"Besides conventional armor-piercing arrows, Trollbane Harbor also accepts special orders. For example, against tribal soldiers with low armor, I recommend these three-edged and spiral arrows. Against the strong muscles of Orcs, their penetration is strong, and they can even pierce bones within a certain range!"
Galen selected the arrowheads from his prepared samples and handed them to Sylvanas.
Sylvanas examined the gleaming arrowheads, crafted from the blacksmith shop's level-three precious metal. They were killing weapons, capable of piercing even level-two traded armor!
"There's also this special rocket. Without sacrificing lethality, our craftsmen added flammable Sourcefire particles to the rear, allowing it to burn for over ten minutes after ignition!"
This was more for show, useful mainly for destroying buildings. Ordinary ranged units used cheaper, easily produced fire arrows.
Galen knew this, so fire arrowheads were stocked in small quantities, while bursting warheads and incendiary bombs were being mass-produced for legion musketeers and mortar squads.
Sylvanas wasn't interested, so Galen presented the last item.
"Demonbane Bullets!"
"Demonbane?"
"Yes, for demons!"
Sylvanas was finally surprised.
"Has Prince Kael'thas shared the truth about the Orcish invasion with you?" Galen asked.
"The truth? Aren't they just a cruel group of otherworldly invaders?" Sylvanas asked, puzzled.
"The mastermind behind the Orcish invasion is Kil'jaeden, a leader of the Burning Legion. The Orcish invasion is a Burning Legion conspiracy, and the demon legion may soon reappear in Azeroth's skies!"
Galen delivered this shocking news casually, making Sylvanas frown. "The Burning Legion?"
The High Elves descended from ancient Kalimdor's Highborne. Their ancestors caused the Burning Legion's first invasion. Later, under Dath'Remar, the Highborne nobles joined the lower-class Night Elves and other ancient allies to drive out the Legion, but this caused a cataclysmic explosion, forming Azeroth's current landmass.
"This is major news. His Highness has only informed the King, keeping it secret to prevent panic!" Sylvanas deduced the High Elven leadership's decision.
The current High Elven kingdom was not led by the first Dath'Remar, who wielded the Sin'dorei Golden Staff and Flamescythe, slaying demons with ease.
The current King Anasterian was the third Sunstrider, and the nobles, no longer in awe of their founder's combat prowess, formed the Silvermoon Council to try to dominate the kingdom. Many nobles had become corrupt and decadent, lacking the tenacity of their predecessors. Mana addiction had decimated the already small Blood Elf population.
"To prepare for the worst, I've already started preparations!" Galen picked up a golden bullet and handed it to Sylvanas. "Lightforged iron Demonbane Bullets, which are super-effective against demons!"
Lightforged iron, as rare as Truesilver, had excellent magic-conducting and energy-gathering properties, especially for Holy Light. Galen had his paladins bless these bullets to enhance their demon-slaying power.
Lightforged iron was also ideal for paladin weapons and armor.
Weapons made with the blacksmith shop's level-three metal, mixed with Lightforged iron and Thorium, were sharper, tougher, and better at conducting and condensing Holy Light, increasing a paladin's strength by 30%!
This was a low-profile Ashbringer. Galen, upon discovering this metal, had ordered its mass collection, preempting the Silver Hand.
This metal was perfect for paladins!
"The potent Holy Light does indeed strongly counter demons. Demonbane Bullets is a fitting name. Galen, can I order arrowheads made from this material?"
"No problem. Trollbane Harbor can dedicate a production line to making arrowheads. Your Farstriders will get priority on the new Lightforged iron as a strategic resource!"
"Thank you, Galen. I'll reserve the deposit for these arrowheads from the Farstriders' military budget! Our budget is almost spent, so I'll pay the full amount next year!"
The Farstriders' recent hostage rescue operation had depleted their supplies, but she had secured more funds from the King. If the Farstriders excelled in this war, their budget would increase next year!
"Don't worry, Sylvanas. As a gesture of friendship, I'll charge you the cost price!"
The processing fee was minimal, an internal blacksmith shop matter. The main expense was the Lightforged iron.
As Galen and Sylvanas returned to the Dun Morogh defense line, the Alliance and Horde naval battle had begun, though only with small-scale probing.
Admiral Daelin was stationed in Southshore, and his eldest son, Derek, patrolled near Balor'dan Bay with his fleet.
Derek, Daelin's excellent successor, had inherited his naval skills and had already sunk many Horde ships.
He also discovered something shocking: some Orcish ships were different, smaller than normal transports, and had a distinct Amani design!
This was a serious discovery. Derek wondered if the trolls, humanity's ancient enemies, had joined the Orcs!
This was bad news!