A 17-year-old Archmage!?
Any mage who ascends to the level of Archmage is destined to become a distinguished guest in any kingdom. Achieving such a feat at the tender age of seventeen is unparalleled, with Medivh being the only exception in a millennium.
Countless individuals were left speechless by the shock.
"This is... too... exaggerated, isn't it?" King Llane Wrynn remained silent for a long while.
"Ha ha! If Duke were willing to admit he's a dwarf, I'd definitely award him an Ironforge Honor Warrior Medal," Magni Bronzebeard laughed heartily.
"We dwarves have no mages, and Duke is not a warrior," Muradin Bronzebeard teased his older brother.
"Why isn't he a gnome?" Gelbin lamented.
Of course, the happiest among all was the Kingdom of Stormwind.
Upon receiving the news, Llane was well aware that the Kingdom of Stormwind was in the phase of restoration. Even though the domestic ministers were already begrudgingly spending every copper penny, he immediately declared a grand feast to be held that evening in Stormwind to celebrate Duke's promotion.
Llane, who was initially discussing bilateral trade with Daelin, couldn't wait for Duke to return through the portal and went ahead with Daelin to greet him. Midway between the venue and the teleportation portal, they met Duke, who was already surrounded by the Windrunner sisters.
"Duke!" Llane's face was filled with boundless joy: "Weren't you attending a ceremony at Wyrmrest Temple? How did you get promoted so suddenly?"
Daelin added, "I'm curious as well."
Duke sighed, "Ah, Malygos, the Blue Dragon Aspect, was very grateful that I helped him avenge his wife. He insisted on teaching me some magical experiences. When the Magic King himself offers such generosity, it's hard to refuse. I was promoted before I knew it!"
Aurelia, to Duke's right, struggled to contain herself. However, being a woman who understood the bigger picture, she managed to hold back her laughter.
Vereesa, on the left, couldn't hold it in. She covertly covered her mouth, fearing she might accidentally laugh herself into an internal injury.
Just two minutes ago, Duke had told them that he shamelessly asked Malygos to repay a favor, and after an incident occurred, he was fiercely protected by Alexstrasza, leading to his direct promotion with the assistance of the two Dragon Aspects.
Now, in front of the two kings, it somehow turned into the proud Blue Dragon Aspect eagerly facilitating his promotion.
Vereesa, not one to conceal her emotions well, and Aurelia, who also had her moments, were noticed by King Daelin. However, Daelin didn't mind. What he valued was the fact of Duke's promotion itself.
The rise of Duke Marcus was legendary throughout the Alliance, and even the entire human world. In this legend, the only flaw was Duke's personal combat power. Although Duke had the achievement of defeating an enemy Warchief, his power was evidently a notch below Uther, Anduin, or Antonidas.
Now, Duke's last weakness had been fortified.
What presented itself before Daelin was a perfect Duke.
Daelin spoke words of praise, but what he was thinking inside, no one knew.
Meanwhile, Anduin also rushed over. He was initially attending another meeting and galloped over with Magni, who was also in attendance.
Without saying a word, he went straight for a bear hug.
"Cough, cough! I'm dying! Let go! You orc disguised as a human—" Duke cursed.
"Ha ha ha ha!" Laughter echoed everywhere.
Being able to physically bully the newly promoted Archmage was indeed a joyous occasion.
Llane was relieved. Duke's timely promotion gave him renewed hope for the revival of the Stormwind Mage Group. Originally, many mages, whom Duke had attracted with the Karazhan Library, were secretly complaining that Duke didn't have enough time to guide them. Some even harbored other thoughts seeing Duke's not-so-high rank.
All of this was resolved with Duke's promotion.
Not every mage apprentice or low-level mage can receive guidance from Antonidas, let alone Anasterian Sunstrider, who won't teach outsiders. Being able to get pointers from an Archmage of the Silvermoon is the ultimate goal for most potential magic apprentices.
It was once thought that without Medivh, Stormwind would falter in the arcane realm. Now it seems that is not the case. As long as Duke can be promoted to a Sun Mage before thirty, or even fifty, Stormwind's position in the arcane realm will be rock solid.
Unfortunately, Duke told Llane that Karazhan was a bit unstable, otherwise, Llane would really be willing to celebrate grandly for three to five days.
However, this does not affect tonight's banquet.
On January 2nd, Year 3 of the Dark Portal, a grand banquet was held just last night to celebrate the New Year, and most of the dignitaries did not expect another grand feast so soon.
Normally, a large banquet requires a lot of preparation, but since there have been banquets almost every day since December 25th, manpower and ingredients are readily available. As long as you can afford it, it can be as luxurious as you want.
Standing at the entrance of the banquet hall of the Stormwind State Guesthouse, King Llane, Anduin, and tonight's protagonist, Duke, accepted the blessings of every guest.
"Congratulations, Lord Marcus!" Unexpectedly, the representative from Lordaeron was Prince Arthas, who was impeccably dressed in a black evening gown tailored by the royal tailor. Although Arthas was only 13 years old, his exceptional genes made him not only tall but also revealed his handsome potential.
"Thank you, Prince Menethil," Duke responded with respect.
"Actually, I'm not much younger than you, so if possible, I hope to call you Brother Duke. You can also call me by my name," Arthas's handsome face, as refreshing as a spring breeze, made it hard for people to refuse his enthusiasm.
"Alright then! Welcome, Arthas!" Duke, the rascal, secretly channeled magic into his arm. At this moment, Duke was like an ogre in disguise, hugging Arthas so tightly that he could barely breathe.
The 13-year-old boy hadn't developed well yet, and Arthas was directly defeated.
Uh, everyone says Duke has a frail body, doesn't seem like it!
Finally catching his breath, Arthas, his face flushed from Duke's overpowering hug, said, "Sorry, my father is feeling a bit unwell today, so he sent me to convey his blessings to you, Duke."
Unwell? Terenas must be feeling heartache, right?
The dignitaries from various countries who heard this on the side were snickering.
One after another, dignitaries came to congratulate Duke. Except for Quel'Thalas and Gilneas, who have already withdrawn from the Alliance, dignitaries from all countries were present.
The only unexpected guest was Krasus, who came with Rhonin.
After some pleasantries, Krasus got straight to the point: "Duke, why not become Rhonin's teacher?"
"Huh?"