The handmaidens' movements were gentle and efficient. Within moments, Rhodes was changed into an Elven-style bathrobe made of a soft, shimmering silver velvet. Though the cut was entirely different from what he was used to, it was surprisingly comfortable and fit him perfectly.
He was guided to a magnificent couch covered in soft cushions at the edge of the bath, sitting at a polite distance opposite Azshara. He had to admit: when it came to luxury, no one could rival the Night Elves of ten thousand years ago. This empire had reached the absolute zenith of civilization. Suramar City, ten millennia in the future, was but a faded shadow of this extravagant era—a dilapidated ruin by comparison.
"Please, Lord Rhodes. Sample the hospitality of Azeroth," Azshara said, gracefully raising her wine glass.
Rhodes did not decline. He tasted a peculiar fruit, and a clear, sweet juice carrying a potent surge of energy dissolved in his mouth. It felt as if he had swallowed a small mouthful of concentrated moonlight; his spirit felt instantly refreshed. He then took a sip of the magical wine. A mellow fragrance accompanied a gentle yet surging flow of mana into his body. The effect of this wine was even better than the spring water he had accidentally gulped earlier—truly peak decadence!
Relying on the Well of Eternity, the Night Elves had integrated magic into every facet of their daily lives. Rhodes couldn't help but marvel at the sheer abundance and wonder of ancient Azeroth's resources.
"Breath-taking creations, Your Majesty," Rhodes praised sincerely. "Both this fruit and the wine contain Arcane energy of a purity I have rarely encountered in my travels."
Azshara's personality was predictable: the more you praised her, the more delighted she became. Long ago, the Pandaren had gifted her a magnificent magical object, but its magic was designed to slowly drain away until it vanished. Their intention was to warn her and the Highborne not to abuse magic or become over-reliant on it—reminding them that magical power is ultimately fleeting.
But the Highborne hadn't listened at all. They sent back lavish gifts and, in an attempt to "preserve" the object, continuously pumped mana into it. This left the Pandaren speechless. My intent was to warn you that magic is finite, they thought, but you effectively replied: "Magic might be finite where you come from, but here we have the Well of Eternity—it is infinite."
Azshara smiled with satisfaction, pleased that Rhodes recognized the quality of her stores. This was the finest vintage from the royal cellars, reserved for her and the highest nobility.
"The grace of the Well of Eternity flows through my entire empire; these are but common trifles. Now, tell me, Astral Traveler: in your world, how is power manifested? That golden 'Holy Light' of yours—what is its source?"
Rhodes knew the real "interview" had begun. He set down his glass, gathered his thoughts, and began to weave a polished narrative about the Light. He didn't mention the Naaru or the Army of the Light; instead, he described the Light as a primordial energy of the universe favoring order and life, which combined with his own talent to be channeled. Crucially, he emphasized faith.
"It leans toward protection, purification, and the restoration of life. Unlike the Arcane, which seeks to understand and manipulate the laws of all things, it is closer to... a form of faith and blessing." Rhodes finished by extending his palm, where a small, warm orb of pure golden Light pulsated.
"Intriguing... it does not rely on the ley lines, nor does it directly manipulate the elements. It is more like a harmony between internal conviction and external energy? The acquisition of this energy seems to depend on the individual's 'state' rather than mere knowledge or technique. To put it simply: the stronger the faith, the more powerful the light. It is a summoned power, am I correct?" Azshara asked with a look of smug realization.
"You are exactly right, Your Majesty. Your wisdom is peerless. This power originates from faith—you can believe in your own sense of justice, your loyalty to your monarch, or a specific goal. As long as you believe what you are doing is right and that you fight for a just cause, the Light will respond. When that conviction is strong enough, the power of the Light intensifies," Rhodes said with a smile.
Azshara's insight startled him. She truly was the "Light of Lights"; after just one encounter, she had identified the core mechanics of the Light. To put it crudely, it was a "believe and you shall receive" system—much like a Saint Seiya character's faith in Athena; the more you believe, the stronger you get. Of course, this power didn't make you infinitely strong; against an unstoppable foe, you could still be defeated.
"Hearing you say that, I find myself curious about this power. Decades ago, a special child was born into our race. His eyes shone with a golden light, just like my own. I feel that the golden glow in that boy's eyes is very similar to the power you've shown," Azshara said thoughtfully.
Rhodes's heart skipped a beat. He knew exactly who she was talking about: a young Illidan Stormrage. When Illidan was born, his eyes held the potential for the Light, though Sargeras would eventually tear those eyes away and replace them with fel fire. In some ways, Illidan was like Kil'jaeden and Archimonde—destined to be personally "gifted" by Sargeras himself.
"The power of the Light exists everywhere in this universe. With systematic study, I believe even Night Elves could master it," Rhodes said.
"Hahaha, how interesting. This 'power of faith' you speak of... could it be focused upon me? If they believe in me, can they wield the Light? Is that how I should understand it?" Queen Azshara asked.
"Theoretically, it is possible. Practically, it is also possible. But it requires systematic training," Rhodes replied.
"Fascinating. Over the next few days, you may demonstrate some Light spells for me so I can feel this energy. Then, I shall decide." Azshara didn't immediately ask him to spread the Light among her people. As a new power system, it required caution; she wanted to know more about this traveler first.
"Tell me of your world, Mr. Rhodes. I am curious."
"Of course, Your Majesty. I have traveled many worlds, but I should start with my true home. I come from a world called 'Earth.' It has no vast source of mana like the Well of Eternity, nor a race born to command the Arcane like yours. There is only one sentient race: my kin, Humans. In physical strength and mental talent, we were originally far inferior to the Night Elves."
Azshara raised an eyebrow, her interest in a world of "weaklings" seemingly waning. So their world has no magic? How did this boy gain the ability to travel between realms then?
Sensing her shift, Rhodes changed his tone: "However, we took a completely different path. We developed a power called 'Technology.' It does not rely on an innate affinity for mana, but on the exploration, understanding, and application of the rules of the physical world."
Rhodes began to paint a picture of Earth: "In our cities, countless buildings of metal and glass pierce the clouds. We call them 'skyscrapers.' Many of these are taller than your loftiest palaces. Even at midnight, the cities are bright as day, shining with brilliant light because we have harnessed 'Electricity'—a ubiquitous energy used to power light, machinery, and countless wondrous devices."
Seeing the spark of interest in her eyes, Rhodes pressed on: "We built metal vehicles that require no horses or mana. These vehicles are incredibly fast, covering hundreds of kilometers in a few hours on asphalt roads thousands of miles long. We created 'airplanes' that soar above the clouds and can circle half the globe in a single day. We even built 'rockets' and 'spaceships' that can break free of the planet's gravity to fly to the moon and other stars." (Of course, he neglected to mention that "exploration" was mostly satellites and that humans couldn't even get to Mars yet without probes.)
Azshara leaned forward, true shock appearing in her starry eyes for the first time. "Fly to... the moon and the stars? Using... metal constructs?"
To a Night Elf who relied on limited magical teleportation, this sounded like a fairy tale. And the idea that commoners lived in skyscrapers taller than her royal palace? That was a bit hard for her to swallow.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Rhodes confirmed. Oh, you haven't heard anything yet. "And in the military sphere, 'Technology' is even more terrifying. We have weapons called 'missiles' that can lock onto and destroy a fortress from thousands of miles away. Their explosive power is enough to level this entire bath and the surrounding district instantly, leaving only a massive crater."
He gestured with his hands, trying to help her visualize the destruction. "We even have 'nuclear weapons.' A single such weapon is enough to turn a city the size of your capital into scorched earth, where no life can grow for centuries. It is a level of devastation... you cannot imagine."
Rhodes deliberately used metaphors she could grasp, elevating technology to a level equal to, or even exceeding, her understanding of powerful magic.