Hum! A magic door suddenly materialized out of thin air without any warning. It grew from small to large, expanding until it stopped at a height of three meters. Arcane energy was continuously drawn toward it. From its appearance to its full formation, the Portal took less than a second, materializing almost instantaneously.
Jaina's mouth fell open in astonishment. Only a fellow mage could understand how incredible this was. Teleportation itself wasn't difficult; the key was a stable Teleportation, not one that resulted in dismemberment. This kind of Teleportation Magic, which required no energy accumulation and no preparatory magical ritual, was something that even the Elf Mages of Silvermoon City couldn't achieve!
Equally astonished was Sylvanas. Though not a mage, she understood how to use magic. It was precisely because she was knowledgeable that she had been so dismissive of Arthas's claim that he would personally open a Portal. A Paladin who knew nothing of magic could actually open a Portal! And she could clearly see the Alliance soldiers on the other side, with mages there casting spells to stabilize it.
"You cheated!"
"I did not cheat. This is the most primal form of magic. The magic of the High Elves originated from the Highborne, and the Highborne's magic was taught to them by the Blue Dragonflight. What you consider high magic is, in fact, nothing more than a defective product." A trace of mockery touched Arthas's lips as he walked up to Sylvanas. "You lost. Don't worry, I won't eat you. If you want to learn more, you can come find me. I will teach you everything I know."
"Move out!" Marlene ordered the advance team to go through. It wasn't long before they received feedback that the other side was indeed the Alliance's position. The main force then began to pass through the Portal in succession. This was a luxury other soldiers didn't have. No need for a long trek; they could reach the designated location just by passing through a Portal. It was incredible, like having a Rolls-Royce chauffeur you to work!
After her initial shock, Sylvanas shot Arthas a sharp, piercing glare. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"
"I certainly wouldn't have bet with you if I wasn't confident. Alright, General Sylvanas, obey the commander's orders. We'll have a good chat after the war is over. Stay safe." Arthas raised his hand to his chest in a gesture of blessing. Paired with his righteous aura, he looked every bit the proper protagonist.
Sylvanas snorted, but after a moment's thought, she returned his salute before leading her Ranger Corps through the Portal. She was now Arthas's private property, as was the entire Windrunner family. Publicly, they maintained their independence, their relationship merely an alliance of attachment. This was to save some face for the Windrunner family and the High Elves. It could also be said that Arthas was a brave and skilled warrior, and the High Elves had forged a deep pact with him.
Vereesa winked at Arthas and gave him a thumbs-up. "You're amazing, brother-in-law!"
Arthas rubbed his nose. The way his little sister-in-law said it, anyone who didn't know better would think she was complimenting his performance in bed!
Arthas was the last to go through the Portal, ensuring its stability. Not long after he passed through, the Portal dissipated. Nothing was left behind but the surrounding wreckage, a clear sign that Stormwind was still under reconstruction.
Redridge Mountains, the Alliance front line.
The hills here were quite barren, and the temperature was somewhat scorching. The closer one got to the Burning Steppes to the north, the more desolate it became. The terrain there had been altered by the fury of the Elemental Lord of Fire Ragnaros. What was once a region of lush green forests had been transformed into a barren plain where the temperature remained above forty degrees Celsius year-round, making it impossible for most flora and fauna to survive.
The Redridge Mountains bordered the Burning Steppes, so the northern areas were more desolate. In the middle was a large freshwater lake, which served as the daily water source for the residents. It was home to ferocious crocodiles and abundant fish, making it something of an oasis in the desert.
Arthas arrived at the Alliance command headquarters. This time, the other kings had not come along; they had all sent their generals to follow Lothar's arrangements.
"It is good to see you again, Your Highness." Lothar gave Arthas a slight nod. With his reputation, he didn't really need to be so polite to Arthas, who was merely a prince. However, Arthas's actions and the strength of his subordinates had already proven that he was more than just a simple prince. He was a prince with power, one who could be treated as an equal.
Arthas's official title was still the Commander of the Lordaeron Expeditionary Force. This army, which had started as a small contingent of royal guards and Sir Shangke's private soldiers, was now trending toward a mixed army with the addition of Orcs, Gnolls, Murlocs, and Naga. Their combat effectiveness was not poor; in fact, they could cooperate perfectly. With the addition of the Windrunner family and a portion of the High Elves, their lack of long-range firepower had also been remedied. The Elf Mages were trustworthy, and their power was not to be underestimated.
"I am also glad to see you safe and sound, Sir Lothar. I've come this time to execute a plan of surrender. The Horde is at the end of its rope. Forcing them back will only leave behind future trouble. The only way for them to atone is to be incorporated into our ranks and have the Orcs shed blood in the Alliance's stead," Arthas said, getting straight to the point without beating around the bush.
"With all due respect, Your Highness, how can you ensure that you can control the Orcs? If such a massive number of Orcs were to lose control, I'm afraid it would cause irreparable damage to the Alliance," a general from Gilneas stepped forward, asking on behalf of his king.
"I will take them away from the Eastern Kingdoms, so they will pose no threat to the Alliance. If they truly dare to harbor rebellious thoughts, the Dragonflights will annihilate them, and I will personally take action," Arthas replied without a moment's hesitation.
Prince Galen of Stromgarde also stepped forward. "Arthas, will you use these Orcs against us?"
The question was quite pointed. It was something all the kingdoms wanted to know. The High Elves who had come to provide support were no different; they all awaited Arthas's answer.
The atmosphere in the command headquarters grew quiet. No one dared to breathe too loudly as they all waited for Arthas's response.
"I will not," Arthas answered calmly. "My vision is not so narrow as to be caught up in squabbling over a tiny plot of land. The races that protect the world will receive the world's favor. Selfish races will never change."