Chapter 627: The Dragonflight Ceremony (Part 1)

At 3 a.m., Duke gazed out of his bedroom window, the thick darkness consuming his view.

The jubilance of Triumph Day still echoed in his ears. Duke knew that new challenges would keep emerging.

Now that he was part of Azeroth, he couldn't ignore the successive challenges.

Indeed, before the Titans truly reached Azeroth and waged war against the Burning Legion, the world of Azeroth seemed like a relentless defense game. Regardless of how many waves of enemies you vanquished, new foes would always appear.

Persist, and there might be a glimmer of hope.

Surrender, and it's the end of all things.

Turning around, he saw the Windrunner sisters, previously huddled together in sleep, raise their elegant eyebrows, their eyes still clouded from slumber.

Alleria queried, "Duke, are you done with your thoughts?"

Vereesa added, "Rest. You did well today. Let tomorrow's worries come tomorrow."

With that, the two tender and fragrant figures made room on the bed. Duke, with a smile, lay down, embracing Vereesa on his left and Alleria on his right.

Without the impending crises, life would already be perfect!

In his heart, Duke silently spoke, "Yes! The people I love, the world I cherish. This is the driving force behind my endeavors in Azeroth!"

In the following days, Duke was incredibly busy.

Whether coordinating post-war reconstruction with different nations, discussing agricultural tool modifications with the Dwarves, or advancing his railway project, he was constantly occupied.

Time moved to December 31st, two years after the Dark Portal incident.

At last, the long-awaited message from Alexstrasza arrived.

Alexstrasza's magical communication relayed, "It's done. Malygos has had his fill of madness. He encased Nefarian's head in ice and took 'him' to the place where the Blue Dragonflight met their demise, grieving and laughing. Finally, he's agreed to bring back the traitor's head."

Duke held his forehead with a bitter smile.

To have lost his mate and offspring and then be unable to seek vengeance for ten thousand years, any being would go mad.

The mere fact that Malygos retained any sanity was a testament to the dragons' resilience. But recalling the Blue Dragon Aspect's future actions, Duke couldn't help but sigh.

For Malygos, Duke could only seize whatever opportunities presented themselves.

"When is the ceremony at Wyrmrest Temple?"

"Tomorrow, January 1st, at 9 a.m. in Dragonblight."

"That soon?"

"The ceremony's preparations are complete. The other three flights and their many dragons are merely waiting for that rogue Malygos!" Alexstrasza's teeth gritted in annoyance.

Indeed! A joyful celebration of dragons celebrating the defeat of a traitor, eagerly awaiting, only to be kept in suspense by the absence of the traitor's head. While Nozdormu had promptly surrendered Nefarian's body, the importance and significance lay in the head.

The head holds a sacred meaning.

Without the traitor's head, there's an undeniable void.

Having waited an entire week, Malygos finally agreed to bring back the Black Dragon Aspect's head. The delay undoubtedly irked the other dragon flights.

Yet, there was little they could do.

Each Dragon Aspect was, in essence, a guardian with equal standing. Unless one went beyond redemption, the others would tolerate their actions for the sake of kinship.

"Alright! I'll be there on time."

As January 1st of the third year post-Dark Portal dawned, the leaders of Lordaeron were still engrossed in various meetings.

War reconstruction, bilateral and multilateral trade, redrawing territorial boundaries, determining maritime rights... Such pressing matters plagued every king, and even their vassals.

In Stormwind, Duke would've been at the heart of these matters, but he had to excuse himself from King Llane.

At 8:30 a.m., Duke's room was still a flurry of activity.

While only Duke was attending the Dragonflight ceremony at Wyrmrest Temple, the preparations made it seem as though the entire Stormwind hierarchy was attending.

King Llane and Anduin chatted in a corner.

Sylvanas, in her ranger attire, stood with her arms crossed, watching her sister Vereesa and Alleria fuss over Duke's attire.

Duke, looking utterly defeated, was in the center, reminding himself of the gravity of the event.

"Perhaps add a sash? The mage robes flow too freely," Vereesa pondered.

"I agree, it'll look sharp!" Alleria concurred.

Duke grumbled, "Even if I dress impeccably, would the dragons appreciate it? It's been an hour and a half since you woke me. Are we done?"

"Whether they'd appreciate it isn't the point. It's about making the right impression. It's rare for a human to be invited to the Wyrmrest Temple," Alleria unexpectedly voiced.

Duke thought to himself: Do I reveal that in the future, due to a siege on the temple, dragons would seek the aid of Alliance champions, making it as bustling as a marketplace?

Alleria then added, "I've seen Alexstrasza in her humanoid form. Her attire is quite fitting!"

Duke inwardly sighed. Any man would find attire on a beauty pleasing, regardless of its practicality.

Regardless of his internal complaints, Duke had no choice but to patiently endure.

Finally, the preparations concluded.

With a chorus of well-wishes, Duke departed.

The moment he stepped through the portal into Dragonblight, the biting cold nearly froze him solid. The chilling cold of Northrend's Dragonblight was incomparable to the mild cold of Northern Lordaeron.

It felt like comparing a mild winter in the southern regions to the freezing winters of Siberia.

Duke felt as though he was on the brink of freezing to death.

Suddenly, warmth emanated from his Phoenix Flame magic circuit, enveloping him in a protective flame barrier. Not scorching, but effectively warding off the icy winds of Northrend.

Gathering himself, he saw Krasus.

"Welcome, old friend!" Krasus, in his tall humanoid form, greeted Duke with a courteous embrace.

Initially mere acquaintances, after Duke rescued the Red Dragon Queen and strategized against Nefarian, they became fast friends.

"The other Dragon Aspects will arrive in half an hour. Let me introduce you to the representatives of each flight."