Contract

As Arthas cautiously approached the exit, the ruby-red light intensified, emanating intense heat. He could feel the warmth spreading across his skin, making him sweat despite the coolness of the cave's interior.

Arthas hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether it was wise to proceed. The peculiar color of the light raised his suspicions, but his curiosity got the better of him.

With a deep breath, Arthas stepped through the threshold and emerged into the outside world. To his surprise, he found himself standing on the edge of a vast, arid desert. The scorching sun beat down mercilessly, casting a crimson hue over the dunes.

Lava and molten materials continue to flow down in a path downwards to the middle of the crater that was present in which he came.

It was melting hot as he got closer to the surface. Every once in a while something would either burn or explode, it could be hot gas or an already burned object.

Arthas shielded his eyes from the blinding light and scanned the surroundings. In the distance, he spotted a group of figures approaching. As they drew nearer, he could make out their features.

They were humanoid creatures with elongated limbs, adorned in tattered robes that fluttered in the hot wind, some with wings behind their backs that protruded. Their eyes glowed with an eerie red light, mirroring the radiance that surrounded Arthas.

'Fuck, I am already dead right after I got transported to another world. Is this a new meaning for being spawn camped?'

Fear crept up his spine as he realized these beings were unlike anything he had encountered before. He wondered if he had made a grave mistake by accepting the assimilation. But it was too late to turn back now.

The creatures halted a few meters away, their red eyes fixed on Arthas. They seemed to be assessing him, their expressions unreadable. Arthas stood his ground, refusing to show any signs of weakness.

One of the creatures, the tallest among them, stepped forward. Its voice resonated in Arthas' mind, bypassing the need for spoken words.

"Arthas, welcome to the Red Dominion," it spoke, its tone carrying a mixture of authority and intrigue. "You have shown courage in embracing the assimilation. As a reward, you shall be granted access to our realm and the knowledge it holds."

Arthas's confusion deepened. He had expected danger or some dire consequence, but instead, he was being welcomed.

He decided to gather more information before making any hasty judgments.

"What is this Red Dominion, and what knowledge do you speak of?" Arthas asked, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil.

The tall creature's eyes glowed brighter as if pleased by Arthas's response. "The Red Dominion is a realm intertwined with your own, yet concealed from the eyes of ordinary mortals. It is a place of ancient wisdom and power, where secrets long forgotten reside. By assimilating the mana of Trema, you have become attuned to the energies that flow through our realm."

Arthas's mind raced with questions, but he maintained his composure. "What do you ask of me in return for this access and knowledge?"

The creature inclined its head, a semblance of a smile forming on its lips. "We seek a champion, Arthas, one who can bring balance to our realm and yours. Will you accept this task?"

Arthas weighed the creature's words carefully. The opportunity to gain immense knowledge and power was tempting, but he couldn't ignore the risks involved. Nevertheless, his adventurous spirit yearned for the unknown, for a chance to make a difference.

'What? No, that can't be a coincidence no? There should be something in play here. Did Leah fuck up somewhere in the settings or what?'

Arthas thought that everything that happened was too much of a coincidence. Things were starting to go in an irregular pattern of inconsistencies and beings that could potentially destroy the world.

'There is something suspicious going on around, Hmmmm. I should possibly think more about this. I don't want to be indecisive but this is another major decision right off the assimilation one. I just got lucky, I don't know if I can get lucky now.'

"There are too many uncertainties that would be tied to this task, what exactly is my goal as your champion? What balance do I need to bring back"

Arthas gave them a stern look as he questioned the beings that offered a contract to them.

"I suppose that is a necessary question to ask. Very well Arthas, I like your cautious attitude. The equilibrium has been broken due to a pact that has been made by two races that should have not been working together."

'It's normal to be cautious in this situation, it's like those white vans that go up to you giving you candies. It is very suspicious'

Arthas thought of a quick analogy to the situation that was presented to him. Multiple cases happened on Earth.

He had a close friend that suddenly vanished, presumably kidnapped. Never to be found even after a decade. Although it wasn't a fond memory to remember, his friend leaving him put him deep with depression and anxiety that one day more of his loved one would go away.

The tall one among them began to speak in a solemn tone that resonated in the air even in the fiery temperature.

"With the old Oath that we have partaken millennials ago, we have no right to possibly interfere with the results of the world, however, it seems that something has disturbed this balance that has shifted the side of the destruction of the world."

'There's no way a demon king canon event lore would be dropped here right?'

Arthas began to think about the similarities that it showed during the transportation to another world trope.

"There are many races that reside in the World. Predominantly in terms of the population are naturally, humans, with high fertility rates they are one of the most prominent races in the world. Followed by Beastfolk, who is quite distinct that other races, next would be the Dwarves then Elves."

"Okay? So why does that involve me? What am I specifically gonna do even?"

"The goal is simple, allow everyone to be part of a united contract that would bring peace to the World for at least a century. Of course, we would provide you support along the way" He squinted his and eyes stared right at me.

"You are also the chosen one that was sent by Miss Leah from Another World, we cannot interfere with the outside, but Arthas you have our support in taking part in your mission"

The mysterious person waved his hand in a slow motion that seemed to slow down time, everything felt like things were out of place. The fire that blazed around them became cold and soon winds of frost descended to the ground.

He emitted killing intent that sweep everything from the ground up. Arthas felt the intensity that came from the mysterious man that was in front of him. There were many things in his past life that scared him but never as frightening as the man that was in front of him,

"I accept," Arthas declared, his voice firm and resolute. "I will become your champion."

'Holy shit, I'm gonna die if I didn't accept that offer. I am sorry myself, I had no choice but to accept the contract'

As he uttered those words, the ground beneath Arthas trembled, and a surge of energy coursed through his body. It was as if the Red Dominion itself acknowledged his acceptance, binding him to its will.

The creatures surrounding him bowed their heads, a sign of reverence. "Welcome, Champion of the Red Dominion," they intoned in unison.

Arthas felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Little did he know that his decision would set in motion a series of events that would change not only his fate but the fate of both realms.