Chapter 763

Chapter 763: SI:7 and Black Magic

Demon Fall Canyon.

Jesse took another look at the forest sketched vaguely on the map.

Since SI:7 agents had scouted the area, they must’ve had reason to mark it as woodland—meaning before demons retreating from Mount Hyjal seized the canyon, it had likely been tree-covered.

Green forests, jagged ravines… Could this be what the Green Wall and maze alluded to?

Jesse doubted a demon lieutenant like Dethmoora would call ordinary woods and canyons "high walls" or "mazes." After all, she’d dwelled in Eldre’Thalas—what could rival those walls and labyrinths?

Yet other clues matched: the unreachable mountain base, ghostly whispers—all confirmed by the agent. Following him deeper into the building, Jesse felt nowhere else in this world could fit better.

As he considered writing to Vereesa, Niden Hutt led him to a small room. A man around thirty, head bowed while rummaging shelves, looked up at their arrival.

"Master Seso," the man said. "I’m Matthias Shaw. Apologies for summoning you now—we should’ve visited you. But we chose to invite you here."

Matthias Shaw, future SI:7 leader. Jesse recalled a bearded middle-aged man, but this version seemed youthful—ruddy-cheeked with light stubble, sharp and efficient.

"My home isn’t fit for talks," Jesse said. "Cramped for one, let alone two."

Matthias nodded, gesturing to a seat. "It’s late, Master Seso. I’ll be brief. SI:7’s black dragon investigation didn’t start with Lord Dalaran Prestor’s disappearance. We were deep into it earlier—and it involves you."

"The Wyrmcult?" Jesse sat down.

"Exactly," Matthias said. "Rumors of black dragon activity near Redridge prompted several probes. We found hidden scales and claws but no actual dragons. We even suspected war veterans who’d faced red dragons were jumping at shadows—until a black Wyrmkin head surfaced at the Wizard’s Sanctum."

"That lead helped us crush a Wyrmcultist cell operating near Redridge and Darkshire. We killed their Wyrmkin leader. But these operations didn’t expose Lord Dalaran Prestor’s conspiracy or reveal how to spot disguised Wyrmkin—much less real dragons. We sought the Wizard’s Sanctum’s help, but Master Andromath couldn’t assist. Though unspoken, I sense the king’s dissatisfaction."

"How did you find that Wyrmkin?" Jesse asked.

"Nothing clever," Matthias admitted. "One captive talked. We followed his directions, but this method’s inefficient."

"Truthfully, Mr. Shaw," Jesse said, "though I survived Deathwing, I’ve never faced a disguised black dragon. I don’t know if I can identify one. But since His Majesty tasked me to aid SI:7—and as a Stormwind resident—I’ll strive to find a way."

Matthias lowered his gaze briefly. "We’ve captured several suspects, Master. We believe—or have evidence—some are Wyrmkin. Yet neither priests’ Holy Light nor the Sanctum’s alchemy could expose them. Could you examine them?"

"Of course," Jesse replied, surprised.

"But," he pressed, "if some aren’t Wyrmkin, why detain them? Are they all Wyrmcultists?"

"They’re warlocks practicing black magic," Matthias stated. Jesse nodded. "Show me."

Matthias Shaw’s smile vanished. He glanced at Niden Hutt, signaling him to lead.

The three descended to the building’s basement—revealing a dungeon far surpassing The Slaughtered Lamb basement’s scale.

Naturally, SI:7’s headquarters having a mere cellar would’ve been stranger.

Unlike typical dungeons, no screams or torture sounds echoed here—only distant water drips.

Their footsteps thudded dully in the dark corridor. Matthias said, "Master Maginor Dumas of the Wizard’s Sanctum insists SI:7 uses these warlock hunts to steal black magic knowledge. He’s pushing to move them to the Sanctum’s magical prison or Stormwind Prison. That’s why I needed you here quickly—soon, it may be impossible."

Recalling game rogues’ shadow cloaks and Shadowstep—clearly shadow magic—Jesse saw Maginor Dumas’s concern wasn’t unfounded.

Of course, as Stormwind’s top black magic criminal, he couldn’t comment.

At the lowest dungeon’s entrance, Matthias blocked the doorway. "My grandmother opposed bringing you here, Master Seso. Though hesitant, I chose to trust you."

"You fear I might recognize someone and shield these warlocks," Jesse said.

"True," Matthias smiled rarely. "But you wouldn’t want someone you know to be a black dragon, would you?"

"Certainly not," Jesse replied. "Though I didn’t kill Deathwing, he died because of me. All black dragons likely despise me."

Matthias nodded and stepped aside.