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Chapter 78 - Plans for a Traitor 

Every arcane force consists of a rune, and each rune is formed by the fusion of spiritual power and energy, with each rune having a different meaning. Frost and fire, the two most common elemental powers, are skills that mages must master. 

Arthas never understood why the wind and earth elements existed, yet mages were unable to cast corresponding spells. Under the arcane shock, he finally understood the reason. It is because wind and earth elements are difficult to have under control, at least with mortal strength. These two elements cannot interact with each other; after all, the animosity between elemental lords is enough to affect the dispersed elements. 

Only fire and water elements are relatively easier to control. Not to mention, the fire elemental lord hides in the southeast of the Stormwind Kingdom, resting beneath Black Rock Mountain. The water element also lurks beneath the deep sea, hidden within the ocean. Arcane power is the purest form of strength, and the essence of a mage is arcane. 

Commanding elements is the task of an orc shaman, and there is a fundamental difference between the two. A mage purely uses the power of the arcane to enslave elements, while a shaman relies on prayers to the elements for assistance. The power of the Well of Eternity is so pure; although this is a dream, this overwhelming power once made Arthas think it was the Well of Eternity. 

Although it isn't real, this ambiance effectively imitates the sensation and allows him to experience the impact of the atmosphere. Azshara's gaze gradually turned cold, and she waved her hand, beckoning her underlings to replace her. 

'Create a magic circle and use the power of the Well of Eternity to strike him!'

'Yes, Your Majesty.' The night elf mage, dressed in a beautifully crafted robe, summoned her colleagues to draw a quick five-pointed star magic circle near Arthas, allowing Azshara to continue directing the arcane energy to strike Arthas. 

The night elves outside the palace had no idea what was happening; they only knew that the originally gentle energy began to grow violent, rushing towards a specific direction. Even from a great distance, the commoners felt suffocated—it was the pressure of arcane power squeezing the air, transforming the environment into a vacuum. 

In the distance, a figure stood atop a far-off peak, gazing at the location of the Eternal Palace. It was the Grand Magistrix Elisande, who had been wronged before. She dared not approach too closely, despite Azshara having transformed into the Naga Queen and lost her essence and body as a night elf. 

However, her control over magic was still incredibly strong; after all, how powerful could a queen be if the Burning Legion did not dare to underestimate her? 

Elisande pondered, wondering if she were in Arthas's position. Not only would she struggle to hold on, she would likely be torn to shreds in an instant. Although she could use time magic to reverse time briefly, would it be of any use? Absolutely not. 

Azshara, with the energy of the Well of Eternity, was far too powerful, having even transcended the limits of demigods. If back in reality, Elisande would be confident in facing Azshara in a duel, not that she could guarantee victory, but it would be a close match. 

Azshara is strong, but she is no pushover either. Without sufficient strength, one cannot rely solely on the artifact Eye of Aman'thul to establish the Nightwell and maintain the operation of the vast city of Suramar. As a lord and a noble, lacking even this level of strength means that one would have long been swallowed whole.

Highborn elves have never been easy to deal with; common night elves are the true elves, while the nobles always refer to themselves as highborn to boast of their status!

There was a slight sting in his body, and the mental pressure was considerable. However, these were not issues; they were still bearable. In fact, Arthas even found the time to divert his attention to think about how to proceed after he got out. 

The immediate priority was to deal with those council members in Silvermoon City. Not to mention, although the Silvermoon Council's power forced even the king to temporarily bow down, these arrogant members were still loyal to the kingdom. After the Scourge's arrival, they did not surrender but fought to the last breath—none survived. Well, being completely blown up by the power of the Sunwell can also be considered a glorious sacrifice.

Habitually stroking his chin, Arthas felt it was necessary to stir up some trouble. Currently, his level was only thirty, and there was still quite a distance to reach the maximum level of sixty. Leveling up is crucial; it is the top priority in any situation. No matter how one breaks through, it is impossible to instantly reach the hero level. Every hero level is carved from mountains of corpses. 

'The Silvermoon Council...' Arthas narrowed his eyes; he needed to have a chat with Onyxia to see if Deathwing had set up any spies over there. It would be best to connect with the nobles of Quel'Thalas; he needed someone to incite tensions for him. The so-called incitement is to provoke two groups of people to fight, while he bets on both sides. 

Simply trying to marry Alleria is a very difficult task; not to mention Arthas is merely a human prince, even Admiral Daelin Proudmoore wouldn't gain their favor. Given the high elves' habit of looking down on others, unless there are immense benefits or overwhelming power to persuade them, peaceful negotiations would be utterly impossible. 

'Who should I find?' Arthas thought carefully in his mind and quickly found a candidate! Dar'Khan! A traitor among the high elves! When the Scourge was at the gates, he was promised immense power and status, and he betrayed his own people, leading countless high elf compatriots to a tragic end under the Scourge's blades—only to be resurrected as undead to fight again. Fighting for his hated enemies is truly a mockery! 

Let Dar'Khan fan the flames and continuously amplify the threats posed by the Windrunner family. Showing goodwill towards the Windrunner family would create a tendency for alliance. Let the Silvermoon Council believe that the Windrunner family has rebellious intentions; the higher-ups do not need sufficient evidence, just a mere doubt will suffice! 

Make the high elves turn against each other, expelling the Windrunner family, allowing him to seize the opportunity to take them in. This would not only fulfill his spousal mission but also bring Sylvanas, who hasn't turned into the Banshee Queen, under his control. 

Hah, soon he would be in a prime position to court her, even having a sister-in-law's backside to enjoy! Am I wrong? Of course not, I'm just a beast! Thinking of his scheme, Arthas couldn't help but burst into laughter! 

He had always despised these intrigues, finding them too cerebral and complex. But he had to admit, manipulating people in this way feels incredibly satisfying!

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