"Don't be mistaken, you were never my friend. My friends would support my decisions," Arthas scoffed.
Rhodes had clearly witnessed the horror of the Undead Plague, so why wasn't he willing to support his actions? If he were a true friend, he should have helped him with the purification work.
"Arthas, you've made a terrible decision," Uther said before turning and leaving. He was utterly disappointed in his disciple!
Even Jaina looked at Arthas with pain in her eyes, then patted Rhodes' shoulder, signaling him to follow her.
"Jaina!"
In the end, Rhodes chose to leave with Jaina and Uther. There was no other way; the waters of Stratholme were too deep, and his current strength wasn't suited for wading into such troubled waters!
Not to mention external factors, Stratholme itself was fraught with danger. Rhodes couldn't guarantee that five mysterious adventurers wouldn't suddenly appear in Stratholme!
Under the command of a Bronze Dragon, assisting Arthas with the purification work, it was even possible for an Infinite Dragon to appear, and there was also a Dreadlord inside.
His primary goal now was to increase his strength and become stronger, not to play the hero or act like a big shot.
Given time, with the heroes of might and magic III system, Rhodes would definitely reach the pinnacle of the Azeroth World.
"Rhodes, I thought you would stay and help Arthas!" Jaina said, looking at Rhodes in a desolate field.
"You are also a princess, the Princess of Kul Tiras. You should be aware of some diplomatic and political factors.
My helping the Prince fight the scourge is not a problem. All of Lordaeron will treat me with courtesy because I helped them at a crucial moment.
But if Arthas and I participated in the slaughter of Stratholme, how do you think the people of Lordaeron would view me?
'Look! That evil mage bewitched our Prince and made him unleash the massacre of Stratholme!'
'It's all this hateful mage; if not for him, the massacre in Stratholme wouldn't have happened.' Rhodes mimicked the tone of ordinary commoners.
Upon hearing this, Jaina first let out a giggle, then fell silent. She wasn't just any girl from an ordinary noble family; as the Princess of Kul Tiras, daughter of the Grand Admiral of the Alliance fleet,
she naturally knew what the consequences would be if Rhodes truly followed Arthas in the slaughter.
Although King Terenas was wise, he would never allow the future Crown Prince to bear the title of 'slaughterer of a city.'
An outsider mage, a mage without any power or background, would naturally be the target of public criticism!
If she helped Arthas slaughter Stratholme, because of her father, the Grand Admiral, she wouldn't suffer any punishment. Therefore, the ultimate scapegoat for this matter would definitely be Rhodes.
Because the Stratholme massacre needed a scapegoat, not participating was the best choice.
"I just feel sorry for the people in the city! Rhodes, what are your plans next?" Jaina asked.
"I haven't decided yet, but if possible, I'd like to travel with you for a while."
"Haven't decided yet" was a negative answer; Rhodes had already made up his mind.
His next goal was to follow Jaina to the Kalimdor Continent. After the Burning Legion arrived, the vicinity of the Eastern Kingdoms would be quite dangerous, unless he headed south to Stormwind City.
But going to Stormwind City would only be for refuge and wouldn't provide any help for his strength growth.
He would miss many things; participating in the Third War could provide many opportunities to secretly learn spells and refresh many outdoor resources.
Therefore, Rhodes had to follow Jaina to the Kalimdor Continent and participate in the Third War to maximize his benefits.
"Hahaha! That would be most welcome!
Rhodes, I need to return to Dalaran first. As a powerful mage, you must come with me to see Dalaran.
It is a true city of magic, and in some magical technologies, it has even surpassed Silvermoon City of Quel'Thalas." Jaina invited Rhodes.
She was also very interested in Rhodes' legion-level magic and the lightning-shaped magic that seemed to be composed of magical energy.
"Then I shall impose!" Rhodes said.
Dalaran, how wonderful!
Once in Dalaran, there might be an opportunity to record some more profound magic with the miraculous magic book.
"But before that, Rhodes, I want to try my best to save some of the people of Stratholme in the surrounding area. I want to see what Arthas will ultimately do," Jaina said.
"I'd be happy to accompany Lady Jaina. I accept your employment now," Rhodes said with a smile.
"Then I thank you very much. We can evacuate some of the suburban residents and gather them first.
If, and I mean if, any of them turn into undead, then we will kill them. If not, they will be the survivors of Stratholme," Jaina said.
"I understand, Lady Jaina. My Holy Light Spells should be able to help."
After the two of them finished discussing, Jaina cast an invisibility spell on Rhodes, then took him back to the outskirts of Stratholme and gathered some terrified residents.
Among them were some citizens of Stratholme living outside the city, and also some merchants and travelers from other places. No one knew what exactly had happened!
Everyone thought that when His Royal Highness the Prince arrived with his army, he would save them, but what awaited them was a massive blockade. Arthas' army had completely surrounded Stratholme, making it impenetrable.
In front of the gates of Stratholme.
"Your Royal Highness, you've finally arrived. We're feeling unwell; the grain transported from Andorhal a few days ago seems to be problematic," an ordinary citizen said to Arthas.
At this moment, Arthas's face was grim. Beside him were many heavily armored warriors, all with solemn expressions, even covering their faces.
"Don't worry, I will save you. You are all citizens of Lordaeron, my citizens." Arthas gently patted the man's shoulder.
He first comforted the other party, then, at the moment the other party's guard was down, he swung the warhammer in his hand and smashed the other party's head directly.
"Oh my goodness! Your Royal Highness, what, what are you doing?" The ordinary people who witnessed all this looked at Arthas in disbelief.
"I've come to save you. Don't worry, the Holy Light protects you." Arthas' voice was hoarse as he raised the warhammer in his hand.
The other human soldiers drew their swords, and a great massacre began!
Screams! Curses, blood! Stained the entire city red.