Arranged and Unexpected

In truth, Vol'jin's approach was sound; when faced with absolute power, there is no need for complex strategy—simply pushing forward with a frontal assault is enough. However, he made one critical error: he was not the side possessing that absolute power. Heavy artillery bombardment followed by infantry charges—the classic tactics of modern warfare—certainly have their merits. Against primitive combat strength, Arcane Missiles, Fireball, and Frostbolt possess lethality no less devastating than Earth's missiles against infantry. Yes, it was the Elf forces pushing forward in a frontal assault. Azar no longer hid his strength; his mage squads opened fire at full capacity, providing covering strikes while melee units charged ahead and archers provided suppression from the rear. The same tactics that had just crushed the Centaur were now continuing to torment the Troll forces.

"My Lord, why choose this moment for an all-out attack? If we had acted sooner, we could have saved more people," Daphne asked, her tone tinged with resentment.

"You don't understand. They have been suppressed for too long. If we had appeared before the Troll offensive, they would have become a burden to us. But by appearing while they are under fierce attack, they become a powerful assault force; the power released after long-term suppression is astonishing. Furthermore, I need elites—absolute elites. This is the tribe's last traditional force. With the end of this battle, a new era will arrive, and the tribe's armaments will undergo a massive transformation. They represent the past, while we represent the future. The old guard will not compromise so easily. To expect them to accept new ideas and new forces? Is that even possible? Don't you find it strange that Zhakun has been campaigning abroad for years without returning home? Isn't it odd that this unit has never received reinforcements?"

"My Lord, is this what you call politics? Why does it feel like killing without drawing blood?" Daphne asked, seemingly enlightened.

"No, this is the progress of civilization. It also kills without drawing blood, and it kills far more," Azar said meaningfully.

"Have you arranged the matters I entrusted to you?"

"Everything is arranged. The messengers have departed, and as for Eugene, he should be far away by now."

"How many captives do we have? We can't build a great city without labor."

"Currently, there are about 10,000 Centaur, and with the Troll, I estimate around 13,000."

"Still a bit low. What about the Quillboar?"

"No news yet, but I suspect they won't be of much help; they suffered heavy casualties as well."

"It can't be helped. We must cut our coat according to our cloth. Rome wasn't built in a day, after all. Let's go, let's see our wounded brothers."

"Rome? What is that? Is it edible?" Daphne muttered in confusion.

"What are you muttering about? Let's go!"

Zarzan Tribe Council Chamber

"Well done!" The High Sorcerer shouted excitedly, clutching the battle report.

"Truly excellent. Not only did we take Feralas, expanding our territory by more than double, but we also resolved the worries regarding our westward expansion. We must reward this child handsomely."

"Chieftain, I believe the time has come for us to establish our nation," the High Sorcerer proposed excitedly.

"Oh? Tell me more." The Chieftain seemed very interested.

"The old guard no longer has the power to stop us, and the military is now in our hands," the High Sorcerer said confidently, looking as if victory were already in his grasp.

"Our strength is still not enough. I worry about interference from the four major tribes. We are still nominally subservient to the Zandalari," the Chieftain said, appearing hesitant.

"That is not a problem. We can continue to submit to the Zandalari to deny them a pretext for attacking us. The Drakkari have fled to the north with no word, the Amani are in a remote location and cannot reach us, and the Gurubashi are mired in internal strife; they have no energy to manage us. Taking advantage of this expansion of our sphere of influence, we shall establish our nation, formulate new national policies, strive to increase our population, recuperate, continuously perfect our research into the arcane, and enhance our combat power. As long as we have 20 years, I believe we will have nothing to fear from the Zandalari. Look at us—how much do we still have in common with them? How many tribesmen still worship the Loa? Now, the young tribesmen all worship Elune. Make up your mind, Chieftain, this is the best opportunity." The High Sorcerer spoke incessantly, cajoling the Chieftain.

"Your analysis is correct. It is time to establish the nation. Proceed with the arrangements." The Chieftain was swayed and decided to found the nation.

The High Sorcerer was overjoyed and about to leave when the Chieftain called him back.

"Do you think there is a possibility for your disciple and my nephew to..." The Chieftain suddenly blurted out a sentence that lacked context.

"This is a genius idea! Both are leaders of the younger generation, and their union would represent the two most powerful forces in the tribe standing together. It is perfect! What power could possibly stop us then?" The High Sorcerer instantly understood the key point and chimed in excitedly.

The fates of Azar and Azshara were thus decided by these two old men as if they were chatting about daily chores.

"By the way, Un, you should first arrange the supplies Azar requested. We will fully support his construction in Feralas. We still have many powerful enemies, and we must continue to develop in silence. As for Azshara, you must also put in some effort to ensure she agrees to this marriage."

"Yes, Chieftain. I will go make the arrangements."

Cart after cart of supplies was hauled into the newly built camp, accompanied by Elf craftsmen and new troops led by Falco.

"Why did you come? How are things back home?"

"After receiving your secret letter, I began making arrangements. Before I left, Number 3 and Number 8 approached the arcane base, though it has since been renamed Suramar. Number 7 has been integrated into the new army as a squad leader; given their abilities, I estimate it won't be long before they qualify as centurions. Number 5, Number 7, Number 9, and Number 13—they are the strongest, so I brought them to you. You need guards; Muru is not strong enough."

"Well arranged. Anything else?" What Azar appreciated most about Falco was his steadiness; he was a man to whom one could entrust great matters.

"Maiev is already training the new troops. There aren't many, only 500, but the quality is excellent—all carefully selected seeds. Though, I do feel there are a few too many women."

"What she does is her business. We have done all we can; it depends on her ability now. Whether the soldiers she trains are elites or rookies is up to her. Anything else?"

"The Chieftain and the High Sorcerer talked for three days and three nights and are preparing to establish the nation, which is very close to your original prediction."

"They are establishing a nation already? Isn't that a bit fast?"

"According to reports from Number 0, it is said... it is said..." What was going on? Speak clearly; this was not his habit.

"It is said to be related to you. On one hand, your results are remarkable; you cleared out Desolace, giving us a safe logistics line for our westward expansion. On the other hand, the Zhakun faction was almost completely wiped out, leaving the old guard without support, so the Chieftain and the High Sorcerer accelerated the founding of the nation."

"The last point is a private matter for you: the Chieftain and the High Sorcerer want you to marry Miss Azshara. They sent me here to temporarily take over your duties so you can return and marry Miss Azshara."

"Pfft!" Azar nearly choked on his water! What was this? Not playing by the rules? A political marriage? I might be getting the beauty, but doesn't the girl have to be willing?

"Since you're here, go get to work. Don't let anyone bother me; your master needs some peace and quiet!" Azar was somewhat frazzled.

He said he needed peace and quiet, so An'an, you take this too!