Illidan Stormrage

The other party can see him too?

"This spell is reciprocal. Now tell me, what does the person you saw look like?" the Lich King explained, then asked.

"His eyes are blind." Nathanos begins by pointing out the man's most distinctive feature, which is also what surprised him the most.

"That's enough. He's the one I'm looking for." The Lich King interrupted Nathanos's description of the man, appearing confident. "Accept your final mission: find the person you saw and rescue him."

The final task? And then what? What will the Lich King do? Nathanos forced himself not to think about these things, his mind solely focused on how to rescue that person. But he knew in his heart that when he completed this final task, what awaited him would not be any reward. As Undead, Nathanos did not possess the absolute obedience to the Lich King like Arthas or Kel'Thuzad. Perhaps this was the last time the Lich King needed him.

"What's his name."

'Illidan Stormrage.'

Nathanos didn't ask any more questions. In the image he had, Illidan was imprisoned in a complex underground cavern, filled not only with various monsters but also with warning mechanisms and dangerous traps. But the primary task was to find the entrance to that place.

"I need time to prepare, at least a week."

"It can't be a week! I'll give you half a month, and you must complete this task on time in half a month."

The Lich King's generosity surprised Nathanos. All the preparations had been made to rescue Illidan Stormrage. Yet, judging from the Lich King's tone Illidan, he seemed in no hurry to release Illidan. And why exactly half a month later? Nathanos estimated it would take at least a week, but no more than ten days.

Unless the Scourge's master is still waiting. This also foreshadows something that will definitely happen in the next two weeks.

"I understand," Nathanos replied calmly, and began walking in the opposite direction of the Orcs camp. He walked all night before reaching the depths of the forest. Behind him, where the Orcs camp was, a bright light suddenly rose and pierced the sky, attracting his attention and that of every creature in the forest.

What is that?

The Orcs have completed the demon's task.

Stonetalon Mountains

Jaina Proudmoore was quite surprised when Sylvanas appeared. She remembered the Female Elf's face, though at first she mistook her for Alleria. If it weren't for her advisor Tervosh introducing her as "Female Elf Sylvanas Windrunner from Quel'Thalas," Jaina would have even prepared to congratulate her and Nathanos on their marriage.

In contrast, Sylvanas was also somewhat shocked by Jaina's ability to lead so many people at such a young age. Not to mention she was a mage; while she was exceptionally beautiful, that couldn't possibly be the reason other humans were willing to follow her.

"It's an honor to meet you, Lady Windrunner. I am deeply grateful for your rescue of Tervosh." Jaina bowed slightly, then looked at the Female Elf with a complicated expression. This didn't make sense. Quel'Thalas had suffered a devastating blow, so why was Windrunner, responsible for protecting the Elven Kingdom, here? And what about her bow? Jaina remembered that it should be Nathanos' weapon. For a moment, the mage sensed something. "Please satisfy my curiosity. Could you explain why you are here? It's not safe here."

"You are the most tactful mage I have ever met, Lady Proudmoore." Sylvanas smiled slightly, then got straight to the point, "We are here to carry out a special mission. I'm sorry I cannot say what it is, but I believe that humans and Elf can help each other."

"Thank you for your help, madam. But if you may, please just call me Jaina." Jaina smiled back. Accompanying her to Kalimdor were not only humans, but also Elf and Dwarf. Most of the Dwarf were Bronzebeard Dwarves Ironforge, while the Elf were survivors from Dalaran.

Sylvanas nodded, thinking that in Quel'Thalas, it was almost impossible to find a mage as easygoing as her. After a brief silence, the Female Elf spoke again, "Jaina, as far as I know, your forces seem to be in a precarious situation. A large number of Orcs are gathering nearby, and they could attack at any moment. You should lead your people to break out."

"You're right, Lady Windrunner. But I can't leave. I came here to find a prophet. He's very important to me."

"What kind of person is worth risking your life for? That's unwise, Jaina," Sylvanas warned, frowning, while also showing interest in the prophet she was referring to.

Jaina shook her head, which was hidden under her cloak, and the glimpse of her long golden hair on one side of her face reminded Sylvanas of Alleria. "I know, but I need guidance. My people have discovered the entrance to a hidden cave on this mountain. I was just about to set off to investigate when you arrived."

"In that case, let me go with you to take a look. Hopefully, the prophet has a way to defeat the Orcs." Sylvanas's words had an irresistible charm. Jaina agreed without even realizing it. She wasn't unaware of the dangers lurking in the cave; having another person meant extra security.

"Chief, look over there!"

Thrall's gaze followed Nazgrel's voice. In the human camp, a female mage wielding an exquisite staff and an Elf Ranger disappeared into the entrance of a cave—the very spot where Thrall had sensed the prophet's location.

"Those humans," the Tauren chieftain Cairne Bloodhoof, standing to the side, described what Thrall had seen, "Are spying on the secret we are looking for."

"They won't succeed," Thrall muttered, then shouted, "Horde Warrior, Lok'tar, break through the human defenses!" Lightning flashed in his hands, knocking down all the humans in his path, and he continued his Charge towards the cave, followed only by Cairne and a few Horde Warrior. They split up to explore the unknown world within the cave.

The interior wasn't as dark as they had imagined. Sparks flew from lava within the complex passageways, radiating heat—it was incredibly hot in there!

Besides these, creatures like spiders, Kobolds, and fire lizards also inhabit the cave. They don't welcome outsiders, but Thrall and Cairne won't reason with them; power is the only direct principle.

Reality is always so coincidental; the survivors of the Horde and Lordaeron arrived at the final destination at the same time.

"Orcs? I knew we were being followed." Jaina was both puzzled and furious, but her anger paled in comparison to Sylvanas's. The Female Elf had already drawn her bowstring.

"Humans and Elf?" Thrall glared at them sharply, constantly on guard against the Female Elf's sneak attack.

The two sides were evenly matched, and tensions were high, with the atmosphere reaching a climax due to the surrounding heat.

"Stop!" A thunderous shout came from the distant platform, echoing through the cave and forcing everyone to turn their heads to look at that spot.

Thrall recognized the voice, and before he could even see the speaker's face clearly, he said, "You... you are the prophet who brought me here."

"You have quite the keen ears, young chieftain. As I hoped, you have indeed come here. Let me introduce you, this is Jaina Proudmoore, the leader of the survivors of Lordaeron."

"A survivor?" Thrall looked at Jaina in surprise, then asked, "What happened?"

The prophet did not answer, but began to speak to Jaina, "Young mage, we meet again."

"I had no idea you were colluding with Orcs." The female mage slammed her staff on the ground with her right hand.

"How cruel, Jaina. But if you don't listen to me, your people, including yourself, will not escape unscathed. That is indeed the case, isn't it?"

"I can't tell if you're telling the truth or not," Jaina shook her head. "What exactly do you want?"

The prophet's amber eyes swept back and forth between Jaina and Thrall. "True danger has arrived. A demon powerful enough to easily destroy cities has descended, and he seeks to annihilate the world. If you wish to lead your people to survival, you must set aside your past grudges."

"What?"

"That's impossible!"

The prophet's lips curled up beneath his black feathered cloak; he had foreseen all of this.

"You have no other choice." He first persuaded Thrall, his tone filled with worry. "The demons' cleansing of this world has begun, Thrall. I have some regretful news to tell you: your good friend Grom Grommash has been enslaved by demons. With his fall, the influence of Fel on your people will spread until all Orcs are enslaved once again."

The terrifying warning sent chills down Thrall's spine, and cold sweat broke out on his back. "I will never let that happen."

"A powerful resolve," the prophet exclaimed, then fixed his penetrating gaze on Jaina, though he continued speaking to Thrall. "Then I believe these humans can help you."

"What? Wait a minute..." Jaina exclaimed in dissatisfaction, rushing to stop the prophet. How could he make the decision for her!

"Lordaeron, Quel'Thalas, Dalaran —haven't these bloody lessons taught you enough, young mage?" The prophet's words pierced Jaina's heart. "No one can face this catastrophe alone; only by uniting can you seize a chance of survival. Think of your mentors, the place where you learned magic, and their fate."

The mage fell silent, and in Sylvanas's eyes, such silence signified wavering. How could this be? The hatred between humans and Orcs could only be washed away with blood. However, seeing that young, wheat-colored face, Sylvanas couldn't blame Jaina for being weak; at that time, Jaina was probably still an innocent child. But she wouldn't be swayed by this brainwashed charlatan before her.

Just then, the prophet spoke to the murderous Female Elf, "As for you..." He didn't say who she was, but Sylvanas knew he was talking to her. "I also know why you're here, Windrunner. If you want to find that person, do as I say."

"You know I'm looking for someone?" Sylvanas stared at the prophet warily, sensing his power.

"I admire your Will, Female Elf," the prophet said solemnly, without a trace of mockery. "The person you seek, though his heart is not with you, you still risked coming here. I will guide you, but only if you lay down your weapons first."

The anger on the Elf Ranger's face lessened considerably after making this choice, and a rare look of struggle and hesitation appeared on her face.

"Do you... know who I'm looking for?" she asked as a final question.

"Of course! In fact, he's currently being sent on a dangerous mission. He needs your help."

Sylvanas gritted her teeth and trembled as she lowered the bow and arrow. Jaina, however, kept her eyes glued to the bow, her confusion deepening.

"Very good! Now, you must go to Ashenvale."