Meeting

Where is Deathwing's hiding place? In fact, the Dragon Aspects familiar with this former Guardian of the Earth can guess: his lair is in the Earth Elemental Plane, and he should naturally hide there.

In the game, this place is called "Deepholm." Deathwing's Earth Shrine is built within it, and it is also the kingdom of "Stone Mother" Therazane.

Knowing is one thing, but how to enter is a big problem.

In ancient times, Stone Mother Therazane, Fire Lord Ragnaros, Tidehunter Neptulon, and Wind Lord Al'Akir were all high-ranking servants of the Old Gods. They led the elemental legions against the Titans, and the result was predictable—when the Titans defeated their opponents, these dangerous elementals were sealed away. The Elemental Plane was thus isolated from the material world.

Although this seal has gradually loosened with the passage of time, it is still almost impossible for the main material world to enter the Elemental Plane. On the contrary, elemental creatures can sometimes be summoned to Azeroth.

For example, the Dark Iron dwarves summoned Fire Lord Ragnaros more than two hundred years ago.

Later, when the "Cataclysm" arrived, Deathwing shattered the World Pillar that supported the Earth Elemental Plane and Azeroth, causing the earth to shatter and the sky to collapse, which made the seal of the Elemental Plane extremely weak.

Such a thing has not happened yet, and no normal person would expect to use such a method to stop Deathwing—shattering the World Pillar means that Azeroth will sooner or later be destroyed by floods, droughts, earthquakes, and tides, completely collapsing. This is what the "Destroyer" would do.

Even if the World Pillar can be repaired, the resulting disaster will still be permanent.

"We need to find a safe way to enter Deepholm," Aiden said, revealing his plan. "Deepholm is Therazane's kingdom and the prison built for her by the Titans. However, the Stone Mother has always been gentle in nature, unlike other elementals who are tyrannical. We can try to have druids and shamans communicate with her. Presumably, she wouldn't like Deathwing living in the Earth Shrine, as well as those Twilight's Hammer cultists who are wreaking havoc in her kingdom."

"It's worth a try."

Malfurion agreed on behalf of the druids of the Cenarion Circle.

Muen Earthfury, the leader of the shamans of the "Earthen Ring," also nodded. They, the shamans, are no worse than druids when it comes to communicating with the earth. As the most powerful shaman of the present age, Warchief Thrall also stated that he would provide assistance to the best of his ability.

However, this is only an attempt after all, and all hopes cannot be placed on the Stone Mother's generosity.

"This is a clever way, and there is no loss if it fails. Besides that, I think there is another way." Aiden pointed to the temple marked with the name "Ulduar" on the Storm Peaks on the map. "The Titans sealed the Elemental Plane in the first place, and the guardians appointed by the Titans live here. He who tied the bell must untie it. I think they should have a way to lift the seal or directly enter the Elemental Plane."

The attack on Ulduar is already being planned, and it can be done together.

After the meeting, Malfurion bid farewell to everyone. He needed to return to Mount Hyjal to handle these two matters. Shandris Feathermoon had already left with the order, preparing to lead the troops from Un'Goro Crater to scout the situation in Silithus, while Malfurion was also responsible for leading the druids to communicate with the "Stone Mother."

Aiden was preparing to return to his room to rest, but as soon as he went out, he received magical information from the Kirin Tor, "What meeting is it again?" he muttered to himself.

As one of the members of the Council of Six, he certainly knew that this was a meeting request initiated by another member.

Since all the members were here, he explained a few words to Ophiel and rushed to the gathering place of the Dalaran mages.

The six members of the Kirin Tor Sky Council gathered here, obviously there was something important to say.

Aiden thought that the initiator of the meeting was Archmage Antonidas, but he didn't expect it to be someone else.

"Krasus, what's the matter?"

The red dragon mage in the form of a high elf nodded apologetically to the others, "I'm sorry to take up everyone's time. I have rashly summoned everyone to make a request."

"Speak directly, Krasus, do we need to be so polite between us?" Archmage Drenden pretended to glare at him with dissatisfaction.

"That's right, just say it directly, why make it so serious?"

"Of course, of course not." Krasus felt warmth in his heart. He knew that these colleagues really cared about him.

Because of this, he was even more determined to make that request: "Everyone, you are all very clear about my identity—even now in Dalaran, it is no longer a secret. Many people know that I am a red dragon. Because of this, I don't think I am suitable to be a member of the Sky Council anymore, and I have been away from my clan for a long time. Now the red dragon clan needs me, and I should return."

He bowed deeply to the other people and said sincerely: "The time I spent with each of you is the most fulfilling part of my long life. I hope you can still recognize me as a friend, but please be sure to grant my request."

"But we don't mind your identity. You should know—it was like this two years ago, and it will be the same in the future." Antonidas frowned as he looked at Krasus, the dragon mage who had stayed in Dalaran for an extremely long time and made outstanding contributions. "You don't have to resign. No one will mind. Even now, with the changing relationship between humans and dragons, we think we really need a dragon representative to communicate with us, at least to avoid conflicts like the Nexus War from happening again. I think you are the best candidate. No one is more outstanding than you!"

The process of this Nexus War was so thrilling for everyone. Of course, the Blue Dragon King was bewitched, but the lack of communication between mortals and the Guardian Dragons was also an important reason.

After witnessing the power of the Guardian Dragons, the Archmages felt it was necessary to maintain contact with the dragons.

Especially now that the world is full of crises, it is not enough to rely on mortals or dragons alone to protect this world. Only by uniting all forces can we defeat those powerful and terrifying enemies.

After Antonidas spoke, the other people spoke one after another to persuade him to stay, including Aiden. He had always had a good impression of Krasus. This was a kind-hearted and noble Guardian Dragon. There was no more excellent one among the entire Guardian Dragons.

Krasus was good at communicating with mortal races and enjoyed doing so. He didn't have the bad habits of other dragons, such as being aloof or indifferent. His life as a mortal had subtly changed him, making him more emotional than other dragons and treating mortal races with a more sincere attitude.

This was a rare quality for dragons.

In this era, as Archmage Antonidas said, I'm afraid it would be impossible to find a dragon more suitable for communicating with mortals than him.

Krasus was very moved by everyone's retention, but he was determined to leave.

"Our red dragon clan is the guardian of life. In fact, it is more suitable for the blue dragons to maintain communication with the Kirin Tor, isn't it? They are the authentic magic guardians." While Krasus defended himself, he comforted these friends, "Besides, I'm not leaving and never coming back. Dalaran is like my second home. I will come back often—believe me, as long as I want to, I can teleport back and forth between the Red Dragon Shrine and Dalaran at any time. I'm just resigning from this position, not cutting off contact with you. Don't worry, I really can't bear to part with you friends!"

"What's more, Anveena is still here. I can't bear to part with my precious daughter." Thinking of Anveena, a satisfied smile appeared on his handsome face. Two years was very short for a dragon, not even enough to complete a long sleep, but Krasus already felt that he couldn't leave Anveena.

She really was his angel, the treasure in his palm!

Seeing that everyone still wanted to persuade him to stay, Krasus held up his hand to signal: "The reason I want to resign from this position is that if I cannot come to Dalaran often, I will not be able to fulfill the responsibilities of a member of the Council of Six. I remember that the Kirin Tor regulations already have such an agreement, you wouldn't want me to bring out those clauses to convince you, would you?"

Everyone was speechless, even Aiden, who had only joined the Kirin Tor Council for less than two years, was very clear about those clauses. Those who cannot attend the Council of Six meetings on time for various reasons or cannot normally perform their duties should be deprived of their relevant qualifications. Krasus was right.

"alright, you win!" Antonidas smiled helplessly. "But you can't resign from the title of Kirin Tor mage, can you?"

"Of course not, I said, this is my second home!" Krasus said with a smile on his face.

The Archmage then asked: "Now that you've resigned, do you have any suitable candidates to recommend? Someone must be added. You know that, Krasus."

"This is not a difficult problem," Krasus had already considered it before proposing his resignation, "Dalaran is now full of talents, and there are many members who are qualified to join the Council of Six. Khadgar, Anna, Rhonin, and the powerful spellcasters under Aiden, Kael'thas, Kassadin, and the newly emerged mage named Ryze, even ladies like Lissandra, Syndra, and Morgana… They all have enough strength to join."

Aiden hurriedly waved his hand and said: "Don't consider the heroes of Valoran—this is the Council of Six, and the heroes of Valoran have their own system. I am already ashamed to occupy a seat, how can I let more Valoran heroes join?"

"Haha, Aiden, I don't think it's impossible." Antonidas laughed. He patted Aiden, winked, "Don't be too modest, your strength and prestige have surpassed this old man, I have been considering letting you take over the position of leader of the council! How about it, are you interested in developing in Dalaran?"

"No, no!" Aiden quickly begged for mercy. He knew that Antonidas was joking. No matter what his strength or prestige was, managing the Valoran Federation was his most important thing. Taking over Dalaran? That is of course impossible.

"alright, no more joking." Everyone became serious again.

"Let's follow the old rules and vote to decide!"

"Which candidates are pre-selected?"

"Those mentioned by Krasus just now are all fine." Antonidas decided directly.

Aiden hurriedly said: "Objection! Please exclude the heroes of Valoran!"

"Haha…"

The other archmages burst into laughter.

Modera joked: "Aiden, you haven't even asked the heroes for their opinions. What if they are willing?"

Aiden replied seriously: "If anyone really wants to join the Council of Six, let him replace my position as a member representing the Valoran Federation in the Council of Six."

He was not joking. Just like before, no matter how the members of the Council of Six changed, at least one seat was always reserved for the high elves. Dalaran was established with the support and help of Quel'Thalas, so Kael'thas had this seat after he came of age.

Now that Dalaran and the Valoran Federation are allied, Aiden's seat is also equivalent to Kael'thas in meaning, representing the ally.

This is a tacitly understood unspoken rule, and of course he cannot allow more Valoran heroes to join, otherwise, it would be suspected of being the guest usurping the host's role.

Moreover, the Academy of War will definitely be established soon, and that is the real home for the heroes of Valoran.

After excluding the heroes of Valoran, there are only three remaining candidates: Khadgar, Rhonin, and Anna.

These three archmages are equally competitive. Putting aside their strength, all three have made outstanding contributions to Dalaran and even to this world.

Twenty years ago, Khadgar became Medivh's disciple as an apprentice of Dalaran. Later, he exposed the true identity of the corrupted Medivh and banished Sargeras' soul attached to him to the void. Because of this, he instantly turned from a seventeen or eighteen-year-old youth into a seventy-year-old old man.

Dalaran actually owes this mage, who has almost never had youth, a lot, but before they had time to give him enough compensation, he joined Turalyon's expedition and crossed the Dark Portal, disappearing for more than ten years. After returning from Outland, Khadgar's strength and prestige are definitely enough to hold the position of a member of the Council of Six.

Rhonin is not too bad either. Although he was not liked by the Kirin Tor Council in his early years, he later rescued the Red Dragon Queen Alexstrasza, who was enslaved by the Dragonmaw clan, destroyed the Demon Soul, and finally severely damaged Deathwing. This is already a very important achievement, not to mention that two years ago, he followed the fleet to Northrend once again to ask the Red Dragon Queen for the essence of life to fight the plague?

As for Anna, everyone here is very clear about her identity. Even if we put aside what she did in her original world, just counting the contributions she has made in several major battles since joining Dalaran is enough to win her this qualification.

"It's these three, let's vote! According to the old rules." Antonidas read out the names of these three people, and then everyone began to think about the candidates they supported.

Speaking of which, there is no problem in voting for any one of them, they are definitely qualified. However, precisely because of this, it is even more difficult to choose.

Aiden understood the voting rules. When there are three or more candidates, each council member can cast two votes. Two votes can be written for the same candidate, but this is the same as writing only one name, and only counts as one vote. If two names are written separately, then each person gets one vote. Of course, you can also abstain.

The person with the highest number of votes and more than four members voting is elected. If there is a tie, revote. The top two are tied, then the latter is excluded, based on the second round of votes. If the second round is still tied, Speaker Antonidas has the right to veto one of them.

The rules are that simple.

Aiden hesitated for a while looking at the voting card.

In terms of personal relationships, he is slightly closer to Rhonin and Anna, and he also has a good relationship with Khadgar, because they fought side by side in Outland for so long.

Because of this, he seemed embarrassed.

But thinking of Khadgar's image, this archmage, who was only about forty years old, had never experienced his youth and had become a white-haired old man. In any case, Anna and Rhonin have at least found their belonging. In comparison, Khadgar is simply the best interpretation of "destined to be lonely for life"…

"Khadgar," Aiden wrote the first name on the card.

Between the remaining Anna and Rhonin, he didn't bother—anyway, anyone is fine, so let the coin decide fate!

He took out a gold coin under the weird gaze of everyone, flipped it up, and held it in his hand.

"Tails—Anna, it's you!"

Aiden calmly wrote the second name on the card.

His method simply inspired the other archmages. Perhaps most people have a preference in their hearts, but the other is very uncertain. At this time, isn't flipping a coin the best way to deal with the difficulty of choosing?

Kael'thas gave Aiden a thumbs up, and he also used this method to write the second name.

After the cards were collected, the results were quickly tallied.

One of the six archmages only filled in one valid name, so the total number of votes was 11.

Anna and Rhonin each received 3 votes, and Khadgar topped the list with 5 votes.

"Let us congratulate Khadgar. If he doesn't refuse, this seat is his." Antonidas announced the results in a louder voice.

"It can be regarded as a little compensation for him." Archmage Modera said with regret.

As the only woman present, she was more emotional and naturally sympathized with Khadgar's experience.

"Modera, you are wrong—the identity of a member of the Council of Six represents a heavier responsibility, and it is often unknown. He cannot get any honor from it, but is being exploited by us."

Drenden joked.