Stormwind City (Praying for the Sichuan and Xinjiang Earthquakes)

Stormwind City, a coastal city and the capital of the human kingdom, was the largest and most prosperous city of humanity.

A dozen miles outside Stormwind City, three figures gradually approached.

"Look, sir, that's Stormwind City," Walsay said excitedly, pointing at the bustling city in the distance.

"Stormwind City," Xiao Hen murmured, looking up to see a truly majestic city.

"Alright, you two can head back. It's been a tough journey, and be careful on your way home," Xiao Hen said, turning to them. Now that he'd reached Stormwind City, he no longer needed their guidance.

"Understood, sir. We'll be careful," they both nodded. They carried some food and water Xiao Hen had given them. Oak Village was still a fair distance away, and the three of them had traveled nearly a full day to reach Stormwind City. As a token of gratitude, Xiao Hen had prepared some provisions for them.

He entered Stormwind City without issue—no cliché scene of gate guards demanding money. Inside, the city was indeed bustling. As the political center of Azeroth's human faction, its defenses were well-maintained. Xiao Hen nodded to himself as he watched squads of human soldiers armed with spears patrolling the streets.

"What should I do next?" Xiao Hen pondered. His goal was, of course, to find a way to complete the side quest and destroy the Dark Portal. But how to accomplish that required careful planning.

After much thought, only one solution came to mind: find Durotan, the sole Orc Chieftain in the Horde who saw through Gul'dan's schemes, and ally with him. In the original story, it was Durotan's help that gave humanity a brief respite amid their early disadvantages.

"I wonder if Durotan has already met with King Llane, and whether that battle has happened yet," Xiao Hen muttered, his expression grim. He hoped he could make it in time for that meeting. The Orcs had already learned of it and set an ambush in a valley. In that battle, Kaelen, son of Lothar—the supreme commander of the human kingdom—had died in that valley.

Xiao Hen quickened his pace, ready to gather information. Of course, such matters were high-level secrets, unknown to common folk. He also had no intention of joining the human kingdom's army or similar organizations. Joining would let him participate in major battles, but it would also mean restrictions and limited freedom. Xiao Hen didn't want to be tied down.

Three days had passed. During that time, Xiao Hen constantly analyzed the war situation through street gossip and the movie plot he remembered. Fortunately, the valley meeting hadn't happened yet. Only the first wave of Orcs had arrived. Though they were aggressive, they were in a semi-defensive, semi-offensive stance. If Gul'dan wanted to launch a full-scale assault, he'd need to summon a second wave of the Horde's forces.

"I have to stop Gul'dan before he summons the second wave, or it'll be too late. Unfortunately, if I don't intervene in this meeting, given how much Medivh is already corrupted by Fel Energy, he won't go to the valley to stop the Orcs. He's probably in Karazhan's mana pool, resisting the Fel Energy right now."

Xiao Hen sighed. In the original story, Medivh had long been invaded by Fel Energy. During moments of lost sanity, he made mistakes—like providing spatial coordinates for Gul'dan's portal. That was done during one of Medivh's periods of Fel control. But back then, Medivh was mostly sane. Now, things were different.

Xiao Hen knew that if Medivh didn't go, not only would Lothar's son die in that valley meeting, but Lothar himself might die too—even King Llane, if he went along. If Llane died in that valley, it was certain that the human and Azerothian allied forces would lose.

Over these few days, Xiao Hen kept an eye on the movements of King Llane and Lothar while training in fist techniques and swordsmanship, striving to strengthen himself.

At the same time, by observing the human soldiers on the streets, Xiao Hen gained a direct understanding of this world's combat strength. The common folk here weren't much different from those in the Real World, aside from being hardier due to the harsh environment and having slightly better physiques.

The real difference lay in the soldiers. Ordinary soldiers had a Combat Power of nearly ten, while elites approached twenty. The powerful knights likely reached thirty, though that seemed to be the ceiling. Beyond that were top-tier fighters like Lothar, who matched Orc Chieftains in strength.

His training over the past few days had yielded little result. For one, Xiao Hen couldn't focus—he was always anxious. During the day, he wandered Stormwind City, hoping to glean war intelligence from troop movements.

"If only I knew where that valley meeting was. I could just go there and wait," Xiao Hen shook his head, glancing at a nearby trinket stall filled with various oddities.

A casual glance made his eyes light up. On the adjacent street, a young man in a blue robe hurried past.

Khadgar!

Xiao Hen's heart stirred. He quickened his pace and chased after Khadgar.

With Xiao Hen's speed, he caught up in minutes. Knowing this was a rare opportunity, he didn't hesitate to greet him directly: "Hey, Mage Khadgar, hello!"

Despite his urgent expression, Khadgar stopped politely and asked, "Hello, is there something you need?"

Xiao Hen smiled and said, "Mage Khadgar, I've heard of you. It's an honor to meet you today."

Khadgar frowned. "Just tell me what you want. I have something very important to do."

Xiao Hen noticed a piece of paper in Khadgar's hand with what looked like a door drawn on it. His mind raced, deducing the current stage of the plot.

"Mage Khadgar, I'd like to join you. My name is Xiao Hen, and I'm a fairly skilled swordsman!" Xiao Hen volunteered. "The Orcs are rampaging, slaughtering villages across human lands. I can't stand by and watch. But one person's strength is limited. I want to do something for the people. Please grant my request."

Khadgar raised an eyebrow, sizing Xiao Hen up. Seeing his lean frame—nothing like the burly knights or swordsmen—he sighed inwardly. This was probably a hot-blooded youth, but his physique wouldn't stand a chance against the fierce, muscular Orcs.

Seeing the disappointment in Khadgar's eyes, Xiao Hen understood. The difference in race between East and West led to differences in height and build. Clearly, in Khadgar's eyes, Xiao Hen's slender form suggested little strength.

It seemed he'd have to show his skills to join Khadgar's group.

"Mage Khadgar, I'm a swordsman. My strength lies in my blade. I daresay that in all the human kingdom, in all of Stormwind City, only Commander Lothar could match me. No one else can," Xiao Hen said with a smile. "Of course, that doesn't include mages."

"Oh, really?" Khadgar's eyes lit up, but then he asked skeptically, "You're not lying, are you?"

"That's simple. Later, you can have some soldiers test me," Xiao Hen shrugged.

"Hmm..." Khadgar fell into thought. If this man really was that strong, having him join the meeting would be a great boon. Considering the intelligence he'd uncovered—the burned documents Medivh had destroyed—Khadgar's expression darkened.

After a moment's consideration, Khadgar slowly looked up at Xiao Hen.

I hope there aren't too many casualties in the earthquake. I pray the affected compatriots get help soon! Bless them!

And to those heartless trolls spewing regional hate—drop dead!!!