Upon hearing Deathwing's offer to exterminate the Orcs, Varian instinctively wanted to agree.
But he realized that Deathwing was using a conciliatory tone, not a threatening one.
Varian paused for a moment, then carefully examined the Black Dragon King who had transformed into human form. His face was refined, his gaze peaceful, and he seemed to have no malice. The initial fear slowly subsided.
Deathwing was puzzled when he saw that Varian didn't immediately agree. Stormwind City was on the verge of destruction, and its people were about to be slaughtered. Why was Varian hesitating?
Threatening to use the lives of the entire city as Deathwing suddenly felt it was too cruel. Putting himself in the Deathwing believed that the lives of ordinary people were the most important. So he spoke kindly:
"Very well, King Varian. The terms can be discussed after the war. The Black Dragonflight must immediately take over the defense of Stormwind City. We need time to establish the Magic Shield."
Deathwing had actually made a concession, Varian suddenly remembered the Black Dragon Princess.
During the Black Dragon Princess's reign over Stormwind City, although she often spoke rudely to the King, she never actually harmed anyone. Were the Black Dragon and his daughter just paper tigers, all bark and no bite?
Varian hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Your Black Dragon King, this concerns the safety of Stormwind City. I cannot make a decision on my own. I need to consult with my subjects before making a decision."
"What? Discuss?" Deathwing exclaimed urgently, "Thrall and Garrosh are almost here. They are world-destroying beings; there's no time to discuss."
Varian said solemnly, "It is precisely because this matter is of great importance that we need to discuss it. In our view as humans, death is not terrible; dignity is far more important."
"Dignity?"
Deathwing was incredulous that Varian would utter that word at such a critical moment.
Varian, upright and righteous, declared:
"If the defense of Stormwind City is entrusted to the Black Dragonflight today, although the people of Stormwind City may survive, Stormwind City, having lost its dignity, is tantamount to being dead. Conversely, even if all the people perish in battle, the indomitable spirit of humanity will live on, and all will achieve immortality. I am the King of Stormwind City, and I must consult the people's opinions; I cannot act arbitrarily."
Deathwing was somewhat bewildered. Although he had lived for countless years, he found the notion of "spiritual immortality" difficult to comprehend.
Once a person is dead, what can endure? The soul?
"Alright, alright, I hope you can make a decision soon," Deathwing said hopelessly. He had said his piece; Varian wouldn't agree, and Deathwing couldn't force him.
After all, the Black Dragonflight also has dignity.
Varian led his guards back to Stormwind Keep, where a Court Mages reported:
"Your King, the Portal to the Elysian Palace is ready."
Varian immediately stood up and shouted, "What are you waiting for? Retreat now!"
Elysian Palace is a secret palace built by King Varian. Although it is still under construction, it is already taking shape and ready for use.
The Court Mages hurriedly added, "Your King, the number of Portals is limited; we cannot evacuate all the people in the city."
Varian chuckled coldly, "Let them all die. The meaning of a commoner's existence is to die for their King. As long as I live, Stormwind City will still belong to House Wrynn. Oh, and take Anduin with you. If he agrees to Deathwing my behalf, he'll ruin my plans."
The Court Mages asked, puzzled, "Your King, why won't you grant Deathwing?"
Varian led a large group of guards and strode quickly toward the Portal, explaining to his trusted aides as they went:
"Foolish! If we agree to let the Black Dragonflight take over Stormwind City's defenses, it will be difficult to drive them away later. I don't want to spend the rest of my life beholding Deathwing's whims. The situation is unclear now. The Orcs have received help from a mysterious entity, and we don't know who is stronger, the Black Dragonflight or the Orcs. If we accidentally choose the wrong side, the House Wrynn will be wiped out. What does sacrificing a few civilians matter? They are like weeds; new ones will grow back in no time."
Everyone then realized the truth and praised King Varian's wise decision.
Deathwing sensed that King Varian and Prince Anduin had left Stormwind City, shook his head in disappointment, and could only silently apologize to the people of Stormwind City.
The gigantic Thrall and Garrosh arrived in Stormwind City, their massive bodies blocking out the sun as they looked down upon the city, its densely packed houses resembling toys.
The people of Stormwind City took to the streets, and upon seeing the two Orcs in the sky, who resembled mountains, they all knelt on the ground, some praying devoutly, others weeping bitterly.
"Great Savior Thrall, you are my idol. Take me with you! I am willing to Consecration everything for the Orcs, and I am willing to fight for Azeroth."
"Warchief Garrosh, you are the true hero in my heart. You defeated the Scourge, you stopped the Burning Legion from destroying Azeroth, and I am your most loyal follower."
A Respected Elder stood on a high place and shouted loudly:
"People of Stormwind City, do not fear, do not worry. The Orcs have saved the world time and time again. They are merciful and kind. Let us welcome our two Saviors with the warmest applause. A new era has begun for Stormwind City."
Thrall smiled slightly:
"In this Orcs's memories, I saw cruelty and slaughter. Countless humans were devoured by him. He was utterly depraved and committed countless evil deeds, yet he remains so popular. He truly deserves to be my chosen spokesperson."
Garrosh calmly responded:
"Living beings are inherently foolish. Thrall is outdated; Garrosh is the future of this world. Look at these bewildered humans. Even if I cruelly tear them apart, they will still be grateful for my kindness. Tragedy always repeats itself; there are never any surprises."
Garrosh spread his arms wide and roared:
"People of Stormwind City, Consecration your flesh and blood, become a part of me, merge with me, and your souls will suffer torment for all eternity."
A tremendous suction force enveloped the entire Stormwind City, drawing all its inhabitants into the air uncontrollably, drawing them closer to Garrosh.
Their flesh and bones were separated, their bodies were torn into strips, and a dark aura enveloped their souls, causing them to emit painful howls.
The Respected Elder was not spared; he floated in the air, still shouting, "People of Stormwind City, do not lose faith! To be one with Lord Garrosh, our lives have been worthwhile!"
The gigantic Garrosh slaughtered the people of Stormwind City. Robbie watched all this nervously, Archimonde's Power of Destruction clutched in his palm, hesitating whether or not to intervene.
Faced with these two unknown and terrifying beings, Robbie was not confident of victory and had little chance of winning; he would only needlessly throw away his life.
Robbie's worst fears came true; Garrosh was not satisfied, and his gaze turned to the Westfall once more.
A Portal opened beside Robbie, Kel'Thuzad, travel-worn, stepped through Portal, excitedly declaring, "Mission accomplished! We've found a way to deal with them; Stormwind City will be their graveyard!"