The Loa sought refuge with the Horde, with Frost King Malakk being the most anxious.
Marak had no choice but to persuade them one by one, starting with Akali, the god of rhinoceroses.
Akali, the god of rhinoceroses, sealed the secret treasury containing millennia of accumulated wealth, packed his belongings, and piled up various precious treasures on his back into a small mountain.
Marak rushed over with his guards, stood in front of Akali, and pleaded in a low voice:
"Akali, the Rhino God, you have been the Guardian of the Zul'Drak Empire since ten thousand years ago, enduring countless trials and tribulations. Are you really going to abandon the empire like this?"
The rhinoceros god, as massive as a small mountain, looked at the tiny figure ahead, snorted rudely, and snot soaked Marak, before loudly replying:
"Times have changed. Frost King Malakk, the greedy Drakkari Priests murdered my sister Quetz'lun and treacherously seized her power. I will not return to the Zul'Drak Empire until the truth is revealed. If you want me back, find out the truth, punish the culprits, and promise that nothing like this will ever happen again."
Frost King Malakk said worriedly, "The tragedy of Quetz'lun grieves me deeply. I suspect it's related to the Horde. If you join Horde now, you might fall into their trap."
Akali, the god of rhinoceroses, looked at him with disdain and questioned:
"Frost King Malakk, is Drakuru not one of your trusted confidants? The Scourge's Great Tomb of Voltarus stands tall within the Zul'Drak Empire —isn't that enough to prove it? I have complete trust in the Horde, especially the brave Orcs, who have saved Azeroth time and time again. The Savior Thrall is merciful and kind; in the entire history of Azeroth, I have never seen such a great king, and I am extremely fortunate to have defended Azeroth alongside him."
Frost King Malakk was so angry he nearly fainted. Akali, as Loa, couldn't possibly be unaware of Savior 'Thrall true colors.
Clearly, Akali was blinded by greed. Like Quetz'lun, he longed to become Loa, the Savior, and to possess the souls of those who had fallen in battle.
Marak could only make a final stand, swearing, "I swear here and now, the tragedy of Quetz'lun has nothing to do with Drakuru."
Akali, the Rhino God, sneered, "You can't fool me, Marak. Novos Drak'Tharon Keep obtained the power of the Prophet Saronite, isn't he a Lich?"
Frost King Malakk had nothing to say and could only step aside, shaking his head helplessly as he gazed at the towering figure of the rhinoceros god Akali, before trying to persuade the other Loa.
Unsurprisingly, Frost King Malakk suffered repeated setbacks and defeats.
Except for Snow Leopard God Har'koa, who temporarily left the Zul'Drak Empire and hid in her secret lair in the Sholazar Basin, the other four Loa — Akali the rhinoceros, Mam'toth the Mammoth, Rhunok the Juxiong, and Sseratus the serpent—all joined the Horde.
Vol'jin had never been so happy.
Among the Trolls, the Loa has always been high above, revered by all, and no one has ever dared to question the Loa's authority.
But today, Vol'jin is going to trample the Loa under his feet, wantonly humiliate them, torture them, and devour their flesh.
The Altar on the border of the Zul'Drak Empire was completed, and the four Loa arrived at the appointed time, taking their seats on the high platform at the top of the Altar.
At the top of the Altar, on five high platforms, stood four enormous figures, but one was missing; the Snow Leopard God Har'koa was not present.
Vol'jin's expression darkened, and he respectfully inquired of the Mammoth Mam'toth.
Mam'toth said in a muffled voice, "Har'koa has a lover, Loque'nahak from the Sholazar Basin. Ignore her; among the Loa of the Zul'Drak Empire, she is the weakest."
Although somewhat regretful, Vol'jin knew he couldn't let this opportunity slip by. He first respectfully bowed to the Loa and loudly recited the welcoming words:
"Great Loa, on behalf of the Horde, I welcome you. For ten thousand years, you have protected the Zul'Drak Empire. It is because of you that the Drakkari Trolls have been able to survive in this icy Northrend. It is a pity that they treat you this way."
"The great Savior Thrall is merciful and cannot bear to see any living being suffer. He specifically instructed me to prepare abundant offerings to welcome the arrival of all the gods."
Vol'jin remained silent for a long while, but there was no sign of the offering. Just as the four Loa were wondering, Vol'jin bowed again and asked:
"Before offering the sacrifices, I have a personal question I'd like to ask. I come from the Darkspear Tribe and serve the Soul God. He once told me that behind the Loa, there is a great being who controls everything. May I ask you all for the name of this being?"
The serpent god Sseratus let out a piercing voice:
"You're a follower of Bwonsamdi? That obnoxious fellow, no wonder he's so unruly. Mortal, you must acknowledge your place. That being is a mysterious taboo, not to be looked at directly. Even we are not allowed to call him by his name."
Vol'jin smiled slightly, understanding dawning on him. How could Loa, admit to ignorance? It seemed that being was incredibly mysterious, and even these Loas didn't know the details.
"Honorable Loa, the ceremony begins."
Vol'jin opened his arms, and a cheerful melody rang out. A large group of Orcs and Trolls entered the Altar, carrying various knives and cooking utensils.
As the music played, the entire Altar was enveloped in a faint crimson mist. Almost instantly, the four Loa felt dizzy and collapsed weakly onto the high platform.
From all around the platform, magical chains shot out, their tips piercing flesh and binding their limbs, firmly locking the four Loa in place.
"Vol'jin, what have you done?" Akali, the god of rhinoceroses, asked anxiously.
Vol'jin danced gracefully to the music, a jungle dance of the Darkspear Tribe, evolved from the Darkspear Trolls' practice of hiding from insects and snakes in the forest. Vol'jin's face was bright with joy as he exclaimed:
"Akali, isn't it obvious? This is a trap! The Loa, high and mighty, are nothing but food before a great Horde."
The Juxiong Rhunok roared, "Vol'jin, it was you! The Horde murdered Quetz'lun!"
Vol'jin laughed heartily, "You know too late, you big bear! The era of the Loa is over! Come, let's begin a grand feast!"
Orcs and Troll Chefs ascended the high platform and began cutting up the flesh of the Loa.
The Loa's bodies were originally incredibly tough, but unfortunately, the power of the Blood Trolls was their nemesis, and the faint bloody mist rendered their bodies defenseless.
The screams of the Loa echoed from the top of the Altar. These high and mighty gods never imagined that one day they would become food for mortals.
"Don't cut too many," Vol'jin commanded loudly. "These Loa will be eaten by us for three years, a full thousand days and nights."
Chunks of flesh imbued with divine power were sliced off and cooked in various ways, releasing an enticing aroma. These were special provisions reserved for Thrall; even Vol'jin could only have a sip of soup.
Vol'jin held a blood-red staff in his hand. Each time he raised the staff, a blood-red Lightning struck the Loa. The terrifying Lightning caused the Loa unbearable pain, and he quickly succumbed, his eyes filled with pleading.
"Come, you four foolish beasts! I've heard you were once gods. Now join me in singing praises to the great Savior Thrall. Remember, your voices must be in unison."
A strange light flickered in Vol'jin's eyes.