These colossal beetles were insectoid war machines from the subterranean Spider Kingdom, their ultimate ground assault units! Even ordinary Crypt Lords could weigh dozens of tons, surprisingly agile despite their enormous size, representing the Lich King's most formidable ground forces!
As Galen soared through the air, High Priest Naffis's pale, glowing eyes flashed, and razor-sharp spikes erupted from the frozen earth, hurtling directly towards him!
"Heh!" A cold smile played on Galen's lips. Trying to display such paltry skill before an expert? Big bug, you clearly haven't heard of spike traps! That's practically my signature move; of course I'd have a defense ready! A semi-transparent golden shield materialized beneath Galen's feet – a localized Holy Shield! Years of being a paladin had granted Galen masterful control over Holy Light magic. The Crypt Lord's spikes not only failed to harm him but their immense force actually propelled him forward!
The giant beetle recoiled in momentary surprise, then roared, "The swarm will devour you!" It unfurled its leathery wings, and a horde of small, chitinous scarabs swarmed forth, directly targeting Galen!
Galen swung the Ashbringer in mid-air. "Ashbringer, awaken!" A wide arc of golden holy flames incinerated the flying beetles, and then he landed squarely on the giant beetle's back, striking a commanding pose as he reversed his grip, plunging the Ashbringer's blade deep into the Crypt Lord's carapace!
"Squeak! No!" The Crypt Lord shrieked in agony. "I have failed you, Master…" The creature dissolved into ashes in the Ashbringer's radiant holy light!
"Ashbringer! Ashbringer!" The knights roared his name, witnessing Galen's effortless dispatch of the monstrous beetle, an image of invincibility now etched in their minds!
Galen hadn't originally intended to personally intervene in a minor Scourge border city like En'kilah. But this was his first battle on as a warchief, an opportunity to display his power before his new allies – the Tuskarr and Taunka – ensuring their future obedience to the Crusade. Furthermore, he wanted all the paladins of the Silver Hand to witness his strength firsthand, using this giant beetle as a vivid demonstration!
Soon after, Gavinrad and Baron Tyrosus also destroyed the remaining two necromantic towers. Hundreds of thousands of undead within En'kilah lost their command structure, their attacks becoming disorganized and chaotic! The Alliance's blitzkrieg had been too swift, the entire operation unfolding rapidly. Even with the two floating fortresses, Naxxramas and Naxxanar, still looming in the sky, it was likely too late to reverse the Scourge's defeat here.
Dar'khan and Kel'Thuzad, locked in a fierce aerial battle, could only cast venomous curses towards the now-lost city of En'kilah. They then tacitly issued new orders to the necromancers operating the floating fortresses behind them: "Retreat! Return to Dragonblight! Notify Anub'arak of Azjol-Nerub and have him gather the Spider Kingdom's army with utmost haste! We must secure the Wrathgate!"
Protected by their magical barriers, the two floating fortresses ascended amidst the barrage of mage spells and airship fire from Dalaran, mutually covering their retreat towards the northeast! Dalaran did not pursue the fleeing fortresses, but instead quietly hovered over the conquered city of En'kilah.
The ground battle concluded swiftly, with the Silver Hand Knights and Templar Knights beginning the grim task of battlefield cleanup. Paladins skilled in protection formed defensive lines around the city, establishing patrol teams in cooperation with the high-ranking knights. Paladins of retribution began the systematic purification of the remaining undead within the city. Paladins devoted to the Holy Light provided battlefield aid, healing the wounded knights. The fallen knights' bodies were respectfully collected by the Royal Guards specifically from Tyr's Guard. They would be placed in special body bags and transported to Aragorn Fordring.
Galen simply admired the paladins. They were capable fighters, resilient tanks, and potent healers. Their mobility on horseback was unmatched. He lamented that the Cathedral was a unique structure. Otherwise, why bother with infantry and musketeers? He would directly maximize paladins and forge his own Holy Light Legion!
Before his transmigration, Galen had entertained the "Holy Light is corrupt" conspiracy theory, deeming the Holy Light unreliable. Now, he cared little whether the Naaru, the supposed representatives of the Holy Light, were hypocrites. As long as they were placed within the Heart of Origin, their loyalty would irrevocably shift to him.
Hey, Galen's personal goals had evolved. Saving Thoras Trollbane and revitalizing Stromgarde had been achieved. The next step was safeguarding Azeroth, and then leading its people on a journey to the stars. Z'era, A'dal – they would all be his!
The war in the Borean Tundra had ended, but numerous underground tunnels dug by the Spider Kingdom still riddled the frozen soil. True stability in this region might necessitate clearing out the subterranean Spider Kingdom. However, this was not an immediate priority. Galen's actions here had been remarkably swift, securing both the Borean Tundra and Howling Fjord. Meanwhile, King Ulduar of Earth, Archaedas, was proving less efficient. While attempting to awaken the earthen army, they had inadvertently caused a partial collapse of the Uldaman dungeon… This collapse was inconsequential, but they had actually discovered a letter left by Tyr deep within Uldaman: "To my most steadfast ally…"
This was quite intriguing… "So, you left yourself a backup plan before your demise back then?" Galen summoned Aragorn in the upgraded level three castle in Dalaran and posed the question.
"…" Aragorn remained silent for a moment, closing his eyes in contemplation. Finally, he shook his head. "Galen, I am merely a fragment of a reborn soul. My memories are still incomplete, so I am unclear about many things!" Aragorn looked genuinely perplexed. Did I leave a treasure in Uldaman? I don't recall it. What could it be? It's so frustrating not to remember!
"Then let's take a trip to Uldaman to see if Archaedas knows anything about it. By the way, we can also inform them that you have been resurrected!" Galen also felt that his pace had been somewhat too rapid recently. With the Heart of Origin in his possession, he could assimilate newly acquired territories quickly, while the Alliance's colonies in Howling Fjord were still in their nascent stages, requiring time to develop their productive capacity. The Crusade was effectively his solo endeavor, and he could even direct Stromgarde's Northern Expeditionary Army. However, the Stormwind Kingdom, Kul Tiras, and Gilneas needed to be motivated by self-interest. Otherwise, how could he ensure their cooperation? Once their people experienced the benefits of developing Northrend, they would naturally gravitate there. As the population grew, local garrisons could be established, freeing up his core forces for further campaigns.