Chapter 95: A Dramatic Change in History

With the old mage's explanation, Llane and the others finally understood who Alodi was.

Alodi was the first Guardian of the Tirisfal Council, but the council's history was even older than him. Originally, the council did not train guardians, but operated as a team to combat the demons that were attracted by human abuse of arcane magic.

After humans learned magic from the high elves, they showed no restraint, and their newly established city-state, Dalaran, suffered the worst. Their endless spellcasting once again attracted demon invasions, and helpless humans could only turn to the high elven kingdom of Quel'Thalas for help.

Upon seeing that human behavior could again cause a crisis of world invasion, the high elves immediately worked with the top officials of Dalaran at the time — The Order of Tirisfal—to develop a plan. Many powerful mages formed a secret organization to protect Azeroth and limit the abuse of magic, which is the origin of the Tirisfal Council.

As a former early and extremely powerful Guardian, Alodi had unfathomable magic.

If it was information he left behind, it was nothing surprising.

As for Khadgar...even though he was already a dead man, the Tirisfal Council mark on the inside of his left forearm still made Llane a little uncomfortable.

Yes, even though Medivh was once also chosen as a Guardian by the Tirisfal Council, can the transcendent world Guardian be compared to an obvious "traitor" like Khadgar in his heart?

Even though it was proven that Khadgar's surveillance of Medivh was correct, it did not mean that Llane would accept Khadgar as the fallen hero he really was. Fortunately, Khadgar is dead, but his death was not worthless.

Under the magic cast by the old court mage, Llane finally saw something that made him determined.

This level of magic book itself was a precious magic item, and after the old mage infused arcane energy into it, a holographic projection image that was almost three-dimensional emerged in the air.

At first, everyone's eyes saw two huge planets connected by long black lines.

No one reacted.

Until the old mage operated it, continuously zooming in on one end, zooming in again, and zooming in.

From outside the atmosphere, to a huge overhead view, to being able to see trees clearly, and then, Lothar was the first to react.

"This...nearby is the Swamp of Sorrows!?"

What came into view was a low, flat swamp that was turning into a desert. The water level was rapidly dropping to the naked eye. Countless colorful insects were crawling out of every corner of the swamp, fleeing in all directions.

The earth is changing color!

From the ugly black-green of the swamp, it turned into a lifeless crimson.

Even with just a glance, it was clear that something was seriously amiss. Something was leaving this land in fear, and something was descending upon it!

It was a power so overwhelming that it was almost unbearable to even look at, making it hard to breathe and leaving one feeling oppressed.

Just staring at that power was like having the air squeezed out of your lungs, leaving your body shaking uncontrollably.

It was the power of evil!

It was the power of demons!

This evil was corrupting and affecting the entire land, destroying everything in its path.

Even the deserted black swamp was unable to withstand its power and had turned into a red, filthy desert.

"What is that over there?" Bolvar suddenly pointed to a massive structure on the red ground.

The old mage used his magic to let the power of the magic book penetrate that area.

Silence fell upon the entire council chamber as they gazed upon the scene before them.

A massive gate at least ten stories high stood alone on the barren, red land, emitting a sinister black-green light from its frame. Countless orcs poured out of the gate, only to be shouted at and driven away by even stronger orc leaders towards the nearby open space.

It was impossible to determine the material of the gate just by sight alone, but its style was reminiscent of an ancient temple. The top of the enormous frame was adorned with a terrifying, open-mouthed serpent relief, while on either side of the frame stood two humanoid mages wearing hoods and holding swords.

As if meant to be seen by all, Llane and his companions were able to discern the faces on the reliefs behind the black mist shrouding the hood's shadow. The two figures on either side of the frame had identical faces - the face of the former protector of Azeroth, Medivh!!

And in the next instant, the Medivh statue seemed to come to life.

No, it was the will of Medivh himself that had descended upon them.

A projection of Medivh's head, as large as a carriage, materialized in the middle of the council chamber through Khadgar's magic tome.

The voice that filled the chamber was not Medivh's, but rather that of Sargeras himself.

"Well, well, well, impressive. I didn't think you would track me down this far." Medivh, still wearing his friendly smile and warm expression, spoke with Sargeras's fiery eyes.

It was the eyes of the Demon King!

Even the weakest person would freeze up at the mere sight of those eyes. As King Llane's personal guards, these soldiers were not lacking in courage, but Llane was horrified to discover that more than half of them had been subdued and lay limp on the ground.

The remaining ones were not doing much better.

There were only a few individuals in the hall who could withstand the terrifying gaze of the Demon Lord.

"Medivh! No - Demon, who are you? What do you want?" Though King Llane's voice trembled slightly, he drew his sword and stood before Anduin and Llane, facing the projection of the Demon Lord.

"Nothing much. I've already done what I wanted to do. Now that the Dark Portal is open, I'll just sit back and watch you humans, elves, and dwarves be destroyed by the orcs. It brings me great pleasure to watch you walk towards your own destruction in despair and fear. And what's even more ironic is that I'll use the power of your guardians to destroy you. Hahaha!" The Medivh under Sargeras's control let out a chilling laughter, causing nausea in Llane and Anduin.

Medivh's head projection turned into a half-body projection. He spread his arms, and his voice, like a tsunami, echoed throughout the council chamber and even the entire Stormwind Keep. "Destruction is unstoppable! You ants, weep! Beg for mercy! Kneel before me and plead for my pity - and then, you will die. Hahaha!"

Suddenly, a young voice spoke up: "Bullshit. All we have to do is kill you, and we can close the Dark Portal."