Durotan was a smart man, and this reminder made it clear why, despite losing so many Lightforging Orcs, they couldn't conquer Highmaul.
The Illusion Formation is a difficult problem to solve. Although Durotan has Gromgal's help, his understanding of magic is far inferior to Jaina's.
Is there a way to destroy the Illusion Formation?
Jaina hesitated for a long time before saying:
"We need to penetrate deep into Highmaul and destroy several mage towers, but unfortunately, we are inferior to Highmaul in terms of high-end combat power. I have accepted the unfamiliar Holy Light, so my strength may not be as good as Khadgar's."
Durotan paced back and forth a few steps, then waved his hand and said, "That's enough. As long as we can hold out against Highmaul, my mission is complete, and final victory will surely be mine."
The Lightforging Orcs were stationed near Highmaul, and a stalemate ensued.
Imperator Mar'gok dared not send his elite forces to hunt down Durotan, knowing that the enemy had Jaina, and if Highmaul vulnerable, the Illusion Formation could be destroyed at any time.
Fortunately, Highmaul had made ample preparations for this war, with sufficient food reserves within the city, so there was no need to worry about Durotan's blockade.
Neither Highmaul nor Lightforging Orcs could defeat the other, which greatly worried Velen.
Velen's intention was to weaken both Highmaul and the Lightforging Orcs, and then reap the benefits.
It now appears that both leaders are maintaining restraint and are unwilling to engage in a true life-or-death struggle.
What should I do?
Amado officially parted ways with Velen and became a guest of honor at Highmaul. Velen, isolated and powerless, was even more eager to salvage the situation.
After carefully weighing the pros and cons, Velen decided to help Highmaul.
Even though Highmaul defeated the Lightforging Orcs and Imperator Mar'gok replaced Durotan, the Holy Light had already trusted the Orcs once, so trusting an Ogre was somewhat unreasonable.
Velen felt he had a good chance.
Having made up his mind, Velen went to meet with the Imperator Mar'gok.
Mar'gok was in a bad mood, and Durotan saw through his plot, surrounding Highmaul without attacking, thus disrupting his plans.
If this stalemate continues, the initiative will be in the hands of the Lightforging Orcs. They will only be waiting for Oshu'gun's project to be completed, and who knows how many heroes will be reborn from the dead.
Mar'gok was unable to break the deadlock.
"Velen, I hope you can offer help, not just encouragement." Mar'gok's expression was unfriendly.
Velen feigned a clever look and whispered:
"Imperator Majesty, among the Lightforging Orcs' high-end combat forces, which one concerns you the most?"
Mar'gok, puzzled, replied, "Grommash Hellscream, Kilrogg, and Blackhand are three useless men. Dragon Slayer Gruul and Orlgog have limited loyalty to Durotan. It's the reborn Garrosh, Sylvanas, and Jaina who worry me the most, especially Jaina; an Archmage like her is truly difficult to guard against."
Velen cautiously asked, "If I have a way to deal with these three, is Highmaul guaranteed a victory?"
Mar'gok glanced at him doubtfully, then said with certainty:
"If we can control Jaina, our Holy Light magic has great potential. I've discussed it with Khadgar; Jaina has accepted the Holy Light, so he's not entirely confident of victory."
Velen chuckled and said, "If High Archmage Antonidas and Khadgar join forces, Jaina is nothing to fear."
Mar'gok asked in surprise, "I know Antonidas was Jaina's mentor, but wasn't he killed by the Night Elves?"
Velen said earnestly, "I can use the Holy Light to resurrect Antonidas."
Mar'gok rose from his throne, glaring menacingly at Velen, and after a long while, he laughed:
"Velen, this is no joke. The Army of the Light is clearly on Durotan's side. Do you really have a way to regain the Holy Light's trust?"
Velen shook his head. "No one knows the composition of the Army of the Light better than me. The Naaru are far from monolithic; they are rife with factional infighting and are eager to sabotage each other. I suspect Durotan must have built a small Holy Light Receiver. We can build one according to the blueprints. I can guarantee that some Naaru will be willing to help us. They won't show themselves or reveal their identities, but they will definitely be happy to assist us."
Mar'gok's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, and he tentatively asked, "How confident are you?"
Velen said confidently, "I've dealt with the Army of the Light for tens of thousands of years, and I'm over 90% certain."
"Very good, this plan is feasible."
Under Velen's guidance, Mar'gok Highmaul, secretly constructed a pyramid-shaped Holy Light- receiving device and its associated facilities.
The next step was to pray to the Holy Light; Velen knelt devoutly before the receiving device.
"Great Holy Light, Velen of Draenor prays to you! The Evil Orcs Durotan is manipulating the Holy Light Era Project. This Orcs is ignorant and wicked, destined to fail and ruining the Army of the Light's great cause. Merciful Naaru, heed my teachings and help me destroy this Evil Orcs!"
A gust of wind swept through Velen's vision, implying, though its identity was not revealed, that Naaru had accepted his prayer.
Velen was overjoyed and quickly offered another prayer:
"I need to resurrect Antonidas to deal with Jaina, and if possible, I hope to resurrect Thrall to deal with Garrosh, and also to find a suitable opponent for Sylvanas."
As you wish!
A cheerful voice reached Velen's ears.
A dazzling Holy Light descended from the sky, and three figures made of light appeared before Velen.
The archmage Antonidas, dressed as Priest with a staff on his back; High Archmage Saurfang the Great, wielding a two-handed warhammer like a Paladin; and finally, empty-handed with his eyes downcast, is Troll, the leader of the Zul'Aman Trolls, who fought the Ranger-General Zul'jin Sylvanas centuries without being at a disadvantage.
Why not Thrall, but Saurfang the Great?
Velen found it unbelievable, but it was just a detail he shouldn't concern himself with.
"Welcome to the Draenor World," Velen said, opening his arms in welcome.
Antonidas approached Velen, shook his head, and said:
"I'm sorry, our orders are to pledge allegiance to Imperator Mar'gok, not to you, Velen."
Velen was dumbfounded.
Mar'gok laughed heartily, "Highmaul welcomes the three of you. Our plans can begin now."
In the Lightforging Orcs camp, Jaina was suddenly awakened from her meditation.
"I saw it! Holy Light descended upon Highmaul!"
"What does this mean?" Garrosh asked anxiously.
Sylvanas whispered, "Don't you understand? Something's bound to happen. It's time to prepare. We don't need to risk our lives for Durotan."
In his sleep, Durotan was suddenly inspired by the Holy Light.
"Be careful, someone is interfering with our important plans. The time to test your abilities has come. Remember, don't let them succeed."
Durotan suddenly awoke, his gaze narrowing slightly, his hand gripping a Rune Stone tightly.
Khadgar and Antonidas teamed up to once again secure Durotan's location.
With a flash of light, Khadgar, Antonidas, Saurfang the Great, Zul'jin were teleported to Durotan's side.
Khadgar erected a magical shield to block the Lightforging Orcs reinforcements from the camp. Durotan remained calm and called for help from Jaina and the other two.
A major battle is imminent.