Sylvanas brushed her fingers over the translucent body of a Wight, sensing the flow of death energy within. A sharp glint flashed in her crimson eyes.
The energy structure was fundamentally different from any undead construct she knew—it was as if these creatures belonged to an entirely different state of existence than the Scourge.
"Fascinating creations... their instinct to siphon mana is powerful, but their forms are primitive. They lack... intellect, or perhaps self-awareness," the Banshee Queen remarked, her voice sounding clinical and evaluative.
The elite mages of the High Elves possessed a unique ability called Mana Tap; high-tier casters like Prince Kael'thas could even steal magic from others. Sylvanas initially assumed these wraiths were fashioned by the Lich King or Kel'Thuzad using High Elf souls, but closer inspection proved otherwise. These things felt different—they had no ego, appearing more like mindless tools.
*Most undead who break from the Lich King develop a sense of self. Are these things some new research project of his?* she wondered.
"To imbue them with the true power of a Banshee—such as Life Drain, a terrifying Wail, or the ability to briefly possess an enemy's husk—I will need to take them to my domain for deep transformation. This isn't a simple matter of etching runes; it requires training. However, given their low intelligence, I cannot guarantee success. I can only say I will try my best," Sylvanas said.
She wanted to study these unique ghosts closely. While she was 90% sure she could successfully modify them, her primary goal was "free labor." *Why would a Death Knight need Banshees? These will be mine.*
Straker frowned, ready to refuse, when Rhodes's consciousness intervened.
*("Agree to it, Straker,")* Rhodes's voice echoed in his mind. *("Let her study them. Let's see how far her 'modifications' can go. She can never touch the core permissions of a system-generated unit.")*
"Master? Are you certain about giving her the Bone Dragon and the Wights?" Straker asked. Despite his absolute faith in Rhodes, handing powerful units to a potential enemy went against his instincts.
"Give them to her," Rhodes said firmly. "Not only that, act as if you trust her completely. The system's core authority is unshakeable. Let her tinker; in the end, all her efforts will just be a bridal veil for us."
Sylvanas thought she was being clever, but if the Lich King couldn't hijack system troops, she certainly couldn't. *This time, you're going to lose it all—even your 'undergarments,' so to speak.*
Far away, a faint smile played on Rhodes's lips. Since the distance wasn't great, he could teleport to Straker's side at any moment to "play" with the Banshee Queen.
Receiving the order, Straker turned to Sylvanas and nodded. "Very well, Lady. These Wights... I shall leave them in your care for 'research' and 'transformation.' I look forward to seeing how they bloom in your hands. I hope your skill matches your title."
Straker emphasized the words "research" and "transformation," acting as if he were pinning his hopes on her. He wanted to appear as a crude, martially-focused Death Knight—a brawny fool who lacked the finesse for necromantic engineering.
"Rest assured, leave them to me."
Sylvanas sneered internally but merely bowed her head slightly. "You won't be disappointed, Straker. When they return to you, they will be the sharpest blades in your arsenal, enough to make Arthas and his curs tremble."
She had already decided: she would not only seize control of these Wights but also install "backdoors" only she knew about. When the time came to seize leadership, this spectral force would be her key. *If Straker survives the duel with Arthas, I'll make him my subject—the leader of my Dreadguard. If he dies, the modified Banshees are mine anyway.*
"Then, to a successful partnership, Banshee Queen," Straker smiled, extending his right hand.
"A successful partnership, Death Knight," Sylvanas replied with a matching, insincere smile. They shared a friendly exchange of mutual deceit.
With the deal struck, Sylvanas wasted no time. She needed to set her traps and "receive" her new assets. "I will take the Bone Dragon and the Wights now. Remember our oath: the canyon north of Deathknell. I expect your Death Knight corps to be there on time."
"Don't worry. I will personally toll the knell for Arthas," Straker said with total confidence.
Sylvanas took a final look at the massive Bone Dragon, led her Dark Rangers onto its back, and took flight, the Wights trailing behind as they descended toward the ground to prepare the ambush.
Once they were gone, Straker's arrogant facade vanished, replaced by a look of deep respect.
"Great Master, she has taken the bait. She firmly believes she can control your creations," Straker reported through the mental link.
From his camp in the ruins of Dalaran, Rhodes saw everything through Straker's eyes and laughed. "Well done, Straker. You performed perfectly—balancing power and ambition with just the right amount of 'vulnerability.' Sylvanas surely thinks you're a muscle-bound oaf eager for a promotion."
Rhodes was proud; Straker had been playing the "oaf" role in the Scourge for months on his orders. But Straker was actually quite brilliant—he was a magic-user from Deyja, after all. Death Knights from that world weren't simple warriors; they carried spellbooks, a luxury martial heroes from other factions didn't have.
"Your task now is to keep consolidating your troops, especially the Dread Knight upgrades. Watch Kel'Thuzad. When Arthas is ambushed, the Lich will likely show up. That is your best moment to approach him."
"Understood, Master. The Blood Dread Knight conversion is going smoothly; their power is immense. As for Kel'Thuzad... I will 'happen' to appear exactly when he needs help most," Straker replied, his eyes gleaming with the light of battle. He was itching to duel Arthas—even if he couldn't kill him, thrashing the arrogant prince would be glorious.
"Go then," Rhodes said, cutting the link. He leaned back with a grin.
"Sylvanas... you think you're playing 4D chess on the fifth floor, but I'm standing in the atmosphere looking down at the whole board. You have no hope of winning this game, because I'm using cheats."
Rhodes planned to personally witness the ambush to watch Arthas's humiliation. Using the gifts from Medivh, he could now teleport freely within a radius of hundreds of kilometers. As his power grew, intercontinental and even interplanar travel would be possible.
Meanwhile, Sylvanas looked back at Shadowfane Bastion as she flew away, a cold, triumphant smile on her face. *Straker... a meathead with too much power. Your dragon, your army, and you... you will all bow to me. I, Sylvanas Windrunner, am the only Queen.*
She could already see it: after disposing of Arthas, she would use her poisons and a sudden strike to step on that arrogant Death Knight's neck. She saw herself as the player and him as the pawn.
She had no idea the true player was behind the curtain, smiling as he pulled the strings of destiny.
A few days later, Straker sent word: the three Dreadlords in Lordaeron City had made their move. Rhodes told Jaina he would be away for a few days to stabilize the Alliance and teleported away.
In Lordaeron City, Arthas was reeling. Because Illidan had attacked the Lich King with the Eye of Sargeras, Arthas's power was hemorrhaging. Under the siege of the three Dreadlords, he was forced to flee like a wounded animal.
"Arthas," Balnazzar shouted as demonic forces swarmed the city, "I will show you and your master the price of betraying the Legion!"