Karazhan!
Just hearing the name of this grand and illustrious place was enough to make Duke's heart race!
Not only was Karazhan the most popular, unique, and well-loved dungeon in the game before Duke's transmigration, but also due to the value and status of Karazhan itself.
With over a million magical books, it was an astonishing wealth for any power on the continent. Let alone a million books, even a hundred would be enough to cause bloodshed and chaos outside.
With these magic books and the help of the system, it could be said that the greatest obstacle to Duke's path to becoming the Supreme Archmage had been cleared.
Moreover, the status of Karazhan was transcendent.
North of Dalaran and south of Karazhan—this was the current state of the magic domain on the entire continent.
This time, without Duke cheating, the automated magic defense system of the Mage Tower alone could at least reduce the number of red dragons in this world by a third.
And that was the most idealistic estimate!
If Duke had been in control from the beginning and had been ruthless, it's likely that no red dragon would have escaped with their lives, except for the Red Dragon Queen Alexstrasza.
Of course, the most important aspect was the Stellar Rift of Karazhan.
No one knew better than Duke about the future "historical" development.
The planet of Draenor, or what the people of Azeroth called the "Outland," and what the orcs referred to as "our world." This planet, inhabited by orcs and draenei, was an unavoidable obstacle.
Considering the great wars that would break out in the future, Duke definitely did not want to rely solely on the deceptive and treacherous "Dark Portal" as the only lifeline.
Both publicly and privately, there was no reason to refuse.
The only thing that made Duke hesitate was Medivh's statement, "Your soul will be forever bound to Karazhan." This, akin to being bound to a place like an earthbound spirit, sounded dreadful.
However, Duke's hesitation was dispelled by a series of explanations from the system sprite.
"Congratulations, you have successfully assisted Medivh in banishing the soul of Sargeras, the Lord of the Burning Legion, the Fallen Titan, and the Demon King, into the endless abyss."
"Your personal reputation with Medivh, Lothar, and Aegwynn is [Revered]."
"Your reputation within the Red Dragonflight is [Revered]."
"Medivh wishes to transfer the entire Karazhan to you. As a price, you will undergo the highest level of soul binding with the Karazhan Mage Tower. You will not be able to possess any other Mage Towers. You will not be accepted by any other mage organizations."
"[Highest Level Soul Binding]: If you were to lose your life permanently, your wandering soul would be automatically absorbed back into Karazhan, continuing to rule Karazhan in some form, unless your soul is bound by a power surpassing the entirety of Karazhan's magical pool."
"[Karazhan]: Demigod-level Mage Tower. Possessing magical defense capabilities second only to the Mage City of Dalaran in the world of Azeroth, low-level cross-planar attack capabilities, control over twelve Stellar Rifts leading to unknown worlds, and a built-in demigod-level magical pool (damaged)."
"[Karazhan Library]: Contains 1.28 million magical books.
"Although most of them are informational books on magical creatures, magical phenomena, unknown creatures, and environments, one thing is certain: all the magical books you need for your practice up to the Sun Mage level can be found here."
"More details about Karazhan are unknown and await your discovery."
"[Medivh's Legacy]: Knowing his death is inevitable, Medivh wishes to pass his legacy onto you. Only by accepting his legacy can you fully possess Karazhan. In addition to Karazhan's Mage Tower, you must also accept the following: [Medivh's Integrity (Humanity)], [Medivh's Prayer Seed], and [Atiesh, Guardian's Legendary Staff's Headpiece]."
"[Medivh's Integrity]: Medivh, without the interference of Sargeras' will, is a bona fide saint. He possesses a compassion and mercy beyond that of ordinary people. Inheriting his integrity will push your humanity beyond its original limits. You may occasionally perform saintly acts, but you can suppress them with your willpower. Alternatively, you can intentionally lose soul power to bring your humanity back within what you deem reasonable."
"[Medivh's Prayer Seed]: Medivh has always loved the world of Azeroth and the Kingdom of Stormwind deeply. He does not want to see you harm Stormwind, so when you receive his legacy, you will be implanted with a spiritual seed. As long as you don't become an utterly wicked villain, the seed is harmless to you. If you choose to join evil organizations like the Burning Legion, the seed will retaliate against your soul. Please explore the specifics on your own."
"[Atiesh, Guardian's Legendary Staff]Epic Reconstruction Quest Release: This artifact staff with immense power has not lost its might. Due to Medivh's use of its power to forcibly cast Sargeras into the abyss, the artifact shattered into over forty fragments. If you successfully collect all the staff fragments, you will have the opportunity to possess this unique artifact staff in all of Azeroth."
Duke heaved a sigh of relief after reading all the requirements and prohibitions.
Medivh had not deceived him, and in fact, was quite benevolent.
As long as Duke didn't join the Burning Legion or the Scourge, and didn't start a massacre within the borders of Stormwind, Medivh wouldn't have any means to restrict him.
At this moment, a faint smile appeared on the face of the soon-to-depart greatest mage of this era, and two lines of tears slid down his cheeks.
"Duke... From the moment I first saw you, I knew you would be an unbound, sky-soaring, earth-dominating powerhouse. I never thought of binding you with morality or authority. Even when my soul was secretly influenced by Sargeras, I never had such thoughts. But, Duke, have you ever thought? With great power comes great responsibility. It seems that if talented and capable people like you don't step forward, Azeroth will perish."
Duke's heart shrank at these words, and for some reason, a wave of sadness welled up in his nose.
Medivh continued, "Even if you're not from the Kingdom of Stormwind, I hope you at least remember that there was once a Stormwind City that provided fertile soil for your growth. Remember the countless brave people who fought side by side with you... They all hope for the kingdom's eternal existence... They hope that this beautiful and fertile land will no longer be ravaged by evil—" (To be continued.)
A special shout-out to Molière and TheFuzzySamurai for being my first 2 patrons. Currently up to Chapter 196 over on my P@treon if you would like to read ahead.