Azeroth: Starting with Eagle Eye in the Necropolis

Page 115

“You’re right. If Rhodes had this group around me, my research progress would likely be faster, no, it would definitely be faster.” Kael’thas nodded excitedly.

“By the way, Rhodes, I heard you summoned a fire elemental phoenix, and there’s one with Kael’thas too,” Kael’thas asked.

If a non-royal member had obtained the Phoenix in the past, it would have been a significant matter, but in the present situation, it doesn't matter anymore, as Caponia can enhance the power of the clan.

Moreover, as a being who has lived for thousands of years, he could see the relationship between Rhodes and Caponia; the two were lovers, otherwise Rhodes would not have given away the Fire Phoenix.

I and Rhodes are two extremes. I don't have many companions like other elves, while Rhodes' personality is somewhat similar to that of an elf, and he likes to find a partner.

Chapter 185 Alternatives to the Sunwell: Holy Light Energy

Kael'thas took a deep breath and nodded: "Rhodes, we are heading to the Alliance camp near the ruins of Dalaran, where Marshal Garithos's troops are stationed."

"Although... I don't have high hopes for those human bureaucrats; his attitude towards non-human races isn't very good." Kael'thas's tone carried a hint of barely perceptible helplessness.

According to the intelligence he had gathered, this human Grand Marshal named Garithos was extremely unfriendly to races other than humans. Whether it was dwarves or gnomes, they did not have a good impression of this human Grand Marshal.

“Garisus? Who does he think he is? When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” Rhodes sneered. “That self-important fool, Kyle, you don’t need to worry about him too much.”

Now that I have returned, the command of the remaining forces in Lordaeron will no longer be in the hands of that narrow-minded fellow. Princess Calia is safe and sound in Kalimdor.

As her appointed regent, I have the responsibility and the right to rebuild. The Alliance needs every warrior willing to fight the Scourge, especially you and your blood elves.” Rhodes waved his hand.

My return to Kalimdor also has another mission: to remove this so-called Grand Marshal. If the Alliance really needs a Grand Marshal, then that person will not be Garithos.

Putting everything else aside, is Uther unsuitable for this role? Or is he simply unsuitable himself?

“Regent… I had forgotten you had that title,” Kael'thas said.

“This is indeed unexpected good news. If you were to lead the Alliance’s army, the prospects for cooperation would be much brighter than I had imagined.” At least Rhodes understood the value of the blood elves, unlike some human nobles who were simply prejudiced.

"We will face the challenges ahead together, Kayle," Rhodes said firmly. "The Scourge is our common enemy."

"Now, take me to your camp! We need to discuss the current situation in detail, as well as our next steps. By the way, I'd also like to know the specific difficulties you're facing regarding magic addiction..." Rhodes lowered his voice at the end.

Kael'thas's expression hardened. He gave Rhodes a deep look, nodded, and gestured for him to come this way. "This way, my old friend. We do have many things to discuss. Welcome to the Blood Elves' temporary camp. Though simple, I hope it will not be too much of a burden on you, the esteemed Regent."

Rhodes smiled and gestured for Kael'thas to follow. The two leaders walked side by side into the depths of the camp, with Jaina and Maiev following behind.

Kael'thas led Rhodes and his party through the somewhat chaotic but orderly camp. The blood elf warriors bowed to the prince, their gazes lingering curiously on Rhodes, Jaina, and especially the striking Maiev.

In the center of the camp, several large tents were used as command posts. After entering one of them, Kael'thas signaled the guards to wait outside, leaving only Caponia and a few core mage advisors behind.

"As you can see, Rhodes, we are indeed in a big problem." Kael'thas waved his hand, creating a simple soundproof barrier, his voice heavy with weariness.

"Our situation is dire. The destruction of the Sunwell has not only taken away the source of our power, but also... the very pillar of survival for many of our people. Our race has developed a craving for magic, commonly known as magic addiction, which is a terrible curse."

"Magic addiction... it is more terrible than any enemy. It erodes my people from within. Without the replenishment of arcane energy, many of my brethren are gradually becoming weak, restless, and even... beginning to show terrible signs of degeneration."

They lost all reason, and even their originally beautiful appearance changed, becoming incredibly ugly and even nauseating. It's hard to imagine that our most beautiful elves would turn into such a terrifying creature.

"We must find a new energy source, or... a way to mitigate it. Otherwise, even without the Scourge, the Sin'dorei could self-destruct." Kael'thas told Rhodes about the current situation.

Although it has only been a few months, the Blood Elf race has already begun to experience problems, with some residents who have lived near the Sunwell for many years undergoing mutations.

Kael'thas's words revealed a deep sense of powerlessness, something Rhodes had never seen in this proud prince before. The loss of his kingdom, his family, his father, and the threat to the survival of his race—these heavy burdens were almost crushing him.

“We foresaw this kind of thing 1 years ago. You should have given up the pursuit of magical power long ago, but your ancestors didn’t listen. If you hadn’t created the Sunwell, none of this would have happened today,” Maiev said with a cold snort.

On his way here, he had already learned about his fellow countrymen on another continent from Rhodes, and now, from the prince's words, he was even more certain of his guess.

This is because, although the Burning Legion is a subordinate organization of the Burning Legion, it is undeniable that the Sunwell has once again attracted the Burning Legion, just like the Well of Eternity did back then.

“Madam, my family has some records of your night elves. We voluntarily left to pursue the power of magic, but that doesn’t mean we did anything wrong,” Kael’thas said, frowning.

“Face reality. Magic is a curse to us elves. Perhaps the destruction of your Sunwell is a good thing, so you can learn to rely on power without magic,” Maiev said.

Upon hearing this, the blood elf advisor mages present frowned, clearly disapproving of the night elf's statement, but refrained from reacting due to Rhodes' presence.

“Alright, Maiev, please say less. The Blood Elf race is facing a life-or-death crisis right now, and they need help more than ever before,” Rhodes said, glancing at Maiev.

The Night Elves were already on the verge of splitting 1 years ago, when the Highborne oppression of ordinary Night Elf civilians had reached an unimaginable level.

For example, the Highborne at that time treated ordinary night elf civilians as slaves, completely disregarding their lives.

Ultimately, it even attracted the Burning Legion, a devastating weapon that nearly destroyed all of Azeroth, all because of magic.

Illidan was originally a hero who fought against the Burning Legion, and his crimes had already been forgiven. However, Illidan put the Well of Eternity back down, which resulted in him being imprisoned for 1 years. Even after his release, he was hunted down by Maiev.

“Then let’s help them, Archdruid Rhodes. Perhaps you can teach them the ways of the druids, so they can harness the power of nature and have faith in it,” Maiev said.

The title "Archdruid" surprised Kael'thas. As a prince of the blood elves, he naturally knew what druid represented, especially an archdruid.

This is a very prestigious title. Even among the night elves, only the most outstanding and respected individuals can be called Archdruids.

But Rhodes had only been in Kalimdor for a few months, and he was a mage before. Although they hadn't known each other for long, Kael'thas could see Rhodes's pursuit of power.

Although he can use the power of Holy Light, Rhodes is essentially using magic-driven Holy Light. He does not believe in Holy Light himself, and is fundamentally different from those paladins and priests.

“I understand your concerns, Kyle. That’s one of the reasons I was so eager to come and meet you. We must address the issue of your addiction,” Rhodes said.

"You have a way?" A spark of hope suddenly ignited in Kael'thas's eyes, and even the other mage advisors beside him held their breath and looked over.

Jaina also looked at Rhodes. She knew that Rhodes always brought surprises; he had mentioned this to her when they were in the Broken Isles.

"The Night Elf race had a traitor who was imprisoned for 1 years because he created a new Well of Eternity."

He has water from the Well of Eternity in his hand. I can ask him for this bottle of water from the Well of Eternity. If you have a new bottle of water from the Well of Eternity, then you can rebuild the Sunwell.” Rhodes smiled and stated his solution.

"But until then, you'll have to be patient for now. By the way, have you tried absorbing other forms of energy? For example, the power of holy light."

Rhodes extended his palm, and a pure and warm holy light energy gathered in his palm, radiating a reassuring glow. This was completely different from the feeling of arcane energy, yet it contained the same powerful force, and was gentler, and the blood elves were very familiar with it.

In the original timeline, the final being the Naaru, beings of the Holy Light, had their essence purified the Sunwell, transforming this sacred site of the Blood Elves into a place dominated by Holy Light and supplemented by Arcane energy.

"Holy Light?" Kael'thas frowned slightly.

“I’m afraid that won’t work. Rhodes, our blood elf race used to have many priests, but since the Sunwell was destroyed, most of them have lost their connection to the Holy Light,” Kael’thas said with a sigh.

"I can help your priests regain the Holy Light. Just let them absorb some Holy Light energy; that should at least alleviate the situation for now," Rhodes said after dispersing the Holy Light from his hand.

Holy Light energy was the first Force that Rhodes encountered after arriving in Azeroth, and now Rhodes has come up with a way to make the Blood Elves use Holy Light.

The principle is similar to that of the Blood Knights of the future, which extracts energy from the Holy Light creatures. And Rhodes just happens to have a free Holy Light element that he can extract.

Moreover, all that's needed now is a little respite; the real way out for the future is still the well of eternity.

Chapter 186 Holy Light Element: What would happen if the Phoenix were infused with holy light?

An incredulous light shone in the eyes of Kael'thas and the advisor mages. Rebuilding the Sunwell! This was the ultimate dream that all blood elves dared not even imagine, yet yearned for day and night!

"The water of the Well of Eternity? Is that really possible?" An advisor's voice trembled with excitement. "You mean Illidan Stormrage? He really has... that legendary well water."

Even for the ancient elves, the Great Divide 1 years ago was a story in history, or even in mythology.

Rhodes's mention of the eternal water is like telling a modern person, "I've picked some immortal peaches from the Kunlun Mountains for you to eat."

“That’s right.” Rhodes nodded firmly. “It’s a bottle of spring water containing endless arcane energy. It’s the key to rebuilding the source of magic. I will try to get it from him, but it will take time and the process will not be easy.”

Perhaps after returning from 1 years ago, his attitude towards Illidan will become that of true allies, but right now Illidan still has some distrust towards Rhodes, something Rhodes could sense last time at the Tomb of Sargeras.

Last time, Rhodes helped Illidan obtain the Eye of Sargeras, but this time Rhodes wants to give Illidan a warning, after all, he can't let Illidan actually sink the continent of Northrend.

But his methods will definitely be gentler than those of Tyrande, Malfurion, Maiev, and others.

Rhodes changed the subject and returned to reality: "So, before that, we must stabilize the situation. Although the power of holy light is different from arcane magic, it is just as powerful and pure."

Your loss of connection may be because the shock and despair of the destruction of the Sunwell has obscured your connection with the Light, rather than because the Light itself has abandoned you.

Rhodes' words caused the blood elf advisors, who were originally priests, to exchange bewildered glances, a faint spark rekindling in their eyes. How could they not yearn for that warm, healing power?

"As for how to 'absorb' it..." Rod paused, a thought flickering in his mind.

In an instant, a holy light elemental, entirely formed from radiant holy light and exuding an aura of reassurance and awe, appeared in the tent. She maintained a sacred feminine appearance and radiated pure goodwill and power.

"Rhodes, you mean to let my people absorb the power within this Holy Light elemental to alleviate their symptoms, right?" Kael'thas asked, looking at the Holy Light elemental in front of him.

“You’re right, Kyle, that’s my plan, but it’s just a temporary measure. If we act quickly, we can repair the Sunwell soon, and then all your people can be saved,” Rhodes said.

“But Rhodes, this Holy Light element is, strictly speaking, a variant of the Fire element, just like the previous Blazing Fire element. Some of our priests here can indeed try to absorb the Holy Light power within, but what about the residents of Quel'Thalas?” Kael'thas asked.

The energy within the Holy Light elementals is indeed enormous, but they can only satisfy 3 to 4 blood elf priests at most, not to mention Quel'Thalas, with its massive population. There are also hundreds of thousands of ordinary blood elf civilians waiting in Silvermoon City.

“I’m sorry, the people of Quel’Thalas will have to wait a while longer. I assure you I will obtain the Fountain of Eternity within a month at most. These Holy Light elements can first satisfy the priests in your army. They have no reason or life consciousness; they are pure energy entities. You can let your priests absorb this energy without worry,” Rhodes said.

To solve the entire problem of the Blood Elves, the Holy Light element is definitely not enough. The only solution is to rely on the Well of Eternity or find a way to purify the water within it.

The waters of the Sunwell were corrupted after being transformed by the lich Kel'Thuzad. Theoretically, reversing this corruption would allow the Sunwell to evolve back to its original state.

But this is only in theory. The true essence of the Sunwell has been transformed into a human girl named Anveena, who was magically created by the red dragon Krasus, who also used magical energy to conjure a father and mother for her.

At this time, Anveena should have just been born and was living with her false father and mother near Tarren Mill. If the Sunwell is to be completely repaired, then the embodiment of the Sunwell needs to be completely sacrificed.

Then find a sacred object, such as a powerful elemental of holy light, and at least a hundred of them, plus one more creature with even greater holy light power, such as an angel of holy light, or the legendary creature of holy light, the Naaru. Only then can the shadow and death power in the Sunwell be purified.

However, doing so would mean certain death for the girl named Anvina. Rhodes' approach, on the other hand, is simpler and more effective: simply bringing a bottle of water from the Well of Eternity directly from the source would solve everything.

Actually, there is a bug in the game. According to the game's storyline, Illidan should have already handed over the Well of Eternity to Kael'thas.

However, Kael'thas did not bring the spring water back to Quel'Thalas to repair the Sunwell. Instead, he let the players destroy Tempest Keep and obtained the water from the Well of Eternity. This spring water was later used to maintain the time portal at Mount Hyjal.

The other bottle of water from the Well of Eternity was found on Lady Vashj. Rhodes speculated that Kael'thas at that time had been completely corrupted by Kil'jaeden and had succumbed to fel energy.

Kil'jaeden also told Kael'thas about his plan. Rhodes guessed that the contents of their deal were that Kil'jaeden would first use the powerful energy from the Sunwell to descend upon Azeroth.

After that, Kael'thas used the water from the Well of Eternity to create a new Sunwell, because if he had used it then, the Sunwell would have been destroyed when Kil'jaeden arrived.

This should be the most perfect explanation. Of course, if the Burning Legion really did take over Azeroth and turn the world of Azeroth into one of the Burning Legion's planets, the Sunwell would probably also become a well of fel energy, and the entire blood elf race would succumb to fel energy.

"Regent Lord Lordaeron, regardless of the outcome, the Sunstrider family will never forget the hope you have given the Sin'dorei today!"

"From this day forward, you will be Quel'Thalas... no, the Blood Elves' most honored friend and most steadfast ally!" Kael'thas's tone was more solemn and sincere than ever before.

Rhodes made a promise to him, and he had to reciprocate in kind. The other blood elves in the tent also stood up solemnly and gave Rhodes an elven salute.

"There's no time to lose, Kyle. Bring those of your kind who are most tormented by magic addiction, and the priests who have lost their power, here. I will guide the Holy Light elements to assist them in their first attempt."

"Caponia, you come too. Your Phoenix Force is essentially a powerful energy, which may help you better adapt to and guide this foreign holy light," Rhodes said.

In fact, Rhodes had a vague guess in his mind that the Phoenix was also a type of unit in the Elemental City and a kind of elemental creature. Since fire elementals could be infected by the power of holy light, and earth elementals could be infected by the power of life, angels could be strengthened by the energy of holy light, and great demons could also accept the power of evil energy.

So, can a phoenix be infected by divine power? For example, become a phoenix of holy light? Just like an angel. Rhode plans to test this out later.

“I understand, Rhodes,” Caponia replied immediately. Although she didn’t know what Rhodes meant by asking her to summon the phoenix, she did as she was told.