LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 106: Chapter 106
Two more weeks had passed since the victory at Deatholme, and it had been about 5-6 months since the Scourging of Silvermoon. At this time, Varrus was busy going over a mental checklist from within his office before he set out for Gilneas.
As for why he chose Gilneas as the next member state for the Convocation? There were several factors.
To begin with, while theoretically, Varrus could turtle up, and wait for the events of WC3 to play out as usual, then emerge from Quel'Thalas 1-3 years later for the start of Vanilla WoW, that would limit his plans for creating the Covenant.
With the races of man at their most desperate during this onset of a Scourge induced zombie apocalypse, Varrus could cement the Highborn as a beacon of civilization, and as the only legitimate hope for survival.
By seizing the initiative, Varrus would force others to react to him and his people, and he would no longer be caught on the back foot.
Based upon that line of thought, Varrus continued his search for allies, and he had settled on Gilneas.
For the time being, the nation of Gilneas made the most sense to Varrus because it was the easy to reach by sea, and was largely free from the Undead.
This freedom was because, geographically speaking, Gilneas was a peninsula jutting out from the western edge of the Eastern Kingdoms. Like Spain on Earth, it was isolated from the mainland by a 'narrow' strip of land. Making the country more easily defensible than most.
Additionally, that gap between Gilneas and Lordaeron had been covered up by a massive wall sometime during the 2nd Orc War.
Meaning that the majority of Gilneas's population had remained intact, and free of any taint.
This very same wall became a major source of contention. Ultimately, it became the focal point leading up to the Northgate Rebellion.
That was because the wall separated one of the major fiefdoms of Gilneas from the rest of the country. Ordinarily, this would not be a big deal in times of peace, but then the Scourge attacked.
The leader of Gilneas, King Genn Greymane, feared the plague, and refused entry to any within his walls. Even his own people trapped on the other side.
Witnessing the horrors committed by the Scourge against his subjects, the leader of these lands, Lord Darius Crowley was incredibly irate, and had launched the Northgate Rebellion.
As the country descended into internal strife, Varrus saw this as an opportunity to bring Gilneas into the fold.
His opinion on the two principle leaders, however, was not positive, and he did not intend to fully back either of them to rule the nation.
Greymane was the very definition of a curmudgeon. When the Dark Portal first opened over a dozen years ago, and the Orc Horde razed Stormwind and genocided the Humans living there, the northern nations of the Eastern Kingdoms formed the Alliance for the first time.
Unlike what is presented in WoW, the Alliance was a loose organization made up of egotistical monarchs all vying for political capital. However, despite the despicable political shenanigans taking shape, it was a necessary organization. Otherwise, the Orcs would win, and every last Human would be wiped off the map.
Greymane hated that he couldn't be the leader, and caused as much political turmoil as anyone else. Eventually he became an isolationist similar to the likes of North Korea, or ancient Japan.
When the Alliance looked as if it could bind the nations of man together, and end the pointless wars between them, Greymane withdrew Gilneas.
In short, Greymane was not the ally Varrus wanted leading what in his eyes, was a soon to be client state.
Naturally, one might assume Crowley to be Varrus's pick, but Varrus had some misgivings regarding the rebellious Lord.
The number one concern he had with Crowley, is that he turned against his Liege Lord in the first place.
Whilst it was in the name of preserving his people-an admirable trait-could Varrus trust that he wouldn't do the same again if Crowley thought the safety of his people were at risk?
Even if it was 'for a good cause,' could Varrus ever be comfortable trusting such a charismatic traitor?
Rapping his knuckles on the table, Varrus felt like he understood Kael's concerns over Nightsong when he thought about it like that.
But the point was, Crowley was a revolutionary, one whom Varrus might have swayed to join a version of the Alliance, but that wasn't what Varrus wanted. He wanted a dependent state that wouldn't just leave at the slightest of disagreements. He wanted a mageotech empire dominated by the Highborn, dominated by the Covenant!
Which is why Varrus planned on playing both sides against one another, and to conduct a sinister campaign of sabotage alongside his wife. The idea was to greatly escalate the war, and create as much chaos as possible. Then, when all hope seemed lost, he would swoop in and join the 'winning side' with the full might of House Vandercross behind him, and install the leader of his choice.
He had been practicing the Polymorph spell quite a bit these last two weeks, and could transform himself into a Human among a few other forms.
This campaign to subvert Gilneas's loyalties was risky, but worth it from Varrus's POV.
As a nation bereft of Undead, and a natural buffer state, they would serve as the perfect thorn in the Scourge's side. By launching guerilla attacks via boat, they could chip away at the Scourge, then retreat behind their wall.
Whilst the Dreadlords directed their ire towards the Gilneans, the rest of Quel'Thalas could perform a flanking maneuver from the north, and catch them completely off guard.
Perhaps during that interim, the surviving mages of Dalaran could also be brought into the fold, but Varrus doubted that. They were a proud lot, and unlike the vast population of illiterate peasants, were well educated, and were wise to Elven machinations.
But that didn't mean the city-state of Dalaran should be completely removed as an option for conquest. They too were in some incredibly dire straits after Arthas murdered their leader.
Varrus shook his head, and tabled the idea for another time. He was taking care of many things domestically, had sent Helios out with supplies to reinforce the Human resistance in Lordaeron, and he was currently focused on Gilneas. Dalaran could wait for another day.
As for the upcoming subterfuge, Varrus had taken inspiration from the evil Dragon, Deathwing, and found himself a disguise of a lesser known noble house. His intent was to masquerade amongst the Humans, and sew discord.
As a powerful smith, he would prove himself indispensable to both sides by providing arms and armor.
Varrus grinned as he finished up his plans for Gilneas. He was only a few days off from setting out, and had accomplished much in the last two weeks.
During this time, he had cast an innumerable amount of bricks, and had reconstructed about 90% of Silvermoon. Due to time constraints he left the fringes and less-walked places in some disrepair.
Otherwise, the city was once more a shining utopia. Banners draped in red fell from balconies, red carpets cleaned by an army of enchanted brooms lined the streets. People conducted commerce, and Varrus even saw a few of them smile when he went out!
Varrus had been hard at work to help Silvermoon become the crown of a multicultural empire. The portals connecting to the Longcandle tribe were already in use, and a few hundred applicants had become students to learn the Elven ways of Light magic.
Alongside these new converts were first time merchants and other workers dropping off raw materials. The Elves very obviously disdained the Kobolds, but none ever spoke Common in their presence or bothered to engage with the rat-kin if they did not have to.
And if they did speak to the Kobolds, the Elves spoke so eloquently, that it went right over their tiny little heads. To Varrus, it was especially amusing to witness one of the Highborn make a joke at a Kobold's expense, thinking they had roasted the creature, only to realize a moment later that the funny ratman was standing still, and scratching his head in confusion.
It didn't take long for most Highborn to get the memo that Kobolds were much less easily riled up than Humans. In fact, it had become a bit of a fad for some Highborn to dress up the newest arrivals to Silvermoon.
It was kind of messed up from Varrus's POV that they were treating the Kobolds like the dogs of Earth, but at the same time, a Mobold dressed in a tuxedo wearing a top hat looked rather dapper. Such interactions had smoothed out the initial biases, and whilst there was definitely some heavy disdain coming from the Elves, the Kobolds didn't notice it.
And so, the Kobolds had cemented themselves in Highborn society as a sort of 'cute' like a hamster, almost-a-pet group of people.
Despite this acceptance, all foreign races had been limited to Sunstrider Square, and the Grand Bazaar by the King's decree. Unless, of course they had someone to escort them, or were there under special permission to travel to other districts, like the priests and paladins in training.
The first time Varrus had seen the Kobolds, they were wide eyed and a little insane when they saw the 'great candle in the sky' for the first time.
Several of the buggers had to be healed as they almost went blind gazing into the sun.
Varrus had also linked up with Karwl, and sent him off to school to learn the skills of the paladin.
The little guy was adorable in his oaths of loyalty, and while such qualities were admirable, Varrus didn't want to take his newest follower around on death defying adventures until he had figuratively leveled up a bit.
Who knew, perhaps one day Karwl would lead Varrus to an adamantium vein, or help Him escape some mine.
Just because his companions weren't as strong as him, didn't mean they were useless. But ideally, he would want his followers to at least have the skills of an Elite. After all, how tragic would it be to drag Karwl along, only to have him die from something as simple as a stray arrow?
Besides overseeing the induction of the Kobolds, and strengthening his hold over the Polymorph spell, Varrus had kept up with his usual grinding, love making, and Mana Crystal study.
He had made some progress in the study of Mana Crystals, but his leveling had slowed down considerably. Manually raising his stats was becoming more and more difficult. However, he wasn't worried, as he had time on his side.
Between advancing his Family Magic, and grinding levels, it would only be a matter of time before he surpassed the gap between being a Hero and attaining the skills of a Dem-God.
Blowing his long blonde hair out from his face, Varrus rubbed his tired eyes, and made his way to the gardens, where he knew Syra would be.
Along the way, he passed by the various workshops he had set up when he first took control of House Vandercross.
The fires of industry were hard at work as the craftsmen repaired damaged gear, retuned wands, mixed potions, and accomplished a dozen other minor tasks that kept the Elven war machine going.
In one particular hall, the Undead priest, and former Convocation member, Dawnbringer was jovially instructing a group of students.
Their faith lit up the room with a golden glow, protected the practitioners in shields of Light, and enhanced their physical capabilities.
The portly priest nodded with a smile at Varrus, then continued with his instruction.
Varrus returned the nod, and was happy to see them hard at work.
Pausing at a railing on the 2nd floor, Varrus looked down into the square, and saw Rho'dan, along with a few dozen other Arcane Warriors practice Blinking from one end of the square to the other.
The warriors then tried to do as many short ranged teleports as possible. It seemed that they were figuring out their limits, and trying to increase their mana pool through constant use.
Catching the stalwart guards eye, Varrus nodded in appreciation.
House Vandercross was small when compared to the tens of thousands that made up Kael's Sunfury.
However, what they lacked in numbers, they made up for with the number of Elites.
Everyone wore enchanted equipment, and it had all been master forged by Varrus. Not only that, but when it came to the Light, or Arcane Warrior training, they had the best instructors.
Varrus smiled to himself, each step carrying a spring to it as he made his way out the back and into the garden.
Where House Vandercross was perhaps lacking in Arcane studies; it did have certain advantages in other fields.
Already, Valanar had taken in several acolytes. The farmers of Quel'Thalas already knew some basics, and had proven to be prime candidates for this long forgotten arte.
But that wasn't all.
Turning a corner, and entering a cave, Varrus watched from the back of a gathering as Syra demonstrated the finer intricacies of the Void.
Purple light shifted mesmerizingly along the cave wall as she held an orb of pure Void in her hand.
Varrus took note, making sure that every member within was wearing their Void resistant amulets.
After disenchanting Zul'Jin's Void powered weapon, Varrus gained the ability to add resistance to gear. For these nascent practitioners, he had mandated that they wear these amulets at all times. Additionally, he had added on the Spirit stat to the enchantments, boosting the willpower of all those who wore them.
Void corruption was no joke, and was something Varrus almost didn't want to risk. But Syra had already been teaching the Illidari, and her own faction within the family, the Vanderguard.
She had been excited to do something that benefitted the House, and Varrus found he couldn't say no.
Besides, watching her seriously demonstrate how to wield the Void gave her some serious sexy teacher vibes.
"And so, much like the Light, the Void can be used to empower oneself, but the risk of mutation is always a risk. That mutation, however, can be used on objects, plants, or animals and bend them to our will." Syra explained to the students.
She then infused a cup with the purple energy. A moment later, the inanimate object exploded with a bang.
Syra contained all of the shard within a bubble of Light, then let them drop.
"Cursed objects, such as this can be used as mines, poisons, or for assassinations among other things. Whilst Arcane can accomplish the same feats, Void does so faster, and requires much less study. However, the dangers are magnified 100 times over." Syra then dropped the barrier containing the shards, and gestured towards some purple goo seeping out of the broken cup, and eating away at the dirt floor of the cave at an accelerated rate.
Clapping her hands, Syra answered a few more questions, then dismissed the crowd.
After everyone had shuffled out, Varrus walked up to Syra for a hug and a kiss.
"You did amazing." Varrus complimented.
"Mnm. I wish I could do this without talking so much." Syra rubbed her face onto Varrus's chest, and took him in an embrace.
"Maybe you won't have to. I mean, if my plays could be recorded, why can't your teachings?" Varrus ruffled her hair, and suggested.
"Varrus. Why didn't you tell me this earlier!" Syra gripped his collar tightly, and all but growled up at him.
Varrus grinned at her cute behavior, and bopped her on the nose.
"Because, silly, I was busy. We're going to Gilneas tomorrow after all."
"That was tomorrow?!" Syra muttered, and raised like a deer caught in the headlights.
"Yes?" Varrus grinned in bemusement.
"I still have to finish packing my tools! You distracted me." Syra said accusingly.
"Well I seem to recall an invisible hand speaking into my office during a meeting with my middle managers~" Varrus playfully responded.
"Details! Ack, Varrus!" Syra shoved Varrus away, then ran back to the mansion in a hurry.
Varrus chuckled at her as she left. His girl always had a million things on her mind, and packing was not one of them.
"Pfft-hahahaha!" Varrus chuckled to himself.
"And no laughing!" Syra called from a distance.
Varrus only laughed louder in response.
He then shook his head, and here he thought he was going to get a good break from the grind.
Sighing to himself, he decided to make more Mana Stones and raise that exp bar just a sliver higher.
Because all breaks were temporary, and the grind never stopped.
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