Chapter 752

Chapter 752: Various Troubles

After leaving the palace, Jesse Seso felt unsettled.

The king’s concerns weren’t unfounded—in fact, they were entirely justified.

Though Onyxia hadn’t yet appeared in Stormwind disguised as Katrana Prestor, there was no news of her. Jesse had only heard that the Prestor Family and their kin were trying to locate the "real" Lord Dalaran Prestor.

But that didn’t mean other black dragons weren’t hiding in Stormwind.

As the sole court mage using Black Magic, uncovering a disguised black dragon wielding the same magic was his duty.

The problem was, he had no way to see through a black dragon’s disguise.

He couldn’t even recognize Vaelastrasz disguised as the red-robed mage Vaelan. And Krasus, who didn’t conceal his power? When Jesse saw him by the canal, he’d only sensed a great archmage radiating intense energy. Without prior knowledge, he’d never link that tall Quel’dorei to a dragon.

Jesse recalled the Alliance questline in the game where players infiltrated the Dark Iron Dwarves’ Shadowforge City to obtain a chant revealing draconic disguises.

Securing that chant would make exposing hidden black dragons far more feasible.

But reaching Shadowforge City here wouldn’t be as simple as in the game. He needed another way to investigate the chant’s existence.

Either way, he’d soon deal with SI:7—something Jesse dreaded most.

At noon, Jesse headed to Old Town’s Pig and Whistle Tavern. It was quiet, letting him choose an inconspicuous spot… wait.

“Greed.”

He called to the shadowy lump in the corner. It stirred, turning its head as an arm lifted in acknowledgment.

Jesse sat, eyeing two empty mugs beside Greed.

“Damn it, Jesse! Said you were going to Moonbrook. What took so long? If not for Stonewatch Keep news, I’d have thought a vengeful black dragon snatched you.”

*Soon to be snatched*, Jesse thought—not by a dragon, but by dragon-related tasks. “Sorry,” he muttered.

“Food, Langston!” Greed bellowed. “Got any of that bear meat left?”

“Aye, Thunderfist,” echoed a voice from nowhere. Jesse glanced around but saw no one.

“Northrend bear meat? Isn’t that pricey?” he whispered.

“Not your coin,” Greed grunted, propping up his mug. “You’ve bought your house—what’s gold for? Bear meat won’t cost fifty pieces.”

“Ilgalar Tower, Greed!” Jesse sighed. “That tower’s condition… gods, it’s indescribable. You should see it yourself.”

“Right. Then this bear meat’ll fuel your next project.” Greed snapped his fingers. “Ale!”

He paused. “Your house—renovations done?”

“Forgot entirely. Too much happening.” Jesse scratched his head fiercely. “Damn exhausting. Help me?”

“Same deal: manpower yes, money no,” Greed gulped his ale.

“Manpower’s enough. Maybe I should learn Mirror Image before mastering fire magic.”

Greed eyed him. “A spell to live in your house for weeks? Oversee workers? Host guests? Who’s the real Jesse Seso then—you or the copy?”

Jesse hesitated. Greed waved dismissively. “Overthinking. Your Arcane skill makes that impossible.”

“Pah.”

A server approached, placing a large, rare steak on the table—neither roasted nor seared…

“How’s this cooked?” Jesse asked.

“Boiled. Or warm-water soaked,” the dwarf said, slicing meat. “Learned it recently. Told the cook. Remember Quel’Thalas? Farstrider venison? Elves love this. Langston says Northrend hunters do similar with bear meat. Try it.”

“Wasn’t focused on food then.” Jesse eyed the blood. “But recall Thelsamar bear steak? That taste… This method really works?”

“Eating or not?” Greed challenged.

“Eating.”

Starving, Jesse shoved a piece in. It slid down like a giant meat grub.

Holding his breath, he tasted nothing until chewing. Swallowing, he gasped—hit by the expected gamey stench and metallic tang of blood.

Suddenly, looming duties and money-draining troubles felt… manageable.

“More bread,” Jesse mumbled, swishing Greed’s leftover ale in his mouth. He licked his gums. “Another thing, Greed. Important. Might need to visit Kalimdor soon.”

Greed grinned. “Not just an excuse for me to see Mosa, eh?”

“*Home*? You really treat Kalimdor like home.” Jesse shot him a look. “But fine. Mainly…”

He scanned the area, then lowered his voice. “Remember the scythe? There’s a lead now. Needs confirming. I’ll settle this soon.”

“Got it. If Kalimdor’s happening, take me.”

“Naturally.”

“The Elven Wisp? Taking her?”

“She’s a Ranger Lord now—might be busy. Sent her a letter from Stonewatch Keep. No reply yet. Maybe their couriers are slow.”

“Busy for Kalimdor? Dunno.” Greed shrugged. “But she’s got time for Stormwind. Visit the Mage Quarter and get your ‘reply’ straight from her.”