Chapter 766

Chapter 766: Agreement with the Dagger Association

In the morning, Jesse took Molofeel to Zardeth’s residence, but no one was there. So, he headed straight to The Slaughtered Lamb.

Jarel Moor was wiping the tables, and the tavern was empty. After asking, Jesse learned Zardeth was in the basement, which was unusual. Ever since Gakin died, Zardeth rarely stayed here long.

However, recalling Zardeth’s frequent travels between Ironforge and Stormwind and rare visits to Darkshire, likely tied to that strange Silithus obsidian, Jesse figured now that the stone matter concluded, he probably also halted contact with his Ironforge acquaintance.

After all, that person was likely linked to Twilight’s Hammer. Jesse wasn’t entirely sure if Twilight’s Hammer had been established yet, but according to the Half-Orc Rexxar, at least the warlocks led by Cho’gall would eventually arrive in Kalimdor. Meaning, regardless, Twilight’s Hammer had already taken shape.

In the basement’s main hall, Zardeth was reciting something while Sorrel sat nearby, copying scrolls. Seeing Jesse, Zardeth put down the paper and said, “You’re here for the ‘Searing Pain’ chant, right, Jesse?”

“That’s not all I’m here for,” Jesse replied as he sat down. Molofeel emerged from a nearby chair, lazily lying down and staring intently at his master.

“I met with people from SI:7 yesterday.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

Zardeth’s expression showed concern, and Jesse said, “What are you worried about? Don’t you have contacts in SI:7 as well?”

“Sorry,” Zardeth said. “I guess I’m still uneasy about your current position. So, what does this have to do with me?”

“It relates to the entire Dagger Association,” Jesse explained. “Stormwind faces a threat from black dragons. Some black Wyrmkin have shapeshifted and infiltrated. These are the magical Wyrmkin, making their disguises highly secretive and hard to spot. So, I proposed they collaborate with our Dagger Association.”

“You didn’t reveal our location, did you?” Zardeth asked.

“Of course not,” Jesse assured him.

“However,” Zardeth leaned back. “Your ability to spot Wyrmkin doesn’t mean we all can. I’ve heard of black dragons disguising themselves. There were Wyrmcultists in Lakeshire learning Black Magic from them…

… I attended their gatherings before SI:7 wiped them out. The leader was said to be a Wyrmkin, but I sensed nothing.”

Jesse asked curiously, “You got into their gathering? Why? How?”

“You just said it, I have contacts in SI:7,” Zardeth replied. “I went seeking more magic. Black dragon chants are Shadow Magic. But they were wary of newcomers, revealing nothing. They just preached mortal doom and black dragon rule. I lost interest.”

Jesse nodded. Zardeth truly went to lengths for spells, though he likely didn’t know the black dragons’ link to the Old Gods. Otherwise, he might not have gone.

Considering Wyrmkin often enslave Wyrmcultists with mental magic, Zardeth extricating himself was lucky.

“Actually, I can’t spot disguised Wyrmkin either,” Jesse confessed. “But so far, Felhounds seem to recognize them.”

“Ah… I should have realized,” Zardeth chuckled. “But cooperating with SI:7… Aren’t you afraid they’ll learn our secrets and take us down?”

“At least they can’t arrest me too, right?” Jesse showed his court mage ring. “Unless SI:7 and the Kingdom of Stormwind sever ties with me, they probably won’t go that far. For now, they’re considering it. We help them with the dragon threat, they turn a blind eye to our activities, as long as we harm no one.”

Zardeth smiled. “Honestly, I’m surprised you’d advocate for the Dagger Association like this… Do you value it more than the Kingdom of Stormwind?”

Jesse clicked his tongue. “How should I answer? The Dagger Association are my friends. Even if Jalane Ayrole barely speaks to me, I admit without her robe, I might not have survived this comfortably.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to force a choice,” Zardeth said. “I’ll call a meeting to discuss collaborating with SI:7. Bring the teleportation circle chant then; we’ll study it together. I’ll also share the spells I’ve gathered.”

“Good,” Jesse said. “I’m waiting for SI:7’s response. I’ll inform you when I hear.”

Agreement settled, Zardeth took Sorrel to his room. Jesse headed to the Alchemy Room, finding Ursula sorting herbs, so focused she didn’t notice him.

“Ursula.”

“Uh?” Ursula looked up. “How were the potions I gave you?” Jesse glanced outside. “Very effective.”

“Good. So you’re with that Windrunner noble, right?” Ursula asked.

“Yeah,” Jesse said. “Did Erlan tell you?”

“It’s all over Stormwind,” Ursula replied. “I thought it was a rumor, but the other day, Vereesa Windrunner came to the Mage Quarter. Many saw you both at The Blue Recluse… kissing publicly.”

“Isn’t that normal at The Blue Recluse?” Jesse laughed, reclining. “Young mages date there often.”

“But a Ranger Lord dating a court mage there is unusual,” Ursula stared. “Tell the truth, you little devil. That night… right after killing that Satyr in my place, were you already with her?”