Upon learning that Maiev had escaped successfully, Akama's face glowed with health, and his complexion improved considerably.
"Alright, Maiev has escaped, greatly increasing my chances of survival. After meeting with Maiev, I'll go and apologize to Illidan."
Khadgar wondered to himself, what connection did Maiev's escape have with Akama's survival?
Having escaped from Illidan's prison, Maiev stealthily Stealth to Shattrath City before removing her disguise and revealing herself openly.
Two years ago, twenty-four years after the Dark Portal, a group of Naaru entered Outland and rebuilt Shattrath City on the ruins.
This is the city of the Holy Light, representing the Army of the Light in the universe. Illidan once sent Kael'thas to attack Shattrath City, but unfortunately, he failed.
From then on, the city became a haven for Illidan's enemies, and various forces opposing Illidan gathered there.
Maiev needed to gather the Watchers, so she had no choice but to show herself in Shattrath City, only to be met by Akama.
A Broken invited Maiev, Maiev, despite her skill and daring, disregarded the possibility of an ambush and followed the Broken to a house in the Lower City.
This is a building of the Arakkoa, its exterior dilapidated and filled with the filthy smell unique to the Arakkoa.
However, the interior was exceptionally luxurious, filled with gold, silver and jade artifacts, and the walls were covered with calligraphy and paintings by famous people, each one priceless.
Maiev secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If there were an ambush, it wouldn't be set up in such a place; if a battle broke out, the losses would be too great.
The exquisite incense burner emitted a cloying fragrance, the finest spices from the Outland, said to be extracted from the dung of the Gronn.
Akama, wrapped in a magnificent down blanket, his face pale, sat by the fire, a Draenei standing behind him.
These down feathers were taken from the Arakkoa, and each blanket represented the loss of hundreds of Arakkoa's lives.
"Maiev, how long has it been since we last met?"
Outside, the heat was intense; inside, the doors and windows were tightly shut, making it stuffy and poorly ventilated. Maiev glanced at the fireplace in front of Akama.
"The last time you complained to me that Illidan treated you unfairly, that the Broken were treated far worse than Demon Hunters, I was still a prisoner back then."
Akama looked up and smiled wryly, "Your memory is quite good."
Maiev Pride raised her chin and scoffed, "Your complaints are completely unreasonable. Demon Hunters accept Fel infusion, while your Broken refuse Fel."
Akama scoffed, "If we accept Fel, how are we any different from the Eredar? The Draenei have wandered for tens of thousands of years, precisely to stay away from Fel."
Maiev shook her head. "I'm not interested in your conflict with Illidan."
Akama took a deep breath. "You're wrong. If Illidan and I hadn't had a conflict, how could you have escaped from prison?"
"You let me out?" Maiev's beautiful eyebrows shot up sharply.
Since her last meeting with Akama, the Broken in the prison have become noticeably more lax; otherwise, Maiev wouldn't have had the chance to escape.
Akama nodded. "I had a dispute with the most powerful Demon Hunter Vandel. We agreed on a fair duel, and I defeated Vandel, stomping his face into the mud. But Illidan sided with him and severely punished me. In Illidan's eyes, I'm always an outsider."
Maiev pursed her lips. She knew Vandel's strength. Maiev had once received the blessing of the Elune, making her extraordinary, but she knew she was no match for Vandel.
"What, you don't believe me?"
Akama suddenly untied the blanket, revealing his battered body. Even more shockingly, a phantom appeared behind him.
Maiev stared at Akama's wounds, then looked at the shadowy figure behind him.
Having served the Jailer for millennia, Maiev Mastery in all forms of torture and can tell that Akama's injuries are genuine.
The phantom was even more terrifying; it was a torn soul.
Maiev believed her and nodded. "Illidan really went all out."
Akama wrapped himself in a blanket and continued warming himself by the fire, "I must think of my people, otherwise the Broken will all become cannon fodder. Maiev, can we be allies?"
Maiev was slightly moved; having Akama as an inside contact would make things much easier.
"Trust is built on cooperation," Maiev said meaningfully.
Akama produced a list of Illidan's spies planted in Shattrath City.
Maiev felt a chill run down her spine after seeing it; there was a Watchers's name on it, someone Maiev had placed high hopes on.
"Avril, is she also Illidan's spy?"
Akama said regretfully, "She didn't survive Illidan's torture; she has betrayed us."
Maiev's eyes blazed with fury. "I will find out the truth. If this list is real, it will mark the beginning of our cooperation."
"You must believe in my sincerity." Akama stood up and said, "I will go to the Black Temple now to apologize to Illidan. If I survive, our cooperation will begin."
Maiev looked at him mockingly. "You want to gain Illidan's trust? Why not just raise the banner of rebellion?"
Akama said helplessly, "The Black Temple has many Broken; I cannot abandon them."
After saying that, Akama pointed to Khadgar behind him. "Atani, my most trusted friend. If anything happens to me, he will contact you."
Maiev carefully examined Khadgar, who was disguised as Draenei, and nodded seriously.
After Maiev left, Akama breathed a sigh of relief and said to Khadgar:
Do you think Maiev can be trusted?
Upon hearing Akama's question, Khadgar quickly replied:
"I understand the Night Elf race; their Pride makes them easily trusting. Then again, in Azeroth, the Elves have the right to be Pride."
Akama patted Khadgar on the shoulder and said, "I trust you the most. Once we have the list, Maiev will definitely take action. You will stay in Shattrath City and cooperate with her."
Khadgar agreed, stroked his chin thoughtfully for a moment, and then suddenly realized what was going on.
Black Temple.
The Skull of Gul'dan gleamed with an eerie light as Illidan stood on the steps, listening absentmindedly to Akama's confession.
Akama knelt at the bottom of the steps, tears streaming down his face, and honestly recounted how he had been seduced by the Holy Light and betrayed Vandel time and time again.
"Lord Illidan, I know I was wrong. Thrall tore my soul apart, and I am filled with remorse. I am willing to Consecration half my soul, just to beg for forgiveness."
Illidan's lips curled into a slight smile, "You've certainly stumped me. If I don't agree, I'll be seen as lacking in magnanimity. Akama, where is your sincerity?"
Akama hesitated for a long time:
"Lord Illidan, while I was away, someone among the Broken secretly released Maiev. I promise to find the traitor, capture Maiev, and eliminate more Watchers."
Illidan laughed, "Very well, I'll keep half of your soul. Go, find the traitor and capture Maiev."
Akama thanked him profusely and left. Vandel appeared behind Illidan, still worried, and said:
"Why do I distrust Akama? I have a feeling he's not being sincere."
Illidan sneered, "You think you can fool me with such a petty trick? Akama has already betrayed us. We can find the mastermind behind this from him, which is why I spared his life."
Vandel stared at Akama's half-soul. "If we control this soul, Akama will never be able to betray us again, which is what I find most strange."
"Just a trivial trick," Illidan laughed. "The person behind this underestimates me. The secret hidden in my soul is the clue. Let me find him."