Leaders' Duel: The First Mage Duel

The Argent Tournament Grounds tournament began as scheduled. Powerful figures from the Alliance, Horde, Kingdom of Lordaeron, Knights of the Ebon Blade, and other factions all took part in this unprecedented event.

The host Argent Crusade occupied the central stands, while the Alliance and Horde sat on the left and right sides respectively. Three different banners flew above them.

Silver for the Argent Crusade, blue for the Alliance, and blood red for the Horde.

Highlord Tirion Fordring presided over the trial.

The Horde leaders were Warchief Thrall, Warsong Offensive High Overlord Garrosh Hellscream, and Sun King Kael'thas Sunstrider.

On the Alliance side were King Varian Wrynn of Stormwind, Grand Duke Bolvar Fordragon, and the ruler of Theramore, Archmage Jaina Proudmoore.

At first, the Alliance and Horde champion teams respectively fought beasts from all across Northrend. These beasts were savage and powerful, but they were no match for the handpicked champion teams of the Alliance and Horde.

This challenge held little entertainment value for the Alliance and Horde leaders in the stands. After all, Thrall, Garrosh, and Varian had all taken part in far crueler arena trials.

"High Warlock Wilfred Fizzlebang will be your next opponent. Await his arrival!" Just as Highlord Tirion Fordring loudly announced the Horde champion team's next opponent, another voice interrupted him.

"Wait, Highlord, I have something to say!" Rend strode into the arena, glaring fiercely at the Alliance stands as he said angrily, "I have found the culprit who coated the weapons with plague. It was Stormwind's master assassin, Mathias Shaw."

Although Duke Jorach Ravenholdt had carried out the deed himself, SI:7 was indeed the true culprit behind supplying the Blight.

The moment Garrosh heard that the Alliance was responsible, he flew into a rage and cursed at King Varian. "You treacherous Alliance dogs! You actually