The towering Ogre palace stands atop Highmaul, where Imperator Mar'gok sits on his throne, overlooking the bustling Highmaul.
Highmaul, the capital of the Gorian Empire, the most dazzling jewel in its crown.
No empire lasts forever; no matter how hard the Ogres try, they can never compare to the extinct Apexis Arakkoa.
But Mar'gok was not willing to give up.
"Cho'gall, tell me, what caused the decline of the Ogre Empire?" Mar'gok's two heads asked in unison.
Beneath the throne, the two-headed Ogre Cho'gall, who resembled the Imperator, answered respectfully:
"The great Imperator, of course, is the treacherous Draenei, who have brought disaster to the Empire."
The Imperator Mar'gok was exceptionally burly; more often than not, he resembled a Warrior than a spellcaster.
Cho'gall knew that the Imperator's melee combat skills were just as terrifying as his magic.
Kelage, the Imperator's personal bodyguard, Ogre whose body is even larger than Cyclops. He is the only survivor exposed to the mysterious relic and has gained near- Magic Immunity. He possesses the terrifying power to smash mountains, yet he is completely subdued by Mar'gok's fist and foot skills.
The head on the left side of the Imperator closed its eyes, revealing a very emotional expression of sadness.
The right-hand head roared angrily, "Cho'gall, tell me, what have the Draenei done?"
Cho'gall's two heads answered together:
"The Draenei preached freedom and equality in Draenor, believing that Orcs were just as miserable as the Draenei. They helped the orcs break free from our control, and for this, the Prophet Velen did not hesitate to give the Draenei to the Orcs to eat. They helped the Orcs establish Clans, taught them Shaman magic, and taught them how to forge weapons and armor. Of course, the Orcs did not remember the Draenei's kindness; they are best at forgetting favors, but burying hatred deep in their hearts."
"For centuries," Imperator Mar'gok growled irritably. "The Draenei hid in mysterious cities, using magic we couldn't comprehend to conceal themselves. Not witnessing the Orcs' rebellion and their annihilation of the Draenei has always been a regret of mine. Thankfully, that fool Prophet Velen is finally dead, and the Draenei have awakened from their dream."
Mar'gok's gaze turned towards the direction of Woshu Valley; he knew the Lightforging Orcs were about to make a big move.
"No matter what tricks those Orcs pull, we'll always come out on top. When it comes to brains, the Orcs are nothing."
The Imperator Mar'gok, was born into a wizarding family that had ruled the Gorian Empire for generations. He received an excellent education from a young age and was the most outstanding member of the family, a powerful Ogre Mage.
Mar'gok vaguely guessed what the Lightforging Orcs were up to: they were going to summon a powerful Holy Light.
Mar'gok saw this as an opportunity; the Arakkoa had used sunlight to create the powerful Apexis Civilization, and the Ogres could use the Holy Light to create a similar glory.
Ogres are not old-fashioned; they know how to keep up with the times. Today, all the Ogre Mages in Highmaul are researching the Holy Light and have made groundbreaking progress.
If Draenor is filled with Holy Light in the future, the Ogres will certainly surpass the Orcs in their use of Holy Light.
Except for the Draenei.
Most of the Draenei have disappeared; Mar'gok believes they left Draenor aboard Tempest Keep.
But there are still nearly a thousand Lightforging Draenei Draenor.
The Draenei are terrifying; their magical talent far surpasses that of the Ogres. If they could unleash their potential, a thousand Draenei would be a thousand Mar'gok.
This is what Mar'gok is most worried about.
After Velen and Aman'Thul entered Highmaul, they first went to visit Khadgar.
As the saying goes, "Two tigers cannot share one mountain." After Velen seized power, Khadgar realized that he was outnumbered and unable to compete with Velen, and that he would eventually be killed by him.
Therefore, Khadgar the pretext of contacting the Ogres, went on a mission to Highmaul.
Khadgar is now Imperator guest of honor of Mar'gok and an advisor to the Court Mages. The Ogre's breakthrough in the research of the Holy Light owes much to Khadgar.
Khadgar's mage tower was located near the palace of the Imperator, making it convenient for Mar'gok to consult Khadgar at any time.
Led by a one-eyed Gronn, Velen entered Khadgar's mage tower, with Aman'Thul following cautiously behind.
This was Ogre- style building, a huge cylindrical tower made of stone blocks. Ascending the spiral staircase, at the top of the mage tower, Velen saw Khadgar meditating.
Upon hearing that a guest had arrived, Khadgar stopped meditating, opened his eyes, and invited Velen to sit down. Aman'Thul served him, and Ogre servants brought him fragrant tea.
"I know about what happened to Oshu'gun, and I deeply regret it."
Khadgar's expression was indifferent. He shrugged and said, "Durotan is a very mysterious person. Dark forces are hidden behind him. I can't help you."
Having to ask for a favor, Velen had no choice but to lower his stance and whisper:
"We need to meet with His Imperator Mar'gok and hope you can introduce us. We will be richly rewarded in the future."
Khadgar lowered his gaze slightly. It was nothing more than a simple task for him, but he disliked Velen and deliberately remained silent, looking down at the teacup in his hand.
Unable to fathom Khadgar's thoughts, Velen Aman'Thul a few words in Velen ear.
It turns out they were demanding a bribe. Khadgar wouldn't help for nothing, but how could they possibly sway Khadgar? It wasn't as simple as just gold coins. This was a difficult problem.
After pondering for a long time, Velen took out a dull Naaru Shard from his robes:
"Inside the sacred mountain in Woshu Valley, there is a crashed Draenei ship, and inside is a severely injured Naaru named K'ure."
Khadgar slowly raised his head, his expression remaining indifferent, seemingly uninterested.
"K'ure is an old friend of mine. I owe my position as Argus's Three Mogul to his help, but unfortunately, he is nearing the end of his life. For centuries, the Naaru have had no intention of saving him. There is also infighting within the Army of the Light, K'ure has offended some powerful figures. If you have this fragment, you can find K'ure and obtain his final legacy."
Khadgar did not accept the Naaru Shard, and cautiously asked:
What is the meaning of "Naaru being the last lineage"?
Velen said with a grave expression, "You should know about Ashbringer."
Khadgar nodded.
"Ashbringer is merely an incomplete Naaru Core. If you obtain a complete Naaru body, you will not only Ashbringer, but possess endless Shadow power, a terrifying source of energy, ultimately transforming into Void Creature and existing forever. I was once tempted by this, but alas, I serve the Holy Light and cannot succumb to darkness. The Naaru will not forgive me."
Khadgar snatched the dimmed Naaru Shard from the hand, his face expressionless, and said:
"Tomorrow, there will be a grand ball at Imperator palace. I will help you get a meeting with Mar'gok."
Khadgar's face was filled with worry. "Velen, you probably know that Mar'gok hates you to the core, wishing he could devour you alive. Before meeting with the Imperator, I suggest you go see Cho'gall first. He is Mar'gok's most trusted apprentice, being groomed as his successor. Winning over Cho'gall will at least guarantee your survival."