The Calm Before the Battle

During this time, both the Alliance and the Horde seemed to have fallen silent. No large-scale wars broke out, though plenty of minor skirmishes did. However, with the Worgen joining the Alliance, the Horde had gained little advantage.

At Astranaar Outpost, the Alliance remained as crowded as ever. Troops constantly patrolled the area, while those without patrol duties trained intensely. Pre-battle training might not show immediate results, but in certain situations, it could save lives. The commanders also gathered in the command center from time to time to discuss the war.

Greymane's talent for command revealed itself once more. Based on the current deployment, he proposed improvements, and his insights struck straight to the heart of the matter. Varian could not help admiring Greymane's experience.

At the Worgen camp, Darius, whose injuries had mostly healed, had long since discarded his sling and was leading the Worgen in training. In his words, "If these wolf pups aren't drilled properly, they'll disgrace themselves on the battlefield."

Alpha's injuries were still rather serious, especially around his eye. The wound kept worsening before healing again. Yet this did not stop Alpha from thinking about what Darius had said. Why did he want power? Was it for Siso and the others? Suddenly, he wanted to see everyone again. That little brat Siso put on a cold face all day; Linda still did not know whether to choose the Light or Shadow; and Uncle Peru was a knight of few words who cared for everyone in every possible way. As Alpha thought, tears began to stream down his face. Only after meeting them had Alpha felt as though he had truly come alive. Just as the boss had said, he had changed. He had become more sentimental, more human.

Closing his eyes, Alpha remembered when he had first become a Worgen. His eyes had held nothing but madness, and his heart had constantly been seized by the bloodthirsty urge to tear apart every living thing. The boss had found him and beaten him awake, saying that if Alpha could not suppress the bloodlust in his heart, he would simply kill him to keep him from hurting more people. Alpha did not know how he had managed to restrain himself back then. Perhaps it had something to do with the potion King Genn had provided. But his parents had still died in that war. Thinking carefully, that was probably when he had begun to feel nothing for anything around him. He had been cold toward everything, and in his eyes, there had been only missions. If Siso and the others had not changed him, Alpha did not even know whether he would still be alive now.

Power... my own power? I need greater power to protect the people I cherish. Goldrinn, I need your power. Teach me more. Alpha once again searched his blood for Goldrinn's strength.

"Interesting, interesting. Thou art truly an interesting one. To think thou canst awaken me a second time. Was the power I bestowed upon thee before not enough? Thou desirest power? Very well, I can give it to thee. Come find me. Find me, and I shall teach thee everything. For now, dig deeply into thine own strength." Goldrinn's voice sounded again, pointing Alpha in a direction. His own strength? Alpha began to thoroughly explore his body.

At Splintertree Post, the Horde presented a completely different scene. The Orcs were competing, eating meat, drinking liquor, roaring loudly, and indulging themselves without restraint. Garrosh and the others sat in the main fortress, drinking and eating meat. Garrosh asked Vol'jin when Baine would arrive. His patience with the Tauren was nearly exhausted. After estimating the time, Vol'jin said, "Warchief, Chieftain Baine and his people should arrive by tonight." Only then did Garrosh nod in satisfaction. He turned to Sylvanas and said, "Then how are your preparations going, Banshee?" Sylvanas gave a seductive smile, and her hoarse voice rang out. "Rest assured, Warchief. You will see the gift I have prepared for you." Garrosh felt even more at ease and continued drinking.

At that moment, Alpha discovered that he had once again become a wolf, running across the grasslands. It was not enough. His power was still not enough. Something was definitely missing, but Alpha could not sense what it was. Everything seemed normal, yet it was all so strange. A wolf should not only know how to run; it should also know how to tear apart its enemies. Suddenly, inspiration struck, and Alpha finally realized what was wrong. A wolf should have sharp teeth and claws, but the wolf he had become did nothing but run. With that thought, Alpha stopped and threw back his head in a long howl. Howl after howl echoed without end. At that moment, the wolf's sharp teeth were bared, and its claws dug firmly into the earth. Images of Goldrinn fighting surfaced in Alpha's mind. Those instincts imprinted themselves deeply in his heart, as though they had been innate. Without realizing it, Alpha had mastered quite a few combat techniques. Now, he only needed an opportunity—an opportunity to display them perfectly. War.

When Alpha opened his eyes again, a glimmer flashed through his pale blue gaze. The wound on his left cheek had begun to heal once more, but it was no longer troubled by toxins and healed completely. When it had nearly closed, Alpha suddenly stopped the healing process. The scar happened to cover the area around his eye. He would keep it as a warning to himself. The fur on his body had also become softer. If one looked closely, they would find that the roots of much of his fur were slowly turning silver-white.

When he walked out of the tent, he saw Darius engaged in one-on-one sparring matches with the other Worgen. Seeing Alpha emerge, Darius did not waste a word. After knocking down the youngster in front of him, he forcibly dragged Alpha over for a spar.

Alpha knew the boss intended to teach him a harsh lesson. He did not resist and immediately began fighting. Once they started, he noticed his own changes. It felt as though every movement had slowed in his eyes, as if he could see the next attack before it came.

Darius also realized something was wrong. No matter where he attacked, Alpha always blocked it, as if he knew every move in advance. What had this guy learned now? Darius shuddered and quickly called for a stop. If they kept fighting, things might go beyond his expectations.

Alpha had just gotten into the rhythm of the fight when Darius called for a stop, leaving him deeply disappointed. He glared at Darius with an unhappy expression, only to receive an even fiercer glare in return.

"Darius, Alpha, you two, come here for a moment." Greymane's voice appeared at just the right time.

After the two entered, he said, "The war may break out tomorrow. Later, the two of you will count our combat personnel. Darius, you will serve as commander-in-chief, and Alpha, you will serve as deputy commander. Our main target is the undead. Be careful not to push too deeply into enemy territory, but on the battlefield, crush the undead's spirit and let them taste defeat. Also, I secured a batch of armor. Distribute it and have everyone put it on. It will affect their speed, but its defensive capabilities are excellent. I also obtained a batch of horses. They are not as good as our mountain horses, but they are decent enough. As for anything else you need, see to it yourself. Do not stand on ceremony—equip our people properly."

Darius had not expected to receive so many supplies, and he could not help sighing. It seemed those little pups had a few more chances of surviving.

Alpha was also looking forward to the equipment. He did not really need armor, but he still needed weapons. It would be best if there were some ranged weapons.

As evening fell, the Tauren arrived on the Horde's side, bringing a group of massive beasts with them. The Goblins had also brought their newest weapons, while the Blood Elves meditated, gathering energy for tomorrow's battle.

On the Alliance's side, enormous ancient war trees had taken root around the camp, blending into the environment. The Gnomes were conducting final checks on their various inventions, while the Draenei polished their armor.

Both sides carried out their final preparations for the coming war. Battle was about to erupt.

In distant Dalaran, the detection crystal suddenly began to ring. An enormous energy was gathering, ready to erupt at any moment. The Kirin Tor mages began investigating the source of the energy. Crisis was slowly approaching, and darkness was about to descend.