A gentle breeze swept past, carrying waves of fragrance that refreshed the heart. Tender green leaves peeked out among the pear blossoms, their green contrasting beautifully with the white. Sunlight flowed slowly through the woods, winding around every red spruce like the long, fluttering ribbons of a fairy. Trees and vines intertwined throughout the forest, forming layer upon layer of vast nets, like a dark green seabed.
Arthas advanced step by step across the clearing. Rex's expression betrayed neither joy nor sorrow. He was not at all surprised that Arthas had stepped forward. At a time like this, Arthas was the only one who could act. Few of those present were qualified to intervene-only Arthas and Rex. The others were either too weak or too powerful, having already reached Hero Rank.
Rex, however, would not act. He was past the age of fighting for the spotlight. Drawing attention brought no benefits and could easily earn him resentment. He would never do something like that.
With each step, the furious Arthas's aura grew stronger. By the time he stood five meters from Scott, it had reached its peak. Surging Holy Light radiated from within him, making him shine like a lightbulb in the night. Even in broad daylight, the radiance bursting from his body could not be overlooked.
Rex watched intently. There was another reason he had refrained from stepping forward and taking the spotlight: he wanted to observe Arthas's strength. Ever since receiving his baptism as a Paladin, Rex had regarded Arthas as an imagined rival against whom to measure himself. Back in Lordaeron, Arthas had always overshadowed him in both strength and reputation. Reputation was one thing; Rex knew he could not compete in that regard. But when it came to strength, he did not believe Arthas was superior