The Great Thief

Chapter 1537: The Imprisoned Paladin

Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales

It wasn’t only the Undead they wanted to get rid of, but also the Forsaken under Queen Sylvanas. They even wanted to create a new virus, a bio-weapon that could exterminate all Undead. That was how the world was – one’s morals and decisions were based on which side they were on. The Scourge wanted to turn everyone into Undead, including the Demons, the Monsters and the Elves. The Forsaken wanted more humans to join their army. Monsters wanted to terminate both humans and Undead alike, and hopefully take out the Forsaken during the process as well. As for a player like Lu Li, his joining of the military was so that he could enjoy the benefits of receiving better missions and rewards.

“Young one, your outstanding performance will be rewarded,” General Halford Rebane said to Solomon. For the first time, Solomon felt that he was finally respected by the military, and thought that Rebane would be reporting his contributions to the higher-ups.

“I was merely fulfilling my duty. I have decided to devote my life to the Alliance, after all,” Solomon smiled.

“As for you,” Rebane said, turning to Lu Li, “Your bravery is duly noted. Please await the military’s notice for your reward.”

“It’s all for the Alliance,” Lu Li echoed. Of course, Lu Li was not the patriotic type, not to mention that it was just a game. Whatever those soldiers wanted to do with the potions, it was none of his business, nor did he care at all.

“Oh, by the way, you two came at the right time. I have a mission regarding the Highlord; maybe the two of you can help,” Rebane said, suddenly remembering Fordring was standing right next to him. Though Fordring was highly ranked in Silver Hands, the regiment had long ceased to be. He had also retired from the military and was not a noble either. In front of Fordring, Commander Rebane felt no need to debase himself.

Fordring smiled dryly, conflicted by the lack of respect shown by Rebane. He had come to the military for help, and thus began, “There are numerous members of Silver Hands that have gone back to their hometowns as farmers after the regiment was disbanded. The towns they lived in were invaded and destroyed by the Scourge...”

It was a brutal fight. The Scourge lived up to their name, being a catastrophe to all living organisms. The whole town was destroyed and all survivors turned into the Undead. The Paladins of the Silver Hands were weakened and imprisoned. The fate that they awaited... would not be any better than their neighbours.

“They would be sent to Stratholme and turned into Death Knights,” Fordring winced. “I hope to save them from such a cruel fate. Those Paladins, they had all dedicated their lives to the Alliance once.”

“Our main forces in the East are still fighting off the Scourge. There is just not enough manpower on my end,” Rebane continued. “That is why I wish for you two to help him

“I still have my own unfinished missions. If I were to abandon my duties, the Scourge would easily surround us,” Solomon said after a moment’s hesitation.

“Your Excellency, I would be honoured to go save those venerable Paladins,” Lu Li asserted. “However, I do not know where they are imprisoned, how many lookouts are guarding them, nor if there will be a high-level ranking enemy...”

As long as it was a quest, Lu Li had no intention of turning Rebane down, but only if it was something that he and Ruling Sword could handle. Not to mention, completing the mission also meant that he would be able to befriend Fordring. The veteran might be old and worn down, but capable fighters would easily spot his potential. Even the Lich King would soon see Fordring’s existence as a threat.

If Lu Li were to take on the mission, Light’s Hope Chapel would be restored and become the base for the Silver Dawn in the Eastern Plaguelands. There would be a graveyard beneath the chapel filled with the bodies of heroes that had sacrificed their lives during battle. Many soldiers died during their fight with the Scourge’s Undead. Their bodies were stored in the holy chapel so as to not be resurrected and manipulated by the Lich King. With that being said, the Lich King would order a strike against Light’s Hope Chapel, take away the three thousand Paladin corpses and turn them into the Undead, forcing Fordring into the picture.

Alsace would order Highlord Darion Mograine of the Death Knights, Acherus’ Death Knights, and the Scourge army to defeat the Paladins that were guarding the chapel. Just as the Silver Dawn’s situation was looking bleak, Highlord Tirion Fordring would arrive with the reformed Silver Hand Regiment and defeat Mograine. At the same time, the body of Alexandros Mograine buried under the chapel would rise up and free the soul of his son Darion from the control of the Lich King.

Despite the newly awakened Darion, Lich King Alsace would appear and defeat him, and then attempt to use his dark powers to suppress Fordring. In such a critical situation, Darion threw Ashbringer to Fordring, and with the help of the three thousand Paladin souls under the Chapel, Fordring was able to use Holy Light to purify the battleground. The legendary weapon Ashbringer would be recast, and Fordring would become the second person, after Darion, to ever wield it. Following Fordring’s casting of the Ashbriner, the Lich King would be defeated, along with the Scourge army that invaded the chapel. Fordring would then announce the alliance between the resurrected Silver Hand and Silver Dawn to become the Argent Crusade. They would be focused solely on defeating the Lich King in the Northend. Fordring became the highest commanding officer of the Argent Crusade, and the Highlord would once again be written down in the history books, while the Argent Crusade would become one of the strongest armies in history.

Lu Li had already been acquainted with Fordring, and if he could deepen their bond, he would be able to partner with the Argent Crusade. After all, Fordring was much more reliable and trustworthy compared to the manipulative Solomon and Bolvar Fordragon. Even Fordring was furious upon hearing the military’s refusal to help his fellow Paladins, but the truth was, the military knew that those veteran Paladins were a lost cause as soon as they decided to quit the war. Thankfully, Lu Li did not disappoint him. Fordring nodded his head and led him to his tent.

Solomon had not followed Lu Li, and thus, their ties had ceased as soon as Lu Li left with Fordring. A noble like Solomon was not an ideal partner, but Lu Li was not disappointed either. Even if Rebane were to favour and trust Solomon more than Lu Li, Lu Li’s name would still be reported to the higher-ups. He might even be promoted because of the job he had done for Solomon. As a mere second lieutenant, a promotion was inevitable.