The Scourge's meticulously planned and imposing invasion was swiftly crushed in less than half a day. The undead of Sholazar Basin were utterly annihilated, and their three legendary leaders were decapitated. With the Knights Templar and champions of Tyr securing the Pillars of the Lifeforge, Archaedas and Amaelon quickly met Freya's avatar at the heart of the Rainspeaker Rapids.
"It is good to see you again, Archaedas and Emalon!" Freya greeted the two guardian giants with evident joy. Guardian giants, protectors of specific Titan facilities, were first-generation Titan creations with a long history, though possessing less power than the nine Titan Watchers.
"Us as well, esteemed Freya. We brothers have come this time to inquire about the situation in Ulduar!" Archaedas stated directly, his purpose clear.
"Ulduar..." A flicker of fear crossed Freya's avatar's eyes. "I am merely an avatar of the master, containing a fragment of her consciousness! The master sent me out of Ulduar to maintain the ecology of Sholazar Basin, but fifteen thousand years ago, her consciousness suddenly fell into a deep slumber! However, before that, I clearly sensed her hatred and anger towards Loken!" Freya's avatar quickly shared the information she possessed, her limited power rendering her helpless in the face of this crisis.
Galen's eyes gleamed with interest. Creating an avatar… only the life-rich Life-Binder could accomplish such a feat on Azeroth. He mentally noted his desire to learn this skill. He also realized that Freya's current state – her consciousness sealed within Ulduar, but this fragment uncorrupted – presented a high probability of her awakening. The more Galen considered it, the more viable the plan seemed.
"Archaedas," Freya's avatar continued, "have you discovered something that compelled you to leave your guarded vaults and seek me out?"
Archaedas, his expression solemn, truthfully relayed the information Galen had shared. For a moment, the only sound on the banks of the Rainspeaker Rapids was the gentle flow of water. Loken, the King of Wisdom, a Watcher whose authority and strength surpassed theirs by a significant margin.
"Don't worry, you three," Galen interjected, offering reassurance. "Just as I told Archaedas, Tyr and Archaedas are already making preparations in Uldaman. I have also united the dragon aspects and our mortal armies. In the near future, we will storm Ulduar and cleanse it of corruption, restoring its former glory!"
"Yes! That's right, Freya!" Archaedas's spirits lifted. "We have reactivated the production workshop in the Wintergrasp vaults, and soon our elemental legions will be ready! Join us, and together we will crusade against the betrayer!"
"For the master to regain consciousness! I shall join!" Thus, a new healing force joined the burgeoning crusade.
Seeing Freya's avatar's allegiance, Galen's opportunistic mind began to formulate a new plan. "Freya's avatar, I observe a wealth of resources within this rainforest. I hope you would agree to allow us to establish a base here and collect some of them!" The Sholazar Basin was rich in resources, including Saronite and Titansteel ore veins, as well as valuable high-level herbs. Galen, never one to miss an opportunity, had no intention of letting this treasure trove go untapped.
Initially, Galen feared refusal, but Freya's avatar readily agreed. "No problem, Galen. You helped me protect Sholazar Basin from the undead. Consider some of these resources my thanks. I only ask that you do not over-exploit them!"
"No problem…" Agree now, negotiate later. Once Freya's true form is under my influence, I can collect as I please!
After discussing the crusade's immediate objectives, Freya's avatar and the two watchers departed for the Pillars of the Lifeforge to find a way to repair Sholazar Basin's defensive system. Galen, clutching the map provided by Freya's avatar, began to scout locations for his new base. He was already somewhat familiar with Sholazar Basin. He had once camped there in pursuit of a spirit beast and, failing that, had engaged in the daily tasks of the Oracles faction, eventually earning a green proto-drake mount.
The Oracles, a tribe of intelligent crocolisks, were one of the two major powers in Sholazar Basin, the other being the wolvar of the Frenzyheart tribe. The Oracles, ancient inhabitants of this Titan ecological experiment, considered themselves guardians of the remaining Titan technology, worshipping it despite their limited understanding. The Frenzyheart wolvar, warlike honey badgers who had migrated from Borean Tundra to escape the Lich King, constantly clashed with the Oracles for dominance over Sholazar's resources.
In Galen's eyes, the conflict between these two subhuman races was insignificant. In his previous life, he had sided with the Oracles for the rewards. But in this life… Children make choices! Heh heh, with the Knights Templar and the Tyr's Guard at his disposal, he could simply sweep away any opposition!
Thus, Galen pointed to the center of the basin, decisively choosing the location for his new base: The Heart's Blood! This lake, formed by the confluence of several rivers, would allow his forces to access the southeast, northwest, and northeast of the basin via waterways, effectively placing the entire region within his grasp!