Darnassus—Castle in the Trees

Seven days later, standing on the deck of the Thunderclap, Alpha finally felt the anger that had churned within him for days settle as he gazed upon the colossal tree before him.

"What do you think? Magnificent, isn't it? This is the elves' sacred land—the great World Tree, Teldrassil. This is where I came from. No matter how far away I go, my heart is always called back here," Peros said with a nostalgic expression.

Alpha spoke with countless thoughts running through his mind. "I know this place. This is where my life changed."

The airship landed in Rut'theran Village, the small town at the foot of the World Tree. Not everyone was permitted to enter the elves' sacred territory, so the airship and army could only be stationed in Rut'theran Village. Peros was also left behind to receive the forces that would arrive later. King Varian, meanwhile, took part of his guard through the teleportation array to Darnassus—the elves' fortress and sanctuary.

Alpha followed them onto the teleportation array. King Greymane was there as well—or rather, all the surviving people of Gilneas were there. After Gilneas City fell, the remaining survivors had accepted the Night Elves' aid under King Greymane's leadership, leaving the Eastern Kingdoms and settling in a corner of Darnassus.

A red light flashed, and in the blink of an eye, Varian's group arrived in Darnassus.

The city had been built amid the crown of the World Tree, Teldrassil. The Temple of the Moon rose above Teldrassil, illuminating the elves' homeland like a beacon. This was a peaceful land, and the power of nature was deeply alluring. Elegant bridges lined the lakeshore at the edge of the city, clear streams flowed beneath them, and purple fallen leaves carpeted the entire city. It was not as bustling and noisy as Stormwind. This was a hidden realm.

The High Priestess of the Moon, Tyrande Whisperwind, was waiting nearby for Varian. The two leaders met once again. The moment Varian saw Tyrande, he said, "Where is Greymane? I know he's here. Doesn't that coward have anything to say?"

Tyrande replied in a charming yet dignified voice, "King Varian, you are still as arrogant as you were back then. People can change. King Greymane has already gone to Ashenvale. Now is not the time to dwell on your grievances. My sentinels have reported that the situation in Ashenvale is extremely urgent, and our scouts have spotted Garrosh. Are you still going to cause trouble for Genn?"

Varian immediately fell silent. "Priestess Tyrande, I was rash. We need to properly understand the situation."

Tyrande nodded and said to Alpha, "Alpha, Lord Darius is waiting for you. Go find him first."

"Yes, I will obey Your Highness's command." With that, Alpha left.

On a small hill in eastern Darnassus, batches of mountain horses grazed leisurely. By a nearby stream, female Worgen washed clothes and chatted happily while children played beside them. A Worgen soldier or two occasionally passed by. Here, everyone could freely choose their form: human or Worgen.

Alpha entered a hollow tree and saw a tall figure sitting at a table, reading a book. A cup of hot tea sat beside him. "Boss Darius, you're still as relaxed as ever. Didn't they say the war is urgent?"

Only after walking closer did he see that it was a Worgen. He wore a black gentleman's coat on his upper body, tight black trousers below, and even a gentleman's hat on his head. Hearing the newcomer's voice, he looked up. "You're here. Come, have a drink with me. What's the rush? That old man Genn has already gone. Don't let his age fool you—he's still quite capable. He can hold on for a while. I read your letter. You did well." Darius looked at Alpha, then suddenly said, "You've changed."

Alpha took a sip of tea. "Yes. I met a group of interesting people and experienced some things." Darius smiled. "If I get the chance, I'd like to meet those interesting people too." "You will have the chance."

"Back to the point. What is this so-called opportunity you mentioned in your letter?" Darius asked seriously. Alpha told Darius what Prince Anduin had said.

"Darkness... opportunity..." Darius fell into thought while Alpha continued drinking his tea. "We must give this battle everything we have. I'll gather every remaining person we have. According to Anduin, this may be our only chance. Even if we must sacrifice all our strength, we must win this war. Oh, and Archdruid Hamuul is waiting for you in Moonglade. He has something to tell you. Once you're done, go straight to Ashenvale. Genn will need you."

Alpha set down his teacup, a nostalgic look appearing on his face. "Mentor Hamuul is looking for me? Perfect. I have some questions I want to ask him as well. Then, Boss Darius, I'll be leaving first. Give King Genn my regards." He rose and left.

After Alpha departed, Darius left as well, ordering his men to gather everyone capable of fighting and bring them to the hall for a meeting.

Inside the hall, Worgen and humans gathered in small groups, wondering why the lord had summoned them.

"Quiet down. I called everyone here for one reason only: survival." Once Darius saw that everyone had arrived, he began speaking. When the hall fell quiet, he continued, "You have probably all heard something about the situation in Ashenvale. Let me make it clear: in the near future, the Alliance and the Horde will fight multiple battles in Ashenvale. When our homeland fell and our reason was consumed by our wolfish nature, it was the Alliance that extended a hand to us and gave us a place to rest. Now it is time to repay them. After discussing it with King Genn, we have decided to join this war and contribute our strength to the Alliance. For the Alliance, and even more so, for Gilneas."

"For the Alliance! For Gilneas!" Cries rang out one after another.

In Darnassus's main hall, Varian was discussing the details with Tyrande when an attendant entered to report on the situation in Gilneas. Varian said mockingly, "So what if they join the battlefield? There are so few of them that they can't change anything." Tyrande disagreed. "I don't think so. If they were merely ordinary people, then they truly could not change much. But Your Majesty, do not forget that every Gilnean living here now is a Worgen. Their potential is an unknown."

Varian considered this, then said, "I promised to give them an opportunity. Then we shall see how they perform on the battlefield. Shaw, send someone to notify King Greymane. I will grant their forces official status and privileges." (Shaw was the leader of SI:7.)

After watching Varian finish giving his orders, Tyrande said, "That is a wise decision." Varian looked at Tyrande and replied, "Let us hope so."

At this moment, Alpha knew nothing of these developments. He was still focused on preparing the teleportation array. Reaching Moonglade was no easy task. It was connected to the legendary training ground of the Druids—the Emerald Dream, a place where one could freely practice Druidic magic and comprehend the power of nature.

"Uh, Moonwell water, leaves from the World Tree, and this—a canine fang blessed by the Wild Gods. Mm, that's everything. Next comes connecting the passage. Please let me succeed on the first try." Alpha took a deep breath. After calming himself, he sat at the center of the array and began the connection.

"Great Wild Gods, I am your faithful believer. Through your blessings, I have felt the power of nature. I ask for your blessing once more. Let me borrow the power of nature and find the road home." Alpha prayed devoutly, using his mental strength to commune with nature and search for the path to Moonglade. As time passed, his mental strength was consumed faster and faster. Sweat seeped from Alpha's forehead. Just as his mental strength was about to run out, Alpha sensed a streak of green light—the call of Moonglade. His body slowly vanished from where he stood.

When Alpha opened his eyes again, he found that he was already in Moonglade.