Stalemate and Illidan

Krasus sat on a relatively intact boulder, gazing at the plain before him where Fel Flame burned everywhere, along with the corpses of the fallen scattered across the field. Elven soldiers moved in small groups, searching through the piles of bodies for their own kin.

Another brutal battle had ended. The air reeked of scorched flesh, and shattered war machines lay strewn across the battlefield.

The resistance coalition had once again repelled the demon legion's assault, thwarting their attempt to break into the Val'sharah region.

Illidan walked over from the nearby battlefield, vaulted onto the boulder, and sat down beside Krasus.

"Master, these damned demons seem endless. We have to speed up our advance, break into the capital, and destroy the portal—that's our only hope for victory."

"That is precisely the hardest part." Krasus nodded. "Not only that, but we must also unite every force we can—Tauren, Bearman, Worgen, Earthlings, even the Wild Demigods."

"Commander Jarod is already working on it. I hope those simple-minded races can understand that too... No offense meant, Master Krasus."

Illidan added awkwardly. The Night Elves' prejudice against other races wasn't something easily erased.

"Jarod Shadowsong is an excellent commander. I have full confidence in him." Krasus shook his head, dismissing the slight, and turned the conversation to the current leader of the elven resistance forces.

Indeed, the entire elven army was now under Jarod's command. Lord Ravencrest of Black Rook Hold had fallen in battle.

That lord had always fought on the front lines. In the last demon assault on Black Rook Hold, the elven coalition had taken the initiative to strike, engaging in a bloody battle with elite high-ranking demon forces.

Ravencrest's command platform had taken a direct hit from a Fel explosive barrel during the fight. The Fel Flame, mixed with violent corrosive acid, killed the valiant lord instantly.

At that moment, the elven coalition fell into chaos, their battle line teetering on the brink of collapse.

Jarod Shadowsong, crawling out from a pile of corpses, took over command of Black Rook Hold on the spot. With the situation dire, he seemed to forget his humble origins, shouting orders at the surrounding lords and issuing combat directives.

Then, relying on his exceptional command skills and keen observation of the battlefield, the elven resistance coalition won that defensive battle, driving the demon army back once more.

Though the lords were displeased with Jarod's discourteous behavior, they weren't fools. In a life-or-death crisis, this was no time to fuss over etiquette.

Thus, Jarod Shadowsong formally assumed the role of General Commander. Though this elf still lacked some confidence when facing the various lords, that flaw would soon be worn away as the war dragged on.

Jarod placed great value on the strength of other races. He sent out numerous emissaries to contact all races across the Kalimdor Continent, calling them to join forces and concentrate their strength against the Burning Legion.

Forest Demi-god Cenarius was also pleased with this young elven commander. He expressed his willingness to contribute and would try to contact other Wild Demigods for their aid.

"I agree with your thinking, Master Krasus. The situation is moving in that direction. Since Lord Ravencrest fell—no offense intended—but that newly appointed Jarod Shadowsong seems to have more command talent... He's actively reaching out to all the other races."

As he spoke, Illidan looked toward the Highborne mages on the nearby battlefield, who were channeling flames to burn the corpses.

"I'm glad most of the Highborne chose our side. Their magic is truly mesmerizing."

Krasus glanced at Illidan beside him. "Forest Demi-god Cenarius and his Druids don't seem to welcome the Highborne much."

"Tch... The Forest Demi-god and my stubborn brother will never understand the power of magic. Gentle nature can't save Azeroth, can't save Kalimdor! I'm puzzled—Tyrande... why does she favor Malfurion... Ah, Master, I spoke out of turn."

Krasus smiled. He understood the emotional entanglements among the three elves all too well.

In the future timeline he came from, no matter what Illidan became, his feelings for Tyrande remained as pure and unwavering as they were during the War of the Ancients ten thousand years ago.

"What I'm more concerned about..." The dragon archmage turned his gaze to the female Highborne approaching from afar. "Why did the one in Suramar City allow her to lead the Highborne mage forces? As far as I know, Archmage Elisande is that one's kept treasure."

"Master Krasus, it's a pleasure to see you. The spells you cast on the battlefield and your insights into Arcane energy have earned my deep admiration."

Elisande stopped at the base of the boulder, looked up, and spoke to Krasus with a smile.

The female elf wore a silver-white rune robe, with a purple crystal set into each shoulder guard. Three energy orbs of different colors floated above her shoulders. In her hand, she held a magnificent staff over two meters long, topped with an Arcane energy eye that sparkled and blinked from time to time.

After that eavesdropping session, she now knew that this Krasus was a red dragon disguised in human form, hailing from a future era. Thus, she held him in considerable respect.

"Give my regards to the Divine Lord, Master Elisande. Though I'm surprised the Divine Lord sent you to command the Highborne mage forces."

"War is always the best way to unlock one's potential, isn't it?" Elisande blinked her eyes, which glowed with energy.

"An honor to meet you, Master Elisande. Your magical skill is breathtaking. Aside from Masters Krasus and Rhonin, I can't think of anyone better." Illidan then bowed to Elisande, his sincerity far greater than when he bowed to the Forest Demi-god.

Elisande looked at Illidan and nodded with a smile.

"You have great talent, Illidan. I can sense it... If Master Krasus were willing to take you as his apprentice, I believe another Archmage would be born before long."

Receiving affirmation from an Archmage, Illidan was thrilled, his resolve to walk the path of magic even firmer.

Krasus, however, stared intently at the energy eye atop Elisande's staff. The eye stared back at him and blinked.

"May we achieve final victory under the guidance of the Creator."

Krasus rose, bowed to Elisande, and then walked toward the rear camp of the resistance coalition.

Illidan quickly bid Elisande farewell and followed Krasus back. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that Krasus had just bowed to that staff—how strange.