Two months after the end of the Zul'aman Siege, elven mages placed a large number of runestones in the Ghostlands.
Under the network of energy veins emanating from the Sunwell, the trolls' activity areas have been significantly reduced.
Today, it's time for Leylin's and the Thalassian Army to complete their final mission, and all Thalassian Army warriors have retreated to Tranquillien. As the leader of the Thalassian Army, Leylin was packing his belongings in his office.
Magical books, notes, enchantment materials, construct materials, and arcane core arrays—Leylin packed them all into magical bags and these magic bags he put inside his space backpack.
"Deputy Commander, we found a roaming ranger human near the outskirts of Zeb'Nowa." Tyr'ganal reported as he entered Leylin's office within the Sanctum of the Sun.
A human? Leylin's eyes gleamed, and he returned to his seat and said, "Have the warriors check him first, then bring him to me."
Tyr'ganal nodded and withdrew outside the office from the sanctum.
Less than ten minutes later, Tyr'ganal returned to the office, followed by a human ranger in ranger's garb from Lordaeron.
This human ranger was seeing this unfamiliar land for the first time, and everything was new to him. He kept looking around observing the environment.
However, when he saw Leylin, his stiff expression finally relaxed. It was unbelievable to see a fellow human in the land of the elves.
"This is High Magister Leylin, Deputy Commander of the Thalassian Army's Radiant Guard and a Councilor of the Silvermoon Council," Tyr'ganal introduced Leylin to the ranger from the human kingdom.
"Elves are very friendly, don't be nervous. Tell me the purpose of your visit." Leylin said with a smile.
The human ranger saluted Leylin, then pulled a letter from his light leather armor and handed it to the table in front of Leylin. "Sir Leylin, I am Nathanos Marris, Ranger of Lordaeron. I have come here to confirm whether the trolls' allegiance to the Horde is true and deliver a letter from our King Menethil."
Knowing that this was the fifth year after the Dark Portal, Leylin understood the purpose of Nathanos' visit. And Leylin wondered also whether it would still follow the original order in which Nathanos would be the first human ranger as well as the only human ranger lord or not, only time will tell.
"Follow us back to Silvermoon City this afternoon. I'll take you to the Sunfury Spire. Also, what have you discovered regarding the trolls' allegiance?" Leylin asked.
Nathanos slammed his left fist against his right palm, angrily saying, "While crossing northern Lordaeron, I encountered a small unit of troll scouts. They almost discovered me, and after following them for a while confirming the suspicions of the troll and the Horde aligning, I came to deliver the letter from King Menethil to King Anasterian Sunstrider."
Leylin stroked his chin, lost in thought: The trolls had indeed moved south, and Zul'jin was freed by the Horde and is now seeking aid from the Orgrim Doomhammer.
That night, the Thalassian Army returned to Silvermoon City, and Leylin, as agreed, brought Ranger Nathanos Morris to the Sunfury Spire.
Nathanos was greeted by an elven maiden from the Council of Silvermoon, who provided him with shelter.
A letter was immediately delivered to King Anasterian Sunstrider, who convened a meeting of the Council of Silvermoon that night to determine the next course of action.
The high nobles of the Council of Silvermoon clearly did not approve of the military deployment. The Siege at Zul'aman had just ended, and the elven kingdom needed some time to recover and recuperate.
However, the Kingdom of Quel'Thalas had previously made an agreement with the Empire of Arathor, pledging eternal support to the descendants of King Thoradin.
King Anasterian could not ignore this agreement, and ultimately decided to dispatch a special combat force to aid the human kingdom in its fight against the aliens from the southern continent.
Once this order was arranged by the Council of Silvermoon, the first candidate emerged.
Councilor Leylin of the Council of Silvermoon was the primary choice for this small combat force, simply because of his human identity.
Of course, Leylin was aware of this matter. Upon returning to his mentor's mage tower, he immediately discussed the matter with his mentors.
Magister Nallorath and Grand Magister Belo'vir were present, knowing their student was departing for war, and they had many instructions and guidance for Leylin regarding this matter.
This time, Magister Nallorath had prepared a wealth of magical tools for Leylin: a wand, arcane dust, a book of flashing light, an orb of arcane energy, and a special letter.
"If you have a chance, visit Dalaran and deliver this letter to the Council of Six. They'll give you what we need." Magister Nallorath said to Leylin.
"Understood, Teacher."
"Also, this battle isn't like a troll fight. You must be extremely cautious. Belo'vir and I both want to see our student, after experiencing the baptism of war, become stronger and more outstanding," Magister Nallorath said with concern.
After a brief conversation, Magister Nallorath gently pushed Leylin into the inner hall. Grand Magister Belo'vir continued to work. Upon seeing Leylin, he paused from crafting the core magic circle.
"There's nothing much to say. As the old saying goes: Always remember that you are a mage. Your magic and your mind are your greatest strengths," Grand Magister Belo'vir patted Leylin on the shoulder.
Leylin understood Grand Magister Belo'vir's meaning deeply. He always held himself to the standards of a true Grand Magister.
He changed into his improved assasin's outfit plus a mage robe, a brand-new robe he hadn't worn in a long time. After packing his things, Leylin set off for Sunsail Anchorage.
When they arrived at Sunsail Anchorage, Ranger Captain Alleria Windrunner was already there, leading the team.
Besides the ranger captain, Sylvanas, Vereesa, and Aminel were also present. They all stood beside Leylin.
The other team members were also nearby, their eyes blazing as they gazed at the human mage. The air was a little scorching, but Leylin didn't mind.
"I'm on a mission, not like we'll be separated. Why are you crying?" Leylin stroked Vereesa's face.
"You rascal, Leylin, you once told me your life doesn't belong to you alone. Now, I'm telling you, it doesn't belong to you alone either. My eldest sister said you're good enough. When the war is over, we'll get married," Vereesa said, hugging Leylin's neck and saying emotionally.
"Of course!" Leylin scratched the bridge of her nose.
Upon hearing about marriage, Aminel and Sylvanas exchanged a glance, their thoughts unsettled.
Sylvanas remained silent, but Aminel refused to remain silent. "You haven't fulfilled your promise yet. Remember this, or you'll know the consequences."
"Of course, I will," Leylin said with a smile.
Sylvanas waited a long time, and just as Leylin stepped onto the deck together with his trusty black warhorse, she tossed him another white handkerchief.
Wrapped within it was a gold coin and a line of elegant words: "For my sake, you must return alive. Don't ask if I have any selfish motives; I'll tell you the truth: I do!"
Standing aboard the elven destroyer, Leylin waved goodbye to the Windrunner sisters and Aminel.
"Go back, I'll miss you. I love you!" Leylin said this shamelessly for the first time.
The three elf girls smiled at the same time, each with their own thoughts.