"There is no need for such formality, Rhodes." Azshara took a few steps closer, her golden eyes scrutinizing him intently.
"Six months of travel seems to have treated you well. I heard you visited the domain of Cenarius? It is quite surprising that the Demigod of Nature didn't chase you out! Tell me, are you aware of recent events? They say a new Wild God has been born. Since you were staying with Lord Cenarius, surely you must have picked up some information?"
Azshara intended to probe whether Rhodes knew anything about this newcomer. Wild Gods were typically ancient beings born in the primordial era. For a new one to appear, it usually required the union of two existing Wild Gods or a pairing between a powerful demigod and a true deity—much like the union of the Great White Stag and the Moon Goddess Elune. Many speculated that a female demigod had given birth to this new entity, and it was only now revealing itself after maturing. No one would ever guess that the one who had ascended to godhood was Rhodes, much less that he had received the essence of power directly from Azeroth herself.
"Lord Cenarius is quite open to the exchange of knowledge. I learned a great deal from the great demigod, particularly regarding life spells," Rhodes replied with a slight smile, choosing a vague answer to deflect the question.
Funny, he thought. The Wild God you're looking for is standing right in front of you.
"Surely you must have heard something, having studied under Cenarius for so long," Azshara remarked, her expression clearly signaling disbelief.
"I did indeed learn some fascinating natural magic, which has given me a deeper understanding of the diversity of power within Azeroth. As for that Wild God, I truly know nothing specific. I only know that Lord Cenarius went out on a mysterious errand. On the night the Wild God appeared, I saw a massive dragon in the sky with a body of green and gold. Its length was incredible—at least a hundred meters by my estimation," Rhodes said.
"Very well. It seems your information matches my own. No matter; that Wild God will eventually show itself among the people. After all, every Wild God has historically been kind to the Night Elves. Now, let us speak of another matter, Rhodes. You are a rare traveler who can wield the Holy Light—an 'Order-aligned' power. You must realize that the cosmic spectrum of power is far broader than you know. The strength you currently possess is a mere trifle in the grand scheme of the universe."
Here it comes, Rhodes thought, bracing himself. The real play was beginning.
"And what do you mean by that, Your Majesty?" Rhodes asked with a smile.
"I have made contact with a much greater existence, Rhodes. A true god." Azshara leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice with the seductive tone of one sharing a profound secret. This was a task personally assigned by Sargeras, and she had to succeed. She might not be able to persuade Rhodes herself, but she was certain Sargeras could.
"Before I left, you mentioned this powerful god, Sargeras. But to be honest, Queen Azshara, his reputation in the cosmos isn't exactly stellar. Have you truly decided to hand your empire over to him?" Rhodes asked.
It appeared Azshara had already established a deep connection with Sargeras. The Highborne elite had decided to defect to the Burning Legion, while the common citizens remained blissfully unaware. It was tragic; a woman as proud as Azshara was actually acting out of fear, preparing to hand her empire to the world-destroyer.
"He is a being who transcends the limits of mortal imagination. The Great True God Sargeras has helped me realize that the Arcane, Nature, and even the Holy Light you use are merely tributaries in a vast ocean of power. They are not truly strong. Lord Sargeras told me that your Holy Light is simply the other side of Shadow—a lackey of the Void. The ultimate end of the Light is the Void, and Lord Sargeras has already proven this to me. But there is a power that represents change, destruction, and rebirth. It is the true engine that drives the universe forward: Fel." Azshara spread her arms wide.
"I won't deny that, Your Majesty. The extreme of Light is indeed Shadow, just as the extreme of Shadow is Light. I once used a gem radiating powerful Shadow energy and injected it with enough Holy Light to transform it into a divine crystal. Even the most holy beings in the universe, once drained of Light, become the most wicked Void Terrors," Rhodes said.
Azshara's eyes lit up. It seemed she wouldn't need to waste much breath; Rhodes understood the nature of the Light. Sargeras had shown her a Naaru stripped of its power, turning into a hideous Void creature. To her, the Light was a slave to the Shadow, and since the Shadow was the world's greatest enemy, Sargeras was the one fighting to stop it.
"That Great Being is different! He is the master of Fel, the incarnation of chaos and change. He has seen your potential, Rhodes. Since you already know the truth behind the Light, you should understand what a magnificent gift this is. He believes that with your understanding of the Light, if you embrace the truth of Fel, you will reach unprecedented heights! Imagine it, Rhodes! You would surpass all demigods... you would approach the realm of a true god! The Great One is willing to guide you personally and grant you this glory! By converting your Holy Light into Fel, he will grant you terrifying power."
"Forgive me for being direct, Majesty, but are you saying you intend to introduce me? To present me to this Great True God? Are you certain he would be willing to accept me?" Rhodes asked.
Meeting Sargeras was actually quite interesting to Rhodes. A wicked idea popped into his head: Azeroth needed to collect the six primal forces, and Fel was the hardest to obtain. Azeroth didn't just need ordinary Fel; the closer it was to the source, the better. Fel gave birth to demons, and the strongest "demon" of all was Sargeras. If he could gain Sargeras's trust and obtain enough Fel from him, things would be much easier. Playing the double agent seemed like a fine choice. Besides, if he didn't agree today, Azshara would likely have her Highborne mages ambush him. Rhodes could already sense dozens of powerful presences nearby—both Night Elves and demons who had already crossed over.
"Your caution is wise, Rhodes. That Great Being is an exceptionally generous deity. Provided you maintain the proper respect, I will take you to meet him so you may witness his power for yourself," Azshara said, a smirk playing on her lips. She believed she had successfully swayed him.
"The Great One wishes to speak with you personally, in the inner sanctum of the palace. There, you will feel true power and make your choice. Rhodes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Will you remain a 'hero' in the eyes of mortals, or will you step onto the ladder of godhood with me?"
Rhodes locked eyes with Azshara. After a few seconds, he stood up. "Your Majesty, your words have stirred my heart. To speak with such a great being is an opportunity beyond measure. I am willing to meet him and listen to his teachings."
Time to infiltrate Sargeras's inner circle, he thought. Free Fel energy—why not? Sargeras, watch me play you for everything you've got.
Azshara's smile broadened. She reached out. "A wise choice, Rhodes. Believe me, this will be the most important meeting of your life. Now, follow me."
She led Rhodes out of the Moonlight Garden, through corridors guarded by multiple ranks of soldiers, and deep into the palace's subterranean levels. As they descended, the floral scent of the Arcane was replaced by a heavy, sweltering heat smelling of sulfur and ash. The lighting shifted from soft magical orbs to the flickering green flames of Fel torches.
Rhodes could feel the thickening Fel pollution. He secretly suppressed his life energy to his core while simulating a slight "adaptation" and "curiosity" toward the environment. Finally, they reached a massive, heavy black metal door carved with complex, sinister runes pulsing with green energy. Four guards stood by the door—not Night Elves, but tall, dark-red-skinned Doomguards with massive horns and eyes burning with green fire. The demons nodded slightly to Azshara while casting cold, malicious gazes at Rhodes.
Azshara ignored them, placing her hand in a groove on the door and injecting Arcane energy. With a heavy rumble, the metal doors swung inward. A blast of scorching air and sulfur hit them. Behind the doors was a vast underground hall made of a dark red, molten material. In the center was a massive, boiling green Fel pool, hissing as bubbles burst on the surface.
"We are here, Rhodes. Now, I shall summon the Great True God to speak with you personally," Azshara said.
"I am honored," Rhodes replied.