What happened in the Barov family's castle at the heart of Lake Dalaran brought Alaric many gains.
Not only did he gain the Barov family, a clan wealthy enough to rival a nation, as a powerful ally, but he also acquired Janice Barov, a talented assistant well-versed in the intricacies of noble politics, and the little girl Ilucia Barov, a disciple blessed with both beauty and natural talent.
Additionally, due to her fondness for Alaric and curiosity about him, Marishia, a high elf priestess originally residing with the Barovs, expressed her willingness to stay on to help the Barov family through their difficulties, effectively working for Alaric as well.
With the Barov family on his side, many of Alaric's future plans could be realized.
For example, building his own magic tower, researching Earth technology's application in Azeroth, and seeking ways to organically integrate magic and science.
In Alaric's view, compared to science, magic indeed empowers individuals and accomplishes many incredible miracles, but it also has its drawbacks, it is too limited by the "human" element.
Unlike Earth's scientists, who delve into scientific theories, mages in the magical world may research advanced magic, but the profound spells they develop often can only be used by others who have learned the same magic.
Scientists, however, rarely have strong individual power, yet their research results bring convenience to ordinary people, a nuclear physicist may research nuclear fission, but the person who launches a nuclear bomb doesn't need to understand the bomb's principles.
If Alaric sought only to transcend himself, he wouldn't need to trouble himself so much.
But beyond simply increasing his strength and pursuing truth, Alaric wanted to enjoy this world with the women around him, to savor the freedom and beauty brought by power.
To do this, he had to consider his own interests while building a strong force in Azeroth.
After all, it's unwise for one person alone to shoulder the banner of saving the world.
Now, with the Barov family's wealth and territory under his control, all this would serve as the foundation for his future power accumulation.
Because whether it's researching technology or studying magic, the most important thing is, money.
Even in Azeroth, gold can buy almost anything.
Even dragons admit this, many of these mighty creatures are themselves greedy for wealth.
Moreover, Janice's addition was no small help to Alaric.
Having been the Barov family's matron for years, though she had often dabbled in magic and rarely dealt with mundane affairs, her position required her to be capable and decisive, so she remained well-versed in noble politics.
With Alaric's intelligence, he could have lowered himself to scheme with the kings and nobles of the various kingdoms, but he hated such troubles. Here, Janice's role became critical.
In the rise of Alaric's future influence, all matters requiring contact and conflict with other nobles could be entrusted to her.
Of course, Onyxia could also assist, but Alaric was accustomed to her serving as his maid nearby, so the main task still fell to Janice.
In short, from Janice's perspective, having her and Ilucia under Alaric's protection was a heavenly blessing, so she was deeply grateful, and wholeheartedly willing to serve Alaric with the entire Barov family's wealth.
Yet in truth, the real beneficiary was still Alaric, being able to so easily "gain both people and wealth" even surprised him.
He had never expected the fate of Alexi Barov and his two sons.
In the original story, the father and his two sons lived into the time of the Scourge, if they had survived, Alaric would never have gained such a big advantage.
Compared to the widowed Janice and Ilucia, men were generally more ambitious and harder to control.
Perhaps this was a butterfly effect caused by Alaric's presence, ultimately benefiting him.
After the Barov family's affairs were settled, Alaric did not leave immediately.
He stayed in the castle, teaching Ilucia on one hand, and on the other, spending nights with her mother Janice in revelry, helping her quickly forget her painful past, truly a "good man."
Sometimes, he even wanted to say to Alexi in the afterlife, "Your wife I shall care for; you need not worry."
If Lord Alexi could hear this, he'd probably be so angry he'd crawl out of his grave.
At the same time, Alaric had not forgotten the main business.
Intelligence about the Horde's movements and the current situation in Alterac was swiftly sent to the Kingdom of Lordaeron and the Alliance headquarters in Hillsbrad Foothills.
The Horde's sudden appearance deep inside Alliance territory, combined with news of Alterac's surrender, shocked King Terenas of Lordaeron and the Alliance's supreme commander, Lothar.
However, both were seasoned leaders who soon calmed and made plans.
On Lordaeron's side, Terenas immediately dispatched General Alexandros Mograine to lead an elite force stationed in Lordaeron to intercept the Horde, aiming to trap them inside the Alterac Mountains within a short time.
Meanwhile, a larger Lordaeron army gathered in the rear, preparing to strike north into the Alterac Mountains to break the Horde's hold.
Alexandros Mograine was among the second generation of Paladins of the Silver Hand.
Originally a Lordaeron loyalist general, after completing his training, he was further trusted by Terenas and kept to guard Lordaeron.
In the original story, Mograine was an important figure, the first wielder of the legendary Paladin weapon "Ashbringer."
During future battles against the Scourge, he founded the tragic "Scarlet Crusade," fighting to death wielding that weapon.
His two sons and an adopted daughter also gained notable reputations.
On the other side, Lothar led his army northward from Tarren Mill, entering the Alterac Mountains to join Mograine in encircling the Horde.
As for Alaric himself, naturally, he was happily staying in the Barov family's castle, enjoying the rare peace amidst war.
Yet, he was not without troubles.
Upon learning that his teacher had taken on a new junior disciple, Jaina repeatedly insisted on coming to see this new disciple in the main camp.
Meanwhile, Tyrande and Garona expressed dissatisfaction with Alaric's long absence.
Helpless, Alaric had no choice but to agree to bring them all to the castle at the heart of Lake Dalaran.
He already foresaw a scene akin to Mars colliding with Earth in the coming days.
A man with many loves often encounters this kind of trouble.
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