Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 108 7. Although I am not the head of state from HEB province, I can still beat you all to pieces!
The Vigilante sent the Burning Blade across the battlefield outside Highmaul and delivered his own letter to the besieged Gantenon Temple. He was looking forward to the response of the Ogre Leader who was already in dire straits.

But he didn't expect that the response from the wizard leader Mar'gok would come so quickly.

At dawn, outside the ruins of Mogol Town that was razed to the ground by the enraged Gronn, the saint had just led the recruits in completing today's prayers for Holy Light. Just as he was worrying that his accumulated Holy Power would once again manifest as the dangerous "innumerable", the dusty Fire Blade Sword Saint appeared near the camp.

He strode towards Diakum and without a word took out a strange crystal rune and handed it to him.

Dick took the crystal and looked at it in his hand. The Eredar have a natural talent for jewelry craftsmanship, and distinguishing and screening gems is almost a natural skill for them. Even young Yrel could see the peculiarity of this crystal.

In particular, the polishing process is absolutely top-notch. It is hard to imagine that the stupid-looking ogres can produce such exquisite multi-faceted diamond-shaped crystal gems.

What's even more amazing is that each perfect facet of this crystal has unique ancient runes engraved on it, making this crystal itself a very sophisticated magical weapon.

"This is the Apexis Crystal! Uncle Diachem."

The knowledgeable "Traveler" Leland came over and explained to Dick:

"This is a special gem originating from the world of Draenor. It's a unique mineral that naturally possesses concentrated energy. It's also the most commonly used and important spellcasting resource for Gorian ogre wizards. Those wizards use unique 'rune' magic and often mine various unique rocks to store arcane magic.

Although I have never been to Highmaul, I have exchanged magic materials with the ogre wizard in the Bladespire Fortress in Frostfire Ridge.

Although that guy's original intention was to turn me into his spell-casting slave, I still learned the secret of the Apexis Crystal from him before our fragile "friendship" broke down.

This thing is just like the Arkinite crystal we use, and can be used as energy for most magical rituals.

Archbishop Hataru studied the mysteries of Apexis crystal many years ago. He improved this mineral and made it into a new material for Arkinite crystal. Today, more than half of the various Arkinite crystal devices used by your compatriots come from the mining of Apexis crystal.

"I see."

Dick nodded, indicating that he understood.

He also had to put on an "educated" expression, even though in his heart he knew more and more complete secrets of the Apexis Crystal than his "adopted daughter".

He even knew that the ogre wizards' Apexis magic heritage was not unique to them. In fact, the ogres learned this spell from the Crowman priests in the south of the continent. However, after the collapse of the Crowman's Solar Empire, the Goria Empire could naturally declare this power of others as the ogres' own powerful heritage.

But it must be said that these ogre wizards are indeed quite capable.

They developed their own unique energy manipulation based on the crystal magic taught by the Crow People, and the ogre wizards also made good use of the unique power of the Apexis crystal to catalyze the intelligence of the tribe on a large scale and artificially "create" smarter and more powerful two-headed ogres.

It can be said that Apexis crystal magic is the most brilliant pearl in the ogre civilization.

Even though Highmaul was destroyed in this battle in official history and the Gorian Empire completely disappeared from the history of Draenor, the Apexis legacy was still inherited, and decades later, a strange ogre organization called "Ogrila" was born in the ruins of Draenor. The famous "Demon's Peerless" trial was the work of those "clever" ogres.

But for now, we can put the study of the secrets of this crystal rune on hold. Since Lantreso, the "Special Envoy of the Vigilant", brought this thing back, it means that the Ogre Wizard Leader has shown his sincerity.

"Activate it, Leland."

Dick handed the rune stone to his adopted daughter and instructed:
"Let's find a quiet place. I need to make sure that my conversation with the Wizarding Leader isn't known to too many people."

"give it to me."

Leilan took the runestone and, under Garona's protection, went to a silent ruin of Mogol, where he looked for a suitable building to create a private conversation space for Uncle Diakum and the Ogre Leader.

After they left, Dick looked at the Burning Blade Master and asked:
"Is it bad?"

"The word 'terrible' can no longer be used to describe it."

Lantreso shook his head and said:
"The ogre fortress is like a candle in the wind, and what's more terrible is that their morale is low. I understand some ogre language. When I was scouting near the Gantenon Temple, I saw with my own eyes that an ogre wizard under Margok took advantage of the shift change to escape from the position.

The most outrageous thing is that the Twilight's Hammer Clan has people specifically responsible for responding to it.

As long as they changed into new battle clothes on the spot, the ogre could easily complete the camp change.

This is the racial tradition of these guys. The admiration for strength is an instinct engraved in their blood. This is also the way the Fire Blade Clan deals with ogre bandits during their daily defense patrols. They kill their leaders in front of them, and the remaining ogre barbarians will scatter even if they still have the strength to fight.

Although they are naturally wild and strong, they are poorly disciplined and poorly organized."

The Burning Blade Sword Saint commented indifferently:
"In my opinion, Highmaul no longer needs to be saved!
The Twilight's Hammer Clan's attack there was more like 'recruiting' than destruction. Most of the powerful warriors under Mar'gok's command have become the backbone of the evil Cho'gall, and the wizard leader's elite troops have been completely hollowed out.

Even if you were to descend from the sky, you could only rescue a commander without troops."

"No, it is precisely because ogres are naturally strong that Mar'gok remains valuable."

Diakum looked at the burning Highmaul Castle ahead and shook his head.
"Ch'gall wants to destroy the Gorian Empire by killing Mar'gok then and there, but we can do the opposite!
As long as Cho'gall, the 'Axis of Evil', is slain on the battlefield, the Twilight's Hammer ogres will immediately defect. Then, with a single call from Mar'gok, the weakened Gorian Empire, as you see it, will naturally rebound and recover."

"Well, from a strategic point of view, this is indeed a solution."

The Burning Blade Sword Saint nodded, but then asked:
"But Cho'gall is very cunning. How can you accurately behead him if he moves so elusive? Your granddaughter and I can help locate him, but the problem is, I don't think the Twilight's Hammer clan will give Highmaul more time.

The temple was destroyed in the past day or two."

"Well, that's not what we need to worry about, Lantresor. We just need to be prepared to intervene in the war."

The saint waved his hand confidently and said:

"Cooperation requires both parties to take action and achieve their respective goals. This collaborative approach to victory is called 'cooperation.' On this matter, the Wizard Leader Mar'gok is even more anxious than we are."

"You mean, let it be bait?"

Lantresor was indeed a master of tactics. He immediately guessed Dick's idea, but he frowned and shook his head and said:
"It's not very realistic. If that cunning ogre leader had the courage, the situation in Highmaul wouldn't have deteriorated to this point. In my opinion, that noble bloodline with hereditary power is nothing but a coward.

Grom Hellscream broke its will in a single blow during the siege."

"Then help it regain its courage!"

Dick flexed his fingers and said:

"When his own people and kingdom are facing extinction, if he, as a king, cannot make a decision, then the Goria Empire deserves its demise!

The Alliance of K'ure is not the only option.

If the ogres are strong enough, then all they need is a powerful warrior with ogre blood to initiate the conquest, and eventually all the ogres in Draenor will gather under one banner and fight for the same goal!

Margok must understand his situation.

If it acts like a giant baby king, only expecting others to rescue it while being unwilling to make any sacrifices of its own, then it is not the ally we need."

"Saint, Ms. Leland has activated the runestone, and the arrogant ogre wizard leader is waiting to speak with you."

Nobundo ran over to report, Dick nodded, turned and walked towards the ruins of Mogol.

He entered a relatively intact room. Lelan was using his magic to keep the rune activated. The Apexis crystal was suspended in the air, constantly emitting a violet halo, and within that halo was projected the shrunken figure of the wizard leader Mar'gok.

This two-headed ogre wizard of noble bloodline wears a gorgeous crimson robe of the head. On his waist and chest are mysterious purple Apexis crystal pendants emitting powerful arcane energy, and his shoulders are covered with heavy armor made of steel.

The most peculiar thing is that there is a crown of the head supported by arcane power on the back.

This outfit allowed the ogre to break away from the previous stereotype of being "stupid" and "barbaric". Even the two heads and three eyes with war patterns engraved on them became wise and noble.

It is very tall.

It is several heads taller than the strongest ogre warrior. Just from sitting on the ancient stone throne, one can infer that this guy is at least five meters tall. Even among ogres, he is considered a "giant", which reflects his extraordinary wizard bloodline.

Behind the wizard leader stood an elemental monster composed of arcane energy on each side. These elemental energy creatures should have been irrational and extremely violent, but at this moment they were as docile as servants beside Margok, holding high the weapons belonging to the noble leader for him.

On the left hand side is a huge staff embellished with arcane energy and wrapped with a luxurious ribbon like the authority of the Supreme Leader.

On the right hand side is a ferocious and powerful heavy sword. Mysterious runes cover the blade, giving it the power and majesty of the heritage of the Goria Empire.

"Go ahead."

Seeing the arrival of the real master, the wizard leader in the magic projection raised his hand and said arrogantly:
"Saint of the Draenei, why do you seek the presence of the King of Goria? Now that you are before the king, why do you not bow?"

Well, it was standard Draenei, with clear pronunciation, well-chosen words and even a hint of elegant retroflex consonants. Moreover, this two-headed ogre did not have the bad habit of splitting a sentence into two heads like other two-headed ogres.

When one of its heads spoke, the other remained silent, but there was a gleam of thought in its three eyes, indicating that its two heads could think at the same time. This was a manifestation of the perfect collaboration of two consciousnesses in the same body, representing the uniqueness and transcendence of the Wizard Leader.

But it was this attitude that made the vigilant very unhappy.

He stared at the still arrogant Margok in the projection and said:

"So, honorable Wizard Sovereign, who is in dire straits now, us or you? Who is in urgent need of help, the Gorian Empire or the Draenei?
Since you have offered this talisman, please show an attitude that matches it!

I have no intention of arguing with you about etiquette. Time is precious to both you and me, so I will skip the formalities and get straight to the point. What response do you and your empire intend to offer to the Alliance of K'ure, which I personally offer you?

"Oh, pragmatist, I like it!"

The other head of the Wizard Leader spoke.

This time, his voice was no longer arrogant, but rather as solemn and majestic as a warrior's. His blood-red single eye stared at Diakum and asked:
"But before forming an alliance, I must at least know your strength.
My empire has fallen, my noble subjects have become bandits, and the empire's former territory has been invaded by inferior races. These are all facts, but the Gorian Empire has not yet fallen! As the most orthodox king of Draenor, I will not allow myself to ally with a group of charlatans.

"Then you shall stay in the Gandenon."

Dick's tone cooled as he said:

"You guarded your throne while Cho'gall drained your power, sent your noble people into the hands of the War Horde, and were driven by the Blackhand Warchief as war slaves to slaughter the world. Actually, you should thank me.

If it weren't for my victory in Shadowmoon Valley, which forced Blackhand to accelerate the pace of the war, Grom Hellscream would not have been recalled to Tanaan Jungle. If the Warsong clan chieftain had still dominated this war, I'm afraid both of your heads would be hanging from the gates of Grommashar's clan fortress by now, as a demonstration of the Warsong clan's great military prowess.

Although this is our first meeting, Master Wizard, you already owe a favor to the Draenei!"

Margok fell silent.

It was trapped in the Gantheon but was not isolated from the news. As the number one person in the arcane field in Draenor, the Wizard King had plenty of ways to observe the changes in the world without leaving home.

It knew that Diakum was not seeking credit, but was telling the truth.

The tough verbal confrontation made Mar'gok realize that the Draenei saint in front of him was not an easy character to control. In fact, this conversation might just be an attempt by him, which meant that the Alliance of K'ure might really have other candidates besides him.

Well, this is really the worst news for a leader of a faction who is in desperate need of reinforcements.

So, the Wizard King decided to stop pretending.

It stood up from its throne, and this action allowed Diakum to clearly see the wound hidden under the gorgeous robe on its waist. Although the hideous tear had scabbed and healed during recuperation, its shape showed that it was caused by a heavy weapon.

Needless to say, that must have come from the Blood Roar in Grom Hellscream's hands. No wonder it stayed indoors. For the strong-loving ogres, if their leader looked so weak, there was no way they could have the morale to fight.

But on the other hand, the fact that he was able to escape from the hands of Grom, the "headshot maniac", is enough to prove the value of this ogre wizard.

"My empire needs allies! In the past, the Gorian Empire has always fought alone, using our strength to confront the entire world. But as you said in your letter, the gathering of warring tribes is only a sign of worse times to come."

The wizard leader said in a deep voice:
"To be honest, Draenei Saint, when I was injured and weak, an emissary from the Burning Legion did visit me, and a Nathrezim offered me quite generous conditions.

It says that if my empire and I form an alliance with the warring tribes, we can receive the blessing of power from the great demon!

It promised me that my empire would rise again, and that the glory of Goria would shine across Draenor as it once did.

However, I decisively rejected it and strangled the dreadlord with my own hands as a resolute response from the Gorian Empire to the Burning Legion. Do you know why? "

"Appreciate further details."

Dick made a "please" gesture, and the Wizarding Leader snorted. Both of its heads spoke at the same time, saying loudly:
"Because it demands that I kneel before the Lord of the Legion! It demands that I offer my loyalty to that supreme power. However, a king cannot bow his head! My power will not allow me to bow my head to anyone.

If this Sunset Empire needs to sacrifice my dignity to be saved, then I would rather destroy it with my own hands.

Sounds a bit silly and a bit arrogant, right?

Putting the dignity of a king before the survival of the empire makes me look less like a wise ruler.

But you have to know that for an ogre leader, actively bowing to someone means you will lose everything you have! No matter how powerful the opponent is, you have to fight it for your status and power!
Only the strong are worthy of leading the tribe!
This is our tradition, just like the orcs' Mak'gora, this is the glory of us ogres.

So, Saint of the alien race, no matter what your Alliance of K'ure wants to get from the Goria Empire, and no matter whether this alliance is another damn trick, I need help now, and I will not hide it.

But don't even think about setting up another 'master' over me!
This is my bottom line. "

"The Alliance of K'ure will not have a leader in the conventional sense."

Dick nodded and emphasized:

"Draenei and orcs are equal. If the Gorian Empire is willing to join, then you and your people can enjoy this equality.

This covenant is for the protection of the world, not for conquest. In times of war, it can unite all races to deal with threats together. In times of peace, it is the best diplomatic occasion to coordinate conflicts. You don't have to worry about the emergence of a character like the "High King of Draenor".
Or in other words, if you want to become the High King of Draenor, it depends on your skills.

But right now, we have a common enemy, not just the War Horde, but also the Burning Legion, who demand your enslavement."

"We can discuss this later! I'm a visionary leader and won't be tempted by empty promises."

Prince Margok waved his hand, interrupting Dick's description and saying:

"I can join, but only if the siege of Highmaul is lifted! You must bring your army here and assist me in repelling the Twilight's Hammer siege. Once my capital is secure, we can discuss joining the Covenant."

"I have a better idea."

Dick waited until the Wizard King had finished speaking, then he stared at it and said:

"In your Highmaul, you and I worked together to kill Cho'gall, the chieftain of the Twilight's Hammer, and to annihilate the Twilight Vanguard of the War Horde. This was a shared victory that cemented our partnership.

You know your ogre traditions better than I do!

If you can kill Cho'gall in front of those weak brute soldiers and wizards, it proves that you are more powerful than it!
You also have the blessing of the royal blood of Goria. With the power of victory, you can make a call from the sky, and those servants who have betrayed you will return in an instant. Even the Twilight Hammer warriors that Cho'gall has worked so hard to gather will become your army.

Isn't this the first step towards the revival of the Goria Empire?"

"good idea!"

The Wizard Leader's three eyes flashed at the same time, but then it snorted contemptuously and said:
"But you are trying to use words to deceive me into becoming bait for your hunt for Cho'gall. I don't know what personal grudge you have with that bastard I personally branded with the mark of shame and exiled from my homeland, but the fact is, you, this alien saint, have a 'bad heart' hidden in the light.

You know clearly that only when I personally walk out of the Gandenon Temple and onto the battlefield will the hidden cunning Cho'gal appear on his own initiative.

You are fishing!

And I am the bait you cast.

You should convince me, Diakham Zastins, but I'm curious how you're going to convince me to take such a risk? What if you break your promise when I need your help the most?

"You should probably convince yourself."

Dick smiled. He took out the original document of the Alliance of K'ure from his bosom and unfolded it before the head of the state, Margok. He pointed to the signature at the bottom of the document, which shone with elemental light, and said:
"Look, here are the signatures of the Frostwolf and White Claw clans!
Two orc clans that have long lived in Frostfire Ridge have become staunch members of the Alliance of K'ure. The best part is that they have long suffered the threat from the Bladespire ogres in their own land. As far as I know, Bladespire Fortress is the frontier of the once glorious Gorian Empire.

The tens of thousands of ogres in that fortress, divided into several factions and led by different warlords, fighting each other, should all be your servants! They have been away from the glory of the empire for too long, forgetting their glorious past and returning to barbarism, especially after the Battle of Blood River killed another wizard leader.

I make this promise to you, Your Majesty Margok.

You and Highmaul have joined the Alliance of K'ure, and the Frostwolves and White Claws will assist your army in retaking Bladespire Fortress!
Of course, those ogres had to be evacuated from Frostfire Ridge.

They will take back the lost lands, and you will gain valuable population. The return of the elite divisions of Blade Tower Fortress will instantly give you a legion capable of launching conquests! The empire will be injected with fresh blood and will be able to operate again under your will.

"and then?"

The Wizard Leader questioned:
"Then I launch a conquest, playing the role of Chieftain Blackhand, and then get defeated by the rest of you joining forces?"

"No, the Draenei are just passing through the world of Draenor. One day we will leave here. The ogres and orcs are the native inhabitants of Draenor, and you both have strong claims to the sovereignty of the world.

Who will rule this world in the future is your internal matter, and we, the Draenei, have no interest in getting involved."

Diakum shook his head and said:
"We only care about whether this world can survive the threat of the Burning Legion, just like your current situation. If you want to ensure that the Gorian Empire does not fall, you must consider whether to risk your own dignity.

But I can swear to you by my holy light and my morality, honorable leader, when that sinister guy Gugar appears on the battlefield, you will always have the support of the Holy Light!

As soon as it shows its head, I guarantee you, it's dead!
I have prayed to my faith, and the Light has granted me this execution!"

"you mean"

The Wizard Leader was very smart and he understood the hidden meaning in Diakum's words.

It narrowed its three eyes and said:
"I just need to lure Cho'gal out, and you can do the rest?"

"Correct!"

Dick said in a deep voice:
"I am happy to execute the traitor for you as an ally of the Gorian Empire. If I cannot do so, it will prove that the Alliance of K'ure is not as powerful as we claim. However, if I hunt that head for you, then the Gorian Empire must fulfill its promise of alliance."

"make a deal!"

Margok agreed immediately, but Dick was not satisfied with verbal promises.

他 说:

"You must swear an oath as king, and I must ensure that your overly intelligent mind does not come up with a trick that would disappoint us at the critical moment."

"Oh, so cautious."

The wizard leader sneered:
"Your eloquence is even better than that of the Dreadlord I strangled to death. You're truly suited to be a lobbyist, a saint of an alien race. Okay, okay.

I!
Wizard Leader Mar'gok!

The most legitimate heir to the Gorian Empire! Supreme Lord of Highmaul, Bladespire Fortress, and the Lost Realms of the Empire! The sole king of all the ogres of Draenor!

I swear here by my name, my family heritage, and my noble bloodline!
As long as the siege of Highmaul is lifted, as long as Cho'gall the Exile is executed, as long as my warriors and I win a great victory on the Gantheon Temple and proclaim the Empire's prestige, then my Empire and I will join the Alliance of K'urai and fight together with our allies against the threat of the War Horde and the Burning Legion.

Ancient runes bear witness! Mighty arcane arts bear witness! The very earth that has been trampled bear witness! If I break this oath, I will perish under the sword of the gods. If I break this oath, the glory of the Gorian Empire will vanish into thin air!

Hum, are you satisfied with this oath, Diakam?

"Then, tomorrow! Tomorrow, let us join forces to hunt down the madmen who have fallen into the void! The Holy Light needs me to stand firm, and I will do as It wishes."

(End of this chapter)