Chapter 738

Chapter 738: Unexpected News

In the following days, to prevent the Gnolls from launching a sudden counterattack while the defenses of the Tower of Ilgalar were still unstable, Jesse visited the tower every morning. He also handled the waste, wood scraps, and rubble inside.

Blessed by the Red Dragon, Jesse felt his stamina had improved immensely compared to his days working in Malin’s study. He never grew tired no matter how much he cleaned.

After a high-intensity morning spent laboring on staircases and around broken bookshelves, Jesse leaned on the railing, glanced at the cleaned upper levels, then looked down at the untouched floors below. Though his body wasn’t exhausted, his mind felt weary.

He thought he should find a mage to cast a spell summoning five or six enchanted brooms and a few Arcane Servants for the remaining work. He wondered if Malin would agree to help.

But that seemed unlikely. Malin preferred spending silver coins hiring young people like him to work in the study rather than wasting magic on cleaning spells. How could he possibly assist with this tower?

He considered whether Greed might lend a hand. How much would it cost to hire a "Mountain King" for tidying up? Jesse rubbed his stubbled chin, pondering if ten silver coins would suffice.

Just then, a Stonewatch Keep soldier entered the Mage Tower’s lowest floor and shouted upward, "Master Seso, a mage is here to see you!"

"A mage from the Wizard’s Sanctum?" Jesse asked.

"No, he calls himself Vaelan, but he isn’t wearing Dalaran robes," the soldier replied, tilting his head. "Looks like he’s from Stromgarde—dressed in red."

It was Vaelastrasz.

Hearing this, Jesse felt both relief and irritation. Relief because Vaelastrasz hadn’t been trapped during his trip to Blackrock Mountain. Irritation because these Red Dragons always appeared when he was most relaxed, seeking trouble. Were they here to rope him into another rescue?

Last time, it happened right after finalizing the house transfer. This time, he hadn’t even spent a week in the tower.

As he descended the stairs, he thought that even if Krasus was truly imprisoned in Blackrock Spire, he wouldn’t readily agree to Vaelastrasz’s request. If the Dragon Legion were strong enough, if Alexstrasza truly cherished her mate, she should rescue him herself.

It hadn’t even been half a year since Grim Batol—barely three or four months. Jesse felt he’d just emerged from Deathwing’s shadow and deserved a break.

But this was just a resentful thought. The memory of Krasus caged in that dark prison remained vivid. Even if not for needing his help against Kel’Thuzad, Jesse couldn’t ignore his peril.

Outside the tower, the red-robed mage stood by the cliff’s edge, gazing at the distant forest. He turned and smiled at Jesse. "I finally found you, Jesse. Does the cloak fit well? Had a chance to test its ‘special features’?"

Contrary to Jesse’s expectations, the dragon seemed oddly cheerful.

"I’ll probably get to try it soon, won’t I?" Jesse said.

"What do you mean?" Vaelan asked.

"Aren’t you searching for Master Krasus? Is he in Blackrock Mountain? Did you come to recruit me against the Blackrock clan?"

Jesse struggled to hide his annoyance.

Vaelan shook his head. "I came to thank you, Jesse. Without you sharing Deathwing’s dream, Prince Korialstrasz might have suffered unimaginably, and I’d still be searching for him."

"So he was in Blackrock Mountain," Jesse stated.

"Yes," Vaelan said. "I scouted Blackrock Mountain for days before pinpointing his location. He was imprisoned deep in Blackrock Spire, guarded by a powerful force of Wyrmkin and Orcs led by a dragon overseer. Attempting a solo rescue was impossible. After confirming his whereabouts, I went to Dalaran for you, learned you’d left for Quel’Thalas, and informed Antonidas. He sent an archmage with me into Blackrock Spire, and together we freed the prince."

Jesse paused, stunned. "Which Kirin Tor archmage?"

"One who erred during the Orc War—Rhonin," Vaelan replied. "He’d been confined in Dalaran. Antonidas gave him a chance to redeem himself. The Kirin Tor Council has since reinstated him. True heroes aren’t overlooked; he proved himself extraordinarily capable. Without him, the prince and I might still be trapped."

"During the rescue, I discovered Blackrock Spire is fully controlled by black dragons. I’ve alerted the queen and will continue infiltrating to uncover their plans with the Orcs."

Jesse felt dazed. "When did this happen? I heard nothing."

"Over ten days ago," Vaelan explained. "Before departing, that mage went to Stormwind seeking you. I’d suggested he borrow your black dragon cloak for stealth. But he couldn’t locate you—neither the Wizard’s Sanctum nor the king knew your whereabouts. So I lent him a freshly crafted orb for disguise instead."

So while Jesse discussed demon-summoning with warlocks in Moonbrook and at the Storm Altar, Rhonin and Vaelastrasz had entered Blackrock Spire to save Krasus.

"I was away then," Jesse said. "Sorry I couldn’t assist."

Vaelan shook his head. "You’re a savior to our entire legion, Jesse. We owe you apologies. The queen feels profound guilt for dragging you into our conflict with the black dragons. Besides, the mission was arduous. In those dire conditions, the cloak might’ve been less practical than the orb for sustained magic. We were trapped for days—if discovered earlier with the cloak, escape would’ve been far harder."

"Where is Master Krasus now?" Jesse asked.

"At Grim Batol, under the queen’s care. His condition is grave, Jesse. Inside Blackrock Spire, he could barely fight. Rhonin and I shielded him during the escape, but the ordeal took its toll. Did you need him?"

Jesse scanned their surroundings. "It involves the Kirin Tor and Deathwing. I believe there’s a reason Deathwing captured him—someone in the Kirin Tor betrayed him."

"The prince suspects the same," Vaelan confirmed. "He’s nearly identified the traitor and thinks you were found by Deathwing because of him too. With the queen’s aid, he’ll recover swiftly and return to the Kirin Tor. Await good news, Jesse."

Hopefully. Everything sounded smoother than expected—Rhonin and Vaelastrasz freeing Krasus, Krasus already tracking the mole. Perhaps endless worry was unnecessary. For now, Ulthalesh’s threat was trouble enough.

Fortunately, the breakthrough lay with the demon being on his side, not other warlocks. Rhonin had done him a great favor. Vaelastrasz was right: heroes weren’t overlooked; they just needed opportunity.

Thanks to Rhonin, he could relax about Kirin Tor affairs and focus on the Mage Tower and Ulthalesh. These weren’t quick fixes, and fretting helped nothing.

"By the way," the red dragon produced a dark box. "I nearly forgot my main purpose here."

"What is it?" Jesse asked.

"After you left Grim Batol, the queen sought your magic wand. We found it, but Teron Gorefiend’s wand was destroyed by Deathwing’s magic. Only this shadow gem survived."

Jesse accepted the box. "That wand was forged from a rare Draenor metal—durable, but no match for Deathwing’s power. I anticipated this."

Vaelan glanced at it. "Glad you’re not upset. The queen regretted its loss. Anything else I can do?"

"Are you heading to Blackrock Spire now?"

"Not yet," Vaelan said. "Rhonin and I caused chaos there recently. We must let the Orcs and black dragons calm down first. Later, I’ll infiltrate under a new guise to investigate further."

"Then help me clean this tower." Jesse gestured behind him.

"Uh, this?" the red dragon asked. "The Tower of Ilgalar?"

"Yes," Jesse said. "Barring surprises, the king plans to gift it to me, so I’m responsible for upkeep. Days ago, I fought Gnoll Warlocks here with Stonewatch soldiers. Though roughly cleaned, shadow corrosion and tainted blood linger in corners and the top floor. I need help—my abilities are limited. What do you say?"

"Let me try." Vaelan adjusted his collar.

"No fire-breathing," Jesse warned.

"Understood," Vaelan nodded.