Rhodes's expression shifted slightly. The moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived. Arthas had, as history dictated, donned the Helm of Domination, becoming the new Lich King.
His plans could now proceed smoothly. However, one thing nagged at Rhodes: would Arthas remain dormant for five years, as he did in the original timeline, only awakening after the end of the Burning Crusade?
"Master, what's wrong?" Young Anduin, who had been training, looked at Rhodes with a puzzled expression.
"It's nothing, Anduin. Continue your practice. Show me that Holy Light spell again," Rhodes said with a reassuring smile.
"Yes, Master." Anduin nodded and resumed his training. A golden glow flared from the little prince's palms. He could already successfully manifest the Light—a level of talent that was practically legendary for his age.
Rhodes sat down to one side and initiated a mental conversation with Sandro through the Might and Magic system.
"Tell me the details. How did you perceive it, and what are your thoughts on this?" Rhodes asked.
"A few hours ago, a terrifying power descended upon all of Azeroth," Sandro reported. "Only the dead could truly feel it; living beings would remain oblivious. Master, that will was cold, vast, and carried an undeniable authority. Its essence is of a very high order, possessing a natural suppression over all undead."
"When it swept through, the ordinary Forsaken in Undercity almost instantly lost any will to resist, drowned in terror. However, it had no effect on me, Straker, or the Necropolis units under your command. High-ranking undead like the Banshee Queen or the Grand Apothecary—those with powerful self-will—experienced limited influence. But for the average Forsaken, it was lethal. They could likely be manipulated with ease, which has caused a massive panic in the city."
"The will flared and then immediately receded into silence. According to my judgment, this confirms your previous prophecy: the souls of Arthas and Ner'zhul are locked in a treacherous struggle deep within the throne. He is distracted and likely entering a long slumber, though Arthas will likely emerge as the victor," Sandro concluded.
Rhodes felt a sense of relief. Sandro's analysis aligned perfectly with his own knowledge of the lore. Arthas would indeed sleep. As long as he had a few more years to develop, he could eventually steamroll the Scourge.
However, a question remained: did the Forsaken feel this terrifying will in the original timeline? Or was its intensity a result of Rhodes's own interference in the world? If Arthas could easily reclaim the Forsaken upon waking, things would get messy.
In later versions of the game, many players theorized that Arthas was practically "throwing" the fight. From a strategic standpoint, it should have been nearly impossible for the Alliance and Horde to even set foot on Northrend, let alone storm the Frozen Throne, provided Arthas had focused on a proper defense. The Scourge held absolute air superiority with Frost Wyrms, gargoyles, and their massive floating necropolises.
Yet, Tirion Fordring led a small elite team to raid the throne successfully. While many rumors suggested the "adventurers" died and only Tirion returned, the truth was that King Terenas resurrected them, and Tirion swore them to secrecy about the Bolvar situation. This series of events felt like Arthas was intentionally sabotaging his own campaign.
In the Shadowlands expansion, Arthas's final 25 points of Anima fading away proved the prince never actually repented. Some thought Blizzard originally intended to redeem him like Illidan, but the backlash from the Western player base forced them to rewrite the plot, keeping Sylvanas alive and "redeemed" while Arthas was snuffed out.
"Sandro, if Arthas truly awakens in the future, will the Forsaken be able to resist his control?" Rhodes asked.
"To be honest, Great Master... based on the power the Lich King displayed, he should be able to control them. We must remember that the original Lich King lost control over some undead only because Illidan's attack caused a leak in the Frozen Throne's power. Now that Arthas has donned the Helm of Domination, the power is unified once more. He will be stronger than the first Lich King."
"However," Sandro continued, "nothing is absolute. Death energy here is unique. It is a force that can strengthen the self. If a soul's mastery over Death is strong enough, they can use their own will to resist the domination."
Rhodes nodded. The Primal Force of Death in Azeroth was indeed miraculous. He needed to find a way to bolster the Forsaken's power. Otherwise, if Arthas woke up and instantly regained hundreds of thousands of troops—soldiers who had spent years training as warriors and rogues—the Scourge would receive a massive, free power boost.
"Do you have a solution?"
"Information is too scarce, Master. My understanding of the Lich King is still one-dimensional. Our best course of action is to turn Kel'Thuzad as planned. Once we do, I can learn the inner workings of the Lich King from him and we can plan specifically," Sandro suggested.
The best fix was increasing their mastery of Death power. But among the Forsaken, half were obsessed with revenge and the other half with finding final peace. They needed a new motivation to grow.
"You're right. Kel'Thuzad it is. I'm going to join you for this. We will head to Naxxramas personally to meet the Archlich," Rhodes decided. This was no longer just a side quest; Kel'Thuzad had to join them, or he had to be eliminated.
"I will wait for you outside Stratholme, Master," Sandro replied.
Rhodes ended the communication. He spent the rest of the day acting normally, teaching Anduin. At midnight, he told Jaina he had urgent business. He instructed her to stay with Tyrygosa and watch over Onyxia. To ensure the dragon princess didn't bolt, he left behind a Sacred Fire Phoenix, two Archangels, and the Blue Dragon.
"Be careful, Rhodes," Jaina said, nodding.
"Don't let word of my departure leak. I'll be back by morning, or within 24 hours at the latest. If anyone asks, just say I'm out on a temporary errand."
"Have some faith in me, Rhodes," Anveena said with a smile. "With me here, that black dragon won't be doing any 'hopping' around." Following the Blue Dragon for a few days, Anveena had already learned a great deal. The "Light Giant" Rhodes had used was simple for her; as the avatar of the Sunwell, it was just a matter of energy manipulation.
Rhodes nodded to the ladies and slipped away. Reaching a secluded courtyard and confirming he was alone, he focused his mind on the Might and Magic system's spellbook. He cast a high-level Teleportation spell, locking onto his hero, Sandro.