Chapter Forty-Four: The Fallen Aristocrat

The surrounding area was filled with elves, tipsy and boisterous, jeering, “You really have had too much to drink. How could there possibly be treasure in the Barrens? It's nothing but a stretch of exposed wasteland.” The atmosphere in the tavern was always like this; few took the words of a drunk seriously, dismissing them as drunken boasting. The elves drinking nearby, emboldened by their own intoxication, occasionally chimed in with teasing remarks.

From the words of that elf, it was clear that the Dwarven Adventurer's Association had already begun excavating the ruins of Uldaman, but for some reason, they were unable to delve deeper and uncover the mysteries of the Titan relics within.

[Perhaps you could explore it yourself. The secrets of the Titans may be of use to you.] Allen’s voice echoed in Patrick’s mind.

“According to the history, Uldaman truly holds treasures left by the Titans. It also contains a projection of Norgannon the Wise and the platinum disk crafted by Norgannon himself.” Patrick carefully recalled the memories of the instance from his previous life.

[Norgannon is the master of arcane, knowledge, mysteries, and enigmatic objects. The Father of Gods, Aman’Thul, appointed Norgannon to oversee the circulation and management of runes and magic throughout the universe, including arcane magic originating from the Twisting Nether. Norgannon possesses a vast collection of intricately carved platinum disks, which record extensive information about the arcane arts and the Titans.] Allen spoke persuasively—after all, the entire world of Azeroth was created by Titans, and their secrets had always attracted countless seekers. Patrick was tempted; perhaps a journey to Uldaman would not be amiss.

“Quelrintis, come here,” Patrick sent a message to Quelrintis. Action often speaks louder than thought, and perhaps it would be best to find that elf and question him more thoroughly.

“Chief, what are your instructions?” Quelrintis was swift and soon arrived.

“Help me get in touch with the elf outside in the tavern. I have some questions for him.” Patrick sensed that the elf was now completely inebriated, and instructed Quelrintis again, “No need to go now. Wait until he sobers up tomorrow, then bring him to the Sun Tower.”

Mages belonged to the privileged class of Quel’Thalas, and the chief mage of a mage tower was part of the ruling elite among them. Ordinary elves would never refuse an audience with a master, for it might be their chance to be chosen and elevated to the master’s management circle, thus reaching the pinnacle of their life.

…

Uldaman was a city created by the earthborn, ancient servants of the Titans, just like Uldum and Ulduar—cities named by earthborn after the Titans of old. In ancient times, Queen Azshara of the Kaldorei was deceived by Sargeras, whom she worshipped as the highest deity in the universe. Azshara built numerous portals in the capital Golden Azshara to welcome Sargeras’s arrival.

Once the portal above the Well of Eternity opened, countless demons began invading the world of Azeroth, destroying the magnificent civilization of the Kaldorei Empire. At the same time, Malfurion, his twin brother Illidan Stormrage, and the priestess of the moon Tyrande Whisperwind joined the resistance, fighting against the demonic armies of the Burning Legion.

For various reasons, a great battle broke out between the resistance and the demons beside the Well of Eternity, destabilizing its energies and causing a catastrophic explosion.

The blast destroyed the portal above the Well of Eternity, ending the first invasion of the Burning Legion in failure. The explosion also obliterated the Well itself, Azeroth’s most significant source of energy, and without its vast supply, the Titan facilities began to malfunction.

Foremost among the consequences were the weakening of the seal on the Old Gods and the magical defense network. As the seal loosened, the first Old God to awaken was N’Zoth, followed by C’Thun and Yogg-Saron, who began to spread their whispers, corrupting the living beings of Azeroth and accelerating the curse of flesh that plagued the Titan’s servants. The weakening of the magical defense network made it easier for demons from the Twisting Nether, who coveted the beautiful world of Azeroth, to enter.

The destruction of the energy source, the whispers of the Old Gods, and the curse of flesh’s corruption crippled the Titan devices, and their creations, such as the earthborn, could only fall into slumber to alleviate the crisis.

Eight thousand years passed. Those earthborn sealed by Loken in the Titan city of Uldaman were transformed into dwarves through the curse of flesh, and they began to awaken.

No one was certain what finally roused them, but one day, the earthborn of Uldaman awoke from their slumber. They discovered their bodies had undergone significant changes during their sleep—their once stone-hard skin had become soft and smooth, and their powers over earth and stone had weakened considerably. They had become more ordinary creatures.

Those earthborn still remaining in Uldaman were further corrupted by the Old Gods, turning into primitive, beast-like troglodytes—weak, ugly, and lacking intellect, wandering Uldaman driven purely by instinct.

…

“Chief, the elf has arrived and is waiting,” Quelrintis’s voice came.

“Bring him up.”

“This is Loren Songflow, a seasoned adventurer who has spent many years exploring outside the kingdom.” Quelrintis introduced the elf beside him.

He wore the characteristic red leather armor of elves, trimmed with gold, the center adorned with golden patterns, entirely in line with the high elves’ aesthetic. Two weapons hung at his waist, his hair a standard bright yellow, his eyes clear and spirited, though his demeanor was tense—likely his first time visiting the Sun Tower.

Quelrintis left, and only Patrick and Loren Songflow remained.

“No need to be nervous, you may sit.”

…

The elf remained tense, unable to speak, his ears trembling slightly.

“Perhaps you should introduce yourself first,” Patrick took his seat, suspecting he might be intimidating the elf too much.

“I am Loren Songflow, formerly of the Silvermoon City nobility. After my family declined, I left the kingdom to become an adventurer. I am a rogue, and with several friends, I have been exploring Loch Modan and the Barrens.” Loren briefly explained his situation.

From his account, the Titan relic he spoke of was certainly Uldaman, but he and his companions had not ventured deep within—whether from lack of strength or courage—so he had returned to Quel’Thalas to seek allies for a new expedition.

“I am quite interested in the ruins you mentioned. Could you tell me more about them?”

—End of section—

This is the first supporting character, designed by “Stormheart zZ.” As for the other requests, arrangements have already been made, though their appearances will come later.