Energy Conversion

"In the narrow passages of the battlefield, it is always the brave who prevail, not the number of soldiers," Nathanos said, watching wave after wave of demons launch attacks, only to be repelled by Sylvanas. He couldn't help but say this and began to suspect that Archimonde was a brainless idiot who would send his men to their deaths for no reason.

"In the face of absolute power, any resistance is futile."

"Power?" Nathanos turned to Medivh in confusion. The Guardian was clearly referring to Archimonde himself, but why? If that demon truly possessed overwhelming power, why didn't he personally take to the field?

"Yes, power. These two words are the most fitting to describe the Legion."

Nathanos sneered, "Supreme power doesn't mean the ability to dominate everything." He was telling the truth. There had been many enemies who tried to conquer everything with power, such as the Horde and Deathwing, but they all failed.

"Yes," Medivh replied, which surprised Nathanos. He had thought he was going to argue with Medivh about this again, but then he thought about it and realized that Medivh had once possessed great power, but was ultimately defeated by Khadgar and Lothar, so it was only natural that he agreed with him.

Thinking of this, Nathanos suddenly asked curiously, "Besides the Burning Legion, which represents power, what other powerful enemies are there?"

"There are many," Medivh replied earnestly, continuing to draw power from the World Tree. "Deathwing you encountered before, is one of them."

"Speaking of Deathwing was also a guardian dragon, so why did he turn out like this?"

"When you hear the whispers of the Old Gods one day, you will know why they fell."

"The Old Gods?" Nathanos frowned. The name, like the Burning Legion and the Scourge, was unsettling. He continued to ask Medivh what the Old Gods were, but Medivh didn't elaborate. It wasn't that the Guardian was tired of his questions, but rather that there was simply too much to say.

"If possible, find a chance to take back the book I wrote from Kel'Thuzad. It contains everything you want to know." Medivh paused, then suddenly added as if issuing a command, "You must take it back. I don't want my knowledge to fall into the hands of evil people again."

"The book named after you?"

"That's right."

A silence fell between them. Medivh knew what Nathanos was thinking—that without this book, Dalaran n't have been razed to the ground. The mage felt a stab to his heart, like Lothar had plunged a sword into his chest long ago. Medivh didn't hate any of them. Lothar, Khadgar, even Nathanos —Medivh wouldn't blame him for having such thoughts. Many times Medivh had lamented that his fate shouldn't have been this way, but he still believed their actions were necessary; otherwise, he would have been a sinner who had harmed the world.

He took all the responsibility upon himself. Many believed the Guardians were no more, but even so, Medivh was determined to fulfill his duty. So he returned to protect the world. He no longer possessed the immense power he once had, but he was surprised to discover that the mortal races—humans, Elf, and even Orcs —in fact possessed great strength; they were simply prone to conflict and hatred. Therefore, Medivh decided to do his utmost to guide them and unite them, and thankfully, the results were quite good.

A loud bang interrupted the mage's thoughts. The explosion came from below, followed by the sound of something collapsing.

"What happened?" This time it was his turn to ask. Although he should be focusing all his attention on helping Nathanos collect the energy of the World Tree, curiosity compelled him to speak, and besides, he was almost finished with his work.

"The humans have already placed explosives on the ridges on both sides of the camp with Jaina. The explosions have caused huge rocks to fall and block the road. Clearly, they want to slow down the demons and buy themselves a moment's rest. A smart move."

Medivh chuckled and shook his head. Nathanos had his back to him and didn't see his reaction, but the mage's laughter revealed a hint of disdain.

You disagree with my opinion?

"Obviously." Medivh withdrew his hand from the World Tree; his task was complete. The Guardian closed his eyes, sensing the shifting energy within his body. He trembled slightly, still somewhat unaccustomed to it. "Archimonde won't stand by and watch humans hold him back."

Nathanos approached him, and Medivh opened his eyes and turned to face him. The mage's eyes shone with a bright white light as he used himself as a vessel to regulate and receive the most primal magic.

"Bring me the water pouch from your waist."

Nathanos did as instructed, before emptying the remaining water from his water bag and handing an empty one to Medivh.

After obtaining what it wanted, the guardian did not act immediately. Instead, it uttered a strange incantation, and then glowing purple runes appeared on the surface of the ordinary water bag.

Immediately afterward, Medivh eagerly placed his right palm against the opening of the water bag. Then, he slowly channeled magic from his body into the water bag.

It was a long process, Nathanos was surprised. The water pouch never bulged; it remained as flat as before. Then, Medivh absorbed pure magical energy, so converting that energy into water wasn't difficult; mages often transformed their magic into food. Medivh easily transformed his magic into a crystalline liquid. But in the end, very little of that liquid was produced. Nathanos estimated it was probably only enough for a small bottle.

"Such immense power was reduced to such a small amount?"

"Incredible, isn't it?" Medivh smiled at him. "That's the power of the Well of Eternity. I've restored this energy to its original form, and this water bag contains the water from the Well of Eternity."

"But why can't I sense any magic? Is it because of the runes you placed on it?"

"That's right. But even so, some people can still sense it."

Some people? Nathanos and Medivh exchanged a glance, and almost immediately one figure came to mind— the Lich King!

The author has made some changes to the previous chapter.