"I warn you, insignificant humans, that for millions of years, no one has ever been qualified to negotiate with the Scourge," Archimonde roared, his voice like thunder.
Faced with Archimonde's aggressive approach, Antonidas's years of social skills finally came into play. He adopted the most humble posture and said:
"Lord Archimonde, I only ask for some reward I deserve. Dalaran needs to deplete hundreds of years' worth of mana reserves in order for the Legion to descend upon Azeroth. I hope to live a long time and serve the Legion as much as possible."
Archimonde the Defiler was deep in thought when he suddenly asked, "Are you aware of the relationship between the Guardian Medivh and our Burning Legion?"
For some reason, Antonidas had this question, and he bowed reverently and said:
"Medivh is your servant. He summoned the Dark Portal and sent the Orcs. I am willing to become your loyal servant in Medivh's place. Believe me, I will be more useful than Medivh."
A glint of cunning flashed in Archimonde's eyes. He nodded and said, "Very good. I will remember your kindness. The Burning Legion will not mistreat those who have contributed to us. You will receive the reward you deserve, which will certainly exceed your expectations."
Antonidas was overjoyed; Archimonde's promise gave him hope.
As a leader of the Burning Legion, he naturally wouldn't talk too much with Antonidas and quickly shut down the Legion's communications.
Antonidas was incredibly relieved; he had almost fallen into Medivh's trap. Thrall was, after all, Orcs. But Jaina Antonidas shook his head, utterly disappointed in his disciple. Luckily, he had discovered it in time, turning the tables and taking the initiative.
With many concerns, Rhonin accepted the invitation to meet Antonidas and was somewhat puzzled when he saw the ambitious Archmage.
"Rhonin, thank you. If it weren't for your help, I would have been tricked. That damned Medivh, he actually conspired with Thrall and Jaina to scheme against me." Antonidas grabbed Rhonin's hand, feeling that this was the person he trusted most.
Rhonin, a skilled actor himself, asked in surprise, "Archmage, you've decided to cooperate with the Scourge?"
Antonidas shook his head mysteriously, then smiled and said, "I've already spoken with Archimonde the Defiler, and he's willing to help us. Dalaran safe, and Azeroth has been saved."
The negotiations with Archimonde were recounted in detail, and Rhonin listened with bated breath.
A qualified leader needs to make the right decisions in a confusing situation. Rhonin is still young and has a relatively clear mind. He heard the unusual information and was able to see the situation clearly.
"No, Archmage, we shouldn't do this." Rhonin shook his head, his resolve finally Steadfast: "The Burning Legion is not to be trusted. We should cooperate with Arthas and keep the enemy out."
"I know what you're thinking, but don't forget, young people should have an adventurous spirit. The Burning Legion will surely bring us advanced magic and technology, completely changing the Azeroth Continent."
No, the Burning Legion will only bring us disaster.
Rhonin argued vehemently, "That's a vast Legion that has destroyed countless worlds. They slaughter lives, and they will bring raging flames. How can Azeroth possibly survive?"
Antonidas was already convinced of his own convictions; he would not listen to advice and stubbornly insisted:
"Rhonin, those are just rumors from the Army of the Light. You're still too young. You need to think long-term. What does the loss of one generation matter? If Azeroth wants to stand tall among the nations of the universe, it needs the help of powerful forces. It needs to learn from the Eredar of Argus Planet. Without the Burning Legion, when do you think we'll become a powerful planet? Azeroth isn't just about humans. The threat of the Orcs is right before our eyes. Even if we join forces with the Scourge to eliminate the Orcs, how can you guarantee that other races won't cooperate with the Burning Legion? The opportunity is right in front of us. If we miss it, we'll be humanity's eternal sinners."
Greed had consumed Antonidas's heart; he craved the Legion's gift of a young body. Rhonin knew he couldn't dissuade the High Archmage, but fortunately, he had already made preparations in secret. He could only remind Antonidas, "My lord, I hope your decision is correct, but we must be wary of these Orcs."
"Once the Scourge arrives, the Orcs will be no problem at all," Antonidas said confidently. "Dalaran has enough mages; the Orcs can't do anything to us."
The gates of Dalaran guard; the mages of Dalaran are on high alert, for the Scourge is approaching.
The Scourge swept across the land, Gargoyles like a dark cloud obscuring the sun's brilliance, Ghouls covered the mountains and plains, large and orderly ranks of Death Knights, towering Abominations, and hordes of Liches and Undead Mage.
They thought Dalaran was the true mage empire, but compared to the Scourge's Lich mage ranks, they were completely outmatched, leaving all the Dalaran Mages feeling powerless.
A voice rang out from outside, clear and powerful.
"Mages of the Kirin Tor! I am Arthas, Prince of Lordaeron. The Scourge's only target is the Orcs. I hope you will not remain obstinate and will not allow the tragedies of Lordaeron and Silvermoon City to repeat themselves."
Archmage Antonidas appeared on the terrace, having witnessed the horrors of the Scourge. His weathered face was slightly pale, but recalling the deal made not long ago, he immediately regained his confidence, his voice as loud as Arthas's.
"Hello, Your Highness Prince Arthas,"
Antonidas shouted down, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "How is your noble father doing these days? You have brought calamity to Lordaeron; you have killed your own father with your own hands."
"Lord Antonidas," Arthas replied, unperturbed, "I have always respected you, Archmage, but your sarcasm has disappointed me greatly. Why do you deliberately blind yourself?"
"Young Prince, you are too naive. History only recognizes the Justice of the victors; the losers are destined to be Evil."
Antonidas gave Rhonin a look, and Rhonin nodded and walked into the control room not far away to prepare to activate the summoning Magic Circle.
"We have been waiting for you for a long time, Arthas," Antonidas continued proudly. "We have set up a barrier in Dalaran; any undead that enters will be annihilated."
Arthas shook his head and said seriously:
"I never intended to attack Dalaran. You must have heard about Quel'Thalas, right? They thought their defenses were impregnable, but Medivh and the Orcs breached them from within."
"Dalaran is not like Silvermoon City; we are about to welcome a new ally."
Antonidas looked down at Arthas and said smugly, "Withdraw your army, or we will have to use all our strength against you! The choice is yours, Arthas."
"You mean the Burning Legion, Antonidas?" Arthas shouted. "Your greed will bring disaster to Azeroth."
"I'm just stopping the rise of a tyrant; I'm saving Azeroth."
Having said that, Antonidas left the terrace. He was quite relieved about Rhonin. He was considering how to face the Archimonde the Defiler, whether he should dress more formally or prepare a welcoming ceremony.