Varrus had received word that his wife was going out, to which he was immensely jealous.

Whilst he was forced to sit here at this council meeting, she was able to get some fresh air, and pursue her flower pressing hobby. Lucky girl.

“Well Vandercross, what hair-brained scheme have you cooked up next? What is this I see about the judissiary on our folders?” Tae'thelon slurred his speech as he continued to drink alcohol from a seemingly bottomless flask.

Varrus internally sweat at the unkempt appearance of their local chief educator, and Titan researcher. He opened his mouth to respond, but was beaten to it by Koren.

“It has to do with my brother, and the false accusations he levied against the Highlord.” Koren hung his head in shame as he explained.

“So, you’re afffraid for your life, is that it Vandercross?” Tae'thelon taunted between sips.

“Unity amongst our people is necessary if we are to pull ourselves out of this mess. I cannot allow unrest and belligerent elements to attack from behind. The enemy would simply love to see discord in our ranks, and would pounce upon any opportunity to chew our necks off. What you see as cowardice, I see as prudence.” Varrus staunchly rebutled, refusing to give way towards Tae'thelon’s needling.

“Oh give the boy a break. I’m certain the child, what was his name?”

“Dakar.” Telonicus supplied.

“Yes, Dakar’s father didn't simply disappear. I knew the Vongstag patriarch, and had attended quite a few parties with him. He hated Vandercross’ father. Are you sure there isn't something you would like to tell this council? Hmm?” Tae'thelon questioned Varrus with a lazy, yet poignant smile.

“The Highlord is a kind soul, one who selflessly stood up against the Undead, and focused on healing. Why would you think otherwise?” Liadran spoke up in her soft, angelic voice, and admonished Tae'thelon.

“Politics, my dear, is a messy, often volatile affair. You are neither old, nor young, you cannot demonstrate such abject naiveté at your age!” Tae'thelon chided, shaking his head.

Liadran had a lost look on her face as she scrunched her brows in thoughtful confusion from Tae'thelon's admonishment.

“You really never saw any of this in the church? The politicking of one worshiper gathering support from another for promotion? The disappearance of a practitioner who was ‘lost in the woods, and killed by an Amani?’ Or someone in a high post stepping down to ‘spend some time with their family?’ Really girl, do not act so blind, it is embarrassing.” Tae'thelon scoffed, and went to take another sip, only to scowl once he saw that his flask was empty.

“Words are lethal, girl. Even the dust covered researcher knows this much.” Thaladred warned in a tired, weary voice.

Liadran looked around the table like she couldn't believe what she was hearing, yet everyone else remained stone faced as the hope and light of innocence dimmed in her eyes.

Varrus sighed, he truly felt bad for the lady. Compassionate, genuine people seemed so rare to come across, both on Earth, and here on Azeroth. To see one lose that spark, it was like watching a bunch of kids learning that death was real.

“It is a sad truth, lass. Live as long as us, and you’ll see your fair share of backstabs, and more. But you’re a member of the Convocation now. The boy has a keen eye, and I’m sure he didn't pick you for no reason. As a Councilor, you can promote those within the Church of the Holy Light that you deem as truly good people, and we will support you. Wield this power wisely, and your dream of a truly benevolent organization may come true.” The grizzled Ranger General, Lor'Themar placed a hand upon Liadran’s shoulder, and squeezed her comfortingly.

Liadran smiled graciously at the elder Elf, and seemed to regain some of her lost spirit.

Not for the first time this night did Varrus choose to deliberately look away. An innocent, pretty lady in a world as foul as Azeroth was like spotting a unicorn on Earth. Honestly, the red headed paladin was endearing.

“Y-yeah! We are in charge of promotions at the Convocation. I'm sure whoever you choose will be first class!” Koren spoke up with a chipper tone, and in Varrus’ view could not be closer in nature to an excited dog wagging his tail.

“Thank you, I will try my best.” Liadran smiled, seeming to send Koren into a stupor.

“Ahem, well said, Old Man! Lady Liadran, do not lose all hope in our society. There are still some out there who share in your good nature. The Prince, Kael’Thas is a remarkable man who cares far more about this nation than anyone at this table could ever imagine. And while I’ll shy away from the label you have placed upon me, there is nothing more I want than for the success of our people.” Varrus said, placing a hand over his heart, and lightly bowing.

“Fancy words, but it's a Vandercross, what more can you expect? Anyhow, let us return to the topic at hand.” Tae'thelon beckoned towards the councilors.

“What, are you done lecturing the paladin so soon? How much did you charge my daughter for tuition again?” Telonicus boredly drawled.

Varrus chuckled at the exchange, because there was no way Telonicus didn't know, and Tae'thelon was well aware of that fact! However, Tae'thelon was right, it was time to get down to business, and settle this issue.

“Gentleman, peace. Let the Headmaster say what he needs to say.” Varrus held out his hands, then glanced at Tae'thelon, giving him a stern look.

It was as if he had said ‘you had best watch your next words carefully.’

“For the sake of unity and the safety of my neckline, I’ll remain silent about this matter. However, once stability returns, I hope these typical Vandercross antics cool down.” Tae'thelon stared Varrus in the eye, and then looked away as Varrus refused to budge or blink.

“Agreed. Unity is most important in these trying times. Unfortunately, my rangers are too busy securing the realm to conduct an investigation regarding any frivolous rumor. You agree, boy?” Lor'Themar said in jest, yet there was steel layered beneath his silken words.

“Sure thing, old man.” Varrus saluted.

Message received.

The members of the Convocation would sweep this matter under the rug, and would not be investigating Koren's father's death.

Honestly, Varrus never thought anyone would investigate it. What, with the insane event known as the Scourging of Silvermoon, who would investigate every death when an Undead Horde numbering in the millions sacked your homeland?

However, if Koren could murder his father, it made Varrus wonder what crazy antics the people got up to during the zombie apocalypse. Shaking his head, Varrus decided he'd let dead dogs lie. There was no need to go digging in other people's closets so long as stability reigned supreme.

Lor'Themar and Tae'thelon were right. Besides, if he had any enemies in the future, he could do what any corrupt politician did, and throw the law at them.

In a sense, that is what he was doing with Dakar at the moment. The poor dude watched his dad get murdered in front of him, and when he attempted his revenge, got tossed into one of the worst prisons imaginable.

Varrus still felt bad for the dude, but after he heard that threat towards his wife, most of his sympathy had evaporated.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

And if that didn't work, then he could plant evidence to make it true. He never thought he would ever level up his Pickpocket skill, or find time to invest in Sneak, but strange times made for even stranger bedfellows. If he was to succeed in this tragic world, he couldn't rely solely on Destruction, Restoration, and Enchanting to see things through.

As demonstrated by his interrogation, even the Illusion skill tree held some use outside of battle.

There was much Varrus had to learn about the inner workings of society, and many different types of battlefields. The Troll or Demon were easily identifiable external threats. However, the knife in the dark was one Varrus would have to constantly be on guard against.

Firming up his resolve, Varrus decided he would embrace the corruption. If it meant securing the safety of his wife, those who placed their faith in him, and advancing the stability of the nation, then there wasn't anything he was unwilling to do.

“Telonicus, what charges can I bring towards Dakar Vongstag for his reckless behavior?” Varrus asked the genius engineer who seemed to know every factoid.

“Statute 5.5.1: Publicly disparaging a council member is one week's detention within the dungeon. Statute 5.0.1: Threatening violence against a member of the public is 2 years of detention followed by 5 years of community service. Statute 5.0.0: Threatening violence against a member of the Convocation: 10 years of detention, followed by 20 years of community service.” Telonicus boredly listed.

“And confessing to plotting an assassination?” Varrus asked, showing off the edited recording of Dakar's interrogation.

“Statute 5.1.2: plotting to assassinate a member of the Convocation, 200 years detention, followed by exile.”

‘Holy shit Rho'dan! You really knew what you were doing back there!’ Varrus thought to himself as he leaned back into his chair.

Without Rho'dan's quick thinking, Dakar may be released from the dungeon whilst the events of World of Warcraft were at the peak of their danger!

The laws obviously favored the people in power over the common citizen, and whilst on any other day, Varrus would call bullshit, all he could do was thank his corrupt father for setting things up for him.

As the law stood, Varrus would not have to worry about Dakar ever again. It was cruel, and inhumane, but perhaps in 30 years or so, once things had hopefully cooled down, Varrus could see about making things right.

By then, Varrus would have maxed out everything in his Skyrim UI, and be untouchable by any casual Hero of Dakar’s tier.

Besides, 50 years seemed like a lot from a Human perspective, but for a near immortal race, it really wasn't much compared to some of the Elves who had surpassed a millenia in age. 50 years was more than half of an average Human's lifespan, whereas to an Elf, you weren't really considered a young adult until your 200's. The difference between the perception of time was hard for Varrus to wrap his head around as a former Human, but at the end of the day, this was good news for him.

Koren all the while, was looking at Varrus with a pleading look.

“Then I propose Dakar serve out his sentence.” Varrus said, immediately holding up a hand to forestall Koren's protest.

“And in 50 years, we reassess his case, and see if he is fit to rejoin society. Never let it be known that I am without compromise.” Varrus said with a glance at Tae'thelon.

The Headmaster rolled his eyes, yet raised a glass of wine in acknowledgement.

“Let us vote.” Varrus banged the gavel on the table.

Several muttered ayes indicated the weakness of Varrus’ cause, however, all that mattered to him was that the motion passed.

“Next up, the Sunwell. I have told some of you before, but I have a plan to restore it to its full power.” Varrus said with pride.

The table was dead silent as most of the occupants, including Thaladred & Telonicus, looked at Varrus as if he had said the impossible.

“This goes against all known convention. How exactly are you going to achieve this?” Telonicus eagerly questioned. He stole Tae'thelon's folder, just so he could have a free piece of scrap paper to write upon.

“Yes. Do not give us a false hope. The emptiness. The emptiness inside me cannot be teased so wantonly.” Thaladred leaned forward, and gripped the table roughly, bending part of it with his terrifying mana enhanced strength.

“Those of you who saw the Highlord fight should know about his vast, Arcane repertoire. I think I speak for everyone here when I say Lord Vandercross is full of surprises. His seemingly limitless mana, the ability to regenerate limbs, and heal fatal injuries.if anyone can restore the Sunwell, it is him!” Koren replied to Thaladred, full of vim and vinegar. The light of zealotry shone brightly in his eyes.

“Is it true, Varrus? Are our prayers answered? Without the Sunwell, we have lost our land of eternal spring & autumn. Will you deliver us from this foul cloud of malays?” Liadran clasped her hands as if she were in prayer, and softly asked in a hopeful tone.

“The boy is a silver tongue, no doubt, but even he doesn't have the gumption to lie to us like that. Tell us your plan, boy.” Lor'Themar said encouragingly, and slapped Varrus on the shoulder with a wink.

“Old Man, members of the Convocation. It is a simple plan, but one that I have full confidence will work.” Varrus said, meeting the eyes of everyone present.

Thanks to the quest text: [Remember the Sunwell!: repair the Sunwell 0/999,999,999 mana] Varrus knew all he needed was a fuckton of mana.

And if there was anything Varrus was capable of, thanks to his Mana Stones, it was a fuck ton of mana.

999,999,999 mana was a lot. But due to his perks Home Mythal, and Welloc's Dormant Arcana the yield of every Master tier Mana Stone was 400,000, and cost 0 mana to cast.

Home Mythal - Summons a permanent magical field at the location where you learn this perk. Alteration spells gain 2x duration and 2x power if cast within 5000 feet, and x20 duration if cast within 250 feet.

Welloc's Dormant Arcana - Choose a spell type (Armor, Cloak, Conjure Daedra, Conjure Undead, Invisibility) and 3 magic effects (Fortify, Regenerate, Waterwalking, ...). The chosen magic effects will activate when you are affected by the chosen spell type.

The Master tier Mana Stone took 20 seconds to cast, and the base amount created was 100k. Between the 2x modifier of Home Mythal, the 2x modifiers, it was now 400k~.

Effectively, in an 8 hour work day, if Varrus cast the spell nonstop, it would turn up to 1,440 times. That was a staggering 576,000,000 mana! So in essence, Varrus could restore the Sunwell in a single day if he mindlessly grinded like a zombie.

However, so long as the Rune Stones were down, and Archimonde remained on Azeroth, Varrus was uncomfortable with restoring the Sunwell. If he fixed it tomorrow, the Legion would be on their doorstep, and that was simply put, unacceptable.

So he lied to his fellow councilors.

“I have been slowly amassing the Mana Stones, and have a foolproof method to restore the Sunwell. I won't get into the specifics as of now, but rest assured that it is happening. But by my estimate, it should take anywhere between 4 months, and 2 years, depending on how the Mana Stones are spent.” Varrus slowly explained.

“What a tease. Well, this was a productive day. I do believe I shall see myself out.” Tae'thelon said sarcastically. He then floated out of his seat, and disappeared in a flash of teleportation.

“Thank you for hosting the Convocation, Varrus.” Liadran nodded, then pulled Thaladred and Koren aside to discuss the relief efforts for Tranquillien.

Telonicus had his pen still on his paper, and was giving off some depressing vibes.

Varrus noted this and was about to leave, when he noticed that he was, in fact, stuck to his chair as if it had been lathered with glue.

“Enjoying the view, First Seat.” Lor'Themar chuckled.

“Haha, very funny Old Man.” Varrus faux chuckled as he tried to remove himself to no avail.

“Come see me after you have cleansed the Dead Scar, I have much more to teach you.” Lor'Themar smirked, then vaulted over the railing, disappearing into the dark of the night.

“Now that I have you alone, Highlord, I must know, how exactly do you intend to restore the Sunwell?” Telonicus queried.

Varrus looked left and right, cursing the damned Old Man.

Ahh fuck it.

Varrus ignored the Royal Engineer, and activated the Alteration perk, Dimension Door, teleporting himself home.

A second later, Varrus found himself just 30ft from where he had previously been on the balcony. The engineer was a mage, so he likely recognized the nearby fluctuations, but what was the sod to do? Varrus had the blinds closed, and Rho'dan posted outside.

‘Damn old bastard!’ Varrus raged to himself as he recalled Lor'Themar's smirk.

So he had paralyzed the older Elf, and left him face down on the sweat laden floor. That was payback for attacking him with the intent to draw blood!

Whilst Varrus assumed the epoxy would wear off in a few hours, much like his paralysis spell, that didn’t mean Varrus enjoyed being glued to his seat. He thought about simply breaking the chair with his improved strength, but he didn’t want bits of pulp and wood to stick to his robe. Cleaning that shit out would be more of a pain in the ass than sitting down for another hour or two.

Drumming his knuckles across a nearby table, Varrus began to conjure up some food as he began to think up some creative plots of revenge to get back at the Ranger General.

The old man thought he was teaching Varrus a lesson? Well they’d see who could out petty who!