The council concluded.
The most urgent task was to eliminate the orcs harassing the southern towns, in a physical sense.
Afterward, he would join the mages dispatched by Dalaran to investigate the plague northward, and all of this would be carried out by Arthas.
It looked like he was being worked like a dog, but in reality, the old king was paving the way for him.
He needed to make more contributions to gain the trust of the people and command respect.
When he inherited the throne, he would also be able to smoothly take over the title of leader of the Alliance.
Medivh was recognized during their post-meeting conversation, but Arthas did not expel him; instead, he chatted with him about methods for rapid recovery.
Strictly speaking, it wasn't very appropriate to discuss this with a paladin; asking a chef to teach a blacksmith how to tan leather is certainly not suitable.
However, since the crown prince asked so sincerely, Medivh could only grit his teeth and explain to him.
This was only because Arthas expressed great interest in his plan to travel west to Kalimdor, but said he needed to prepare in advance.
Since the other party agreed to something that seemed utterly preposterous to ordinary people, what was wrong with teaching some magical knowledge in return?
Even if the other party was a paladin, it would just be like casting pearls before swine.
"Level 1 Brilliance Aura(Passive) : Self and allies additionally restore (0.1 - 1) of their Intelligence in mana per second, currently 2 points per second."
A good skill!
His Holy Light spell could restore injuries, but each cast consumed a high 50 mana points.
Now with Brilliance Aura, coupled with his inherent mana regeneration, he could reach a total of 3 points per second.
Future combat would be even easier, with less worry about mana consumption; he could even save a lot of mana potions.
After completing all of this, Arthas went to visit the high elf ambassador, hoping to meet the rumored Queen Sylvanas.
If he could enlist her help for this suppression of the rebellion, it would surely be much easier.
They met again in a forest in the northern part of the city; High Elves disliked human architecture.
The Rangers preferred treehouses closer to nature and enjoyed the pleasure brought by the flow of magic.
The two stood opposite each other, Arthas curiously examining the beautiful and heroic ranger-general before him.
Her exquisite features, a pair of deep and charming cerulean eyes, and a disdainful curve at the corner of her lips made one want to conquer her.
"Why is the prince not quelling the rebellion, but coming to me instead?"
Her tone was one of undisguised disgust; she disdained to hide her feelings, for high elves were so pure.
"It seems the general has some misunderstanding about me. Have you had a dream similar to mine?"
"In my dream, I was corrupted by demons and fell, wielding a soul-devouring longsword, personally destroying my kingdom, turning my people into mindless undead, known as The Scourge."
"And I was controlled to attack Quel'Thalas, and you, as the ranger-general, blocked my advance."
"Though you were so valiant in battle, you ultimately fell, and after death, you were resurrected as a controlled Banshee, attacking your former comrades."
Buzz!
An arrow pierced the ground at his feet, its fletching still trembling, showing how furious its owner was.
"How do you know?"
Sylvanas's tone was very cold; a free elf being controlled, mentally aware, watching herself uncontrollably slaughter her kin, and turning them into undead.
This kind of pain was no longer simple guilt; it was an unspeakable nightmare!
Arthas pointed to his head, his tone also very displeased, saying,
"Because someone is trying to do just that. The moment I saw you, I knew we were kindred spirits."
"The mastermind behind this must be related to this plague and also to this orc uprising."
"I want to invite you to accompany me to deal with the orcs in the south. I have intelligence that these orcs are preparing some kind of ritual, and perhaps we can uncover the conspiracy behind it."
First, he set a goal to give them common ground, making it easier to discuss subsequent matters.
Leaving aside her agile and graceful figure and exquisite beauty, Sylvanas's own abilities were also very good. If she could become a cannon, cough cough, an ally, it would certainly be a pleasant thing.
The best way to build trust was to be open and honest; sincerity was the ultimate weapon.
Sylvanas's long eyebrows furrowed; she felt an indescribable strangeness.
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because I am Arthas, the sole crown prince of Lordaeron, and an eternal ally of the high elves."
"We have a common goal; you want to protect your people, and I also want to protect my citizens. We have a common enemy."
"What? Could it be that the esteemed ranger-general is afraid of the dead?"
A taunt!
He used a taunt!
Sylvanas scoffed disdainfully; in her long life, she had indeed seen many dirty and contentious things.
"Little prince, that trick won't work on me. I can help you."
"However, if the high elves need help, you must also provide equivalent assistance."
Arthas extended his hand, a smile gracing his handsome face.
"That is natural. Courtesy demands reciprocity. I treat all allies equally. Let's shake on it."
"Happy cooperation."
Her soft, slender hand was smooth and delicate, with the calluses of a warrior yet a unique silkiness; it was truly wondrous.
"Get ready. We depart tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow, little prince."
Sylvanas turned and left without looking back. Only then did he notice her golden ponytail, which looked fresh and neat, giving her a feeling of a big sister next door.
The night passed without incident.
After two days of travel.
The group arrived at a camp near Strahnbrad.
At the gate, a man in heavy armor, with graying hair mixed with a touch of black, and a weathered face revealing determination, bowed with a smile.
"Welcome, prince Arthas, your arrival honors me and my soldiers greatly!"
Arthas, holding his paladin's great hammer, smiled and said,
"No need for formalities, Uther. I am not yet king. It is good to see you. This is ranger-general Sylvanas, who is assisting me on this occasion."
Uther was a traditional paladin, upholding virtues. He had flaws, but his virtues were enough to overshadow them.
"The general and I have already met. Thank you for your help, prince Arthas."
"You're welcome. This is merely a transaction between the Crown prince and me."
Sylvanas appeared very aloof. If not for the fact that Arthas's words perfectly matched the dream that troubled her, she would never have assisted him.
After the pleasantries, they got down to business.
"Alright, getting back to the point, our scouts have confirmed that the orc camp is just over that mountain."
"What's worse is that they are preparing to attack the village. To my knowledge, that village has almost no defenses apart from a few militiamen."
Uther pondered for a moment and then decided to split their forces.
"I will immediately march towards the orc main camp, Arthas. Will you defend Strahnbrad?"
"Of course, protecting my people is my duty."
Arthas was very certain; this was politically correct. No matter what, the slogans had to be resounding, proclaiming his justice and benevolence.
"Very well. After securing the village, rejoin me at the camp. Please be very careful, Arthas!"
Uther said earnestly, treating the prince as a student at that moment.
Sending him to defend the village was also a way to accumulate merits, build prestige, and gain practical experience.
The difficulty was not great, perfectly suited for the prince to hone his skills.