No Scapegoat, the Stratholme Massacre

"Don't get this wrong. You were never my friend. My friends would support my decisions." Arthas snorted coldly.

Rod had clearly witnessed the horrors of the Undead Plague, so why was he unwilling to support his actions? If he were truly a good friend, he should have helped him carry out the cleansing.

"Arthas, you have made a terrible decision." With that, Uther turned and left. He was completely disappointed in his disciple!

Even the female mage gave Arthas a pained look before patting Rod on the shoulder, signaling him to follow.

"Jaina!"

In the end, Rod chose to leave with Jaina and Uther. He had no choice; the waters of Stratholme ran too deep, and his current strength was not suited to wading into this mess!

Never mind the external factors—Stratholme itself was fraught with danger. Rod could not guarantee that five mysterious adventurers would not suddenly appear there!

Under the command of the Bronze Dragonflight, they might help Arthas carry out the cleansing. The Infinite Dragonflight might even show up, and there was also a dreadlord inside.

His top priority now was to increase his strength and become stronger, not play the hero and act like some big shot.

As long as he had time, with the Heroes of Might and Magic III system, Rod would absolutely rise to the very top of Azeroth.

"Mr. Rod, I thought you would stay behind and help Arthas!" Jaina said as she looked at Rod after they arrived in a wilderness field.

"You are also a royal daughter, the princess of Kul Tiras. You should understand some diplomatic and political considerations.

If I helped the prince fight the Scourge, there would be no problem. All of Lordaeron would treat me with courtesy, because I helped them at a critical moment.

But if I took part in the massacre of Stratholme alongside Arthas, how do you think the people of Lordaeron would see me?

Look! That evil mage bewitched our prince and made him launch the slaughter at Stratholme!

It was all that detestable mage's fault! If not for him, the massacre at Stratholme would never have happened." Rod said, imitating the tone of an ordinary civilian.

Hearing this, Jaina first let out a soft laugh, then fell silent. She was no ordinary noble girl. As the princess of Kul Tiras, daughter of the Alliance's Grand Admiral,

she naturally understood what the consequences would be if Rod truly followed Arthas in massacring the city.

Though King Terenas was wise, he would never allow the future heir to the throne to bear the name of a city butcher.

An outsider mage, a mage with no backing or faction behind him, would naturally become the target of public condemnation!

If she helped Arthas massacre Stratholme, she would not face much punishment because of her father, the Grand Admiral. Therefore, Rod would inevitably become the one to take the blame.

Because the Stratholme Massacre needed a scapegoat, not participating was the best choice.

"I just feel sorry for the people in the city! Mr. Rod, what are your plans next?" Jaina asked.

"I haven't decided yet, but if possible, I would like to travel at your side for a while."

He had not decided yet? The answer was no. Rod had already made up his mind.

His next goal was to follow the female mage to Kalimdor. Once the Burning Legion descended, the area around the Eastern Kingdoms would become extremely dangerous, unless he headed south to Stormwind.

But going to Stormwind would only mean taking refuge; it would not help his strength grow in any way.

He would miss many things. Taking part in the Third War would give him many chances to secretly learn spells, and he could also refresh plenty of wilderness resources.

Therefore, Rod had to follow the female mage to Kalimdor and participate in the Third War, maximizing his gains.

"Hahaha! Then you are more than welcome!

Mr. Rod, I need to return to Dalaran first. As a powerful mage, you must come to Dalaran with me and have a look.

It is a true city of magic. In some magical technologies, it has even surpassed Silvermoon City of Quel'Thalas." The female mage invited Rod.

She was also very interested in Rod's legion-scale magic, as well as that lightning-type magic that seemed to be composed of magical energy.

"Then I shall impose on you," Rod said.

Dalaran was great!

Once he arrived in Dalaran, he might have a chance to use the magical spellbook to record some more advanced spells.

"But before that, Mr. Rod, I want to save as many people from Stratholme as possible in the surrounding area. I want to see what Arthas will do in the end," Jaina said.

"I would be delighted to accompany Lady Jaina. I now accept your employment," Rod said with a smile.

"Then thank you very much. We can evacuate some civilians from the outskirts and gather them together first.

If—I mean, if—any of them turn into undead, then we will kill them. If they do not, then they will be survivors of Stratholme," Jaina said.

"I understand, Lady Jaina. My Holy Light spells should be able to help."

After the two finished discussing it, Jaina cast an invisibility spell on Rod. She then led him back to the outskirts of Stratholme and gathered some terrified civilians.

Among them were Stratholme residents living outside the city, as well as merchants and travelers from elsewhere. No one knew what had happened!

Everyone had thought that once the prince arrived with his army, he would save them. Instead, what came was a complete blockade. Arthas's forces had surrounded all of Stratholme so tightly that not even water could pass through.

Before the gates of Stratholme.

"Your Highness, you have finally arrived. We have been feeling unwell. There seems to have been something wrong with the grain shipped from Andorhal a few days ago." An ordinary citizen came before Arthas and spoke.

Arthas's expression was grim. Beside him stood many warriors in heavy armor. Every one of them looked grim, and they had even covered their faces.

"Don't worry. I will save you. You are all citizens of Lordaeron—my citizens." Arthas gently patted Zheng Ming on the shoulder.

He first soothed the man, then, the instant the man lowered his guard, he swung his warhammer and smashed his head apart.

"Heavens! Your Highness, what... what are you doing?" The ordinary people who witnessed this all looked at Arthas in disbelief.

"I have come to save you. Don't worry. The Holy Light blesses you." Arthas's voice was hoarse as he raised the warhammer in his hand.

The other human soldiers drew their swords. A massacre began!

Screams! Curses! Blood! They stained the entire city red.