Black iron spires of the Empire of Vorath pierced storm clouds. In the throne room of fused skulls, Shadow Emperor Draven Korr sat as Malachar (Tier 8, legendary) and General Varak (Tier 7) knelt before him.
"The Chosen One moves with the witch, the beast, and the elf," Malachar hissed. "Vorath's two high-tier champions are ready."
Draven smiled coldly. "Bring the boy in chains. The Stone will make us rulers of Elyndor."
In Sylvandar's crystal spires, Archdruid Elandor (Tier 7) convened the elves. "The Stone must be sealed. I will lead our forces myself."
South in the Bloodfang lands, Warchief Gromthar (Tier 7) roared, hammering his warhammer. "The strong claim the Stone! We march!"
In Ironpeak's forges, King Thorin stood beside Durnak the Iron Colossus (Tier 8, legendary and unbound). "Retrieve the Stone. Forge it into weapons of godhood."
Above the Stormspine, Seraphyx the Flame Phoenix (Tier 9, legendary and free) wheeled, vowing to purify the Stone with fire.
Beneath the cavern, Krazul the Unmade (Tier 10, legendary) laughed. "All will kneel to the void."
On the mountain slopes, Arin's group pressed forward.
Elmira scried with black water. "Malachar and Varak are close. The humans have deployed both their champions early."
Garrick sniffed the air. "Gromthar's orcs approach too."
Nynieve felt the Stone's pull. "It calls to Arin stronger now."
Arin rubbed his temple as whispers filled his mind: Come… claim eternity…
At false dawn, undead and orcs attacked. Garrick shifted into the Beast of Kali and tore through ranks. Elmira summoned briar walls. Nynieve healed relentlessly. Arin's sword struck with unnatural precision.
Malachar and Varak appeared, their combined legendary and high-tier darkness blotting the sky.
"The boy is ours!" Malachar roared.
Shadow waves crashed down. Garrick flew back. Elmira's spells dissolved. Nynieve's barrier cracked.
Arin stepped forward. His eyes flashed starlight. One swing cut through the darkness. Both champions recoiled.
"What are you?" Malachar demanded.
They retreated with a warning. "When Krazul and the other legendary beings rise, you die."
The group stood panting.
Garrick grinned. "Not bad."
Elmira wiped sweat. "The Stone awakens in you. We must hurry before more legendary forces converge."
Nynieve healed them. "Together."
The cavern glow brightened as nations marched, each led by their rare Tier 7 or legendary champion.