The enemy inexplicably changed to the Scourge, sparking discussion among the soldiers.
In a powerful world like Azeroth, the opinions of ordinary soldiers are meaningless and no one will take them seriously. For the generals who lead the troops, this result is not bad.
What does it matter whether the enemy is the Orcs or the Scourge? Some of them crave a good reputation, while others crave glory and power. Who the enemy is doesn't matter.
As night fell, the King's banquet was held as scheduled, and all the commanders were invited.
Stormwind Keep had been thoroughly cleaned up and was almost brand new. Petals were scattered everywhere, and the air was filled with a fresh scent. King Varian sat in the seat of honor, while the various commanders took their seats.
A lavish spread of food was served, and King Varian began with a toast, speaking in a melodious and rhythmic voice:
"Whenever the kingdom faces life or death, true heroes always emerge. Stormwind City was suddenly invaded by the Scourge, and countless civilians were mercilessly slaughtered. Fortunately, heroes from all walks of life fought bravely and drove out the Evil Scourge. I would like to thank everyone for their righteous help. You have all worked hard. Let's drink to this."
After drinking a large cup, King Varian said to Garrick, who was standing beside him:
"Marshal Garrick, in the most perilous time, it was you who raised an army in Elwynn Forest to defend the King and conveyed the imperial edict to all regions. Your merit is the greatest. What reward do you desire?"
Garrick stood up and said in a low voice:
"King Majesty, I am but an ordinary soldier, fulfilling my duty to the kingdom. I am old now, and years of fighting have left me with countless hidden wounds. Please allow me to retire from the King and return to my hometown to live as an ordinary farmer."
Varian was taken aback and asked, "Marshal, the Scourge is rampaging and plotting to destroy Azeroth. Stormwind City is in dire need of manpower. Why are you making excuses?"
Garrick shook his head with a wry smile, "Your King, I know my abilities are insufficient to serve as a marshal. The Kingdom of Stormwind is full of talented people, so please grant my request."
Varian's expression shifted slightly, unsure how to respond. His face showed displeasure as he turned to Captain Grayson in the Westfall: "General, the Kingdom of Stormwind's navy is being rebuilt and urgently needs an experienced admiral. Please do not refuse."
Captain Grayson stood up and said humbly, "King Majesty, I am but a lowly Pirate, incapable of being a naval admiral. I promised Marshal Grian Stormman that once the matter of Stormwind City was settled, I would return to Westfall."
Varian's expression was grim, and he was slightly angered.
"You'd rather be a captain in the People's Militia than serve me, the greatest King?"
Captain Grayson bowed and said, "Your King, I beg you to grant my wish."
Marshal Garrick and Captain Grayson were the leaders of the Allied forces, and their lack of rewards gave others hope.
Bellygrub, especially, from Darkshire, was secretly delighted. He was next in line, and the title of Marshal of Stormwind City was practically his.
Unexpectedly, Varian seemed genuinely angry. He put down his wine glass and left through the back door without a word. The others looked at each other, wondering what had happened.
Varian entered the study, where Medivh was talking to Thrall. Varian asked earnestly:
"Guardian, neither Garrick nor Grissom are willing to accept the reward. Should we change our plans?"
Thrall simply smiled disdainfully, remaining silent. Medivh, with a look of exasperation, reprimanded him loudly:
"Varian, do I need to teach you how to be a proper King? A King's first duty is to eliminate all potential threats. They're using this as a pretext to advance; they actually want more. Don't be deceived by their lies."
"No, no, that's not how it is," Varian argued. "I felt their sincerity."
Medivh was furious; his beard bristled.
"Varian, you're incredibly foolish. Perhaps they're considering retirement now, but people change. Once their subordinates become power-hungry and elevate them to high positions, they'll lose their will to act. The mission of a human King is to eliminate all Elites, nipping them in the bud, only then can you solidify your power."
Varian was somewhat confused and asked:
"If we do that, Stormwind City will be left with no generals."
Thrall stood up and chuckled:
"Varian, let me teach you. Orcs have always revered strength. In Orgrimmar, there is an underground Arena where I particularly advocate resolving disputes through duels. Every day, life-or-death battles take place in the Arena. Do you know the deeper meaning behind this?"
Varian shook his head, puzzled.
Thrall explained smugly:
"I have trusted confidants keeping a close watch on the Arena and scoring the victors. If any powerful Orcs emerge who might threaten my position, I will send them to the Battlefield where they must die, thus ensuring the stability of my chieftainship."
Varian suddenly realized why the strongest Orcs were mostly descendants of heroes, and why it was rare for ordinary Orcs soldiers to become outstanding generals.
It's not that ordinary soldiers can't produce skilled fighters; rather, they are killed as soon as they manage to show their abilities.
Medivh said coldly, "Varian, all Kings do similar things, even the Night Elf race who pride themselves on being peaceful. Ten thousand years, an incredibly long time, do you really believe that no Night Elf has been born better than Malfurion and Tyrande?"
Varian was persuaded and bowed his head to sincerely accept the lesson, but still looked reluctant.
Five hundred axemen lay in ambush at Stormwind Keep, waiting for the King to smash the cup as a signal before charging out and hacking the commanders to pieces.
Medivh thought for a moment, then took out a small bottle filled with a clear, mysterious liquid.
"Alright, the plan can be slightly altered. Bloodshed is not advisable at Stormwind Keep tonight. This is Chaos Potion; during the second round of toasts, mix it into the commanders' drinks. What they'll become... heh, even I don't know. This will make you feel better."
Thrall walked over and patted Varian on the shoulder, saying:
"Varian, remember this: King's betrayal of his subjects is not betrayal, but rather a wise decision."
As the saying goes, walls have ears, and the conversation of the three was overheard by a patrolling guard.
The guard happened to be a good friend of Garrick's. Upon hearing this, he was greatly surprised and hurriedly ran to the banquet hall to secretly call Garrick out.
Garrick learned of Varian's plot and, without having time to inform anyone, fled Stormwind Keep alone.
Not long after, Garrick Padford once again became a wanted criminal in the Kingdom of Stormwind.
Varian returned to the banquet hall and sincerely promised everyone various rewards. Bellygrub, as he wished, became the Marshal of Stormwind City.
In the second round of toasts, the commanders drank the treasured nectar with great satisfaction. As soon as the fragrant wine entered their stomachs, the commanders felt a dizzying sensation.
Captain Grayson gritted his teeth, glaring angrily at Varian, his flesh and bones shattering as he became a transparent Restless Souls.
Bellygrub clutched his head in agony, and with a churning of flesh and blood, he transformed into a gigantic wild boar.