The Trial of the Crusader: One in Ten Thousand
To the north of Sindragosa's Fall lies the location of Aetrit's control Nexus. After the Scourge occupied this area, the relentless Gale that had raged for millennia ceased, and the region gradually returned to calm.
The observation posts established by the Scourge recorded the scene of the falling Giant Star.
The intense friction with the air produced a Thunder roar that could be heard for miles around.
Unlike other meteorites, it did not produce any sparks, nor did it cause a violent impact upon contact with the ground. Instead, it burrowed into the Frost ground as if it were alive.
Robbie sent out a large number of Ghouls to dig, and they found the strange star more than ten meters underground.
The star was entirely black, jet-black and shiny, like a small mountain, as hard as granite, and carried a strong aura of shadow.
It took a lot of effort, but we finally managed to break off a small piece and bring it back to Icecrown Citadel for research.
Shortly after the star set, the Argent Crusade began its operation. After careful consideration, Robbie ordered the Ghouls to remain hidden underground and not disturb the Argent Crusade.
The Duke Fordragon firmly Guards the Wrathgate, blocking the entrance to Icecrown Glacier.
Entering Icecrown Glacier by air is an extremely risky undertaking. Even though Dalaran was willing to help transport the Argent Crusade and the Horde provided several airships, Tirion Fordring still dared not venture forth rashly.
The Scourge's air force is equally formidable, possessing large swarms of Gargoyles and even more than one flying fortress like Naxxramas.
But this was an order from Elune.
Tirion Fordring dared not disobey the divine decree and led the Argent Crusade with trepidation into the north side of the Sindragosa's Fall, where they established a camp at the location designated by the Elune.
Fortunately, everything went smoothly; the Scourge seemed genuinely weakened and did not attempt to stop them.
The icy wind ruffled Tirion Fordring's gray hair. The temperature here was much lower than in Dragonblight. Even though he was wearing thick cotton clothes, Tirion Fordring still felt a chill. Fortunately, Ashbringer was like a furnace, bringing him warmth.
Tirion Fordring stood on high ground, looking at the Northern Expeditionary soldiers who were working hard in only a thin shirt.
With Rhonin's help, the Ulduar meat grinder was officially launched. As countless adventurers rushed forward and sacrificed themselves, Thrall was finally freed from the plight of lacking food supplies.
The Caverns of Time sent new Orcs soldiers to this land to assist Tirion Fordring in carrying out the instructions of Elune, and the Alliance and the Horde united once again.
The soldiers of the Argent Crusade were building an Arena, and the Orcs Thrall Faction were the overseers. They held whips and supervised the soldiers' work. Some Warrior couldn't bear it and were dragged to a corner and eaten by the Orcs.
Seeing this, Tirion Fordring was very pleased.
The expansion of the Argent Crusade went very smoothly. King Varian was tyrannical and greedy for glory, and Kingdom of Stormwind had become a living hell, with famine and countless refugees.
As long as there's enough to eat, people will vie to join the Argent Crusade; there's never a shortage of recruits.
History is written by the victors, Tirion Fordring had foreseen that humanity would perish because of its stupidity, and that the Orcs would become the only intelligent race in the world.
The humans who were wiped out at that time will be portrayed as an unpardonable Evil race, while the reformed Tirion Fordring will become a great hero, revered by all.
Eitrigg strode over, gnawing on a piece of Tuskarr flesh, and grinned at Tirion Fordring:
"Since the Horde entered Northrend, they have brought a new look to all Northrend races there. A few days ago, a Tuskarr chieftain presented Thrall with a statue, thanking the Orcs for their generosity and enthusiasm, and promising to forever sing praises to the great achievements of the Savior."
Tirion Fordring smiled obsequiously, "This Tuskarr leader is quite sensible."
Eitrigg chuckled coldly, "To express my gratitude, I personally skinned him and made a coat from his skin, and roasted his flesh for dinner."
Tirion Fordring said solemnly, "The Tuskarr will forever remember the Orcs' kindness."
Eitrigg shared the meat with Tirion Fordring, earnestly instructing him:
"Remember, the Trial Arena must be completed as soon as possible. This is an order from Elune, and cannot be taken lightly. By the way, how's the hunting of the beasts in Northrend going?"
Tirion Fordring said ingratiatingly:
"It's already underway. I dispatched the Argent Crusade's most powerful Paladins, and after sacrificing thousands, they captured several Mammoths, Ice Worms, and Yetis —all Overlords of certain forests, incredibly powerful. Even I am no match for them."
Eitrigg put on a stern face and began to lecture:
"This is a major undertaking and must be handled with care. Elune, has instructed us to select the strongest among the best, possessing not only formidable individual strength but also exceptional teamwork. I'm concerned that these Northrend beasts aren't strong enough. I'll request some Fel Potions from the Burning Legion to enhance their power. Hmm, perhaps I can even enlist the help of a few greedy Demons Lords."
Tirion Fordring said humbly, "I will follow your instructions, sir."
Eitrigg felt a chill and wrapped his Tuskarr- skin coat tighter around himself.
"Tirion Fordring, never forget to build a large Storage Warehouse. Don't waste those discarded items; store them as rations for the Orcs."
Tirion Fordring nodded repeatedly, "The master is very thoughtful."
Seeing that everything was going well here, Eitrigg hurried to another camp.
There aren't many people working here, but they are all mages from Dalaran, and Rhonin personally leads the team.
Rhonin gathered some of Dalaran's finest Archmages around a blueprint, and the erudite Archmages all wore furrowed brows in discussion.
This is the blueprint for a large Magic Circle, from the Elune, intended to be installed beneath the Trial of the Crusaders Arena.
The Magic Circle requires countless Magic Gems, resembling a large Altar; it is exceptionally complex, extremely difficult to install, and its specific function is unknown.
In fact, neither Tirion Fordring, nor Rhonin, Eitrigg, nor even Thrall the Savior understood Elune's purpose; they were merely executors.
Eitrigg's gaze was sharp, like that of a fierce demon:
"Rhonin, if you tell me you have no clue, I'll eat your two young children, and I mean it. I'll even give you a bowl of soup."
Rhonin was terrified, his face pale, and said, "Lord Eitrigg, please give me some time."
Eitrigg scoffed, "I can give you time, but the Moon Goddess won't allow you to delay. You'd better watch your head."
Rhonin hurriedly explained, "My lord, this Magic Circle is too difficult. I have already sent someone to ask the Guardian Medivh for help, and it will definitely not delay the construction."
It would be best if Medivh could help.
Relieved, Eitrigg launched into a tirade, spitting as he berated Rhonin. Before leaving, as usual, he grabbed one of Rhonin's disciples, bit off its neck, and took it back as a midnight snack.
Robbie had been quietly observing the Argent Crusade's movements.
Elune, is extremely cunning; her wisdom is unmatched by mortals.
Out of caution, Robbie did not interfere with the actions of the Argent Crusade; his first priority was to understand what Elune, was planning!