Chapter 294: Hush Money

Kel'Thuzad, a malignant tumor lurking within the human camp.

Duke had wanted to deal with him for a while, but he lacked evidence!

As one of the six councilors of the Kirin Tor, his status alone was like a golden ticket to immunity. He had reached a level similar to that of Anduin of Stormwind or Bolvar. To simply kill him off would not only be difficult, but it would also cause an uproar in Dalaran.

If Dalaran went berserk, the Alliance wouldn't have a mage corps.

The only way to eliminate such a powerful figure was to find solid evidence and dig a big hole for him to fall into.

In fact, when Duke first saw the soul diary entry of Lady Deathwhisper, he didn't immediately make the connection.

"I am fortunate to have found a powerful and promising fallen mage within the ranks of the high mages of Dalaran. He is extremely obsessed with necromancy and has no resistance to the power of my master."

In the world of Azeroth, there were many famous Liches and fallen mages who dabbled in necromancy. Characters like Ras Frostwhisper, Headmaster Gandling, and the current Lady Deathwhisper were all part of the Cult of the Damned.

When it came to the Cult of the Damned, one couldn't help but mention Kel'Thuzad!

As a veteran player and someone who had led countless raids against Kel'Thuzad's stronghold, Naxxramas, in the game, Duke was well aware that Kel'Thuzad was the leader of the Cult of the Damned.

Historically, it wasn't until after the Second War with the orcs that Kel'Thuzad, due to his colleagues' obsession with necromancy and growing conflicts with them, sold all his assets and ventured to Northrend to serve the Lich King. He then founded the Cult of the Damned and became the fearsome Lich known to all.

However, the schemes of demons were always long-term and insidious. Sargeras, the leader of the Burning Legion, managed to infiltrate Aegwynn's body and hide there for over three hundred years.

Duke had no doubt that there were early moles within the Cult of the Damned.

Otherwise, how could the Lich King have such a terrifying force at his command when he arrived in Azeroth? It wouldn't have been possible for Arthas alone to control so many mindless ghouls and skeletons without powerful Liches and Death Knights as commanders.

After seeing Lady Deathwhisper's memories, Duke decided to visit the Kirin Tor councilors to investigate, with his sole target being Kel'Thuzad.

Just as the system had hinted that Sargeras had possessed Medivh, this time, Duke clearly saw the title "Lich" attached to Kel'Thuzad in the system's view.

It was extremely difficult for Duke to contain his laughter, especially since he was surrounded by two users of the light, Uther the Lightbringer and Archbishop Alonsus Faol.

Even if Kel'Thuzad were to retaliate, Duke wouldn't be afraid. However, if Kel'Thuzad tried to flee, Duke wouldn't be able to stop him.

Of course, the ideal outcome would be for Kel'Thuzad not to lash out and instead leave the matter to Archmage Antonidas.

As for Kel'Thuzad, who had not yet been summoned by the Lich King, he seemed to be playing the role of an obedient child. However, despite being a Lich in disguise, he appeared to be as harmless as a human, which would inevitably draw suspicion.

A full day passed before Archmage Antonidas summoned Duke to his office.

"Kel'Thuzad has been purified, overseen by Knight Uther and personally executed by Archbishop Faol," Antonidas said, and Duke nodded.

This was no secret. A simple inquiry with Uther or Alonsus would reveal the truth.

"The only problem is, according to the legends in the books, Liches possess a phylactery. We did not find Kel'Thuzad's phylactery. However, it's not a major concern. Due to our careful preparations, he has lost at least 90% of his soul. Even if a severely damaged Lich like him were to revive, he would never amount to much, merely becoming a worthless Sky Mage."

Upon hearing this, Duke finally breathed a sigh of relief.

That was Kel'Thuzad, after all. The man was notorious for his deceitful, despicable, and sinister actions. If he were still the same Kel'Thuzad, Duke would have to worry about those around him. But since Kel'Thuzad was destined to become weak, Duke wouldn't mind teaching him a lesson at that time.

Antonidas pinched his hanging white eyebrows and said, "Alright, the principle of mages is equivalent exchange. Although I don't like your style, you have made outstanding contributions to Dalaran, and Dalaran will not treat you unfairly."

"I am honored," Duke said insincerely.

"Well, thank you, Duke Marcus, Deputy Marshal. Thank you for your outstanding contributions to the Alliance. You may go now."

Knowing that Antonidas was joking, Duke still released a fierce gaze rivaling Death Gaze.

How dare you!?

That was what Duke's eyes conveyed.

"Or, would you like to join the Council of Six in Kirin Tor? We have a vacant position."

Duke rolled his eyes.

I wouldn't go to your place to suffer.

Antonidas laughed instead, with a 'I see through you' expression.

"Fine, I knew you wanted my Arcane Circuit model."

Duke corrected him, "To be precise, I want an upgraded Arcane Circuit that can simultaneously support the Crown of Eternal Winter and another fire magic circuit of equal level."

As Duke finished, Antonidas' eyelids twitched: You have quite the appetite!

Had Antonidas not believed he owed Duke a huge favor, he would have flipped the table on the spot. He would never have guessed that Kel'Thuzad never planned to cause trouble in Dalaran from the beginning!

In the end, the Kirin Tor leader begrudgingly agreed.

"Fine, is it the Phoenix's Flame from the Sunstrider family? I have also studied their circuits a bit. It's not impossible to give you my researched Arcane Circuit. First, I must tell you that this is an unverified magic circuit model. I am not responsible for whatever happens in the future."

Duke nodded, "That's fine."

"Secondly, starting from Morning Star, each time the Crown of Eternal Winter circuit is upgraded, you must have a special sacrifice to strengthen your circuit. This is something you cannot obtain through your own cultivation. I used the essence of a yeti king to upgrade to the Shining Moon, and the essence of a... well, a blue dragon humanoid king for upgrading to the Rising Sun."

As he said this, Antonidas also gave a 'Death Gaze', yes, the kind that says, if you dare to speak about this, I will end you.