Departure

The azure sky was pure and clear, devoid of even a shred of cloud. Under the brilliant sunlight, the limpid lake water reflected shimmering phosphorescence, sparkling like gold and forcing one to squint against the glare.

On the docks in northern Dalaran, Antonidas stood with several human members of the Kirin Tor council behind him. These high-ranking officials of Dalaran watched in silence as the ship carrying Terenas and the two young princes slowly drifted into the distance.

Not until the mast of the great ship had nearly vanished from sight did the old mage turn to look at Dreaden and Modera. Although they had reached several agreements with the Kingdom of Lordaeron on behalf of Dalaran following last night's banquet, the looming threat of war still cast a shadow of worry over the mages.

"Khadgar left last night for the front lines in Stormwind City to engage the orcs, and we must prepare as well. If the flames of war truly reach the continent of Lordaeron, while Dalaran cannot provide conventional troops, we must still contribute our strength. Whether through logistics or magical support, we must fight to protect the lands where humanity survives."

"As for Kel'Thuzad, my apprentice," the old man said, beckoning to his student.

When the young mage stepped forward, Antonidas patted him on the shoulder, a gentle smile on his face, and whispered into his ear: "Be prepared. If war breaks out, I hope you can help me with a task; it is part of the agreement between us and Lordaeron."

The old mage's eyes narrowed into slits, clearly quite satisfied with the agreement reached. "I guarantee, you will like the final reward."

More than six years ago, to diagnose Alvin, Terenas had invited Archbishop Alonsus Faol and his apprentice Benedictus from the cathedral in Stratholme. In the years that followed, because the King was concerned about Alvin's condition, the Archbishop had remained in the capital of Lordaeron without leaving.

Unlike the situation in the game, this man of high prestige among humanity did not head to Northshire Abbey in the Kingdom of Stormwind to spread the teachings of the Light, but instead stayed in Lordaeron to preach the path of the Holy Light. At the same time, when the young prince turned five, this believer who had dedicated his life to the Light became Alvin's guide on the path of the Holy Light.

Although Archbishop Faol had dedicated his entire life to spreading the doctrine of the Light among the common people, he would not refuse a prince as his student. To him, the Light was equal and should not be divided by class; this was what set him apart from those nobles who kept knowledge monopolized in their own hands.

Naturally, Alvin did not disappoint him. Under his tutelage, the gifted prince crossed the apprentice stage in a short time and became a true priest.

Furthermore, Alvin's diligence and persistence also brought him comfort—even with his many years of life experience, he had never seen a child who, like Alvin, could remain undisturbed by external matters and spend such a vast amount of time in prayer.

However, what Archbishop Alonsus Faol valued most was not the prince's talent or effort, but the mindset he displayed in every gesture—

The ideas from modern society meant that Alvin lacked the distinct class consciousness of most noble children. Although the prince had never voiced such views, one could discern clues just by carefully observing the difference in how he and Arthas treated others.

This mindset of equality and justice gave the Archbishop a vague feeling that he had a successor. It was precisely for this reason that the Archbishop was so attentive to the prince's education. Ever since Alvin chose the Holy Light at the age of five, every weekend, Archbishop Faol would come to the Lordaeron palace to teach the prince about the knowledge and doctrines of the Light.

This weekend was the same as usual; Alvin arrived early at the familiar quiet room, ready to begin the day's lessons. However, things were a bit unexpected. The Archbishop, who was always there before him, had not arrived. Instead, Cyril, the captain of the guard who always followed his father, was waiting for him in the room.

"Prince Alvin, His Majesty requests your presence in his study. The Archbishop is also waiting for you there. Please, follow me."

Cyril performed a standard knight's salute to the young prince and led the boy toward the King's study. Alvin had no time to ponder what had happened before he found himself at his destination.

The young royal guard captain knocked, pushed open the doors, stepped aside to let the prince enter, and then closed the doors from the outside, entering a state of alert.

The morning sunlight shone through the thin mist formed by water vapor, illuminating the entire room. On the pale blue wall facing the door, several silver racks were mounted, holding shields and longswords engraved with the royal crest of Lordaeron.

Turning his head, a row of tall oak bookshelves stood on the right side. The exquisitely crafted shelves were carved with fine patterns, neatly stacked with scrolls that looked ancient and worn. Beside the stained-glass window near the shelves, a dark brown wooden desk sat half-submerged in sunlight, its well-proportioned carvings appearing delicate and luxurious.

On the exquisite desk sat a pot of greenish dodder flowers, the white blossoms blooming from the verdant vines emitting a fresh fragrance. In the center of the desk, a large sheet of paper resembling a map was spread out, with a fountain pen with wet ink resting diagonally across it.

The middle-aged King with dull golden hair sat in the chair behind the desk. His sharp gaze had been fixed on the boy the moment he entered, exuding an aura of natural authority. The Archbishop, with his long beard, stood by the desk leaning on a pure white staff, looking at Alvin with a smiling, amiable expression.

"Father, Teacher."

Although he did not know what was going on, Alvin would not forget his father's strict requirements for etiquette. He swept a glance over the two elders—one sitting and one standing—before stepping forward quickly to bow to them.

"Mm," Terenas nodded in response. "My child, your teacher and I have brought you here today because there is a matter for which we need to seek your opinion."

Having said this, the King paused, turning to look at the Archbishop standing to the side.

Archbishop Faol took over from the King and spoke to the young prince: "Alvin, after the Harvest Festival this autumn, Lordaeron will organize a clearing operation against humanoid monsters hiding within the borders. I am about to head to Stratholme to prepare for matters in the north of the kingdom. Would you be willing to come with me?"