Jaina's words to Antonidas weren't all lies; the Burning Legion's attempt to enter Azeroth and Archimonde's desire to descend in person were not the outcomes Medivh desired.
After his defeat in the War of the Ancients, Archimonde pondered in the Void for ten thousand years.
Finally, he realized that a direct attack on Azeroth by the Legion was not a viable option.
Azeroth is home to the Old Gods, the Army of the Light, the Titan Keepers, the Dragon Aspects, and various Demigods, as well as the Emerald Dream, the Shadow Realm, and the enigmatic goddess Elune.
Various forces are deeply intertwined and their strength is unfathomable. The Burning Legion has more than just Azeroth as its enemy, so it's impossible for it to send all its forces to Azeroth.
The Legion's strength was not yet sufficient to sweep away all enemies on the Azeroth Continent. Therefore, Archimonde's colleague Kil'jaeden began a series of conspiracies and schemes, such as bribing Medivh and inciting the Orcs of Outland.
The Scourge's unexpected appearance piqued Archimonde's interest.
Able to turn the corpses of enemies into their own fighting force, possessing powerful and mysterious Power of the Dead —could there be a better Legion? Archimonde realized that as long as he controlled this powerful force, he could not only conquer Azeroth, but perhaps also conquer more worlds, and the Burning Legion, which would destroy countless worlds, would become even more powerful.
This power must be in Archimonde's own hands, which is why he forced Medivh to urgently descend upon Azeroth. He had to take everything from Arthas before Arthas could grow stronger.
Summoning Archimonde wouldn't be difficult with Karazhan's mana reserves, but the price to pay would be too high.
That's why he tricked Antonidas into making Dalaran pay this price.
Medivh knew Azeroth Continent's potential better than anyone. What could Archimonde do if he came? If Azeroth could be conquered, the Burning Legion would have already descended upon it.
Archimonde's acquisition of Frostmourne was the biggest loss, but Medivh could not disobey the Scourge's orders, and he was torn between these two options.
"This Rhonin could very well be a variable."
On the balcony of Karazhan, Medivh gazed at the night sky over Dalaran, his voice as deep as the stars:
Jaina, what do you think of Rhonin?
Jaina stood respectfully behind Medivh, her piety and humility like that of a maidservant in Karazhan.
"Rhonin is very capable, charismatic, and a natural leader, especially skilled in formations." Jaina knew it was best to praise him before belittling her opponent, "However, his ambition is unfathomable. His successful rescue of the Red Dragon Queen has greatly enhanced his prestige, and Rhonin seems to have finally found his opportunity."
"A very ambitious man." Medivh's eyes gleamed with wisdom as he chuckled, "He can't hide anything from me. Rhonin's true ambition is that after Dalaran becomes ruins, when the older generation either falls in battle or loses the people's trust due to their escape, it will be his turn to carry the banner of Dalaran. We might as well grant his wish."
Medivh waved his hand, and a red book appeared in his palm. It was an unusually heavy magic book, covered with a red leather cover, bound with gold thread, and decorated with a delicately carved raven with outstretched wings.
The famous Book of Medivh.
Following the long staircase, Medivh and Jaina arrived at the basement, where an exquisite Portal stood, its edges Portal with extraordinarily ornate patterns, and a slowly rotating Fel Pool, like a fine work of art.
Jaina had never seen such pure Fel; this Evil power looked like pure jade, possessing an ultimate beauty.
On the other side of the Portal, a clear view could be seen: a sky that constantly changed colors, blood-red mountains, and never-before-seen blue and purple plants—it was a strange world.
Medivh unfolded his spellbook, uttered a few obscure words, and then began to call out names.
"Varimathras, cunning Nathrezim, schemer Dreadlord, I call upon you."
The green Fel slowly rotated, and a blurry shape gradually became clear. Jaina observed carefully as Medivh personally cast a summoning spell. Such an opportunity was rare, a precious learning chance.
It was a Dreadlord familiar to Jaina, with a powerful Demons physique, a barrel-like torso, thick and strong arms, and legs that bent backward like a goat's.
"Medivh, you summoned me? Great Guardian, what can I do for you?"
The Dreadlord with enormous demonic horns stepped out of the Portal, breathing in the fresh air of Karazhan, feeling immense joy at the powerful magic it contained.
Medivh sized up the Dreadlord. Despite the vast difference in size, Medivh exuded a condescending sense of superiority and commanded, "I need you to deal with a human. Use your most adept tricks and schemes to bewitch him, make him realize his ambition, and make him willing to give everything."
"An interesting game. I need to know everything about him—his unconscious weaknesses, his proudest strengths, and even his deepest fears." Varimathras revealed a cunning smile. Combat was not the Dreadlord; manipulating minds was their most proficient skill.
Medivh smiled slightly, "You've come to the right person. No one knows better than me the Red Dragon Queen and the Orcs, Deathwing's helplessness, and how Krasus brought glory to his disciple. If you know the truth, Rhonin will surely be very uneasy. That's your chance."
Dalaran, where Jaina Proudmoore was trained and grew up.
Rhonin was busy. The initial Magic Circle had been completed, and he needed to design some auxiliary devices.
Antonidas and Kael'thas were both observing Rhonin silently. He had to consider the opinions of both sides, and at the same time, he received care from both sides. Through this rare opportunity, he learned a lot of magical knowledge.
Rhonin was undoubtedly biased towards Kael'thas, that is, the Scourge.
He was determined to stop the Burning Legion's arrival; the terrifying Archimonde was Azeroth's Nightmare.
Some auxiliary devices are under construction to ensure that Dalaran's magical energy flows through the Ley Line to Tirisfal Glades. Rhonin enjoys the thrill of being a double agent.
At the busiest moment, Rhonin saw Jaina, and the enormous figure behind her.
"Let me introduce you, Varimathras, a Dreadlord. He's very interested in your repair work."
Rhonin disliked causing trouble and didn't want Varimathras to see through his work, so he sarcastically remarked:
"Dalaran's goal is to fight the Scourge. I don't believe a Dreadlord can be of any help. Thank you for your kindness, Jaina, but I'm sorry, your friend can go back now."
Jaina shrugged and sneered, "This is the will of the Guardian Medivh; you can't refuse."
Rhonin frowned. He knew his actions had to be kept secret from Medivh. Had Medivh noticed something amiss, which was why he sent a Dreadlord to investigate?
"Your Excellency, we are repairing Dalaran's defenses to prepare for the Scourge's attack. If you are interested, I can have my assistant show you around," Rhonin said tactfully.
Varimathras chuckled, a cunning smile spreading across his face.
"Krasus is your mentor and also the consort of Alexstrasza, the Red Dragon Queen. Just as you were about to be banished from Dalaran, a nearly impossible task fell to you, and I've heard some interesting rumors."
Rhonin Ning frowned, his heart sinking. What did this Dreadlord know?
"Alright, we can talk, Varimathras."