Icecrown Glacier.
The appointed time to attack Icecrown Citadel has arrived.
Tirion Fordring was much more cautious this time, not preparing for a massive media campaign, but only having Big Candle Gagg lead a few reliable editors to carefully record this war that was destined to be recorded in history.
Savior Thrall, King Varian, Sylvanas, Magni Bronzebeard, Jaina each led a small number of guards and assembled at the Argent Crusade camp.
Thrall, with a mocking expression, laughed and said, "Heh heh, Tirion Fordring, the heroes of Azeroth are all here this time. They'll definitely help you wipe out those wretched Plague Rats."
Tirion Fordring blushed and flattered, "Great Savior Thrall, all glory belongs to you."
Jaina waved her hand, looking utterly bored. "Let's go. Arthas has lived long enough."
Twenty-five carefully selected Azeroth "Elites " followed Tirion Fordring, traveling with the leaders of various races to Icecrown Citadel.
Thrall, now rich and with an army of 100,000 Orcs, was brimming with confidence and beaming with pride. He talked and talked all the way, envisioning the future of Azeroth.
"After the Scourge's destruction, the Alliance and the Horde should unite to build a better Azeroth together. We Orcs are the Saviors of Azeroth, saving the world time and time again, and deserve to be the highest race in this world, enjoying the offerings of all races."
The leaders of the various tribes seemed preoccupied and paid no attention to the arrogant Thrall.
Only Tirion Fordring said obsequiously, "The Savior is right. The Orcs deserve this honor. Orgrimmar has a harsh environment and difficult conditions. I suggest the Orcs move to Stormwind City, facing the sea, where spring is warm and flowers bloom, and the sea breeze is gentle. Only this is worthy of the great Orcs."
Varian couldn't help but ask, "Tirion Fordring, what about the people of Stormwind City?"
Tirion Fordring coldly replied, "Humans will either cede Stormwind City or remain to serve as food for the Orcs."
Varian frowned and retorted, "Tirion Fordring, don't forget you're human too."
Tirion Fordring said sorrowfully, "I am ashamed of this human body and wish I could immediately become a noble Orcs."
Varian shook his head, his expression complex, and said, "Tirion Fordring, you are a complete and utter villain, a scum of humanity."
Tirion Fordring was not angry at all; on the contrary, he said smugly:
"I betrayed countless humans, feeding them to the Orcs, yet in the hearts of the people of Stormwind City, I am a great hero. Varian, you are far from worthy of such praise."
Varian was furious, but ultimately he held back.
The team successfully entered Icecrown Citadel, but encountered a large number of Plague Rats on the third level. This time, everyone was prepared and easily cleared the path.
On the passage leading to the fourth floor, an ice wall firmly blocked the entrance.
Tirion Fordring snorted coldly, his voice low and deep:
"A single wall of ice is all you think you can hold back the flames of vengeance, Arthas? You're delusional."
Tirion Fordring raised Ashbringer and slashed at the thick ice wall. He struck it over a hundred times before finally breaking off a fist-sized chunk of ice, leaving Tirion Fordring panting heavily.
"Step aside, incompetent Tirion Fordring, let me handle this." Jaina chanted a spell, and a Fireball struck the ice wall, but unfortunately, the ice wall remained undamaged.
Thrall frowned upon seeing this. Arthas had blocked the heroes of all races with just one ice wall. What should be done?
Suddenly, a weak voice came, sounding like Arthas:
"Look who's here! A bunch of self-proclaimed Justice warriors have gathered before my gates, but an ice wall blocks your way. Tirion Fordring, you who have committed countless crimes, do you have the courage to ascend the Frozen Throne and meet me?"
Upon receiving Arthas's invitation, Tirion Fordring felt a chill run down his spine. Clearly, Arthas was weakened and on the verge of death, yet still far beyond Tirion Fordring's ability to contend with.
Thrall's lips curled into a smile as he loudly replied, "Arthas, Tirion Fordring, the embodiment of the Holy Light, is the bravest Paladin in Azeroth. Of course he won't refuse this invitation."
Turning his head, Thrall glared fiercely at Tirion Fordring:
Tirion Fordring, you must prove your courage to everyone.
Sylvanas said Pride, "Tirion Fordring, I hope you won't disappoint me."
Varian sneered, "Our warrior Tirion Fordring has defeated the Lich King countless times. Are you afraid?"
Magni Bronzebeard silent, only shaking the Stormhammer in his hand.
A crack appeared in the ice wall.
Under pressure from numerous leaders, Tirion Fordring had no choice but to step onto the Frozen Throne, followed by twenty-five so-called "Elites " who had paid exorbitant prices for their seats.
The Frozen Throne remained the same as before, covered by a thick layer of corpses. The cold had frozen the bodies solid, and the frozen blood still retained its bright red color.
A howling sound came from all around, and an endless Ice Storm enveloped the Frozen Throne.
Looking at the mountain of corpses, the twenty-five Elites trembled with fear. Many were too terrified to move forward, and several young girls fainted from fright.
"Arthas" said sarcastically:
"Tirion Fordring, are these the warriors you've carefully chosen? I see wealth in them, why burden their frail shoulders with such a heavy load?"
Tirion Fordring immediately used his most effective tactic, saying with a fawning expression:
"Great Lich King Arthas, I deeply admire you; please accept my humble respect."
Tirion Fordring was about to kneel down and worship when a force held him up, preventing him from bending his legs.
Arthas's majestic voice echoed across the Frozen Throne:
"Laughable advocates of the Holy Light! Look at this Freeze Castle! These solid ice walls alone are beyond your ability to break. How could you be so foolish as to think you could destroy the Lich King?"
Tirion Fordring's teeth chattered uncontrollably; all he wanted to do was turn and run away.
Just then, the Frozen Throne fell silent, and no more sounds came from it.
After a long while, Tirion Fordring finally mustered the courage to look up at the throne.
On the throne, the Lich King Arthas remained motionless, his bright eyes now extinguished, as if he had fallen into an eternal slumber.
Tirion Fordring grabbed one of the Elites beside him and pointed to the Frozen Throne, saying, "Let's go up and take a look."
This "Elite" rolled his eyes and fainted instantly.
"What a useless Imp." Tirion Fordring grabbed another Elite, Ashbringer placed against his neck. "Go up and check it out, or I'll kill you."
This "Elite" was a young Blood Elf, said to be the cousin of Regent Lor'themar. He had lived a life of luxury, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and needlework, and had never participated in battle. He was so frightened that he turned pale and could only slowly ascend to the Frozen Throne.
After falling several times, the Blood Elf finally ascended the throne, mustered his courage, stared at it for a long time, and then shouted, "He's dead! He's dead!"
Dead?
Is the Lich King Arthas really dead?
Tirion Fordring was so excited he almost shouted out loud, and carefully climbed the long staircase.
Upon seeing that the Lich King remained silent, Tirion Fordring's first action was to attempt to remove the Helm of Domination, a helmet that, Legendary, grants the ability to become the new Lich King.
"Call!"
A faint breathing sound came from behind, and Tirion Fordring screamed in fright. He slipped and tumbled down the high steps, along with Arthas.
The Helm of Domination rolled to one side, revealing a young face that stared at Tirion Fordring in surprise:
"Father!"