Rhodes's descent into the coalition camp established by Cenarius in his Dragonman form immediately caused a significant stir.
His five-meter-tall frame was covered in fine, resilient azure scales that shimmered with a metallic luster under the campfires' glow. A long, powerful dragon tail swayed behind him to maintain balance, but the most striking feature was his majestic dragon head. When his amber vertical pupils scanned the camp, they carried the indifference and sense of power unique to a Wild God looking down upon mortals.
In his hand, a four-meter-long, heavy mace covered in menacing spikes was leaned casually against the ground, yet it caused the earth to sink slightly. Rhodes had crafted this gargantuan mace himself. Since becoming a demigod, his control over fire had reached perfection; he had forged it by smelting anti-magic metals and a vast array of iron goods with the searing flames of a Sacred Phoenix.
Now that he had developed this Dragonman state, it would be a disservice to himself not to mimic "Kaido-sensei's" signature moves!
This form, somewhere between a giant beast and a humanoid, retained the strength, defense, and innate talents of a dragon—such as the potential for dragon breath and affinity for elemental energy—while gaining the flexibility and weapon-handling convenience of a humanoid. This was a result of Rhodes's deep mastery over his life form after ascending to demigod status. He called it "Dragonman Mode."
In this state, Rhodes could coat his weapons with life energy and elemental power, then deliver a devastating "Thunder Gua" (Thunder Bagua) to his opponents.
"Whoa! Look who's here! Brother Rhodes, this look of yours is... quite unique! Are these scales hard? Let old Agamaggan have a rub?" The Boar Ancient, Agamaggan, was the first to let out a thunderous snort, trotting over with heavy steps until his massive tusks nearly touched Rhodes's scales.
The Night Elves and other races of the coalition bowed in respect to this new Wild God. They had heard of him appearing months ago, but this was their first time seeing his physical form. He looked like a mighty warrior of the Dragonflight, etched with green traces suggesting a connection to the Green Dragons.
Rhodes grinned with his dragon mouth, revealing forest-white teeth. "Take it easy, Agamaggan. I just got this suit ready."
"Strong! This aura is more solid than many of our old comrades!" Ursoc walked over. The Great Bear's body was even larger than Rhodes's Dragonman form. He raised a massive paw and patted Rhodes's shoulder, creating a dull thud. Rhodes didn't budge. His size had decreased compared to his "original" Wild God form, but his strength was terrifying—enough to wrestle a Black Dragon with his bare hands.
"I like this form. Good for fighting. That club... looks intimidating," the other bear brother, Ursol, added.
"Haha, I forged it specifically with some 'good stuff' mixed in," Rhodes said, hefting the mace. It was packed with top-tier anti-magic metal, making it a nightmare for casters.
"Can I turn into a half-man, half-beast like that?" the Wolf Ancient, Goldrinn, asked. This concentrated form suited his aggressive nature perfectly.
"I'm not sure," Rhodes replied. "My base race is human, so this is a hybrid of my human and Wild God forms. It's faster and more defensive than my primal beast form."
"Perhaps there's a chance," Cenarius said, walking over with a satisfied smile. "The Dragon Aspects can take the form of mortal races. Maybe we can learn that magic and combine it with your transformation."
Rhodes nodded. "Perhaps. But for now, the war is the priority."
Malorne the White Stag approached. "Welcome back, Rhodes. Your new form hums with life and order. It seems your 'undercover' stint has deepened your understanding of power. What is the situation in the Capital?"
Rhodes dropped the banter and turned serious. "Master, Lord Malorne, brothers—the situation is grim. The portal is in its final stages. Demonic elites are pouring through the stabilized gaps. Sargeras is losing patience with Azshara and is applying more pressure. My decoys are safe for now, but we must act."
Rhodes shared the layout of the demon forces but kept the specifics of Illidan's mission and his direct dealings with Sargeras strictly secret. As far as the Wild Gods knew, he was simply a scout who had successfully infiltrated the enemy.
Malfurion and Tyrande approached. Malfurion asked with concern, "Rhodes, did you face much danger? Azshara and Xavius..."
Tyrande was currently riding the unicorn Rhodes had summoned—it seemed he'd be gifting that to "Grandma Tyrande" for good.
"Just playing the game," Rhodes said briefly, shifting to strategy. "I noticed several Fel Forges on the outskirts with weak defenses. We should hit them first to test the Legion's reaction."
The coalition high command agreed. Jarod Shadowsong—the capable military leader of the Night Elves—began refining the plan. Rhodes volunteered to be the "tip of the spear." He wanted to show the world the combat power of a Wild God and boost morale by slaughtering the enemy.
"I need a battle to fully adapt to this form and give the demons a 'surprise,'" Rhodes argued.
Meanwhile, in the Capital of Zin-Azshari, a horrific ritual was unfolding. Night Elf civilians were being sacrificed to power the portal. From the swirling Fel pool, a twenty-meter-tall figure emerged—blue skin, massive cloven hooves, and a terrifying aura. It was Archimonde the Defiler.
"The Burning Legion has arrived. This world is ours."
Xavius looked at the monster with worship. "Great Defiler... your arrival is a supreme glory! The portal is forming, all according to Lord Sargeras's plan..."
Archimonde ignored him, his gaze fixing on the coalition army gathered outside the city. "Ignorant fools. I shall crush them myself." He marched out with his legions, leaving Azshara fuming at his lack of respect.
That night, Rhodes lay in wait on a cliff. Seeing the moment, he leaped down like a teal meteor!
BOOM!
Lightning exploded as Rhodes smashed into the heart of the demon army. His mace swung in a whirlwind of death, obliterating dozens of demons with every strike. Suddenly, a roar echoed across the battlefield, accompanied by heavy, earth-shaking footsteps. A familiar blue giant appeared in his vision.
Rhodes's lips curled into a long-awaited smile. Long time no see, Archimonde.
Last time, I needed a whole army of allies to kill you in my human form. This time, I'm taking you down solo.
"Enough talk! Take this!"
"Thunder... Bagua!"
Chanting the gag name in his heart, Rhodes swung his mace with the weight of a mountain, slamming it straight toward Archimonde's head.