Release and Prediction

"Food... eat... Ah, for the first time I wish I were a mage. Their arcane language lets them communicate with other races without any barriers."

On the plaza of Black Rook Hold, after performing another round of healing for Brox, Tyrande gestured for a long time before finally convincing the orc that the basin of clear water and the fruit—which were enough to make a mouth feel bland—were the Night Elves' staple food.

The orc's face was clearly one of disbelief as he stared blankly at the red apple in his hand.

These elves of the Alliance... their daily food was really this kind of fruit? He could eat a whole basketful and feel nothing...

"You should learn gratitude, beast..." Illidan glanced at the orc in the cage and growled under his breath.

Brox didn't even bother acknowledging him. Though he couldn't understand the words, the tone alone told him this male elf harbored no goodwill toward him.

"He dares to ignore me, he... Ah, Master Krasus! Master Rhonin! It's a pleasure to see you again. I am—"

"It's good to see you too, Illidan. Of course I remember you. We met at Lord Ravencrest's." Krasus picked up the conversation and strode over with Rhonin.

"Mm... Good to see you, Illidan." Rhonin's expression was somewhat complicated. Pleasure was certainly not the right word; there seemed to be a great deal of resistance and distance.

Illidan didn't notice Rhonin's expression. He was thrilled that the two arcane masters remembered him.

This Master Krasus, with his terrifying arcane control, had instantly defeated Lord Ravencrest's court mage... well, to be precise, the former court mage.

This made Illidan, who had always yearned for great power, immediately treat these two foreigners with deep respect.

"An orc? Why is there an orc here? Did Nozdormu send someone from the Horde too? When did I become part of the Alliance delegation?" Seeing Brox in the cage, Rhonin immediately whispered to Krasus.

Brox also noticed the two newcomers. His eyes instantly filled with vigilance, and he clenched his sturdy fists.

"Human... Alliance dogs..." The orc spoke in extremely broken future Common Tongue.

"Alright, alright, shut up, Horde pig." Rhonin immediately cut off the orc's words.

Krasus frowned, then shook his head.

"Impossible. Nozdormu only sent the two of us here. I'm very certain of that. As for this orc... he was probably caught up in the Time Sands by accident."

With that, Krasus strode to the cage and began speaking to Brox in Orcish.

As a dragon, especially a studious one, his long life had granted him vast knowledge.

"You're also from the future, aren't you? You mentioned 'Alliance dogs'—did you come from the Old Horde era or the New Horde era?"

"Old Horde? Ha! I am Brox Saurfang, warrior of the Ragefire Clan, champion of Warchief Thrall. I—"

"Good. It seems you're from the New Horde era. That makes things much easier for us to communicate. Now shut up and listen."

This strange human gave off a predatory pressure, which puzzled Brox greatly. Could he be some large creature disguised as a human?

As Krasus quickly and simply explained the situation, Brox grew increasingly silent, gradually grasping the current circumstances.

"So, make your choice. Will you temporarily join us? If we're all still alive when this is over, I'll ask Nozdormu to take you back with us."

"A warrior of the Horde never refuses to slaughter the demons of the Burning Legion. Let me out, give me a decent weapon, and I'll make those demons understand the Horde's strength."

Satisfied with the answer, Krasus nodded, then called over the nearby guards and ordered them to open the cage.

The soldiers were deeply conflicted, but after Krasus stated he would take full responsibility, they chose to comply. After all, these two foreign masters were now Lord Ravencrest's court mages, holding considerable status.

"Disaster is approaching. We need all the help we can get. Tauren, Earthlings, even demigods—they all must step forward."

Seeing the puzzled expressions of the three elves, Krasus explained calmly.

"Master, if a great disaster is truly coming, why not inform the Highborne and seek their aid?" Illidan immediately asked.

Krasus let out a few bitter laughs at that.

The Highborne... Unfortunately, due to various restrictions, he couldn't reveal any important information about the future.

Illidan was still so naive now, unaware that the Highborne were the very ones who caused all this... Wait!

"Mm... Perhaps it's worth a try. Most of the Highborne are still in Suramar City and haven't gone to the capital, Eldorei, correct?"

"Uh... Yes, Master, that's right." Illidan paused, finding it strange that Krasus would ask such an obvious question.

"Rhonin, come with me to Suramar City. Let's hope luck is on our side. If we succeed, this disaster might be greatly mitigated."

Rhonin nodded. Even if he opposed his dragon mentor's decision, it usually didn't matter much.

"At this time, the Highborne are led by Dath'Remar Sunstrider, aren't they? Will he believe us?"

"If my memory serves, he should be in the capital, Eldorei, right now. Suramar is being governed by the High Council. This is an opportunity."

"Two masters, and this... uh... orc... My esteemed mentor, the Forest Demigod Cenarius, invites the three of you to visit the forest." At that moment, Malfurion opened his eyes, ending his spiritual communion.

Krasus and Rhonin exchanged glances, then nodded.

"Then let's go. We hold great reverence for the Forest Demigod."

Brox, who had been muttering something to himself, couldn't understand what these humans and elves were babbling about, but he didn't care. Seeing the group move, he slowly followed along.

"Can I go hunt some game myself? You Alliance dogs wouldn't deny me that, would you..."

******

Suramar City, Central Giant Mage Tower.

In a circular hall at the top, the light was dim to the point of near darkness. The only illumination came from the arcane crystals on the walls, emitting a faint, pale purple glow.

A dozen aged Highborne mages sat in a circle, a Demon Guard's corpse suspended at the center. An immensely complex runic array rotated on the floor directly below, strands of Arcane energy coiling around the body like chains.

"Begin the prophecy."

A clear female voice rang out, and the dozen mages immediately started casting.

Archmage Elisande stood in the shadows at one side of the room, clutching an Image Crystal that had already been read. The message from the capital, Eldorei, filled her with deep unease.

Dath'Remar was right. These so-called Titan Soldiers were by no means beings of justice and order.

And that dark green Fel Energy—that was certainly no power a god of order would wield.

"I see it... Aaaahhh!"

Screams erupted one after another. The ring of Highborne mages twisted their faces in agony, and then—

Blazing green Fel flames shot from their eyes, instantly searing the sockets into two charred black pits.

"What is it? What did you see?"

Elisande blinked instantly to the side of the sole dying mage, pressing urgently.

"Endless Fel fire... demons... disaster is coming... it must be stopped..."

The old mage convulsed once, then fell silent. The entire Prophecy Mage Group of a dozen members was wiped out in an instant.

Elisande rose to her feet, her expression deathly serious.

The situation was far graver than anticipated. Action had to be taken.

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