Chapter 639

Chapter 639: Didn’t Know, Didn’t Care

The sailboat had a rough voyage across the sea, battling harsh weather for two weeks before reaching Menethil Harbor in late October.

The cold set in swiftly, worsened by Khaz Modan’s naturally chillier climate compared to the Kingdom of Stormwind. Even wrapped in his thick Robe of the Void, Jesse felt the biting wind cutting through.

This journey reminded him of his first solo trip to Booty Bay… carrying the Death’s Shadow left by Teron Gorefiend, never knowing when he might drop dead and become a vengeful spirit.

Especially now that he also carried a Restorative Potion—all the elements were present.

Though both situations threatened death, Jesse noticed his mindset had shifted.

Back then, he’d feared dying suddenly and turning into some avenging phantom… yet this time weighed heavier on him.

As the ship docked, Jesse stepped onto the rain-slicked pier. The drizzle felt no different from the thick mist clinging to the harbor.

He studied Menethil Harbor’s fog-shrouded walls, the newly built fortress, the bustling crowds, the cleared orc ruins, and the barren patches where supplies once lay.

Now he understood why things felt different.

If he died, Queen Alexstrasza would likely meet her end in Grim Batol.

Then, as Krasus warned, Menethil Harbor, the Wetlands—perhaps all of Azeroth—would face an uncertain future.

Unlike last time, where death just meant becoming a vengeful spirit who might claim a few unlucky souls before being destroyed by a priest or paladin. His impact would’ve been limited to adding another ghost story to Booty Bay’s lore.

Night was falling as Jesse wandered distractedly toward the Deepwater Inn. Suddenly, the loud flap of wings snapped him back to reality.

A massive gray gryphon crouched beside a nesting post near the inn, directly on the path from the docks. It stretched its broad wings upward before shaking them out.

Its size kept it outside the nest—it dwarfed the smaller yellow Hinterlands gryphons inside, making them look like scrawny kittens.

This rare Alterac Gryphon held itself like a haughty dragon whelp. It studied Jesse with an unreadable gaze as it raised its long neck.

For some reason, the creature seemed familiar.

When Jesse drew closer, the gryphon made a chugging sound like a steam engine starting and craned its neck toward him.

Jesse stumbled backward. After all his planning to save the Red Dragon Queen in Grim Batol, getting gutted by a random gryphon in Menethil Harbor would be a cruel joke.

The gryphon appeared almost apologetic, pulling back with a huff and smoothing its feathers to appear less threatening.

Molofeel showed no sign of seeing it as a threat, confirming Jesse’s assessment.

*Did this beast recognize him?*

Though it felt familiar, Jesse couldn’t place it. "Back off, mage!"

A Wildhammer dwarf in red shouted, pointing at Jesse. "Go around to the inn! Even friendly, our big lad here could hurt you soft humans!"

Jesse nodded and circled to the inn’s entrance. He glanced back—the gryphon still watched him. Inside, laughter and dwarven shouts echoed down the entryway.

He paused at the doorway, leaning on his magic wand. Every seat was taken in the evening crowd. *Might end up sleeping in the rain tonight.*

Then Molofeel tapped his shoulder. *Was she insane?!*

Dwarves packed the room, guards patrolled outside, and mages stood at the counter. If anyone sensed demonic energy here…

Wait.

He spotted a familiar black-bearded dwarf at the counter.

The dwarf rapped the table, alerting a figure in a deep green cloak. The cloaked person turned—arcane light glinting in the shadowed hood.

She stood expressionless, shoving past soldiers and mages as she marched toward Jesse. His heart pounded.

"What are you—"

Vereesa’s fist smashed into his jaw, sending him staggering against the wall. Darkness flooded Jesse’s vision as he fought to stay conscious.

He’d never fought Vereesa before. The blow felt like a cannonball—he should’ve known a ranger who could pierce dragon scales packed such force.

As he pushed off the wall, she seized his collar.

The tavern hushed briefly before returning to its lively state as if no one cared. Firelight caught the tears welling in Vereesa’s arcane-brightened eyes.

"Explain yourself, Jesse Seso," she hissed. "Did you think we’d hold you back?" Jesse wiped blood from his split lip and shook his head.

She leaned closer. "I pulled you from those Demon Guards at Nethergarde’s walls so you could sneak here to die? Is this how you repay me and Greed?"

Jesse shook his head again.

"I tried reasoning with her," Greed said, shrugging. "Suggested we track you first. But she insisted on punching you—no Quel’Thalas ranger acts like this…"

Jesse exhaled through the throbbing pain, meeting Greed’s gaze. "Still deserved it," the dwarf added, scratching his beard.

Jesse swallowed blood and rising emotions as he faced them.

"You don’t know my mission."

"Just playing hero alone," Greed snorted. "Damn, boy—hiding things from your brothers now?"

"Didn’t know, didn’t care," Vereesa said coldly. "Whatever you’re doing, you won’t die alone."