Chapter 604: Terenas' Blunder

Roars of terrifying ferocity resonated, causing every pane of glass in the throne room to shatter outward. Glass shards, propelled by the fierce winds, caused countless casualties among the attendants and guards outside.

This wasn't a dragon's breath nor a bomb but far more terrifying than any mage's Pyroblast.

The haunting roars that seeped deep into one's soul invoked legends almost entirely forgotten by the world—of an age eons ago dominated by dragons. Every creature walking the earth was potential prey. Everything mortal cowered beneath the might of dragons, fearing attracting their deadly wrath...

Outside the throne room, festivities still rang out. Even after the triumphant parade had left the main streets and began its city circuit, the celebratory crowd remained, entertained by myriad performers—from jesters to adorned dancers and all manner of musical bands.

Moments ago, despite the chilling onset of winter, Lordaeron was immersed in warmth and jubilation. That was until the terrifying dragon's roar shattered the atmosphere.

Veteran soldiers, hardened by relentless skirmishes against the Red Dragonflight, held their own. However, Lordaeron's civilians, unacquainted with dragons, were not as fortunate. Overwhelmed by fear, many found their hearts clenching in terror. As their vision darkened, nearly a third fainted. Some unlucky souls even tumbled from balconies...

They couldn't be blamed. The overwhelming aura of the Dragon Aspects wasn't something mere mortals could withstand.

Chaos erupted throughout Lordaeron.

Inside the throne room, it was no different.

Under the gaze of all the kings, the imposing figure of Lord Daval Prestor suddenly unleashed a fiery shockwave, not just any shockwave. This one bore such immense energy that even the Dragon Aspects dared not face it directly.

Or perhaps, these ancient, powerful beings of Azeroth each had their own trump cards?

Whatever it was, it was undeniably a formidable technique that even the Dragon Aspects avoided.

After repelling Alexstrasza and Nozdormu, Prestor began his transformation.

Before all, Prestor's head morphed into a massive black dragon's, wings sprouting ever larger from his back, his limbs thickening. His once radiant skin hardened with scales.

The other Dragon Aspects too began their transformations.

Growing ever larger and more terrifying, soon their massive forms would overtake any close-range field of vision.

It was clear: in mere seconds, the grandeur of the throne room would be obliterated by these colossal ancient dragons.

"Evacuate!"

Without seeing Duke's casting, massive ice pillars suddenly pierced the walls in all cardinal directions. These hollowed ice structures, smooth as slides, led directly to the royal gardens.

Without hesitation, Daelin, Magni, and others slid to safety.

Genn, Thoras, and Antonidas paused briefly before following suit.

Only Terenas...

The events had unfolded too swiftly. He still couldn't believe his eyes.

"My God! What have I done?"

Indeed, the domestic nobility was in uproar.

Lands burned, the capital nearly captured, and even after forming the Alliance, he hadn't achieved the desired influence.

To compensate, Terenas had maneuvered to control Alterac, even risking Alliance disapproval to impeach a loyal lord.

And his reward?

His beloved daughter defying him, associating with Duke, whom he failed to sway.

His trusted nominee for the Alterac throne was, in fact, the notorious Deathwing.

Deathwing! The cause of endless death and destruction for millennia, vilified by every historian and bard.

Terenas couldn't fathom the public's reaction upon learning that he was nearly manipulated by Deathwing into crowning him as king.

No! This won't do!

Whatever today's losses, he must silence the other kings. Otherwise, once branded as Deathwing's accomplice, his Alliance leadership would end.

Indeed, he too was a victim of Deathwing's deception!

Lost in thought, Terenas realized his plan was moot.

Because...

As Alexstrasza's tail swiped Deathwing into the sky, the Red Dragonqueen, unfortunately, shouted in Common: "Neltharion—your end is nigh! Thinking you could hide as Prestor under Menethil's protection, we'd never find you!"

The roar was loud and clear.

The gathered masses heard it all.

"By the Light! King Menethil..."

They couldn't believe their ears, but the colossal entity above, spewing corrosive liquid like rain, was undeniably real.

The drops, though seemingly harmless, bore terrifying corrosiveness. As they rained down, they effortlessly corroded rooftops, walls, statues, streets, and even living beings. Anyone touched by even a droplet was corroded instantly.