Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen

Krasus fell asleep.He slept more deeply than ever, like a fetus.His sleep was between dreaming and another state--that eternal slumber from which even the most powerful gods cannot awaken.He knew that every hour spent in sleep was a step toward the abyss of oblivion. Falling asleep and falling asleep, the dragon mage began to dream. The images he saw at first were very vague, and those were just some images from his subconscious mind.What followed, however, were other distinct and clear images.There are many winged things, dragons, and other creatures.It looked like they were all running in panic.A figure in black taunted him from afar.There was also a child running on the rugged mountain road full of sunshine... Then the child suddenly turned into an evil undead whose body was extremely twisted.

Though he was still asleep, the mage was still confused about the meaning of these dreams, and he rolled over uncomfortably.As he rolled over, he fell deeper into a world of total darkness, the darkness of which suffocated him and yet eased his uneasiness. In that darkness, a soft and majestic voice spoke to the desperate mage. Are you willing to sacrifice everything for her, Cleostrasz? When Crassus in the dream answered, his own lips moved in his secret chamber. I am willing to give my life.If that's the price of setting her free... Poor, loyal Cleostrasz... At this moment, a body emerged from the darkness.It flutters continuously with the breathing of the dreamer.In his dream, Krasus reached out to the body with all his strength, but just as he was about to touch it, it suddenly disappeared.

That must be Alexstrasza, he thought. You are sliding faster and faster toward your final rest, brave Krasus.Until then, is there anything else you want me to do for you? His lips moved again.I just want you to save her... Don't you want something yourself?Maybe want to bring back your fading life?Or, whoever has the courage to commit suicide by drinking poison should taste his favorite wine before dying...? The darkness seemed to pull him in.Krasus began to have difficulty breathing and thinking.He even wanted to turn around and just disappear in that comfortable darkness.The temptation to this idea became stronger and stronger for him.

But he forced himself to answer.she.I just want her.Suddenly, he felt himself being pulled up into a place of light and color.His breathing became easier and his thoughts became easier. Many pictures rushed towards me, but they were not my own dreams...they were other people's dreams.He saw men, elves, dwarves, even orcs and goblins, and their wishes and requests.He suffered the pain of their nightmares and tasted their sweet feelings.There were so many pictures, and as they passed by, Krasus soon found himself unable to remember them.Just as he found it difficult to remember his own dreams.

In that flowing space, another phantom appeared.Unlike the other messy images around it, it maintained a shape and continued to grow, completely overwhelming the mage's thin figure. A graceful dragon appeared, part entity, part illusion.She spread her wings as if she had just woken up.Her body is covered with the pale green of the dusk forest.Krasus looked up, expecting to meet her eyes, only to find that they seemed to be asleep.However, he has no doubt that the dream lady can fully perceive his existence. I will not make you make that sacrifice, Cleostrasz.You have always been the dream person who interested me the most.The corners of the dragon's mouth raised slightly.The most attractive dreamer...

Krasus wanted to get his feet on the ground, or rather, find a place to stand.However, the ground around him is easily deformed, almost like a liquid.He can only float on it, which makes him feel guilty.Thank you, Ysera... You have always been so polite and tactful.Even if it's just to my spouses, you too.However, they have repeatedly rejected your pleas in my name. They didn't fully understand the situation, he countered. You mean, I didn't understand the situation?Ysera floated backwards, her neck and wings rippled like a pool of water stirred up.Her eyes were closed, but her face never left the intruder of the dream.It's not that easy to save your dear Alexstrasza, and I don't know if the price is worth it.Wouldn't it be better to let the world run its course?If the giver of life is destined to be rescued, then the destined thing will happen naturally, right?

Her indifference... and the common indifference of the three guardian dragons made the mage furious.Is Deathwing destined to become the master of this world?If everyone hides and dreams like you do, then of course. She put her wings away.Don't mention him! Krasus continued to press questions.Why not, Lady of Dreams?Has he given you many nightmares? Though her eyes were still shut, Krasus knew they must be full of terror.I will never enter his dreams again.He's quite possibly the only character who's scarier in his dreams than in his waking hours. The bewildered mage didn't hide his puzzlement at the last sentence.All he cares about is that no dragon is willing to call all parties to fight Deathwing.Yes, they're not as brave as they used to be because of Demon's Souls, but they're still incredibly powerful.It was obvious that all three of them felt that the age of the dragons was over; and that even if the future could change, it wasn't worth getting them out of those self-inflicted anesthesias.

Ysera, I know that you and your sons still look after those newborn races, and I also know that you still influence those humans, elves, and... That's only to a degree, Cleostrasz.Not without limits, even in my field! But you haven't completely given up on the world after all, have you?You don't learn Malygos and Nozdormu.You won't be running insane and hiding, or reveling in relics of the past!Dreams reflect the past, but don't they also foretell the future?You should know! The image of a human woman cradling a newborn floated past him.The image of a young boy fighting heroically with the little monster he imagined flashed before his eyes and then suddenly disappeared again.Krasus quickly scanned the constantly forming and disappearing images around him.There are as many dark dreams as there are bright ones; and that is a... balance that has been maintained since ancient times.

However, his beloved queen was still locked up, and Deathwing's determination to retake the world from the newborn races never wavered.These things are tipping the balance.If the situation still cannot be reversed, there will be no more dreams and no hope for the future. Ysera, whether I can get your help or not, I will persevere.This is my mission! If you really want to do that, go ahead... The shape of the dream dragon swayed. Krasus turned and walked away.He didn't notice that behind him, those elusive images suddenly dissipated.That will either send me back to my chamber, or throw me into the abyss!Maybe the best ending is that I die.Can't see the fate of this world, can't see what my queen will suffer... Maybe it's better this way!

He hoped that Ysera would send him back into the dark abyss, so he wouldn't be able to babble to the Aspects for Alexstrasza.However, all he felt was a gentle touch on his shoulder, like a tentative touch. He turned around and found himself facing a slender, fair-skinned woman.She was beautiful, but she was as empty as air.She was wearing a silky pale green tulle gown, with a veil covering the lower half of her face.In a way, she reminded Krasus of his queen...but she wasn't. Her eyes were still shut. Poor Cleostrasz.Her lips did not move, but Krasus recognized her voice.Ysera's voice.There was a look of melancholy on her pale face.You sure would do anything for her.

He didn't understand why she was repeating a fact they both knew.He turned around again and left, looking for a way to escape from this illusory space. Take your time, Cleostrasz. Why?He turned around and asked. Ysera stared at him.Her eyes are fully open.Krasus froze, looking irresistibly into those eyes.Those eyes belonged to everyone he knew and loved; they belonged to those who knew him well.They come in every color: blue, green, red, black, gold... every eye color. And his own eyes. I will consider what you just said. He couldn't believe it.you really will... She raised a hand, signaling him to be silent.I will consider what you have said.Just thinking about it. So what if, you think you agree with me? Then I'll do my best to convince Malygos and Nozdormu to help... Of course I can't promise anything about that. This result exceeded Krasus' expectations.Maybe this hope will come to naught in the end, but it gives Krasus the confidence to fight on. thank you. I haven't done anything for you except to keep you alive in the dream... Ysera's smile was apologetic. Krasus wanted to thank her again, he wanted her to understand that that alone gave him the courage to keep going.Ysera, however, suddenly drifted backward in front of him.Krasus reached out to grab her, but they were too far away.But when he wanted to take a step forward, he found that she was going back even faster. Then he realized that the Dream Lady wasn't backing away; it was he who was backing away. Poor Cleostrasz, I wish you sweet dreams, it is Ysera's voice that floats.The slender, fair-skinned figure swayed, then disappeared altogether.Sleep well, you need enough physical strength to deal with the upcoming battle... He wanted to speak, but found that he couldn't make a sound in the dream.Darkness fell upon the dragon mage.He fell into a comfortable, dark sleep. Don't look down on those who you think are just pawns... The mountain city of the orcs is not only more magnificent than Luo Ning imagined, but also much more complicated than he imagined.Some of the tunnels he thought would lead to his goal turned suddenly, and they often climbed up rather than down.Not only did it steal his precious time, but it also exhausted him. During that time, Deathwing didn't speak to him again, which made him even more confused.While Rhonin would never fully trust the black dragon, he knew that Deathwing would at least take him to where Alexstrasza was imprisoned.What is it that diverted the attention of the black dragon now? In a tunnel without a trace of light, the wary mage finally had the opportunity to sit down and rest for a while.He carried a waterskin with him, given to him by those two hapless goblins.He took it out, took a sip, and went back to the wall.He felt that these few minutes of relaxation would clear his mind and allow him to continue his journey in the cave. Did he really think he could rescue the Red Dragon Queen?Every moment he struggled to make his way in the cave, Rhonin's doubts about himself grew stronger.Maybe he came here just to commit a gorgeous suicide?However, even his life cannot be exchanged for the resurrection of those victims.Besides, they've all made their own decisions. How could he come up with such a crazy plan?He recalled when the matter was first brought up.After that mission failed, he was banned from any activity in the Kirin Tor.During that time, he had been thinking behind closed doors.Sees no one, and rarely eats.While under surveillance, he was also prohibited from meeting anyone.So when Krasus suddenly appeared in front of him and expressed his support for his crime and meritorious deeds, he was so surprised. Rhonin had always thought he didn't need anyone's help, but Krasus convinced him.The head mage explained his situation in great detail, until Rhonin agreed to openly seek his support.Somehow, he brought up the topic of dragons, and then about Alexstrasza's captivity, and her being forced to breed ferocious mounts for the Horde.Though the main force of the Horde is now shattered, as long as she remains trapped, Khaz Modan's orcs can continue to wreak havoc on the Alliance, killing countless civilians. At that moment, Luo Ning suddenly had the idea of ​​releasing the Red Dragon Queen.He felt that only he could have come up with such a wonderful plan.At the time he thought it was a very constructive idea.Either make meritorious service to atone for crimes, or make a heroic sacrifice, and his story will be passed down among human beings forever. This idea also deeply infected Krasus.In fact, Luo Ning recalled that the old mage spent a lot of time discussing the details of the mission with him, and often encouraged him.Now Luo Ning had to admit that if it wasn't for the persuasion of this benefactor, he might have put that idea behind him long ago.In some ways, this was more Crassus's task than his.Indeed, this congressman who always hides his true colors sends Ronin to complete such a task, what benefit can he gain himself?If Rhonin did succeed, maybe he could gain some prestige; but if Rhonin failed... what good would it do him? Ronin shook his head.If he continues to ask himself this kind of question, he will soon think that his benefactor is actually the mastermind behind the whole incident, and he is still using some way to influence himself, making him make the decision to go deep into the enemy's territory . It's ridiculous... The sudden noise startled Ronin to his feet.Only then did he realize that he fell asleep just thinking about it.The mage pressed his back against the wall, waiting to see who would be walking the dark tunnel.The orcs should know that this is the end of this tunnel.Did they come here specifically to search for him? But the voice of the conversation, which was almost indistinguishable, faded away.Only then did the mage realize that he had been deceived by the complex sound phenomena in the cave.The orc conversation he heard just now may be several floors away from him. Maybe he could follow the sound, though?His confidence gradually swelled, and he moved cautiously towards the direction where he heard the voice.Even if the sound doesn't really come from that direction, the echo in the hole should take him where he wants to go. Rhonin didn't know how long he had been asleep, but when he walked through the cave, he heard more and more noises, as if the whole of Grim Batol had woken up.The orcs seemed to be in a state of panic.From Luo Ning's point of view, they must be in trouble.At this time, voices came from all directions.Luo Ning didn't want to crash into the training ground of the orc warriors, or their cafeteria.He just wanted to go to the secret room where the dragon queen was imprisoned. Suddenly, a draconic roar drowned out all other sounds. The roar was loud, but it died down quickly.Rhonin had heard this cry before, but he ignored it.Now he's cursing himself for being an idiot: Shouldn't all the dragons be in the same area?Even in the worst of times, following these calls will always lead to some dragons.Perhaps there, he could find traces leading to the queen's cell? He walked through the various tunnels without encountering any trouble for a while.Most of the orcs seemed to be far away from him, busy with some huge project.The mage didn't think much, just thought they were preparing for battle.The Alliance should now be advancing towards the orc forces north of Khaz Modan.Grim Batol should go north to help, after all the Horde still hopes to drive the humans and their allies back. If this is the case, it will be very beneficial to Ronin.The orcs have to concentrate on preparing for battle, and their numbers will be much smaller.Soon, each Dragon Rider will set off north with their well-trained steed. Luo Ning was encouraged, so he boldly accelerated his pace.However, he only took a few steps before he almost bumped into two tall orc warriors. Fortunately, the two orcs were also stunned when they saw Rhonin, even as surprised as he was.Rhonin quickly raised his left hand and uttered a spell prepared for a worse situation. The face of the orc warrior closer to him was contorted with rage.He was about to pull out the ax hanging from his back when Rhonin's spell hit him in the chest, sending the huge creature flying towards the nearest wall. The orc melted into the stone as soon as it hit the wall.Only the outline of his body remains on the surface of the stone, and he can still be seen roaring with his mouth open.A moment later, even the silhouette disappeared...and the fellow's tragic fate was never known. "You scum!" roared another orc, the ax already in his hand.He swung his ax and slashed at Luo Ning vigorously—but Luo Ning dodged in time, only cutting down some stones.The orc walked towards Rhonin slowly, his huge dark green body blocked the narrow passage.A necklace made of shriveled fingers dangled in front of Luo Ning's eyes. The owners of those fingers included humans, elves, and some unknown creatures.The opponent in front of him must want to hang his finger on it too.At this time, the orc came again, and this time the ax almost split the mage in half. Luo Ning stared at the necklace again, and an evil thought arose in his heart.He raised his hand, pointed at the necklace, and made a gesture. Ronin's casting action made the orc hesitate.But when the barbaric warrior found that the spell was useless, he immediately laughed contemptuously at the mage. "Come on, mage! I'll make your death easy!" As soon as he raised the axe, the orc couldn't help but look down at his chest when he felt something scratching him. Only to find that the two dozen thick fingers on the necklace had crawled to his throat. He dropped the axe, trying to free the fingers with both hands, but they were already gripping tightly into his flesh.The horrible hand of fingers choked his breath, and the orc coughed incessantly. The orc flailed wildly, hoping to shake the fingers off.Luo Ning took a few steps back in a hurry, for fear of being bumped into.The mage originally planned to use this spell for fun, and then make a trick; but these fingers seemed to ruthlessly deprive him of the chance to make a move.Is this their revenge?Even as a mage, Rhonin still couldn't believe that the ghosts killed by the orcs were urging these fingers to complete the great cause of revenge.That must be the power of the spell itself... Well, it must be... Be it vengeful ghosts or pure magic, those enchanted fingers were driving like nails into the soft throats of the orcs.The strong orc finally knelt down on the ground, his eyes were so desperate that Luo Ning couldn't bear to look at it anymore. After a few more seconds, he only heard the orc's rapid panting, and then the sound of a huge object crashing into the tunnel. The tall warrior fell in a pool of blood, those fingers still clasping his neck tightly.Bolding up his courage, he touched one of his fingers.There is no movement, no life.They've done their job, and now it's time to get back to where they were, as he'd expected. but…… Luo Ning put all the thoughts just behind him, and hurriedly stepped over the corpse and continued to move forward.There was nowhere to dispose of the body, and he had no time to think about it.Someone will soon find this place, but there is nothing the mage can do about it.So now all Luo Ning had to consider was the Queen of the Dragon Clan.If she could be freed, maybe she would be able to bring herself to safety.And that might be the only way he can escape. He went through a few more passages without encountering any problems.Now, however, he found himself approaching the opening of a very bright passage, from which the babble of voices grew louder.He moved his steps more carefully, and slowly approached the junction of the two passages, peeking out from the corner. He originally thought that the passage was actually the entrance to a hall on the right.A bunch of orcs in the hall were busy loading their carts and prepping their cattle, and it looked like they were going on an expedition and wouldn't be back anytime soon. Was his previous guess about the northern front correct?If the answer is yes, why does each of them seem to be leaving?Isn't it all right as long as the dragon and their riders go?Bringing these cars to Dun Algaz is not something that can be done in a short time. At this time, two orcs entered his field of vision.They seemed to be carrying something heavy.They obviously wanted to let go of that thing, but for some reason didn't dare.In fact, it seemed to Rhonin that they were being extra careful, as if the weight was made of gold. Seeing that no one was looking his way, the mage took a step closer to study what it was that the orcs valued so much.It was round—oh, no, oval—and had a rough, scaled appearance.It can only remind Ronin of one thing— an egg. More precisely, a dragon egg. He quickly shifted his gaze to the cars.He was now pretty sure that several of them were filled with dragon eggs of various developmental levels.Some round eggs with a smoother appearance, and some eggs with more scales than the previous one, which are about to hatch. When the importance of these dragons to the orcs cannot be overstated, why would they risk their precious cargo on the road? Humanity…… The sudden voice in his head almost made Ronin cry out.He quickly leaned against the wall and quickly retreated into the passage.When he was sure no orc could see him, Rhonin took out the pendant and stared at the black crystal in the center. It is glowing faintly. Human...Ronin..., where are you now? Deathwing doesn't know where he is? "I'm inside the orc stronghold," he whispered. "I'm looking for the chamber where the Queen is locked." You just discovered something.You also studied for a while.What it is? For some reason, Rhonin didn't want to tell Deathwing. "It's just that the orcs are practicing. I almost walked in without seeing them just now." His answer was followed by a long silence, long enough for Rhonin to think that Deathwing had cut contact.Finally, the black dragon responded.I want to see…… "There's nothing to see—" Before Luo Ning could say the next word, his body suddenly became disobedient, and he turned and walked towards the big hole.This time, he couldn't even move his mouth. Deathwing made him walk to where he had been standing before, and then controlled his right hand to pick up the pendant.Rhonin guessed that Deathwing observed his surroundings through the black crystal. Hmm...practice...I get it.Are they practicing how to retreat? He didn't know how to answer the dragon's taunt, and he didn't think Deathwing cared about his answer.The black dragon kept him where he was, watching everything through the pendant. Alright, I see...you can go back to the tunnel now. Suddenly his body could move freely again.Rhonin quickly left there, thankful that the orcs didn't look up because they were busy with their work.He leaned against the stone wall, gasping for breath, only then did he realize how afraid he was of being discovered. And apparently, he wasn't as suicidal as he thought. You are on the wrong track.You're going back to where you left off last time. Deathwing didn't express any dissatisfaction with Rhonin's lie just now, but this made the mage even more uneasy.Deathwing must have been thinking about the orc's motives for moving eggs too - unless that was something he had expected?How is that possible?No one here should provide him with information.The orcs hated the black dragon as much as they hated the Alliance of Lordaeron. Despite some doubts, he followed what Deathwing said and returned to the last fork in the road.Luo Ning didn't pay attention to this place when he passed by just now.Its entrance was rather narrow and unlit, which seemed to indicate that it was a place of little importance.The orcs are sure to keep the important passageway bright. "This way?" he asked softly. That's right. Why does the black dragon know the structure of the cave here so well?This question has been bothering Ronin.Certainly Deathwing had never entered these caves, not even in his human guise.Had he come in the guise of an orc?Maybe, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Next take the second passage on your left. There seems to be nothing wrong with Deathwing's guidance.Luo Ning waited for him to make a mistake, which would show that the Black Dragon was at least partly guessing.But no.Deathwing knew every way of the orc stronghold very well, as well as the orc warriors inside. Finally, after walking for hours, the voice commanded.stop. Rhonin stopped, though he had no idea what had caused Deathwing to give the order. etc. After a while, the voice of a conversation floated from the bottom of the passage. "—Where did you go! I have questions for you, many questions!" "I'm terribly sorry, my lord, I'm terribly sorry. I didn't mean to! I—" When Luo Ning stretched out his ears to eavesdrop, the sound gradually disappeared.One of them, he knew, was an orc, apparently the head of the stronghold.But the other speaker was from a different race.A goblin. Deathwing also hired some goblins to help him.Could this be why he knew the place so well?Maybe some goblin here is also serving the black dragon? He wished he could follow them, to eavesdrop on more of their conversation.But the black dragon immediately ordered him to move on.Rhonin knew that if he disobeyed, Deathwing might control him again.And as long as his hands and feet are still obedient, he feels that he has a choice in at least some things. Rhonin passed through the passage that the orc officer and the goblin had just walked through, and went down another tunnel, as if he was heading towards the heart of the mountain range.He is certainly not far from the queen now.In fact, he swore he heard what sounded like a giant breathing.And Grim Batol has no giants, so it can only be a dragon. There are two passages to go.Then turn right.Go straight until you see the opening on your left. Deathwing said nothing more.Rhonin followed his instructions again and tried his best to speed up the pace.His nerves were tense.How long does he have to walk in this mountain? He turned right and followed the trail.According to the instructions of the black dragon, Luo Ning thought that he would see the hole he mentioned soon.However, he walked for about half an hour, but saw nothing.Not even a fork in the road.Twice he asked Deathwing if he was coming soon, and his invisible guide remained silent throughout. Just when the mage was about to give up - he saw a glimmer of light.The light was very faint, but it was definitely not an illusion... Moreover, that ray of light came from the left-hand side of the passage. Ronin sees new hope.On the premise of not making too much noise, he increased his pace to the fastest.Because he knew that there must be many orcs guarding the Red Dragon Queen.He has some spells ready, but wishes to save them until the last moment. stop! Deathwing's voice buzzed in his head, knocking Rhonin almost against the wall next to him.He had to clung to the wall, thinking that some of the guards had spotted him. There is no situation.The passage was empty, except for him. "Why are you screaming so loudly?" he asked softly to the pendant. Your destination lies ahead...but not only mortals are guarding it. "And magic?" He had expected it to be so, but the black dragon never gave him a chance to stop and think. And the guardians created by magic.There is a way to find out the truth very quickly.Take the pendant in front of you, and go to the opening. "Where are the orc guards? Keep an eye on them." He heard the impatience in Heilong's voice.All will be understood, man... Rhonin was sure Deathwing would at least let him find Alexstrasza.So he held up the pendant and slowly moved forward step by step. I've only detected small spells - tiny indeed for a being like me - Deathwing told him.I will deal with them. At this time, the black crystal suddenly emitted a strong light, which almost scared the mage to let go of his hand. The protective barrier has been lifted.He paused, then continued, there was no guard inside.They don't need guards at all, not even enchantments.Alexstrasza was completely chained and fastened to the surrounding stones.Those orcs are really efficient.She is absolutely safe here. "Should I go in now?" I will be very disappointed if you don't go in. Rhonin thought Deathwing's words were a little strange, but he didn't think much of it.He is now thrilled to finally meet the Red Dragon Queen.He kind of wished Vereesa was here, but then he wondered why he was happy with the idea.Maybe-- Even the slightest thought of the silver-haired elf disappeared when he stepped into the hall and saw the red dragon Alexstrasza for the first time. Rhonin noticed that she was looking over too, a look of fear in her reptile eyes - but not for herself. "No!" she shouted as hard as she could, despite the pain from the collar around her throat. "return to!" At the same time, Deathwing's triumphant voice came.Perfect! A flash of light enveloped the mage.A terrible force invaded his body, shaking every nerve in his body.The black pendant slipped from his loosened hand to the ground. As he fell, Deathwing could still be heard repeating the word, laughing maniacally. Perfect!