At the summit of Mount Hyjal, a small, once-ordinary lake was now radiating high-purity Arcane magic. A large number of Highborne gathered around the lake like pilgrims, drinking in the energy.
Dath'Remar watched the New Well of Eternity before him, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
As expected, creating a new font of power is the only way forward for the Highborne.
Recently, due to the loss of the original Well of Eternity, the Highborne Arcanists had begun to experience symptoms of weakness, fatigue, lethargy, and a deep-seated, irrational anxiety. Most people had not yet linked these conditions to the Well, assuming they were merely post-war adjustment symptoms. Dath'Remar, however, had carefully observed the connection.
The symptoms appeared only in Arcanists; others, such as Druids, Warriors, and Priestesses, showed no change. In the Night Elf Empire, where social classes were distinct, only the Highborne had the right to draw energy from the Well. Since it was precisely this group showing abnormal symptoms, Dath'Remar boldly connected the condition to the loss of the Well.
Surveying the relieved expressions of his companions around him, Dath'Remar became even more certain of his theory.
"Father?"
A young Night Elf with similarly rare golden hair noticed Dath'Remar lost in thought and called out softly in a puzzled tone. "Is something wrong? Is there an issue with this New Well of Eternity?"
"Hmm? No... nothing is wrong."
Snapping back to reality, Dath'Remar shook his head at the young elf. "Dannahs, do you still have the symptoms of fatigue and lethargy you mentioned earlier?"
"Uh." Though the youth named Dannahs didn't understand why his father was asking, he closed his eyes to check his own state.
"They're gone!" Dannahs moved his limbs in surprise and delight. "Completely gone! I feel full of strength now."
As I thought...
Dath'Remar stared blankly at the New Well, filled with apprehension. If this Well is also destroyed, how are we to endure the agonizing... mana addiction through the long years to come?
Caught up in his joy, Dannahs did not notice the complex thoughts flashing in his father's eyes. Like all the Highborne Arcanists around him, he was simply exulting in the disappearance of his mental exhaustion.
...
When the three members of the governing council guided the three Dragon Aspects to the side of the New Well, Malfurion and the others were quite surprised to see the Highborne crowded around the lake like a cultist gathering.
Tyrande's brow furrowed. Even though they had cooperated to defeat the Burning Legion, she still harbored no good feelings toward the Highborne who had attracted the demons in the first place.
"Why are you all gathered here? Disperse at once! Shandris!"
"Here."
Shandris, who had been exchanging glances with Andreas, hurried forward. Tyrande jerked her chin toward the group of reluctant Highborne. "Take them away and place the area around the New Well under martial law. We have important business to attend to."
Andreas silently gave Shandris a thumbs-up to encourage her, earning a charming roll of the eyes rarely seen on the otherwise valiant Shandris.
The eviction by the Sisterhood of Elune caused quite a stir.
"By what right do you drive us out! The New Well belongs to everyone!" "We need it! Do not destroy it!"
A flash of irritable anger crossed Tyrande's eyes, though she managed to keep herself from exploding in front of the three Dragon Aspects. To hear these Highborne—who once acted as gatekeepers and forbade commoners from approaching the Well—now hypocritically shouting that it belonged to everyone made Tyrande nearly unable to resist snapping back at them.
You're still too green; your emotional management needs work. Andreas chuckled inwardly, seeing Tyrande's changing expressions clearly.
No matter how dissatisfied the Highborne were, with the three Dragon Aspects present and Jarod's army standing by nearby, they did not dare to openly defy the decisions of the temporary council.
Alexstrasza took the withered seed of G'Hanir from Malfurion's hands. Suspending the seed in mid-air, she signaled for Malfurion and the others to step back. Simultaneously, the three Dragon Aspects shifted back into their original forms.
The massive Red Dragon breathed out a burst of crimson flame saturated with the essence of life, slowly enveloping the seed. This flame was miraculous; it did not ignite the seed of G'Hanir. Instead, the withered seed gradually became plump and vibrant under the replenishment of life energy.
"Begin."
Alexstrasza signaled to Malfurion, and the Archdruid stepped forward solemnly. Under the nourishment of the Life-Binder's vibrant flames, Malfurion poured a vast amount of nature's power into the seed.
The previously dormant seed sprouted and grew with explosive speed, its thick roots plunging deep into the floor of the lake. Its trunk grew thicker and thicker under the blessing of life force.
Andreas looked up in awe as the towering World Tree took shape, its canopy already invisible from below. The steaming Arcane energy from the surface of the New Well was drawn into the tree, where nature and arcane powers reached a delicate balance.
Andreas was stunned for a moment, then slapped his palm in realization.
So that's it! This World Tree is the prototype for Arcan'dor, the tree of balance.
Though the details and usage differed greatly, Andreas speculated that this state of perfect fusion between nature and arcane was the original inspiration for Arcan'dor.
Under the catalysis of Alexstrasza's life power, the World Tree fully matured in just half a day. The entire summit of Mount Hyjal was covered by its canopy. The diameter of the trunk's cross-section alone was likely several kilometers thick, and its height approached ten thousand meters.
"Ysera, Nozdormu, it is our turn."
Ysera nodded gently. "Very well, Sister."
Nozdormu replied with an indifferent expression. "I have no objection. Given the achievements and sacrifices of the Night Elves in this war, this is their due."
While Malfurion and the others watched in confusion, the three Dragon Aspects circled the World Tree. Brilliant light in shades of red, green, and gold began to emanate from them.
"In the name of the Life-Binder, through the World Tree, I bestow upon the Night Elf race vitality, such that they shall not be corrupted by any form of power, nor shall they ever suffer from disease."
"In the name of the Dreamer, the World Tree shall henceforth be linked to the Emerald Dream. Druids are permitted to enter and exit the Dream at any time."
"In the name of the Timeless One, I bestow eternal life upon the World Tree, and through it, the Night Elves shall also gain immortality."
Using the power of the New Well, the Dragon Aspects bestowed blessings upon the entire Night Elf race through the World Tree. This was also their reward and compensation for not having fully fulfilled their duties as guardians during the war.
Inhale~
As the blessings of the Dragonkings took effect, Andreas took a deep breath. He could feel his life-form undergoing an indescribable transformation.
Immortality... is it?
This is the glory the Dragon Aspects have bestowed upon the Night Elves, but at the same time... it is a heavy responsibility.