D
Despite the urgency of the matter, I wanted to rest. I spent the night atop this massive fungi, and awoke feeling refreshed, ready to take on these Naga, to disable their pumping stations and calm the fears of my old Dranaei friend. Recollecting his instructions, I left my room and made way to the center platform where my Gryphon was waiting. As I walked, I heard something thudding behind me as I walked. “You’re too late! I see it! Coilfang Reservoir is active again! Now he’s starting to get to me. I turned and waved courteously, then flew towards the east, leaving him yelling frantically behind me.
Seems everyone around this strange dimension has taken my deeds for granted. They’ve come to expect tireless servitude from any stranger that comes through. If only I was here when it was full of heros. Maybe then I wouldn’t feel so bitter. After finally defeating Thaurissian, it’s been as if I am the last hero in all of Azeroth. Just where exactly is everyone? That drunken Gnome was was right. The heros really have come and gone, and all that is left of the Outlands is this empty shell. The wounds across the landscape are the only indication of the conflict that has long since passed.
In the fog I saw a large, mechanical structure by a lake. This had to be the first steam pump, and as luck would have it there didn’t seem to be any Naga around. I landed at the pump and sprinkled some Ironvine Seeds that the old Dranaei gave me the night before. In an instant the mechanism was covered in roots. I stood there and marveled as the roots ripped through the electronics. When smoke began to pour from the control unit I knew I was finished.
To my surprise, when I turned around I discovered that I was surrounded by a group of angry Nagas! I was knocked back by a furious Naga stabbing at me with his old trident. Grabbing my sword and shield off the ground I slashed at the creature. It’s arm landed to the ground with a satisfying *plurp*. I defeated countless Naga before retreating to my Gryphon.
Clearly the Naga were around the water the whole time. I should be more careful. I headed southward to the next steam pump. This time I landed behind the structure, and cautiously made my way toward the controls. Unlike the previous, this one was swarming with creatures. Keeping a low profile, I stealthily took out two Naga guarding the pump controls, then threw the seeds and made a quick dash back to my Gryphon before the others took notice.
Two more left. I flew southward, close to the ground to get a good look through the murky fog. It didn’t take long to find this pump. The mechanical structure stood out like a thorn int he otherwise tranquil lake. Once again I landed a fair distance away, on a tiny island overlooking the lake. I readied my weapons and took the seeds out of my bag. I snuck towards the steam pump, but was startled by a loud splash to my left. A red, crablike creatur charged towards me. I swung, but my weapon bounced right off the shelled monster.
The heros really have come and gone, and all that is left of the Outlands is this empty shell. The wounds across the landscape are the only indication of the conflict that has long since passed.
I heard a trident whiz past my head as a group of Nagas ran after the creature. Perhaps they were natural enemies. Rebounding from the impact, the monstrous crab lost all interest in me and ran towards its’ attackers. I didn’t have time to think, I just made way straight to the steam pumps and threw a handful of seeds on the ground, then turned and ran towards my gryphon. As we lifted off into the air I caught a fleeting glimpse of the chaos below me. “Even if I wasn’t here to help, somehow nature has a way of balancing itself out”, I thought to myself as I let out a long sigh.
We flew to the west. I was quite eager to stop this last one so I could leave this place behind. We flew past the large, mushroom city, then I saw a dull blue light seemingly hovering over the final lake. As we got closer, I was astonished by what was happening right before my eyes. Swirling around this light, the water was seemingly flowing towards the sky, displaced by a massive, sprawling pump. The old Dranaei had plenty of reason to be alarmed. The water was being drained at an impossibly quick rate.
Suddenly a sense of urgency came over me. If I waited any longer, the entire ecosystem here would be turned upside down, and it would be my fault. How could I be so selfish? These people are counting on me! What would Ollo think of me? There was no time to plan this last one. I jumped off my Gryphon and ran with all my might toward the last steam pump. I threw the seed as the growing mob of Nagas closed in. I swung my mace as a feeling of calm swept over me. My intent was clear once again. Even if I am the last hero here, the people need me. I won’t let them down.
