Deathwing

Malfurion continued, "You should understand that all living things in our world are watched over by the dragons, and the dragons have now gathered at Wyrmrest Temple in Northrend. You already know this, so you should also know about the dragonflights."

Thrall said, "The Bronze Dragonflight, led by Nozdormu, the Lord of Time, wields the power of time and governs the intricately entwined threads of days and destiny."

Tyrande also spoke. "Alexstrasza, the Life-Binder, was crowned Queen of the Red Dragons because she was willing to devote all that she had to this vibrant world. She commands the entire Red Dragonflight."

Malfurion then said, "Alexstrasza's sister, Ysera, known as the Dreamer, leads the Green Dragonflight in overseeing the course of all things' evolution in the Emerald Dream. She merged with that ethereal dreamscape and entered an endless slumber." Hearing this, Alpha finally understood what he had seen when he had once entered the Emerald Dream.

Theron also spoke. "Malygos, the Spell-Weaver, tirelessly shares, explores, and protects everything within the boundless realms of magic and arcane arts."

Malfurion said, "As for the last dragonflight, you have seen it as well. Neltharion, the Earth-Warder, bore the duty of guarding mountains and deep caverns, and he was a symbol of Azeroth's strength. These five dragons each commanded one flight: bronze, red, green, blue, and black."

Varian asked, "We have seen him? A black dragon? Neltharion, the Earth-Warder? Why would he destroy Azeroth?"

Malfurion said, "In truth, I bear part of the responsibility for what happened. It was I who summoned these guardian dragons when the Burning Legion invaded. But by then, Neltharion's mind had already been corrupted by the whispers of the Old Gods. While we fought alongside the dragonflights, Neltharion unleashed tremendous power and dealt the Burning Legion a devastating blow." Malfurion suddenly clenched his fists and involuntarily raised his voice. "Just as hope began to rise in our hearts, Neltharion suddenly turned his power against us and the other dragons. The Blue Dragonflight was nearly wiped out. Although the other flights tried to stop him, they were ultimately forced to retreat. Faced with such a sudden betrayal, we night elves were left terrified and helpless. In the end, we were defeated and returned home. You all know what happened afterward. From that day on, Neltharion became known as Deathwing."

Thrall voiced his question, which was everyone's question. "Why has Deathwing only appeared now?"

Malfurion recalled, "I do not know either. We were gravely wounded at the time and did not see what happened afterward. All we know is that from then on, the dragonflights rarely appeared before the world."

With that, the history lesson came to an end. Varian then asked, "What must we do to repel this former Earth-Warder?"

The leaders of every race present believed it was impossible, especially now that all of Azeroth had fallen into chaos. They had all received reports of losses from every region, and the devastation was simply unbearable to witness.

Malfurion said, "I will lead the Cenarion Council into the Emerald Dream to seek out the Wild Gods. Deathwing's arrival has changed the land, and Wild Gods who had once died have somehow returned to life. We will seek their aid."

Thrall also said, "I will gather the strength of the Earthen Ring. We will seek the support of the elemental lords."

After consulting with the Alliance commanders, Varian said, "We will stabilize the situation in the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor while dispatching troops to areas afflicted by elemental unrest."

Garrosh said, "We Horde will do our part as well. Whatever the Alliance does, we will do the same."

And so, the Alliance and Horde formed their alliance. Ordinarily, such a pact should have been celebrated properly, but seeing the unwilling expressions on both sides, Malfurion said nothing more.

At last, everyone left Moonglade through the teleportation circles, hurrying back to their own lands to make preparations. Alpha, however, stayed behind. Malfurion looked at him, unsure how to begin, but Alpha merely shrugged. "Lord Malfurion, if you have an order, just say it." Malfurion finally said, "I know this is difficult, but I truly cannot leave. I need to search for the Wild Gods, so I want to send you to contact the dragons, see how they are doing, and stop by Dalaran to check on them as well."

Alpha had long accepted his fate of running from place to place. "It would be my honor, my lord. Do you have any guidance? You cannot possibly expect me to search like this."

Malfurion said embarrassedly, "I only know that the dragons have gathered in Northrend. As for where exactly, I am not sure. You will have to find them yourself. But do not worry, we will provide you with everything you need."

In the end, Alpha left Moonglade with a despairing look on his face.

The Alliance armies gathered in Rut'theran Village and began their long retreat. Some soldiers returned laden with glory, while others had lost their lives in foreign lands. Through a teleportation circle, Alpha arrived in Darnassus. Before setting out, he planned to visit King Genn and Boss Darius.

In the worgen territory, Darius was discussing the matter of Gilneas City with Genn. In the end, they decided that Darius would lead the warriors to the Ruins of Gilneas to see whether they could retake the city and gather the local people. After all, only some of them had left back then; most had remained there. King Genn, meanwhile, would lead a small group to Stormwind to help Varian plan for the challenges ahead.

When the two learned that Alpha was heading to Northrend, they were quite worried. But then they considered that nowhere in Azeroth was safe now, and they let it go. King Genn asked, "How do you intend to get to Northrend? Dalaran's teleportation circles are currently disabled." Alpha explained his plan. "I intend to take the Dauntless from Stormwind and first go to Dauntless Fortress to assess the situation." Genn thought for a moment. "In that case, we still have some people in Northrend. I will give you a secret order. If necessary, go and mobilize them. An extra strength is an extra safeguard." Darius said from the side, "I remember that fellow is in Northrend too. If you see him, remember to send him my regards. Oh, and take this dagger." With that, he pulled a dagger from his clothes and handed it to Alpha.

Alpha looked at the simple, unadorned dagger and was deeply moved. Boss really knew how to care for people—before he could finish feeling sentimental, he heard Darius add, "I am not giving you this dagger. Remember to return it when you are done." Alpha

In the end, Darius boarded a ship bound for the Ruins of Gilneas, while Alpha and King Genn boarded the Thunderclap airship for Stormwind.

During the flight, Alpha witnessed the changes to the land with his own eyes. The scenery was completely different from when he had arrived. Touching the scar on his left cheek, he thought, Before disaster, all wars are empty talk. One catastrophe had made the two factions join hands. This truly was an age of great calamity.

Deathwing's arrival had brought an unprecedented catastrophe. The Alliance and Horde had formed an alliance to fight Deathwing together, but was Deathwing their only enemy? They only knew that with Deathwing's arrival, enemies hidden in the darkness were slowly baring their fangs.

But among the allied forces, everyone always held fast to their beliefs:

For the Alliance! For the Horde! For Azeroth!