Rendezvous

"How are things on your end?"

A warm, magnetic voice that inspired trust came from the basin.

"The plan was disrupted. Right now, only the Shadowmoon Clan is under my control, and they have drunk the Demon Blood. So our plan will have to be delayed."

"What?! Delay the plan?!"

As soon as Ner'zhul finished speaking, the voice that had been gentle and warm vanished, replaced by a low, hoarse voice from the basin that sent chills down one's spine.

"Do you have any idea how long I still have to stay hidden because of your stupidity?!"

"Don't be so impatient. I'll resolve this as quickly as possible."

Hearing the agitation in the voice from the basin, Ner'zhul replied patiently.

"I'll find a way to continue spreading the Demon Blood. As for the Dark Portal, I'll have people begin constructing it first, but the schedule may be delayed by two years."

"Two years! Do you know I've had enough of this life of having to hide my true intentions? Every day, I can't research what I want to research. Even using Fel Energy or conducting an experiment has to be done in secret. And you want me to endure this for another two years?!"

"Enough. We're merely partners. You haven't even told me your name, so why should I care whether you live or die? I have no choice on my end either. Wait if you want, or don't."

With that, Ner'zhul made as if to end the spell.

"Wait!"

The voice in the basin returned to its initial gentle warmth.

"Can it be sped up? Two years really is too long. I can offer you help and speed up the process."

"Oh? What kind of help?"

Ner'zhul asked with great interest.

"I can summon demons to help you construct the Dark Portal."

"Forget it. I don't trust the demons you summon. Just wait."

As he spoke, Ner'zhul once again made as if to end the spell.

"Wait, what do you want? I'll give it to you!"

The voice became low and hoarse again.

"Souls. As long as you give me souls, I can summon demons myself."

"Do you know how enormous the cost of transporting souls is?!"

Upon hearing Ner'zhul's condition, the voice grew angry.

"I only want ten thousand souls. As for everything else, that's your problem. It has nothing to do with me."

As though he had not heard the anger in the voice, Gul'dan calmly stated his terms.

"As long as you give me ten thousand souls, I guarantee the Dark Portal will be completed within a year, and I'll give you the war you want."

"Ten thousand is too many. You should know my situation isn't very good. At most, two thousand!"

"Nine thousand!"

"Three thousand!"

"Eight thousand!"

"Four thousand!"

"Seven thousand!"

"Four thousand. That's my limit. Don't forget there are still costs involved. You don't want me exposed before the time comes, do you?"

"Fine, four thousand. How long will it take?"

"Three days! I'll transport them to you in three days."

"Good. A pleasant partnership."

The two reached an agreement, and Ner'zhul ended the spell. Thus, a transaction bought with human lives was concluded.

In another world, at the top floor of a magnificent Mage Tower, the person who had spoken through the basin sat before a desk, his fingers rhythmically tapping its surface.

"You're truly greedy. It doesn't matter. You'll spit it back out—Gul'dan!"

For some reason, beneath the light of the magical brazier, that handsome face gave off an eerie, sinister feeling.

"Someone, prepare for me to leave. If the King asks, tell him I have business to attend to. I'll see him once I'm done."

"Yes, Master."

The next morning, Leiluo and Blackhand left the Blackrock encampment early on their mounts. Traveling day and night, they headed for the gathering point Leiluo had arranged in advance.

In a small mountain hollow not far from the Fireblade Clan's encampment, the group preparing to farm Gul'dan had finally assembled.

The moment Leiluo met with Leolox and Lantresuo, Kargath and Kilrogg stepped forward.

"Pebble Chieftain, the terms you sent over were indeed tempting, but we need you to make the promise in person."

Leiluo turned to glance at Blackhand beside him, then turned back and winked at Kargath and Kilrogg, indicating that Blackhand was present and it was inconvenient to speak. Both were clever men and immediately understood what Leiluo meant. The three of them found a secluded spot and began discussing matters.

"Rest assured, Chieftains. Once Gul'dan is dead, I won't take a single portion of his potion. Even if the formula comes out, I won't want it. But as you can see, I've also invited the Frostwolf Chieftain and the Blackrock Chieftain. What I'm offering them isn't this. If either of you lets something slip, I won't know what they might demand then."

"Understood. Since the Pebble Chieftain has personally promised us this reward, we won't say a word."

"Good, good."

Only after fooling the two of them did Leiluo feel at ease enough to rejoin Durotan and the others.

Within a small mountain hollow gathered nearly all the strongest forces of the orc clans: four Heroic Rank warriors, three Gold Tier warriors, and one Silver Tier warrior.

As the sky gradually darkened, Leiluo began making arrangements for the battle tomorrow.

"Lantresuo, tell us about the Fireblade Clan's current situation first."

"Yes, Chieftain. Four Chieftains, according to the intelligence we currently possess, the Fireblade Clan has one Heroic Rank warrior—Gul'dan—and one Gold Tier warrior—Nir'ro Fireblade."

"Nir'ro is the current chieftain of the Fireblade Clan and also Gul'dan's subordinate. We don't know whether Gul'dan brought any other powerful fighters with him when he came to the Fireblade Clan, but it is certain that the Twilight Hammer Clan is Gul'dan's force."

"So Kargath might also be in the Fireblade Clan?"

Durotan, who had a deep impression of Kargath, spoke up.

"That's right. That is also why I gathered the chieftains of your four great clans."

Leiluo rose to his feet and continued where Lantresuo had left off.

"I believe that with the four of you here, tomorrow's battle will be foolproof. But there is one more thing I must mention: Gul'dan has the ability to summon demons."

"Demons?" ×4

"That's right. Demons are powerful monsters, some strong and some weak. We have no way of knowing what kind of demon Gul'dan might summon, so I ask all of you to be careful tomorrow."

"The moment you see Gul'dan, kill him immediately. Don't let him summon any demons."

"You worry too much, boy. What monster? I'll flatten it with one hammer."

The usually taciturn Blackhand suddenly spoke.

"You asked for my help this time. If you can't produce what you promised afterward, you know the consequences."

"Of course, of course."

Hearing Blackhand's threat, Leiluo could only agree with an awkward smile.

After everyone dispersed to rest, Durotan finally came over to speak with Leiluo.

"Boy, from the looks of it, every one of them is getting something out of this. What about me? When Leolox called for me, I agreed without hesitation. You're not going to send me back empty-handed, are you?"

"Ah, Old Du, with our relationship, why talk like that? I won't let you lose out. When spring comes and our Pebble Clan has a bumper harvest, I'll sell you grain at a low price."

"You're that sure there'll be a bumper harvest?"

Leiluo smiled. "You'll find out when the time comes. Get some sleep. There'll be plenty of fighting tomorrow."