The tide began to turn. More and more human soldiers lowered their weapons, and one after another, they knelt to pledge their fealty. Seeing this, Garithos's die-hard loyalists could only bow their heads in reluctant submission.
Rhodes's gaze swept across the field, his tone softening slightly. "Rise, warriors of the Alliance. I do not require your kneeling; I only require your loyalty and your courage. Now, let us begin the work—for the rebirth of Lordaeron."
"Take Garithos into custody to await a post-war tribunal," Rhodes commanded. "Immediately summon all officers of rank commander and above to the command tent. We need to re-establish our defenses and formulate a counter-offensive plan." Seeing the high morale of the soldiers, Rhodes nodded in satisfaction.
"At once, Your Grace!" an Alliance knight replied, departing to execute the order.
Rhodes then turned to the Dwarven commander. "I need an immediate inventory of all armory stocks, specifically firearms and ammunition. I want a detailed report."
"On it!" the Dwarf shouted, leaving with a spring in his step.
"To the senior human officers: I need to know the state of this camp. Report our numbers—civilians, infantry, everything," Rhodes said.
"Yes, Lord Regent. We will handle it immediately."
"And for the Gnomes: inspect all fortifications and siege engines. Propose appropriate upgrades," Rhodes added.
In truth, while Gnomes focused on high-tech engineering (like the massive mechs seen in later years), Goblins specialized in a more "cyberpunk" style—shabby-looking tech that nonetheless packed a punch.
Both were top-tier inventors. Beyond this, Rhodes ordered the Dwarven smiths to begin forging weapons using the low-grade anti-magic metal produced by his Iron Golems. Though it only possessed 75% magic resistance—inferior to his Gold or Diamond Golems—it was more than sufficient for the current rank-and-file.
"Wonderful! Finally, someone who appreciates proper engineering!" the Gnomes cheered as they scurried off.
As orders were issued with methodical precision, Rhodes's strategic vision and leadership were on full display. Kael'thas watched with appreciation, whispering to Jaina, "He's a natural-born leader, isn't he?"
Jaina smiled and nodded. "He always knows what needs to be done, and he makes people want to follow him."
"Leadership requires strength as a foundation. He has both; that is the key," Kael'thas remarked.
The biggest hurdle was finally cleared. While Rhodes's heroics at Mount Hyjal were legendary among the Night Elves and the Horde, no human here had witnessed his power.
He could have brought a human army to Kalimdor to build prestige, but he had chosen to spare their strength. Now, armed with Phoenixes, Holy Fire Phoenixes, Titans, Archangels, and even Fel Pit Lords, he was ready. With the Scourge about to be distracted by Illidan's assault, it was the perfect time to build his reputation.
Over the next few days, Rhodes smoothly integrated the commands. The Blood Elves officially rejoined the Alliance, and Rhodes had already secured the Night Elves' commitment back in Kalimdor. For now, Maiev served as his personal advisor.
The final census was in: the camp held roughly 150,000 civilians and a military force of 20,000 humans, 3,000 Blood Elves, 2,000 Wildhammer Dwarves, 1,500 Ironforge Dwarves, and 1,000 Gnomes.
Total strength: nearly 30,000. It was no wonder Garithos had crowned himself Grand Marshal; he was indeed the most powerful warlord left in Lordaeron.
"Lord Regent," a human officer reported, "per your orders, we have dispatched envoys to Light's Hope Chapel, Southshore, and other Paladin and resistance holdouts, calling them to join your banner."
Rhodes intended to consolidate all human resistance. Figures like Alexandros Mograine and Saidan Dathrohan—who hadn't yet been possessed by Balnazzar—would eventually form the core of the Scarlet Crusade. Rhodes intended to prevent that twisted cult from ever forming by unifying everyone under a legitimate banner.
"Lord Regent, do you think the Silver Hand Paladins and the priests will follow our lead?"
"We are fighting the Scourge; why wouldn't they?" Rhodes replied. "Uther the Lightbringer is in Kalimdor protecting the Princess and clearing demons. When he finishes, the Grand Master of the Silver Hand will return." Rhodes had even brought Uther's personal tokens to prove his legitimacy to the remaining Paladins.
While Rhodes was organizing the camp, a messenger burst in, breathless. "Lord Regent! Large-scale Scourge movements detected! They are charging toward our camp like madmen. They'll be here in an hour!"
The Scourge had recently entered a state of frenzy. Rhodes nodded. It's starting. If his timing was right, Illidan had begun his ritual to attack the Frozen Throne. The Lich King was likely issuing desperate, faint commands to his local forces to stop the artifact being used against him.
"Understood. Summon all officers to the tent immediately. Every race," Rhodes ordered.
This battle would be his declaration. He would use his Hero magic—Lightning Bolt, Magic Arrow—and his Tier 7 units to crush the Scourge. Within moments, the commanders were gathered around the strategy map.
"Scouts report a Scourge army moving toward the ruins of Dalaran," Rhodes said, pointing to the map. "They seem to be searching for something. This is our chance to prove the new Alliance. We will annihilate them."
He looked at Kael'thas. "Prince, I need your magi to establish wards and rain fire upon them."
"With pleasure," Kael'thas nodded.
"Dwarven riflemen will set up crossfire on the left flank highlands. Let those bone-racks taste Dwarven powder!"
"Paladins and infantry will form the vanguard to hold the line."
"For Lordaeron!" the Paladins shouted, clashing their new anti-magic plate.
"Jaina, lead the magi in area-of-effect strikes, coordinating with the Blood Elves."
"Understood," Jaina agreed.
"Capurnia, the Holy Fire Phoenix is our trump card. It will strike the Scourge leadership alongside the Archangels."
"It is already eager for battle, Lord Regent," Capurnia replied.
Rhodes slammed his fist onto the map. "Let the Scourge witness the power of the new Alliance! We are no longer merely surviving; we are attacking for victory! Today, they will learn to fear us!"
"Let them fear us!" the officers roared.
As the army deployed, Rhodes released a swarm of Magic Elementals, over a dozen Fire Phoenixes, and two Holy Archangels. His ranged elemental troops took their positions, their presence sending human morale to an all-time high.
In the distance, the Scourge appeared: clouds of Gargoyles, masses of Zombies, Skeletons, Abominations, Crypt Fiends, Banshees, and Necromancers. Leading the tide were Liches and Death Knights.