Chapter 790

Chapter 790: Those Worth Protecting

As noon approached, more people gathered at The Blue Recluse. Mages stood side by side, familiar faces chatting enthusiastically while strangers exchanged greetings. Jesse could even sense a faint Arcane presence mingling with the sweet aroma of bread wafting through the hall.

By now, discussing the Kirin Tor or topics like Karazhan and Ulthalesh felt inappropriate, and Amy recognized this.

After talking about Dar’Khan Drathir, Amy glanced at the few men and women who had just entered and remained silent for a while before asking, "So, what are your plans next, Jesse?"

"The Tower of Ilgalar, of course," Jesse replied.

"Ah, yes, I just mentioned it and completely forgot." Amy chuckled awkwardly. "I visited that tower when I was young, before the Orcs entered that jungle. Under its care, the area around Stonewatch Keep was even calmer than much of Elwynn Forest. No Gnolls or other hostile creatures dared to approach."

"I always imagined people living in such towers would be old men with white beards, or at least someone who looked like my father does now. Who would’ve thought my best friend would become its master one day?"

"I’ll work hard to restore its peace, Amy," Jesse said.

"I don’t doubt that," Amy replied. "But the Ley Lines in the kingdom seem affected by Karazhan’s disaster. Making that tower the guardian of Stonewatch Falls again won’t be easy."

"I have my methods," Jesse smiled.

The female mage raised an eyebrow. "I’m curious what this kingdom’s most powerful warlock will devise to reactivate the Tower of Ilgalar."

Hearing this, Jesse nearly thought Amy had guessed his plans, or at least knew something…

Before heading to Kalimdor, he needed to arrange matters concerning Kallez and the Tower. He had to brief Stonewatch Keep’s soldiers on cooperating with the Felhounds guarding the Mage Tower.

He also needed to discuss long-term precautions with Kallez.

Jesse had been considering how to maintain contact with the demon. This would let him monitor Kallez while allowing the demon to alert him about any trouble at Storm Altar—be it Dark Iron Dwarf spies or Orcs suddenly deciding to reclaim it.

Dethmoora’s demonic communication circle might prove useful. Jesse could try adapting it to contact Kallez.

If Dethmoora used it to reach Doomlords in the Twisting Nether, surely contacting a greater demon across continents would be simpler.

Amy scooped cake with her spoon, staring at the jam. "Since the Dark Portal opened, many youngsters display talent earlier. Have you heard of Jaina Proudmoore?"

"Of course," Jesse said. "Kul Tiras’ princess."

"She’s not yet fourteen, but already Dalaran’s brightest new star." Amy’s gaze grew distant. "At first I thought the praise was just royal flattery. Then I watched her manipulate ice in class. Though timid and uncertain… she outperformed many mages decades older. I should rejoice at such talent in the Alliance."

Jesse sensed her anxiety—the natural unease when a prodigy closes in at breathtaking speed.

After a long pause, Amy asked, "Jesse, am I jealous of her?"

"Jealous?" Jesse studied her furrowed brow and distant stare fixed on her steaming cup. "In Dalaran you never overthought like this. All your energy went into studies. What troubles you now?"

"I don’t know." Amy shook her head. "I feel suddenly aimless. Maybe returning to Stormwind left room for dark thoughts. Lately I dream of Nethergarde—demon legions, choking dust, the tower shuddering… You lying there surrounded by healers… My father muttering your name while I stand helpless."

Her voice faded into murmurs, reminding Jesse of young mages weeping in towers, soldiers praying before the Nethergarde battle.

"Did I fail you, Jesse?" Amy asked suddenly. "What?" Jesse blinked. "Fail me?"

"You saved my life," she said. "Paid a terrible price facing that Demon Lord. Yet you rescued a mediocre mage who wallows in self-doubt and confusion. Doesn’t that disappoint you?"

"Well…" Jesse hesitated. "I just wanted you alive. What comes after never crossed my mind… Whether you join the Kirin Tor Council, teach at the Wizard’s Sanctum, sell Dalaran ice cream, quit magic to buy a pig farm—just protect yourself. That’s all that matters."

The female mage stared silently until Jesse chuckled. "You act like you don’t know me, Amy. What do you take me for? I’m not your father or teacher. Or did Dalaran warp your memory of me… Quite possible, actually."

"Alright," Amy said awkwardly. "Perhaps you’re right. Sorry, Jesse. We finally share a meal, yet I burden you with gloom."

Jesse sighed softly. "When this chaos ends, I’ll visit Dalaran often. Must keep an eye on your mental state, Amy Malin. Seems you’ve made no real friends there."

"As long as Vereesa doesn’t mind," Amy smiled.

"Of course." Jesse drained the now-cold tea from his cup and said, "There’s something I’ve never mentioned to anyone besides Greed and Vereesa. Today, I wanted to talk to you about it."

"What is it?" Amy asked.

Jesse said, "Before heading to Grim Batol, I hadn’t planned to tell those two about this mission. I intended to go alone. When Master Krasus told me about it, he’d hoped I wouldn’t tell anyone else because Deathwing’s spies were everywhere back then… but actually, Deathwing already knew my plans."

"How…?" Amy frowned slightly, surprised. "Didn’t that mean you were walking to your death?"

"Do you know what I thought about most while sitting alone on the ship to Menethil Harbor?" Jesse asked. The female mage remained silent. Jesse continued, "It was what we said to each other that day at Nethergarde, right outside the Alchemy Room." Amy paused for a moment, then smiled faintly; she must have remembered.

"You’ve saved my life too, Amy, though you might not realize it at all." Jesse said, "You’re the person I value most. You and Master Malin are my family here. When you feel pain or sadness in the Kirin Tor, I worry about you. So whatever’s on your mind, you can talk to me."

"Thank you, Jesse." Amy nodded, dabbing at her eyes.

"Nothing to thank me for." Jesse gently tapped the table. "By the way, I might need to go to Kalimdor again soon."

"When?" Amy asked.

Jesse said, "I’ve already written to Vereesa, hoping she replies soon. But I think it’ll be within two weeks at most."

"Well, I might still be in Stormwind when you leave. Remember to tell me before you go." Amy said.

"I will." Jesse replied.

After lunch, Jesse glanced at his pocket watch; it was already past three. He’d been chatting with Amy longer than he realized. He looked towards the garden’s end and spotted a soft purple figure moving through the crowd. Amy turned and glanced back his way.

It reminded him of when he first met Malin, back in the Mage Quarter days. He knew no one here then. Seeing Amy each day felt like that first day at school, spotting his sister waiting to take him home.

If Azgath planned to harm Amy, he would kill Azgath.

He thought, if someday a Blue Dragon went mad and tried to hurt Amy, he’d kill that dragon. If the Scourge Legion threatened her, he’d destroy the entire Legion.

It was that simple.

Thinking this, he felt calm, yet noticed the sword at his waist growing warm, stirring. The Azuresong Mageblade in its sheath was emitting a faint glow, barely visible even through the scabbard, though hard for others to spot in the noon sun.

*I want to kill your creator; aren’t you angry?* he wondered. But the Azuresong Mageblade showed no displeasure or resistance.

Jesse knew it would always believe in him, stand by his side, just as it had since Vereesa placed it in his hand.

Even when he drew it against the Demon Soul, knowing he faced something utterly beyond him, it still blazed with all its brilliance, its resonant melody piercing forward—until it shattered and lost its power.

Jesse rested his hand on the hilt, breathing deeply. He was grateful to it.

He was also grateful for Amy, and everyone in this world who’d shown him kindness—human or demon.

Without them, he’d have died long ago in some forgotten place: by Lake Everstill, at Stonewatch Keep, or in some forest or wasteland.

Or slowly eroded in the darkness, finally becoming a monster seeking to devour everyone.