Chapter 794

Chapter 794: Arrangements Before Departure

Before heading to Kalimdor, the last thing Jesse did was to settle matters concerning Kallez and the Mage Tower.

After all, a round trip to Kalimdor would take two to three months. Adding the journey to Demon Fall Canyon, who knew how long it might last? It could end up like his previous trip to Eldre’Thalas, stretching to half a year.

Jesse had considered asking the Dagger Association warlocks to transport them back to Stormwind from Kalimdor one by one, saving over a month’s travel time and expenses.

But after that night’s attempt, he decided they needed more practice.

Summoning Erlan Drudgemoor alone had been difficult enough. Transporting a spellcaster like himself risked unknown complications. Compared to an unreliable journey across the Great Sea, a month-long trek seemed less dangerous and tedious.

Jesse wrote a command scroll in Demonic for Stonewatch Keep’s captains. He ordered the two Dazhalm soldiers to obey only their lieutenant, preventing anyone from stealing the scroll and using the Felhounds to cause trouble.

Spring had arrived. The forest near Stonewatch Falls looked greener and livelier than when they’d seized the Tower of Ilgalar from the Gnolls.

Soldiers had cleared most traces left by the corrupted Gnoll tribe. Leaves and dirt slowly covered what couldn’t be scrubbed away. Green vines climbed the Mage Tower walls and the surrounding slope, blending the structure with the forest.

With Gnolls avoiding the area, the whole region felt more vibrant.

Yet compared to a normal peaceful forest, Jesse sensed discord around the Tower of Ilgalar.

Beyond insects and mosquitoes, no animals stirred.

No birds sang. No beasts howled—no wolves, deer, or bears, common creatures throughout the Kingdom of Stormwind.

The demonic aura was to blame.

Animals detected the foul stench emitted by the two Felhounds inside the tower. This also explained why Gnolls never dared approach.

The peace brought by Jesse and his demon servants came at a cost. Should Kallez ever come here, things might worsen.

The demon’s power could fully energize the Mage Tower. Fel magic and shadows might wither the surrounding forest, turning it into a wasteland like the lands near the Dark Portal.

Jesse had to consider this.

Returning to the Storm Altar, he spotted a Felhound watching from high ground. He didn’t know whose it was, but its presence meant all was normal.

Fewer warlocks lingered around the altar now. Jesse didn’t know who’d left, but Mor’zul and his goblin student Gorzeeki remained. Gladys and Luther chatted by the campfire. Kahlor angrily scolded his succubus. When Jesse appeared, everyone fell silent and greeted him.

"Welcome back, Jesse," Mor’zul said, emerging from his tent. "Did you come for the Doomlord?"

"Why would you think that?" Jesse asked.

"I know you’ll claim him eventually." Mor’zul lowered his voice. "The others know it too. Just remember—before we uncover enough knowledge… don’t move him forcibly. That would anger every warlock here."

Though it sounded like a threat, Jesse knew Mor’zul was right.

He might have enslaved Kallez, but all present had summoned the Doomlord together, paying for it with several lives.

These warlocks clearly had their own schemes. Jesse avoided close ties with untrustworthy types but didn’t want to provoke them all at once.

Many probably knew other warlocks back home, perhaps holding influence among them. If they spread malicious rumors, life could turn difficult.

"I only came to ask him questions," Jesse said. "After that, I’ll be gone awhile—maybe a long while. There are arrangements to make."

"Leaving? Where?" Mor’zul pressed.

Jesse gave him a guarded look. Mor’zul caught his wariness and added, "At least tell me how long you’ll be gone."

"Two months at the least, maybe… it’s hard to say," Jesse replied.

Mor’zul nodded, and Jesse sensed him thinking—perhaps guessing the travel range from the absence time. This guy truly cared about Jesse’s destination.

Not just him; every warlock here probably wondered how Jesse obtained such special things: spells, power, treasures, even Molofeel.

"Then we have at least two months to speak with this Doomlord. Short, but better than nothing," Mor’zul said.

"Don’t say that," Jesse countered. "Even if I return, I can’t take him. I won’t keep him for myself, and beyond the Storm Altar, I’ve nowhere to house such a monster."

"Glad you realize that," Mor’zul said. "Later, once we learn enough from him and the Storm Altar feels unsafe, we can move him somewhere safer and more private. We’ll help you find such a place."

"I appreciate that," Jesse said.

Mor’zul had no idea Jesse might cram Kallez into the Tower of Ilgalar—a plan even Jesse found far-fetched.

But nowhere else suited better. Remote from cities, secluded, under his management, gathering magical energy. "Kallez."

Jesse approached the massive demon, deliberately pronouncing his name in Ered’ruin. After over a month apart, he’d nearly grown unaccustomed to Kallez’s size.

The Doomlord looked down, mouth opening in Demonic: "Petty master. I thought fear kept you away. If my existence troubles you, free me. Return me to the Twisting Nether. Since you didn’t insult me with my True Name, I might beg Lord Kil’jaeden to grant you swift annihilation."

"Still clinging to your Lord Kil’jaeden?" Jesse said. "Perhaps he’s forgotten you. Struck your name from the Burning Legion."

Kallez remained silent.

"Seems that joke fell flat. My apologies."

Jesse smiled and glanced back. Finding the Storm Altar empty, he opened his pack.

Saenor trembled, handing Jesse the scroll linking Kallez to Dethmoora’s Legion communication array. Jesse took it with a "Thanks," unfurling it before Kallez.

"Recognize this?"

Kallez leaned close, studying the scroll. "It bears my name. A communication array meant for me, carrying Ered’ruin’s scent. Hmph. Found this among Dethmoora’s things, I suppose."

"Can I contact you through this array?" Jesse asked.

"Requires minor adjustments. You’re no demon."

"Tell Saenor what needs changing." Jesse called the imp’s name. Saenor crawled reluctantly from the pack, eyed the looming Doomlord head, and slumped to the ground.

"What? Truly so cowardly you can’t even look me in the eye, master? Must you rely on this array to glean knowledge from me?" Kallez sneered.

Jesse asked, "Know the distance between Kalimdor and this continent? Will this array bridge that gap?"

"That’s no distance at all," Kallez said.

"Good." Jesse glanced again at the Storm Altar. "Not a word of our talk reaches those warlocks. That’s an order."

"Mmm." Kallez made a satisfied rumble. "So… hiding your Kalimdor trip from them. Seeking something… Dethmoora’s treasure? Fear they’ll hinder you? Steal it? Greedy, selfish little creature. Cooperate with them, I say. Even Kil’jaeden fears that thing. At least you won’t die alone… Heh… Hmm."

"Quiet." Jesse warned. "One more word, and I bind your soul into a bomb for Blackrock Mountain."

Kallez’s grating chuckle ceased. "I’m torn. Part of me longs for your death—freedom from your control. Yet another part yearns to witness it… that which terrifies Kil’jaeden."

"Stay put, Kallez," Jesse ordered. "Don’t feed those warlocks vital knowledge—especially about me or that thing. If I return with it, you’ll see it. Now, craft me five healing stones."