The golden Sun Obelisk shone with a dazzling light, illuminating the resolute eyes of the Dark Pharaoh Takahen.
As the leader of the Neferset clan, the Dark Pharaoh Takahen is known for his cruelty and composure. His dark eyes, like ancient, dark wells, seem to forever conceal secrets.
There were twelve Priests surrounding the obelisk. Takahen greatly envied the Scepter of the Sun in Felix's hand, a true artifact, also Scepter of Orsis, a key item for unlocking the secrets of Uldum.
The Scepter of Orsis has the ability to communicate with the Guardian Ra-den, Dark Pharaoh Takahen must rely on the power of the Sun Obelisk.
Golden light coalesced into an aged face; the Ancient Guardian Ra-den looked down at Takahen.
Takahen bowed slightly and said, "Honorable Guardian Ra-den, Takahen welcomes your teachings."
Ra-den carefully observed the Dark Pharaoh, unable to discern his thoughts. A man of great composure, Ra-den cautiously chose his words: "Takahen, the day has come. The true ruler of Uldum has appeared."
Takahen's eyes flashed, but then dimmed. "Thrall the Savior."
Ra-den said with satisfaction, "The great Savior Thrall is the one foretold. He will end the wars among the Tol'vir, lead you out of the desert, and establish a new kingdom."
Takahen countered tactfully, "Honorable Guardian Ra-den, the duty of the Tol'vir is to protect the Forge of Origination and prevent it from falling into the hands of those with ulterior motives, otherwise it will be the end of the world. Neferset swore that he would never leave Uldum."
Ra-den seemed somewhat displeased. "Thrall is kind and benevolent, the true master of the Forge of Origination. As a member of the Tol'vir, you must support Thrall's rule and help him save Azeroth."
Takahen looked at the Guardian Ra-den, seemingly resigned:
"My esteemed Guardian, as you wish, I will fully support Thrall."
Ra-den chuckled, "A wise move. Brann Bronzebeard from Ironforge Bronzebeard helping Thrall excavate the Halls of Origination. You must do your utmost to cooperate and hold off all enemies, especially Ramkahen; I suspect they have a conspiracy."
"Ramkahen, I understand." Takahen bowed again.
The image of the obelisk of Ra-den disappeared, and a cold smile crept onto Takahen's lips.
"Ra-den, to actually serve Thrall, it seems Lei Shen really provoked him too much."
The twelve Priests were all Takahen's most trusted confidants. One of them asked:
"Ra-den's tone was unfriendly; I felt he was hiding something."
Takahen sneered, "Ra-den was the most cowardly of the Titan Keepers. Some say that Y'Shaarj's heart absorbed his courage, but as far as I know, Lei Shen is the real culprit."
"Because Lei Shen stole Ra-den's power?" the Priest asked.
Takahen chuckled coldly, "It's always been the strong who seize the weak, and the weak who defeat the strong and take their power. How could such a thing possibly happen?"
After being reminded by Takahen, the twelve Priests fell into deep thought.
"Could this all be a lie?" a Priest asked.
"It's more than just a lie; it's a blatant conspiracy." Takahen said expressionlessly, "Ra-den has indeed lost his courage and fighting spirit, but he hasn't lost his ability to protect himself. Ra-den is simply jealous of Lei Shen's power."
"Jealous."
The twelve Priests silently pondered the meaning of those words. It was said that Lei Shen had taken Power of Ra-den, but one thing was certain: Ra-den still possessed formidable strength, no weaker than any of the Titan Keepers.
Takahen gazed in the direction of the Halls of Origination, his expression growing increasingly resolute.
"Thrall is the chosen one; to oppose him is to commit suicide, but to cooperate with him is equally doomed. Since the outcome is the same anyway, my choice is to fight bravely, perhaps finding a glimmer of hope."
The twelve Priests raised their heads, awaiting the Dark Pharaoh's command.
Takahen said seriously, "I will send all my troops to intercept Thrall's forces. Oasis and Ramkahen will definitely interfere, but my target is the Halls of Origination. Since Thrall can ask Brann Bronzebeard for help, we should ask Harrison Jones to get the help of the Halls of Origination Guardian first."
Sailing on Pirate ships, Thrall's army landed in southeastern Uldum at a place known as the Cursed Landing Site, where Lei Shen had landed years before, symbolizing the impending calamity of Uldum.
The southeastern part of Uldum is where the Halls of Origination is located, a land jointly governed by the three races. Because the three races are constantly at war and unable to unite against external enemies, there is no garrison here.
Thrall appeared fearless, but he was actually quite apprehensive. Even with Ra-den's assurance, he couldn't be sure he could defeat the three races, given that Uldum had nearly a million Tol'vir, while Thrall only had five thousand Orcs.
At the Cursed Landing Site, Thrall constructed sturdy fortifications to ensure a safe evacuation should the situation turn against him.
Among a group of green-skinned Orcs, the Explorers' League led by Brann Bronzebeard stood out from the crowd.
Brann, believing he was there to help, adopted a somewhat Pride attitude, constantly showing off his knowledge in front of Thrall.
Pointing to the Halls of Origination not far away, Brann shook his head and said:
"The Halls of Origination in Uldum, along with Ulduar in Northrend and Uldaman in the Badlands, are three important legacies left by the Titans in Azeroth. I, Brann, have explored ruins for many years, and my knowledge of Titans Ruins is unparalleled in Azeroth."
Thrall grinned. "Brann Bronzebeard, remember, I am the leader here, and you must obey my orders."
Brann shook his head in dissatisfaction. "Thrall, you don't understand how dangerous the Titans Ruins are. A single misstep can lead to total annihilation. I'll listen to you outside, but once we enter the Halls of Origination, I am the undisputed authority."
"No one dares to claim authority before me. I am the great Savior Thrall, I am Mastery all knowledge, and my wisdom is unmatched."
Brann's eyes widened. "Thrall, you'll pay for your arrogance. I think we need to reconsider this partnership."
"Is that so?"
Thrall gave a cruel smile and punched Brann in the face.
Caught off guard, Brann was Thrall flying and crashed heavily into the desert.
"Damn it, Thrall, how dare you hit me!"
Brann was furious. After years of adventure, Brann had long since honed his martial arts skills to a high level.
But soon, a large group of Orcs surrounded Brann and beat him mercilessly. Brann howled and begged for mercy, countless bones broken, until he was on the verge of death. Only then did Thrall order a halt, stepping on Brian's head and saying:
"Now you should understand who the real authority is."
Brann nodded weakly, hating his brother to the core.
Cooperating with Orcs is never a pleasant thing, and if it weren't for Magni Bronzebeard's orders, Brann would never have agreed to help Thrall.
"Your brother is a good-for-nothing, all the Ironforge Dwarves are good-for-nothings. Even if I skinned you and presented your skin to Magni, he wouldn't dare utter a single word; he'd just say you died in an accident."
Thrall produced the Slave Contract that the Emissary had given him.
"I won't be foolish enough to trust a Dwarf. By signing this contract, you'll become my slave. I promise that after this adventure, if I get what I want, I will break the contract and give you your freedom."