The battle in the Black Temple and Shadow Halls has finally ended. The green-skinned Orcs, at a great cost, successfully broke through the Fel Orcs' defenses.
Fortunately, Illidan had prepared Portal in advance, allowing the Black Temple forces to retreat safely.
The green-skinned Orcs, thinking they had won, roared and seized control of the Shadow Hall, preparing to advance further.
In Shadowmoon Village, Thrall's dinner was a plate of stir-fried heart meat, for which fifty Tauren paid the ultimate price.
Eitrigg trotted over to Thrall and said with great interest:
"Great Savior, great joy! We have broken through the Fel Orcs defenses, and the Black Temple's garrison has collapsed."
Thrall savored the delicious food and said casually:
"Eitrigg, I taught you long ago to remain calm no matter what happens. Look at you, what kind of behavior is this? Those who do great things need a good mentality. Even if Azeroth is destroyed, don't even frown. Eat and drink as usual."
Eitrigg lowered his head meekly and said, "Your Savior is right. I was not calm enough and was too excited. Please Savior."
Thrall drank a glass of fine wine and gave a wise and earnest instruction:
"Doing things is like savoring fine wine; don't be swayed by its strength, but rather savor its mellow aroma. Over the years, I've cultivated my character and increasingly understand the importance of calmness. No matter what happens, my heart remains clear and undisturbed, allowing me to maintain optimal rationality."
Eitrigg said humbly, "I am ashamed to admit that I am inferior to Savior Excellency in terms of character and cultivation."
Thrall smiled faintly, "Jaina just sent word that the Horde's Elite have stormed into the Black Temple's council chamber. Rakeesh of the Burning Legion has led his men in retreat. That fool dared to try and seize the Lord of Outland from me. Of course, I don't expect our Elite to kill Illidan, but I have millions of troops. The Black Temple is mine; who can take it from me?"
Eitrigg showered him with flattery. "The Savior's plans are flawless; Rakeesh is nothing but a useless piece of trash, and his father Velen is even more incompetent. How could they possibly contend with the Savior?"
Thrall gazed at the sky over Shadowmoon Valley, his expression serene. "Once I bring back Illidan's head, I will have achieved the greatest merit. Lord Mannoroth, though arrogant, must still be fair in rewarding and punishing. From now on, Outland belongs to the Horde. I will build a city in Nagrand to replace Orgrimmar, and name it after myself. Durotar is too barren; I've had enough of it."
Eitrigg bowed low, flatteringly saying, "Savior, your contributions are unparalleled throughout history. No Orcs can compare to you. I suggest that a statue of you be built in the city center, at least a thousand meters tall, so that all the people of Nagrand can see it, and that future generations of Orcs will remember your greatness."
Thrall beamed, "Eitrigg, you've got it! Excellent advice. The Orcs have risen to glory because of me."
As the two chatted and laughed, a bright light appeared above the Black Temple.
At the summit of the Black Temple, Maiev and the Watchers took away Illidan's corpse and the Demon Hunter, leaving only Akama alone.
Akama remained calm, took out a scroll, tore it open, and a beam of Holy Light shot straight into the sky.
Thrall's expression changed, sensing something was wrong. He heard Naaru A'dal's voice echo in Shadowmoon Valley, carrying an irresistible majesty:
"Illidan is dead, the chief culprit has been eliminated, the battle for the Black Temple must cease, Thrall, order your Orcs to stop their attack."
At the same time, Mannoroth's voice reached Thrall's ears:
"Thrall, the glory of killing Illidan does not belong to you. It's all over."
Thrall was stunned; at the cost of millions of Orcs, he gained nothing.
Suddenly, Thrall sprang into action, grabbed the Doomhammer, and charged into the Orcs guard, hacking down more than twenty Orcs before smashing them into a bloody pulp in his rage.
"Why? Why is this happening? I gave everything, but I got nothing in return. I'm not convinced! I'm not convinced!"
Eitrigg was terrified and fled in all directions, fearing that Thrall would crush him to death.
The loyal guards tried to dissuade him, Thrall listened and unleashed a Chain Lightning, felling a group of Orcs, and the air filled with the smell of burning flesh.
"This is not fair! I am the Lord of Outland! A'dal, Mannoroth, how dare you deceive me! I... I!"
Thrall hesitated for a long time, deciding that he couldn't cause trouble for these two big shots for the time being.
"Eitrigg, get out here!" Thrall roared fiercely, his true colors revealed.
Eitrigg was terrified, his face ashen, and he approached Thrall with great trepidation.
Thrall's eyes were practically spitting fire, and his face was contorted with rage as he said:
"Go, find out who killed Illidan. The Burning Legion abandoned the fight, and the Army of the Light didn't send anyone. Jaina, she's even less likely to be the killer. Whoever killed Illidan, I will tear him to pieces, his soul tormented forever. I swear to wipe out his entire race, to make his people history. Anyone who opposes me must die."
Eitrigg had never seen Thrall so angry, as if Sargeras had possessed him, and hurriedly scrambled to carry out the order.
Akama stood atop the Black Temple, overlooking the misty Shadowmoon Valley.
He somewhat understood why Illidan liked to be alone here; it felt good to be high above and rule the world.
The Broken gathered around Akama, and a scout reported: the Orcs had stopped their attack and were making a chaotic retreat from the Black Temple.
Akama smiled broadly; the position of Lord of Outland beckoned to him.
A bright light appeared in the sky, Naruk Xil slowly landed in front of Akama, making a clear sound:
"Akama, congratulations! You have ended Illidan's Evil reign, Outland has been reborn."
Akama bowed and said humbly, "All of this is thanks to the Holy Light, especially to A'dal and you for your help. With your support, I was able to muster the courage to fight Illidan. I hereby swear to be forever loyal to the Holy Light and to manage Outland for the Army of the Light. I am merely a representative; the Holy Light is the true Lord of Outland."
Naruk Xil's voice was as clear as a babbling brook. "The Army of the Light aims to enlighten all beings and has no ambition for the Outland. However, there is a small matter: the Orcs still have a million-strong army remaining. What do you intend to do with them?"
Akama was taken aback; this was indeed a headache.
The million Orcs were arguably the most powerful military force in Outland, and no matter how ambitious Akama was, he dared not claim them for himself.
"I suggest Thrall take him back to Azeroth," Akama whispered.
Naruk Xil said tactfully:
"This is not a good idea; it might arouse the suspicion of Elune. It would be better to leave them in Shadowmoon Valley; the Army of the Light is very interested in their souls."
Akama was shocked. Had he massacred all million Orcs?
No, Orcs belong to the Horde.
Akama suddenly realized that she had no right to tell the Horde what to do.
This is the Army of the Light deliberately making things difficult for us.
A buzzing sound came from the sky, and a huge black shadow descended from the sky.
The newcomer was Fel Reaver, the Doomwalker, emitting a mechanical voice:
"Akama, Thrall was furious. He sent men to find the one who killed Illidan, vowing to annihilate his entire race and ensure his soul would never rest in peace."
Akama was so terrified that he fell to his knees with a thud.
"Lord Naruk Xil, save me!"