New Instructions

This place feels great.

When Nathanos asked Meryl what he thought of the Mage District, this was his reply. It wasn't just politeness; Eastwind genuinely loved the place. Maraudon was an underground world, Meryl had assumed he'd be working in a dark, gloomy environment, but the caves were filled with glowing crystals that illuminated the entire Maraudon.

Nathanos looked around at the people. After a long silence, he sighed with relief and said, "Finally... the members of the Wither Council are all gathered."

Belmont glanced at Meryl, seemingly casually, wondering if it was wise for the Witherer to trust this stranger so much. "Everyone is here, Master. The meeting may begin," the Shadowblade leader nodded in acknowledgment.

A cool breeze blew by, gently ruffling the arrows in Nathanos's quiver. "It seems you have important news to report. Why don't you speak?"

Belmont replied with the latest intelligence, "There has been an update on the news about the Troll in Stranglethorn Vale. The Troll gathered in Zul'Gurub have summoned a powerful god: the Blood God Haka."

"Haka? I don't recall him being one of the Loa Spirits worshipped by the Troll," Nathanos said, puzzled.

Meryl, attending the Forsaken's highest council for the first time, was not at all reserved despite being a newcomer. He appeared more at ease than anyone else, partly because he was seated to Nathanos's left.

"There are some things I must tell you," Meryl said in a very heavy voice. "The Blood God Haka is known as the Soulflayer. He is arguably the most evil of all the Loa Spirits. To obtain his power, one must exchange it for the soul of a living person."

The Witherer turned his head and asked, "Among the Troll gods is a Loa who governs death. Compared to him, what do you think of Haka?"

Meryl replied solemnly, "Bwonsamdi is not as evil as Haka. He doesn't easily interfere in the mortal world. He's a businessman. Although he needs to give his soul to receive Death's help, he always advocates for equal exchange. Haka, on the other hand... he is insatiable!"

"The fact that he is more evil Bwonsamdi is enough to show that he is no less powerful," Nathanos commented, giving Belmont a look to continue.

"Haka was summoned by a tribe called Hakkarai among the Gurubashi Troll. However, before the Blood God could even see this world clearly, the Alliance, the Horde, and the Zandalari Troll began to stop him. Zul'Gurub is probably under siege right now."

"I'm not worried that they can't handle Haka," Nathanos said. "The Alliance and the Horde have defeated the Burning Legion, and they can certainly eliminate the Soulflayer, but... if the Alliance and the Horde are busy running around elsewhere while we do nothing, we're wasting an opportunity."

"We have just captured Razor Ridge, my lord," Rassuvios noted. "The Forsaken will need a great deal of time to rebuild that place, and it would be unwise to launch another attack on other places during this time."

Nathanos's gaze fell on the instructor. "I didn't say we were going to conquer cities and territories, Rassuvios. What I meant was, while keeping the Alliance and the Horde's attention diverted, we should try to extend our reach into the upper echelons of both factions."

Belmont looked at Nathanos, his tone full of sincerity. "You can entrust this task to me, Master."

The Witherer revealed a satisfied expression. "I'll give you the list after the meeting," he said seriously, then glanced out of the corner of his eye at the craftsman Gizzlok, who was silently calculating nearby. "How's the task I gave you going, Goblins?"

Everyone looked at Gizzlok, but the Goblins seemed completely oblivious.

' Durotar doesn't seem to have many resources to mine. Azshara, on the other hand, has abundant water and timber. The ores in the Stonetalon Mountains are also quite valuable. And there's Stranglethorn Vale, where there are many wealthy people to trade with.'

"Gizzlok!"

When the Goblins came to his senses, he heard someone calling him in a stressed tone, and that person was the leader of the Forsaken, which gave him a bad feeling.

"I'm here, Master, I'm here!" Gizzlok awkwardly scratched his head. "I was thinking about the task you gave me, so I got distracted."

"Ah, that's great! I was just wondering how your company is going. Would you mind telling me about it?"

"Of course, of course," the Goblins grinned. "I named the company Venture Company."

"Venture capital?" Nathanos asked.

"As per your request, I have already begun recruiting employees: humans, Dwarf, Gnome, Orcs, Goblins, Troll, Ogre, and even Gnoll. I will not refuse anyone who is willing to work for me."

Gizzlok's words sounded surprising, even Veronalara was quite astonished, and the Dark Ranger was somewhat skeptical about whether this Goblins really had such abilities.

"It's not easy for different races to integrate, especially humans and Orcs. You have to be careful to handle the conflicts between them!"

"Don't worry, Master," Gizzlok replied. "There's nothing that gold coins can't solve."

The work in the Artisan District is going very well, Nathanos can sense the Goblins' confidence and the substantial profits that are about to be in their hands.

"Nathos, how's your potion?"

"I am testing it on those wounded Forsaken, my lord. If all goes well, their wounds should be filled without affecting their mobility."

Nathanos wanted to tell Nathos that he already knew the news, but then he thought better of it.

"Your medicine is crucial to us! We cannot fail. Once Gizzlok's Venture Company is up and running, you can ask him for any herbs you need."

Nathos looked down at the Goblins, who smiled amicably, confirming that Nathanos was right.

"In addition, I need you to establish an association, the Alchemist Association, and you will lead this organization."

"I understand, sir."

Before Nathanos could speak, Veronalara said, "The Ranger Force awaits your command."

"I am familiar with the abilities of the Dark Ranger, but they are not good enough," The Witherer commented calmly. "Ranger are mostly skilled in terrestrial environments. Therefore, from now on, I require all Dark Ranger to participate in the naval training of Fleet Commander Tatsel. Is there any problem?"

"No problem!" Veronalara said readily. "I assure you, the Dark Ranger will never have any weaknesses again."

"I don't like empty talk, but I believe in you."

In the end, only Rassuvios had not yet received a definite mission. He couldn't wait any longer and knew what Nathanos would ask.

"How's the arsenal doing?"

"The Artisan District has already begun construction, Master. However..."

"Speak your mind."

Rassuvios and Gizzlok exchanged a glance, and the former said, "We lack a master weapon smith, sir. I do know a few weapon smiths, but... I'm afraid they won't help us."

"The responsibility of forging weapons cannot be undertaken by humans or Orcs."

What do you mean?

The Witherer's voice suddenly became very low. "Dwarf might be suitable..." Nathanos thought of his former Dwarf mentor, Gudul, wondering how he was doing all these years later.

Nathanos felt a wave of dizziness. What would Gudul think if he saw himself like this? Would his mentor grant him help if he asked for it?

"Goblins too, Master," Gizzlok said.

Nathanos hesitated. "Weapon forging is an art, Gizzlok. Art cannot be measured in money, and the Forsaken's weapon forgers must be completely devoted."

"You're right, but I think there might be someone among the Goblins who can meet your requirements."

"Are you kidding me!"

"Dream."

Veronalara and Rassuvios both scoffed simultaneously. Nathanos gestured to stop them. "Alright, Gizzlok has a point. I will handle this personally. Now, let's discuss the last issue of this council meeting."

Everyone tensed up, but Rassuvios and Veronalara were more enthusiastic.

"Regarding the King Ayalnar, who among you is willing to take on the task of interrogating him?"

"I!"

"Of course it's me!"

The instructor and the Dark Ranger glared angrily at each other.

"Quiet! You're all too loud!" This was said by Belmont, who was under Nathanos's orders to maintain order during the meeting.

"Who conducts the interrogation is not important," Nathanos continued. "What is important is that I need you to be able to extract results from the interrogation. Can you guarantee that?"

The questioning of Amnennar has always been a major concern for Rassuvios and Veronalara, whose hatred for the Scourge is the highest among the Forsaken. They both crave this opportunity.

"I can, my lord." Rassuvios stood up, his physique overwhelming Veronalara, and his voice, bold and impassioned, was far more powerful than Veronalara's slightly sweet tone. "I have a hundred ways to make that Lich reveal all his secrets."

"Human tricks are nothing but child's play." Veronalara also stood up, and her words ignited Rassuvios's fury, but the Dark Ranger was not intimidated.

"I served in the Ranger Corps of Quel'Thalas for hundreds of years. I captured countless Troll, including some stubborn bastards, but in the end, they all succumbed to the punishment of the Elf."

Rassuvios grunted and scoffed disdainfully, "Without human help, Quel'Thalas would probably have perished three thousand years ago!"

Say it again!

"Silence!" Belmont snapped. "No noise is allowed in the council; all matters are decided by the master."

These words immediately made Nathanos the center of attention, his crimson eyes flickering between the instructor and the Ranger. Whichever side he chose, it was bound to provoke the other's discontent.

"Both of you bear the heavy responsibility of training the soldiers under your command, and I don't want this task to interfere with your original duties!"

Veronalara was incredulous; Nathanos's words had a hidden meaning—he wanted to...

"Meryl?"

Nathanos's call interrupted the thoughts of the founders of the Tirisfal Council.

"You want me to deal with that Lich?"

"May I?"

Meryl chuckled, inwardly mocking Nathanos's knack for diverting hatred. Now, Rassuvios and Veronalara were staring at him with wolf-like eyes, as if they were about to pounce. "Are you sure their swords won't sever my head?"

Unlike before, Nathanos's gaze gradually sharpened. He stared at the two arguing men, tapping one finger on the armrest of his chair. Each beat seemed to tell the instructor and the Ranger: Time is limited, show your attitude.

Veronalara couldn't help but feel guilty. She clenched her fists and cursed inwardly: the good job that was within her grasp had flown away.

"I obey your command, sir."

"I... I feel the same way, Master," Rassuvios said through gritted teeth. "I'm so eager for revenge. I apologize for my offense."

Nathanos made a gesture, and the two men returned to their seats.

"Are there still any problems?" The Witherer asked the Eastwind.

"That's all." Meryl suppressed a laugh; Rassuvios and Veronalara's ashen faces looked quite appalling. "I will do my best to uncover the secrets of Amnennar; please trust my magic."

"I hope you're not lying," Veronalara murmured. She was somewhat distrustful of her new companion, but the Witherer strictly Forsaken.

"With enough patience, anything can be accomplished."

"And the training of Forsaken mages," Nathanos reminded him. "Please."

"I'll do my best," Meryl nodded.

The Witherer's attitude towards the mage was observed by others, who remembered Nathanos never being so courteous to anyone. This situation raised many questions, and even Belmont felt it was... excessive.

"If there is nothing else, the meeting is adjourned."

"Master," Belmont said in a low voice, "I hope you can find some time to talk to me later. I have something that might be of great interest to you."

Aside from him, probably no one else would dare to assign Nathanos work like this today. He frowned at the leader of the Darkblade Organization, about to speak, but then carefully observed his expression.

Nathanos had spent a great deal of time observing various faces, judging the temperament behind them and the words spoken by them. Belmont's desire to speak privately, away from the other members, indicated that what he had to say was important.

"Don't take too long."

Maraudon has many dark corners where one can talk, Belmont must have found a place to speak beforehand. "Master, our spies in the Horde have sent back important intelligence. There is a Shaman Orcs named Regar Wrath of the Earth, and he has something that you will definitely be interested in."