely. Nordrassil is not an ordinary tree; it has its own soul."
"No wonder we arrived at Mount Hyjal faster than Archimonde, but he didn't seem anxious and even had the leisure to conquer the entire Eastern Kingdoms and send Kazzak to open the Dark Portal." Aiden felt that he seemed to have guessed the truth. However, Archimonde in this world had not personally been to the World Tree yet. Why was he so sure that he would have difficulty destroying the World Tree?
Antonidas said, "The other side of the Dark Portal is the shattered Draenor you mentioned?"
"Yes, it is." Aiden nodded and sighed, "Now there are still a large number of demons in that world. The Burning Legion will get a large number of reinforcements because of this. It is very likely that their scale will become unprecedentedly powerful!"
"This war is a bit difficult."
Chieftain Thrall looked at Drek'Thar next to him and asked, "Is that our homeland?"
"Yes, Chieftain. That is our homeland." Drek'Thar's voice sounded old and hoarse, and a little bitter, "If it is really as Lord Aiden said, I am afraid that even the orcs will not recognize its appearance."
The Frostwolf Clan entered Azeroth with Blackhand's Horde during the First War, and they have never returned since. In the old shaman's memory, there were still the green Nagrand grasslands, the vast Terokkar Forest, and the frost-covered Frostfire Ridge. But after experiencing the great explosion and the ravages of demons, what has it become now?
Perhaps the gradually drying land of Draenor after being polluted by fel energy was much better than it is now!
"Don't be discouraged yet, I think we should do something." Aiden said, "Most of the Alliance troops who crossed the Dark Portal in the past are still there. Khadgar, Danath, and Kurdran are all confirmed to be alive, and Alleria and Turalyon are only missing. And there are the Naaru and the Draenei—I believe the Outland is worth saving now!"
"Yes, this may be a turning point." Anna affirmed.
In fact, there are still some orcs in that world, but neither of them wanted to mention it. Because the most dangerous element they were most worried about—Garrosh Hellscream—is in Outland.
But avoidance is not the solution. Aiden felt that he should inform Thrall, and wasn't Garrosh's father still alive now?
Aiden believed that this old hero should be able to restrain his son—hopefully.
Now the focus of the battlefield should still be on Azeroth, in the future Battle of Mount Hyjal. A large army is not needed for the expedition to Outland, only an elite squad is needed to unite those who can be united and prevent them from being wiped out by the Burning Legion.
Everyone gathered together to discuss the candidates.
Aiden and Anna must have one person to go, because they are more familiar with the situation in Outland, and they also need some people who are familiar with heroes such as Khadgar... and orcs, that is the world they once lived in.
"I'll go." Aiden said, "I have had contact with the Naaru in the Void, maybe it will be easier for me to win over the Draenei."
Anna nodded, her role in staying here is greater. Her Focusing Iris is the key to making mana bombs, and mana bombs are one of the most effective means of attack in the Alliance now.
On the orc side, one person must go, Grom Hellscream.
On the Dalaran side, several members of the Kirin Tor Council are familiar with Khadgar, and anyone can go. They discussed for a while and finally decided that Krasus would represent them to Outland.
Kael'thas originally wanted to go too, but he is now the only bloodline of the Sunstrider royal family, and this task is still very dangerous. Anasterian would rather go himself than let him go.
But the final decision was Sylvanas. When she learned that her sister's child was in Outland, she won this task from the king and prince.
So the final confirmed candidates are: Aiden, Kayle, Onyxia, Kassadin, Quinn, Corki, Krasus, Sylvanas, Grom, and Varok Saurfang.
The choice of Quinn is because of her excellent reconnaissance ability, while Corki is mainly for flying the plane—in order to achieve their goals as quickly as possible, Aiden plans to have Corki fly them in a transport helicopter. As for Onyxia, that's because no one trusts her except Aiden. It's useless for her to stay.
Krasus joked, "If we also establish great achievements, will any city build statues for us too?"
He was talking about the story of Stormwind City's Valley of Heroes. The statues of the five heroes of the expedition more than ten years ago are there.
"If you want, I can notify Los Angeles to build one for you now." Aiden laughed, "Well, this idea is pretty good!"
"No, Aiden, you know I'm kidding!" Krasus said quickly.
Everyone laughed.
After deciding on the candidates, they quickly arranged their respective affairs, and then prepared to board the airship and fly to the Dark Portal.
"Be sure to come back safely!" Archmage Antonidas exhorted.
Aiden said, "Don't worry, if everything goes well, we may be back within twenty days. Maybe Los Angeles hasn't even flown to Kalimdor by then!"
"Then I wish you all the best!"
They said goodbye, while waiting for Krasus to return. This red dragon archmage went to Los Angeles through the portal to say goodbye to his daughter Anveena.
Anveena has only had life for more than a month, but her intelligence performance has fully met her age—she looks no different from a fourteen or fifteen-year-old high elf girl.
Now she alone is enough to maintain the floating flight of the entire Los Angeles, and she does not feel tired at all. The potential she showed surprised everyone. Krasus is convinced that Anveena also has a strong arcane talent, she is even the incarnation of arcane—if she can skillfully cast spells, I am afraid that few people in Azeroth can match her.
Out of some concerns, Krasus did not teach her those powerful spells.
"Dad, why don't you take me with you? I can energize you!" Anveina pouted, feeling a little down when she heard that Krasus was going on another long journey. She knew she could infuse others with energy, filling them with magic. She found it quite fun. For mages, this was almost a dream-come-true talent—if their mental strength was strong enough, it could even allow them to cast spells without limit!
Krasus didn't want Anveina to attract the attention of others because of this, so it was still a secret, a secret between father and daughter.
Krasus held her shoulders and whispered, "Anveina, sweetheart, I'll be back soon. Bringing you along would distract me. Don't worry, I'll bring you back something fun. Be good, alright?"
"alright, Dad, come back soon! I'll miss you!" Anveina leaned over and kissed Krasus on the cheek.
"I will, baby!" Krasus had a happy smile on his face. He increasingly felt that the bond of kinship between him and Anveina was very close, surpassing any of his dragon sons and grandsons. He thought of the fate of Anveina on the old timeline that Anna and Aiden had vaguely mentioned, and he immediately felt that he should protect her well.
'That blue dragon named Kalecgos can forget about getting close to my daughter for the rest of his life!' Krasus thought.
The nine heroes, aboard the airship "Vindication," set off from Dun Morogh, heading all the way to the Dark Portal. Currently, Archimonde was leading his army to sweep through Duskwood. Before that, Stormwind City had already been destroyed. This city, which had endured so much suffering, had just been rebuilt a few years ago and was once again experiencing disaster. Last time it was the Orcs, this time it was the Burning Legion.
In comparison, Ironforge and Gnomeregan were preserved. After the complete annihilation of the demon army led by Raimond, Archimonde was no longer in the mood to send more troops. Sending fewer would be just like Raimond. To gain an advantage, he had to go himself. This would inevitably interfere with his plans, so Dun Morogh became the last safe haven in the Eastern Kingdoms.
Archimonde kicked down the tower of Nightsong Woods, and the demons were destroying this prosperous town, which would soon become a new ruin. But it had already been deserted, and he gained no pleasure from slaughter and destruction. Now the cunning natives had basically gone to Kalimdor.
"Soon I will be there too," Archimonde muttered to himself.
At this moment, Kaz'zak's lieutenant, Demon Lord Kuruul, flew over from the east.
"Great Master, the Legion Commander has completed the task you assigned. He has entered Outland!" Kuruul knelt on one knee in front of Archimonde and said loudly.
"Hmm, very good." Archimonde pinched his chin, finally hearing another good news.
Fortunately, Kil'jaeden had made arrangements in Outland in advance, and Archimonde was able to think of this way to replenish his legion. After several major battles, his main force was almost completely lost. Without the demons from Outland joining, he might really face the dilemma of fighting the whole world alone.
"Go down, when he comes back, I will reward you!"
Archimonde dismissed Kuruul, and then shouted loudly to his minions: "Speed up, go to the next place!"
—
When the Vindication flew over the former Blackrock Mountain, Aiden felt a sense of emotion when he saw the huge crack. Archimonde's power had become stronger, and he was more cautious than in the past history. After repeated blows, this great demon no longer had the arrogance and conceit of the original history. Now most of the Eastern Kingdoms had been polluted by the Burning Legion, which was much more serious than in history.
Aiden couldn't help but examine his own behavior—it seemed that all this was caused by his targeting.
So, did his change make any sense?
"What are you thinking about?" Krasus saw him staring blankly at the ship's rail and came over to ask.
Aiden told the red dragon mage what he was thinking and then asked, "What do you think?"
"Haha, you also have times when you get caught in a dead end!" Krasus couldn't help laughing, "Isn't this obvious? Of course, it makes sense. Look, because of you, although the land of the Eastern Kingdoms has been destroyed a lot, most of its people have survived. Isn't that much better than in the original history? The scars of the earth will always heal, but once people die, nothing is left."
"Thanks for the enlightenment!" Aiden also smiled and asked, "Krasus, do you think the Guardian Dragons should participate in the war in the current situation?"
This was one of Aiden's biggest concerns. Krasus himself was a member of the Guardian Dragons, and he should be able to best express their views.
"This is also an obvious question." Krasus said this, but showed a wry smile, "Just like we tried our best to resist the Burning Legion in the War of the Ancients, the Guardian Dragons should still do the same now. It's just…"
He sighed. Their situation couldn't be concealed from Aiden, so Krasus said bluntly: "You also know our current situation. Nozdormu is crazy, and Malygos is also obsessed. Only Queens Alexstrasza and Ysera will help you. But Alexstrasza has lost a lot of power when she gave the essence of life last time and is still in a weak sleep. As for the Green Dragon Queen… to be honest, as far as I know, Ysera won't take the lead without the appearance of other Dragon Aspects."
Aiden suddenly asked: "Krasus, if the Guardian Dragons lose the divine power given to you by the Titans, what will you think?"
Krasus looked at Aiden with suspicion, thinking he was going to do something dangerous.
Aiden explained: "Don't misunderstand, maybe you can ask Anna to verify. As far as I know, in the future, in order to stop Deathwing from launching the Cataclysm that destroys the world, the Guardian Dragons lost their divine power in order to fight him. If such a thing continues to happen, losing your divine power, how will you deal with yourselves?"
Krasus was a little confused and murmured: "I don't know either. Queen Alexstrasza once said that the future belongs to the era of mortals. Maybe she already knew this day would come! Perhaps without such responsibilities, I can more peacefully integrate into the mortal environment and live. To be honest, I really like this kind of life."
"Haha, is it because of Anveina?" Aiden joked. Now everyone can see that Krasus and Anveina are simply the epitome of deep father-daughter love. The attachment between the two makes others envious. And from a certain point of view, Anveina is indeed Krasus's daughter. But what if one day the High Elves want her to return to the form of the Sunwell?
Aiden shook off this thought. Anveina's current form can still provide the High Elves with the magic they need on a daily basis, and they don't need to do that.
If such a thing really happens, Aiden feels that he should stand on Krasus's side.
"By the way, have you heard about the matter between Stormwind City and the Defias Brotherhood?" Krasus mentioned another topic.
"I haven't paid attention. How did they solve it?" Aiden really hadn't paid attention to the situation in Stormwind City these days. He had provided Stormwind City with information about the ships in the Deadmines before and hadn't paid attention to it since. On the contrary, the fact that Princess Moira brought some Dark Iron dwarves back to Ironforge not long ago attracted his attention. Now the Three Hammers dwarves have gathered together again, and perhaps another "Council of Three Hammers" will appear soon. After two hundred years of division, the dwarves will be unified again.
Now that Krasus mentioned the Defias Brotherhood, it really aroused Aiden's interest.
"I heard that King Varian, with the help of Duke Bolvar, used iron-blooded methods to eliminate some corrupted nobles. Then he used their heads to reconcile with Van Cleef."
"It's that simple?" Aiden was a little surprised.
"There is some inside information, but I don't know if it's reliable—I heard that the list was provided by Van Cleef. He said that if these people didn't die, he wouldn't agree to reconcile." Krasus said in a low voice. "To be honest, the current Varian makes me look at him with new eyes!"
"Ha, I'm not surprised. His heart hides the genes of iron blood and bravery." Aiden smiled.
Without any surprises along the way, they arrived at the Blasted Lands.
The Dark Portal was below, flickering with strange light. Teams of demons were entering Azeroth through the portal.