Therefore, the magic scroll can only be rented, and it must be returned before departing for Kalimdor. Rhodes still plans to use it when heading to the Kalimdor Continent.
Even if he cannot summon permanent Fire Elemental or enhanced Flame Elemental, temporarily summoning a pile of cannon fodder every day or summoning the upgraded version of Holy Light Elemental is a huge boost to combat power!
"Baron Rhodes, this magic scroll is most suitable if it remains with me. I can maximize its benefits," Kael'thas said.
"Prince Kael'thas, I have already told you that this was granted to me by the Guardian for use. This belongs to the Guardian, not me; I only possess the right to use it," Rhodes emphasized again.
"Rhodes, let's be frank. In my opinion, you merely got lucky and obtained this miraculous treasure from some wonder.
You are simply unable to unleash its full value, but I can. You can name your price.
The wealth of our Quel'Thalas, Silvermoon City far exceeds your imagination. You can tell me what you desire," Kael'thas said.
In his view, there was no such thing as a Titan Keeper. This person named Rhodes was merely lucky to have obtained a magical item from an ancient ruin.
High Elves are different from common races; they possess some information regarding the Guardian. These entities have not set foot on Azeroth for tens of thousands of years, and even the Dragon Aspects are rarely seen.
How could they possibly choose a human as their envoy? That's ridiculous.
"Kael'thas, Rhodes is indeed favored by the Titan Keeper, and I can attest to that. Please stop being unreasonable." Jaina frowned, standing in front of Rhodes. Her tone when addressing Kael'thas did not even include the honorific 'Master,' making the warning self-evident.
Are you kidding me!
If Rhodes were not the envoy of the Titan Keeper, how could he produce so many strange and wonderful things? Moreover, that kind of spatial magic ship was clearly newly constructed.
Seeing Jaina's appearance, Kael'thas immediately felt a pang of sadness. It seemed that even without Arthas, this beautiful Kul Tiras princess would never have any feelings for him.
"My apologies, both of you. I was a little out of line just now," Kael'thas said helplessly.
His behavior just now was indeed inappropriate; he was not usually like this. It was just that this magic scroll was too precious.
"Prince Kael'thas, I believe the bodyguards sent by the Titan Keeper beside me can prove my identity." Three enormous Golden Man appeared beside Rhodes, and the sight of the active Golden Man truly startled the High Elves prince.
These powerful metallic constructs were completely different from the magical constructs created by Azeroth human mages or Silvermoon City mages. He couldn't even see a magical driving core or any magical runes on these metal giants; he completely failed to understand their operating principle.
This was indeed very similar, if not identical, to the Titan creations documented in ancient texts—perhaps even more perfect.
Could it be that this boy really is an envoy chosen by a Titan Keeper? If so, things become complicated. He never expected these entities, who haven't set foot in the mortal realm for millennia, to interfere in human affairs.
Is something major about to happen on Azeroth again?
"Kael'thas, these were specifically sent by the Titan Keeper to protect Rhodes. These three powerful metallic lifeforms possess extremely high magical resistance and can immunize against roughly eighty percent or more of magical damage." Jaina immediately stepped forward to verify Rhodes' identity.
Having eighty percent magic immunity was truly impressive. Kael'thas had no intention of testing it, as he knew Jaina would not lie to him.
"I may have misunderstood, Rhodes. It seems you are not simply a Baron of the Lordaeron Kingdom.
Now our transaction cannot be completed. It's truly a pity that I cannot study this ancient magic scroll."
Kael'thas sighed and said.
He couldn't openly seize it in front of the woman he admired, and as an Elven prince, he wouldn't commit such an act.
Furthermore, this belonged to the Titan Keeper, so he dared not try to snatch it. It was just a shame he couldn't study this powerful magic.
"Prince Kael'thas, although the magic scroll for summoning Fire Elemental cannot be sold to you, it doesn't mean it cannot be rented to you.
I know your mastery of fire magic is extremely high. I can rent this magic scroll to you for a period of time so you can conduct research.
Afterward, however, it must be returned to the Titan Keeper through me," Rhodes said.
"And I would need to help you complete the re-enchantment and engraving of Emperor Thoradin's weapon, as well as inlay a holy light crystal, correct?" Kael'thas asked.
"Exactly, Prince Kael'thas. Besides that, I hope you can teach me some fire magic," Rhodes said.
Hearing this, Kael'thas rubbed his chin and began contemplating the benefits. If he could master this magic and improve it, whether he kept the magic scroll afterward would be irrelevant.
Being able to temporarily borrow the right to use it was acceptable; this was feasible.
"Very well! Baron Rhodes, I agree to your proposal. I will personally re-enchant and engrave the Emperor's weapon, as well as inlay the holy light crystal, guaranteeing excellence and using the best craftsmanship and materials.
However, since I need to study this magic scroll, I probably won't have time to teach you fire magic.
I can find an advisor to teach you some fire magic. As for the duration, my advisor will stay with you for as long as you lend me this magic scroll," Kael'thas stated his conditions.
According to his estimation, merely analyzing this spell would take several years, perhaps even longer; this was hard to determine.
After all, it was Titan Arcane Magic, a power not meant to be controlled by mortal life. He needed to study it carefully.
"Your advisor doesn't need to stay with me for long. I estimate three days will be enough, just a simple guidance on my fire magic," Rhodes said with a smile.
Without the Wisdom Spell, he couldn't learn anything too profound, but for spells that don't require the Wisdom Spell, with a little effort, he could extract all of his knowledge in a single day.
After all, as long as a spell is recorded in the hero's spellbook, Rhodes can use it, defying all logic.
"It seems Baron Rhodes is very confident in his magical talent. Since you say so, we'll proceed as you wish!
Three days it is. However, you must lend me your magic scroll for at least four years of research," Kael'thas said.
"Prince Kael'thas, I'm afraid that won't work. In a month and a half, I will be following Lordaeron's expeditionary force to the Kalimdor Continent.
The return date is uncertain, so I can only lend it to you for a month and a half," Rhodes shook his head and said.
Are you kidding me? If I lend it to you for four years, your kingdom will completely collapse within a year, your father will die tragically, and your homeland will be massacred by Arthas.
After that, you'll follow the Egg Lord to the Outlands to drift around. If I let you use it for four years, will I have to bring a large army to Tempest Keep to cut you down later?
When I reach the Kalimdor Continent, I'll be relying on this magic scroll to help me!
"That's impossible, Lord Rhodes. A month and a half is not enough time to accomplish anything.
Just the time required for me to enchant and engrave your weapon and inlay the holy light crystal will likely consume over a month. This is a meticulous task," Kael'thas said, frowning.
Are you kidding me! What can be done in a month and a half?
He wouldn't even be able to complete the most basic spell analysis, let alone perfect and upgrade the magic, or enable other mages to use it without the magic scroll.
He had already shortened the time to three years; the time and energy required to study such a magic were no joke.
Furthermore, he first had to help Rhodes engrave and enchant Emperor Thoradin's weapon and inlay the holy light crystal, which would take another month.
Since he decided to perform the engraving and enchantment, Kael'thas would not treat it carelessly but would complete the task diligently.
"That truly is a pity. Otherwise, how about I hand this magic scroll over to you for research after we establish ourselves in Kalimdor? I can explain the situation to the Titan Keeper and ask him to extend the usage period of the magic scroll," Rhodes offered.
Kael is still very proud right now, after all, he is still the High Elves prince. They haven't changed their name to Blood Elves yet, and Silvermoon City hasn't fallen.
The Sunwell has not been corrupted, and the High Elves race has not been afflicted with mana addiction symptoms.
But a few months from now, the situation might be different. By going to the Kalimdor Continent, he is about to undergo a major upgrade.
Killing those bosses will yield many good things. Since Kael'thas can follow the Egg Lord, then when he runs out of options, Rhodes can step in.
Kael can follow the Egg Lord, and he can also follow me.
Rhodes already has a rough plan.
"How about this, Prince Kael'thas? You saw the effect of the medical tent I just used. I will give it to you first.
Consider it compensation for your services. As for the magic scroll, I promise you that I will return to the Eastern Kingdoms within six months at the latest, and I will personally come to trade with you then," Rhodes said with a smile.
In heroes of might and magic III, there are quite a few things that can solve the mana addiction symptoms of the High Elves, such as the Magic Vortex or certain outdoor structures.
He could even emulate the Naaru by summoning powerful Holy Light Elemental and finding a way to cleanse the Sunwell, solving the problem fundamentally.
"Alright then, Lord Rhodes. Your medical tent also holds great research value. If you give it to me, then it's a deal." Kael'thas nodded after thinking it over.