Chapter 319: Reinforcements? None!

Duke Markus was well aware of the fact that the Horde had gained a valuable and incredibly powerful air force by controlling the Red Dragon Queen. However, knowing something and being able to deal with it are two different things.

Firstly, Duke had no idea where the [Demon Soul] was located. Of course, this could be discovered through spies or by monitoring the Horde's excavation efforts. But finding it didn't necessarily mean there would be a solution.

This was something that Gul'dan, a demigod of the Horde, had intentionally let Zuluhed discover. Disrupting Gul'dan's plan meant a high probability of confronting Gul'dan prematurely. Duke had no particular thoughts about this terrifying boss of the evil faction, who even Antonidas couldn't confront directly.

Secondly, there was the nature of the [Demon Soul] itself. As the name suggested, it was something that leaned towards the demonic. Its intense evil power was so strong that even if all the golden saints of Uther were squeezed dry, it couldn't be completely purified.

It seemed that someone of Duke's limited power would likely be corrupted by the evil within if he got too close. This was something only warlocks could handle, unless Duke wanted to become a ghoul, he'd better steer clear.

Even for a warlock, activating it required a hefty payment of life force.

Finally, there was Alexstrasza...

Dragons were notoriously proud creatures, let alone Alexstrasza, one of the five great Guardian Dragons. Before she had gone through the 'historical' catastrophe, the great Red Dragon Queen was very difficult to serve.

She was like an ancestor who needed to be worshipped, and she was also very demanding at the god level. It was extremely difficult to get her to take action. She wouldn't act if the opponent wasn't of a high enough level, and even if they were, she would only act if she was in the mood. Unless it was a super boss that threatened the survival of the entire world, don't expect her to take the initiative.

The cost of asking the Red Dragon Queen for help was very high.

After being tormented once, everything else was negotiable.

As long as it involved demons, Alexstrasza would rush to do any dirty or tiring work...

Of course, there was no need to worry about the once future banshee queen's chastity being compromised after she was captured and possibly transformed into a human form.

The orcs liked it heavy.

You shallow humans get excited at the sight of a 36-24-36 figure.

The orcs think that's just skin and bones, not good for childbearing.

They don't like it if the skin isn't green.

They don't accept it if the measurements aren't 40-40-40.

Do you understand heavy taste?

In the eyes of the orcs, Alexstrasza's human form is like a redheaded step-child...

Forcing her to go would just make the orc brothers uncomfortable, wouldn't it?

Considering all these factors, it was better for Duke to let Alexstrasza suffer a temporary tragedy.

Of course, Duke wouldn't let the red dragons run wild.

On the open ground opposite the Geshak farm in the Arathi Highlands, a large number of red dragons gathered together, standing on the ground in a circle.

"Zastan, my request is that you temporarily refrain from returning to the Red Dragon Queen's side and becoming slaves to the Horde, fighting against the mortal races of the Azeroth once again. In return, I promise to rescue your queen, Alexstrasza, from the control of the [Demon Soul] within a year."

Zastan was the only young dragon in this group of red dragons who was closest to becoming a full-fledged dragon. At 980 years old, he had not yet stepped into the realm of the great dragons, but for most of the young dragons who hadn't even reached the threshold of transforming into human form, he was undoubtedly the boss.

Zastan straightened his long, serpentine neck, his huge golden eyes like two molten balls of fire, flickering with complex lights.

"Human, thank you for providing these mysterious devices that have temporarily freed us from the sorrowful shackles sent by our king. But this does not mean we must believe you. Your power is not enough to confront the [Demon Soul]. If there is no better, more convincing reason, we would rather return to our master's side, knowing we will be enslaved."

From Zastan's mouth full of fangs, only sorrowful sighs leaked out.

At this moment, Duke uttered a name that was taboo among all dragonkind: "Neltharion."

"What!?"

"I happen to know a plan of Neltharion's..." Duke walked over and spoke to Zastan.

Moments later, not just Zastan, but all the red dragons had very interesting expressions on their faces.

"Are... are you sure?"

"Compared to the freedom of your queen, this price isn't too much, right? Besides, I am Duke Markus. The one who fought alongside you, suppressed the magical defense system of Karazhan, and ultimately banished Sargeras, who had possessed Guardian Medivh, into the abyss. I believe that the camaraderie we shared should add to our mutual trust."

Zastan's dragon eyes widened: "It was you!?"

During the siege of Karazhan, Zastan was undoubtedly a junior. He would never forget the terrifying, wonderful, and ultimately false firepower that was unleashed there.

Duke projected a video from his hand, which he had found and edited through the system. It allowed Zastan to see himself.

Seeing the flight maneuvers that only he was familiar with, Zastan was completely speechless.

"Alright, warrior who defeated the Lord of the Burning Leigon Sargeras, I think we all have reason to believe you. But, what do you plan to do with us? The command branded in our minds is to obey the orcs whenever we encounter them. We can't fight the orcs at all."

Duke gave a mysterious smile: "Interested in fighting demons in Karazhan? But maintaining the portal will require some effort from you."

A large group of red dragons all laughed together: "Happy to serve."

And so, Duke sent the red dragons away.

Teleporting creatures as large as dragons is very mana-consuming. The teleportation of over a hundred red dragons almost drained their own, Duke's, and the entire Stormwind mage group's mana.

After it was done, Duke was no different from a dead dog, lying flat on the ground.

Jandice also felt her calves trembling as she walked, it was purely the will of a lady that kept her from making a fool of herself. However, when she came to Duke's side, she carefully squatted down.

For some reason, seeing Duke lying there so lazily, Jandice had a long-lost feeling of having a picnic with family...

"Master Markus."

"Call me Duke."

"Uh, Duke. General Lothar on the Southshore is tentatively asking if we could possibly provide reinforcements. He's under heavy attack by two hundred thousand Horde forces, and his troops are very strained. Now Lothar is having his army barely hold Shadowfang Keep, waiting for reinforcements from Lordaeron

."

"Did you see Warchief Orgrim's banner?"

"No, but..."

"Then tell Lothar, I'm sure Orgrim is on my side. If he needs troops, he should ask Terenas, not me."

"Alright."