Encounter

Tirion Fordring, still joking with his son, remained unaware that this was the influence of the Affinity brought about by the awakening of the Power of Nephalem. Taelan Fordring, of course, dared not tell him.

At this moment, Taelan gazed at the towering spire of Archmage Krasus's Magic Tower and the beautiful magic gems embedded within it, wondering how he might approach this Archmage and, through him, make contact with the Dragon Aspects.

Suddenly, Tirion Fordring remarked, "I believe I've encountered an old friend! I must go greet him, though I should observe first to see if he is alone. Wait here for a moment!" In truth, Tirion Fordring felt quite at ease with Taelan; not only was his son mature beyond his years, but his set of skills was truly unconventional. While he might not win a fight, it would be difficult for anyone to harm him in the short term.

Taelan Fordring replied, "Very well! Father, go ahead, I shall wait for you here!" Once Tirion Fordring walked away, he began looking around, admiring the beautiful scenery of Dalaran. Just then, he suddenly felt a chill down his spine! The human race already possessed a high innate Perception, and his enhanced Perception provided even keener awareness.

He let out a "Meow"—Malicious Polymorph! The moment he turned his head, he saw a Gnome whose purple glow was just fading from his hands, leaving Taelan Fordring with a sense of dread. Terrible! Someone was actually causing trouble in the place with the second-highest density of mages in the world! He steeled himself, preparing to launch a Mortal Strike the moment the transformation ended, hoping he could withstand a follow-up "Great Apology Spell!"

Yet, nothing happened! The Gnome simply made a face at him and then vanished in a flash! Damn it, how could he have forgotten! Dalaran had a sheep-polymorphing Gnome—no, a cat-polymorphing Gnome!

This little Gnome was known as Little Goblin. Magic Wand! He often pulled pranks in Dalaran, and many players had been turned into sheep by him! It seemed he was even more proficient at turning people into cats now! Taelan Fordring looked at his own fluffy front paws, wanting to cry but having no tears.

Just you wait until I turn back; I will definitely treat you to a Big Brick!

Just then, he heard a pleasant voice: "This cat is so pretty, wow! A Ragdoll Cat! This is the most beautiful kitty I have ever seen!" Then, Taelan felt himself being scooped up by a pair of chubby little hands!

The drastic change in size made him feel somewhat uncomfortable. He was lifted high into the air, and what met his eyes was a little girl with a beautiful face, long golden hair, and a dainty, playful nose. She wore a princess dress that made her look like a doll. A sweet scent then drifted into Taelan's nose.

The little girl holding the white Ragdoll Cat shifted her posture, letting the cat rest against her chest. She reached out with her chubby hands to stroke the white cat's fur and even rubbed her little cheek against it! Taelan Fordring felt incredibly awkward at this moment! He kept cursing Little Goblin in his heart: You deserve to have no friends! Did you learn your Polymorph: Cat from the Nephalem too? Does it really have to last five minutes?

Looking at the little girl's face, Taelan Fordring froze. This person looked somewhat familiar! Isn't this Jaina, the Daughter of the Sea? Why is she here? Didn't she come to Dalaran to study magic only at age eleven? She should be just over eight years old, like him! How did she get here?

Taelan Fordring mentally gave Jaina a harsh greeting. Then, he suddenly remembered: his father had said he saw an old friend and needed to observe if he was alone.

Wait, Taelan Fordring suddenly realized why Jaina was here! The man Tirion Fordring was going to meet was named Daelin Proudmoore! He was the Grand Admiral of Kul Tiras! And in his youth, he had a romantic affair. He had fallen in love with a High Elf mage named Gina Sunsword and had a child named Fenna Sunsword!

Daelin was here to meet his High Elf mage friend! But is it really appropriate to bring your legitimate daughter when meeting the mother of your illegitimate child? If that were the case, Daelin, you have gone too far! And this is just too awkward!

Perhaps the Holy Light within Taelan brought warmth to young Jaina, perhaps the Nephalem's Affinity was at work, or perhaps it was simply the Ragdoll Cat's appearance that moved Jaina. This Daughter of the Sea actually intended to carry Taelan away!

As she carried Taelan toward a side path, Taelan suddenly felt a scorching, dark aura approach Jaina. Then, a dagger appeared at Jaina's throat, its cold, gleaming tip pressing against her neck as a hoarse voice rang out: "Don't move! My lovely little princess! Or I shall kill you at once!"

Taelan was dumbfounded! Jaina had encountered this? I had no idea! And who is this guy? Is it really okay to kidnap the princess of Kul Tiras on the streets of the magic kingdom, Dalaran?

Suddenly, a massive fireball shot into the sky! Judging by the size of that fireball, it had to be a "Great Apology Spell!" Then, Taelan Fordring saw the guards on the roadside and a rare Spellbreaker rushing toward the horse-faced mage who had launched the Pyroblast! That wasn't all; the attention of everyone nearby was drawn away! Dalaran prohibited the casting of magic in public! Anyone violating this rule would surely be sent to the Violet Hold to "pedal the sewing machine!"

However, Taelan Fordring knew things were dire; this horse-faced man was likely an accomplice of the person holding Jaina! His Pyroblast had successfully diverted everyone's attention!

The duration of the Polymorph: Cat was almost up! The five-minute effect had lasted four minutes. It seemed the Power of Nephalem provided additional resistance.

Taelan Fordring now had two choices:

The first was to wait for the Polymorph: Cat to end, jump out of Jaina's arms, and strike the guy behind her with a Hammer of Justice! He would have five seconds to flee toward the entrance of Krasus's Magic Tower. An Archmage inside a magic tower—even Gul'dan, the Warlock King, would stay as far away as possible! A magic tower not only provided its master with powerful protection but also a massive supply of mana. Furthermore, many Archmages' towers were often reinforced with strange, lethal spells, such as spatial locking that was difficult for an individual to break! Once there, he might be saved; more importantly, he was not the kidnapper's target. Of course, he had to gamble that the Archmage was home!

His advantage was that no one would expect a Paladin turned into a cat to be in the arms of the kidnapping target! But if he did this, Jaina would be taken away by this man! He, however, might escape safely!

The second was to wait for the Polymorph: Cat to end, then unleash his signature skill, Mortal Strike, and hit the kidnapper with his shield—this skill was guaranteed to hit! This would allow him to test the kidnapper's strength. If he found the enemy powerful, he would use the Blessing of Tirion Fordring to activate the precision effect and use a Big Brick to knock him out instantly! Then, he could grab Jaina and flee! But they were already on a side path. There were very few people, and with a "burden" who couldn't use magic yet, once this guy survived those five seconds, he would likely be captured. Besides, the kidnapper probably had other accomplices.

Furthermore, this guy certainly wouldn't show him any mercy!

A man who dared to take hostages here must either be exceptionally powerful or mentally unstable. But he had arranged for someone to coordinate with him! He definitely wasn't a lunatic. That could only mean he was extremely dangerous! And his goal was clear!

What should I do?

Post first, edit later! Two chapters released back-to-back! Everyone is welcome to provide feedback! Happy Spring Festival to you all!

Also, requesting recommendation tickets!