Chapter 79

Chapter 79

Masruk was in a pleasant mood as he made his way through the streets of Dalaran toward the Alliance Defense Forces headquarters near the Violet Citadel.

A few months had passed since Masruk joined the newly-formed organization, and he was very pleased with how things had developed. Combat focused members of the Alliance Defense Force were all requisitioned with the best possible equipment that the organization could acquire, which turned out to be quite impressive. Krivax had gone out of his way to ensure all members of the Alliance contributed to their logistics, and it showed.

Masruk still felt as happy as a hatchling whod weaved his first web whenever he recalled receiving his new equipment. Superior dwarfish metal crafting combined with the unified efforts of enchanters from Azjol-Nerub, Dalaran, and QuelThalas, resulted in armaments beyond what any of them could create on their own.

His new obsidian-black armor was crafted from a titanium-mithril alloy and seamlessly melded with his crimson exoskeleton, its interlocking plates each glowing faintly with magic. The silk harness attached to the armor made it convenient to access his equipment even when using his new wings. His helmet, designed with multi-faceted eye and antennae openings, completed his armor well and created an awe-inspiring appearance that drew the attention of anyone who saw him.

His armors enchantments, many of which would have conflicted with each other before the Alliances collaborative efforts, had many useful functions. Defensive enchantments along the breastplate, vision improving magic in the helmet, and best of all, complex weight negation enchantments along his wing-guard that made him light enough to properly fly.

Such maneuverability offered Masruk many new options in a fight. He now loved to soar across the red skies in the early sunrise and breathe in the fresh sea breeze off the coast of Northrend whenever he returned to Azjol-Nerub.

His spear, previously the same as the standard equipment given to the Dreadstalkers, had been similarly improved. Imbued with dwarvish enchantments that would allow the spear to return to him after being thrown and sharp enough to pierce through most armor, Masruk was now more deadly than he had ever been.

If hed had this equipment when he and Krivax had fought that troublesome demon, they could have defeated it much more quickly.

Masruk hadnt originally seen the purpose of the Alliance Defense Force when Krivax had explained his idea, though hed kept that to himself. Krivax had always possessed an unique vision and perspective that allowed him to see how things could be, rather than how they were, so hed trusted his friends judgment.

Now that Krivaxs vision was beginning to become reality, Masruk better understood the wisdom behind a collaborative defense initiative.

Masruk was pulled from his thoughts as he approached his destination. The Alliance had chosen Dalaran as the place to build its headquarters due to its relative historical neutrality when it came to matters of politics. Grand Magus Antonidas had personally created the spatial enchantments on the structure, which meant the Alliance Defense Force had more than enough space to conduct its operations.

The structure itself was nothing special, simply being one of the larger buildings in the citys administrative district, but the many personnel walking in and out were diverse even by Dalarans standards. Every race in the Eastern Kingdoms, along with nerubians and even the occasional tauren or draenei, could be seen going about their diplomatic duties. The only reason Masruk drew any attention as he passed beneath the Alliance banner hanging above the entrance was due to his large wings and imposing armor.

Masruk quickly walked past the many diplomats and emissaries stationed in the main hall, heading directly toward the more militarized western wing of the building. He then ended up spending several minutes being closely examined by the Dreadstalker and Spellbreaker guards stationed by the entrance.

Although Krivax may have grown accustomed to going wherever he pleased as he interacted with the most powerful people in Azeroth, Masruk had no such luxury despite their friendship.

This didnt bother him at all, as Masruk honestly preferred to go unnoticed by the people in Krivaxs orbit.

It made his life much easier.

Soon enough, Masruk was given the all clear and allowed entrance to the western wing. The atmosphere immediately changed as he stepped inside. Krivax had not wasted any time in getting things organized and began sending people out on missions as soon as possible. Apparently, he wanted the organization to gain some experience before they were deployed against a powerful necromancer on some foreign continent.

Masruk had worried at first that there would not be enough missions available and that he would be deprived of a proper fight, but that proved an unnecessary concern. There seemed to be a truly absurd number of threats plaguing Azeroth, so there was more than enough work to keep even the most battle-hungry warriors satisfied.

As Masruk walked through the halls toward the training area, he passed by several unique individuals, many of whom he would not have encountered anywhere else.

He paused briefly in the hallway as he watched the mutated Draenei known as Broken, Akama, practicing in the courtyard.

Masruk had never fought Akama himself, but hed seen the Broken spar against the Paladin Tirion Fordring in the training area and knew that he was highly skilled. Masruk wasnt sure how Krivax did it, but he just seemed to know many obscure individuals of exceptional skill and had a knack for recruiting them.

However, the A.D.F wasnt filled with only a few highly skilled combatants, but also had many other personnel available to offer support. After all, even the most elite of soldiers would become several times more effective with the assistance of specialists.

As if reading his thoughts, his attention was drawn to one such individual calling for his attention. Masruk! Over here!

Masruk turned to see a burly human man in robes embroidered with nautical sigils. The staff he held was adorned with shells and glowing with a soft, water light. Wavespeaker Samuel was among the few Tidesages remaining after KulTiras finished purging the organization of void cultists after their betrayal during the Second War.

Greetings Tidesage, how can I help you? Masruk asked as he approached Samuel and a young half-elf man from the logistics department.

The Tidesage chuckled warmly before responding. Oh, relax. You spiderfolk are always too proper. No need for formality among friends and comrades, no? I see you have fully recovered from the blow from the falling mast.

The Tidesage had been very helpful during Masruks first mission for the A.D.F, which involved investigating the growing pirate threat plaguing the Eastern Kingdoms. They had together caught up to the pirate ship and boarded it. In spite of the pirate captains attempt to crush him under one of the masts, he had shrugged off the cracked carapace and cornered him with his spear, while Samuel had swamped the deck clear of other pirate crew with a massive wave.

Working with the different Alliance members in his missions had helped him to appreciate the strange friendliness among the surface races.

Very well, Samuel, said Masruk, attempting to sound less formal. Is there something that you need? I wish to meet with my assigned team before the next mission briefing later this evening.

Certainly, that's the very reason why I called for you, said Samuel, smiling affably as he leaned against his staff. Mere moments ago Elmir and I were discussing this upcoming mission and what it might entail when I saw you. Given that not every soul here shares kinship with the one at the helm, it seemed prudent to ask you.

Youre friends with Vizier Krivax? asked the half-elf named Elmir, his eyes widening with interest. Thats amazing. I was only able to speak with him for a few minutes when I was first recruited. He was very intimidating.

Masruk was not surprised by the half-elfs interest. Krivax might not fully understand what kind of a figure hed become, but Masruk was accustomed to people showing an interest in their friendship.

After all, who wouldnt be curious about a person who regularly spoke with rulers? It didnt help that Krivax casually radiated power ever since he had been empowered by Alexstrasza.

Krivax is kind, but very busy, Masruk said to Elmir before turning his attention back to Samuel. I do not know what the mission will entail exactly, but I suspect that it will involve the necromancer known as the Lich King.

It was a lie that Masruk didnt know the contents of his mission, but there was no harm in mentioning the Lich King. Preparations to face the undead had been growing significantly over the past few weeks, with the Church of the Holy Light infusing large numbers of armaments with the Light.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.

While it wasnt public knowledge, Masruk even knew that Krivax had been in close contact with Archmage KelThuzad about an anti-undead weapon that the mage had successfully developed with the assistance of Queen Khitix.

Aye, I suppose that makes sense, said Samuel, a bitter look crossing his expression. It seems like every day now that were facing a new threat, more deadly than the last. I remember when the worst things I had to worry about were pirates and Gilnean saber-rattling. Now half my Order revealed themselves as mind-eating monsters, and armies of the undead are terrorizing distant lands. I miss when times were simpler.

That was a sentiment that Masruk had come across many times, not only from the surface races but also from his fellow nerubians.

Personally, Masruk didnt enjoy imagining what his life would have been like without Krivax in it and all the changes that resulted. He would have never met the people of Kamagua or seen the forests of Kalimdor. He would have never battled the Horde or sparred with some of the most skilled warriors in the Eastern Kingdoms, such as Paladin Uther.

Instead, Masruk would have almost certainly lived in the depths of Kilahkuk as a warrior and eventually died there without seeing a single star. That was why Masruk found it hard to share their sentiment.

Still, it was easy to understand their perspective.

I miss those times too. I thank the Light every day that I wasnt in Capital City when that giant abomination destroyed my home, said Elmir, nodding solemnly in agreement before seeming to perk himself up. But It is nice that there are so many new kinds of people to see now. I actually saw a giant bird person entering the Violet Hold yesterday! Apparently, they were brought to our world from Draenor by the dragons.

Samuel and Elmir continued to gossip as they continued discussing new rivals and the other events unfolding across Azeroth. Masruk decided to stay and listen for a while despite already knowing far more than either of them about the state of the world thanks to Krivax.

Every day that went by was another that the Scourge grew in numbers, so putting a stop to their rampage across Pandaria was a necessity. Such a massive endeavor would of course need to be handled by the actual militaries of the Alliances member nations.

It would not be an easy fight given that transporting large numbers of troops would be a logistical nightmare. Sea transport was tantamount to suicide, while moving so many troops by portal would exhaust the most powerful of mages and consume precious resources to keep the portals open. It was only due to the assistance of the Aspect of Magic that it was even remotely possible.

Krivax pointed to a particular part in northern Pandaria where the Alliance would be establishing a forward base. A combined effort by the Guardians of Nerub, Order of the Silver Hand, and the most elite warriors in QuelThalas would be leading the initial assault. During this time, the available Aspects and Dragonflights would launch a surprise attack on the Isle of Thunder, hoping to destroy the Scourges leadership on Pandaria.

Masruk thought it was a sound tactic. Even if they were to fail, the attack would at least distract the Scourge from the Alliances assault.

This was what the Alliance would be doing, but there was an important role for the A.D.F to play as well.

Lord Malygos is very concerned that the enemy will use his and the other Aspects' distraction to launch attacks at poorly defended locations, Krivax continued solemnly, his eyes sweeping through the room. As a result, most of you will be held in reserve to respond to such an eventuality. The Council of Six has offered the assistance of the most powerful spatial mages in Dalaran to quickly transport you where it is necessary at a moment's notice.

Krivax gestured to a figure who Masruk recognized to be Archmage Ansirem.

He recognized the wisdom of this decision as well. Masruk could already imagine an army of the undead emerging from the sea and devastating the Kul Tiras' fleets in a surprise attack or destroying the still rebuilding Stormwind before anyone could respond. Having several groups of highly powerful individuals to push back against an assault would undoubtedly be very useful.

Fortunately, Masruk grew increasingly confident that the Alliance was taking this threat very seriously the longer he listened to Krivax. Aside from the teams prepared to respond to the Lich King, Quel'Thalas had also prepared several dozen Magisters to intervene as soon as necessary.

Such a large number of mages had the potential to turn the tide of any battlefield.

However, some of you have been selected for a different mission, Krivax continued once he finished explaining the reserve strategy. Specifically, the teams led by Archmage Krasus and Vizier Hadix will be deploying to Pandaria as soon as the assault begins. These two teams will be receiving a separate briefing at the conclusion of this meeting. Now, any questions?

The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of the situation settled on everyone present. This briefing had made clear that this would be the largest military conflict that any of them would be participating in since the Second War.

Yes, Magus Rhonin? Krivax nodded to the human mage.

What support can we expect from the native inhabitants of Pandaria? asked Rhonin, his voice measured.

A good question, Krivax said before launching an in depth explanation of Pandarias current situation and the state of their resistance.

That resistance almost entirely relied on a few powerful creatures known as the August Celestials and a small group of elite warriors called the Shado-Pan.

Masruk had already heard from Krivax that the Pandaren did not have a standing army, but it still made little sense to him. Azjol-Nerub had been at peace for even longer than the Pandaren, but they had always maintained a capable military throughout its history. The idea of relying on a few so-called Wild Gods and a small organization for protection seemed entirely nonsensical to him.

A quick look around the room made it obvious that his sentiment was shared by the rest of the people in the room. The Eastern Kingdoms was not a peaceful continent, so this was to be expected.

Krivax also went on to explain the threat of the Sha, which were apparently hostile Void entities which would spontaneously appear in places of significant negative emotion. Given the circumstances, Masruk was not surprised when Krivax pointed to large splotches of purple across the projection that represented the Sha.

Krivax also took a moment to mention Mantivess, a sister kingdom to Azjol-Nerub that existed on the western side of the continent. If they were any bit as formidable as his own people, then Masruk thought the Alliance would be wise to avoid them as much as possible.

Masruk listened carefully as Krivax spent the next half an hour answering various questions. Eventually, Krivax concluded the general meeting, indicating that it was time for the two specific teams to receive their separate, mission-critical briefings.

If there are no further questions, I would like Vizier Hadixs to stay behind while Archmage Krasus team goes to meet Magister Rommath in his office, Krivax announced, his eyes briefly flickering to Masruk before returning to the rest of the room. Everyone else, thank you for your time. The assault on Pandaria will take place at the end of the week. The Lich King will almost certainly respond once Lord Malygos begins his attack, so I suggest you do everything you can to prepare until then.

The room began to empty as everyone filed out, leaving behind a hushed air. Archmage Krasus nodded at Krivax before leaving with his team, a group of several mages who Masruk didnt recognize, to meet with Magister Rommath. Soon enough, the only people left in the room were Krivax, Masruk and his team, as well as a strange female dwarf who had been quiet throughout the entire briefing.

Krivax waited until the door closed behind the departing teams and Hadix finished casting what was most likely a privacy ward before addressing the remaining members of the room.

Alright, Krivax began, taking a deep breath as he turned to face Fordring. While I did say that this briefing was for your entire team, in truth, you are the only person here who does not know what youve been gathered to do. Masruk, Vizier Hadix, and Watcher Ironaya were all informed before this meeting.

Masruk couldnt help but turn a curious glance to the stoic dwarf woman. Ironaya was the name of the giant golem creature from Uldaman that Krivax had told him about.

Fordring looked a bit surprised, but not affronted. I see. Then this mission must be extremely sensitive in nature. What is it that you need from me?

As I said before, this team will be one of the few traveling to Pandaria, said Krivax after a moment of silence. Your objective will be to carry out a plan crafted by Lord Malygos. One that will hopefully result in the successful capture of a Dreadlord.

Masruk heard the sharpness in Krivaxs voice and knew how much the success of this mission meant to his friend. Detherocs escape with potentially vital information had left a bad taste in both of their mouths, so finding a way to turn the tables on the enemy would be immensely satisfying.

Not only that, but this would be one of their few opportunities to seize the initiative from the enemy and take the fight directly to them.

I am not the most familiar with demons, but even I know that Dreadlords are particularly cunning creatures, Fordring said, his hint of skepticism in his voice. How exactly do we plan to capture one, and why was I chosen to participate?

Capturing the demon will be the responsibility of Watcher Ironaya, Krivax explained, gesturing to the individual in question. Lord Malygos and Keeper Archaedas have developed an artifact which will prevent the Dreadlord from returning to the Twisting Nether. Ironayas duty will be to operate it.

Krivax then went on to give a quick explanation of who and what Ironaya was, which Fordring accepted with impressive composure.

As for why you were chosen, Krivax continued, locking eyes with Fordring. Its simple. You fit a very specific criteria of being trustworthy, not already occupied with other obligations, and being extremely effective against the undead. Once you are equipped with the Silver Hand, I expect that effectiveness to increase substantially.

Masruk heard the slight sulk in Krivaxs voice and nearly chuckled. He knew his friend had wanted to surprise the Paladin by giving him the Silver Hand personally, but hadnt been able to arrange it.

Krivax was quite fond of dramatic moments.

However, Fordring already seemed sufficiently impressed, his eyes growing wide with awe.

The Silver Hand? Archbishop Benedictus has agreed to entrust me with such a legendary artifact? Fordring asked, his voice tinged with disbelief and honor.

He has. The Archbishop is prepared to hold a secret ceremony to bestow the artifact to you after this meeting, Krivax said approvingly, clearly happy with the humans reaction You will likely need to spend the next few days acclimating to its power, but it will be vital for ensuring that all of us survive this mission. I hope you can handle this responsibility, Paladin Fordring.

Fordring straightened his posture, his eyes filled with conviction. I will do my utmost to wield the Silver Hand with the honor and dignity it deserves, and for the betterment of us all. You have my word.

Masruk didnt really understand the Light, but the swell of energy that seemed to emanate from the human at that moment spoke volumes about his conviction. In that moment, he could easily imagine the paladin wielding the weapon that had slain a Cthrax and destroying entire swaths of undead with indomitable will.

Masruk had already considered Fordring a formidable warrior, but his estimation of the paladin rose even further and he wondered how his friend had known that this specific human would be so well-suited for the mission.

A quick glance at Krivax revealed the familiar glimmer in his eyes of a plan coming together and Masruk decided that it didnt matter. He trusted Krivaxs judgment in matters such as these.

Very good, said Krivax, sounding distinctly pleased. Then let me share the details of our plan. If you all manage to succeed, then this could potentially be our first step in turning the tides against the Lich King