Blade Dance

After the Legion collapsed, people no longer had any scruples about entering and exiting the Dark Portal.The exchanges between Azeroth and Outland have become more and more frequent, which has vigorously promoted the development of Outland trade, transportation, tourism and other aspects.Shattrath, originally the most prosperous city in Outland, was once comparable to the main cities with a long history of tens of thousands of years, such as Stormwind City, Orgrimmar, and Darnassus.

But the good times didn't last long. In the second year after the demon war, the natural disaster undead tribe awakened.They were originally under the control of the Burning Legion, but after the destruction of the Legion, they were out of the control of the demons.Arthas, the Lich King, led his Scourge army to occupy Northrend, the northern frozen continent, spreading the plague and breaking into Azeroth.It wasn't long before Ash Saint Disarmament took the lead to stop it all.And when people went to fight Northrend, the fallen guardian dragon Neltharion broke out of the Deep Rock Continent, causing a catastrophe on the entire continent...

In the fourth year, the new continent Pandaria was discovered by the world.It is said that after a large-scale naval battle, both the Alliance and the Horde were wounded and washed up on an unfamiliar beach by the waves.There, they discovered a race they had never seen before, as well as a hidden and powerful power they possessed...

Two years later, the Legion returned.

The Tomb of Sargeras restarted, and the Legion invaded from Argus on a large scale, and all-out war in Azeroth.The Alliance and the Horde split into two groups, fighting each other, and suffered a disastrous defeat on the Broken Beach.Varian Wrynn, king of the alliance, and Vol'jin, the great chieftain of the tribe, died in battle. The armies of both sides were facing disintegration, and they had to retreat to the floating city of Dalaran to revive their morale.

In the combat command room of the Silver Territory, General Hammond Clay stared at the lieutenant general's back, suppressing his anger.

"If Cirvanas hadn't left His Majesty to fight alone, how could His Majesty die in battle?"

He knew that the lieutenant general had been asked this question several times by different people in the past few days, but how could the repeated questioning fail to shake his stubborn and dull thinking?

"The Horde chooses to support Sylvanas' Forgotten and draw a line with the Alliance. What else do you want them to do?"

The lieutenant general turned around, his eyes as sharp as an eagle's.

"In the absence of any prerequisite agreement, a little accidental injury can lead to our two sides facing each other on the battlefield of the Burning Legion. Is this what you expected? Both sides will suffer, and the Legion will benefit? What's the point of entangled with this now? Go on? Only by uniting can we hope to win.”

Hammond scowled and said nothing.

Herman □□ is not what it used to be.Hammond still remembers how he returned to Stormwind City from Outland six years ago in a state of desperation, and was imprisoned by the former admiral again.After that, he didn't know what tricks he played, or how many bargaining chips he got, but he was allowed to personally lead an expedition to Outland, and won the final battle, and became famous all over the world.His father passed away three years ago, and Herman has since carried the burden of the Seventh Legion alone.He is changing every day, his appearance has become more resolute with the years of experience, and his behavior has become more and more fierce.In terms of military strategy and experience, Hammond is convinced by him.It's just that he will never get used to Herman's virtue of turning his elbows out as always, and he always has a reason to defend himself.Whether it was for the original Outland, the Illidari, or the current Horde, in Hammond's view, he couldn't tell right from wrong at all.This always pissed him off.

"If you are really resentful," the lieutenant general said, "after the Legion's war is completely subsided, the Alliance and the Horde should also settle their scores--the robbery during the natural disaster period, the idling during the cataclysm, and the current death If you don’t save them, in my opinion, it’s not too late to do what you want.”

Hammond sneered: "What now? We've won this war?"

"There's no problem with the Alliance and the Horde working together."

"Then let me ask you, how to solve the problem of the resurrection of demons on Argus? Why didn't we discover this fundamental and fatal problem five years ago?"

Herman frowned. "That's exactly what I'm going to—"

His words were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Sir, the Warden has arrived."

"Let her come directly to the combat command room to meet me." Herman said loudly towards the closed door, and then turned his gaze to Hammond Clay, "It's the warden of the night elves, Maiev Shadowsong. "

He suddenly chuckled, and looked up again.

"my old friend."

Hammond froze for a moment, but quickly realized that he needed to get out of here and create some space for them to be alone.However, he himself didn't want to see the night elf warden.He'd heard the rumors about her, they were absolutely appalling, and he'd come to the conclusion that she should be kept at arm's length.

"I'll avoid it first. See you at the combat meeting tomorrow."

He turned around and prepared to leave, then turned around and added:

"Hopefully by then I'll be able to hear your answer to my earlier question."

Herman didn't say anything, just nodded slightly, and watched General Hammond Clay leave.He stood and waited in silence.After a while, the door of the command room opened again.Maiev Shadowsong walked in.

"Major General, long time no see."

Hermann smiled politely.

"It's the lieutenant general."

"Oh?" Maiev glanced at him, turned around and closed the door, "Besides three days, we should treat each other with admiration."

"Please sit down."

She sat down unceremoniously, but Hermann stood still.He stood opposite her, staring at her for a long time with his head down.Over the past six years, the appearance of the night elves has not changed at all.This is a matter of course, she has lived for thousands of years.For tiny human beings, that is eternal life.

He knew that the years must have left indelible marks on his body, but Maiev Shadowsong didn't say anything.She looked up at him, just like when they first met, her attitude of "seeing everything but saying nothing" made him feel more and more insignificant and had nowhere to hide.Just like before, the two green lights in the shadow of the mask reveal wisdom and decisiveness, deliberation, and inadvertent cruelty.

"The Horde suffered a disastrous defeat on the Broken Beach with us. His Majesty the King died in battle, and my army was killed and wounded by thousands. And you just showed up now?"

"The second coming of Legion is the resurrection from the parent planet Argus."

"You didn't say that five years ago."

Maiev looked up at him.

"Five years ago, you didn't tell me anything." Herman said coldly.He turned around and walked to the bookshelf, took a stack of yellowed parchment from it, walked back, and threw it in front of Maiev Shadowsong.

"Can you explain? Lord Warden, the Sargerite Keystone? How many things have you kept from me?"

Maiev Shadowsong stared at the historical documents in front of him, all of which were taken from various ancient books.Some documents bear the seal of the Temple of the Moon of Darnassus.

"Who gave you these?"

"It doesn't matter." Herman walked in front of her, condescending, "The important thing is that you lied to me. Concealed me and made me make a big mistake five years ago."

"Blunder?"

"explain."

Maiev Shadowsong stared at him, then lowered his head again.Hermann realized that he might be the only one who had dared to speak to her like that—so disrespectful, but he couldn't help it.From the day he learned the truth, he was drawn into the deep sea of ​​resentment and regret.Every moment he can't wait to be freed from that deep sea.

From the dark gap between the visor and the helmet, silent dissatisfaction slowly overflowed.But her tone was as calm as ever:

"The Sargerite Keystone, cast by Sargeras, one of the Titans, can open the door to any legion world."

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I didn't know where it was at the time."

"Lie." Herman blurted out, "You know exactly what orders Illidan Stormrage gave to his last few Illidari."

He is angry.Why are night elves always so arrogant and unwilling to admit their mistakes?

Maiev didn't answer, but sighed softly and leaned back in the chair.

"Just ask questions. I will answer them one by one."

"Why hide it?"

"All we know about the keystone is limited to paper materials, that is, words. No one has seen it with their own eyes, and no one has used it. No one knows what power it has. Six years ago, I didn't know that Yili What Dan Stormrage is going to do with it. I can't trust him. If he uses the keystone to open the gates to the world of Legion and give the demons an easy way to invade Azeroth, it will be too late."

Herman stared at her for a long time.

"Where is the keystone now?"

"The Watchers keep it."

"That's exactly what we need right now."

Maiev didn't answer right away.Hermann saw that she was hesitating, so he said word for word:

"Without the Keystone, we will never be able to eradicate the demons. They will rise forever. This war will never end."

"That's right, that's the truth."

"So what's the problem? What are we waiting for?"

"That's why I came to you." Maiev sat up straight again and stared straight at him, "I need time."

Herman frowned.

"I need time... to resurrect Illidan Stormrage and let him use the keystone. Although I still can't trust him now, at least his power is within my control now. And after I resurrect him For a while, we must defend against the Legion's attack."

Herman's eyes widened involuntarily.

"You mean, only Illidan Stormrage can use the keystone?"

The corners of Maiev's mouth twisted, and a few words were squeezed out from the thin and sharp lips:

"Yes, only he can."

Hermann felt his whole body poured with ice water.

"But you killed him."

"I imprisoned his soul. The demons took his body."

"It's just crazy."

Maiev was silent.

There was silence in the command room, as if even the air had frozen.

"Illidan's resurrection is not difficult. All I need is time."

Hermann didn't answer.His eyes turned away, his brows were furrowed, lost in thought.After a while, he finally sat down opposite and stared closely at Maiev.

He clasped his hands on the table and said in a deep voice:

"I will gather all my forces and do my best to resist the Legion's attack and buy you time. But I also need assistance. Tyrande and Malfurion, let them join the battle."

"it is good."

"Your watchman..."

"I need them."

"it is good."

His gaze relaxed, and Maiev didn't say anything more.The two fell into a silence together.Herman stared at the grain of the wooden tabletop, which varied in size and shade, like a miniature wetland map.

He had never liked the warden.I don't like her tough and unreasonable behavior style, and don't like her paranoid ideas.He knew Maiev must hate him too.In her eyes, his ordinary human status is humble, his inquisitiveness is nosy in her eyes, his justice and tolerance are indecisive in her eyes.

But at every critical juncture, they often find that the only ones they can turn to for help are each other.So they had to let go of their suspicions and fight side by side.

It's just that there are some things that always make people worry about it.

"If there is no problem, I will take my leave first." Maiev stood up, "I will be stationed near the tomb of Sargeras. If there is anything to do, send scouts to find me."

She turned and walked towards the door, turned her head halfway, and met Herman's thoughtful eyes.

"It's up to you to hold back the Legion," she said. "This time we will be able to eradicate them."

Herman showed a bitter smile.

"You know we're not the best people to deal with demons."

Maiev froze.

"What do you mean?"

"I understand it's a thing of the past. And it's been six years."

Herman's voice was hoarse, as if opening a dusty coffin.

"Demon Hunters," he said, "they're the Legion's nemesis, and we need their help whenever we need it. Five years ago, that was never the right thing to do. Now that I know about the Keystone, I regret it even more. I tried so hard to give hints and try to persuade you, and you ended up killing them all. They didn't deserve to die like that."

Maiev stared at him.Herman couldn't see her expression, only realized that there was no warmth in her gaze.

Did she ever regret it?There are also demon hunters who were originally night elves.Illidan. Stormrage is.But he can be resurrected, what about the rest?Has she ever done the slightest bit of harm to others?When he learned that the Illidari were finally driven out, Maiev Shadowsong had returned to Azeroth by himself.They have never seen each other again until today.For so many years, he didn't even have a chance to question her.What is she thinking?

These words are said now, mostly because they have endured for too long and want to spit them out quickly.I thought that Maiev would not waste any more words with him, but unexpectedly she opened her mouth calmly:

"You don't know anything about the power of fel energy, and you don't know much about Illidan Stormrage and the numerous crimes his men have committed." She explained unhurriedly but impatiently, "Illidan has repeatedly Betrayed the tribe, and once defected to and betrayed the Burning Legion. Do you really think that the Illidari has always been the deadly enemy of the Legion? So naive?"

Herman's brow revealed anger.

"but……"

Maiev suddenly laughed.She turned around, a sarcastic, mocking laugh piercing her eardrums.

Herman stared at her in disbelief.

"I 'killed them all'?" Maiev said with some surprise, "Who told you that?"

☆, final chapter

Twenty-five thousand years before the Dark Portal, Sargeras, the God of Titans, betrayed the Pantheon Council and created the Burning Legion.

From 1000 to 1 years before the Dark Portal, Sargeras coveted the powerful energy of the Well of Eternity on Azeroth, bewitching Queen Azshara and the elf nobles of the Kaldorei Empire to open the portal for the Legion , to prepare for the invasion.

From 1 years before the Dark Portal to 98 years, the Legion invaded the planet Azeroth for the first time, and was later repelled by Malfurion Stormrage and Illidan Stormrage with the soul of the dragon.

In the 9th year of the Dark Portal, the Legion, led by the demon Magtheridon, came to the broken Outland, stationed in Hellfire Citadel and began to rule.

In the 26th year of the Dark Portal, the Burning Legion was driven out of Outland by the coalition forces of the Alliance and the Horde.Illidan Stormrage was killed and his soul was imprisoned by the Watcher.

In the 32nd year of the Dark Portal, the Tomb of Sargeras restarted, and Legion returned.

In the 34th year of the Dark Portal, Illidan Stormrage used the Sargerite Keystone to open the portal to Argus.The Legion was completely destroyed, and Sargeras was sealed in the Pantheon.Along with Illidan, he became the jailer guarding the Dark Titan.So far, the world has returned to peace.

In the eastern part of Terokkar Forest, near Stonebreaker Watchtower, daylight pours down through the leaves.Harlan crouched halfway among the bracken, aiming the pistol at the neck of a gray forest worg.

"I heard that the Legion was completely wiped out." Vincent squatted beside him and said.

"Shh-"

"You have to give me a chance to talk."

An arrow shot out, and flew over by brushing the fur of the warg.Harlan showed a troubled expression, and Vincent gave a "tsk" and was about to stand up.A ferocious roar came from the throat of the sturdy wolf, and it turned its head sharply and rushed towards them.

"When will you make some progress?"

He grunted dissatisfiedly, drew out his dagger to meet it, and cut the beast's throat three times and five times.

Harlan sighed, and walked up to him to lift the heavy corpse to an open grass field outside the bushes.They tied the horse there.Today is a rare fine weather, the golden sun is shining on the whole meadow, and the yellow and white wildflowers are blooming from it.They drew up their weapons, tied the body to Vincent's horse—Harlan's was dragging a void ray—and mounted their backs for the road back to Shattrath City.

There was a silence at first along the way.Harlan wondered why the arrow just missed.Under the supervision of Orson urging him to use long-range weapons, he has practiced gunpowder for half a month, but his progress has always been mediocre, and he can't figure out the way.When Orson personally guided him at the shooting range, he still had a certain hit rate, but when it came to actual combat, he couldn't aim at anything.

"Eight years." Vincent suddenly said with emotion.

Harlan glanced at him, only to meet his gaze.

"Are you ok?"

Harlan turned to look ahead.

"I don't feel it for a long time," he said. "I just think about the past occasionally. When I think about him, I feel happy ... and I feel lonely."

His gaze dropped.

"Other than that, nothing else."

"So," Vincent raised his voice, "when will you fall in love again? Let me know that you are indeed back to normal.

"normal?"

Harlan turned to stare at him.

"Yes."

Harlan laughed.

"I'm always open. There just aren't any suitable ones."

Vincent sneered and gave him a mocking glance.

"When will Elijah be back?"

"Don't change the subject in a hurry."

"I didn't. Then let's go back to the previous topic."

Vincent smiled and shook his head: "The day after tomorrow."

"But you really don't think about it..."

"There's no rush." ​​Vincent said calmly, "We have plenty of time."

Harlan nodded approvingly.

As expected, the sunny days in Terokkar Forest are not always good times.No sooner had they stepped through the gates of Shattrath than it began to rain heavily.The two fled back to the Dragon Eagle Inn like bereaved dogs, their clothes soaked through.After they processed the prey, Vincent went upstairs and changed into Harlan's clothes, and then walked back to his house under the umbrella-he moved to the central city two years ago and was finally close to the inn and his and Eric's weapon shop some.

Joanna went to bed, as she was now in the habit of sleeping in rainy afternoons, leaving Harlan alone in the store with nothing to do.The rain was pouring outside the window, drenching the whole city.In theory—Vincent's theory—the weather was perfect for a heart-pounding encounter.Huddled under the eaves to hide from the rain, or rushed into the same room in embarrassment and coincidence.The heavy rain will wash away the restlessness of the outside world, and then bring together people who usually don't look at each other more.

So when he saw the man sitting by the window at the other end of the hotel, when his heartbeat started to speed up inexplicably, he could completely imagine what kind of expression Vincent would show if he was beside him at this moment.

That person seemed to have been sitting there a long time ago, and now he was drinking fire wine, and he could see clearly from such a distance.There is nothing wrong with the color, so let's assume for the time being that he is indeed drinking.Her black mid-length hair was pulled back into a short ponytail.The eyes are covered with cloth strips, but there are no demon horns on the head.The jet-black cloth strips were sharply cut and looked to be made of extremely precious materials, and two exquisite gold leaves were embroidered on the position below the corners of the eyes.Its owner's face was expressionless, and he didn't seem to be looking around at all.The seat opposite him was empty, and it didn't look like another person would take it.

Harlan felt a sudden wave of apprehension.That emotion invaded his heart involuntarily.If it weren't for the sound of the rain outside like a drum, this worry might completely occupy him in his solitary silence, leaving him as isolated as in a deep mud.He hasn't experienced such an emotion for a long time, it's like falling in love at first sight.From time to time, he glanced at the silent person sitting there, afraid that he would look at him, and also afraid that he would not look at him.Afraid that he would come over to strike up a conversation eventually, and also afraid that he would walk away without saying anything.

Worry stays in my heart.Until the rain stopped, the other party never looked this way.

After the rain stopped for a while, Joanna came down the stairs with a sleepy look on her face.

"Orson asked me to tell you to go to the armory next to the shooting range when he is free. He has a new crossbow for you. He said it is more suitable for you."

Harlan responded.Joanna went to the table to collect his empty glass, yawned and walked back.

"You don't have to wait for me for dinner." He said to her back.

Joanna waved her hand, signaling to hear.

Harlan took the crossbow and left the inn. When he walked, he looked straight ahead. The moment he passed the stranger was like crossing the door of darkness during the Legion invasion. On the other side of the door was carefree and freedom.

It was still drizzling outside, but not much.The air was cool and fresh, and the wet ponds on the street reflected the pale gray sky.He stared at the road under his feet, and within a few steps he heard footsteps approaching behind him.

"Hello."

He turned around.It's that person.

He slowed down until they were walking side by side.Harlan stared at him for a long time.Until the other party reminded him to dodge a carriage that would pass them by.

"Hello," he said.

"You hunt?"

"Correct."

He subconsciously glanced at the gun in his hand.

"Can I come with you?"

"why me?"

The stranger was silent for a moment.

"Because your hands are beautiful."

Harlan stared at him blankly, then laughed.There is a shallow scar on the right forehead of the man, which is faintly visible between the black hair.The sash covered his eyes, but Harlan could feel him watching him through the sash.

"who are you?"

"A retired soldier."

"Which army?"

"It seems impossible to say."

"So when did you retire?"

"Just a week ago, in Dalaran City."

"The floating city of Dalaran?"

"Yes."

"And immediately came to Outland?"

"Yes."

"It's said to disarm and return to the fields, but you just went from one prosperous city to another."

"I need a hunter."

Harlan raised his eyebrows.

"how do I say this?"

"Hounds need masters. And here are hunters."

Harlan raised the corners of his mouth mischievously.

"Is that me?"

The stranger smiled.

"I don't know, maybe."

Harlan nodded thoughtfully.Another carriage came speeding up, and the stranger put his arms around his shoulders and let him walk inside.Harlan noticed a short knife sticking out of his left waist.An aquamarine on the horn handle is transparent and shining.

"I'm a veteran, too," Harlan said, "but it's not a strict military."

"When will you be discharged from the army?"

"About...eight years ago."

He glanced at the stranger.

"Are you always alone?"

"Who else should there be?"

"A hound."

Harlan smiled.

Before they knew it, they had walked to the gate of the shooting range together.The rain stopped and the clouds opened.The sun returned to the earth, as if spreading a layer of gold grains on the street.Pedestrians began to increase, and the city returned to the bustle and bustle it was before the rain.The sound of shouting and running came from the shooting range, as well as the faint sound of arrow clusters hitting the target.

Harlan looked up, and the stranger was looking down at him too.

"Eight years."

He said.

"Harlan."

The sun is a bit harsh.

"People with cross-eyed eyes will always fall in love no matter when, where and in what situation they meet."

Harlan laughed.He laughed out loud and didn't care that passers-by turned to look at him.

"In love?" he said. "Is that all you love about me, Roy?"

"No, infatuation, admiration, worship, and more."

Roy grabs his wrist, grips, and laughs uncontrollably.Rather, it's hard to tell the difference between crying and laughing.

"It's love," he said.