In Northrend, Illidan, along with a group of demons, was plotting to seize the Dragon Soul, forged by the Black Dragon Aspect, Neltharion.
Although the energy of the Well of Eternity was ultimately used for the portal, its expansion was too slow. The Dragon Soul, an artifact containing the power granted to the dragons by the Titans, could also amplify the portal's expansion speed, allowing Sargeras to arrive sooner.
Therefore, the Dragon Soul became Illidan's pledge of allegiance to the Burning Legion and Queen Azshara. The demons behind him obeyed his commands, but also served as his surveillance.
As a reward, Sargeras channeled a wisp of power through the portal, searing Illidan's golden eyes, replacing them with two balls of burning green fire flickering in the night elf's eye sockets.
Meanwhile, knowing that Sargeras was about to arrive in this world, Archimonde poured all his available forces into the battlefield. He transferred all military strength from other fronts, believing that defeating this army of resistance fighters would mean conquering the world.
The resistance army, however, was in a precarious situation. After Ravencrest was assassinated, his successor as commander, Desdel Stareye, died at the hands of the Burning Legion due to recklessness and underestimation of the enemy. Jarod Shadowsong, as the warden of Black Rook Hold, became the third commander of the resistance.
At the same time, Jarod Shadowsong adopted the advice of Malfurion and the Windrunner sisters, establishing alliances with other races and calling upon all races of Kalimdor to resist the Burning Legion together.
Illidan's previous aggressive tactics had caused many moon guards to lose their magic or even their lives. Now, the disappearance of this powerful spellcaster further deprived the resistance army of ranged magical support.
Fortunately, the Highborne's rebellion came at the right time. The night elves agreed to let these Highborne atone for their past transgressions, replenishing the spellcaster forces that had lost Illidan and many moon guards.
By this time, Galen and the others had been away from Zin-Azshari for a month. During this month, the war situation became increasingly tense. Only the addition of the tauren, earthen, and furbolgs barely stabilized the battlefield.
Galen became the most dazzling figure on the battlefield, wielding two greatswords to mow down demons in the style of a berserker. When his strength waned, he would transform into a strong Highmountain moose, flick his rump, kick with his little hooves, and return to the resistance's defensive line before recovering and charging out again.
Besides Galen, there were two other valiant figures. One was Huon Highmountain from the tauren tribe, wielding the Eagle Spear with impressive skill. The other was the orc warrior Broxigar, wielding an oak battle axe, fighting fearlessly on the battlefield and slaying countless demons.
Together with Jarod Shadowsong, who demonstrated remarkable talent in commanding, these four were hailed by the resistance army as the Four Heroes of Kalimdor!
Alleria and Sylvanas also discovered their ancestor, Talanas Windrunner, among the Highborne.
Ever since being rescued by Galen, this Windrunner ancestor had become Galen's little fanboy. Coupled with Alleria and Sylvanas's superb archery skills, Talanas would run to Galen whenever he had free time, calling him 'Big Brother Galen' in every sentence, leaving Alleria and Sylvanas with a bitter feeling they couldn't express, and they would find excuses to leave Galen's vicinity whenever their ancestor arrived.
"Brother Galen, you are truly my role model! You have captured the hearts of two beautiful ladies!"
Talanas, who had only recently come of age, was not yet married, but he had heard that he already had a fiancée. He was incredibly envious of Galen's good fortune.
"Talanas, with your excellence, as long as you want, there will be plenty of night elf girls throwing themselves into your arms," Galen mischievously encouraged.
However, Galen was destined to be disappointed. Talanas shuddered, as if thinking of something terrifying: "No, thank you, Galen. My future one... is a bit fierce."
As far as Galen knew, the Windrunner family had always been matriarchal. It wasn't that their male masters were too weak, but mainly that the Windrunner family excelled in archery.
And among the night elves, women worshipped the moon goddess. They could heal the wounded on nightsabers and kill enemies on nightsabers. In the path of archery, night elf women were more talented.
Thinking of this, Galen could only give Talanas a sympathetic look.
"Brother Galen, when are you and Sylvanas and Alleria planning to get married? Why don't we wait until the war is over and we can do it together? It will be more lively with more people!"
The little fanboy Talanas was very enthusiastic about participating in anything related to Galen.
"Wedding, huh? Maybe soon. I'll find an opportunity to propose after this event is over," Galen's eyes were a little dazed, yearning for the days of having two beautiful women in his arms.
I just don't know if Sylvanas and Alleria's mother will beat me to death by then.
The Windrunner family's male master sacrificed himself in the Troll Wars, and their mother is currently in charge.
"Sylvanas and Alleria are really strong and beautiful. If my descendants have two sisters in the future, I will definitely name them after the two ladies."
Huh?
What the heck!
Galen's brain was not working well. This time-traveling thing is just too confusing.
However, Talanas's words gave him a mischievous idea.
"Talanas, how about this? Why don't you give me, Sylvanas, and Alleria a wedding blessing in advance?" Galen's eyes were bright, and his words were full of the temptation of a demon.
"Oh? What does brother Galen mean?"
Talanas looked puzzled. Why give a wedding blessing in advance? Why not on the wedding day?
"You know about image-recording magic, right?" Galen explained, "As my close friends and family, I'm going to make an image-recording stone to record their blessings for me. On my wedding day, I'll release this video, and it will definitely cause a sensation!"
Seeing that Talanas was already eager to try, Galen continued: "And I already have candidates. I'm going to find Dath'Remar, Huon Highmountain, Jarod Shadowsong, Malfurion, and Tyrande."
The implication was that I haven't started planning yet, you are the first.
"How about it? Want to come?"
"Yes! I must come. Galen's close friends and family must include me, Talanas Windrunner!"
Yes!
Windrunner ancestor hooked!
I, Galen, am truly a genius!
"Let me think about what I should say!"
When Galen took out the image-recording stone, Thalanas was a little nervous, conceiving the words of blessing in his mind.
"I, Thalanas Windrunner, bless Big Brother Galen..."
"Wait, remove the 'Big Brother.' At this moment, we are beloved friends and family, regardless of seniority!"
"Okay!"
"I, Thalanas Windrunner, bless Galen and Alleria, the Sylvanas sisters, with a happy marriage and many children!"
"Cut! Perfect!"