Reforged Chapter 74: The Dark Portal - Part 1

His appearance had become grotesque and terrifying due to the corruption of demonic energy. His claws glowed with a sinister green radiance from constantly wielding the power of demons. Unlike the typical orcish valor of Warchief Blackhand, his aura was colder and more malevolent, making it nearly impossible to breathe when near him.

His eyes emitted an evil red glow, and his will dominated the fate of the entire orcish horde.

The terrifying staff suddenly plunged into the solid ground, and though it made a small sound, tens of thousands of orcs in the square heard the rumbling of destiny's gears turning.

As the world was on the brink of destruction, lacking food, and the orcs facing annihilation, Gul'dan responded to their prayers as a shaman and orcish prophet.

Gul'dan's fanged mouth writhed as his voice, amplified by evil magic, spread in all directions.

"Our world is dying! But the great orcs will not be destroyed!"

His voice echoed strangely, as if resonating with the entire world.

Each of his words was strong and forceful, exuding absolute confidence.

His words struck every orc's heart like a hammer on an anvil, driving their powerful hearts to pump even more passionate blood, resonating and boiling with his speech.

"Oooohhh—" Countless orcs raised their weapons, and the ancient, desolate roar shook the heavens in response to Gul'dan.

Gul'dan gestured with his left hand towards the gate behind him. This portal, which would become legendary in the future, resembled a temple gate, solemn and mysterious. As his long, twisted fingers pointed, the massive stone door suddenly changed.

A visible green energy wave rippled across the stone gate, and through the green light, the orcs saw the world on the other side—a clear blue sky, drifting white clouds, and the lush green trees they had long desired.

The orcs' breaths became heavier.

"This gate to a new world will soon open! Behind it lie only a few weak races; their power is like that of our children! Their fragile bodies are not even as strong as our women! Go! Conquer them! Slaughter them! Stain your axes with the blood of our enemies—let our bravery forge a new sky for the Horde!"

Under the influence of demonic blood, most orcs had become extremely warlike and insane. The victory against the Draenei had pushed their confidence to an unprecedented peak.

"Oooohhh—"

The deafening cry, the surge of energy, was enough to overturn the entire sky.

Following Gul'dan's direction, the chosen orcish warriors raised their weapons, and with earth-shaking steps, they transformed into a green tide, surging towards the massive Dark Portal!

Watching this scene, Durotan turned to his old friend Orgrim and said, "I suddenly remember our war against the Draenei."

"So what? The Draenei city of Shattrath is now Horde territory."

"A worthless territory," Durotan scoffed.

"Let's hope it's a place where orcs can thrive."

Durotan's words were taken up by his wife, Draka, who had been standing by his side: "We hope to lay the foundation for a better future for our children."

Durotan frowned slightly, "Draka, are you still determined to join the first wave of the attack?"

"Only the bravest of orcs can participate in the first wave of invasion. Do you doubt my courage?" Draka replied, slightly annoyed, and made a few gestures with her dagger.

"Alright! At least let me go first!"

Following the tide of orcs, Durotan led the charge, without any hesitation, through the massive green portal...

Meanwhile, in Stormwind City.

In a secluded room, Duke abruptly opened his eyes. His gaze was sharp, and his hands trembled from a mix of excitement and anxiety. His heart pounded rapidly due to the thrill and a hint of fear.

His emotions were so complex that he couldn't describe them with a single flavor.

As a former college student, the long-lasting peace had kept him from knowing the taste of war.

But as a traveler determined to make a name for himself in the world of Azeroth, when he saw the system spirit's prompt "The Dark Portal Opens," he knew: his opportunities and dangers had arrived simultaneously.

"Windsor! Marco!"

For the first time in three months, Duke's voice reached outside the room. The two men, who had been taking care of their daily needs in the outer hall lately, perked up and entered the room after knocking. They saw Duke, whose hair was messy and beard had grown significantly.

His appearance was disheveled, but his eyes were unusually bright.

Since becoming a follower of Duke, Windsor had doubted more than once whether Duke was a terrifyingly ambitious man. Looking around, he felt those were the eyes of someone eager to prove themselves and make a difference.

Windsor couldn't help but shudder inwardly.

Duke's clear and resolute voice rang in their ears: "The catastrophe I have been worrying about has arrived."

Their hearts skipped a beat.

Duke lifted his head, "This is not the end of the world, nor the end of mankind. There is still much to be done. I will prove to you, to the entire Kingdom of Stormwind, and even to all of humanity, that the preparations I have made over the past year have not been in vain."

As Duke's confidants, they had been aware of his activities during the past period. For a while, they even thought that Duke was planning to stage a rebellion and take over Stormwind City.

However, Duke's actions were far from those of a rebel.

And today, everything would be revealed.

Inside Stormwind City, Lothar was still overseeing the training of soldiers in the barracks. He was quite satisfied with the soldiers' progress.

With the help of the naga, the new recruits were growing rapidly. From initially being unable to hold a sword steadily, they had become both offensive and defensive. In these three months, many new tactics were developed, such as having two soldiers hold shields at the front while spear-wielding soldiers attacked from behind.

Today seemed no different from any other day.

But in the middle of the night, Lothar's office was knocked on by his attendant.

"Commander, you'd better take a look at this." The attendant held a sealed message tube with a wax seal. Seeing the lion emblem on it, Anduin's pupils suddenly contracted.