In Kalimdor, the once sparsely vegetated Barrens had been completely transformed by the Templars.
Under Galen's plan, the entire Barrens was being reforested, using the Oasis of Forgetfulness, Sweetwater Oasis, and Stagnant Oasis as bases.
A diverse array of trees was planted, including northern night elf oak, high elf maple, Silverpine Forest pine, and trees from across Azeroth. The diluted Living Water ensured a high survival rate for the saplings.
This miracle drew the attention of many night elf druids. The renowned Naralex and his apprentices took up residence in the Crusader Fortress to study these newcomers' impact on the Barrens.
To keep Naralex from interfering with Galen's reforestation efforts and to protect the Living Water's secret, Galen's invited the tauren Hamuul Runetotem to discuss druidism with him.
Ten days after Galen's and his companions returned from the Tomb of Sargeras, a meeting was held in the Crusader Fortress's central town hall.
"Madam, how is the Storm Altar progressing?" Galen asked, eager for news.
Sylvanas was waiting for him in Minas Tirith!
He had left a message saying he was developing the Storm Altar to enhance their strength. Returning empty-handed would be disastrous, and Galen wanted to avoid that.
"The rune channel for energy transmission is complete," Aegwynn replied, looking at Galen approvingly. She had thought him a magical novice after his reaction to the Eye of Sargeras.
But in the past ten days, Galen had mastered the Storm Altar and offered crucial suggestions, providing new insights for her and Medivh's research.
He's not a novice at all; he's incredibly gifted.
Aegwynn didn't know that Galen had help from the heroic spirits of Gul'dan and Zul'jin!
With these two Draenor spellcasting masters advising him, Galen easily impressed everyone, further endearing the Crusader forces to Aegwynn.
"I've settled over a hundred ogres in Sweetwater Oasis," Galen continued. The ogres, with no natural predators and ample food and drink, were thriving.
"Let them test the Storm Altar first. We'll use it on humans and high elves after further improvements. "
"No problem, Highlord." Aegwynn and Medivh were now Galen's chief magical advisors, easing the burden on Gandalf. Gandalf was busy building his reputation in Dalaran and teaching apprentices. He had recently taken in a red-haired young man and was enjoying himself.
Aegwynn and Medivh didn't go to Dalaran because the Guardian lineage was notorious among human mages. They were respected by dragons and elves only because of their demon-slaying efforts.
With everything in order, Galen prepared to return to Minas Tirith.
During the past ten days, the enslaved Dreadlord, had repeatedly rebelled. Fortunately, the Crusader Fortress's defenses easily subdued him.
Galen wanted to Lightforge Mephistroth as soon as possible, ensuring his loyalty. He believed the Heart of Origin could directly overwrite Mephistroth's will.
Also, the Alliance was winning against the Horde. Danath and Galen Lad had liberated Ironforge and Gnomeregan. Grand Marshal Lothar was planning to attack the Burning Steppes, and Galen needed to intervene.
In Ironforge, the Alliance generals were meeting.
The Alliance had been formed a year ago, and the war had been raging for just as long. Now, victory seemed near, and the generals were pleased.
It had been a brutal year for the Eastern Kingdoms. People died constantly, and the nobles were strained. They had to conscript their people and open their granaries to support the Alliance.
They had suffered greatly and were eager to claim their rewards after the war. They wanted to attack Blackrock Spire immediately, help the Wrynn family reclaim Elwynn Forest, and drive the orcs back to the Dark Portal.
But Garrosh had asked them to halt their offensive, and Lothar had agreed!
This frustrated the nobles in the rear.
Under pressure, Lothar called this meeting, waiting for Garrosh to explain.
Soon, Galen arrived in Ironforge on a gryphon. He hadn't been to the nearest teleportation point in Dun Morogh, so he had to return to the Arathi Highlands first.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"