Chapter 720

Chapter 720: Preparing Oneself

“I agree, Mor’zul,” Jesse said. “I will attend your gathering; just tell me the location.”

Mor’zul responded, “Previously, our meeting point was in an abandoned mine to the south. But since we’re preparing to go to the Blackrock Orcs’ altar, I’ll notify the other warlocks to head to our old gathering spot, an abandoned Orc refuge about several dozen kilometers northwest of Redridge. It was once a hideout for a Blackrock Orc troop chased by Anduin Lothar’s forces. The place is well hidden. After the Alliance troops pulled out of Blackrock Mountain, they abandoned it when the Blackrock chief moved into the mountain.”

“That sounds good,” Jesse said. “But I’m not sure I can find it fast.”

“I’ll send someone to guide you, Jesse. You won’t get lost,” Mor’zul said with a mysterious smile. “Just tell me roughly where you live, like your street…”

“Across the north canal from Stormwind Prison,” Jesse replied.

“I know those apartments; that’s enough,” Mor’zul nodded. “Then I need a personal item from you, something cheap but you always keep on you, as proof.”

Jesse searched his things and handed over the Naga bead bracelet on his wrist. Mor’zul said, “Wait for my word, Jesse. Welcome to us.”

Jesse replied, “I don’t know who’s in your group or what you’ve been up to, so it’s too soon to say I’ve joined.”

“At least you plan to join this ritual,” Mor’zul said. Jesse couldn’t argue.

He figured out the route. Even if he rushed back to Stormwind now, then rode to Lakeshire and crossed the mountains to the Burning Steppes to find that watchtower—though he knew the way well—he’d struggle to make it in a week.

If the other warlocks lived in Lakeshire or nearby, or if Orcs were in the Burning Steppes, they might get there quicker.

Back in Stormwind, Jesse dropped Aarna off at the Mage Quarter and hurried to The Slaughtered Lamb. Even if Mor’zul said the warlocks could handle the summoned demon, Jesse couldn’t ease up. He needed to stock up on potions.

At the Alchemy Room, Ursula was trying on a new robe. She looked over at the footsteps and asked, “Jesse?”

“What’s this…?” Jesse eyed the robe and asked, “Did Jalane make this for you?”

“It’s not really a robe,” Ursula replied. “It’s a ‘protective robe’ just for alchemists. Jalane enchanted it to block dark powers from leaking during potion-making with Black Magic if my skills fall short, keeping me safe, and it’s breathable… But for an alchemist like me, that’s rare, right?”

“One slip could be deadly. That robe seems vital, Ursula,” Jesse said.

“I recall making an antidote once where fumes blurred my eyes for days,” Ursula sighed. “But wearing pricey clothes in steam feels off. Anyway, Jesse, what brings you?”

“I need to fight a demon,” Jesse said.

“Not going back to the Black Morass?” Ursula asked. “Surena just got back from Booty Bay and said demons are scarce now except near the Dark Portal.”

“No,” Jesse admitted. “I’m joining a demon gathering by Mor’zul. Don’t tell the Dagger Association.”

“Mor’zul?” the alchemist said. “Zardeth would blow up if he heard. I won’t blab and stir trouble. So, you’re summoning a Demon Guard?”

“Worse,” Jesse said. “I need the best Shadow Protection Potion I can get. For Fire Protection Potions… I doubt I’ll need one, but pack it just in case. Also, any potions that kill demons well, like a demon-slaying brew?”

Ursula nodded. “Lucky you, Jesse. The Dark Portal mess made demon-slaying potion ingredients easier to find. I’ll make you a bottle for free. Same for the Shadow Protection Potion, but I lack materials for the top-tier strong one. I’ll give you the next best—still way better than small bottles.”

“By the way, when you made the Flask of Distilled Wisdom last time, you didn’t do just one, right?” Jesse asked.

Ursula raised an eyebrow. “Of course not, but I can’t hand this out free. I’m hunting customers.”

“Name your price,” Jesse said.

“Rich now, huh?” Ursula replied. “Eight gold coins—friends’ rate, Jesse.”

“Eight gold coins, and throw in an extra demon-slaying potion,” Jesse said.

Ursula sighed. “Fine, fine. You’re hard to say no to, kid. Grab your potions tomorrow noon.”

“Thanks,” Jesse smiled. “If I drink only half the Flask of Distilled Wisdom, does it weaken the effect or shorten how long it lasts?”

“Both drop,” Ursula said firmly. She flipped through her bookshelf and turned back. “But are you summoning a demon to kill?”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that,” Jesse replied. “But I must prep for anything. I doubt Mor’zul’s lot is solid.”

“If Mor’zul can’t handle summoning demons, no demonologist in this world can,” Ursula said.

“There probably aren’t any solid demonologists,” Jesse said. “If you saw the Council of Tirisfal section in the Dalaran Grand Library, you’d know even famed demon hunters trip up on this stuff.”

“Trip up?” Ursula turned, puzzled. “Why do these mages… Oh, I get it. Is that a Brill saying?”

“Must be local.”

Jesse was sure he’d heard something like this before, but forgot who said it.

“Still, that fits Mor’zul,” Ursula said. “I get it—it’s like alchemy. If I fret over potion risks, I’ll never advance big. Without daring, how learn Twisting Nether secrets? The Twisting Nether’s deadly on its own, and the Wizard’s Sanctum warns against prying into it…”

“True,” Jesse said, lifting his cloak. “I’ll head out now. I’ll bring the cash tomorrow.”

“Sure,” the alchemist replied.