Chapter 566: Fateful Duel - Part I

The knights of Stormwind charged valiantly onto the battlefield. Many orcs, caught off guard, were trampled under the horses' powerful hooves. Those fortunate enough to dodge the initial onslaught were met with the deadly steel of the knights. These knights, although numbering only in the thousands, were instrumental in the rapid disintegration of the Horde's defenses.

In this timeline, due to the interference of an individual named Du, the anticipated clash between Lothar and Orgrim was averted.

Hence, this confrontation marked their inaugural face-off.

The reasons for their meeting were varied. Some believed it was the guiding hand of fate, while others saw it as a mere battle of powerful auras.

Both leaders stood out, their presence palpable on the battlefield.

Lothar's stature was remarkable even among humans, rivaling an average orc in sheer size. This meant conventional steeds were not for him. When he rose to the rank of Alliance's Supreme Commander, King Terenas, in a gesture of goodwill, presented him with a breed of titanic steeds.

He rode a majestic warhorse named the "Light of Lordaeron." The beast's back towered nearly two meters off the ground, and its legs were as thick as an elephant's. Yet, its size was complemented by unmatched endurance and speed, capable of charging at tremendous speeds even under considerable weight.

Adorned in the finest armor, with Lothar, glistening in his silver plate, atop it, they made a formidable pair. From a distance, one could easily mistake him for an orcish champion.

With the large Stormwind emblem shield and the brilliant greatsword, Quel'Zaram, anyone would think of Anduin Lothar as a god of war descended.

Orgrim Doomhammer was no less imposing.

Amidst a horde of rampaging ogres, the towering Orgrim brandished a black hammer that occasionally blazed with fire. Each swing was devastating, obliterating Alliance soldiers in its wake.

Unlike the brutish steps of typical orc warriors, Orgrim's movements were agile and calculated. His heavy black plate armor did not impede him. The armor was of extraordinary make; even sharp projectiles were effortlessly deflected.

"Orgrim Doomhammer!"

"Anduin Lothar!"

Though a significant distance apart, they instantly recognized each other, calling out their adversary's name.

They exchanged knowing glances, understanding that defeating the other would deal a crushing blow to the enemy's morale.

Indeed, they were pivotal weights on the scales of victory.

"Stand aside!" Orgrim effortlessly swung his colossal hammer, dispatching a human soldier with ease.

Without missing a beat, Orgrim kicked an orc obstructing his path, sending him sprawling.

Upon witnessing Orgrim's trail of destruction, Anduin spurred his steed, diving into the thick of battle.

An ogre, seeing Anduin's approach, raised his massive club overhead, swinging it down with earth-shattering force.

Without flinching, Anduin's greatsword, Quel'Zaram, glinted, severing the ogre's two heads in a swift motion.

With unwavering focus, Lothar's eyes remained locked onto the Orc Warchief.

"Come forth!" Orgrim's defiant roar echoed across the battlefield.

Their eyes never strayed from each other, even as the chaotic battle raged around them. Alliance soldiers who dared approach Orgrim were swiftly dealt with, either by Rexxar and his elite guards or other orcish warriors.

Anticipating Lothar's charging steed, Orgrim gracefully swung his hammer.

The unexpected occurred — the agile warhorse narrowly evaded the fatal blow, rearing and striking Orgrim squarely in the chest.

Caught off guard, Orgrim was thrown off balance.

Seizing this golden opportunity, Anduin's sword, Quel'Zaram, descended rapidly. Just as it seemed the mighty Orgrim Doomhammer's end was near, Rexxar intervened in the nick of time.

His twin axes, covered in blood, moved with lightning speed, aiming for Anduin. Yet, against all odds, Rexxar's axes were split in two by the divine blade, Quel'Zaram.

Rexxar was at a significant disadvantage.