Rhodes' lips curled into a smile, and he nodded with satisfaction.
"An eminently wise choice, Kel'Thuzad. You are a rare talent. Though we were once enemies, I have always admired your capabilities. That is why I decided to grant you this chance, and you have seized it well."
"Lord Rhodes... you have revealed a truth that makes my soul tremble," Kel'Thuzad replied, immediately launching into a bout of heavy flattery. "I once thought I had glimpsed the abyss of magic; only today do I realize I was merely a frog at the bottom of a well, staring up at a distorted sky. What you have shown... is a vaster world and a truer path."
Everyone likes a bit of flattery, and Rhodes was no exception. The more powerful the figure doing the praising, the more satisfying it felt.
"I, Kel'Thuzad, pledge my knowledge, my mastery of flesh-shaping, my Naxxramas, and my unyielding pursuit of death magic to your banner," the Archlich continued. "I yearn to witness the truths of death you speak of."
He didn't swear a soul-oath, but for a proud mage like Kel'Thuzad, a public commitment was enough. Rhodes had truly won over—or perhaps successfully hoodwinked—this top-tier necromancer using his meta-knowledge of the universe's underlying secrets. Just as he had once traveled to Northrend to seek the Lich King, Kel'Thuzad had made his choice once more.
Rhodes's smile became more genuine. "Now, Kel'Thuzad, let us discuss in detail how to 'disguise' your Naxxramas so it appears to remain 'loyal' to the sleeping Lich King, Arthas... and how to use this time to accumulate more chips for our future plans. I want to use your expertise to modify my specialized troops. These creatures are entirely immune to the Lich King's control and possess incredible plasticity."
On the surface, Rhodes had no intention of having Kel'Thuzad defect openly or join the Forsaken alongside Strongk and Sandro. Instead, he would remain a sleeper agent within the Scourge, securing interests at critical moments. Naxxramas was Kel'Thuzad's core domain; the undead here were loyal to him. By securing the master, the rest followed.
Their conversation was entirely open because the undead within these walls were Kel'Thuzad's creations. Many players back in the Wrath of the Lich King days theorized that Kel'Thuzad had suffered a massive drop in intelligence compared to the original game, parkering Naxxramas right over the Alliance and Horde to invite an invasion. On the surface, it looked like a failed shock-and-awe tactic. In reality, it was a way for the Lich King to purge Kel'Thuzad. Arthas believed he didn't need him anymore and sent him to his death.
To Rhodes, however, a top-tier necromantic scientist was of incalculable value for facing the Lich King and deeper cosmic threats.
"Regarding the modification of undead, you have come to the right person," Kel'Thuzad said confidently. "I can perform specialized alterations to make them far more valuable."
"I have a vast number of Skeletons and Zombies," Rhodes explained. "For the Zombies, I have a method of harvesting their essence to produce Abominations. But for the Skeletons, I haven't found a superior upgrade path. I hope you can offer some insight."
The Forsaken's current research was a bit thin—they only had the enhanced Death Knights, the Abomination conversions for Zombies, and Wights-to-Banshees. Upgrades for Vampires, Skeletons, Ghost Dragons, and Liches were all resting on Kel'Thuzad's shoulders now.
Hearing the specific requirements, the spectral fire in Kel'Thuzad's eyes brightened—the look of a scholar meeting an intriguing thesis. He had long been envious of these unique undead that were beyond the Lich King's reach. He even considered using their traits to partially transform himself, ensuring that when Arthas eventually woke up, he couldn't be forcibly puppeted.
"Great Master, if you agree, I would like to examine these special units first—a small physical check-up. You may wait in my parlor for a few hours," Kel'Thuzad suggested.
"That's fine. The decor out here isn't great, but I can manage a few hours," Rhodes agreed.
Kel'Thuzad led Rhodes to his private sanctum. It was his personal space, decorated in a style completely different from the stench of the rest of the fortress. It was also home to his favorite cat, Mr. Bigglesworth.
"Master, please rest here. I shall prepare tea. This is my cat," Kel'Thuzad said.
Rhodes nodded, picked up Mr. Bigglesworth, and gave him a few scratches. As a modern transmigrator, Rhodes was quite fond of cats. Seeing this, Kel'Thuzad's skeletal face registered a flicker of surprise and delight. His affinity for his new master climbed another notch—the Master liked cats too!
"He's quite cute. His name is Bigglesworth, right?"
"Yes, Master. He is Mr. Bigglesworth. I raised him myself."
"Let him stay here and play with me for a bit. Go about your business," Rhodes smiled. This cat was Kel'Thuzad's last shred of humanity. In the old raids, anyone who accidentally killed the cat risked losing DKP.
"As you wish, Lord Rhodes. Bigglesworth, look after the Master for me." Kel'Thuzad bowed and retreated. Outside, Sandro had lined up all the Tier 1 through Tier 7 Necropolis units, including unupgraded versions, for inspection.
Time flew by. After six hours, Kel'Thuzad had thoroughly examined the Skeletons, Zombies, Wights, Liches, Vampires, Dread Knights, and Ghost Dragons. He hurried back to report. Rhodes placed Mr. Bigglesworth on the desk and listened.
"Tell me your thoughts, Kel'Thuzad."
"For the Abominations, you are already on the right path," Kel'Thuzad began, validating Sandro's work. "Using Zombies as base material and infusing specific plagues and necromantic energies is effective. However, we can go further with 'Specialization.' For example, creating models focused on toxin-spraying, high regeneration, or short-term berserking—like Patchwerk. He is a formidable Abomination; while he cannot compare to your elite guard, he is lethal to ordinary adventurers. He can enter a frenzy where he slaughters mortals in a single strike."
Rhodes nodded in agreement. Patchwerk was a legendary "gear check" for a reason.
"Excellent. Now, what about the Skeletons?"
"As for the Skeleton troops... Master, we can 'enchant' them to become Skeleton Mages," Kel'Thuzad explained his vision. "By carving permanent runic arrays onto their bones, we can allow them to cast simple death spells: Teeth, Weak Curse, Bone Armor, Soul Fire, or Shadow Bolt. This transforms them from cannon fodder infantry into ranged caster units or utility light units."
Rhodes found the bone quality of the system's skeletons to be exquisite—far superior to standard raised dead—making them perfect "tablets" for runic magic. Turning them into a casting division was far more efficient than wasting them in melee when Abominations could take the front line.
"A brilliant idea! You should coordinate with Sandro on the development of these Skeleton Mages. He has unique insights into the soul realm and traditional necromancy." Rhodes gestured toward Sandro.