The Correct Way to Open Hakkar

The five-member squad withdrew from the battlefield. The storm they had just unleashed was merely a warning to the Gurubashi Troll: they had provoked people they shouldn't have. Deep in the jungles of Stranglethorn Vale, the group pitched their tents, and Saruman cast a protective barrier that would evade the notice of any standard patrol.

"I'm going to go grab a tongue to loosen tonight." Maiev was still in a foul mood.

"If you're still in this state, I won't let you go. Besides, there's no sign that Lida is dead. Perhaps she's still alive? Just severely wounded, hiding somewhere to recover?"

"...I will be careful." With that, she went aside to regulate her breathing.

"Saruman, what is your take?"

"Judging by the battle just now, their warriors are tenacious, unlike the Trolls we've fought before. They seem more fanatical—yes, fanatical! This is the state that only appears when the spirit is in extreme worship of something," Saruman analyzed calmly.

"I agree with your assessment. I suspect the Cult of the Blood God has seized power within the Gurubashi. The Wise and their followers have either been completely wiped out or have gone into hiding."

"I think so too. I suspect Azshara might know something. Perhaps the civil war between the two sides drained the Gurubashi's strength, which is why she sent troops to raid Zul'Gurub," Gandalf offered his own perspective.

"It's entirely possible. The rulers of the Gurubashi, pressured by external enemies, ordered the high priests to activate some kind of evil power to help them overcome the threat. But now, it's possible they can no longer control this power themselves."

"No need to guess. I'll go catch a live one right now," Maiev volunteered.

Before long, Maiev returned with a Gurubashi Troll slung over her shoulder. A bowl of water splashed over him, and he woke up shortly after.

"I ask, you answer. Understand?"

"..." He couldn't speak, but nodded in agreement. Azar signaled for Maiev to release the restraint, and the questioning began.

"Did the high priests summon Hakkar?"

"Yes." This one was clearly not as stubborn as the last; he looked at us and answered the question sensibly.

"Is it a physical entity?" Azar was worried. If it were a physical summoning, the trouble would be immense.

"I don't know."

"How was the Night Elf unit completely wiped out?"

"The Great God Hakkar was on the small island in the center of the lake. A unit fought and retreated, luring them over."

"Have you seen Hakkar?"

"No. I am not qualified."

"Are you sure no one from the Night Elf unit escaped?"

"I am sure. My squadron was the one cleaning up the bodies after the battle. They were all finished. No signs of escape, and they couldn't have run anyway."

"Kill him. I'm done asking."

After the interrogation, Azar felt a bit more confident. Hakkar could not leave the summoning altar, which meant he wasn't a physical entity—or at least not fully materialized—so there was still a chance. Hakkar could not be killed; as long as there were believers, his spirit could be resurrected, and with enough blood sacrifices, he could be summoned. Therefore, he could only be banished back into the Void. They couldn't go straight to the summoning altar; he shared abilities with the priests, so they should kill the priests first, then him! With his mind made up and after consulting with the others, they decided to strike tonight!

"High Priest Jeklik, why did you join such an evil organization?" Azar stepped forward to confront the female Troll priest.

"Prince of the Night, Azar, I didn't expect you to come in person. Since you're here, don't bother going back! I think the Great God Hakkar will surely like you. Hahaha!" This was clearly a case of mental manipulation; she wasn't quite right in the head. No small talk, just straight to the fight?

"Who's going first?" Azar turned to ask those behind him.

Charge! Falco used his actions to state his opinion.

"You're cheating! We agreed to play rock-paper-scissors!" Gandalf stomped his feet in anger.

"Well met!" With a whoosh, Jeklik transformed into a bat and took flight. Falco missed his target.

Frost Nova! A massive chunk of ice descended from the sky! Falco charged again! He made contact! Tonight, he was wielding his trump card, the Bloodthirsty Spear. Thrust! Mortal Strike! Trying to resist? Overpower! Overpower! Trying to heal? Maiev was quick-witted and fast-footed—a kick! The priest, not suited for close-quarters combat, was beaten by the melee squad until only a breath remained. Finally, Saruman asked weakly, "Should we ask something?" The group stopped, and Saruman cast Arcane Shackles, binding her instantly.

"You cheated. Doesn't 'who's going' mean a duel?" Jeklik spoke first.

"Are you f***ing stupid? When I said 'who's going,' I meant 'who goes first'!" Azar was truly shameless in his reply.

"..."

Azar repeated the questions he had asked the previous captive. But a boss is a boss; her faith was rock solid.

"Kill her. We won't get anything out of her," Falco said. Before he even finished, squelch—blood began to gush from Jeklik's neck, bubbling out.

"The inevitable end... death! I curse you, Hakkar! I curse you! Thank you, elves..."

"What does that mean? Was killing her helping him?" Comedy Duo A (Gandalf).

"That must be it." Comedy Duo B (Saruman).

"From now on, we kill everyone we see!" Supporting character Maiev.

Half an hour later, on a small slope.

"Why does this path feel so unsettling? Like being watched by a viper?" Comedy A said.

"I tell you you're an idiot, and you don't believe me. Don't you see the snake-head statues on the pillars at the entrance? It's obviously a priest who worships snake spirits," Comedy B replied.

"I'll go in and take a look." Maiev used Stealth and slipped inside.

A cigarette's time later, Maiev emerged.

"What's the situation inside?" As the commander, Azar needed to know clearly before setting the tactics.

"One big, four small. They're having a party."

"Is that so? Later, Saruman will set up a barrier, and we'll go in. Gandalf and Anla will coordinate: Frost Nova plus mass fear. The rest, just kill whatever you want. Understand?"

The combat was hardly worth mentioning. The minor mobs were wiped out in an instant, and the boss was beaten into a daze at the start. Just as the group thought the fight was nearing its end, the guy transformed! The situation was this: Venoxis was being pinned to the ground and pummeled, and just as he started screaming for help, he suddenly roared, "Hethiss, let me become your avatar and defeat these intruders!" He transformed into a cobra in a second... and began spitting venom everywhere. Oh my god, I'm a clean freak, don't just spit everywhere, what if it gets on me? The few youngsters scrambled and darted about, and for a moment, the scene was utter chaos. That barrage of venom left Azar and his group looking quite disheveled. At the critical moment, Maiev leaped onto a stone pillar, pushed off with all her might, and soared high into the air, her right-hand dagger plunging fiercely toward Venoxis's vital spot! Venoxis spotted her, but instead of dodging, he spat venom frantically at the sky, clearly intent on taking them down with him. In this moment of extreme peril, a flash of light appeared, enveloping Maiev! Anla's "shield" had arrived!

"Tranquility... has finally arrived! Thank you, Night Elf."

"Doesn't feel like there's any difficulty, does it, Saruman?"

"Are you stupid? They were just high priests of the Troll. What kind of people are the five of us? I haven't even used my full strength. Prince hasn't even drawn his weapon; he's just been fighting with two sticks he picked up."

"That's true."

"Since you're so amazing, you take the next one, and we'll watch?" Azar shot him a glance. It's not that I don't want to draw a weapon, it's that I don't have one at all. I was hoping Hakkar would drop something good for me to use.

"That can be arranged, I'll cast a shield on you at the critical moment." So, Anla wasn't such a goody-two-shoes after all.

"The opportunity is here. Look at that high platform, the Troll playing with a little dinosaur. Saruman, go." Not long after they set off, Maiev spotted their next target.

As the saying goes, stand high to see far. The group was feeling a bit too smug and forgot to set up a barrier, so they were discovered.

"Who dares intrude upon Zul'Gurub? Mandokir will tear you to shreds!"

"I'll take this one first, you take the next." Falco saw that the opponent carried a large blade and wanted to spar with a fellow warrior.

"As you wish, just shout if you need help."

The two warriors immediately clashed, the sound of weapons ringing out in a chaotic din! As they fought, clusters of white shadows began to drift out. What kind of dark magic was this?

"Mass Dispel!" Clerics despise nothing more than those who toy with souls.

"Might as well do something while I'm idle, I'll go take care of that annoying dragon." Maiev muttered boredly before charging over.

Dealing with a beast was a piece of cake for Maiev. The creature was wronged, too—it was a fair one-on-one duel, and it was just cheering for its master from the sidelines, yet she used Sprint to charge over and chop its head off. Who knew that when Mandokir saw his beloved mount die, he would fly into a frenzy, his attack speed and intensity increasing significantly. Falco didn't panic, roaring, "Well fought!" His battle intent only grew stronger! Honestly, warrior-versus-warrior fights aren't much to look at; it's just a test of strength, technique, and endurance. After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Falco's advantage became clear. A body augmented by the Power of Order truly has stamina. Catching Mandokir just as his stimulant wore off, Falco spotted an opening and—squelch—his spear pierced his opponent's heart! Done and dusted.

"How much longer do you think he'll take?" In a closed room, four elves sat in a corner chatting.

"Should be soon." In the center of the hall, an elf was kiting a pack of leopards. His movements were elegant, coordinated, and rhythmic. As for skills, he only used a few: Blink—take two steps—Frost Nova—Blizzard. Yet, the leopards couldn't touch him, leaving a trail of corpses in his wake. As the last leopard was slain, a Troll figure appeared, but before she could even stand steady, a dagger was pressed against her throat.

"Maiev! You're trying to steal the kill again." Saruman's roar echoed in everyone's ears.

"Tell me, Yarol, is the nickname 'Leopard Lady' really earned? You raised so many leopards?"

"Cut the crap. Kill me if you want. Even if you kill me, Thekal and Marli won't let you off; they will avenge me." Another one deeply poisoned by fanaticism.

"Hear that? There are two more."

The surroundings returned to silence, as if nothing had happened. They left, leaving behind a floor covered in leopard corpses and the body of a female Troll.

"This is so boring. How about we have a competition?" As the group walked, Anla suddenly spoke up.

Perhaps they all felt the same boredom; they looked at him, and from their eyes, it was clear everyone was looking forward to a good idea.

"How about we compete for the next two? Gandalf, Saruman, you're with me. Prince, Maiev, Falco, you're a group."

"Meet at the entrance after you finish!" Before he could finish, Azar grabbed one in each hand and ran. But when it comes to running, who can compete with a mage? Blink! With a whoosh, Gandalf appeared a hundred meters away! A long-distance Blink—this was a race!

Half an hour later, at the main intersection leading to the summoning altar. An elf leaned lazily against a tree, shouting at his approaching companions.

"Can you stop? So what if you have a tiger!" Why did that sound so sour?

"I laugh with pride, I laugh with pride... la la la... la la la..."

It was the Prince's trio, who had arrived first. They had found Thekal and looted him. The mount was hard to split, so they played Rock-Paper-Scissors—Falco was out! Rock-Paper-Scissors—Maiev won!

"Why are you only just arriving!" Maiev, pleased with her spoils, immediately teased them.

"Don't mention it, Anla couldn't keep up. Otherwise, we would have arrived long ago," Saruman said indignantly.

"Fine, fine, my fault this time. I'll learn Blink when we get back!" He panted heavily. It seemed he had run the whole way.

"Enough fooling around. One last one! Let's finish early and go home to sleep!"

"Yes!"

The six set off, walked a distance, and climbed a high platform. Before them lay a massive snake body.

"What is this? An oversized Wind Serpent?" Maiev spoke first.

"Have you brought me offerings again, my loyal servants? Hmm, I can smell it; these offerings are powerful and will restore much of my strength!" A sharp voice rang out.

"Cut the damn crap, I'm here to send you home!"

"Who are you! How dare you speak to me like that?"

"What are you acting so high and mighty for! Honestly drop a two-handed sword for me, or else... heh heh, I'll carve you up!"

"Ah! Ah! Ah! You have angered me! You will pay for this!" He began to cast a spell, but after a long while, nothing happened.

"How? How can I have no power! What did you do to my servants?"

"Scared, are you? Truth be told, we killed them all! Now it's your turn. Tell me, how do you want to die?"

"Mortals will never understand the world of gods! Even so, you cannot escape my grasp! Now! Prepare to face the wrath of the Blood God!" As he spoke, he opened his mouth, and six red lines shot toward the six targets. Siphon Life!

"Come to me!" Azar roared, smashing a bottle at his feet.

They went out as six red lines, but returned as six green lines!

"Suck it up, suck it up, hurry and suck more. Poison yourself to death, you bastard!"

"What lung capacity!" Seeing the green light on everyone fading, Azar pulled out another bottle and smashed it on the ground.

It was a strange scene: six elves standing still, while the giant snake sucked in six green lines.

"What have you done to me?" the giant snake roared!

With a thud, he collapsed. But Azar heard a crisp ding. Was it a sword? Could it really have dropped? He rushed over, flipped the corpse, and saw a greatsword lying there! Needless to say, a drop from an evil god must be a treasure! He picked up the greatsword and stroked it gently; it was indeed no ordinary item. A line of small characters was engraved on the hilt: Zin'rokh, Destroyer of Worlds!