Rhodes paused for a moment, processing. Strictly speaking, he was indeed not a human of the world of Azeroth.
According to the theory of evolution, humans evolved from great apes or ancient primates—theoretically no different from the beast forms of Azeroth's Wild Gods before their transformation; both were "naturally born and raised."
In contrast, the humans of Azeroth were pure-blooded Titan-forged creations. The Dwarves were Titan-forged, the Gnomes were Titan-forged, and even the Orcs of Draenor were evolutions of Titan creations—descended from the de-evolution of the Gronn, whose ancestors were lifeforms created by the Titans using elemental power.
The Night Elves, and indeed all Elves, were originally Dark Trolls whose biology was altered by the radiation of the Well of Eternity. Strictly speaking, the truly native sapient civilizations of Azeroth should be the Trolls, the Aqir, and perhaps the Pandaren.
"This... this gift is far too significant. How should I receive it? Great Azeroth, do we begin now?" This was a chance to ascend to the heavens in a single leap; Rhodes naturally wasn't going to let it slip by.
"The bestowal of Life essence is not a simple energy transfer, Rhodes. It is a reconstruction of your existential essence—a process of deeply connecting your soul-print with Azeroth's life-web. Furthermore, you are here only in spirit; your physical body has not yet formed a deep link with the Emerald Dream. If your soul were infused with Life essence first, your body would not be able to withstand it. If I were to perform this directly from my slumbering origin, even with careful control, the power might be too vast—like trying to pour the entire ocean into a single cup. The result would be a shattered vessel, not a full cup of water."
Rhodes realized the risk. He had been so immersed in the dream of becoming a demigod that he hadn't considered the peril of the process.
"I see, Great Azeroth. Then... how can I safely accept this gift?"
"You need a medium—a guide who has already perfectly merged with the Emerald Dream and the laws of Life. Cenarius, Son of the Moon, Son of Nature and Dreams. He is one of the world's physical manifestations of the laws of Life. His power is gentle yet resilient, nourishing all things. He is one of the purest Wild Gods," Azeroth continued. "He can guide my life origin to help you complete your ascension in a way most suited to your current form."
Alright then! After all that, I still have to find Cenarius. It seemed he and this demigod teacher were bound by fate.
Rhodes now understood several things. No wonder Cenarius had been so friendly and enthusiastic when they first met. It was because Cenarius already knew he would become a Wild God in the future—or perhaps, being a Wild God was merely a transitional state for him. After all, according to Azeroth, his ceiling was that of a True God. He would have to work hard.
"Find him at the 'Grove of the Dreamer,' where Ashenvale meets the Felwood forest," Azeroth gave clear directions. "When you are ready, call my name. I will bring you both here, to the very core of the Emerald Dream. Here, the power of Life is at its purest and interference is at its minimum—the ideal place for essential sublimation."
"I understand, Great Azeroth. As soon as I return, I will inform the High Priestess and set out to find Cenarius immediately," Rhodes said.
The War of the Ancients was about to erupt; he had to increase his strength quickly. The infusion of Life essence should take his power to the next level.
"Remember, Rhodes, after this sublimation, you will become a pure Demigod of Life—a member of the Wild Gods, resonating with the Emerald Dream. Go now, Rhodes. Cenarius will feel the mark upon you." With those words, Azeroth used her vast power to push Rhodes out. After a bout of dizziness, his consciousness left the Emerald Dream and returned to his body.
Rhodes opened his eyes to find himself standing by the Moonwell in the Hall of Elune. The High Priestess stood nearby, the divine radiance having faded from her. She had returned to her normal appearance; it seemed Elune had departed.
"It appears you have received your guidance, Lord Rhodes," the High Priestess said with a nod.
"Yes. I met the Moon Goddess, and under her guidance, I beheld the Great World-Soul, Azeroth herself."
"What supreme glory, Lord Rhodes. Congratulations. The Goddess told me that from this moment on, I am to follow your lead. Did Azeroth entrust you with a task?"
Elune had issued an oracle before leaving her body: after Rhodes woke up, she was to obey his commands unconditionally. It was staggering to think Rhodes had seen Azeroth herself—an honor not even the Green Dragon Queen, Ysera, shared.
Rhodes nodded. He told her about the need to find Cenarius, while omitting the details of Azeroth's grand plan to absorb the six primal forces. He simply explained that to face the coming danger, Azeroth would bestow a blessing upon him. The High Priestess nodded, unsurprised.
"I understand. Lord Cenarius is indeed the incarnation of Life and Dreams. He should be deep within Ashenvale. Tyrande is familiar with the path to the demigod's abode; she shall guide you." The High Priestess gestured, summoning Tyrande once more.
Among all the priestesses, Tyrande was the most familiar with Cenarius's home; her childhood friend, Malfurion, lived there.
Rhodes followed the High Priestess out of the temple. He had been inside for a day and a night. After a quick briefing from the High Priestess, Tyrande accepted the task solemnly. "I will ensure Lord Rhodes reaches Lord Cenarius safely."
Rhodes looked at her. "I'm in your debt, Lady Tyrande."
"It is my honor to serve Azeroth and the Moon Goddess. I know the way well. A... close friend of mine studies the way of the Druid under Lord Cenarius's tutelage," Tyrande said with a slight bow.
So, I'll be seeing Malfurion again. Rhodes wondered what miraculous druidic spells he had learned from the demigod.
The High Priestess handed over an exquisite leather waterskin: "This contains water from the Moonwell to keep you alert and energized. May Elune light your path."
Rhodes took it and hooked it to his belt. "Thank you, High Priestess. We leave at once."
Tyrande nodded and gracefully mounted Radiance. The War Unicorn gave a cheerful neigh, trotting in a small circle. It seemed the beast had bonded well with her during Rhodes's absence. Rhodes shook his head with a wry smile and mounted his own silent, waiting unicorn.
They left the temple grounds and were quickly swallowed by the ancient woods of Ashenvale. The forest here was different—trees were taller, older, requiring dozens of people to span their trunks. The canopy formed a nearly lightless green dome above, with only scattered pillars of light piercing through like the fingers of a god. It felt like being on the planet Pandora from Avatar.
"We will follow this Ancient's Path," Tyrande led the way. "It's about two and a half days to Forest Song, a sentinel outpost at the heart of the forest. From there, another day and a half northeast will bring us to the area where Lord Cenarius is most active."
The two divine beasts moved swiftly. By the third evening, they reached a hidden valley surrounded by circular hills. At the entrance, two ancient trees curved naturally to form an archway, covered in eternal blooms.
"This is the entrance," Tyrande stopped. "Beyond this archway lies the sacred domain of Cenarius."
They entered together. A tall figure was already waiting for them—a familiar sight with the lower body of a stag and the upper body of a Night Elf: the Wild God, Cenarius.
"I have been expecting you, Chosen of Azeroth," Cenarius said, looking at them.
Not long ago, his mother, Elune, had told him the truth.