Reforged Chapter 32: The Pioneer

The bonds of fate can be directly translated as metaphysics and luck.

Such a reason that isn't really a reason can only be attributed to unreliable categories like intuition.

Captain Garcia didn't ask any further questions. After all, Duke was so cooperative and acted within the scope given by Lothar, so there was nothing more to say. After some pleasantries, he gave Duke his guarantee.

"Within an hour, Mr. Reginald *Windsor will appear before you."

A true soldier is always disciplined.

There aren't many slackers among the soldiers trained in Stormwind City.

When Duke met Windsor at the reception hall, he couldn't help but laugh.

His words were obedient, but his face was filled with dissatisfaction. It was just short of carving the words "I hate you" on his forehead.

In the game, Duke could only see a gamified version of the uncle.

When he really saw Windsor, Duke felt that the Marshal had been young once, and quite endearing.

Although the "Marshal" still had that golden crew cut, his age was evident. How much facial hair could a 14-year-old boy grow?

A full beard was out of the question. The mustache under his hooked nose was just a faint golden shadow. With his square jaw, distinctive golden eyebrows, and deliberately tightened facial muscles, he had a poker face.

The only thing that satisfied Duke was Windsor's muscles - bulging biceps, thick thighs, and an overall sense of explosive power.

With those muscles, he could probably take on ten Dukes.

Of course, compared to adult orcs whose arms were thicker than human thighs, Windsor would still be at a disadvantage in terms of strength.

Duke spoke with a smile, "So, Windsor, are you unhappy about becoming my follower?"

Clearly, Windsor was the typical soldier - straightforward and unguarded.

"Yes! My dream is to become a glorious Stormwind warrior, fighting on the front lines to defend the kingdom, not a personal guard, even if the one I guard is a powerful mage like yourself. Besides, in my opinion, you are not that strong."

Windsor's words had just fallen when Duke made his move.

[Calm and Composed] allowed his next spell to be cast instantly.

[Frostbolt] directly taught the future Marshal Windsor a lesson.

"Ah!" An extremely effective Frostbolt caught the fully armored Windsor off guard. His sturdy armor couldn't prevent the cold chill from penetrating his chest. If Duke hadn't held back, Windsor might have been left with lingering health issues.

...

A few minutes later, in front of the only lit stove for warmth inside the Academy of Magic, Windsor sat shivering under a blanket and said, "Alright, I apologize for saying 'You are not powerful, sir.'"

"I accept your apology." Duke smiled and handed a cup of ginger tea to Windsor.

Gradually acknowledging Duke, Windsor's expression softened, "However, I still think becoming your follower conflicts with my dream."

"What is your dream, really? Have you thought about it?"

Windsor looked a bit lost, as he had already stated his dream.

Duke continued, "In fact, our dreams are the same — to strive for the rise of the kingdom of Stormwind!"

Windsor shuddered.

"Do you see the gleaming lion emblem on your chest?"

Following Duke's words, Windsor looked down.

Duke began to speak, narrating eloquently.

"Once, to deal with the threat of trolls, the great Emperor Thoradin united all human tribes and established the great Arathor Empire. Human footprints began to spread across the continent, and one new city-state after another was built. However, as it grew more prosperous, its most powerful core began to crumble."

"The lords of Stromgarde gradually moved their wealth to the prosperous northern region of Lordaeron, abandoning the impoverished south. Even the last descendant of Emperor Thoradin's Arathi bloodline was left in the crumbling walls of ancient Stromgarde."

"Many long years passed until a group of knights reached what is now known as King's Valley. A man stood before them, thrusting his sword into the ground, declaring, 'I swear by my sword that the kingdom of Stormwind shall carry on the glory of the Arathor Empire, sweeping away all oppression and injustice. My people, my subjects, shall follow the oath of Emperor Thoradin, continuing along the path that leads to human prosperity. If a day comes when decay and stagnation blind our descendants, let the kingdom of Stormwind perish in despair!'"

"Twelve hundred years ago, the lion flag of Stormwind was raised in this great valley, reflecting the light of the rising sun."

"But Windsor, tell me, why, twelve hundred years later, is Stormwind's territory still limited to the Elwynn Forest? Why is the region of Westfall called 'Westfall'? Why is there a barren 'barren' in Redridge Mountains?"

"Windsor, for whom do you unsheathe your sword? Isn't it for the future, for tomorrow, for our posterity, so they have more space to live, and are no longer living under the shadow of monsters and various external threats?"

"What Stormwind needs most is not a simple-minded soldier, but a pioneer!"

"Windsor, answer me, will you accompany me as a pioneer?"

Windsor's mouth twitched, and it was evident that his still-innocent heart was wavering under Duke's persuasion.

However, he had an unwavering determination deep within.

"Sir Marcus, I request that you show me your plan, the complete plan." Windsor sat upright, with a resolute expression in his hesitant blue eyes.

"I will show you."

Fifteen minutes later, Duke brought Windsor to the docks of Stormwind.

Ships!

From the moment he decided to develop in Stormwind, Duke thought of ships.

He could never forget the sight of the gleaming Stormwind guards in the Warcraft movie being submerged by the green sea of orcs. In complex terrain, orcs held an absolute advantage in both strength and agility, making them invincible.

Humans believed that chasms and hazardous areas were impassable, but for rcs accustomed to harsh environments, these obstacles were trivial.

Given history's course, Duke had little faith in Stormwind. If he had been transported into King Llane's body, perhaps there would have been hope. Unfortunately, he wasn't; he only had the status of a commoner. Even with the assistance of a system sprite, Duke's capabilities were still limited.

That's why Duke thought of ships, which would be necessary for both retreat and future counterattacks.