Andreas had originally intended to go into seclusion for a period of time after returning to Moonshadow's Rest, but there were always "troublesome subjects" trying to harm... cough.
Knowing that N'Zoth had only unleashed the Naga for a probing attack out of curiosity, Andreas had no intention of being polite. He went straight for the big guns.
When Captain Hankson announced to the sailors of the first prototype galleon that they were about to weigh anchor and head for the front lines, Andreas, even from within Moonshadow's Rest, could faintly hear the cheers echoing from the direction of Feathermoon Stronghold.
The 65-meter-long galleon officially set sail from its hidden harbor. The sailors, whose hands were itching for action, used the scattered Naga on the sea surface for target practice.
Boom!
The shells fired from the 120mm high-angle mortars exploded on the sea. The nearby Naga were blown into fragments before they could even let out a whimper.
Sitting with his legs crossed in the rooftop garden of the Lord's Manor, Andreas nodded in satisfaction. "Though the power of the high-explosive shells is still far from the expected target, it's more than enough to deal with the Naga."
Over the next half-month, Andreas kept a close watch on the galleon's movements. Just as Xal'atath had predicted, the appearance of Moonshadow's Rest's latest warship on the front lines—killing over a thousand Naga with its fierce firepower—finally made N'Zoth lose his nerve. Unwilling to lose more servants now that he believed he had gauged the naval strength of Moonshadow's Rest, he ordered a full retreat of the Naga.
...
In the center of the Great Sea, near the Maelstrom, lay a relatively well-preserved complex of Night Elf-style buildings on the seabed. Deep within a magnificent palace, a seductive female voice filled with amusement rang out in a royal chamber that held no other person.
"Hehe~ I didn't expect that green little rookie from back then to grow to such a level. The younger generation truly is to be feared."
In the pitch-black depths of the sea, only two golden-red eyes were visible. An entity sealed even deeper beneath the seabed spoke with great irritation.
"You're still in the mood to reminisce about the past? Is this all the strength the 'great army' you promised me possesses?"
"Don't be in such a hurry," the female voice said leisurely. "How long has it been since my people were transformed? Patience is an essential quality for achieving great things."
"I cannot yet fully control the feral Naga. We still need time. Before we are ready, let us simply sit back and watch the shifting winds of the continent."
The female voice spoke meaningfully, "I have a feeling that if things continue to develop like this, a battle between Tyrande and that little fellow is inevitable sooner or later."
"It has nothing to do with personal grudges; it is merely a conflict of ideals—all for the sake of a better future for my beloved people."
The entity that could not manifest remained silent for a moment. He still trusted the strategic vision of the helper he had personally chosen.
"Are you certain they will fight? Both are favorites of Elune; wouldn't that Moon Goddess intervene to mediate their conflict?"
A complex look flashed across the golden eyes for a split second. She explained in a flat tone, "At least as far as the Elune I know is concerned, she is not a deity who likes to manifest her presence. I prayed to her countless times in the past, yet I never received a single response."
"So be it then." The receding voice of darkness left a final remark. "You may direct the Naga according to your wishes, but I will not stop my own plans. Let us see who can achieve a decisive breakthrough first."
After confirming the surveillance had withdrawn, the owner of the golden eyes let out an ambiguous snort.
"Hmph~ You are a master at weaving conspiracies and manipulating hearts, but one cannot conquer the world with those alone. Vashj."
A female Naga adorned with ornate coral decorations swam in from outside the palace, respectfully bowing her head full of serpent-hair.
"I am here, my Queen."
"Pay attention to gathering intelligence on Moonshadow's Rest. I always feel that little fellow is hiding some secret."
The owner of the golden eyes was indeed Queen Azshara, who had sunk to the bottom of the sea. She spoke thoughtfully to Vashj, "The purpose behind his actions is too precise, almost as if he can foresee the future."
"Ere'Thalas, the Satyr War... in both major events he participated in, the power of Moonshadow's Rest played a vital role. Keep a close eye on him. I want to know Andreas's movements at all times. If there is an opportunity..."
Vashj replied understandingly, "I understand. I will try to create an opportunity to capture him and bring him back to Nazjatar."
Azshara was very satisfied with her devoted handmaiden. "Mm, go then. If you cannot do it, do not force it. Let nature take its course."
"Yes!"
...
At almost the same time Azshara received intelligence on the galleon, Tyrande also received news from the Sentinel units in Ashenvale.
Passing the report to the exhausted Malfurion, Tyrande spoke in a neutral tone, "Andreas' power is growing stronger and stronger. He was actually able to repel a swarm of Naga head-on at sea."
Malfurion, who had just finished using the Scythe of Elune to seal all the Worgen, rubbed his aching temples and forced himself to focus on the report.
"Isn't that a good thing?" Setting down the letter, Malfurion said with a light chuckle, "Andreas precisely found the greatest weakness of the Night Elves as an inland race."
"With the new types of ships he is developing, it will be much easier for us to cross the sea to Val'sharah in the future. After all, not everyone can use the Dreamwalk for teleportation."
Dreamwalk was a teleportation path exclusive to Druids. Aside from Cenarius, mortal Druids could only travel between areas that also possessed a World Tree. Currently, the connected regions included Mount Hyjal, Feralas, and Val'sharah.
Tyrande opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly recalled something and ultimately shook her head helplessly.
"Forget it, let's not talk about that for now. How is the situation with the Worgen?"
Malfurion sighed as he looked at the Scythe of Elune on the table. "With its help, the Worgen are temporarily and permanently sealed beneath the holy tree Daral'nir. Now we can only hope they gradually regain their sanity over time. But what about you, Tyrande?"
Malfurion felt somewhat puzzled by his girlfriend's overly calm attitude. "Didn't you used to always fixate on Andreas' problems? Why today..."
Tyrande gave a self-mocking smile and looked up at the bright moon outside the window.
"Because I always remember my identity. Everything I have was bestowed by the Goddess. Since Elune told me to endure for the time being, as the High Priestess of the Moon, I must naturally follow the Goddess' teachings."
Seeing that Malfurion could barely keep his eyes open, a trace of helplessness appeared in Tyrande's gaze. "Forget it, go rest first. We can talk about these things later."
After helping Malfurion into the bedroom, a strange glint flashed in Tyrande's eyes.
Within 500 years? I can wait that long. Just how does Elune intend to handle the conflict between me and that brat?