On his journey to Silvermoon City, Robbie watched in amazement as Kel'Thuzad gradually transformed the Undead Legion.
Kel'Thuzad was a very insightful Archmage. His vast knowledge, especially the massive amount of knowledge he stole from Ner'zhul's Burning Legion, brought about tremendous changes to the Undead Legion.
"The first step is to remove the rotting flesh. Rotting flesh cannot give power to the Undead; it will only corrode our bones."
"The second step is to clean your mouths, paying attention to hygiene. Your entire skeleton must be spotless, and you cannot be allowed to smell foul. That Abomination, I know you need flesh and blood, so don't skimp on preservatives. Oh, and you need perfume."
After the cleaning was completed, the Scourge looked brand new, and the nauseating stench was gone.
Kel'Thuzad has altered the Undead's energy supply system again.
The Scourge grew stronger by harnessing the Power of the Dead, but the Power of the Dead is not inexhaustible.
Kel'Thuzad solemnly advised Arthas:
"Our mission may take many years to complete—a few years, decades, or even a hundred years. The Power of the Dead will eventually be exhausted. The dead are different from the living; besides the Power of the Dead, they can directly absorb all kinds of energy—all elemental, Arcane, dark, Fel, and even Holy Light. As long as it's suitable and usable, we must use it all."
For the long term, Kel'Thuzad maximized the use of Rune Casting based on the unique characteristics of each Undead. All the bones of the Undead were now covered with Runes, no longer relying solely on the Power of the Dead from Frostmourne to survive.
Kel'Thuzad took the Orcs as his role models, using anything that could help the Burning Legion without any restrictions. He established the Lich Lab and even secretly researched the Spellstealer Wyrm, which were exclusive to the Guardians.
Next, Kel'Thuzad meticulously divided the Undead Legion into specialized teams responsible for logistics and supplies. Blacksmiths and leatherworkers crafted various weapons and armor, tailors began weaving cloth and sewing clothes, and artisans forged various siege weapons.
For some Undead who did not wish to become Warriors, Kel'Thuzad allowed them to cultivate the land or graze livestock.
"The Scourge is not just Legion; we are a complete social group. Scourge consisting only of soldiers will not survive for long. Farmers, blacksmiths, tailors, apothecaries, even poets, musicians, and painters—we need everything that the living have, and we cannot lack any of it. We must live better than the living."
Seeing is believing; Robbie never imagined that Scourge Undead could achieve such a feat.
After becoming Lich, Kel'Thuzad had almost limitless energy and worked diligently. Although the pursuit of the Orcs was greatly slowed down, he witnessed the Undead Legion undergo a tremendous transformation.
The Undead Scourge tirelessly transformed themselves, and before long, a powerful and well-disciplined Legion appeared. Clean clothes, brand-new armor, spotless remains— the Ghouls knew how to maintain their nails, and the Abominations developed a fondness for perfume. This completely changed Robbie's impression of the Undead as tattered and disheveled.
Arthas was not consumed by hatred; he knew that making the people of Lordaeron more comfortable was far more meaningful than seeking revenge against the Orcs.
Robbie jokingly said to Kel'Thuzad, "What you're doing will make the people of Lordaeron enjoy being Undead. If they could ever be alive again, they'd probably shake their heads and refuse."
Kel'Thuzad paused, thought for a long time, and then smiled wryly:
"If that's true, wouldn't it be a kind of Redemption? Unfortunately, humans are easily bored creatures, lacking the patience of Elves. The life of a living person is too short; they grow old before they even have a chance to tire of themselves. If they became immortal, they would one day tire of this body and miss the feeling of being alive."
While transforming the Scourge, Kel'Thuzad did not forget the living.
In particular, the Knights of Mograine, a formidable Legion, forced Kel'Thuzad to take them seriously. After consulting with Arthas, a secret letter was sent to Mograine.
"The Undead Legion's goal is to drive the Orcs off this continent. Afterward, the Scourge Undead migrate en masse to the frigid Northrend. The snow-covered continent is most suitable for the Undead to survive. This land of Lordaeron will belong only to the living. No matter what you have done in the past, as long as you remember that you are still human, that is enough. You are the masters of this land, and in the future, you will live and thrive on this land, establishing your own kingdoms. I know you urgently need some food and supplies. If you agree to help us drive out the Orcs, everything will be fine."
This is a very reasonable and attractive cooperation plan.
Mograine was wise enough to analyze that Kel'Thuzad was telling the truth: the Undead wouldn't stay in Lordaeron for long, and this land would belong only to the living.
Mograine also sensed Arthas and Kel'Thuzad's sincerity. With food supplies dwindling, his knights needed some replenishment, and cooperating with the Scourge would be entirely beneficial.
The only concern was Tichondrius, the Evil- looking, uninvited Dreadlord, who came from the opposite side, making Mograine hesitate for a long time.
"Scourge Undead knows its own end is near, which is why it wants to drag you down with it. Don't agree to their demands; let them perish miserably in despair," Tichondrius said smugly.
"Give me a reason." Mograine was not about to easily trust a Dreadlord.
"Thrall is the future Savior; the Orcs are destined to save Azeroth, and humanity is doomed to perish."
Mograine's face darkened, and he waved his hand dismissively. He had heard similar lies countless times before, and said rather rudely:
"Someone, see the guest out."
"Okay! I'll tell the truth."
Tichondrius said in a deep, mysterious voice:
"The Undead's Scourge is approaching. The Astromancer Medivh has some friends, mysterious beings dwelling in the Void —a powerful force even our Legion fears. The Portal to the Void has already broken ground in Silvermoon City, under Medivh's personal supervision. Countless prophecies have foreshadowed this: Silvermoon City will be the Scourge's final resting place. Arthas's head will hang atop Silvermoon City's walls, alongside the broken Frostmourne."
One Guardian Medivh is terrifying enough; imagine dozens, or even more powerful ones, coming at once.
Mograine felt a chill run down his spine, as if he were facing the end of the world; he knew this was an unmatched power.
"As you wish, Dreadlord, the Scourge Undead forever be our enemy."
Unfortunately, Mograine declined our offer.
This unexpected turn of events caught Kel'Thuzad off guard. He carefully examined the map, gesturing to the location of the famous Mograine Legion: "We must leave some soldiers behind to secure our rear."
Arthas silently calculated the troop strength, saying worriedly, "If this continues, the Legion pursuing the Orcs will be stretched thin."
The High Elves of Quel'Thalas are a force to be reckoned with; if they unite with the Orcs, the Scourge cannot guarantee an absolute, overwhelming advantage.
Kel'Thuzad frowned deeply and said helplessly, "It seems necessary to involve our Northrend allies in the war."