Chapter 676

Chapter 676: The Chain of Will

Evening, at the Pig and Whistle Tavern.

The difference between The Gilded Rose and the Pig and Whistle was almost like the difference between seeing Stormwind as a visitor and actually living there.

What you saw at the Pig and Whistle felt more real and down-to-earth than at The Gilded Rose. At least, that’s how Jesse felt.

If he was drinking with Greed, he’d rather spend an hour crossing most of Stormwind to come here than go to the closer Gilded Rose, especially after such a big adventure.

Greed was ordering food from the sommelier while Jesse stared at the chain around his neck. After the sommelier left, Jesse asked, "Did you try that necklace yet? See what it does?"

"Haven’t," Greed said, pulling out the gem from his shirt that gave off a faint dark golden glow. "Guides my direction… I actually wanted the Red Dragon Queen to explain it better, but did asking that make me sound like an idiot?"

Jesse looked at the gem. "Not at all. You saved her—why would she think you’re an idiot? Maybe it makes your avatar bigger? Tougher skin?"

"Haven’t tried transforming since I got back," Greed replied. "What about you? That essence the Red Dragon Queen gave you… what is it?"

"Last night I found a spot to test fire magic," Jesse said, grabbing a piece of smoked meat from the plate the sommelier brought and chewing as he spoke. "Seems it doesn’t just make summoning fire elementals easier—it even makes me less scared of fire."

"Less scared of fire?" Greed asked. "You mean heat, or burning…?"

"I won’t get hurt even if my clothes catch fire." Jesse showed Greed his wrist and neck. "Got burned here. Look, not a mark left."

"Really," Greed said. "That outfit you’re wearing today does look like something someone with a bit of coin would wear. Planning to wear this to see your parents?"

"Yeah," Jesse said.

Greed raised his hand: "Then you better be careful not to accidentally set it on fire halfway there."

"Say something nice, will you?" Jesse glared at him. "This outfit cost two or three gold, Greed! Really bled me dry."

Greed sucked in a breath. "My, you really splurged… Did you get this for going to Quel’Thalas?"

Jesse said, "Trying to outdress those elven nobles? Two or three gold wouldn’t make a dent—twenty or thirty probably wouldn’t either. I just thought a Felcloth robe might make me look too sinister. Those elves would spot it for sure. But my everyday clothes are too shabby, so I figured I’d dress properly to show I’m serious."

Greed took a beer mug from the sommelier. "Makes sense. Forget the fire stuff. What else? Any other blessings from the essence?"

"Not sure yet. Might’ve toughened me up, but I don’t know how to test it," Jesse said. "Want me to punch you? Straightforward," Greed offered.

"Piss off," Jesse said coldly.

Greed chuckled, then asked quietly, "So… what was it like? Being held by the Red Dragon Queen…?"

"What?" Jesse froze.

"That’s Queen Alexstrasza, for pity’s sake!" Greed leaned across the table, lowering his voice. "You were hugged by a terrifying creature straight out of myths—a real Red Dragon, the Queen of the Red Dragons! She was probably born when the world was made, someone whose name belongs on history’s first page."

"So her… uh." The dwarf patted his own chest, waggling his eyebrows. "Big?"

"You bastard…" Jesse glared, then cleared his throat. "Yeah. Big."

Greed smacked his own forehead. "Knew you’d try to cop a feel, you little punk."

"Cop a feel? She hugged me… I didn’t hug her."

Jesse’s voice dropped as the sommelier brought over a plate of apple pie.

They clinked mugs and drank, watching the sommelier leave. Greed said, "Joking aside, Jesse. What about that chain?"

At the mention of the chain, Jesse’s expression turned grave.

Ever since getting this so-called "Chain of Will," he’d seemed reluctant to bring it up, even to think about it.

Hearing Greed ask, Jesse took the iron chain from around his neck and set it on the table.

*Clank.* It sounded like an ordinary dark iron chain. But unlike a normal chain, it showed no rust, its smooth surface hinting at a deep purple-red hard to see unless you looked close. Was this the color of elementium?

Elementium was unlike any other metal in Azeroth. Said to come from the elemental plane, it was a powerful substance crafted by the elements themselves. Working it into weapons or armor required rare skill.

If the Elemental Kings meant to use it against the Old Gods in ancient wars, then this chain’s material had to be the finest elementium available.

Clearly, the elements cared nothing for beauty in their creations.

"The Red Dragon Queen said this was made by the Elemental Kings together," Greed said, swallowing. He seemed about to touch it but pulled his hand back. "The Elemental Kings… like the Earth Mother’s mother? What’s her name…"

"Therazane," Jesse said.

"Right." Greed set down his mug. "And the Fire Lord Ragnaros, worshipped by the Dark Iron Dwarves?"

Jesse nodded. "And the other two—the Water King and Wind King. Legend says they ruled the world long, long ago."

"Sounds terrifying, especially after meeting that Earth Princess," Greed said, staring at the chain. "Since this thing was made by such monsters, have you tried what it does?"

"My friend summoned a demon from the Void," Jesse said. "I plan to test it on that demon first—see if the chain can help crush its will. The demon’s not strong, but I shouldn’t start too hard."

After all, neither the Elemental Kings nor Deathwing himself—none who’d owned this chain resisted the Old Gods’ temptation. They’d all become the ancient gods’ slaves.

This proved the chain didn’t grant absolute, uncorruptible will and spirit. It had to have its own flaw—one neither the Elemental Kings nor the black dragon could escape.

The Red Dragon Queen believed *he* lacked that flaw, so she entrusted it to him.

But Alexstrasza hadn’t said what made him different.

Of course, he was just a mortal, while the chain’s past owners were near-godlike. Too many differences.

Yet Jesse couldn’t name a single trait he had that made him better suited to wield this artifact than those ancient, powerful beings.

"Dealing with a demon, huh? So when are you heading to Lordaeron?" Greed cut into his thoughts. Jesse took a sip of beer. "Soon as I can."

Greed smiled. "I know you’re itching to see our little Elven Wisp again, but remember—the Feast of Winter Veil’s almost here, Jesse. Tickets are scarce. Gotta be patient."