What is the meaning of this? They are to play the role of Rhodes? Can they even pull it off?
"I don't quite follow, Lord Rhodes," Rhonin said, blinking in confusion. "Your power is immense—how could we possibly impersonate you? Besides, standard illusion magic won't stand a chance against the high-ranking Highborne sorcerers."
He wasn't joking. While his magical prowess was respectable, the gap between him and Rhodes was like the distance between the earth and the heavens. Generally speaking, even Great Aspects were hard-pressed to match Rhodes, and as for demigod-level entities, Rhodes already had Archimonde's scalp hanging from his belt.
Krasus nodded in somber agreement. Even if he could regain his dragon form and use Draconic magic, the Highborne of this era were at the absolute zenith of their power. To be blunt, the future Dalaran was a mere kindergarten compared to the Night Elf Empire at its peak.
"I've spent over a year operating in this timeline. Sargeras views me as a unique asset, and Queen Azshara trusts me implicitly," Rhodes explained, pacing the room. "That's an advantage, but it also means I am under constant, invisible surveillance."
"Surveillance?" Rhonin instinctively looked around.
"Don't worry, where we are speaking is absolutely secure," Rhodes said grimly. "But there are several Dreadlords keeping tabs on me. That is why I need a 'golden cicada shedding its skin' play. I understand your concerns—ordinary illusions won't fool an old fox like Xavius or the Fel-senses of demons. But the 'disguise' I'm talking about isn't simple shapeshifting."
Rhodes spoke with absolute confidence. His Master Disguise was a miraculous ability that even Highborne mages couldn't pierce; he had already tested it by transforming into various servants and sorcerers without detection. It wasn't just a spell; it was a perfect alteration of presence.
"I will cast a special spell called Master Disguise on you both. It will mask your aura and your appearance perfectly. I guarantee that as long as this spell is active, no one will find you out."
"That sounds feasible for the appearance," Rhonin countered, "but what if someone tests us? I'm a decent caster, but I can't replicate your specific style or your Holy Light."
"Fear not. Since I'm supposedly working for Sargeras, I haven't been using Holy Light anyway. As for my combat magic, I can pass on a few basics: Magic Arrow, Haste, Protection from Fire, and Stone Skin."
Having ascended to demigod status, Rhodes had discovered he could "bequeath" certain Tier 1 and Tier 2 spells to others, much like he had with Anveena. This was a privilege of his status—sharing the fundamental laws of magic he had mastered. While Rhonin's current mana was suppressed, he still had enough to blast a low-level mage into cinders with a Magic Arrow.
"I will also teach you a few Holy Light spells. Don't worry, you'll learn," Rhodes added. "I've been living as a recluse lately. No one will bother you unless it's an emergency. Xavius is far too busy summoning Archimonde to come for tea."
"Lord Rhodes, thank you for the knowledge, but if we slip up... everything is ruined," Rhonin whispered.
"I have a fail-safe. I'll place a tethering spell on both of you. If an emergency arises, I can use a swap-teleport to switch places with you instantly. The resistance knows who I am, so I don't need a double there; I just need you to keep the seat warm here."
The next few days were intense. Using his Heroes of Might and Magic grimoire, Rhodes "transferred" the Tier 1 spells to them. Surprisingly, he even managed to teach them his self-developed Holy Light techniques—like summoning a six-meter-tall Holy Light Giant or Holy Light Weapons.
Because these were powered by the grimoire's essence rather than pure faith, a bizarre phenomenon occurred: Rhonin and Krasus, who had zero faith in the Light, were suddenly casting Light-based spells.
"Incredible," Rhonin marveled, watching golden energy dance on his fingertips. "You've found a way for mages to wield the Light through pure Arcane conversion."
"It's only the 'surface' of the Light," Rhodes laughed. "I am the source for you two. I'm essentially acting as a living Naaru or a demigod font. You have the usage rights, but I keep the deed."
As their strength recovered under Rhodes's healing, the plan moved into its final phase. Rhodes cast the Master Disguise on the two, and they took his place. Rhodes, meanwhile, transformed into a nondescript Night Elf servant.
"I'm leaving now," Rhodes said, leaving behind two Magic Elementals as bodyguards and communication relays. "Announce that you are entering a meditative retreat to research a new ritual. Avoid guests at all costs."
With a flash of light, Rhodes teleported to the foot of Mount Hyjal, where Cenarius's host was gathering.
The quiet foothills had become a massive war camp. Tens of thousands of tents dotted the landscape, and the smoke of campfires rose like a shroud. The resistance was no longer a secret—demons were appearing openly in the world now. While the Highborne called them "gods" bringing "ascension," the commoners knew better. Under the call of the Temple of Elune, 90% of the populace had joined the resistance.
The Wild Gods were startled when a new figure appeared among them. It wasn't a human, but a five-meter-tall creature covered in azure scales, with dragon horns and a powerful tail—a "Dragonman" form Rhodes had developed using his demigod essence. Even those who knew Rhodes would never associate this powerhouse with a human mage.
"Impressive, Rhodes," Cenarius said, sensing the familiar aura. "You've taken a... half-beast form?"
"To be precise," Rhodes replied, his voice a deep, draconic rumble, "call it my Dragon-State."