Old Friends

The Western Plaguelands, formerly Andorhal, means "land of harvest" in Common Azeroth, probably because it was once an important grain-producing area of Kingdom of Lordaeron. On this fertile plain, there were once more than a dozen human towns of varying sizes, and golden wheat fields and human villages were everywhere.

However, since the Scourge began its rampage, there are few living beings left here. The land is filled with Undead and mutated monsters, turning it into a barren wasteland. The wheat fields and villages have long been abandoned, with only Undead, undead, and various mutated creatures roaming the area.

The Western Plaguelands became a forbidden zone for life, and ordinary travelers dared not venture here easily. However, it became a paradise for adventurers. The decaying tombs and dilapidated cities concealed countless lost treasures. And today, another group of adventurers has arrived here.

Standing on the banks of the Andorhal River, the Stormwind City Guard players looked with considerable excitement at the wandering Undead on the opposite bank. This group consisted of more than forty adventurers of level 30 or above, and they were led by the mid-level human hero Esmehalda.

Although the dungeon only requires 20 adventurers to enter, considering that there might be casualties and replacements needed during the battles along the way, and that many players want to join in the fun, we decided to bring in more people.

Esmehalda stood by the river, her excitement barely contained. She was about to embark on the biggest operation she'd ever undertaken since entering the game. Originally, she hadn't had any interest in the strongest hero selection event; to her, it seemed too far off. However, her earlier conversation with Xiao Yu had made her think things might not be so difficult, and perhaps she might even have a chance. With that thought, she abruptly turned around—

"Alright, everyone, be on your guard now. This Western Plaguelands is a high-level adventure area. The monsters are generally around level 30 or 40, and there are even some level 50+ monsters. There are also many powerful Undead creatures, and it's even rumored that there are Lich and bone dragons. It's extremely dangerous. So, to avoid unnecessary casualties, you must follow orders the entire time! Understand?!" Esmehalda said sternly to the adventurers under her command.

"Don't worry, Sister Ai, we're absolutely professional," the players said one after another.

When are we leaving?

Esmehalda nodded. "We'll set off once I summon Azathoth. Now, those in charge of recording, turn on the camera sprites. Everyone who wants to be on camera, listen to your lines."

Indeed, after careful consideration, Esmehalda decided to record the attack on Tower of Amalarui and make it into a promotional video to upload to the forum. Since she was vying for the title of strongest hero, such promotional tactics were inevitable. If the attack succeeded, the promotional video would be proof of her strength; if she failed, at least her death would have a testament.

After saying that, she began to perform the summoning ritual.

Summoning such a powerful elemental creature as Azathoth takes a very long time, so try to avoid summoning it on the battlefield.

Esmehalda (Dalaran Mystic): "Immortal being, ancient being from the Water Elemental Plane, I summon you in the name of Esmehalda, appear, Azathoth!"

Because she planned to upload this video, Esmehalda acted in a way that perfectly matched the game's background, and even made up a summoning spell line.

A huge magic circle appeared before her, where the power of ice and fire was constantly gathering. Within the magic circle, a figure slowly emerged.

Azathoth (Water Elemental Prince): "Who summoned me? Who awakened me?" A colossal figure, as tall as a two-story building, appeared in everyone's sight.

Esmehalda bowed in a mage's salute, "Great Azathoth, it is I who have summoned you."

Azathoth (Water Elemental Prince): "Human mage, what brings you to this Curse land?"

Esmehalda (Dalaran Archmage): "Great Elemental Spirits, I have found the whereabouts of those missing elemental creatures. They are all trapped in a mage tower called the Tower of Amalarui. An evil mage— Amalarui Fieldnan —is using them to conduct some wicked experiments. This Amalarui is a traitor to the Kirin Tor, and as a member of the Kirin Tor, it is my duty to deal with this matter. I hope you can help me to deal with him. Such an evil person deserves to be punished."

Azathoth (Water Elemental Prince): "How dare he commit such a heinous act against the great Water Elemental race! This person must be punished! Human mage, I will join you and fight alongside you!"

"Cut!" A voice abruptly interrupted their conversation. "Well done, you've recorded it all. We can add some background music later; it'll be perfect as the opening for the promotional video. Alright, can we head out now?"

Xiao Yu glanced back and saw a level 20-something mage, quite an oddity among adventurers who were mostly level 30-something.

Azathoth (Water Elemental Prince): "Who is he?"

Esmehalda (Dalaran Mystic): "My brother, who studies virtual photography, was dragged here to shoot the promotional video."

Azathoth (Water Elemental Prince): "Alright, let's set off then." He was quite interested in Esmehalda's idea, but that was all he was interested in. He had no interest in recording this kind of promotional video. As a BOSS, true strength was what mattered. He had fantasized about how, once he formed the Chaos Elemental, he would first slaughter Stormwind City, then Orgrimmar, and then who wouldn't know his power?

However, let's talk about YY later. Right now, the most important thing is to conquer the Tower of Amalarui and get information about the Chaos Elemental from the Amalarui. Xiao Yu opened the map and found the location of the Tower of Amalarui.

This mage tower is hidden in a valley in the north. The journey involves passing through several cities that have long since become the realm of the Undead, as well as vast wildernesses teeming with monsters. Even with a group of adventurers, it wouldn't be an easy task to teleport there. Fortunately, he had already informed his old friend.

He led everyone across the river, and after walking a short distance, they came to see an abandoned farm.

"Yes, this is it." Xiao Yu checked the map again and told everyone to stop. He walked over and said, "Old E, we've arrived. Have your men come out."

"Good afternoon, old friend," an Undead knight riding a death steed strolled out of the ruins of the farm, greeting him as he walked.

Estero (Death Knight) - 1 Skeleton-level BOSS.

"Don't be nervous, everyone. This is my friend," Xiao Yu said. This Estero, nicknamed Old E, was an old friend of his.

"By the way, when did you become Death Knight?"

Estero (Death Knight): "Heh, this is just one of the many bodies I control. As a powerful BOSS, how can I expose myself to adventurers so easily? I'm already hiding in the safest place. Using my powerful magic, I can control these Undead bodies to go anywhere without suffering unnecessary danger. After all, although we BOSSes are very powerful, we only have one life, and we can't take unnecessary risks. I think you, as someone who's been there, can understand."

Azathoth (Water Elemental Prince): "Of course, safety first. Look, I've created a summonable creature template to play with, haven't I? The lesson learned last time was too profound."

Holy crap, the adventurers were utterly astonished to see the Death Knight and the Water Elemental Prince reminiscing about the past. Many had never seen two bosses chatting like this before, and it all felt incredibly incongruous.

Azathoth (Water Elemental Prince): "Um, you haven't forgotten what I said before, have you?" After a few words, Xiao Yu finally remembered the important matter.

Estero (Death Knight): "Of course, I've prepared everything for you. Come forth, my servant!"

At the Death Knight's summons, a horde of ghosts emerged from the ruins.

It flew and circled around the crowd, emitting mournful cries that were difficult to decipher.

Estero (Death Knight): "These wraiths are scouts among my Undead. I've already scouted a route with fewer Undead, and they will lead you to the mage tower."

Sure enough, the ghosts circled twice and then flew off in one direction, forming a line in the air like a road sign.

Azathoth (Water Elemental Prince): "Thanks, old friend."

Estero (Death Knight): "Don't mention it. Speaking of which, I have a grudge against that Amalarui. If you can take him down, it'll be a favor to me."

Azathoth (Water Elemental Prince): "Then, let's set off."

The team has finally officially set off.

PS: Two more chapters today.