The one-month deadline was fast approaching, and the Blood Mage's summoning required five days. Galen could only hastily return to Molten Core to hand over the Brilliant Starstone in his possession to the blacksmiths stationed there.
Galen had assembled a powerful team of blacksmiths. The weapons he had previously given to his companions were all made by this group of top-tier blacksmiths.
This group of blacksmiths included: Bornett, the master blacksmith of the Thorium Brotherhood; Davik, the descendant of Flavon Foreforge of Blackrock Depths; Bromm Casthammer of the Wildhammer dwarves and his daughter Aina Casthammer; Bengus Deepforge of Ironforge; the goblin great elementalist Creek Wick and Ron Seuss of the human Mithril Brotherhood.
In addition to these resident master blacksmiths, the Bronzebeard brothers would occasionally come to this place to borrow the facilities, especially Magni, who came most frequently. After all, Molten Core used magma fire close to the Earth's core, which was much stronger than the surface magma in Ironforge.
Galen's greatest hope was that Magni Bronzebeard, the King of Ironforge and the most outstanding blacksmith in Azeroth, would personally preside over the forging of the new artifact, Ashbringer, also known as the Great Crusader's Sword.
Galen detailed the characteristics of the Brilliant Starstone and the appearance of the weapon on the blueprints, and then had the members of the Blacksmith Association invite Magni to come. For a top blacksmith like Magni, materials like the Brilliant Starstone and Titansteel were the main materials for artifacts. What could be more tempting than forging an artifact?
After doing all this, Galen did not wait for Dath'Remar's casting to finish. He returned to Draenor first.
On the open space between Shattrath City and Tuurem, the 160,000-strong Draenor Allied Forces had completed their assembly and were waiting for the order to move out.
At the forefront were the last elite of the Draenei, the Shield of Velen Guard belonging to Prophet Velen. They wore silver-white armor, carried a round shield in their left hand, and a square-headed warhammer in their right. Their tall figures, coupled with the armored elekks under their crotches, exuded an aura of ferocity.
Behind the Shield of Velen were the somewhat disorganized ogre armies. Compared to the Highmaul armies of pure ogres, the Dota ogres were mixed with some cyclops and Gronn. Even Gruul's seven sons were all dispatched, their tall figures quite conspicuous among the ogres.
These ogres were equipped with huge steel armor and huge spiked clubs, plus spiked armor on their shoulders. In Galen's opinion, they really had some of the shadows of the Iron Horde.
On the right flank were the orc armies of Nagrand. Most of these orcs came from the Frostwolf Clan. Their skin color was brown, and pure blood was their greatest pride. They adhered to the ancient orc traditions, held honor in their hearts, and held frostwolf battle axes that shimmered with cold light, wearing horned war helmets, with snow-white dire wolves standing beside them!
On the left flank were the warriors of the Tiger People tribe. Their original bone spears and bone claws were all replaced with metal spears and metal fist blades. The simple leather armor they originally wore was also replaced with level three leather armor provided by their families. Their combat power had increased by at least 50%!
Countless high-level arakkoa circled in the sky, covering the sky and the sun. They held golden wing blades and wore specially made light armor. Regardless of their combat power, their appearance directly crushed the exiled arakkoa mage corps in the corner.
It is worth mentioning that Keristrasza's arakkoa also went all out this time, dispatching twenty dread ravens.
Ravens have always been known in the world of Draenor for their great strength and violent nature. With a wingspan of at least seven or eight meters, they were once the overlords of the Draenor sky. They were also the offspring protected by Anzu, obeying the will of this Raven God.
The most talented arakkoa, recognized by Anzu, formed an elite squad called the Skyguard. Although small in number, they were incredibly powerful. A Skyguard in the sky could at least fight against fifty high-level arakkoa.
In addition to the Draenor Allied Forces, around the Path of Glory defense line in the northwest corner, there were also the First to Seventh Legions of the Crusader Army, plus the Stormwing Gryphon Knights, the Freedomwing Gryphon Knights, the Riftwing Dragonhawk Knights, and the Varrokal First Knights, totaling more than 80,000 troops!
The Crusader Army was the most neat and uniform of all the formations, full of discipline. They wore uniform red and white armor, and their swords and shields were polished to a shine. They were all elite troops who had experienced difficult battles!
Velen, along with the leaders of the various races, reviewed these 200,000 troops on the city walls of Shattrath City!
"Warriors of Draenor! The fallen orcs have joined the evil Burning Legion. They want to destroy our world. They have slaughtered the city of Shattrath, they have killed the high chieftain in Highmaul, they have enslaved the Gronn, persecuted the Tiger People, and invading Auchindoun. They have committed many evils, which are too numerous to list!"
"Under the leadership of Gul'dan and Ner'zhul, they use fel energy, polluting the land, causing the land to lose its vitality and the grain to wither into barren land!"
"Many of our brothers and sisters, parents and children have starved to death one after another. Once, we had conflicts and wars, but today we gather here, we have a common purpose! We must severely punish the evil Horde, judge their crimes! Expel their demon masters behind them from Draenor!"
"I! Velen! Prophet of the Draenei! I swear, I will never rest until the demons of the Burning Legion are destroyed!"
"Warriors of the Draenor Allied Forces!"
"Raise our weapons! Charge towards evil!"
"All troops!"
"Attack!"
"War!"
"War!"
"War!"
Velen's pre-war speech was amplified and broadcast by the Draenei mages and technicians using the method of soul whispers.
Every warrior who had gathered understood Velen's words. They remembered the deaths of their loved ones! They remembered the suffering their race had endured over the past decade!
Understanding the truth, they were filled with righteous indignation, and their hearts were filled with fighting spirit. They couldn't wait to rush out of Talador into Tanaan Jungle now and kill all the culprits!
"Velen has finally stood up!"
"In fact, the Prophet is a great leader!"
At the rear of the Crusader Army formation, on the Path of Glory mountain range at the junction of Talador and Tanaan, Galen and Medivh, master and apprentice, were watching Velen's rally from afar.
Previously, Galen and the Draenor Allied Forces had already discussed that he would not interfere with Velen's command. When the general offensive began, the 160,000 troops of the Draenor Allied Forces would enter Tanaan and advance north, removing the Bleeding Hollow Clan's territory, Zeth'gor, and the Arakkoa's former stronghold, Karabor, before attacking Hellfire Citadel.
The Crusader Army would advance south, attacking the former Draenei temple, Shanaar, along the way, and finally meet with the Draenor Allied Forces at Hellfire Citadel!
It was a simple battle plan, without excessive embellishments or strategies; it was simply a frontal crush.
The tribe appeared to have a million people, with perhaps half as combatants, but tormented by the aftereffects of demon blood, Galen estimated that only two hundred thousand would be truly capable fighters. Furthermore, Ner'zhul needed to divide his forces to guard their ancestral home in Shadowmoon Valley, as the withered Tanaan Jungle alone couldn't sustain such a large population.
In fact, besides these two major armies, Galen had a third.
Hellfire Citadel was, after all, a large military fortress built by the combined strength of the Orcish race. Its walls were tall and sturdy, and the outer perimeter was covered with spikes. If the Orcs eventually abandoned their outer territories and retreated into the fortress, attacking such a formidable stronghold would undoubtedly cost the Alliance countless soldiers.
Therefore, the third army was Galen's fallback plan!
Gandalf would lead the Tidefury Legion as the vanguard, Therma Plumspigot and her gnomish pilots would command the airship squadron, Gazlowe and his goblins would unleash the steam tank division, and the Ashran dockyards would deploy fifty destroyers. A combined sea, land, and air assault would blanket Hellfire Citadel with firepower, a barrage of shells!
How could you not be afraid!
Galen had spent years accumulating airships and tanks, and the mechanical legion he had assembled was finally about to see its first battle on Draenor!
"Khadgar, you will be the commander of this army, leading the eighty thousand troops of the Crusade."
"Good luck, Commander!"
In the end, Galen still placed the burden on Khadgar! He wanted him to experience the feeling of having to lead from the front, overcoming obstacles and completing various tasks, just because he was called 'Commander'!
"But, Galen! I..."
Khadgar tried to decline, but Galen interrupted him: "Didn't you do a great job last month? Fighting back and forth with the Bleeding Hollow clan on the front lines!"
"Believe in yourself, you can do it!"
Galen patted Khadgar on the shoulder, and Medivh nodded in agreement with Galen's statement.
Then, without giving Khadgar a chance, they vanished in two flashes of white light, leaving the hilltop.
It was just a small experience; in reality, as the supreme commander, Khadgar only needed to manage the legion commanders.
The difficulty wasn't high, and the burden wasn't heavy. Apart from the three airship legions without appointed commanders, which required him to spend some effort directing, Omar, Varrokal, Hennie, Fadhil, Fralar, and Durin were all trusted subordinates who had risen through the ranks with Galen. They had experienced the brutal Orcish wars and had become qualified generals capable of holding their own.
The old ranger Hawkesbill of the Sixth Legion was an even more seasoned veteran, and even Nathanos, the commander of the Seventh Legion with the least experience, was a cautious individual who would never act rashly without orders.
Hellfire Citadel.
Kargath Bladefist, the commander stationed there, stood anxiously on the city wall, gazing below. In the training grounds, the Orcs performing drills were mostly listless as they swung their weapons. If he hadn't demanded that everyone who could still move participate in the drills, the number of participants would probably be halved.
The aftereffects of the demon blood were too potent. Once the impulses, brutality, and bloodlust subsided, only a strong will could overcome the emptiness in their hearts.
Now, most Orcs just wanted to lie down and do nothing, and only a few soldiers could maintain a strong desire to fight! Such as Kargath's elite Shattered Hand clan warriors and the five thousand elites left behind by the Warsong clan.
The only good news was that Hellfire Citadel had plenty of stored supplies, resources plundered from most of the world!
"Chieftain!!"
The newcomer was Wazd, his messenger, who was running anxiously towards the city wall.
"What's the panic!" Kargath frowned. He himself was a cruel and bloodthirsty being, a man who could be ruthless even to himself, an Orc who had severed his own hand to break free from shackles. Later, he founded the Shattered Hand clan, demanding that Orcs who wanted to join the clan must sever one of their hands.
With this ruthlessness, the Shattered Hand clan was able to rise to become one of the seven major clans of Draenor in just a few years, while the other six clans had been developing for hundreds of years!
"What happened?"
Facing his confidant, Kargath still had some patience.
"The Bleeding Hollow clan to the west sends an urgent message! A large number of enemies are approaching our defenses! The Bleeding Hollow clan needs support!"
The messenger Wazd finished delivering the latest news in one breath, then looked at his chieftain with trepidation.
"Do you know who the enemy is? Those Azeroth humans in red armor?" Kargath was stunned and asked for detailed information.
"It is said... it is said that they are other forces from Draenor, there are Gronn, Ogres, Draenei, Arakkoa, and, and..."
The messenger Wazd hesitated.
"And what! Speak!"
"And our brethren, brown Orcs!"
"Those defeated losers?"
"Brown Orcs? From Nagrand?"
"How could they unite?"
Faced with the sudden news, Kargath was at a loss. It was too unbelievable. No one knew the conflicts between these races better than these chieftains. How could they put aside their differences and act together?
Unless!
There was a powerful external force!
Those interlopers calling themselves the Crusade!
As a generation of heroes, Kargath guessed the truth through speculation.
"Kilrogg, that old fox, is known for being cunning, but he doesn't need to lie about this. He has already failed once in Azeroth and doesn't want to fail again."
There was also discord among the Orcish clans, but Kargath still chose to believe Kilrogg: "You send someone to pass this message to the Warchief of the Black Temple, and at the same time send out Shattered Hand assassins to investigate the specific number of enemies!"
"Yes, Chieftain!"
The messenger Wazd came and went in a hurry. Draenor had not yet exploded at this time, and many creatures had not been mutated by the void energy outside the planet, so Wazd had not yet been able to obtain his Void Dragon mount.
All the dragon eggs in Gorgrond were taken by the Golden Holy Dragon clan, and it is estimated that there will be no Void Dragons in the future.
Not only are there no Void Dragon mounts, but there may not even be Void Rays.
"Warriors of the Shattered Hand Legion!"
"Assemble!"
After a commotion, the soldiers of the Shattered Hand quickly assembled under the call of the Shattered Hand centurions.
"Gargoma, you lead the warriors of the legion to garrison at the Bleeding Hollow Hunting Grounds, and await my orders!"
At the main gate of Hellfire Citadel, the Shattered Hand Legion quickly left Hellfire Citadel through a towering bridge and set off to the west!
On Ashran Island, Gandalf was using mass teleportation to send the Tank Legion and the Raging Tide Legion to Tanaan Jungle in the west, batch by batch.
The scene of white light flashing made the watching gnomes and the teleported goblins marvel.
"Oh, my dear uncle, that white-bearded human's teleportation is so powerful!" A small gnome with a white beard and wearing a blue and red mage robe said in a sharp voice to Thermaplugg next to him.
"Millhouse, you better behave. I know you've been researching teleportation, trying to find my old brother who's lost in the void, but you better not get any ideas about Master Gandalf. He's the number two figure in the Crusade, a powerhouse comparable to Antonidas!"
Thermaplugg sternly warned his friend's son and niece's husband.
At the same time, he sighed in his heart. Millhouse used to be such a smart and witty young man, but because he often teleported to dangerous spatial rifts and was affected by chaotic energy, his brain often short-circuited, causing him to do unexpected things.
Poor Milhouse's niece, marrying an idiot husband!
"Oh, don't worry, Uncle Thermaplugg. I can't beat Master Gandalf now, but I will ask him about the knowledge of space teleportation!"
Millhouse raised his head, and the long mustache on the corner of his mouth looked particularly funny.
"Oh? What questions do you want to ask Gandalf?"
Two white lights flashed, and Galen and Medivh arrived at Ashran together.
"Gu… Guar… Guardian?"
Millhouse, who had just had an arrogant expression, changed his face after seeing the chicken leg staff in Medivh's hand, and his speech became stuttering.
"You know me?"
Medivh was a little puzzled. He didn't remember ever seeing this gnome.
"Highlord, he is Millhouse Manastorm, a famous mage from Gnomeregan," High Tinker Thermaplugg introduced his junior to Galen and Medivh.
Oh?
Galen was stunned after hearing this, and remembered this funny character in the instance, a gnome mage who repeatedly jumped between the justice and evil camps and survived well in the end.
This is a gnome with a problem in his brain. It is said that he studied teleportation magic in order to find his father. In the end, the spell failed. Although he survived, his sanity was damaged and he became a little crazy.
Naaru ship, Twilight Furnace, Draenor Fortress, Fel Fortress of the Broken Isles, he goes wherever it is dangerous. He is also the only mage who survived after teleportation failure and being lost in another dimension.
His wife, Millificent, had not seen her husband return for many years. Believing that her husband was alive, she embarked on a journey to find him, but the aimless search eventually made her delirious. She created many destructive weapons to clear obstacles. In the end, she was targeted by the Kirin Tor Council and imprisoned in the Violet Hold.
This is incompatible with the gnome clan who likes to be alone and quietly do engineering research. The Manastorm couple have also become famous figures in Gnomeregan.
At this time, Medivh spoke: "Manastorm? Is Magnus Manastorm your relative?"
"That's my father. He disappeared more than a hundred years ago. It is said that he was exiled into the void!"
Millhouse's tone was full of loss. The Manastorm family used to be extremely prosperous. His father was even more talented, but after his disappearance, Millhouse lost his guide and could only study the magic books passed down from the family by himself.
"You are very good."
Medivh inexplicably praised him and then stopped talking. Galen gave him a strange look.
"Millhouse, are you interested in becoming my follower? The Crusade's journey is the sea of stars. You have also seen that this Draenor is the first planet outside of Azeroth that we have set foot on. In the future, we will go to more star fields in the universe. Perhaps one day we will get news of your father. This is much easier than you looking for him alone."
"You are Thermaplugg's nephew, and you will be my nephew in the future. I am happy to help you!"
Galen turned on the flickering mode. A gnome who has made a name for himself in Azeroth is worth Galen's words. This funny guy is still good, and the most important thing is that his luck is so scary. Which mage dares to teleport wherever it is dangerous like him? The relatives and friends at home would have eaten enough feasts long ago!
Millhouse's eyes widened. With just a few words, his seniority dropped to the bottom. After all, he is also a gnome of several hundred years old!
"I can be your follower, as for nephew or something, let's forget it!" Millhouse said, and in front of Galen, he stroked his white beard, trying to emphasize his age. "Please give me more advice in the future, Highlord!"
"Welcome to join! The Crusade will not let you down!"
Galen had a smile on his face. It doesn't matter if you are funny, it doesn't matter if you are mentally retarded, as long as you can fight. Moreover, Millhouse can be regarded as the ceiling of social bullsh*t. He knows Bwonsamdi and traded magic essence. It's good to be crazy. He can join the Twilight's Hammer and become a high-level member. The Burning Legion has also trusted him!
The most important thing is to buy one get one free. Millhouse's wife, Millificent Manastorm, is an engineering genius with extraordinary technology. She seems to be the complete opposite of her husband Millhouse, smart and witty. This free gift is what Galen needs most.
After the two parties reached an agreement, Galen and Millhouse signed a confidentiality agreement to ensure that he would not reveal the Crusade's actions in Draenor in Azeroth.
As for the identity of the follower, Galen plans to wait until the Draenor matter is over, and bring Millhouse, Aegwynn, Arikas, Gruul and his seven sons, Nubordon and even the Nagrand Three back to Minas Tirith, and use the new functions of the fourth-level royal city to transform them all into followers.
With the Heart of Origin as a guarantee, it is much stronger than the ethereal master-servant contract!
The Tank Legion had left Ashran Island, and Thermaplugg and Millhouse were also preparing to launch the gnome flying machine legion to Tanaan Jungle.
At this time, Galen asked Medivh: "Medivh, do you know Millhouse's father?"
"I saw records in the ancient texts of the Guardian's Sanctum that the Manastorm family participated in the Guardian operations. Milhouse's father and my mother were colleagues in the Council of Tirisfal."
Galen really didn't know about this kind of secret history. As a lore enthusiast, he would learn about the background stories of every dungeon, but he really had no way of knowing about things like the secret archives of Tirisfal.
The Council of Tirisfal is a secret organization dedicated to hunting demons. If a member's identity is exposed, wouldn't they be visited by demons one by one?
Didn't Medivh, possessed by Sargeras, do just that?
The Council of Tirisfal was completely wiped out.
"The council records that Milhouse's father, Magnus Manastorm, was once a member of the Tirisfal Conclave and a core member of the Council of Tirisfal. He was also one of the most powerful mages in Azeroth at the time. His strength lay not only in his profound magic, but also in his vast knowledge, which was his weapon against enemies. The greater the power, the greater the curiosity. Soon, the existing magical texts could no longer satisfy his thirst for knowledge, so, with a pure purpose, he began to study those demonic tomes."
"What happened later?" Galen could roughly guess what the ending would be. Anything related to fel energy was never good.
"Galen, you know the corrupting power of fel energy. Magnus Manastorm was indeed exceptionally talented. He quickly learned those forbidden spells. Fel fire howled, and violent energy raged within him. Like everyone who pursues ultimate power, the chaotic power twisted his mind."
"The council approached my mother, hoping she could help Tirisfal clean house. Everyone worked together to try to control Mana Storm. After all, he had contributed a lot to Azeroth, and the Tirisfal Conclave couldn't bear to destroy him. Later, three of the conclave members who participated in the capture died and two were seriously injured. My mother had no choice but to use magic to open a void rift and banish him!"
That was roughly the story. Galen listened with great interest. Even Ms. Aegwynn, along with five experts from the conclave, had difficulty subduing him. Note that they wanted to spare Magnus's life. If Medivh's mother had really gone all out, this newly transitioned warlock would have been blasted into smithereens by the contemporary Guardian.
"So, if Magnus didn't die, he would most likely defect to the Burning Legion and become one of them?"
Galen understood the implication. No wonder Medivh's expression was so strange just now. Besides the fact that Aegwynn banished Magnus, Magnus, whether dead or alive, would be difficult for Milhouse to accept.
Whatever, it's not even certain whether Magnus is dead or alive. We'll talk about the future later. Galen is a typical 'drink today and worry tomorrow' kind of guy.
"Your Highness, the Eastern Route army is assembled and ready to move out at any time."
A white light flashed, and Gandalf arrived at Galen's side with a relaxed expression.
Galen complained inwardly that this flash of white light was becoming standard for the Crusader high command's appearances!
Galen glanced at Gandalf. The old guy's white robe and long white beard made him look like an immortal, getting closer and closer to the image in his mind.
The Ebony Chill had greatly enhanced Gandalf's strength. The tank legion and the Tidewalker legion, more than 10,000 people plus the teleportation of the tanks, didn't even leave a trace of fatigue on his face.
Galen glanced at the eastern coast of Tanaan through the strategic map. The tank legion was neatly arranged on the plain, with white smoke constantly coming out of the chimneys.
Behind the tank formation was the Tidewalker legion, neatly dressed. After the Scarlet Legion completed its overall transition, the Tidewalker legion was Galen's focus for development. As long as they gained enough experience this time, they could become the second legion to undergo a group transition.
Finally, there were the gnome flying machines circling in the sky, densely packed and covering the sky!
Galen expressed his satisfaction.
"The commander of the Western Route army is Khadgar. This is an exercise for him. You don't need to interfere too much. When the Draenor coalition forces and Khadgar encircle the area, then you move out. Pay attention to controlling the speed of the advance. Remember to leave one side open, leaving the passage north of Hellfire Citadel to Kil'jaeden's Throne open."
This was also one of Galen's plans. Because Draenor, unlike Azeroth, does not have a spatial barrier built jointly by the Titans, Draenor is like a public place for the Burning Legion. They can come and go as they please!
But Gorgrond, the shattered Frostfire Ridge, the gradually swampy Zangar Sea, the Talador jungle, the Nagrand prairie, and the Spires of Arak are already planned governance areas for Galen. What if the demons send out small groups everywhere, establishing legion portals everywhere? Wouldn't he be exhausted?
Therefore, leaving Kil'jaeden's Throne as the Burning Legion's existing passage into Draenor would make it easier for Galen to control the situation. Moreover, with Kil'jaeden's pride, he would not think that Draenor could stop him from destroying it.
This plan had already been proven effective by Illidan!
With an existing plan, Galen directly proposed it, and it was hailed as a miracle by Velen and the other high-ranking members of the Draenor coalition forces. Galen just modestly said it was a small matter.
Moreover, he had an advantage over Illidan at the time! That is, the Dark Portal had already been destroyed by Deathwing. Demigod-level powerful demons could not directly enter and could only find ways to expand the legion's dimensional gate established at Kil'jaeden's Throne!
"Gandalf, prepare to set off. You will be in charge of the progress of the plan. Discuss any problems with Prophet Velen!"
Galen and Medivh would not participate in the war in Tanaan Jungle. They had other missions.
In the Black Temple, Ner'zhul angrily threw the Taby hide letter in his hand to the ground!
"Velen! Where did he scrape together an army! Where did he get the courage! To dare to offend the Horde!"
Below the hall, Wazzik, the messenger of Hellfire Citadel, felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. A sense of oppression enveloped the hall.
"Oh, Ner'zhul looks as powerful as before! Perhaps our esteemed shaman has finally shed the weakness and doubt that Gul'dan brought him and has cheered up again. Perhaps the Horde still has a new way out!"
As Kargath's confidant and messenger, Wazzik knew a lot of inside information and also knew that this Shadowmoon Clan chieftain and great shaman had been devastated after his apprentice Gul'dan seized power.
Now Ner'zhul had reunited the remaining orc clans, making the Horde almost as powerful as it was before the first invasion of Azeroth.
Wazzik ignored those compatriots who were tormented by the aftereffects of demon blood. He didn't think they deserved to be called orc warriors.
"Shatana! Gather half of the clan's warriors. The draenei haven't learned their lesson enough. I'll go teach them a lesson!"
Ner'zhul called out to his most powerful apprentice, Shatana Bloodfury. This was the only apprentice who hadn't abandoned him after Gul'dan controlled the Shadowmoon Clan and established the Shadow Council!
"You lead the remaining clansmen to guard the Citadel of Anguish and the Black Temple well!"
"Yes! Warchief!"
That night, Ner'zhul, the wise old shaman, led half of the Shadowmoon Clan's warriors to provide support. In his view, the other commanding races of Draenor could muster at most a few hundred thousand troops. There couldn't be any other reinforcements invading Shadowmoon Valley. Therefore, Shadana only needed to deal with those annoying Whiteclaw orcs.
Ner'zhul boarded ships left behind by the draenei from the docks of the Black Temple, directly crossing the inland sea to support Hellfire Citadel.
The situation in Draenor was developing according to Galen's plan. The war in Tanaan Jungle affected the whole situation. The joint attack of the Draenor Allied Forces and the Crusade had to be taken seriously even by the current Horde. A slight carelessness would lead to national extinction. Ner'zhul's personal involvement allowed Galen to smoothly implement his next plan.
Upon receiving the news of Ner'zhul's departure, Galen immediately summoned all his legion commanders who had not yet been deployed!
"Let me introduce you all. This is Theren'dar Sunstrider, a distant relative of the Sunstrider royal family among the high elves."
Galen was also very helpless. The new hero, the elven mage who had absorbed the soul fragments, had recovered Das'maralle's memories. This guy insisted on taking the Sunstrider surname. If Galen hadn't told him that he was quite familiar with him and his descendants, in case they met one day, it would be difficult to explain that his ancestor had risen from the dead. Otherwise, Das'maralle wouldn't even change his name and would use it directly!
Of course, Galen mainly explained this to Alleria and Amor. Aragorn and Das'maralle were from the same source, so they could sense each other's existence without introduction.
"Theren'dar? There aren't many branches of the royal family. I've met them all. Why haven't I heard of you?"
Faced with Alleria's question, Galen gave Das'maralle a helpless expression. You insisted on taking the Sunstrider surname, so you have to explain it yourself.
"My father, Kael'sara, was the youngest son of our ancestor Das'maralle. Court rumors said he died young, but in fact, he gave up his right to inheritance and joined the Council of Tirisfal."
After speaking, Das'maralle summoned a huge phoenix. The fiery red phoenix illuminated everyone's faces with a red glow, and the surrounding temperature also rose a lot.
"Such pure fire element!" Alleria had obtained the power of wind in the ritual at the Storm Altar, so she was quite sensitive to the elements.
As soon as the phoenix appeared, Alleria had no more doubts. There was no better proof than this. According to seniority, this young Sunstrider named Theren'dar was also the cousin of the current Sun King, Kael'thas's uncle.
"Prince Theren'dar!" Alleria addressed Theren'dar respectfully according to noble customs.
"I have already joined the Crusade, and my father has also given up his right to inherit the throne, so there is no need to address me so respectfully!"
Galen quietly watched Das'maralle, that is, Theren'dar, spout nonsense. Anyway, turning from his grandfather into his grandson was fine. The Council of Tirisfal was once again blamed, which was really miserable. Not only were they exterminated, but they were also constantly blamed. Anyway, the dead couldn't testify, right!
"Alright, everyone, the reason for gathering you this time is to carry out the next military operation. Half of the Shadowmoon Clan's forces have already headed north by sea. Soon, Ner'zhul will be caught in the quagmire of war and will have no time to take care of Shadowmoon Valley. Therefore, we need to take this opportunity to directly take down the remaining Shadowmoon Clan and occupy the entire Shadowmoon Valley!"
After Galen spoke, both Alleria and Theren'dar quieted down and stopped talking.
"Shadowmoon Valley is surrounded by the sea on three sides. It used to be a land where the Shadowmoon Clan and the draenei lived together. Now, the draenei have lost control of this territory, and the Shadowmoon Clan has become the overlord."
"According to the latest intelligence from Garona and the Hidden Knives, there are at least 300,000 orcs in this land, with 100,000 combat-capable troops. However, Ner'zhul took away half of the warriors not long ago, so it will be much easier for us to deal with the remaining Shadowmoon Clan."
Galen pointed to the map on the table and continued, "There are two roads leading into Shadowmoon Valley on land. One is in the northwest direction, connected to Talador Forest. This route requires clearing the stronghold of the Shadow Council, Gul'var, which is where Gul'dan's warlocks left in Draenor gather, and where they train warlocks and shadow assassins."
"One is in the center, connected to the Howling Crag of Arak's Summit. The Shadowmoon Clan's Anguish Fortress is built on the only way through this passage."
"Aragorn, you lead the Stone Legion into Shadowmoon Valley from Talador. Remember, don't let a single warlock escape. Garona and the elites of the Hidden Knife unit will assist you from the side. After resolving the remnants of the Shadow Council, quickly advance to the former large draenei town of Embaari Village."
"No problem, Your Highness!" Aragorn had been watching the trolls fight in Hinterlands for almost a year and was already bored.
"Amor, you and Theren'dar lead the Scarlet Flame Legion and the Thunder Legion to attack Anguish Fortress from Arak's Summit. Be sure to capture it in the shortest possible time, and then head south to control the Shadowmoon Clan's main camp, Shattrath!"
"No problem, Your Highness."
"No problem, Galen."
Seeing that the two had responded, Galen turned to Alleria and said, "Alleria, you take the Gale Legion and act with me. We will set off by sea and land on the southern coast!"
Alleria felt a faint joy in her heart, as if acting with Galen made her feel happy. She quickly controlled her expression and nodded to Galen, indicating that there was no problem.
"Everyone, the principle of our operation this time is fast! accurate! ruthless! At all costs, clear the obstacles on the road as quickly as possible, and then meet in front of the Black Temple!"
"Understood!"
"I will have Garona personally communicate the detailed information to you. Prepare yourselves and set off tomorrow morning!"
Galen took Alleria and left first. Both of their armies could use the Return Scroll to quickly reach the border strongholds of Shadowmoon Valley, but he and Alleria needed to spend time traveling by ship to Blacktide Roost in southern Shadowmoon Valley, requiring overnight action!
The shipyard in Ashran had launched a total of seventy destroyers this year. Fifty of them went to Tanaan Jungle to participate in the battle, and the remaining twenty were just right for Galen and the others to use.
The Gale Legion boarded the ships one after another, and Galen issued the order to depart.
"Hoist the sails!"
"Set sail!"
Twenty huge destroyers departed from the docks of Ashran and sailed south at full speed.
The riders of the Void Wing, Galen's last gryphon knight squadron, rode gryphons to escort them in the air.
Galen's destination was Blacktide Roost, a large island occupied by a two-headed dragonkin pack, located south of Shadowmoon Valley.
This island survived the cataclysm of Draenor, forming the birthplace of the Nether Drakes: Netherwing Ledge.
Galen was quite optimistic about this massive overseas island, with its natural harbor and the possibility of taming the two-headed dragonkin into flying mounts.
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However, this was just a small objective in their current operation. The real target was Socrethar's Rise, south of Shadowmoon Valley, a former Draenei scholar's highland. Draenei mages and scholars, led by the former Archbishop Othaar, established the Temple of Othaar here, using it as an important place for academic and arcane exchange.
Archbishop Othaar was one of the five archbishops under Velen's rule who led Draenei society. He was a master of the arcane arts. Later, he swore allegiance to Sargeras and the Burning Legion, becoming an Eredar and renaming himself Socrethar.
Socrethar's Rise is now occupied by a group of Sargerei demons under Socrethar's command.
"Damn traitor!"
After listening to Galen's account of Othaar's betrayal that led to the fall of Shattrath City, Alleria was so angry that she almost cursed aloud.
Galen's expression was strange. In a way, the high elf kingdom and Shattrath City were somewhat similar. Both had traitors emerge, causing the defenses to collapse from within, ultimately leading to utter defeat.
"So, our enemies this time are demons, right?"
"That's right, Sargerei demons, a group of Draenei who betrayed along with Socrethar, slightly different from the original Eredar demons."
Galen recalled and explained to Alleria. In fact, Galen remembered that there were many demon women among them, but most were Sargerei Shadowswordsmen, a group of fallen Draenei warriors.
"Mm." Alleria nodded, mentally preparing for a fierce battle. "By the way, Galen, when I was suppressing the Bloodmane Worgen in Arak's Summit, I discovered that some of the worgen have good potential. I know you like to subdue alien warriors, so I imprisoned them. After the battle in Shadowmoon Valley is over, I'll have someone send them to you."
Huh?
This was the first time someone had explicitly expressed support for his recruitment of alien talents. Even Omar and Varrokal, his confidants, only supported it superficially, perhaps thinking in their hearts, 'What's the use of these dirty gnolls, kobolds, and quillboar? The Stromgarde army is the strongest.'
Galen could only say that every race had its strengths. For example, the kobolds. If they hadn't helped dig the tunnels, would the progress of the underground tunnel project have been so fast?
Without them, Stromgarde, Ironforge, Gnomeregan, and Stormwind would have had to transfer a large number of young and middle-aged laborers to fill the project. Now was the time for everyone to rebuild after the war, where would there be extra manpower?
Moreover, Galen, who was used to populations of billions in his previous life, really felt that every living being was a force against the Burning Legion on Azeroth, this planet with its sparse population and withering life.
So, facing Alleria's support, Galen felt a warmth for the first time.
"Thank you, Alleria!"
Just as the two were about to say something, they heard roars in the distance. Galen looked up and saw a dark mass of two-headed dragons with their wings spread flying towards the fleet in the night.
Most likely, the arrival of the griffons had violated their airspace, causing the two-headed dragonkin pack to explode.
Heh, an ant trying to stop a chariot, pitiful and overestimating itself.
"Musketeers! Flare launch!"
"Chirp! Chirp chirp!"
Hundreds of red flares slowly ascended, illuminating the nearby sea brightly.
"Netherwing Knight Order! Attack!"
"Woo!"
The griffin knights sounded the horn of charge. The griffins vigorously flapped their wings, carrying the knights as they rushed out quickly.
Before coming into contact with the two-headed dragons, a large number of storm hammers flew out, with a high hit rate. Many two-headed dragons were caught off guard and struck, losing their ability to fly due to broken tendons and fractured bones, falling from the sky into the sea like dumplings.
The musketeers of the Gale Legion on the destroyers did not dare to attack the targets in the sky, fearing they would accidentally injure their own people, but they were not polite to those who fell into the sea, directly opening fire. Bullets hit the two-headed dragons, causing blood to bloom in the sea, staining the nearby waters red.
Those who attacked were basically male two-headed dragons, aggressive, irritable, and not conducive to normal taming work. Since they took the initiative to provoke the fleet, it was better to send them away directly. The mother dragons and young dragons in Blacktide Roost were what Galen needed.
The attack methods of these two-headed dragons, in addition to their feet with sharp claws, their two heads could also spew magical attacks. One head spewed frost, and the other spewed lightning, causing considerable trouble to the griffin knights.
Alleria, holding her bow, sniped the two-headed dragons from a distance. The power of the arrows was enormous, directly blasting the small dragons into pieces of meat.
Soon, the battle in the sky ended. Nearly a thousand two-headed dragons had no survivors and all crashed into the sea.
"Salvage the two-headed dragons that can be salvaged. Their meat is not bad."
Galen instructed the warriors of the Gale Legion to salvage the spoils, especially the claws of the two-headed dragons, which could be made into delicious food.
The griffin knights accelerated to Blacktide Roost. Losing the male dragons, this two-headed dragonkin pack named Darkwing also lost its ability to resist. As long as they found their matriarch, the entire pack could easily be brought under control.
The fleet went south, circling to the back of Blacktide Roost, and then landed to start building a camp. This would become the Crusade's second dock in Draenor.
Blacktide Roost, acquired.
Socrethar's Rise is located near the sea, separated from Blacktide Roost by only a strait. It is a steep highland, surrounded by cliffs on all sides. Only the north has a stone staircase built by the Draenei, about three meters wide. If they attacked head-on, the casualties would probably be very high.
However, Galen had already thought of a way to attack. Now that it was just night, he had the griffin knights rest.
Dawn is the most tired time for every creature. Even demons need to rest, let alone a group of fallen Draenei.
In the newly established Blacktide camp, the energetic knights pulled the reins, and the griffins flapped their wings and began to ascend. At this moment, in addition to the knights on their backs, each of their claws also carried a heavily armored infantryman from the Gale Legion.
Since being trained, this was considered the first time these griffins had flown overloaded, so their speed was very slow.
Fortunately, Shadowmoon Valley has dim light all year round, and Socrethar also had no anti-air weapons. Apart from spells that could target the air, they had no other means to stop Galen and his forces.
The last to ascend were Galen and Alleria. Because there were no extra griffins to ride, Galen drove away a griffin knight and then took Alleria into his arms and took off!
After three thousand Gryphon Knights took flight with six thousand heavy infantry, twenty destroyers entered the Black Tide Strait.
As the Sorkrethar Highground came within range of the destroyers' cannons, the gunners had already calibrated their firing coordinates.
"Ready!"
"Fire!"
"Boom!"
"Boom boom!"
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The muffled sound of cannon fire echoed over the Black Tide Strait, sounding like thunder during an approaching storm.
As the shells approached Sorkrethar Highground, the burning projectiles emitted the wail of death, hurtling towards the earth below in a destructive manner.
This alerted the powerful demons and corrupted Draenei on the Highground, and while they were still searching for the source of the sound, bursts of fire erupted across Sorkrethar Highground.
The dark Draenei and demons stationed on the Highground were awakened by the shelling, and were simultaneously stunned by the explosions. Collapsing buildings and explosions caused massive casualties, and unsuspecting laborers awoke from their sleep and ran haphazardly across the Highground.
The relentless shells continued to rain down. Galen's order was to expend all the ammunition stored in the ship's holds in the shortest possible time, a barrage of fire that was no joke.
Enemies unfortunate enough to be hit by the shells were vaporized on the spot, while those who survived by chance were injured by the aftershocks of the explosions. Fragments of buildings and stones and mud from the ground shot out in all directions, turning everything they touched into sieves.
Inside the Auchindoun, Sergeant Migra rushed out of her residence. Ten thousand years of interstellar travel had given her a wealth of experience, and she knew that her side was under attack, making the right judgment at the first moment.
Migra casually slashed and killed a worker who darted past her, and roared with a ferocious expression:
"Calm down! Don't panic, you fools!! Darkblades! Disperse! Increase vigilance, pay attention to the surrounding movements, and find solid fortifications to avoid the shelling!"
Just as the enemies on the Highground were scurrying around in chaos, the Gryphon Knights had arrived over Sorkrethar Highground.
The artillery fire ceased its covering fire, leaving the Highground below in a state of devastation.
Galen glanced at Alleria, and after the latter nodded in agreement, he embraced the slender waist of the female elf, and then leaped down!
Galen's actions signaled the rest of the Gryphon Knights. They stabilized their Gryphons, and the heavy infantry on the Gryphons' claws untied the ropes on their bodies, and their bodies descended rapidly.
Unlike the heavy infantry, who were equipped with parachute packs, Galen was taking Alleria and jumping down without any protective gear, which reminded him of the feeling of jumping down from Skyhold back then.
"Yee-haw!"
Galen spread his Holy Light wings in mid-air, and his excitement brought Alleria into the state as well. She believed that Galen would not let her get hurt, so she held her Thas'dorah in her hand, drew an arrow from the quiver on her back, and aimed it at the Sagron Darkblades scurrying on the ground!
Swish, swish, swish!
Triple Star!
Three Dark Draenei who had been alive and kicking just now were killed on the spot in the next moment.
Boom!
Damn it!
My legs are numb!
Galen frowned after landing. He originally thought that after breaking through the Legendary High Rank, his body should have been strengthened to the limit of humans, and the next step was likely to be the return to the iron body of the Vrykul, but he did not expect that this three hundred-meter-high altitude still caused him to suffer from the reaction force.
However, the landing posture was very handsome, and a few minor flaws were acceptable. He gently placed Alleria on the ground, and then released her waist.
Only then did Galen have the leisure to shift his attention to the scene on the Highground. The ground of the Highground was full of huge depressions similar to impact craters, resembling the surface of the moon.
The cannon barrage was terrifying.
Galen suddenly regretted not adding some ingredients to the shells, such as holy water, or water-soaked steel balls, the effect would definitely be awesome.
The Holy Light wings spread behind Galen emitted a brilliant golden light, attracting the attention of the surrounding Sagron Darkblades, including more than a dozen six-armed Succubi over four meters tall!
After seeing Galen, these demons showed a bloodthirsty light in their eyes. The orderly Holy Light, the chaotic Fel energy, and the corrosive Shadow energy have always been irreconcilable. They rushed towards Galen in a swarm!
Galen grinned. He hadn't gone on a killing spree for a long time. It's really a case of not taking the road to heaven, but barging into hell!
Galen drew the Brotherhood Sword, the tip of the long sword pointing straight to the sky: "Accept the judgment of the Holy Light, traitors of the Draenei!"
The Brotherhood Sword flashed with golden light, going down Galen's arm to the soles of his feet. Holy Light energy was injected into the earth, and a golden flame ignited on the land under his feet, then spread around, burning all approaching Draenei Darkblades and Succubi!
With Galen's current strength, the Holy Light he unleashes can truly be called the nemesis of evil. In this Draenor, apart from the two Naaru who claim to be the spokespersons of the Holy Light, even Velen cannot compare.
Of course, Galen, this Paladin who majors in Retribution and minors in Protection, will not compare the offensive power of the Holy Light with Velen, the Draenei who mainly serves as a Priest.
The few people with the lowest strength among the Darkblades were directly burned by the Holy Light in the area of dedication, and then turned into a pile of black ashes. The powerful ones forcibly gathered the power of darkness under their feet and resisted the Holy Light energy on the ground to approach Galen.
How could Galen stand still and give them a chance?
Taking advantage of their distraction, the Brotherhood Sword directly swept across, and all the Darkblades within the Brotherhood Sword's attack range were beheaded.
Sergeant Migra in the distance noticed the movement here, and when she turned her head, she happened to see Galen killing dozens of her subordinates!
"Damn Holy Light!"
Migra looked at Galen with disgust. After choosing to betray, the infusion of dark power made her extremely resentful of the Holy Light she once believed in.
Migra lifted her long sword and attacked Galen from the air with a leap, perfectly avoiding the Holy Light earth on the ground.
"Clang!"
The Brotherhood Sword and the dark rune sword collided, Galen's legs bore the weight of two people, and the ground under his feet became soft due to the impact and bombing just now, and Galen was instantly pressed down.
Galen squinted his eyes, looking at the Dark Draenei female swordsman still in mid-air, and directly changed his move, wanting to slap her to the ground!
Unfortunately, he underestimated Sergeant Migra. This is an old Draenei whose age is in the tens of thousands, with rich combat experience, and directly borrowed Galen's strength to jump back!
Crap, I've met an opponent!
It wasn't that Galen couldn't defeat this female Draenei, but that Galen realized he couldn't gain the upper hand with pure skill. He strongly suspected that this female Draenei was a guard before her fall and was very clear about the use of Holy Light skills!
Heh!
So what? No matter how cunning you are, you still can't beat me!
Only those who lack strength choose to control the enemy with skill, and Galen has no shortage of strength!
Then Galen began to show his true power!
He mobilized the power of the Holy Light throughout his body, the Guardian of the Ancient Kings appeared behind him, and the Holy Light Wings opened again.
Galen began to erupt!
"Clang!"
This time, the power of the Holy Light completely suppressed Migra's dark power, and a gust of wind cleared all the bricks and stones on the ground. This time, it was Migra's turn to be knocked away by Galen, crashing heavily into the distant ruins of a house.
Galen leaped lightly, the Holy Light Wings carrying him close to the ruins.
Galen raised his hand again!
Final Reckoning!
A golden light of heaven descended from the sky, directly bombarding the ruins where Migra was!
When the dust cleared, the female Draenei crawled out of the ruins with difficulty, coughing up blood. She supported herself with the rune longsword with both hands, staggering as she stood up!
"Tai'phtessa! Nar'al! Come and help me!"
Migra let out a long roar, calling for friends and requesting support!
Galen was about to step forward when a burst of demonic fire shot out from a distance, stopping Galen in his tracks.
A six-meter-tall, six-armed demoness approached rapidly from a distance, knocking away two heavily armored infantrymen who tried to stop her!
The upper half of this demoness's body was very similar to a female Naga, with three arms on each side. The six weapons made her look like a close combat expert. Her lower body consisted of slender thighs, and unlike a succubus, she had feet, not small hooves.
Moreover, this demoness was dressed scantily, only covering her vital parts, and most of her buttocks were exposed.
Whoosh!
An arrow sealed off the demoness's path, as Alleria had eliminated all the dark creatures within a hundred meters and came to help. Moreover, as the infantrymen all landed and began to clear the enemy in all directions, there were no more demons or dark Draenei standing around.
At this time, the earth began to tremble, and a Hellfire covered in green flames approached, with a robed Draenei spellcaster floating behind the Hellfire!
Obviously, he was the other support Migra spoke of: Shadow Speaker Nar'al!
"Even if you call Socrethar here today, you won't be able to stop your death!"
"Alleria, help me block that demoness for a moment, and I'll take care of the rest!"
"Okay!"
After a simple reply, Alleria drew her arrow again and began to attack the demoness. Galen activated the Guardian of the Ancient Kings to stop the Hellfire, while he turned his gaze to Migra.
"Prepare to meet your death! The moment you betrayed the Holy Light, you would face the judgment of the Holy Light!"
A warhammer composed of Holy Light flew towards Migra, but the Shadow Speaker was a little far away, and he only had time to put a Shadow Barrier on Migra!
The Shadow Barrier negated this Hammer of Judgment.
"Hmph!"
Seeing that this Draenei was not dead, Galen sneered.
"Try this again!"
"Execution Sentence!"
A huge golden greatsword descended from the sky, accurately piercing Migra's head, completing the execution of the low-health target!
The Paladin's original talent skill, Execution Sentence, was a warhammer slowly descending from the sky to the target, inflicting Holy damage while also amplifying the damage of the next Holy Light strike.
How could Galen ignore such a cool skill? He directly modified all the core elements of the skill, directly changing the Holy Light warhammer into a greatsword, while maximizing the speed of descent!
Bigger! Sharper! More intimidating!
Migra's bones were gone, and Galen turned his gaze to the floating Draenei spellcaster, Nar'al.
"No! Where did this monster come from! The Holy Light has come to judge us!" The Shadow Speaker was the weakest of all the remaining leaders. Galen's burst of power directly frightened him. When they were normal Draenei, they had never seen such a ferocious Holy Light!
Nar'al turned around and prepared to run, he was scared out of his wits!
How could Galen give up the double kill that was about to be in his hands? He leaped up and chased after him, not forgetting to raise his hand and give the green Hellfire a sword strike along the way. The power of the Holy Light surged out of Galen's body along the longsword, directly extinguishing the Hellfire's fel flames!
"No! Father, save me!"
Nar'al flew even faster, trying to call for a stronger existence!
Galen chased, Nar'al fled, and the dark Draenei along the way suffered, all of them being instantly killed by Galen, who was bursting with power.
"Hammer of Wrath!"
Galen finally closed the distance. A sacred energy followed Galen's longsword, directly impacting Nar'al's brain, causing a three-second paralysis.
Three seconds, for Galen, was enough time to kill the opponent several times. In one second, he leaped close, and in the second second, he used the Templar's Judgment. The Brotherhood's Sword, shining with Holy Light, split the floating dark Draenei in half, and blood spilled from the sky.
When Galen turned around to look for Alleria, her battle was also coming to an end. The six-armed demoness was covered in arrows, and only the last two of her six arms remained.
Obviously, whether in close combat or ranged combat, Alleria crushed this demoness.
Alleria nocked her last special arrow, the power of wind surging from her fingertips. The fatal arrow flew out with a whoosh, the target being the demoness's brow.
Faced with this aggressive arrow, the demoness's face changed wildly. At this time, it was too late to dodge. She could only use the last Legion Warblade to block her face, trying to block this arrow!
Ding!
The sound of metal colliding came, and the demoness just showed a look of joy, thinking that the arrow had been blocked.
The next moment, her Legion Warblade was directly cut open from the middle by the power of wind, and the arrow entered her brow!
The demoness Tai'phtessa died.
"No! The Hidden Blade will not let you go!" The demoness, who had just been full of joy, now only had horror on her face, and she used her last strength to let out the wail of a loser!
The death of the body is not the end of a demon. Their immortal souls will return to the Twisting Nether to wait for revival, but those who die are all losers, and will be punished by the superiors after resurrection!
But with me, Galen, here, how can I let your souls run away?
The demoness, Migra, and the spellcaster just now, every single one of them, were all collected by the Heart of Origin, waiting to become nourishment for someone under Galen to enhance their strength in the future.
With the death of the leaders on the highland, the battle also came to an end. This Burning Legion stronghold had one large Legion Portal and more than a dozen small Demon Gates. As long as they were all destroyed, the Burning Legion would have to rebuild the portals if they wanted to invade Shadowmoon Valley!