Chapter 573: The Legend of Archduke Duke Marcus

Within the stone pillar lay the portal itself, emanating a luminescent blend of green and black, pulsing with energy.

To Archmage Antonidas and other mages, it appeared like a vast vortex, radiating power and an uncanny sensation throughout the vast expanse around it.

"I can feel the portal reaching deep into the earth, consuming energy from the ley lines below," Antonidas warned Lothar.

Over ten thousand orcs had gathered in front of the portal, yet they seemed lost, unsure of their next move.

No longer united by clans, perhaps due to consecutive defeats and the capture of their Warchief, their trust in one another had eroded. They had fragmented into smaller groups, based on familial ties or hunting parties.

This was not an army but a disjointed collection of squads.

"We're running low on supplies; prepare to attack! We will annihilate them," declared Lothar, without a hint of hesitation, intent on pressing forward with the vanguard and swiftly eliminating the orcs.

"Hold on, Anduin," Duke suddenly intervened, halting Lothar.

"Yes?" For a commander, being stopped by a subordinate was typically a blow to one's pride. But Duke was different; he and Lothar shared a bond forged in countless battles. Lothar bore no grudge.

Whispering into Lothar's ear, Duke remarked, "Notice anything? Lordaeron has been slighted this time."

"So what?" Lothar, a pure warrior at heart, wasn't adept at political nuances.

"Our supplies are dwindling, not just because of extended supply lines." Lordaeron had reduced supplies to the frontline, citing the length of supply chains as the reason. Geographically, Lordaeron, located to the north of the Northern Continent, was indeed the farthest from the frontline, with the exception of Quel'Thalas.

At its core, King Terenas was disgruntled, feeling he hadn't gained enough benefits and lost face in the process. This resulted in the bulk of the supplies for the campaign against the Dark Portal being shouldered by the war-ravaged Kingdom of Stormwind. Even after reclaiming its territories, Duke immediately initiated road construction using cement, building a main road that ran from Stormwind City through Elwynn Forest. But challenges persisted.

The recent annexation of Redridge Mountains and the treacherous route through the Swamp of Sorrows to the Blasted Lands meant that supply lines were still in dire straits. The terrain in Redridge was mountainous and narrow, while the Swamp of Sorrows was notorious for its treacherous paths, with vehicles often getting stuck.

Contemplating Duke's words, Lothar asked, "What's your recommended strategy?"

"Didn't Duke Chalmers mention employing some orcs as miners during a casual chat?"

It was well-known that Duke Chalmers was Terenas's confidant. His suggestions were essentially those of King Terenas, which the King felt uncomfortable expressing openly.

The history had taken a different turn.

In the original timeline, Lordaeron, having sustained fewer losses, had captured many orc prisoners. Terenas proposed establishing orc internment camps in every Alliance nation. With Duke's involvement, Lordaeron had suffered more. The orcish assault on Blackrock Spire had resulted in over 60,000 casualties for Lordaeron, leading to anticipated labor shortages in the coming years.

Considering employing orcs as miners became a viable solution.

Lothar, a noble soul, was against slaughtering defenseless prisoners and women, even if they were orcs. But using them as miners was an option he could entertain.

Lothar smiled, "So, you're taking charge of this battle?"

"If I'm taking charge, then so be it!" Duke signaled Magni Bronzebeard, "Magni, it's showtime!"

"Righto!" As Magni waddled over, the Alliance leaders could only shake their heads in bemusement.

Magni paid no heed.

Thanks to Duke's Blitzkrieg tactics, the dwarves had played a monumental role in the final confrontation.

The Dwarven Tank Brigade had inflicted the most casualties amongst the orcs.

Sitting atop the foremost tank, Duke was flanked by two assistants, casting a projection of the Stormwind flag onto the tanks.

The very same flag of Archduke Marcus of Stormwind.

It had once fluttered over Stormwind City, causing tens of thousands of orcs to perish in flames. It had once been planted outside Silvermoon City, stalling the Horde's advance.

It symbolized the Alliance's nightmare, representing the human reaper – Duke Marcus!

The mere sight of this flag caused countless orcs to tremble uncontrollably.

Amplifying his voice with magic, Duke addressed the battlefield in the orcish language.

"I am Archduke Duke Marcus of Stormwind. For the last time, I declare: all orcs who surrender will be spared. Those who resist... Cry! Scream! And then... meet your end! Ha-ha-ha-ha!"

His declaration, brimming with audacity and terror, would've been dismissed as mere bluster if not for Duke's proven track record.

One by one, countless orcs discarded their weapons, kneeling before Duke in submission.

Years later, many old orcs would still recall the terror of facing Archduke Marcus on the battlefield, and the humiliation of being rendered utterly powerless before him.