Archimonde observed through magic that the canyon was merely an illusion, a trap deliberately set for the Orcs.
Despite the heavy losses of Orcs, the Burning Legion has preserved its strength.
Archimonde knew he couldn't afford to lose too many troops in the battle against the Night Elves. The Legion was currently severely understrength, and they still had to deal with the Scourge. Ideally, they should achieve victory with minimal losses.
The Night Elves displayed astonishing perseverance, proving unbreakable. A direct assault on the fortress was not a good option; although they could capture it, the losses would be unacceptable to Archimonde. He gave the order:
"Let Medivh prepare for action."
The Orcs fell into the trap twice, losing tens of thousands of Orcs. Thrall could no longer sit still and roared, "The Night Elves plotted to destroy Azeroth! They all deserve to die!"
Jaina's expression turned scathing as she said, "The Orcs fought in the Battle of Mount Hyjal to protect Azeroth, only to be betrayed by treacherous forces. After this battle, the Night Elves will be forever condemned to the pillory of history."
"Shut up, all of you."
A loud shout rang out as the Guardian Medivh teleported in, giving the two a disdainful look. "History is written by the victors. Let's focus on achieving victory first. Jaina, go see Tyrande and Malfurion."
A fortified fortress must be breached from within.
Jaina accepted the order and teleported to the Nighthold. Medivh had spies in the darkness who knew Tyrande's location.
Tyrande was inside the fortress's most fortified building, praying devoutly to the Elune from the high attic, where she had a wide view and could see the battle raging on the city walls at any time.
As the battle reached its climax, Tyrande's guards all climbed onto the city walls, leaving her alone in the attic.
Praying to the Moon Goddess when no one else is around is pointless. Tyrande leans against the window, coldly watching her people fight and bleed.
Jaina appeared in the room. Tyrande, already on guard, didn't turn around and asked in a sarcastic tone:
"What, the Burning Legion can't hold on anymore? So they sent you here to seek a solution? Human little girl?"
Jaina was somewhat disappointed not to see Malfurion, and her voice was very solemn:
"Tyrande, you should understand that if the Night Elf fortress holds, it won't benefit you in the slightest. In the future, when people mention the Night Elf race, they will first think of Fandral Staghelm, Shandris Feathermoon, and Maiev Shadowsong, while you and Malfurion will just be background figures."
Tyrande chuckled. "But if they fail, I'll die too, won't I?"
"Have you forgotten our deal?" Jaina said coldly. "The Secret Mage Corps must be destroyed so that the Night Elf race can receive the protection of Elune."
Tyrande turned around, squinting as she sized up Jaina:
"Human girl, you are still too young. I did think that way before, but I've changed my mind. General Feathermoon is right. If the Night Elves fail, do you expect me to rely on Elune, to save me? Although I am the Chief Priest, I don't have much faith in Moon Goddess."
Jaina's expression turned serious, brimming with confidence. "Once the Secret Mage Corps is destroyed, Elune, will personally come to take you away. I can guarantee that."
Tyrande showed no surprise, simply gazing calmly at Jaina, her eyes filled with mockery.
Jaina took a few steps forward, almost touching Tyrande's ear, and breathed softly:
"A wise man taught me that so-called kinsmen are merely temporary allies. If they stand above you, you must flatter them, speak kind words against your will, fawn over them, and listen to their foolish pronouncements. They oppress you, enslave you, and make you bleed, yet tell you to be generous and force you to learn kindness. Most of our suffering in life comes from our own kind, not from our enemies, and you are on the verge of suffering."
Tyrande shuddered; this was exactly what she had been most worried about. Tyrande wouldn't easily reveal her true thoughts, and simply said casually, "You have a good mentor."
Jaina continued to intensify the heat, vehemently advising against it:
"In this world, there is no right or wrong, no hatred, and no concept of kinship; everything is driven by self-interest. Take Dalaran, for example. It has been ravaged by Orcs countless times, with countless Orcs torn apart and eaten—a truly horrific sight, including my poor mentor. Dalaran hate the Orcs for this? That's a naive question. Dalaran continue to remain neutral in the future, because that's the best course of action. My mentor once told me that if it brings him profit from having his Dalaran mages eaten by the Orcs, he would gladly offer Orcs up as a meal."
Tyrande was deeply moved, but she remained calm and said with a smile:
"So your mentor was eaten alive by the Orcs, poor Antonidas. I admit, his death Dalaran."
Jaina's ears twitched slightly; she sensed someone eavesdropping outside the door and guessed it was Malfurion. Jaina deliberately mentioned his voice:
"Tyrande, you and Malfurion are both intelligent people. Intelligent people don't put themselves in a disadvantageous position."
Malfurion, who considered Jaina his first love, was overjoyed to hear the praise and burst through the door, "Well said! The Druid scouts have located the Secret Mage Corps; they're hiding within the Ice Spring."
Ice Spring is a spring at the foot of the mountain near the fortress. It is bottomless, and for some reason, the spring water is always bone-chillingly cold.
"I see, no wonder we couldn't find them." Jaina was overjoyed and winked at Malfurion.
"Damn it, you foolish old deer!" Tyrande was furious. She had hoped to use this opportunity to bargain and gain more benefits for herself, but Malfurion had ruined it.
Jaina took a step back, a hint of smugness on her lips. "Thank you both for your help. Medivh will certainly keep his promise. We are still counting on you to destroy Archimonde. Elune, will surely protect you."
Tyrande glared fiercely at Malfurion, then stared angrily at Jaina: "Human girl, we must keep our distance next time we meet. Has no one told you you have bad breath?"
Jaina's face contorted with rage, but she managed to maintain a forced smile.
"Farewell, both of you. Rest assured, once the fortress is breached, Elune, will surely save you. I keep my word." With that, Jaina opened Portal and departed.
No sooner had Jaina left than Tyrande charged at Malfurion, baring her fangs and claws.
"Ice Spring?"
Medivh received the news, and this time he was much more cautious, using life detection magic to probe the spring.
Malfurion's intelligence was correct; a large group of Night Elves was indeed hidden inside the Ice Spring. Medivh sensed an abundant magical aura, confirming that it was undoubtedly Secret Mage Corps.
"The Night Elves are really patient, hiding in places we never expected."
Hiding in the icy, bone-chilling spring water, it must have taken immense willpower. Medivh led ten thousand elite Orcs to surround the spring and personally granted his soldiers the ability to Underwater Breathing.
"The Night Elves ' demise is imminent." Medivh instructed Jaina, who stood beside him, "I will keep my pact, Jaina. Go and send Tyrande and Malfurion on their way."