In Theramore, Kalecgos and Jaina were enjoying a delicious beef hotpot.
In Jaina's eyes, Kalecgos became more and more charming. Jaina even resented that she wasn't a dragon so that she could marry Kalecgos and live happily ever after.
Kalecgos, who had been seriously eating his beef without a smile, suddenly burst out laughing for no apparent reason, as if something good had happened. Jaina tilted her head and looked at him with great curiosity.
Kalecgos shrugged and said casually, "I'm about to become the Aspect of the Blue."
Jaina nodded, her gaze fervent. "Yes, with the support of Wrathion Harbinger and Thrall, you will surely ascend to the throne of the Aspect of the Blue."
Kalecgos smiled mysteriously, "I've changed my mind. I will use my own power to obtain the position of Aspect of the Blue, and I will pay any price for it."
A sweet smile crept onto Jaina's lips. Lost in her love, Jaina was unaware that she was one of the consequences.
Krasarang Wilds, Alliance Lion's Fortress.
The sturdy fortress built of massive stones has welcomed a special guest today.
King Varian sat in his master's seat, scrutinizing the Harbinger, Wrathion.
Wrathion's amiable demeanor, devoid of any imposing presence, reassured Varian somewhat.
"The Alliance is ready for battle."
Varian said loudly:
"If Garrosh attacks the Timeless Isle, the Alliance navy will launch a surprise attack on the Horde's Troop Transport Ship from behind. In naval warfare, human soldiers will have an absolute advantage."
To allay Wrathion's concerns, Varian added, "The Kingdom of Kul Tiras is willing to provide covert support; they have extensive experience in naval warfare and have defeated the Horde more than once."
Wrathion raised his eyebrows, savoring the pastry in front of him, then shook his head in disappointment. "King Varian, you must already know what happened at Vermilion Bird Temple?"
Varian's expression darkened. "Yes, Anduin turned the tide and shattered the Sacred Bell, but unfortunately his whereabouts are unknown."
Wrathion picked up another pastry, put it in his mouth, tasted it carefully, and shook his head, saying, "The ingredients are high-quality, and the appearance is good, but it's all show and no substance. The pastry chef's skills are very poor."
"What?" Varian was baffled.
Wrathion raised his head and chuckled softly:
"Your King, with the Sacred Bell destroyed, the Horde is unable to forge Sha-tainted soldiers. For his own safety, Garrosh has left Pandaria and secretly fled back to Orgrimmar."
Varian asked doubtfully, "Is that really true?"
Wrathion didn't offer much explanation; some things only require investigation to know.
"Pandaria now has an army of 100,000 Orcs, and the people are in a state of panic. Why doesn't Your King send the navy to destroy the Horde's ships, trapping them in Pandaria, and then take advantage of the Horde's weakened Horde to directly attack Orgrimmar and drive Garrosh from the throne?"
Varian's facial muscles twitched slightly, a dark look crossed his brow, and he remained silent.
Wrathion asked seriously:
"King Majesty, have you forgotten the national and personal vendettas? Who slaughtered Stormwind City? Who killed your father? I've heard that the murderer is still living a comfortable life, using the killing of a King as her source of pride, and you are powerless against her."
Varian slowly raised his head and said seriously, "I can't do that."
Wrathion stood up and said coldly:
"You're afraid, aren't you? You're afraid of the darkness hidden behind the scenes, you're afraid to face your true fears, you just want to maintain the status quo and enjoy your luxurious imperial life."
Varian's thoughts had been exposed, and his hands trembled uncontrollably, but he remained silent.
As he walked, Wrathion said:
"Many factions in Azeroth are willing to fight against the darkness, such as the mysterious Mogu. If you agree, I will act as your intermediary, and humanity will acquire the Mogu's advanced Titans technology, knowledge and skills beyond your imagination. Our combat power will be a thousand times, ten thousand times greater than it is now, and you will achieve great feats, far surpassing Emperor Thoradin."
Varian lowered his head and said weakly, "You're tempting me. You should understand that the succession of the Kingdom of Stormwind depends on the Guardian Medivh."
Wrathion smiled faintly, "You must have heard of the Mogu's Soulclaw Sect. If Medivh is your only concern, his head will soon be placed before you."
Varian stared at Wrathion in surprise. "Who are you?"
"It seems your greatest enemy isn't Medivh, but your inherent cowardice." Wrathion shook his head in disappointment, a flash of fierceness crossing his eyes, but he quickly gave up.
"King Majesty, you may not know this, but you are not the only option. Warchief Garrosh of the Horde is also under my consideration. If we can unite the forces of Azeroth against the darkness behind the scenes, I do not recommend that a tyrant sit on the throne."
Varian stared blankly at Wrathion: "How is this possible? You're actually going to cooperate with Garrosh?"
Intelligence from SI:7 indicates that Wrathion the Harbinger supports Thrall and is at odds with Garrosh; there is absolutely no possibility of cooperation between the two.
Wrathion said to himself, "Your King, if you refuse, Garrosh is the most suitable choice."
Varian waved his arms angrily. "You won't be able to tempt me! Even if the Kingdom of Stormwind is destroyed, even if humanity is wiped out, I will never agree to your offer! I refuse!"
Wrathion muttered to himself, "A foolish King will ultimately destroy his entire race, just like that Tauren Chieftain of ancient times. Varian, I already know your answer. When you are torn apart by Garrosh, don't regret it."
After saying that, Wrathion left without looking back.
Not everyone has courage.
Debauchery and extravagance are the worst things for eroding one's will, but compared to supreme power, these are nothing. Royal power is the real culprit that leads people to ruin.
Varian sat blankly on the throne, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably. He slowly looked up at the sky, too cowardly to confront that terrifying being, not even daring to think about it.
Exodar, Throne of the Naaru.
Prophet Velen ended his meditation and sensed something was amiss with the Naaru on the throne. The light of Naaru Volos, which had always been stable and unchanged for millennia, was now somewhat unstable.
The radiance of the Naaru represents their emotions, and few things can affect Naaru emotions. Velen asked curiously, "Respected O'ros, what makes you so agitated?"
O'ros buzzed, demanding, "Velen, how did you teach Anduin?"
Anduin was constantly studying the Path of the Holy Light beside the Naaru's throne, which meant he was completely under the Naaru's surveillance.
Velen guessed that Anduin's comprehension was too poor, and he had consumed too much Holy Light, angering the Naaru. So he explained:
"Anduin is a good boy. Although he is lazy by nature and lacks understanding of the Holy Light, he has a kind heart and treats people sincerely, which makes me very happy."
O'ros said with dissatisfaction, "Velen, you've lived for tens of thousands of years. Even a block of wood should have become wise by now, yet you were deceived by Anduin. You've disappointed me greatly."
Velen was stunned, not knowing what had happened, and looked at O'ros with confusion.
O'ros scoffed, "Pandaria, Vermilion Bird Temple, Anduin cast a forbidden Guardian Angel. You know what that means to the Naaru."