If Everyone Were Like You and Me, How Would the Burning Legion Get Any Work Done?

If Everyone Were Like You and Me, How Would the Burning Legion Get Any Work Done?

(Bonus chapter for Frostfang's Claw, brother [2/10])

The Dark Titan arrived on Argus.

But He did not drive His world-destroying burning blade straight into the planet, granting Argus the "supreme treatment" Azeroth would receive ten thousand years later.

However, Sargeras was very busy. At the boundaries of the physical universe, countless sneaky, scheming Void forces awaited His personal attention. On the scale of the stars, every minute of delay meant more planets would suffer Void corruption. Thus, the Dark Titan did not remain on Argus for long.

He merely made a personal visit to the World Heart, then vanished into the boundless sea of stars with the same supreme, universe-spanning majesty He had arrived with.

The work of establishing a demon fortress on Argus, luring Fel energy to corrupt the star soul, creating His own Extinguisher brothers, transforming this world into a destruction hub more suitable for the Burning Legion than Mardum, and bestowing the star soul's power upon every demon naturally fell to His servants.

If He had to personally handle everything, then what was the point of the esteemed Lord Sargeras creating the Burning Legion? Did He think His awesome life as a Titan had gone too smoothly, so He deliberately invited a pack of useless fools to make trouble for Himself?

After the Dark Titan departed, the two Greater Demon lords personally chosen and elevated by Him began their busy work.

Countless demons were summoned to Argus's surface and assigned tasks according to their specialties. Their command structure was also being reshaped, with the fallen Man'ari assigned to every important command post.

Though the demons were unwilling to acknowledge the authority of these fallen ones, the facts proved that after the Man'ari joined them, even the assembly speed and training level of the cannon fodder armies soared at an astonishing rate.

Greater Demon Lord Kil'jaeden did not rush to command the demons in launching further destructive invasions.

Instead, he chose the city of Antorus, where he had once fought, as the Burning Legion's headquarters. There, he promoted many capable Man'ari as his adjutants and began restructuring the Burning Legion's entire internal command framework.

According to his plan, the Burning Legion needed to remain in Argus for at least twenty to thirty years to adapt to and complete the various reforms of the demon legions. At the same time, they needed to designate sufficient demon-forging camps for the Mo'arg, the demon race born in the Twisting Nether that excelled most at manufacturing, so they could complete the demons' "armament upgrades" as quickly as possible.

"You previously relied on planetary portals to carry out invasions. That method is good, but not efficient enough."

Seated upon the throne, Kil'jaeden spoke expressionlessly.

"You have already seen that the Naaru's starships can travel among the stars. On the scale of the physical universe, if the Burning Legion wishes to better accomplish the Dark Titan's great work of destruction, we must establish a similar demon Fel fleet.

"Only with a sufficient fleet can we ensure that the efficiency and speed of our Burning Crusade satisfy Lord Sargeras."

"You should humbly address Him as 'Master.'"

Tichondrius, the Dreadlord standing beneath the throne, said in a sinister tone,

"Maintaining the necessary respect for the supreme master of the Twisting Nether will help you win the trust of every demon in the Burning Legion. The Doom Lord who previously sat in your position did exactly that. It was extremely loyal, and it was precisely because of that loyalty that it obtained—"

"Can loyalty feed you? Can loyalty serve as a weapon? Can loyalty win you a war?"

Kil'jaeden coldly interrupted Tichondrius's "advice." His eyes, burning with pure Fel energy, stared at the meddlesome Dreadlord as he said,

"You use Kazzak as an example. Very well, then tell me: how many victories did the 'most qualified' demon commander in your eyes win on Argus?

"From what I remember, it was decapitated twice, both times suffering that humiliation at the hands of the same Vindicator. Diakum was not even a legend when he accomplished such a feat, while Kazzak was a demon demigod who had followed the Dark Titan longer than any other!

"Forgive me for saying so.

"You!

"Nathrezim!

"Please put away your ridiculous schemes in front of me. I would rather you and your servants put your rare intelligence among demons to proper use."

"Very well, great Demon Lord."

A trace of displeasure appeared on Tichondrius's pale face, but it quickly turned into deference.

He raised a question.

"However, even if the Mo'arg demon-smiths are highly skilled at forging Fel weaponry, having them build starships suitable for demon operations from nothing will still be a lengthy process.

"I understand your foresight. The problem is that our esteemed Master is sometimes not so 'patient.' If armament upgrades leave the demon armies trapped in Argus and Mardum for too long, unable to act,

"Both you and I will bear responsibility!

"We are the whips in the Dark Titan's hand, used to discipline the stars. We must bring destruction to those weak and corrupted worlds. That is our duty, and the reason we are here."

The Dreadlord shook his head and said,

"You are a powerful warrior, so let me ask you: when a sword loses its usefulness, how would you deal with it? Or are you simply hoping to use an excuse that cannot even fool me to buy your fellow countrymen who fled their homeland a tiny, insignificant amount of time to escape?"

Kil'jaeden fell silent. He did not answer.

But one could imagine that the thoughts in this Greater Demon Lord's heart were exceedingly complicated at that moment.

The Dreadlord keenly caught that.

It seemed to be reminding Kil'jaeden in this manner that favoritism could not be too obvious. Once they angered the Dark Titan, no one would have a pleasant ending.

In the midst of that silence, a voice pierced the calm.

"The Naaru are not the only race in the physical universe capable of sailing the sea of stars. Through the knowledge granted by the Twisting Nether, I have learned that a form of life called the Ethereals also possesses the secrets of deep-space travel.

"Best of all, they are not united internally for various reasons. Their civilization has fractured because they seek revenge against their enemies.

"Mm, I like avengers! The more extreme they are, the more I like them!

"That means as long as you can help them gain revenge, you can obtain every treasure they possess."

Escorted by several Fel Lords, a tall Man'ari holding a skull staff strode into the hall.

He wore magnificent yet corrupted Fel robes, along with the exaggerated shoulder ornaments of a demon lord. Unlike Kil'jaeden, his powerful body had not turned crimson from enduring excessive infusions of Fel energy.

Perhaps because he knew how to manipulate Fel energy through more exquisite methods, he still retained the blue skin of an Eredar.

Yet his equally burning eyes and the "Demon Lord's Mark" upon his forehead proved his identity.

"Greetings, Enlightener."

The Nathrezim lord turned around and offered a deeply insincere greeting to Sarkir, who had reshaped his body through Demon Ascension from Fel energy. But the latter waved his hand and said gently,

"That was my old name. To celebrate my rebirth in the Twisting Nether, I intend to call myself the Shaper. Do not call me by that old name again, and do not make me remember those painful experiences.

"In any case, esteemed Lord Tichondrius, I believe you and your smooth-talking Nathrezim lords surely have a way to contact the Ethereals.

"In my name, invite the Prince of the Ethereum to Argus as a guest."

Sarkir casually waved his hand and said,

"I have heard of those poor people's experience of having their homeworld, K'aresh, destroyed by the Void Devourers through the memories of the Twisting Nether. They long to take revenge upon the Void Devourers. Better still, our great Master is also wholeheartedly fighting against the threat from the Sea of Darkness.

"On this point, we share common interests with those exiles. We can become 'friends' with them.

"Go.

"Complete the first diplomatic undertaking since the Burning Legion's establishment.

"We need the Ethereals' technology for traveling across the sea of stars, while the warriors and power they need can be generously lent to them by us. If cooperation between both sides proves pleasant, it would not be a problem for the Burning Legion to directly help them reclaim their lost K'aresh.

"Provided they are willing to accept their homeland becoming a Fel Holy Land."

"Your wisdom is as vast as the Twisting Nether, Shaper."

Tichondrius gave an exaggerated compliment, then turned into bats amid strange laughter and dissipated within the gloomy hall.

Sarkir waved his hand, dismissing the Fel Lords guarding him as well. Once only he and Kil'jaeden remained, Sarkir leaned on his skull staff and asked,

"It flattered me by praising Kazzak, yet thought I could not hear the mockery within it. These Dreadlords who delight in deception have become far too lazy. They are unwilling even to improve the rhetoric they use for lying. Clearly, they require a thorough 'reshaping,' but those are minor matters.

"Tell me, Commander, how much time do you intend to buy for Velen and the others in the name of 'legion reorganization'?"

"I do not know."

Kil'jaeden said expressionlessly,

"But perhaps the longer, the better."

"Excellent! You have retained your sense of self and have not allowed Fel's brutality and thirst for destruction to consume your mind. I am truly pleased to see that."

Sarkir nodded in satisfaction and said,

"You must maintain this rationality for a long time. Once the calmness and decisiveness you take pride in are disturbed by Fel corruption, you will swiftly fall into a fool like Kazzak. The higher blessings of the six primal forces all affect an individual's mind. In terms of side effects, Fel is clearly the most outstanding among them.

"But exceptional talent is the strong wall of our minds, capable of helping us resist that influence.

"However, talent alone is not enough. You also need help from the outside."

Whoosh.

A scroll was tossed to Kil'jaeden.

He caught it in surprise and looked at Sarkir. The Demon Lord who called himself the Shaper wore a gentle smile that did not belong on a demon's face as he explained,

"A meditation technique. It is a method I personally refined during the more than ten years I spent alongside Fel energy. It has been tested and proven effective. Take some time every day to settle your mind, Kil'jaeden. As long as you are not tempted by power into actively demanding more blessings from the Twisting Nether, you can preserve your sanity and spirit, keeping your will pure at the most basic level.

"Of course, it is not permanent.

"Long-term exposure to Fel energy will always bring mental frenzy after your body mutates. That is an unavoidable change. If you wish to find a place of belonging and protection for your heart, then my suggestion is that you establish a lasting goal for yourself.

"Whether it is protecting something or pursuing something.

"As long as it is extreme enough, your spirit will protect itself. The firmer your mind, the less Fel or any other primal force can tempt you.

"I do not think this will be difficult for you."

"Why?"

Kil'jaeden looked at the scroll in his hand, then raised his head toward Sarkir.

"As the first bootlicking dog among the Eredar to bow and scrape before Fel energy and the Dark Titan, you should be the most devoted scum in worshipping Fel. Yet you now act like a wise man. I am curious, Sarkir. What made you become like this?

"You are already a Demon Lord of the Burning Legion, yet you do not intend to devote your passionate life to Lord Sargeras's work of destruction?"

"Heh. If I truly thought that way, I would not have received our great Master's blessing. Just as if you had been spineless and led Argus to bow before the Burning Legion, the Dark Titan would not have made that absurd bargain with you."

Sarkir said with a smile,

"Our Master is truly great!

"He possesses supreme power and commands the authority of primal forces. Most precious of all, He is a god with His own convictions, but He also possesses His own personality and will.

"That gives Him personal likes and dislikes, just like an ordinary person.

"Clearly, people like you and me, who possess our own convictions, are different from those weak ants in His eyes. Demons only blindly worship power, but what Lord Sargeras needs is not worship!

"No amount of praise and flattery is of any use.

"Do you think a god like Him, who can reshape an entire world with a thought, would truly fail to realize what we think in our hearts?

"No, no, no.

"He knows better than anyone that you and I joined the Burning Legion only to protect our own people. It is merely that our methods differ, yet He still granted us His blessing.

"He knows, but He does not care!

"Sigh, in such matters, we self-proclaimed wise leaders actually see less clearly than Diakum, a three-hundred-year-old child. You know, during his duel with me, he asked me a question."

The Shaper leaned upon his exaggeratedly wicked Spine Staff, a magical implement made from the spine of his original body. As he walked through the palace, he said to the attentively listening Kil'jaeden,

"Diakum asked me: the fundamental reason the Dark Titan carries out the Burning Crusade is to purge the Void threat from the sea of stars. Even though He embraced Fel and became the Lord of Demons, deep in His heart He remains as full of the desire to protect as when He was a Titan of the Pantheon.

"So here is the question.

"When every hidden danger of Void corruption in the sea of stars has been removed by us and the demons we lead,

"When the sea of stars has returned to the purity Lord Sargeras wishes to see, will people like us, who know only destruction and ruin, still have any right to exist in that new world?"

Sarkir raised his head and looked at Kil'jaeden.

Though it was a question, he did not need an answer.

He told Kil'jaeden,

"No!

"The moment the Burning Crusade is complete will be the Burning Legion's final day!

"Lord Sargeras will personally destroy us and grant it as a blessing of release. He knows full well that apart from the Void, the existence of demons itself is the greatest harm to the physical universe.

"He will not permit a force that brings only destruction to exist within the pure sea of stars He protected through violence.

"We will destroy the old era. We will be the final dead of the old era!

"There is no ticket that can carry us into that beautiful new world.

"Lord Sargeras knows very well what you and I think in our hearts, but He does not care. When you are on the battlefield, would you ask the dead for their opinions?

"We are merely tools.

"As long as a tool is useful, that is enough. Who would care what the hammer in their hand thinks?

"So, Commander Kil'jaeden, there is no need to hide those thoughts of yours. Show them openly. No one in the Burning Legion will care whether you wish to help your former brothers. The demons only want to see destruction and victory!

"As long as you can give them those things, they will submit to you wholeheartedly and sing praises of your efficiency, coldness, and ruthless cruelty.

"More importantly, the Dark Titan's concerns are not unfounded. When I was reborn in the Twisting Nether, I truly saw through its memories that there are worlds of varying sizes in the physical universe that have been corrupted by the Void."

The Shaper Sarkir said solemnly,

"Those worlds will become tears between the physical universe and the Void Realm, gangrene that exists above all rules and order. We must destroy them! Fel wants only war and violence, but the Void desires far more.

"Even without the Burning Legion, we would eventually have to fight the Void invading reality to the death. Now, however, we are stronger instead, giving us every advantage in opposing the Void forces.

"Setting aside the risks of Fel, the Burning Crusade itself

"Does indeed represent a kind of 'ultimate justice' beyond mortal thought!"

"Justice? Do not joke, Sarkir. Neither side is anything good. At most, this is infighting between evil and evil, and we are one side of it."

Kil'jaeden said with a cold laugh,

"Fine, I admit that what you just said has eased my deep concerns. I thank you for the reminder and have regained a measure of trust in you. But I suspect you did not come here today merely to untangle my thoughts.

"Speak. What else is it?"

"Come with me!"

Sarkir swung the staff made from his own spine, opening a Fel Rift straight down to the planet's core between them.

The two, blessed by Fel as demon demigods, had long surpassed the limits of space that could bind them in the material world. They entered the rift one after the other, arriving in the region of the World Heart.

But this was clearly not within the material world. Though they had Set Foot On the planet's core, there was nothing supporting them. It was as though a floating island existed in the sky. From here, they could see the drifting lights before them, but they were far weaker than before.

"Lord Sargeras personally remained here, so this place has formed a special region between the material world and the star soul's existence. We can observe the condition of Argus Star Soul here.

"See for yourself."

Sarkir pointed ahead. Kil'jaeden raised his head and looked at the physical form of the star soul he had once seen, then was greatly shocked.

"How has It become so weak?"

Kil'jaeden frowned and said,

"Compared to before, It is practically... Is It about to die?"

"Because Argus bestowed too much power upon the Eredar, helping you carry out that foolish yet epic resistance."

Sarkir shook his head and sighed.

"It is only a juvenile star soul. The enhancements It bestowed already exceeded the limit that could affect Its health. Rather than an Eredar struggle against demons, the Battle of Argus was a desperate fight to the death between the star soul and Sargeras, with you as Its instrument.

"It did not wish to become Fel's captive, so It adopted an extreme method to protect Itself.

"I suspect Diakum gave It that advice.

"The method was crude, savage, and absurd, much like the series of outrageous actions a reckless child would choose when faced with a desperate situation he could not solve. Yet by sheer chance, it worked remarkably well.

"The star soul's physical form remains here, but most of Its consciousness has already escaped.

"Only an empty shell remains here."

"Wouldn't the Dark Titan be disappointed?"

Kil'jaeden felt a sense of relief after hearing Sarkir's explanation, but then he asked in the cold tone befitting a demon lord:

"Isn't that what he came here for?"

"Disappointed? No, no, our master is happier than ever."

Sarkir let out a strange laugh and said:

"You must understand, Kil'jaeden, Lord Sargeras wishes to establish his own Dark Pantheon on Argus. He hopes his brothers and sisters will embrace fel energy as he did and become vanguards against the forces of the Void.

That means he must personally twist the minds of every one of his Titan siblings.

But as I said before, our master may appear cold, yet he is more 'human' than most mortals. His unwavering goal compels him to do this, but that does not mean he wishes to hear the cries of his brothers and sisters as they fall.

Even gods feel sorrow. His long stay at the borders of the material world is not merely to slaughter and deter those Void Lords who cross the line. He also does it so he will not have to hear such sad things.

Ah, he is such a gentle god.

Now, the will of the Argus Star Soul has been divided and carried away by our clan members, leaving behind only an empty shell, like a giant whose brain has been dug out. All we need to do next is summon the fel energy of the Twisting Nether to strengthen, infuse, and catalyze it.

There will be no pain, nor will the world scream. Everything will proceed naturally, and in the end, the fel Titan Argus will rise from the earth.

Our master will gain a powerful lieutenant, the forces of the Void will gain a formidable enemy, the material universe will gain a brutal protector, and Argus will not have to endure the pain of a fallen will.

Everyone will be satisfied.

That is probably one reason he spared the Eredar. Velen and Diakum truly helped Lord Sargeras resolve one of his concerns.

But that means we have a problem."

"Oh? How so?"

Kil'jaeden asked. Sarkir sighed.

"Too much of the Star Soul's will escaped, and now even its spiritual form is showing signs of collapse. We must recover some fragments of its will to ensure that the Star Soul does not suddenly vanish into nothing when it receives the fel infusion.

That means we must personally capture some of our fleeing brethren, cruelly transform them into Man'ari, and during the process drain the Star Soul Fragments carried within their minds.

And the number cannot be too small.

By my estimate, we must capture at least three million.

Are you prepared, Commander Kil'jaeden? This is a duty you and I must bear. If we cannot even handle such a simple matter, then we will truly be in trouble."

"I won't do it!"

Kil'jaeden refused decisively.

"Just as you persuaded me, I do not need to conceal what lies in my heart. I can lead demons to destroy one polluted world after another for Sargeras, or worlds about to be polluted. I can convince myself to become a destroyer.

But...

In short, you handle it."

"Why should I?"

Sarkir retorted.

"You do not wish to become an executioner, so do I?

You should know why I knelt beneath the Dark Titan's banner. I hold the same convictions as you. This is what I must reach a conclusion with you about today: one of us must become the executioner of our people!

This is our fate, and we have already stepped into it!"

The two Greater Demons glared at each other.

Under the gaze of the weakened Star Soul, the conversation came to an awkward standstill.

After a long confrontation, Kil'jaeden shook his head and said:

"It seems we are both hypocrites, Sarkir. We have clearly fallen into the most evil beings in the material universe, yet we still hypocritically refuse to betray our former selves. How laughable."

"You may mock us as much as you like, but the fact remains that we must come up with a solution."

Sarkir said calmly:

"If neither of us is willing to dirty our hands, then we can only have a third person do it. So... Kazzak? Or the ambitious Tichondrius?"

"The former is too stupid, the latter too ruthless. Neither is suitable."

Kil'jaeden shook his head.

"We must find someone with some intelligence, but not too much. We must find someone who ruins things at just the right moment every time. We must find someone whom all demons will accept, yet who is not Eredar."

"Hm, quite a lot of requirements. But I do have a candidate."

Sarkir narrowed his eyes and said:

"When I was reborn in the Twisting Nether, I occasionally caught sight of some strange demons. They were crude and powerful, cunning yet with a touch of brainless stupidity. They fit your requirements perfectly.

Those vicious hulks called Annihilan hide at the edge of the Twisting Nether. They scoff at recruitment by the Burning Legion, believing that the demons under our command are all weaklings and not worth their time.

Go recruit them.

Select worthy talent for the Legion, and while you are at it, use your astonishing command ability to conquer those powerful yet brutish Annihilan demons. Then have those hulks hunt down our clan members.

They are difficult to deal with.

But honestly, they do not exceed the limits of what Velen and the Naaru can handle.

They will ruin things again and again just as you desire, but they will occasionally make some gains as well. Such a trick naturally cannot fool anyone for long, since our master needs to see Argus 'grow,' but it can at least buy us some time.

Until we find a more suitable 'replacement' during our conquest of the stars!

An outstanding but not overly outstanding 'third leader.' I am quite willing to spend more time selecting fine talent for the Legion, if it can truly lessen the hypocritical guilt you and I feel."

"And you?"

Kil'jaeden asked.

"Other than presiding over 'diplomacy' with the Ethereals, what is your job?"

"Hm, my work is troublesome."

Sarkir sighed.

"A truly distinguished 'important figure' will soon be sent to Argus. I must take full responsibility for reshaping and corrupting him. Let us hope that when that important figure awakens in a body of destruction, he does not cut me down with a single stroke.

He may not be as powerful as Lord Sargeras, but he is already a life-form standing at the pinnacle of the material universe.

My task is destined to take several thousand, perhaps even tens of thousands of years to complete. But how should I put it? I do not dislike it either. Kil'jaeden, may your future destruction and conquest go smoothly.

Oh, right.

Demons enjoy giving themselves and others nicknames. For instance, they call Diakum, who shone brilliantly in the decisive battle on Argus, the 'Light Butcher.' You should give yourself a nickname too."

"I have no interest."

Kil'jaeden snorted.

"A nickname only has meaning when it is bestowed by one's enemies. Besides, Sarkir, you seem unable to 'forget' Diakum?"

"Yes, that young man brought me too many surprises, too many miracles."

Sarkir sighed.

"Just as with you and Velen, I feel that boy and I have formed some twisted and mad connection as well. I should thank him."

The Shaper blinked.

Before his eyes, beyond the scenes of the material world, the reflection of another world drifted.

He saw the boundless World of Death, the miracle city at the center of the realm of death, and the four Eternal Ones forged in everlasting radiance. Finally, every time he blinked, he saw a "big bald man" burdened with chains.

The scene before him shifted again to the highest point of a magnificent court. Above the Venthyr sinbearers dancing gracefully below, a handsome white-haired Eternal One raised a crimson wine goblet toward Sarkir.

As though in "welcome" and "tribute."

Under the smiling gaze of those crimson eyes, Sarkir revealed a faint smile as well.

The Greater Demon lord of "complicated origins" said softly:

"Diakum... no, Dick granted me an 'unforgettable death.' He cast me into hell, yet Lord Sargeras pulled me back out. Ah, that wondrous journey is enough to make me remember him for the rest of my life.

Come to think of it, you hate those Nathrezim, do you not?

Then let them fall under my command.

I will properly discipline and teach them, so they do not anger you again with petty schemes and get sent away to carry out missions from which they are certain to die.

In the future...

Hm, they may prove greatly useful in the future.

All right, Kil'jaeden the Conqueror!

Stop looking so miserable. From here on, let us join hands and offer our supreme loyalty to the master and the Legion's great cause."