He had been playing games with Sylvanas, but upon hearing that Jaina had business regarding Kul Tiras, Arthas had to wrap things up quickly. Leaving behind the exhausted Queen Sylvanas, he went to see the guest first.
It had to be said, the first impression was that she was large and fair-skinned, living up to her reputation.
"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Ashvane. May the Goddess of the World watch over you."
Arthas reached out to shake her hand, a gentle smile always on his handsome face. He sat down naturally in the main seat on the sofa, resting one arm on Jaina's shoulder and leaning back in a relaxed posture.
"The history between Lordaeron and Kul Tiras runs deep. From the past to the present, this close Alliance has always been unbreakable. Back when the Orcs invaded, it was our joint efforts that defeated the arrogant Orcs and restored our homes."
"Lordaeron will not forget any ally who participated in the war. Today, the Alliance is no longer what it once was; it has the capability to offer allies better cooperation and assistance."
"Feel free to speak about the difficulties Kul Tiras is currently facing; perhaps we can find a solution."
Now that the timeline had changed, the factors that caused Jaina to be hated no longer existed, so there was no reason for betrayal. This was not just because of that, but also because Arthas's strength had reached the level of a god. Like those ethereal deities, he could bestow blessings upon his followers, bringing obvious benefits.
It was no exaggeration to say that as long as Arthas did not die, it was almost impossible for Lordaeron to be destroyed. A kingdom protected by a god could be described as eternal, which was not an overstatement at all; it was perfectly fitting.
Lady Ashvane placed her right hand over her chest and bowed, performing a standard salute, a hint of respect appearing on her plump face.
"Your Majesty, trouble has recently befallen Kul Tiras. First, the First Royal Navy has been trapped in a mist. We cannot detect where they are, only that they are still alive."
"Kul Tiras is ruled by a coalition of Four Great Families. Currently, the Waycrest Family of the Drustvar forest has mysteriously vanished. The food produced locally cannot be transported out, and the guards sent to investigate have also mysteriously disappeared. We do not know what is happening."
"Finally, the Stormsong Family has also been acting unusually lately. They are excellent shipwrights and can listen to the blessings of the tide, granting the ships they build the ability to sail swiftly. Since last month, they have also lost contact with the Admiralty. We cannot learn of their situation, nor can we obtain new ships."
This sounded quite headache-inducing, especially with so many issues converging at once. First, the Lich King was suspected of collaborating with the Old God Yogg-Saron, and the controlled Titan Keepers would also join in, along with their army of constructs. Once a war started, it would be enough to cause a massive headache.
Flesh and blood against bodies of steel—this had happened before, and it was an absolute defeat. The individual strength of the army was not high; fighting steel constructs was very difficult. Warriors basically lost their combat effectiveness, and only mages could be effective.
Now that Kul Tiras was also in trouble, once their support was lost, it would also affect Lordaeron's logistics. Furthermore, with a member of the Alliance in crisis, it would be unacceptable to stand by and watch.
When the Gnomes wanted to reclaim their capital, Lordaeron could send an army. Kul Tiras was Jaina's hometown and Lordaeron's most loyal and reliable ally; if they were ignored in this era, what would other Alliance members think?
He didn't know who had thought of this move, but it was indeed ingenious. It perfectly manipulated human nature. Since Lordaeron was difficult to infiltrate, they struck at its allies instead.
Either abandon the allies and become isolated, or unite with the allies and be dragged into the whirlpool of war, unable to extricate oneself. Whichever it was, Northrend's situation could not be attended to in the short term.
Jaina's brow was furrowed tightly, and she remained silent. In her heart, she certainly hoped to rescue Kul Tiras. Her mother was a very proud woman who had taken over the duties of the Lord Admiral; even when facing difficulties, she wouldn't take the initiative to ask for help, insisting on persevering.
Whether as a daughter or as the Queen of Lordaeron, she couldn't just stand by and watch; she had to do something.
"We will help Kul Tiras. Matters have priorities. For now, we should first solve the food crisis and ensure that nothing goes wrong in Tiragarde Sound. As for the other two families, I am more inclined to investigate and resolve the issues in the Drustvar region; restoring food production is the key."
"Maritime navigation still relies on the Naga tribes. The Naga Queen Azshara is my mate, one of my queens. The so-called Tidesages are likely hearing the voices of some evil entities, which is not a good thing. They can be dealt with last. Once they are found to have problems, the Alliance will erase them."
"Any behavior that damages the planet or colludes with forces seeking to destroy the world is not permitted. I hope you can make this clear to Grand Admiral Katherine. And we should be blunt: in the future, the Alliance will be recuperating while simultaneously waging external wars. This is our mission; we must protect the world. After Kul Tiras joins, it must submit to management to be more effective. I hope you can discuss this after you return."
Arthas felt it was better to state his intentions. He wasn't trying to annex Kul Tiras, but rather to clarify the situation and place them in an appropriate position—a position that followed orders.
After hearing this, Lady Ashvane's expression looked somewhat surprised, and she even took a special look at the couple. This gave off the illusion of wanting to annex everything.
"Your Majesty, it is quite presumptuous of me to ask, but do you intend to annex Kul Tiras?"
Jaina said nothing. This was a difficult question to answer, so she watched to see what her husband would say.
Arthas picked up his wine glass. The wine inside gave off a spirit-lifting alcoholic aroma—pungent, sharp, yet with a lingering aftertaste.
"I have no interest in annexing other kingdoms. As for Stromgarde and the Hinterlands, it's purely because their nations were already destroyed. If I really wanted to do so, you wouldn't be able to stop me. Fortunately, I don't have that idea; having too much territory is exhausting. You can rest assured about this. I only hope there is only one voice in the Alliance. I am responsible for giving orders, and you are responsible for carrying them out. Understand?"
This attitude was not very polite or friendly, yet it was convincing, leaving no room for rebuttal.
"I understand. I will return immediately."
What else could Lady Ashvane say? With the other party being such a demigod, if he insisted on this, combined with his soaring prestige, it could be done. There were probably many people within Kul Tiras who would wholeheartedly welcome it; who wouldn't want the protection of a god?
Jaina, however, spoke up.
"Wait, I also plan to return. Husband, I want to go back and see my mother."
Was this the first time she had asked? Asking for a favor, his childhood sweetheart, blonde and blue-eyed. His memories had stalled after Wrath of the Lich King, and after that, it was nothing but darkness, suffering in The Maw.
"Alright, take a magic squad with you. Wait a moment, I'll have either Elisande or Thalyssra accompany you. Don't be in a hurry to investigate; leave the situation in Stormsong to the Naga. They might have been deluded by the Naga's rival, the Elemental Lord of water. As for Drustvar, that place might be related to the realm of the dead, so don't go there lightly."
Arthas pinched Jaina's pretty face. Looking at his childhood sweetheart, now his wedded wife, he couldn't refuse her. It was just a trip back to her family home; if she was going, she should go in style, lest people say Lordaeron was stingy, and to prevent Jaina from being mocked.
"Thank you, husband. You're so kind."
Jaina broke into a smile. She knew her lover hadn't changed; being apart more than they were together didn't mean they didn't know the changes in each other. She hadn't changed, it was just that her husband had become more of a philanderer.
This wasn't necessarily bad. If not for his philandering, there wouldn't be so many exceptionally capable sisters joining them. She couldn't handle it alone, nor could she manage so many government affairs. Having dealt with administrative tasks for a long time, her magical attainment had even declined a bit; she needed to spend some time practicing to get it back.
"No need for formalities. Go to the logistics department later to collect supplies. You are the Queen; Lordaeron's warehouse will not be closed to you. Remember what I said: do not go to the places I mentioned, no matter the situation. Even if your brother appears there, you cannot go. It's a trap, understood?"
Arthas urged her repeatedly. He decided to go to Northrend first; with teleportation magic, he could quickly go back and forth. He wanted to solve the Lich King's problem first, then find a way to make things difficult for Yogg-Saron.
Currently, he didn't have much energy to deal with him. Fighting Yogg-Saron and N'Zoth at the same time, a two-front war, would be an unwise choice. If given a choice, he would still fight C'Thun first, then Yogg-Saron.
Not only because Yogg-Saron's forces were stronger and harder to defeat, but also because Ulduar had too much equipment and many killing formations; a real fight carried the risk of a total wipeout. This wasn't a game where you could laugh it off and wait for a resurrection. If you died here, you were truly dead; you only had one life, so treat it like a Hardcore server.
"Alright, I understand. Don't worry, husband, I know what to do."
Jaina understood very well what her lover hadn't said: he was worried they would fall into a trap and become a burden. With a powerful teammate carrying them, one shouldn't think about being a burden; that would be very bad and annoying.
After giving instructions on the matters needing attention, Arthas went down to make arrangements.
Over in Suramar City, hearing that there was a business trip, Elisande, in her capacity as Archmage, arranged for Thalyssra to handle government affairs while she accompanied the Mistress.
Thalyssra was so angry she could hardly catch her breath. How could she do this, dumping everything on her? She also wanted to go out and travel, but someone had to handle things in Suramar City, right?
Even though the Nightborne could now travel everywhere without being affected by mana addiction, the external cooperation and internal government affairs were still enough to make one scratch their head. At this moment, she wished she could recruit a few trustworthy elves to help; it was truly too painful.
Meanwhile, the Naga were also investigating the matter of the Elemental Lord Neptulon. Back then, this Elemental Lord had wanted to marry Azshara. This meant he had to be punished: either be killed outright so a new Elemental Lord could be chosen, or bow his head, admit his mistake, and completely become a Naga slave.
Everything related to the ocean was inseparable from the Naga and water elements. As for whether the Stormsong Family was listening to the voice of an Old God or the voice of Helya, that remained unknown. In any case, a group of delusional priests who didn't believe in Arthas—let these heretics die and stop wasting space.
While Jaina was still planning the supplies for her departure, Arthas had already taken Sylvanas, Maiev, Vereesa, and the maid Jandice and teleported to the Blue Dragon Camp in Northrend.
The Chromatic Dragons had established embassy outposts in Lordaeron, firstly to facilitate communication, and secondly for matters like external trade cooperation, as well as accepting commissions and tasks. This was now the age of mortals—no, the age of demigods. The age of dragons had passed, and cooperation with Lordaeron was very necessary.
When they were preparing to set out, Sinestra, Red Dragon Queen Alexstrasza, and Green Dragon Queen Ysera also arrived together, as if they had agreed to set out with him.
The Red Dragon Queen was fine; she was now an undeclared mate, and they had already produced many dragon eggs—that was a fact that couldn't be changed.
But why was Ysera joining in the fun? The Queen of Dreams should be sleeping more; what was she doing out here?
He didn't ask further; let them do what they wanted. As long as they didn't tear Lordaeron apart, he didn't care.
Just as he stepped out of the portal, Arthas saw an old acquaintance standing before him—it was Deathwing, who had lost all his power and turned into a mortal!
Deathwing could no longer be arrogant. After his power was exhausted and N'Zoth had died, his symptoms had been greatly alleviated. Now he only did some logistical work; in terms of combat power, he might not even be as good as Illidan.
"Hello, Ximen Chuixue."
The two of them hugged each other, everything understood without words.
Regarding the grudge of having his wife stolen, it seemed Neltharion had also let it go; some things were just like that. Without having experienced his splitting headaches and the process of having someone constantly whispering in his mind every day, one truly wouldn't understand how painful it was.
Now, being alone with his strength diminished, what he gained was long-term peace. No matter what, it was a massive win.
"Haha, Neltharion, you're not dead yet! You have to stay alive and watch how I save and repair the world."
"Everything I do is right!"
Arthas was not polite at all. This declaration, combined with his demigod realm, really made it impossible to laugh; he really could do it, it was just a matter of time.
"I know, so I'm living very well. What do you plan to do this time?"
"To deal with the Lich King, and incidentally find something for that Old God in Ulduar to do."
Arthas actually told him his thoughts, and then asked back.
"What do you think of my plan?"
Telling him naturally meant he wasn't worried about the other party leaking secrets. The current Deathwing was very well-behaved, occasionally offering advice and ideas; such a life was what he had always pursued. His good brother Malygos said it was surveillance, but it was actually companionship. Good brotherly feelings were just good!
"It's fine, but you have to think it through. Once the undead lose control, they will fall into madness and won't necessarily become the so-called Forsaken. It's best to have a group of Rock Constructs as a barrier!"
"If they lose control, just kill them. Kill the spellcasters first, then throw the runaway Undead into the magma one by one. Doesn't Northrend have volcanoes?"
Arthas didn't believe that the so-called runaway Undead could destroy the world. Flesh and blood bodies fear the Undead—they can be injured, die, and fear being infected by the Plague and turning into Undead. But what if non-living robots, or creations made of rock and steel, were sent in?
All methods used by the Undead target living beings. When facing non-living entities, their previous advantages are reversed, and they become the ones taking the beating.
Neltharion was speechless. How could this guy be even more arrogant than he used to be? He could only brace himself and remind him.
"The Undead will surge into other areas through the underground Nerubian Empire, and this is very difficult to defend against."
"We tried using collapse methods, but the Nerubians are very good at digging, and the Undead never rest, often reopening collapsed tunnels within two or three days. The Dragonflights can't operate effectively underground. It's a shame we can't return to the Dragon Isles, otherwise, with the Dracthyr army, our situation would be much better."
Still thinking about your Dracthyr?
"There will always be Nerubians who haven't submitted to the Lich King. This time, I also brought the Mantid. If the Nerubians are disobedient and refuse to comply, we'll replace them."
Arthas didn't care about the details; he just didn't want to act himself. He preferred to focus on cultivating his religious followers and training more capable subordinates. If he were to strike, as long as the target was clear, there was absolutely no chance of survival.
The strongest combat power won't mess around with you. Once Evil Fervor is activated, Bash, Critical Strike, and Drunken Fist are used in rotation. Anyone who comes will be beaten until they scream. What good is Xavius's stun-immune plant type? He still died without a burial place.
As for the Undead minions below, they would naturally be eliminated by others. He only kills high-end combatants; killing low-level trash yields no benefit.
The Mantid forces are not large, but that doesn't mean they lack the ability to mass-produce troops. As long as food is abundant, they can aggressively breed without restriction, choosing to cultivate short-lived cannon fodder specifically for combat.
The Insectoid race was created specifically as a tool for external warfare. For them, this is not a cruel punishment but a kind of grace; only by serving a Master do they not feel lost. They need a Master to hold the leash; without a Master's guidance, gaining freedom is merely a castle in the air.
As for whether one would feel heartache or reluctance about using the Mantid as cannon fodder, that is a bit too abstract; the whole issue is abstract.
Do you care about the lives of praying mantises, ants, or cockroaches?
No, you wouldn't!
Besides, after so many years and so much money spent, weren't they raised just so they could be used as cannon fodder one day? Whether the mantis eats the spider, or the spider traps the Mantid in its web and eats it, that's something worth watching.
Neltharion's mouth twitched. Why did he feel like the other party resembled Deathwing even more? He might as well give that title to Arthas; compared to him, this was true cruelty.
Wiping out entire races at the drop of a hat, without even considering surrender or recruitment. This was indeed overly abstract and excessively cruel. Perhaps it was precisely this cruelty that made him more suitable to be a ruler.
The Gnomes team dispatched earlier also came to report. This time, High Tinker Mekkatorque personally led the team. As their first battle joining the New Alliance, the Gnomes had to demonstrate sufficient capability to perhaps secure Alliance funding.
Alliance members enjoy trade benefits, but these are not free; they must be earned by demonstrating their own value. The Alliance does not support deadweight, nor will it tolerate former members continuing to sponge off them, eating, drinking, and taking benefits for free.
If they cannot demonstrate their contribution to the Alliance, they can go on welfare, but the welfare stops after three months. They must work hard to earn benefits, and only when they prove themselves will they receive corresponding treatment again.
If they don't want to be marginalized, they must show initiative. Moreover, the Alliance is quite supportive of technological development. Originally, it was thought that Jaina, the Archmage and Queen of Lordaeron, would tilt policies toward Mage teams and the development of Arcane usage. The result was quite unexpected: the Alliance maintains a supportive attitude toward various disciplines and professions.
Even within the Guardians Cult, which is prevalent in Lordaeron, there are many professions: Warriors, Paladins, Mages, Hunters,
Druids, and so on—it's too vast and all-encompassing.
Furthermore, a batch of Goblins appeared from somewhere, and the entire race was packaged and sold to Queen Azshara, then relocated to settle near Stratholme. Goblin-made technology can be very unstable, but it must be said that it is indeed bold and sometimes quite useful.
Gnomes are not without rivals; competition only happens when there are rivals.
"Your Majesty, we have completed the mechanical modifications. These machines can now operate normally in the icy and snowy environment. We also discovered oil fields nearby. This crude oil can serve as a power source for the machines, and it is also an excellent accelerant—perfect for making Napalm Bombs to burn the entire Undead to ashes!"
Mekkatorque had a giant wrench hanging from his waist and wore a set of special goggles over his eyes; this entire look gave off a strong artisan vibe.
Arthas did not make things difficult for him, merely nodding with a smile.
"You have done very well. The artisans of Gnomeregan truly live up to their reputation. Every member is like a component, and the Alliance is like a machine. Every component must fulfill its function to ensure efficient operation. This applies to you, to others, and even to the Kingdom of Lordaeron. No one is exempt."
Mekkatorque felt both gratitude and awe. The other party had transformed from a Prince into a King, and from a young Paladin into a Demigod comparable to the gods. His transcendent strength made his words firm, and everything he said made sense.
"Come, let's go see your results."
Arthas waved his hand, bringing the women behind him to watch the show.
Next to The Nexus, the habitat of the Blue Dragonflight, is the Sholazar Basin, a biological testing garden used to cultivate various known and unknown species. Pterodactyls, Dinosaurs, and the like all originated from these biological laboratories.
Further north is the Icecrown Glacier, where the Lich King resides. It is covered in ice and snow, with ice layers beneath ranging from tens of meters to hundreds of meters thick. No plants can grow in this harsh environment; it is so extreme that there is nothing but ice and glaciers. Resources are incredibly scarce, and few creatures inhabit the area.
In the distance, Elven Watchtowers had already risen. These are unique Blood Elf structures that use Arcane magic for long-distance scouting, functioning like a magical version of a telescope, seeing farther and clearer.
Barricades and fences lined the perimeter, with scattered sentry towers standing among them. Below were Blood Elf Infantry Legions, Mage Troops, and Archers. They all followed Prince Kaelthas to carve out a new path for the Blood Elves.
The Blood Elves, tormented by the Magic Addiction, needed a new source of magic power. Wells abundant in magic power were their favorite. They either had to seek out sources of magic power or join Lordaeron to enjoy the Aura Blessing, gradually changing their constitution from the root and lifting the restriction of Magic Addiction.
Rivals meeting, eyes blazing with envy?
Not even a little bit!
How could Kaelthas possibly compare to Arthas now? One was a Prince, the other a King.
Both suffered the ravages of the Undead Scourge and the invasion of Burning Legion demons, but Kaelthas simply abandoned his people and went out searching for the so-called Path of Salvation.
Arthas, however, united with other races and found a new path for his kingdom's citizens, making it even stronger and more prosperous than the old Lordaeron. If the Blood Elves weren't strictly guarding their borders, it's likely they all would have fled to Lordaeron.
Currently, the Blood Elves in Lordaeron are also being assigned to mine labor to curb their arrogance, and then they are subjected to bullying. Their pampered arrogance, relying on Sylvanas's backing, is being shattered. Did they really think they came here to enjoy life?
You didn't show up during construction, but you remember us when it's time to enjoy the benefits? Did you think you were the Chosen One for such a good deal?
They must be severely punished, so those who do not cooperate or integrate must be thoroughly educated. Before Arthas returned, Jaina and the others wouldn't have handled it, only minimizing major issues and resolving minor ones. Sylvanas is not a woman of great resolve; if she could truly be ruthless, she wouldn't have become the Banshee Queen.
"Your Majesty, good day."
Kaelthas bowed first. His previously handsome face had become somewhat weathered, and his expression was quite tired.
"No need for formalities. It seems you are not doing very well. QuelThalas can join the Alliance and has always been a part of the Alliance. I know you are all very proud, unable to lower your noble heads, and believe it is shameful to pledge allegiance to a race whose history is shorter than your own lives."
"I understand that feeling. I have seen this many times. They all, without exception, lowered their proud heads, put down their sensitive and fragile glass hearts, and fully devoted themselves to the Alliance. Outside the Alliance, they will die, perish, and become dust in history."
"By joining the Alliance, they can survive and live well. Your distant relatives, the Highborne and Nightborne, were also plagued by Magic Addiction. The Magic Addiction generated by the Well of Eternity is far stronger than that of the Sunwell. They also tried other methods, but those were only temporary fixes. Once the external energy they relied on ran out, they would also turn into Withered."
*Clap clap clap!*
Thalyssra, the Nightfallen Administrator who had been summoned, was almost crying tears of joy. She could finally travel publicly funded, and she had officially stepped outside the city of Suramar. Setting aside the matter of attending to the Master, being able to go out and move around was a victory.
"I am Thalyssra, the Administrator of the Nightfallen and the Magical Consultant of the Kaldorei Empire. Your ancestors, like mine, once proclaimed themselves Highborne. The taste of Magic Addiction is quite unpleasant, isn't it?"
"Now, the Master has given us new life, and the Magic Addiction that plagued us for ten thousand years has been lifted. We no longer need to be confined to Suramar City. We can leave Suramar City and no longer need to rely on the Nightwell to survive. Young Prince, set aside your pride. Your personal honor is meaningless in the face of your entire race."
"Is your face more important, or the survival of your people? Look back at your citizens, look at their lost eyes and weary expressions. Do you deserve them?"
I have to say, this is indeed the future Leader of the Nightfallen Resistance. She certainly has skills. In terms of persuading surrender, she made the other Elves quite moved.
With one sentence, she exposed the current situation and informed everyone. It turned out that the solution had always existed, but it was shelved because of their Prince's dignity, face, and fragile self-esteem, causing their salvation to be long delayed.
Disgusting, truly disgusting.
Repulsion! Truly repulsive.
Kaelthas's face was pale. No one had ever spoken such direct words, practically tearing open his veneer of hypocrisy and exposing his pitiful and tragic self-esteem for all to see.
"I..."
Arthas waved his hand. He felt nothing about subjugating Kaelthas, nor did he have any interest in it. He didn't even have an interest in subjugating Illidan.
Lustful he may be, but he wasn't gender-blind. Furthermore, his philosophy regarding these heroes was laissez-faire. Those willing to serve as his Footmen were definitely welcome and would be supported. If they were unwilling to join him, they could be exiled elsewhere.
In short, it was about maximizing waste utilization and forbidding waste. Sending Illidan to the Outland was also a pretty good choice; there were still demons there, which could be used to contain the Burning Legion.
As long as they're busy, they won't think about causing trouble.
"What you choose to do is not based on what others say, but on believing in your own heart. Once you confirm it, don't look back; walk forward, forging your own path. In this regard, Illidan has done very well. Demon Hunter—using Fel Energy to defeat Fel Energy—that is also a good option."
In the distance, Illidan, with wings on his back and Warglaives in his hands, slowly approached. His calves had turned into hooves similar to those of a demon, showing a tendency toward demonization. Fel Energy is great, but the physical changes it causes are a bit hard to bear.
"Hello, Your Majesty Arthas. It is an honor to meet you. Please send my regards to Tyrande."
That's Illidan for you, always thinking of Tyrande. Perhaps it's a form of blessing. Truly brothers with Malfurion: if you can't have her, bless her. In any case, I deserve some credit for your happy love!
Good, good, good. So you want to feel involved, right?
"Hello, Illidan. It's truly pleasing to see you alive. Has Kiljaeden contacted you recently? There are still many demons remaining on Azeroth. Perhaps you can try to subdue them.
"Thank you for your suggestion. This advice is very helpful to me. If I could have a Map of Demon Activity Areas, that would be even better. I will ensure they no longer pose a threat to Azeroth."
When it comes to protecting Azeroth and the world, this is an uncrossable red line. Anyone who crosses it must die. Even the Alliance and Horde, who fight each other fiercely, must work together when facing major threats.
"There will be. There are many lingering demons in the southern part of the Eastern Kingdoms continent, extending all the way to The Barrens. After things here are concluded, I will give you a map of the Outland. It may not be accurate, but it will be somewhat useful. Once you get there, you will face the Burning Legion invasion directly. Please take care of yourself."