Battle Beneath the Stars

Even within the Pantheon, where powerful beings were as common as clouds and great figures emerged in abundance, Sargeras, brought in by Vanidak, displayed unmatched courage and strength. These qualities made Aman'Thul quickly agree after Sargeras took the initiative to shoulder the arduous task of hunting demons. As one of the few Titans in the Pantheon skilled in combat, he was the ideal candidate for such a difficult mission.

Leaving his companions in the Pantheon behind, Sargeras set out for the Dark Void with his unshakable conviction.

The worlds within the Dark Void were countless and varied, formed by all manner of energies. As a mighty warrior experienced in dealing with demons, Sargeras was soon drawn toward worlds brimming with strange and violent energies. In places where such energies raged, the influence of the Twisting Nether had gradually seeped into the material universe, and countless demons gathered in those worlds to revel.

"Mm. That hateful, familiar smell. Even across the endless void, I can smell the stench of demons within."

Standing before a world filled with the aura of destruction and violent energy, Sargeras murmured.

"Disgusting. These chaotic demons are trying to turn the order my brothers and sisters worked so hard to create into a complete mess."

Before him lay a devastated world. Its once-glorious civilization had long since vanished, while its inhabitants had been transformed by the invading demons into grotesque monsters whose hearts were filled with hatred and wicked desire.

Witnessing such staggering desolation and destruction, Sargeras felt a wave of helplessness despite having already seen the chaos of demons. Before undertaking this mission, he had never imagined that such evil had spread so wildly throughout the universe. He swore that he would save those mortals from the invading demons and restore this world, which should have been peaceful and harmonious.

"Die, insect!"

A Pit Lord swung its enormous war spear and chopped furiously at Sargeras. Though this creature was considered one of the strongest among demons, before the mightiest warrior of the Pantheon, it did not even last a single exchange. Sargeras casually knocked aside the descending spear, then ended the wicked creature's life with a casual slash.

"Truly... pathetic."

Sargeras swept his gaze over the demons surrounding him and sneered. "Now it's my turn. Die, you disgusting insects!"

The greatsword whirled, and screams and roars rang out without end. The tide of demons seemed to swallow Sargeras whole, but clearly, no creature in this world could kill him.

After a brutal slaughter, Sargeras looked around at the demons sprawled in gruesome death. The only one still standing, he sheathed Gorribar and snorted.

"Such worthless trash!"

"It's time to cleanse the next world!"

Though the demon race born from the Twisting Nether was stronger than most races, this willful and inherently chaotic species was utterly vulnerable compared to Sargeras's strength. Sargeras could defeat them with ease. Time and again, he emerged victorious, and everything seemed to be developing in the ideal direction.

However, as his campaign advanced, Sargeras gradually sensed that his opponents had changed. Some demons had learned to wield a mysterious energy, one he knew well—one that had left an unforgettable impression upon him. The demons had learned to harness Void energy. This discovery filled Sargeras with dread, and so during every battle, he deliberately or inadvertently gathered clues, attempting to investigate the source of this dark power.

At last, after making some discoveries, Sargeras attempted to contact one of his companions following a battle: his brother Vanidak, The Formless, the only one who had ever encountered—and even fought—Void energy.

Not long after he sent the communication request, a magical projection appeared before Sargeras, accompanied by a familiar voice.

"Hey! Well, look who it is. What a rare visitor. Sargeras, why aren't you continuing your intimate exchanges with those beloved demons? What made you come looking for me? Let me make this clear first—I'm not interested in you!"

"Stop your terrible jokes, Vanidak. I don't think 'beloved' is a word that can describe demons. I came to you because I have questions that need answering. Very important questions."

Seeing Sargeras's grave expression, Vanidak also became serious for once and replied solemnly.

"Go on. I'm listening. At least, I'm listening right now."

"During my campaign, I discovered that some demons have begun using a special kind of energy. You know this energy well, Vanidak."

"You mean... the Void? Oh, that really is a big problem."

"Yes. After constant investigation and searching, I discovered that certain evil intelligent beings in this universe are spreading corruption everywhere."

"Mm, a completely unoriginal method. Still, that confirms my speculation. You're right, Sargeras. It should be the work of the Void. That is a grave threat."

"Are they creatures like the ones we encountered in that starship before? Those things were troublesome opponents."

"No, I don't think it's that bad yet. Entering the Dark Void comes at a tremendous cost, and it hasn't been long since their last failure. I don't think those cowardly bastards hiding in the shadows would dare to pay such a huge price to openly enter this universe again. Besides, my blade hasn't rusted yet!"

"Ah, that may be the best news I've heard. Then what is the source of this spreading corruption, if not those hateful Void Lords?"

"Probably their subordinates, or something else. I can't be certain." Vanidak's projection answered with some hesitation. "But it's still troublesome. You need to be careful as well, Sargeras."

"I will. If I catch those corrupted creatures, I'll make sure they get a proper taste of Gorribar," Sargeras answered firmly.

"Confidence is a good thing, but given the circumstances, I think we should send someone to help you. Aggramar has just returned, and I think he can hardly wait to fight at your side!"

"Oh, that is wonderful news. With Aggramar joining me, I'll be able to cleanse the demons even faster." Sargeras answered happily.

"Mm, that settles it. I'll bring it up with Aman'Thul and the others. Your mission is difficult and important. It is worth us investing this much effort into it." Vanidak gave Sargeras an affirmative reply.

"Mm, then that's that. Have my brothers made any new discoveries recently?" Having resolved the doubts in his heart, Sargeras took the opportunity to ask about the other Titans.

"Ah, new discoveries? I suppose so. You know how Aman'Thul and the others are—always so boring, creating order everywhere they go. Mm, anyway, it's the same as always, nothing special. The only thing worth calling a new discovery was probably a world named Argus. After examining it, they said a Titan might be born there, though it would take a very long time. So we merely gave the native races there some enlightenment and left. They always like doing that."

"A future new member. How exciting. That is good news indeed." Sargeras was also delighted by this news. He continued asking Vanidak, "And what about you, my brother? I don't believe you would take part in Aman'Thul and the others' work of setting order in place. What have you been doing?"

Hearing Sargeras's question, Vanidak hesitated for a moment before answering somewhat helplessly. "Uh... same as always. Improving my little people, helping Aman'Thul catch those shadow creatures hiding away. Nothing much."

"All right. May your work proceed smoothly. I have seen the worlds you have set in order. Those budding worlds and all that flourishing life fill me with immense joy. Your work is great as well."

"Uh... as long as you like it. Oh, and don't forget that disc I gave you. It's very useful!"

"I will. Thank you for your gift. I will find a suitable chance to use it. Farewell, my brother."

"Farewell. Good luck."

The magical projection faded away. With his doubts resolved, Sargeras's fighting spirit burned anew. No matter what those creatures he had uncovered truly were, he swore that the evil plans of those terrifying Void Lords to threaten creation would come to nothing, whatever those plans might be.

Splat. A sharp blade pierced flesh, then cleaved its victim in two. Sargeras stared silently at the powerful demon corpse at his feet.

Though Sargeras, this Titan, was doing everything in his power to purge the demonic invasion, the demons were also going all out. At twice the pace, they brought death and destruction to more worlds, endlessly devouring the lives of countless worlds. This left Sargeras deeply anxious.

Fortunately, the Pantheon later sent another Titan—the Avenger, Aggramar—to assist him. Though Aggramar lacked Sargeras's combat experience, he possessed an innate instinct for battle and understood things at once. He soon earned Sargeras's appreciation and became the most trusted lieutenant beside the mighty Titan warrior. For a long time, they fought side by side, becoming an unbreakable fortress against the demonic invasion and steadfastly resisting the fierce assaults of the demon armies.

Having just finished a battle, Aggramar returned to Sargeras's side and put away his shield. Looking at his silent commander, Aggramar could not help asking.

"Sargeras, my brother, has something happened?"

"I don't know, Aggramar. I have some doubts." Sargeras answered with unusual uncertainty in his voice.

"My heart is full of doubts, my brother."

"These demons, I seem to have..."

"Killed them once before!"